asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is prepared to waive the age limit for temporary clerical employment in Government service in respect of ex-service men who have been previously employed in Government service?

I am not aware that Departments generally apply any age limit for the recruitment of ex-service men for temporary clerical employment, whether or not they have previous Government service, except that men are not normally recruited if they are above the retiring age. If, however, the hon. Member has any particular case in mind perhaps he will let me know.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the destruction of other quantities of skimmed milk, apart from that proposed in connection with the Hove Dairy Company, last week; and, if so, what steps he proposes to make such food available for public consumption in future?

I have no power over the disposal of separated milk, and I have no precise information as to its utilisation by persons who purchase the whole milk. I am informed by the Milk Marketing Board that, in any case of alleged wastage which is brought to its notice, the board uses every endeavour to have the milk manufactured into a product which can be conveniently stored, handled and transported.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Milk Marketing Board have inserted in their contract a clause which prevents manufacturers of butter and cream from selling skim milk for human consumption; that as a result of this restriction manufacturers have in some cases been forced to waste this valuable food product; that skim milk in tins is being imported in large quantities from abroad and whether he will consider intervention in this matter?

The contract for the sale of milk by wholesale provides that the buyer shall not sell any separated milk except to persons previously approved by the Milk Marketing Board, but that such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.As regards the second part of the question I do not know of any restrictions imposed by the Milk Marketing Board upon the sale of condensed skimmed milk or skimmed milk in its dried state, which is the form recommended for general use by the Advisory Committee on Nutrition. As to the last part of the question, I have no power to intervene.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether under the existing scheme, the Potato Marketing Board is enabled at any time to buy up and hold off the market the bulk of the existing stocks of potatoes in this country; and what alterations in this respect the proposed amendments to the Potato Marketing Scheme contain?

Under the existing scheme the powers of the Potato Marketing Board to buy potatoes are limited to the purchase of surplus potatoes; that is to say, potatoes which registered producers are prohibited from selling for human consumption or potatoes which in the opinion of the board are not required or likely to be required for human consumption. The purposes of the amendment in this respect are to make it clear, first, that the board may re-sell potatoes which they have bought as "surplus," if, in fact, they are found to be required later in the season; and secondly, that the board may buy potatoes which are surplus to requirements in any particular locality or for the time being, so as to modify local or temporary price slumps. I may add that, in view of their limited financial resources, the board could not in practice buy up and hold off the market more than a negligible proportion of the total crop of potatoes in a normal year.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the total volume of potatoes consumed in Great Britain has, in each of the past five years, been less than in 1933 when the Potato Marketing Board was first established; and whether any new steps are under contemplation to rectify this position?

I am not aware of any reliable statistics of the consumption of potatoes in Great Britain. The production in 1933 was higher than in any subsequent year, but it was accompanied by an uneconomically low price for producers. Violent fluctuations from year to year in planted acreage and prices were a feature of the potato market before the Potato Marketing Board came into existence, and one of the objects of the scheme was to bring about a measure of stability to the advantage of both producers and consumers. This object has been achieved to a marked extent without causing any diminution in the average production of potatoes in Great Britain. I would remind my hon. Friend that in a normal year this country is practically self-supporting in main crop potatoes.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any limit has been imposed on the borrowing powers of the Potato Marketing Board; and, if so, what it is?

There is no statutory limit to the amount that the Potato Marketing Board may borrow for the purpose of exercising any of their functions under the scheme. There are, however, obvious practical limitations to the amount which the board could borrow, which would depend, no doubt, on the resources and credit status of. the board and on the purpose for which the money was required.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that in paragraph 9 of Part III of the National Farmers' Union document, published in March, 1933, explaining the provisions of the Potato Marketing Scheme, the hope was expressed that the operation of a price advisory service by the Potato Marketing Board would help to stop those producers who occasionally or habitually spoiled the market, and created temporary gluts through precipitous action founded on incomplete knowledge of the real situation; and whether he can state what steps have been taken by the board since it was established to prevent such damaging operations by individual producers?

The Potato Marketing Board have taken a number of steps to secure that registered producers shall be informed as to the current market situation from time to time. These steps include the wide distribution by the board of weekly information as to the prices ruling in a large number of growers' and wholesale markets, and the constitution of Price Recommending Committees composed of representative registered producers. These committees, of which there are at present 25 in existence, meet from time to time to discuss prevailing market prices and publish information as to the prices ruling for different varieties of potatoes.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the National Farmers' Union, on 23rd March, 1933, reported that in every year it would be the duty of the Potato Marketing Board, after full investigation in every district and after consultation with Government Departments and the consideration of Returns, if necessary, from all registered producers, to decide whether or not there was likely to be a surplus of potatoes produced in Great Britain and to estimate the probable amount of such surplus; and what has been the result of such investigations during each of the years since the board was set up?

I am informed by the Potato Marketing Board that they keep the supply and market situation more or less constantly under review and that in their investigations in this connection they make use of the information available from official sources as well as of the results of their own inquiries. The board's opinion as to the existence and probable amount of a surplus naturally varies from time to time during a season, and it is not possible to summarise within the limits of a reply to Parliamentary Question the results of their numerous investigations.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that agricultural land now growing crops is advertised for sale as factory sites on the outer rim of London; and whether, in view of the need for building up the nation's food supplies, he will take power to prohibit such land being sold for industrial purposes?

Compulsory reservation for agricultural purposes of land on the outer rim of London raises important questions of policy linked up with the location of industry, a subject which is at present under consideration by a Royal Commission, and I cannot give any undertaking of the kind suggested in the last sentence of the hon. Member's question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his Department are taking any extraordinary measures to deal with the repeated flooding of the Rother Valley; is he aware that the inhabitants of Beighton, Woodhouse, Catcliffe, and Canklow, are living in constant fear of the approaching winter season on account of flooding; and whether remedial measures other than those adopted by the Ouse Catchment Board can be instituted?

:I am aware that the Rother Valley has been liable to flooding for many years. The drainage scheme which is being carried out by the Yorkshire Ouse Catchment Board includes provision for the improvement of the River Rother. It is not, however, possible for these remedial measures to be undertaken until more progress has been made with the improvement works which are now proceeding on the River Don. At the present time extensive works on the Rother would merely result in more serious flooding down-stream.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the Milk Marketing Board which fixes the price the producer is to receive for his milk will also be given power to determine the price which the distributor shall charge the consumer?

:The Milk Marketing Board derives its powers from the Milk Marketing Scheme, which was established under the Agricultural Marketing Act, 1931. The board has power to determine the prices at which registered milk producers may sell their milk, but under the Agricultural Marketing Act, the scheme could not give the board a similar power to determine the prices at which milk distributors who are not registered milk producers, shall sell milk by retail. Under paragraph 57 of the scheme, however, the board may prescribe, as a term of the contract for the sale of milk by registered producers, that the purchaser shall not sell the milk by retail at less than certain minimum prices. Any amendment of the scheme, to extend this provision, would be a matter for consideration by the Milk Marketing Board and the registered milk producers in the first instance. I have no power to initiate amendments of Agricultural Marketing Schemes.

asked the Minister of Agriculture when the wages committee for the Staffordshire area last met for the purpose of discussing an application made by the workers' side for an increase in wages; how many of the appointed members were present and how they voted; and what was the result of the application?

At their meeting on 26th July, the Staffordshire Agricultural Wages Committee considered a motion by the workers' representatives for an improvement in the minimum rates of wages. I have no information as to which members of the committees were present or about the voting, but I understand that the motion was not carried.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has any statistics to indicate that there is an increasing difficulty in obtaining agricultural workers for regular farm work in Suffolk?

:No statistics are available but from such information as I have it would not appear that there is an increasing difficulty in that county, although there is little doubt that additional permanent workers would readily be absorbed.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the fact that there are certain villages in East Suffolk where the inhabitants are experiencing difficulty in obtaining a supply of fresh milk; and will he take steps to remedy this?

:I was not aware of these difficulties but if my hon. Friend will supply me with particulars I will ask the Milk Marketing Board to look into the matter.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many attested herds there were in England, Wales, Ayrshire, Yorkshire, and Carmarthenshire, respectively, at the last available date; how many animals were included in these respective

—					Number of attested herds.	Number of cattle in attested herds.	Density of cattle in attested herds per 1,000 of the cattle population.*
England		…	…	…	2,044	112,634	19
Wales	…	…	…	…	4,188	97,222	113
Ayrshire		…	…	…	631	42,285	330
Yorkshire		…	…	…	308	11,228	19
Carmarthenshire			…	…	1,983	45,447	356
*Calculated by reference to the cattle population as returned in June, 1938.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the weekly allowance paid to farmers who have undertaken to train members of the Women's (Land Army; and how many farmers have availed themselves of this opportunity?

Apart from courses in tractor-driving, no peace-time training for members of the Women's Land Army on farms is being paid for out of public funds. In the case of members who undertake brief holiday-training courses on farms, no payment is made for tuition, but where the farmer provides board and lodging the trainees themselves pay for this, although in a number of instances the farmer makes no charge. My Department has not yet received returns from the Women's Land Army County Committees as to the number of farmers who have agreed to take women volunteers for these holiday courses.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can make arrangements before Parliament reassembles in the autumn to re-examine the proposed and current restrictions on fish landings, and the proposals for giving additional powers to the Potato Marketing Board, with a view to removing the

The following table shows the number of attested herds in England, Wales, Ayrshire, Yorkshire and Carmarthenshire, respectively, on 30th June, 1939; the number of cattle included in these herds; and the density of such animals per 1,000 of the cattle population in each area:anxiety which has recently been shown by distributors and consumers of potatoes and fish?

With regard to the proposed amendments of the Potato Marketing Scheme, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the replies given to my hon. Friend the Senior Member for Southampton (Mr. Craven-Ellis) on 27th July and to the hon. Member for South-East Southwark (Mr. Naylor) on 31st July. As regards restrictions of fish landings, I would refer him to the reply given to my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Warrington (Mr. Goldie) on 31st July.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether in the course of the holidays he will suggest to the local authorities that in all cases they should publish periodically the figures showing the response in their district to the various National Service appeals; and whether he is aware that some local authorities are withholding such figures?

The publication by local authorities of figures showing the progress of recruiting in their several localities is a matter in regard to which they have always had full discretion, and the figures of local recruitment to the various branches of National Service are already frequently published in the Press. I am not aware that any local authorities are withholding these figures.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will state the number of Anderson air-raid shelters due to be delivered to the Benfleet, South Essex Urban District Council; and the date when delivery is expected to commence?

The number of air-raid shelters estimated to be required by the South Benfleet Urban District Council is 5,000. If, as is expected, the first list of names and addresses of eligible householders reaches the Home Office next week, a first allocation of about 800 shelters will be made to the district during the following week.

asked the Lord Privy Seal when official approval will be given by his Department to the plans submitted by the West Ham County Borough for depots for rescue, decontamination, repair and other air-raid precautions work?

Plans for the depots referred to were approved by my Department on the 14th July, and I understand that tenders for four of these depots have already been invited by the local authority and will be received at an early date. Tenders for the fifth depot will be invited in the course of the next few days.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether there is now available an adequate supply of respirators and respirator-boxes for young children and infants; and when he anticipates making delivery thereof to local authorities, and to hospitals, respectively?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made on this subject in the course of the Debate on Tuesday last.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is now in a position to state the results of his review of the classification of Bexley, Crayford, Dart-ford, Erith, Greenhithe, Stone and Swans-combe as vulnerable areas with the object of their reclassification as evacuation zones and for the adequate protection of the population in these areas?

I have decided that an evacuation plan should be prepared for the whole of the borough of Erith, for the portion of the Grayford urban district which is within one and a half miles of the right bank of the Thames, for the portion of the borough of Dartford within a mile and a half of the Thames and an additional portion developed at a density exceeding 15 houses to the acre, and for the western portion of the borough of Bexley which projects as a salient into Woolwich. These decisions have been communicated to the councils concerned.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the difficulties of providing for the care of expectant mothers in reception areas in the event of the Government's evacuation plans being put into operation, he is satisfied that an adequate number of experienced mid wives will be available?

I recognise the importance of this problem. No midwife engaged in the hospital or domiciliary practice of midwifery, whether she is a trained nurse or not, should be diverted to casualty or other non-midwifery work until the full requirements of the midwifery service in an emergency have been met. Local authorities in areas to be evacuated should make arrangements to send with expectant mothers, for work in the reception areas, a full quota of practising wid-wives with recent midwifery experience, and should arrange that where necessary such midwives should be obtained from all institutions and organisations in the area which, owing to the discontinuance or curtailment of their maternity work, will have midwives to spare. Similar considerations apply to midwives normally employed in the reception areas, where midwives should not be diverted to other services until the requirements of the midwifery service have been supplied.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is now possible to indicate to evacuation areas on Thames-side in Kent the approximate districts allotted for reception?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to indicate the precise areas to be used for the reception of these towns.

asked the Minister of Health the extent of the response to his appeal for an additional 100,000 hospital nurses, and the nature of the arrangements made for refresher courses for those who are trained and for training those who arc not trained?

There are now some 7,500 trained nurses and 2,900 assistant nurses enrolled in the Civil Nursing Reserve, and approximately 45,000 women have applied for training as nursing auxiliaries. In addition it is hoped that the majority of the immobile nursing members of voluntary aid detachments, some 24,000 in number, who have been released from their service obligations will enrol in the Civil Nursing Reserve, 6,500 having already applied for enrolment.The arrangements for training untrained auxiliaries are in the hands of the county and county borough medical officers of health, with their local emergency committees, the scheme of training having been laid down by the Central Emergency Committee for the Nursing Profession with my approval. The training consists of lectures in first-aid and home nursing and a period of instruction in hospital, amounting, if possible, to a fortnight or 96 hours taken over a longer period, although a minimum of a week or 50 hours is permitted. Refresher courses for trained nurses are being arranged by the Royal College of Nursing and in some areas by the medical officers of health and their local emergency committees.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he has considered representations received from the Strood Rural District Council; can he now say whether this area is still scheduled as a receiving area; and whether steel shelters are to be distributed to residents in the dangerous areas of this district?

Full consideration has been given to the representations made by the Strood Rural District Council, and as a result I have come to the conclusion that parts of this district—namely, the parishes of Frindsbury and Hoo—have proper claims to be specified for the purposes of Part III of the Civil Defence Act. These parishes will be included in the order to be made under Section 12 of the Act: and this will bring them in due course within the scheme for the free issue of air-raid shelters to eligible householders.Certain other parts of the rural district are, however, in the view of the Government, suitable for the reception of evacuated persons. The numbers to be sent there have been calculated with regard to the amount of accommodation available in these parts of the district; and it is for the rural district council, in the light of their local knowledge, to decide in detail how these persons should be distributed through the area.

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 precautionary measures for and on behalf of such hospitals; and whether he is now in a position to make a statement?

Yes, Sir. I have considered a number of representations on this subject, including those to which the hon. Member refers, and I have decided that local authorities in the areas most exposed to attack shall be asked to provide protection, of the approved blast and splinter proof standard, for the inmates and staff of certain types of residential institutions such as public assistance institutions, mental hospitals, infectious diseases hospitals and other hospitals not included in the emergency hospitals scheme. It is not possible within the compass of this answer to set out in full all the types of institutions to which this decision will apply, but I propose to issue to the local authorities concerned as soon as possible a circular letter giving guidance on this subject. The approved expenditure incurred will be borne by the Exchequer and the local authorities in the proportions laid down by the Air-Raid Precautions Act.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what action he has taken to protect the reservoirs of the country; and whether he has prepared any plans for preserving the water supply to safeguard the interest of water consumers, domestic and industrial?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answers which I gave to questions by the hon. Members for Ogmore (Mr. E. J. Williams), and for Merioneth (Sir H. Jones) on 22nd June and 5th July respectively. I am sending him copies of those answers.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what steps he has taken to co-ordinate water supplies under the air-raid precautions scheme, in case of great demands due to fires?

Measures for making use of supplementary water supplies, that is to say supplies already existing other than those available in the mains, form part of all air-raid fire precautions schemes, and the matter has been dealt with fully in memoranda and circulars issued by the Home Office. In addition, special measures are being taken under Section 58 of the Civil Defence Act to provide additional supplies of water for fire fighting in the principal vulnerable areas.

asked the Home Secretary how many of the 800 Irishmen who went from Liverpool to Spain to fight for General Franco are now in this country; and how many are known to be members of the Irish Republican Army?

I cannot say how many of these men are now in this country or whether any are members of the I.R.A.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will grant a domestic permit to Frau Chaja Perl Lasmann, Lodz, Registration No. 26,161, in view of the fact that the application was lodged on 10th April, 1939; that she is destitute in Lodz after expulsion from Germany; and that the domestic bureau forwarded the case to the Home Office so long ago as 15th May?

My right hon. Friend is informed that Mrs. Lasmann wishes to come to this country until arrangements can be made for her husband, who is also living in Poland, to establish himself in the United Kingdom or some other country. The rule which the Home Office has made in agreement with the domestic bureau in the case of a married woman, is not to bring her to this country for domestic work unless suitable plans can be made for the settlement of her husband. My right hon. Friend would be prepared to give further consideration to the case of Mr. and Mrs. Lasmann if a proposal were made in respect of them both by one of the refugee organisations.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Commissioner of Police imposes any limit with regard to the number of cards which he is prepared to issue to representatives of the main newsreel companies to take films of State and public events; if such cards are also freely available to private persons or minor companies for the same purpose; and whether he will arrange that in future the Commissioner shall not issue cards to the representatives of any companies without taking appropriate steps to discriminate between companies which are prepared to make their films generally available and those which impose restrictions on their distribution?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answers given by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State to questions by my hon. Friend the Member for Swindon (Mr. Wakefield) on 24th and 31st July.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Government have come to any decision with regard to the introduction of legislation embodying some or all of the recommendations of the Report of the Committee of Inquiry into the Law and Practice of Coroners, published in 1936?

I regret that I am not in a position at present to make any statement as to the. prospects of legislation on this subject next Session.

asked the Home Secretary whether his officers receive the reports of all local authority shops inspectors; and if not, will he call for such reports annually?

The enforcement of the Shops Acts has been deliberately entrusted by Parliament to local authorities. An amendment to the Shops Bill of 1934 to require them to make annual returns to the Home Office was not adopted and only isolated complaints of non-enforcement have been made to me. In the circumstances, I do not feel justified in suggesting that a system of annual reports to me should now be instituted.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the so-called Anglo-German organisation known as The Link is in fact an instrument of the German propaganda service financed by Germany; and whether he will take action to put an end to its activities?

The professed object of this organisation is to promote understanding between England and Germany, but it does nothing to enable Germans to understand the English view, and devotes itself to expressing the German point of view. The information I have shows that the organisation is being used as an instrument of the German propaganda service and that money has been received from Germany by one of the active organisers. As regards the last part of the question, I have no power to intervene unless an organisation breaks the law.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether any system of co-ordination has been arranged with the Minister of Health that will enable him to state the number of pensioners that are in receipt of public assistance committee relief; and the number of pensioners that are in receipt of a partial disablement pension and national health disablement benefits?

:No, Sir. I am satisfied, after consultation with my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Health, that no system of co-ordination between my Department and the organisations responsible for national health insurance and public assistance is reasonably practicable which would enable the figures desired to be collated.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that the British Embassy in Baghdad is not provided with a swimming bath; and whether, in view of the intense heat which prevails at Baghdad during the summer months and as there is no hill station available, he can make arrangements to have our Embassy there provided as soon as possible with this amenity?

I am aware that there is no swimming bath at the British Embassy in Baghdad, and 1 had already instructed one of my officers, who was about to visit that post, to look into the matter, but further action will depend upon what funds are available.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the unhealthy conditions under which many office workers suffer, he will communicate with local authorities urging upon them the urgent necessity of operating to the full their powers under the Public Health Acts as regards air-space per person, lavatory accommodation, water supply, lighting, etc.?

I have requested medical officers of health in their annual reports for 1938 to make special reports on the action taken in exercise of the powers referred to by the hon. Member, and when the information in these reports has been collated I will consider whether any communication with local authorities on the lines suggested is needed. So far as my information goes at present, local authorities are, in general, exercising their powers.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider an extension of power to local authorities to enable them to provide a service of home helps generally, in cases of non-infectious illness and also to assist aged persons, similar to the existing service of home helps for expectant and nursing mothers and children under five years of age, under Section 204 of the Public Health Act, 1936; and whether he will ascertain the views of the local government associations on this matter?

There is no statutory provision which would empower local authorities to provide a service of home helps in the circumstances envisaged. I fear I could not undertake to introduce legislation as suggested.

asked the Minister of Health what approximate proportion of the liquid milk at present sold in this country may be regarded as safe and unsafe, respectively, so far as disease-spreading organisms are concerned, including tubercle, brucella and other infections?

I am afraid that the information available does not permit of any reliable estimate being made.

asked the Minister of Health the average annual death rate per million from tuberculosis for the urban areas of Caerphilly and Gelligaer for the years 1930 to 1938, respectively, and the relation of these figures to the rate for the country as a whole?

The average annual death rates per 1,000,000 population from all forms of tuberculosis for the years 1930–38 were:

Caerphilly Urban District	956
Gelligaer Urban District	918
England and Wales	772

asked the Minister of Health in how many cases he has used his powers of requiring the formulation of a scheme for the provision of full-time medical officers of health under the Acts of 1929 and 1933; and whether such steps have had to be taken in local government areas with general rates of a very high nature?

This power has been exercised in 10 counties. In four of these the average rates are substantially higher than the average for England and Wales as a whole.

asked the Minister of Health whether a date has yet been fixed for the proposed meeting with the local authorities of Wales and Monmouthshire to consider proposals for dealing with the unsatisfactory standard of certain local government services, as revealed in the report of the Committee of Inquiry into the Anti-Tuberculosis Services in Wales, and, if so, when?

No, Sir. I would draw the hon. Member's attention to the reply which I gave to a question by the hon. Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths) on Thursday last.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the representations made to him regarding the failure of the local authority to deal with unfit dwellings in the Armitage with Handsacre area of the Lichfield Rural District Council; and what action he is proposing to take in the matter?

Yes, Sir, and I am arranging for an inspector to visit the district. I may add that similar visits have been paid from time to time and on the last occasion the rural district council were taking steps to deal with unfit property and to improve housing conditions in this parish.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the conditions under which a number of persons in the clearance area in Bell Quay are living owing to the buildings in which they are living being partially demolished and the houses to which it was intended they should be removed being held up owing to the permission for the necessary loan being so far withheld, he will expedite the granting of the permission in order that these unfortunate people may be rehoused by the council before the winter?

No formal application for loan sanction in respect of the rehousing proposals in question is at present before me but I am communicating with the Felling urban district council and will certainly arrange for the matter to be dealt with as expeditiously as possible.

asked the Minister of Health the total number of houses, as for England and Wales, completed with State assistance from 1919 till 30th June, 1939, or nearest available date; and the total amount of State subsidy paid in respect thereof?

The total number of houses in England and Wales, completed with State assistance from 1919 to 31st May, 1939 (the latest date for which figures are available) is 1,478,975. The total amount of State subsidy paid during the same period in respect of subsidised houses is £209,444,986.

asked the Minister of Health (1) what is the approximate date of completion of the Rimrose Brook Drainage Scheme; and what is expected to be the approximate cost thereof;(2) what are the causes of the latest delay in the Rimrose Brook scheme of drainage for Bootle and Litherland; also whether this delay will increase the cost of this scheme?

I am informed that it is anticipated that this scheme will be completed in three and a half years' time. The estimated cost as submitted is £417,000. I understand that the joint committee have not been satisfied with the results so far of their advertisement for tenders and are considering the position. I cannot say if the cost of the scheme is likely to be increased.

asked the Minister of Health the total amounts paid out in old age contributory pensions for the year ended 31st March, 1939?

The total amount paid out in Great Britain in old age pensions under or by virtue of the Contributory Pensions Acts for the year ended 31st March,1939, was approximately £53,900,000.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will now take steps to set up a governmental inquiry into the merits of a State medical service?

I cannot undertake to set up such an inquiry at the present time.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to a circular letter recently sent out by the County Councils' Association to all county councils in England and Wales advising such councils to discriminate between employés who volunteer for military service before the outbreak of hostilities and those who volunteer or are called up thereafter and to make up their civil pay in the first case but not in the second; whether he is aware that the Association of Municipal Corporations has advised its members in the contrary sense as regards municipal employés; and whether he will consult with the County Councils' Association with a view to inducing them to amend their recommendations?

I am aware of the terms of the circulars in question. I fear I could not adopt the suggestion contained in the last part of the question.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has surveyed the water supplies of Wales, and with what result; what is the number of authorities who have abundant supplies and the population it represents; the number of authorities who have not adequate supplies and the population affected; and whether any scheme of co-ordination has been considered by his Department to secure the necessary supply?

The water supplies of Wales are under constant review in my Department. The three county boroughs, and 25 boroughs, 50 urban districts and 592 parishes representing a total population of 2,503,000 have adequate piped water supplies. Three hundred parishes depend on public or private wells. Improved supplies are needed in three boroughs, nine urban districts and 59 parishes, representing a total population of 90,000, and I am in communication with the authorities concerned as to the best method of improvement.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered resolutions from the Warrington Town Council and the West Ham County Borough asking that, in view of the heavy and increasing rate burden of blind welfare services, representations be made to His Majesty's Government for early legislation to amend the Blind Persons Act, 1938, with a view to pensions for blind persons being granted at 21 years of age, and the amount of pension being increased from 10s. to 20s. per week, irrespective of means or other income; and whether he proposes to take affirmative action on the matter?

I do not contemplate introducing legislation to amend the Blind Persons Acts. The pension for which a blind person becomes eligible on attaining the age of 40 is payable under the Old Age Pensions Act, 1936, and, as has already been announced, the Government are undertaking an investigation into the practicability of an extension or improvement of the present system of old age pensions.

asked the Minister of Health (1) what progress has been made in the work of nutritional survey as described in the report of the Ministry of Health for 1937–38 and when the published results may be expected;(2) What progress has been made in obtaining statistical data with reference to the distribution of the population according to income; and whether the results will be published in a form showing clearly the differences between distressed, Special Areas and more prosperous Areas?

The field work of the surveys and the statistical data to which the hon. Member refers have been completed. After any necessary analysis they will be considered by the Advisory Committee on Nutrition, of whose inquiries they form part. I am not in a position to forecast the date at which or the form in which the committee's report will be published.

asked the Minister of Health the total amount granted by the Lancashire public assistance committees to old age pensioners during the last 12 months for which figures are available, giving seperate figures for the Wigan county area?

Information in the exact form desired by the hon. Member is not available, but 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 £760,000 for the Administrative County of Lancaster, together with the 17 associated county boroughs. For the county borough of Wigan the estimated cost is about £12,000. Returns relating to public assistance are made to me only for administrataive counties and county boroughs and I cannot therefore give a figure for a part of the area of the administrative county.

asked the Minister of Health for what reason he refuses to accede to the request for a public inquiry into the question of the With dean Tennis Courts, Brighton, in view of its support by local associations of ratepayers?

The administration of the tennis courts is the responsibility of the town council who are elected by and are answerable to the ratepayers, and are not subject to my control. I do not consider that I should be warranted in arranging for a public inquiry in such circumstances.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any arrangements are being made to provide training for the large number of black-coated workers at present unemployed, in order that they may become qualified to fulfil the growing demand for semi-skilled labour?

Unemployed black-coated workers are eligible for training at Government training centres exactly as are other unemployed men, and there are some courses, such as that for engineering draughtsmen, which are specially suitable for such men.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the increasing opportunities for employment, he will ex-tend the training camps for reconditioning long-unemployed men for industry?

The present facilities at Ministry of Labour instructional centres are adequate for the number of unemployed men coming forward for training.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he proposes to extend the policy of giving statutory effect to wages agreements in the cotton industry; and, if so, when he proposes to enter into negotiations with the trade unions concerned?

The proposal for extension which has been made to me involves other industries and other areas and it will be necessary to have consultations with the many employers' organisations and trade unions concerned. I have not thought it to be desirable to enter into such discussions during the consideration of the Cotton Industry (Reorganisation) Bill but I am now prepared for discussions at any time convenient to the interests concerned.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Andrew Brown, hairdresser, Bruce Street, Dunfermline, was refused exemption from military service and that he has owned a one-man business for over four years; that he has been instructed to sell his business and report in September; whether he will be compensated for the loss of this business and whether he will be eligible for unemployment benefit after six months' service seeing he had no stamps previously; and what he intends to do in this case?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies I gave to the hon. Member for Dunfermline (Mr. Watson) on 13th and 27th July last. As regards the latter part of the question, Mr. Brown will not be eligible for unemployment benefit on completion of his training if he has not previously been insured under the Unemployment Insurance Acts. It will, however, be open to Mr. Brown to make application for monetary assistance to the Military Service (Special Allowances) Advisory Committee.

asked the Minister of Labour on whose authority photographic publicity was given to the interior of the courts judging the claims of conscientious objectors; and whether he will give instructions that such practice shall cease?

This matter is within the discretion of the chairman of the tribunal. I do not propose to intervene.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that in Liverpool docks and warehouses there are stored abnormally heavy stocks of tinned salmon; whether he has any information as to the purpose for which there is this unusual accumulation of stocks of this commodity; the number of tins; and the places of origin?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which was given to him yesterday.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, under the rationing scheme for coal which it is proposed to introduce in the event of war, consumers will be free to select the distributors from whom they will obtain supplies?

Yes, Sir. Consumers whose peace-time consumption does not exceed two tons per annum and who normally buy their coal in quantities not exceeding I cwt. at a time, will be free to obtain their supplies in the same way as at present. Other consumers will be required to obtain their coal from one distributor only, whom they will be free to choose, irrespective of whether they obtained supplies from him in peace-time or not.

asked the Minister of Supply when the construction of the new gun factory near Leeds is to commence; who are the contractors and the principal subcontractors; and whether he will see to it that local unemployed labour in the West Riding is given the opportunity of employment as far as possible?

The contracts for the construction of the factory have not yet been let but construction will be commenced as soon as possible. The contractors will be required to notify the local Employment Exchange of any additional labour which they require for the purpose of the work.

asked the Minister of Supply whether he has yet approved the setting up of a committee or panel of engineers in the city of Leeds with a view to the greater co-operation of the local industry with the Ministry in the provision of engineering products; and whether he can give any information as to the constitution of the committee?

My right hon. Friend has welcomed the proposal of the Leeds Incorporated Chamber of Commerce to set up a panel to act as a liaison bureau with the Ministry of Supply. The formation of the panel has been left to the Leeds Chamber of Commerce, but my right hon. Friend has suggested that there should be one technical representative of the panel competent to discuss matters authoritatively with an official of the Ministry if and when occasions arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the average number of hundred-weights used monthly in the British Air Force of home-produced, Empire-produced and foreign-produced beef, respectively?

asked the Secretary of State for War the average number of hundred weights used monthly in the British Army of home-produced beef, Empire beef and foreign beef, respectively?

I have been asked to reply to these questions. Separate figures for the Army and the Royal Air Force are not available, but approximate average monthly figures for these forces at home stations for meat, other than preserved meat, are:

Cwts.
Home-killed	22
Empire	29,000
Unknown origin (local contracts)	234

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, before appointing Baron Oskar von Asboth as designer of helicopters, he considered the possibility of appointing a British inventor to the post; and what encouragement the Air Ministry has given in recent years to the British designers of rotating-wing aircraft?

I am afraid my hon. Friend has been misinformed. No such post as that referred to exists or is contemplated. My Department has under consideration, however, the placing of a contract with a British firm for the construction of a helicopter to the design of Herr Oskar von Asboth, who has been for many years a recognised authority on helicopter design.As for the second part of the question, of the four British companies at present interested in one form or another of rotating-wing aeroplanes, two hold, or have held, contracts from the Air Ministry for experimental aeroplanes, and proposals from all four firms are under discussion with a view to some development orders being placed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is aware that the facilities for secondary and technical education in Wolverton are, owing to restricted accommodation, no longer sufficient for the needs of the district; and whether he will take steps to provide the necessary facilities?

The Board are aware that the existing facilities for technical education at Wolverton are seriously inadequate, and in recent years they have repeatedly urged the authority to secure a suitable site for the erection of a new Technical College but so far without success. As regards secondary education, the Board are aware that the existing secondary school at Wolverton lacks certain desirable facilities but, in the absence of any claim that the conditions are such as to call for special consideration under Circular 1464, the Board have not felt able to press the authority to incur expenditure on improvements at this school.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is satisfied that the provision of elementary education in Slough is fully sufficient for the needs, both present and in the immediate future, of the district?

Four of the existing schools in Slough are at present over-crowded, but it is anticipated that this overcrowding will be relieved when proposals for certain new schools, already settled or in course of settlement, are provided. The general position however, must be regarded with some anxiety, owing to growth of population and building of new housing estates, and the Board have instructed His Majesty's Inspector to watch developments and to report in September.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that there are at least five shipyards in Hull capable of converting trawlers to Admiralty use; and whether he will ensure that the Hull trawlers recently purchased by the Admiralty are fitted out in Hull?

As I stated in the reply which I gave yesterday to the questions asked by the hon. Members for Monmouth (Mr. Pym), Pontypool (Mr. A. Jenkins), and The Hartlepools (Mr. Gritten), it is desired to place as much as possible of the work on conversion of these trawlers at the ports from which they are taken, having regard to the urgency of the work.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will state the number of hundredweights used monthly in the British Navy of home-produced, Empire and foreign beef, respectively?

The approximate figures for the Fleet in Home Waters are:

Cwt.
Empire	4,500
Home-produced or home-killed	100
Foreign	Nil.

The monthly consumption of the Fleet abroad is about 2,600 cwt. This is practically all Empire beef except on the America and West Indies Station, where some supplies are necessarily obtained from foreign sources such as the Argentine. The amount of such foreign beef is estimated at 200 cwt.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the names of the shipbuilding firms invited to tender for the building of the King's yacht?

It would be contrary to Admiralty practice to disclose the names of the firms invited to tender for a particular piece of work, but when invitations to tender are issued all shipbuilding firms considered suitable for this work will be included.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the continual delays to London and North Eastern Railway East Coast trains, due to the prolonged reconstruction of certain portions of the route; and whether he is satisfied that evacuation of children on this route, involving increased train service could be carried out without serious congestion?

I presume that the hon. Member refers to the services between Liverpool Street and East Anglian towns. Certain important electrification works are now in progress on these lines and I understand that some delay is being incurred by certain trains owing to the necessity of imposing speed restrictions. It is not anticipated that these works would seriously affect the evacuation service, to provide for which a curtailment of the ordinary service will become necessary, and has been arranged.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider making representations to the London and North Eastern Railway Company to complete the unfinished portion of the Mid-Suffolk railway in order to provide increased direct transport facilities in an area where road communication does not achieve that purpose?

The original Mid-Suffolk Light Railway was authorised in 1900, and deviations were authorised in 1903, 1905, and 1909. The powers of construction which were granted to the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Company lapsed 27 years ago. That portion of the line which was completed became absorbed in the London and North Eastern Railway under the Railways Act, 1921. Fresh powers would have to be obtained for the construction of the remainder of the lines as originally authorised.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the fact that no restrictions have been placed on further Jewish agricultural settlement on lands already in their possession in Palestine, protection will be afforded to new settlements on the same lines as that afforded to those of long standing?

Yes, Sir. The normal arrangements for military protection are extended to all new settlements established with the prior consent of the Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number and situation of the gold-mining concessions in Nigeria; the average output for the year; the number of workers employed and the rates of wages paid; and what are the obligations as to housing and recruitment of workers?

As regards the first part of the question I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the latest available report of the Mines Department of Nigeria, on pages 3 and 4 of which will be found the particulars which he desires for 1937, the latest date for which I have full information.For the number of workers employed, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to his question on 10th May. Mines labour in the goldfields is generally paid on the "tribute" system: and over most of the northern provinces where the mines are situated, wages paid to unskilled labourers varied in 1938 from 4d. to 9d. a day.As regards the question of recruitment, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his question on 20th July. As regards housing obligations, I am asking the Governor for up-to-date information, and I will communicate with the hon. Member when I receive his reply.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of workers, European and African, respectively, employed in the Public Works Department and the State Railway of Nigeria?

The numbers as given in the latest available reports are as follow:

Public Works Department.
European Staff	225
African Staff—
(a)Permanent Establishment	464
(b) Engaged persons on daily rates of pay	604
Government Railway.
European Staff	309
African and West Indian salaried Staff	1,919
African Employés,including daily paid Clerk	6,690
Labourers and Porters	10,235

In addition, 19 Europeans and 2,025 Africans were employed over a period of three years n bridge construction and railway capital works.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of native workers employed in the Cameroons under British Mandate; how they are recruited; and the wages paid, hours worked and general conditions of service?

For information regarding the number of native workers employed in the Cameroons under British mandate, their wages, etc., I would refer the hon. Member to Appendix 3 of the report presented last year to the Council of the League of Nations on the territory for 1937, a copy of which will be found in the Library of the House. Chapter XIV of that report indicates in paragraph 169 that employment is by daily contract, and in paragraph 172, further information is given regarding the various classes of labour. A full working day is eight hours. It is understood that no special recruiting is necessary, as the labour seeking employment is normally adequate in amount.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he anticipates that the International Sugar Convention will come up for review; and whether, in the negotiations for renewal, he will bear in mind the necessity for increasing the quota now permitted to the West Indies?

The International Sugar Agreement remains in force until 31st August, 1942. When the time comes' to consider its renewal His Majesty's Government will certainly bear in mind the interests of the West Indian and other sugar-producing Colonies.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of discontent among stationmasters and other railway officials who are required to undertake postal duties for a salary of 7s. 6d. per month, which also involves them in the necessity of subscribing £1 per annum to the public officers guarantee fund; and whether he will take steps to remedy this grievance?

I have no information on this subject, but I am making inquiry of the Governor of Sierra Leone.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why an order requiring all telegrams to and from British Guiana to be submitted to the authorities for approval or censorship has been instituted?

I am making inquiries of the Acting Governor of British Guiana and will communicate with the hon. Member on the receipt of his reply.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, in view of the substantial loan to the New Zealand Government, any arrangement has been made for the relaxation of the restrictions of British imports; and, if so, of what nature?

As was stated in reply to the hon. Members for Stoke (Mr. E. Smith), and West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on 25th July, assistance recently promised to New Zealand will take the form not of a loan but of credits to assist in the financing of United Kingdom imports into New Zealand. Particulars of the assurances given by Mr. Nash on behalf of the New Zealand Government in regard to the relaxation of restrictions on the importation of United Kingdom goods into New Zealand are given in Cmd. Paper 6059.

asked the right hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, what was the total cost of the 533,723 acres purchased by the Forestry Commission in Scotland and how much of that sum was paid for the 247,521 acres that are unplantable?

Of the 533,723 acres 373,017 were purchased at a cost of £693,326.The remainder were acquired by lease or feu. No value was placed on the 247,521 unplantable acres other than a proportion of the sporting value of the whole of each acquisition.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that nurse-warders at Barlinnie Prison on Sunday mornings visit those prisoners who have reported sick and take off the list those who they think can wait till Monday before seeing the medical officer; what are the medical qualifications that enable the nurse-warders to exercise this discretion; whether it is on the instructions of, or within the knowledge of, the medical officer that this practice is observed; whether it has the approval of the Prisons Department; and whether he will issue instructions that prisoners reporting sick should be examined by the medical officer at the earliest possible moment?

It is the practice for prisoners reporting sick at Barlinnie Prison on Sunday to be seen by the medical officer on that day. Some misunderstanding may have arisen because requests made by prisoners in relation to change of work or accommodation are not as a rule dealt with on Sunday.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that on the night of 24th October, 1938, a prisoner named Pringle, who was working alone at the coir-teasing machine in the workshed at Barlinnie Prison, tripped over an obstacle at the entrance to the wooden erection housing the machine and had his hand badly lacerated through its having come in contact with the moving machinery; that he had the presence of mind to stop the machinery and extricate his hand; that when he went to summon assistance he found that all the doors in the workshed were locked; that although an officer was on duty on the other side of one of the doors he had no key; that another officer had to be despatched to the gate-house, which is some considerable distance away, for a key before the man could be liberated and taken to the surgery for treatment; why was the machine not adequately guarded so as to prevent accidents of this nature; what was the date on which the factory inspector passed the machine as complying with the factory Acts; whether this was before or after it was put in commission; why this man was working alone with dangerous machinery, in view of the announcement by the late Sir Godfrey Collins, on 12th May, 1036, that two or more officers are always employed in each workshop in which machinery is used; what disciplinary action was taken against the authorities at the prison for contravening the order; and what was the amount of monetary compensation granted to Mr. Pringle?

I am making inquiries into this case and when these are completed I shall communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether letters written by prisoners awaiting trial and fine slips made on behalf of convicted prisoners are dispatched with the first available post from Barlinnie Prison; and, if not, will he take steps to see this will be done in future?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that for many years, particularly in Scotland, prior to the intervention of the Milk Marketing Board, all classes were accustomed to drinking large quantities of fresh skim milk, but that in recent years the board, although charging manufacturers for supplies, and permitting its sale for feeding-pigs, has restricted them from selling it for human consumption, with the result that large quantities of skim milk, imported in cans from Holland, have taken its place; and whether he will institute an inquiry into the present position?

The Milk Marketing Boards in Scotland have not imposed restrictions on the sale of skim milk for human consumption.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he intends to take action to have the Western Isles scheduled as a distressed area in view of the unanimous recognition by this House of the existence of economic distress calling for special and urgent action on a wide scale by the Government in the resolution accepted in 1936?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made on Tuesday regarding the Government's proposals for measures of assistance to the Highlands and Islands.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what special action he is going to take in the immediate future to assist in making and extending peat roads in the interests of the agricultural community in the Western Isles, who are without any financial aid for this special purpose?

I am in a position to consider the provision of assistance towards the, construction of peat roads only in cases where such work is incidental to the development of land settlement schemes.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total number of houses completed in Scotland with State assistance from 1919 till 30th June, 1939, or the nearest available date, and the total amount of State subsidy paid in respect thereof?

254,576 houses were completed in Scotland with State assistance between 1919 and the 30th June, 1939. The total amount of State subsidy paid over the same period was £29,749,016.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can state the number of houses which have been completed in the Barrowfield scheme in the Camlachie Parliamentary Division of Glasgow; and the number it is hoped to complete each month until the total of 614 houses are completed?

I am informed that the corporation have not yet completed any of the houses. They hope to complete 50 by the end of this year and the remainder at the rate of about 40 a month thereafter.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has now considered the urgent and repeated representations of Scottish local authorities asking for financial assistance for the reconditioning of houses regarded as suitable for reconditioning, and the provision of a subsidy for the erection of houses for occupation by tenants who do not come within the scope of the provisions of the Housing Acts relating to slum clearance and overcrowding; and with what result?

I would refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave to him on the 18th July.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many cases where pensions had been refused have been reviewed in consequence of the decision given by the divisional court in the case of Donovan versus The National Amalgamated Approved Society; and how many of such cases have now been allowed?

Since the date of the decision referred to, the Department of Health have reviewed all cases which have been brought to light, in which it appeared possible that a claim previously refused might now succeed. The total number of cases reviewed cannot readily be ascertained, but as a result title to pension has been admitted in six cases and in seven others the Department are in correspondence with the approved societies concerned regarding extension of insurance.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he proposes to make available to Members copies of the agreement between the Scottish Special Housing Association, Limited, and the Department of Health for Scotland with regard to the provision of school and evacuation camps in Scotland?