asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that, although Germany agreed under the Treaty of Versailles to treat, our citizens on an equal footing with German citizens, municipalities such as Berlin and Baden-Baden lay special taxes on British visitors and municipal taxes on their hotel rooms, while in Potsdam and Thuringia special taxes are levied on British subjects; and what steps are being taken to check these breaches of the Treaty?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which T gave on this subject on 27th instant to the Noble Lord the Member for South Battersea (Viscount Curzon).

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that the time allowed under the Treaty of Versailles for the discussion and consideration of the Draft Conventions adopted at Geneva in 1921 has now expired, he will state whether the Government has arrived at decisions regarding the action to be taken concerning these Conventions; and, if so, whether he will inform the House what these decisions are?

The Conventions and recommendations adopted at Geneva in 1921 are still under the consideration of His Majesty's Government. I would point out that under the Treaty there is an extended period which, in fact, does not expire till May, 1923.

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he has any information to give to the House regarding the action which the French Government contemplates in the event of a failure to come to a financial agreement with Germany; whether any communications have now passed between His Majesty's Government and the Government of France on this subject; and, if so, whether any statement regarding them can be made?

No, Sir. We have received no information as to the proposals of the French Government in the circumstances indicated, but discussion is now taking place as to a preliminary meeting of the Allied Prime Ministers.

Will that meeting be soon? Will it be while the Lausanne Conference is still sitting?

I think so. Communications have been made to me on the subject, and I have made the request that, if possible, it should be postponed until after Christmas.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government is in possession of information to the effect that Mrs. Marguerite Harrison was arrested by the Soviet authorities as an American spy and obtained her release by consenting to act as a Soviet spy and, further, to the effect that in her capacity of Soviet informer she was responsible for the false imprisonment of Mrs. Stan Harding, a British journalist; and whether His Majesty's Government has taken any steps to secure redress from the United States Government for the misdeeds of its agent?

Reports of the nature indicated have reached His Majesty's Government, but sufficient evidence has not been forthcoming to prove how far they are accurate.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this lady is nearly exhausted, physically, mentally, and financially, in pressing this claim on the British Government; and will he receive a deputation consisting of representatives of the Institute of Journalists, the National Union of Journalists, the National Council of Women of Great Britain and Ireland, and the Society of Women Journalists?

The hon. Member knows that I and the Government are entirely in sympathy with this lady, and if he will see me privately I will see whether that can be done.

asked the Prime Minister the terms on which His Majesty's Government is prepared to recognise the Soviet Government of Russia?

The main conditions are the recognition of debts, restitution of property or effective compensation and cessation from political propaganda.

Has any answer whatever been received from Russia since these conditions were laid down at the Hague Conference?

I must have notice of that question. I do not recall any.

Is it the settled policy of His Majesty's Government not to meddle in the internal affairs of any country?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many and which European countries have advanced loans to Austria during the past 12 months, and in what amounts, respectively; and hew many and which countries, if any, are to be associated with the British Government in the proposed forthcoming loan?

I understand that the following sums have been placed at the disposal of Austria by the Governments shown below, in addition to the amount of £2,250,000 advanced by His Majesty's Government:

Will these advances be in proportion to the population of each country, or on what basis will they be arranged?

A Bill will be introduced this Session dealing with the whole matter, and I shall be able to make a statement on that occasion.

Can the right hon. Gentleman express these sums in terms of sterling?

My hon. Friend is quite capable of doing that for himself.

Is it not a fact that hon. Members cannot put them into terms of sterling because they do not know the dates for the rates of exchange?

What is the security for these loans?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any public moneys have been advanced for the purpose of reconditioning the slips in any private yards for the purpose of enabling war ships to be constructed in such private yards?

No, Sir.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when the remaining instalment of naval prize money will be paid?

The payment of the final instalment of naval prize money, which commenced in April last, is now approaching completion. Claims have already been invited from all interested, except those whose names begin with the letters A, B, E and S. These letters will be opened for payment within the next month.

Will the hon. Member, in view of the failure of the herring fishing, not only this year but for the past two years, whereby great distress is caused—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order, order!"] I think it is a legitimate question. [HON. MEMBERS: "You are reading it!"] Will he take such steps as would result—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order, order!"]

If the question is carefully written, it had better be handed in.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that in the, case of those naval ratings who were killed in action during the late War before completing the full time for prize money, their representatives received the full prize money, first and second issues; and if he will consider the claim of those men who, through no fault of their own, were invalided early in the War after active service or who happened to be ashore and were killed in a land action to such full prize money?

The regulations for the award of prize money provide that the maximum shares which could have been earned may be granted to those who, before completing the qualifying period of service at sea, died or were invalided as a result of wounds or injuries sustained on such service, or who, having had at least 10 months' qualifying time, died or were invalided on account of disease attributable to the Service. Prize money, however, is an award made solely in respect of services at sea, being derived from the proceeds of prizes captured by His Majesty's ships, and consequently services in land operations or casualties sustained on such employment do not give any title to the grant.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the memorial tablet to Cornwall, V.C., erected in H.M.S. "Chester," was sold with the ship when she was sent to be broken up; and whether steps can now be taken to secure this tablet in the interest of the nation and for its safe custody in future?

Instructions were given for the removal of all such mementoes before the ship was sold, and I understand that it had been removed from its place before the ship was prepared for sale. I am making further inquiries with a view to its recovery and preservation.

Is there any truth in the report that the tablet is now in a shipbreaker's office at Netley?

I sent a wire this morning to find out, but have not yet received a reply.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can state the financial results of the attempt to break up old warships in the State-owned dockyards?

Three destroyers and four submarines were broken up in the Royal yards between 1918 and the present year. The net proceeds have amounted to £24,798.

Is that after deducting all costs?

Yes. That is the profit. But these ships were broken up in the years immediately succeeding the War, when scrap was of considerable value. It is no longer so.

Even then, would it not be advisable to break up those small ships and give us some useful employment rather than let ships go to German breaking firms?

We have given every possible facility for ship-breaking firms to break up our ships. I have personally taken every possible means of doing so.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty what was the difference between the amount of the tender accepted for the breaking up in Germany of the battleship "Hibernia" and the highest tender for breaking up at home; and, in view of the large amount of unemployment amongst the shipyard workers in this country, will he see that in future such work is not sent abroad?

The "Hibernia" formed part of a block of ships sold a year ago to a British firm for breaking up in Germany at a time when the facilities in this country for breaking up capital ships were insufficient to cope with the immense number of vessels which the Admiralty had to get rid of. The prices obtainable from continental buyers are considerably higher than those paid in this country, but it has been the policy of the Admiralty to fill the shipbreaking yards in the United Kingdom to their utmost capacity. In order to relieve unemployment direct sales of ships have for some time been and will continue to be restricted generally to buyers who will undertake to break them up in this country.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty what rates of weekly wrage have been paid to the lowest grade of adult labour in the Royal Dockyard at Plymouth since January, 1914; and what the present rate is under the recently revised scale of dockyard wages?

In January, 1914, the weekly rate for labourers was 23s. The rate was increased to 24s. a week from 1st October, 1914. By a series of temporary advances made over the period March, 1915-June, 1920, 39s. 6d. was added to the rate, and from October, 1917, 12½ per cent, bonus was paid on the total rate. The temporary increases, including the 12½ per cent, bonus, have been gradually reduced, as from July, 1921, and, with the last 4s. reduction taking effect from the 19th November, the total amount of the temporary increases is now 17s. a week, making the present pay of labourers 41s. a week.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that the afternoon of 15th November was given as a paid holiday to the workers of His Majesty's dockyards, and that all men absent through sickness, injury, or leave of absence have to forfeit this payment; and if ho will remedy this?

In order to enable dockyard employés to record their votes without causing conges-lion at the polling booths in the evening, permission was given, in accordance with the usual practice adopted at General Elections, for the workpeople, actually working to be absent from work on the afternoon of the polling day, 15th November, without loss of wages. It was specifically laid down that the half-day was not to be regarded as a dockyard half-holiday, and the Admiralty cannot accept the contention that employés who would not in any case have been at work in the afternoon should be paid for that afternoon.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that naval and marine ratings invalided with a disability pension are kept waiting lengthy periods before the first payment of pension; and if he can see to it that future invalids be retained in royal naval hospitals until pensions are authorised or to be paid, or otherwise agree with the Minister, of Pensions to expedite such pensions?

Men who are invalided are granted pay and allowances for 28 days subsequent to the date of invaliding. This period is normally sufficient for the man's claim to disability compensation to be settled, and retention in hospital to await pension documents is not, therefore, considered necessary. I am satisfied that every effort is already made to award pensions as expeditiously as possible, but if my hon. and gallant Friend will let me have details of the case he has in mind I shall be pleased to make further inquiry.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the amount of unemployment in Cowes and East Cowes, Isle of Wight, he can send an immediate order for naval construction or naval repair to those towns?

The firms in the district referred to, that are on the Admiralty lists, are invited to tender for all new work suitable to their capacity, and orders have only in the last few days been placed for work that will take four to five months to complete.

In order to provide what hon. Members opposite call "useful employment," would the hon. Member take into account the possibility of sinking two or three battleships?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the hardship and inconvenience caused to dock and other casual labourers by the present method of administrating the Unemployment Insurance Act; if he is aware that where a man has signed on for two or three days in the week as out of work, he actually loses by accepting employment on the third or fourth day; and whether he will endeavour to arrive at some other arrangement?

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in the case of men working two and three days or only part of the week, the whole of the unemployment allowance is withheld; and whether, seeing that it is a national advantage for men to work part of a week, he will consider whether a proportional part of the weekly allowance for the unemployed could be allowed to such part-time workers?

In accordance with Section 7 (2, b) of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920, persons working on one or two days only in the week can ordinarily qualify for unemployment benefit in respect of the other days, but not those working on three days in the week. Applicants do not lose their tight to unemployment benefit for previous days by accepting employment for one day or two days, provided that they are then unemployed for at least two days. The rules in this connection cannot be altered without fresh legislation, but I am having their working examined with the object of seeing whether any amendment can justifiably be proposed.

If something can be done by legislation, would it be possible to bring in a short agreed Bill this Session to get rid of these anomalies?

The difficulties involved, as my hon. and gallant Friend knows, are very considerable. We have had the matter under consideration for some time and I cannot hold out any hope that we shall come to an immediate solution, and therefore I think that it would be unfair to suggest legislation in this short Session, but I am pressing inquiry into the matter and I shall be happy to have another word with my hon. and gallant Friend about it.

Is it not a fact that notwithstanding the six days' qualifying period, there are cases of men idle six days of the week who, because they are employed overtime for two hours, after the end of the six days, are, though compelled to pay contributions, disqualified? [HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"] Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to give facilities to have an inquiry to remove the anomalies now existing?

If my hon. Friend can assist me in an inquiry, with employers and employed, to come to some solution of this difficulty, I shall be only too pleased.

It is a very important question, and—[HON, MEMBERS: "Order!"].

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the long periods spent by unemployed workmen in Hull and other centres in waiting in queues for the unemployed insurance payments on Fridays; and whether he will make arrangements for payments to be made to the men in smaller batches on every day of the week, except Sundays, instead of the present arrangement?

In all Exchanges at which there are large numbers of unemployed, applicants are divided into half-hourly or hourly groups, and by this means queues have, in nearly all cases, been eliminated. At Hull there are special difficulties owing to limited premises, but steps are being taken to improve the accommodation, and meanwhile I am having arrangements made which will, I hope, reduce the time spent by applicants. Payment is already, made on two days of the week, and with the adjustments of accommodation proposed I hope this should be sufficient.

In thanking my right hon. Friend for the answer I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on Monday on the adjournment, when an opportunity occurs for discussing these points.

asked the Minister of Labour the numbers in the various branches of the building trade who were unemployed in October and the total amount of unemployment benefit paid to them?

The number of unemployed building operatives on 23rd October, 1922, as shown by unemployment books lodged at Employment Exchanges, was 118,739. I am circulating particulars in the OFFICIAL REPORT. It is estimated that for the four pay-weeks falling within the month of October these persons received about £260,000 in benefit.

Would my right hon. Friend, in his capacity as Minister of Health, consult himself as to whether it would not be more profitable to spend that money on building houses rather than on paying men for doing nothing?

As my hon. Friend knows, the matter is a very difficult one, but it is under consideration.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of tin miners who are at present unemployed in Cornwall; and the average weekly amount which is being paid to such unemployed miners by way of unemployment benefits?

The number of persons registered as tin miners and tin streamers at Employment Exchanges in Cornwall at the beginning of November was 1,949. The average weekly payment of unemployment benefit is estimated to be about £1,060.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state the estimated cost of the maintenance of the Employment Exchanges at the present date, the number of registered unemployed, the number of genuinely placed cases recorded on the books of the Exchanges during the last three months, and what proportion of those so placed have been due to the efforts of the Employment Exchanges as compared with the total which have secured work through sources other than that of the Employment Exchanges?

The estimated cost of the Employment Exchanges and divisional offices for the year 1922–23 is approximately £3,975,000, including rent, stationery, etc., as well as cost of staff. Of this cost about £3,776,000 is attributable to the administration of Unemployment Insurance, including the offering of employment to insured persons, and is paid by the Unemployment Fund. The balance of about £200,000 is paid by the Treasury, and includes the cost of work done by the Exchanges, for example, in connection with the King's Roll scheme and overseas settlement. The number of vacancies filled by the Employment Exchanges during the three months ended 6th November last, exclusive of those in certain casual occupations, was 143,580. I have no means of estimating the number who have secured work through other sources.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of industrial workers insured for sickness and for unemployment, respectively; how many are exempt from payment of contributions for the latter, and the grounds upon which such exemption has been granted: if he will state separately the number of public servants, i.e., civil servants and municipal employés, who are not contributing to Unemployment Insurance; and whether he can give an estimate of the number of salaried persons in industry, commerce, and public services who are not contributing to the maintenance, through insurance, of the compulsorily unemployed?

As this reply involves a good many figures I will, with my right hon. Friend's consent, circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that there is no Employment Exchange at Nantyglo, Monmouthshire; that there are over 1,000 unemployed in this area; that it is a very scattered district; that this is the second winter that these people have had to face unemployment with worn-out clothes and footwear; that they have to go to Brynmawr or Blaina three times per week, very often in heavy rain, to register and to receive their unemployment pay; and will he, to alleviate this suffering as much as possible, take steps to have an Employment Exchange opened at Nantyglo!

The number of unemployed men residing in Nantyglo and registered at Brynmawr and Blaina is about 600, and I understand that the greatest distance between their homes and the nearest Employment Office, at Brynmawr or Blaina, is a mile and a half. In these circumstances I do not consider that the opening of a new office would be justified, but it has been arranged that, after the end of the present week, residents at Nantyglo need attend only twice a week for the time being.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether his medical returns show any increase in public sickness due to unemployment and reduced wages; and, if so, where these evidences are most manifested?

Some indication of the amount of sickness of all kinds amongst the employed population of the country is furnished by the returns of expenditure by approved societies on sickness benefit under the National Health Insurance Acts. From these it appears that there was an increase in the number of weeks for which benefit was paid in 1921 as compared with the previous year of 1·4 per cent, in the case of men and 8·4 per cent, in the case of women. Many factors must, however, be borne in mind in making a comparison between the figures for the two years and, in particular, the serious epidemic of influenza about, the end of the year 1921. The material in the possession of the Ministry does not make it possible to state to what extent the increase may have been attributable to the causes referred to by the hon. Member, nor to give comparative figures for different parts of the country.

asked the Minister of Labour the amount of assistance already afforded schemes of relief through the agency of the Unemployment Grants Committee this winter; and whether any available funds and, if so, how much still remain for this purpose?

The Committee have passed schemes for this winter of a capital cost of £4,709,000 and funds are available for further schemes to bring the total to £12,000,000.

What is the general Cabinet policy on the question of unemployment relief?

We shall have that to-morrow.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the total average weekly sum now being paid out in unemployed insurance payments, relief works, and all other means for the relief of the unemployed workers?

The weekly sum now being paid in unemployment benefit is about £890,000. The other items cannot be expressed as average weekly sums, at any rate not without elaborate and diffi- cult inquiry, but a full statement with regard to them will be made at the appropriate time during the Debate on the Address.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in regard to schemes to which the Unemployed Grants Committee has contributed, he can state the total cost of completed schemes, the amount contributed by the Committee, and what amount of the total cost has gone to labour that would otherwise have been unemployed?

The total cost of the schemes passed by the Committee is nearly £33,000,000; a large part of this work has been completed, but much is still in hand. The grants in respect of this sum may be estimated at about £10,000,000. Exact information of the amount paid to labour is not available, but it is calculated that, directly and indirectly, about £26,000,000 of the total will have been expended on labour.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government intends to consider in the Session of 1923 the introduction of insurance by industries; and whether, in that case, it intends first to establish public inquiry as to the best procedure to be adopted?

I do not think there is any possibility of dealing with this subject next year, but it is one in regard to the examination of which preliminary steps are now being taken.

asked the Minister of Labour why the six schemes prepared by the Leicester local authorities which would have provided work for a thousand men at present out of employment in that city have been turned down by the Government, especially in view of the fact that unemployment has not decreased in Leicester during the last year; and, in view of the coming winter and the fact that the bad outlook in the shoe trade will tend to increase the numbers of unemployed, will he favourably consider one of the schemes presented by the local authorities which were drawn up at the request of the Ministry?

The Unemployment Grants Committee, after fully considering the facts, came to the conclusion that the unemployment in Leicester did not warrant the giving of grants in respect of the schemes. Should unemployment in Leicester increase, the Committee will be fully prepared to reconsider their decision.

Would the hon. and gallant Gentleman give me his assurance that in considering these schemes Leicester City should receive a grant in proportion to the number of unemployed in that city?

I will give my hon. and gallant Friend the assurance that I will report his desire to my right hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he can state for the end of October in 1920, 1921, and 1922 the number of persons per 1,000 of the population who were receiving out relief in the township of Sheffield, the township of Ecclesall, the parish of Tinsley, and in such part of the township or parish of Wortley as is within the boundary of the city of Sheffield?

The reply to this question can most conveniently be given in a tabular form, and I propose, with permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in the cases of youths over school age and between the ages of 15 and 21 years who are unable to obtain work, the general policy of the Ministry is to withhold all unemployment pay if they have not previously been in employment, and to refer them for their maintenance to their parents; whether the question of advancing to such youths some unemployment allowance has been under consideration; whether there are any insuperable objections to such payments to youths who, through no fault of their own, have not been employed; and whether he will consider the question of some relief, especially as the present policy bears hardly on many parents who themselves are in receipt of unemployment allowances?

The Unemployment Insurance Acts do not permit of the payment of benefit to youths who have not previously been in employment, and, having regard to the contributory basis of the unemployment insurance scheme, I do not think I should be justified in proposing the legislation which would be necessary before benefit could be paid in such cases.

asked the Minister of Labour how many young persons under the age of 21 were registered as unemployed during the week ending 31st January, 1922, and the week ending 31st October, 1922; and whether, in view of the mental, moral, and physical deterioration such young people must be passing through, he will confer with the Minister of Education as to how best to provide for them suitable facilities for education and recreation?

The numbers of boys and girls of ages up to 18 on the Live Registers of Employment Exchanges in Great Britain were 111,138 on 31st January, 1922, and 78,776 on 30th October, 1922. Separate figures cannot be given for those between 18 and 21. The question whether any special steps can be taken for the benefit of unemployed boys and girls is receiving the careful consideration of the Government.

Will not the right hon. Gentleman hurry up the consideration of this question in view of the fact that at each school ending stage another set of boys and girls are tumbled out on to the labour market?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, will he consider any money spent on these children not as waste but as national economy?

The considerations contained in the two supplementary questions are present in my mind, and any money that is devoted to this object will certainly be used to the best possible purpose.

May I ask what proportion of these young people are girls, and what steps are being taken in view of the shortage of domestic servants?

That; is too large a matter for a supplementary question.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed men and women in the county of London registered during the last four weeks; and whether the numbers show an increase or decrease compared with the same weeks last year?

During the four weeks ended 6th November, 1922, 68,860 men and 18,633 women registered themselves at Employment Exchanges in the Greater London area, as compared with—and I would ask the House to pay particular attention to this—97,697 men and 31,370 women in the four weeks ended 4th November, 1921.

asked the Minister of Labour the names of the six industries in London in which the greatest number of unemployed are registered at the present time; and will he state if unemployment is generally bad in these industries at this time of the year?

The six industries in London in which the greatest number of unemployed are registered at the present time are building, engineering and ironfounding, the distributive trades, dock labour, road transport (other than trams and omnibuses), and food and drink manufacture. With the exception of the building trades, these trades do not usually suffer to any marked extent from seasonal depression at this time of the year.

Will the right hon. Gentleman call the attention of the Minister of Health, whom he also represents, to the fact that there is a large number out of work in the building trade and that there is a serious shortage of houses in the county of London?

I have the best of reasons for knowing that that consideration is present to the mind of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the state of destitution to which many families have been brought by prolonged unemployment, he will arrange for the allowances to the unemployed and their dependants being doubled for Christmas week?

The rates of unemployment benefit are fixed by statute, and I fear I am unable, therefore, to increase them for Christmas week.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will take steps to ascertain whether there is a shortage in this country of any of the goods required to satisfy the needs and comforts of the entire population, with a view to the unemployed workers being organised for the production of such goods; and will he consider, should investigation reveal that there is no shortage but, on the contrary, abundance, how the system of distribution, particularly among the working classes of this country, can be improved so that it may keep pace with production?

I have no machinery at my disposal for ascertaining the information required in the first part of the question. As my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture informed the House last Monday, an inquiry as to the distribution of the most important section of consumable goods, namely, foodstuffs, is being taken in hand, and the results of this inquiry will no doubt throw much light on the whole question of the efficiency of the present system of distribution.

In the event of the investigation proving that there is no shortage, may I take it that the Government will depart from the policy of allowing people to starve in the midst of plenty?

I do not think that arises out of the question on the Paper.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether his Department has refused to allow payment of the full trade union rate of wages to the unemployed engaged on relief work in Birmingham; what is the reason for this; and whether the city council can now be allowed to pay the balance of 25 per cent, to bring up wages to the full amount?

It is a condition of a grant by the Unemployment Grants Committee that, where the work is carried out by direct labour, the rate of wages paid for unskilled labour must not, for a probationary period of six months, exceed 75 per cent, of the local authority's rate for unskilled labour. This condition was made after full consideration, and cannot be waived if the grant is to be paid.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the Ministry have made exceptions in these eases on the understanding that the men so engaged shall be capable and competent to do the work, and, therefore, capable of earning the money in the ordinary way?

I am aware of that fact. My right hon. Friend is considering the whole matter, but it is the considered judgment which I have reported to the House.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the present amount of indebtedness of the Unemployment Insurance Fund; and whether he can present a statement showing the weekly receipts of the fund and the amount paid out weekly in benefits?

The amount borrowed by the Unemployment Fund is at present £14,550,000. For the week ending 17th November, the income of the Unemployment Fund was approximately £847,500, made up as follows:

Contributions by employers and employed	£625,000
Contributions by the State	£222,500

The expenditure for the same week, on unemployment benefit was £888,000, to which should be added about £99,000 for administrative expenses (11 per cent, of the average weekly income), together with £21,000 for interest on the loan and other items, making a total of £1,008,000.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can furnish an estimate of the number of unemployed persons in Great Britain who are not insured against unemployment?

I have no material on which to base an estimate of the number of uninsured workpeople who are unemployed. I can only say that the number registered at the Employment Exchanges is about 32,000.

asked the Minister of Labour how many men, women, and girls formerly employed in the lace trade and allied industries in the Nottingham and Long Eaton areas are out of employment?

At 23rd October the numbers of unemployed persons in the lace trade, as shown by unemployment books lodged at Employment Exchanges, were as follow:

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, the total number of houses completed under the various housing schemes of the last Parliament, the number of such houses in course of construction, and the number still to be sanctioned?

145,771 houses had been completed by local authorities and public utility societies on the 1st November and 39,145 houses had been completed at that date by private builders under the. Housing (Additional Powers) Act, 1919, making a total of 184,916 houses completed. In addition 3,056 dwellings have been provided by the conversion of huts and hostels. 30,229 houses remain to be completed, and of these 18,347 were in course, of construction on 1st November by local authorities and public utility societies.

In view of the inadequate, number of houses which the Ministry has sanctioned to complete the shortage reported, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question on the adjournment to-night.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, how many municipal authorities have put forward applications for housing subsidies since the House adjourned in August; and what action his Department has taken in each case?

During the period referred to applications have, been received from some 170 local authorities. These applications have been reviewed in relation to the urgency of the need, special consideration being given to the populous urban centres where skilled labour is available and to the number of houses already authorised or in hand; and in 52 cases local authorities have been authorised to proceed with further houses within the limits laid down for the assisted scheme. Some 20 other authorities have decided to build without subsidy since the date mentioned by my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether the whole of the subsidies under the original housing scheme have now been allocated; what is the number of houses completed under that scheme; whether there is any avoidable delay in completion; what is the lowest tender received for subsidised construction; and whether the level of economic building has now been reached?

Of the 176,000 houses, to which the scheme was limited, 175,400 have been definitely allocated and 546 provisionally allocated. In addition, 39,145 houses have been provided with the aid of the private builders' subsidy. On 1st November last, 145,771 houses had been completed, and I am not aware at the present time of any general avoidable delay in the completion of houses for which contracts have been let. The lowest price for a house, complete with drains, paths, fences and gas and hot water installation, is £297 10s. On the information before me, there is no reason to believe that the cost of building will not continue to fall.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether ho can see his way to hand over to local authorities sites required for housing purposes in order to stimulate the building trade, to decrease unemployment, and supply the need for houses?

Local authorities have in several cases taken over land acquired under the assisted housing scheme for building purposes at the present market value, and such land has also been disposed of on similar terms to private persons undertaking building. My right hon. Friend is anxious to encourage such arrangements as far as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he intends to take any steps, either through the local authorities, building societies, or otherwise, to encourage private enterprise in the building trade so as to facilitate the purchase of houses for their own use by private individuals?

This question is being considered with the general question of housing policy.

Will consideration be given to any applications made to the Minister by working men's building guilds?

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he intends to adopt proposals for the further provision of houses by local authorities, with a fixed annual grant to cover part of the loss of rent, in accordance with the scheme framed by his predecessor in office?

The proposal to which the right hon. Member refers will be fully considered by the Government in their review of the whole question of housing policy.

Could the House have the advantage of the information withheld from this side of the House by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for West Swansea (Sir A. Mond) when he sat on the Treasury Bench, in spite of all our efforts to extract that information from him?

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, if there are any boards of guardians who have since the adjournment of this House in August been refused overdrafts by the banks; and what has happened in each of these cases?

My right hon. Friend is not aware of any cases of this kind since the adjournment of the House in August.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether any computation has been made as to the financial loss suffered by the Metropolis, in addition to the effect on the health of its citizens, by the series of fogs during the last fortnight; and what steps it is proposed to take to mitigate this evil?

I do not think it is practicable to form any accurate estimate of the financial loss caused by the recent fogs. In reply to the latter part of the question, I will consider the introduction of a Smoke Abatement Bill next Session.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, (1) whether, having regard to the present system of administering the Health Insurance Acts, he will now cause a judicial committee of inquiry to be set up to inquire into the whole administration of the Acts, particularly with reference to the panel system:

(2) whether, having regard to the present working of the National Health Insurance Acts, resulting in numerous complaints, and the desirability of securing more adequate benefit and greater facility of administration, an exhaustive inquiry will be made into the whole subject by a competent body with the object of obtaining such recommendations as will confer the greatest benefit upon those for whom the scheme has been designed?

The question to which the hon. Member refers will receive the consideration of my right hon. Friend.

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman realise the amount of discontent existing in the country, and will he press the matter forward quickly?

I quite realise the facts.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the fact that less than half the municipal authorities in the country are members of the Roll of Honour; and what steps he proposes taking to see that local authorities carry out their moral obligations towards disabled ex-service men?

I am fully aware of what I cannot but regard as the disappointing response made by municipal authorities under the Boll of Honour Scheme. As stated in my reply to the hon. Member for West Bromwich, on 27th November, it is proposed to appoint immediately a King's Roll National Council and a number of local King's Roll committees, and the position of municipal authorities will be among the first of the matters to be dealt with by these bodies.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider writing in his official capacity to the municipal authorities with a view of getting them to join the Roll of Honour?

I believe that that has already been done, but I thought that we would have real assistance from the King's Roll Committees in this matter.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that the Government is setting an example of moral rectitude to the municipalities by its own conduct towards ex-service men in other directions?

The standard of employment of ex-service men in Government offices is so high that if it was followed all over the country ex-service men would all be absorbed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman publish the names of the local authorities which have not joined the King's Roll of Honour?

The question of what, I am afraid, must inevitably become a black list has been considered on more than one occasion. I would very much rather make another effort to see whether, as a matter of good will, we cannot carry the local authorities with us.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a similar answer has been given for more than a year? Has not the time arrived for this list to be published?

asked the Minister of Labour if he has any intention of replacing the temporary ex-service men now being dismissed from his Department by young men and women who will be on the permanent staff?

The services of the temporary ex-service men referred to are being dispensed with owing to diminution of work or because previously-appointed permanent staff is now available to do their work, and it is not proposed to replace these officers. It should be added that temporary women officers are also being discharged for the same cause

asked the Minister of Labour what is the number of married and single ex-service men, respectively, in Nottingham who are out of employment; and for how many of the single ex-service men will employment be found upon the relief schemes either in operation or contemplated by the City Corporation?

At 23rd October there were 3,416 ex-service men at Nottingham registered as unemployed. I am afraid I cannot give separate figures for married and single men, nor can I give the number of single ex-service men now employed, or likely to be employed in the future, on relief works, but some information on this point would, I assume, be in the possession of the local authorities.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he is aware of the decision of his predecessor in office to appoint, after the conclusion of the proceedings of the Royal Commission on London Government, a Royal Commission to consider the questions of the extension of boroughs and the creation of new county boroughs; whether the pledge given by his predecessor to the effect that, pending the issue of the Report of the last-mentioned Royal Commission and consideration of its recommendations by Parliament, no proposals for the extension of boroughs and the creation of new county boroughs would be entertained by the Ministry; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take to give effect to that decision and to ensure the efficacy of that pledge?

My right hon. Friend proposes to give effect to the decision announced by his predecessor in regard to this matter, and he hopes that the proposed Royal Commission will shortly be appointed.

Have any steps been taken with regard to the composition of the Royal Commission?

I am afraid that is a question to which I cannot give an adequate reply, but I will ask my right hon. Friend.

It will not be composed entirely of experts, I suppose?