asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether ordinances passed by the Rhineland High Commission with the object of furthering the French policy in the Ruhr and to which the British representative on the Commission has refused his consent, are applicable to the British area in Rhineland?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Caithness and Sutherland on the 5th instant.

Mr. CHARLES BUXTON asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the Inter-Allied Rhineland High Commission is claiming to exercise jurisdiction over certain territories on the right bank of the Rhine, that His Majesty's Government are advised that this claim is not justified by any provision of the Treaty of Versailles or of the Rhineland Agreement, and that the attention of the French Government has been called to the matter, he can now state whether any reply has yet been received; if so, what is the nature of such reply; and what steps His Majesty's Government propose to take to avoid responsibility for this action of the Commission?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the second therefore does not arise. As regards the last part of the question, the hon. Member has already been informed that His Majesty's High Commissioner has on behalf of His Majesty's Government disclaimed all responsibility for that decision in which he took no part.

asked the Tinder-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the black French troops in the occupied area are billeted in private houses or in barracks?

I am not in a position to give the House any information respecting the billeting arrangements made by French military authorities.

Will the hon. Gentleman make inquiries and find out, because it is contrary to public opinion that black troops should be used against white people?

Hear, hear!

Without expressing any opinion upon the statement of the hon. Member, I think he will see that it. would be very unbecoming for us to make such inquiries.

Why use white troops against white people?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the number of French troops in the original occupied area of Germany; and what are the approximate number of French troops in Germany to-day, including the occupation of the Ruhr and Upper Rhine districts?

I have been asked to reply. In round figures the number before the occupation of the Ruhr was 91,000. It is now 116,000.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Little Entente has made any proposal to occupy any part of Hungarian territory with a view to exacting the payment of reparations; and whether the British Government have expressed their opinion on the proposal?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British Government has been consulted in regard to any proposal that Serbia should occupy any part of Bulgaria in order to enforce the payment of reparations; and what answer or comment has been made on the proposal by the British Government?

The question of enforcing the observance by Bulgaria of her Treaty obligations under the Treaty of Neuilly has formed the subject of confidential consultation between the Allied Governments. It is not in the public interest to publish the particulars of such confidential discussions.

Are there any signs that the Serbian Government intend to behave in the same way as the French Government?

I do not quite follow the hon. Gentleman's question.

Is there any risk of Serbia following the Ruhr precedent?

Wait and see.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that Eastern Galicia is placed under the sovereignty of the principal Allied Powers by Article 91 of the Treaty of St. Germain, he will take immediate steps to secure that the Council of Ambassadors shall define the powers pertaining to the Polish military occupation of that country, and set up some authority to supervise the execution of such powers?

The question of Eastern Galicia is now being considered by the Ambassadors' Conference.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any information with regard to the isolation of the British area in Rhineland by Belgian and French troops; and whether communications between Cologne and Berlin have now to pass through a French or Belgian zone?

I have been asked to reply. In regard to the first part of the question, I am not aware in what sense the hon. and gallant Member uses the word "isolation," but no interruption of military communications or other military inconvenience is caused to the British area by the circumstance that it is adjoined on three sides by areas occupied by other Allied troops. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.

Is it not a fact that Allied troops—French and Belgian—have occupied the neutral zone which used to be between the British area and the German area, contrary to the Treaty of Versailles, thereby cutting us off from direct access to Berlin without passing through the ranks of our Allies?

I have already answered that question.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Rhineland High Commission has passed an ordinance transferring the control of all the Rhineland railways to a Franco-Belgian civil administration; and what action the British Government has taken in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, though, as the House has already been informed, the railways in the British zone will not come under this control. No action has been taken in the matter by His Majesty's Government, the British representative on the Rhineland Commission already having instructions to abstain from taking part in any measures or decisions arising out of the French and Belgian independent action.

Does this Franco-Belgian administration of the railways affect in any way the traffic over the parts of the railways which lie in the British zone?

I should not like to say that it does not affect it in any way, but I do not think it affects it in any vital way. The administration goes on exactly as before. There may be a certain amount of interference.

In what respect can the railways in the British zone be said to be exempt?

Because they are not under the management of the French and Belgian authorities, and they are being conducted by German personnel as before.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that vessels on the Rhine containing goods consigned to, and paid for by, British importers are being held up by the French at Duisburg-Ruhrort, and that British importers are having to pay a 10 per cent.ad valoremduty and other charges in order to obtain their goods; and whether, in view of the growing irritation of the business community and the damage to British trade caused by this action, he will make immediate representations to the French Government on the matter?

Arrangements have been concluded between His Majesty's High Commissioner and the local French and Belgian authorities whereby all export goods for British firms which were despatched before 20th February will be released immediately, provided that export duties at the old rates have been paid either to the Germans or to the Allied authorities. This decision applies to the old occupied territories, as well as to the ports of Emmerich, Duisburg and Ruhrort, where goods for British traders have been held up.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government will endeavour to enter into an arrangement with the Government of Italy for the nationals of the two kingdoms to cross their respective frontiers without the necessity of visas, as is the case already with France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Holland, and especially in view of the well 'known fact that the Italian Government desires this arrangement?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a similar question asked by the hon. and gallant Member for Bilston in this House on 21st February last (No. 12).

Is the Government prepared to give facilities for the abolition of visas in any country with which they negotiate?

If my hon. Friend will refer to the answer to which I have just alluded he will see what has been done.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the number of years for which a passport holds good without renewal for citizens of the United States of America, for France, and for Belgium; and what the cost of renewal is in each instance?

United States passports, issued at a charge of 10 dollars, are valid for one year, and can be renewed for a further period of one year free of charge. French passports are valid for one year, at a charge of 12s., Belgian passports, for two years, at a charge of 2s. 3d. They are not renewable.

Is there any reason why a passport should have a time limit when it has been granted once?

That is a conundrum which the hon. Gentleman will, perhaps, put to someone else.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether British naval ships recently sent to the port of Smyrna have with one exception been withdrawn; whether the French and Italian Governments were previously consulted or informed in regard to the withdrawal; and what reasons induced His Majesty's Government to take this action?

His Majesty's Government have replaced the "Calypso" by the "Carysfort" and have withdrawn the "Curacao," which entered Smyrna on 8th February in accordance with the Allied policy of vindicating their right to free entry, together with the vessels supporting her outside the port. His Majesty's High Commissioner kept his Allied colleagues fully informed of the communication he was making to the Constantinople representative of the Angora Government on this subject. Once it became clear that the Turkish Government had accepted the principle of the presence of Allied ships at Smyrna, there was no longer any reason for retaining the additional vessels.

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information as to the steps that are being taken to protect the interests of British subjects whose goods or property were destroyed as a result of the disastrous fire and subsequent events which occurred after the withdrawal of the Greek army from Smyrna aim its occupation by the Turkish authorities; and whether any information can he given as to the prospects of early compensation?

Claims for these losses may be registered with the Reparation Claims Department. It is riot possible for me to make any statement in regard to the prospect of compensation being received in respect of such claims until the conclusion of peace with Turkey.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government has received any apology for, or explanation of, the arrest of the British military attaché in Poland?

The Lithuanian representative here has on behalf of his Government tendered to His Majesty's Government a formal apology for the arrest and ill-treatment of the British Military Attaché in Poland and has stated that a full explanation is on its way.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any reply has as yet been received from His Majesty's representative at Moscow with reference to the steps taken to secure the release of British fishermen arrested by the Soviet Government?

The British Agent at Moscow telegraphed on the 26th February that, according to a telegram from the People's Court at Murmansk, all the men have been released and are to be sent home by the first available ship. Mr. Hodgson added that he was telegraphing money for subsistence and inquiring as to the best means of repatriation.

From that reply does the Under-Secretary consider that the return of these men will not be long delayed?

I think I can assure my Noble Friend that there will be rapid repatriation.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that numbers of Arabs who inhabit Egypt fear that the schemes for the development of the Sudan by irrigation and the building of a dam and harnessing the waters of the Blue Nile will impair Egyptian territory, more particularly during the seasons of a deficiency of water rising in the Nile, he will consider what steps should be taken to allay their fears upon this point?

Having regard to the fact that the only irrigation scheme on the Blue Nile at present under construction or in contemplation was prepared by the Egyptian Ministry of Public Works, approved by an international commission of experts, and authorised by the Egyptian Government, no further steps of the nature suggested are considered necessary.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state under which article, protocol, or provision of the League of Nations scheme given in Command Paper No. 1765, Austria No. 1, 1922, the Austrian Government are being required to abolish the legal eight-hour day, old age pensions, and sickness insurance?

I have no information that the Austrian Government contemplate the steps referred to by the hon. Member, and they are not required to do so under the League of Nations scheme referred to in the hon. Member's question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if any award was ever given for the invention of the submarine indicating nets; if so, who was the individual who received the same; and could the information be given by the Admiralty as to the number of submarines that the nets were the means of destroying?

The Royal Commission on Awards to Inventors awarded £1,500 to Mr. F. R. S. Bircham, late Commander, R.N.V.R., in addition to £150 which had been paid him by the Admiralty for the use of a design of indicator net put forward by him in October, 1915. No other sums have been awarded in respect of the nets, but several small awards have been paid for details connected with their use. Indicator nets have been credited with the destruction of two enemy submarines.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the actual number of fifth-class artificers who were recently drafted from the "Fisgard" to naval establishments for 12 months' service afloat to qualify for fourth-class certificates; whether he is aware that, notwithstanding that they had signed for 12 years' service, they have received compulsory notice of discharge in 30 days and are thus deprived of their certificate of efficiency to secure employ- meat in the position for which they have trained; and will he consider the advisability of reinstating these men until they have completed at least a further year's service in order that they may not add further burdens to the Exchequer by way of unemployment benefit, for which they have been informed in their discharge notices they are eligible?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider the retention of the engine room artificers, fifth class, who left the "Fisgard" in January last for another 12 months in order that they might leave the Service fully trained instead of being partially trained as at present?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider the possibility of transferring the engine-room artificers, fifth class, who have been so unexpectedly discharged from the Royal Navy and can find no other employment, to the Air Force?

I am pleased to be able to announce that the Air Ministry have expressed their willingness to take over a large number of the surplus engine-room artificers, fifth class, provided suitable terms of transfer can be arranged.

Will the Financial Secretary answer that part of my question relating to the retention of the engine-room artificers or say what will happen to them?

If they are not taken over by the Air Ministry, they will be in the same position as everybody else who has had to be discharged, but they have the advantage of a strong recommendation

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if the Admiralty proposes to introduce a new system of witnessed pay-sheets for their employés and abolish the necessity of their providing receipt stamps; and, if so, when?

As the reply is somewhat long, I will, with my Noble and gallant Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will inform the House of the precise nature of the assistance which has been promised to the Government of Northern Ireland in the creation of a Royal Naval Reserve, referred to by the Premier of the Northern Parliament?

The Board of Admiralty would view with much pleasure any support which the Government and people of Northern Ireland can give in the direction of maintaining the strength and efficiency of the Royal Naval Reserve in Northern Ireland, or of the establishment in Northern Ireland of a division of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. There is, of course, no question of creating separate Naval Reserve Forces for Northern Ireland.

I beg to give notice that on this day week, on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House, I intend to tall attention to national expenditure in Northern Ireland and other directions.

If such a force is established in Northern Ireland, will there be an extra charge?

There is no question of establishing a separate force in Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. It is merely a question of the establishment of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in Northern Ireland and will involve no more cost than any other Division.

Is the First Lord not aware that the establishment of such a force would be an increase of the total establishment?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why delay is taking place with the proceeding of the work on the battleship on the Tyne; if he is aware that the pattern-makers, who ought to be among the first to start on the job, have not yet started; and, as there is no scarcity of materials, will he state why the pattern-makers and other workmen are not yet employed?

No unavoidable delay is taking place in connection with the work on the battleship in question. The drawing office staffs are engaged in the preparation of the necessary working drawings for issue to the shops, and pattern-making can only commence as these drawings become completed.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can give a date on which the clasps awarded to the Royal Navy (A.O. 2051, C.W. 1654, August, 1920) and sanctioned by His Majesty will be given; and what is the cause a the delay of over two years?

I regret I am not in a position to add anything to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for South Battersea on the 13th December last.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that that answer is not very satisfactory? Is it the fact that the question of Army clasps is standing in the way? If so, is he aware that the clasps for the Navy have been approved, while those for the Army have not even been considered? That being so, will the hon. Gentleman reconsider the question?

I am afraid I am only in a position to give the same unsatisfactory answer.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether naval ratings in dockyards outside this country are subject to reduction under the recent Order?

On the assumption that the Order for compulsory discharge of naval ratings is referred to, the answer is in the negative.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that under a recent Admiralty order those crane-drivers, engine-drivers, etc., who are required by the nature of their work to be in the dockyard, sometimes as early as five o'clock in the morning, in order to get ready for the work of the day are no longer paid overtime but have to take a compulsory holiday without pay to make up for the extra time worked, an arrangement which compels them to work many hours longer than other men without receiving any pay at all, the only extra remuneration given being the quarter-hours of the hour and a quarter; that this change is causing universal dissatisfaction; and can he see his way to revert to the old arrangement whereby these men were paid overtime for the extra hours worked?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. This arrangement was made on the initiative of the trade union side of the Industrial Council, who have now asked that the question may be reconsidered. This is now being done.

Can the hon. Gentleman say if the Admiralty fully appreciate that that account is entirely wrong?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is the intention of the Admiralty to increase the number of naval schoolmasters; and, if so, whether it will consider the advisability of allowing engine-room artificers now being discharged on reduc- tion of the personnel of the Navy, in view of their sea experience, to take the examinations, in common with men from His Majesty's dockyards, for the position of probationary naval schoolmaster?

Schoolmasters have not yet been entered up to the full number required. Should engine-room artificers, on discharge, apply to be entered as schoolmaster candidates, their entry, as in the case of all other applicants, would depend on their qualifications and training.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether 50 years of age is to be retained as the age for the compulsory retirement of warrant officers and naval officers promoted from that rank; and, if so, will similar pension and gratuity conditions be applied on their retirement as under the last reduction order?

It is the intention to retain 50 as the age of compulsory retirement in those warrant officer branches in which the age was reduced to 50 under the special scheme of retirement. The answer to the last part of 'the question is in the negative.

Are these who were not retired under the recent Order and whose services were not dispensed with if compulsorily retired at some later date, to get similar conditions to those laid down in the recent Order?

In future the age will be 50, and the conditions applied will he those applied on retirement on termination of services previously.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he proposes to introduce legislation to repeal the Coastguard Service Act, 1856; whether any steps will be taken to reduce the Coastguard before such legislation has been passed; whether he can state what will be the effect of the proposed reductions; and on what principle it is proposed that they should be carried out?

The legislation required to enable the Board of Trade to carry out their new duties is under consideration, and a Bill will, no doubt, be introduced as soon as possible. Arrangements are being made to discharge the personnel of the Coastguard (other than that required for the Naval Signalling Service) with compensation or pension as the case may be, but every endeavour will be made to recruit the personnel required for the Board of Trade and Customs Services respectively from the discharged Coastguard, those retained being selected according to their qualifications in signals and wireless telegraphy and to their general suitability.

Are we to understand the men will be discharged before such legislation is proceeded with?

I do not think that necessarily follows.

I understood the right hon. Gentleman to say that legislation was under consideration. If legislation is necessary, are you going to carry out the discharges before it is passed?

I should like to have notice of that question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been directed to the uneasiness which prevails in the lower deck ratings of the Navy owing to the lack of opportunities for promotion; whether he is aware that large numbers of men of proved ability have no chance of promotion; that many men have been discharged at the climax of their careers during the past two years, and that wardroom officers who had risen from the ranks have figured prominently in recent compulsory discharges; and whether further discharges are to be made at the close of this month.

The large surplus of officers on the list has naturally and unavoidably prejudiced the chances of promotion to a great extent during the past few years, but the effect of the reductions which have been made will be to remove these surpluses entirely and thus restore the flow of promotion, though necessarily not to the same extent as before the War owing to the reduced total establishment of officers. All the retirements which were cue to be made in the warrant officers branches were completed last year and promotion to gunner and gunner (T) was resumed in November. No further retirements of lieutenant ex-mate are contemplated, although a few already selected have not definitely left the active list but will do so before the 31st March. These retirements will not effect the next selection for mate, which is not due to take place until December next. I may add that, at the last selection in December, 1922, six candidates were selected and this number would have been greater had a sufficient number of qualified and recommended candidates who were suitable for promotion come forward.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the compulsory termination of the engagements of men to be discharged before the end of the current financial year, the Admiralty will give them the opportunity to rejoin when recruiting commences in their respective branches; and whether they will be permitted to rejoin in the rating they held on discharge?

When recruiting re-commences it will be open for discharged men, in most cases, to reenter, but it will not be possible to allow them to count their former service, as this would largely reproduce the conditions which have required the present. discharges.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the recent innovation whereby naval ratings may he discharged from His Majesty's Service with a month's notice despite the fact that by reason of conduct and efficiency their retention is desirable, the system of discharge by purchase will be abolished and one month's notice on the part of ratings desirous of leaving the Service will be accepted as final and their final discharge authorised?

It will still be necessary to maintain the system of discharge by purchase. Recent orders for the compulsory discharge of a certain number of naval ratings were necessitated by the very large reductions in the Fleet.

Is not the Government under an obligation to these men?

No. This is an isolated case affecting a relatively small number of men, and the recommendation would not be justified.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty what steps are taken to ensure that firms to whom Admiralty coal contracts are allotted comply with the Fair Wages Clause in respect of their supervisory electrical staffs; and whether he will have special inquiries made into the rates paid to such staff by the Powell-Duffryn and Ocean Coal Company?

All collieries contracting with the Admiralty should observe the Fair Wages Resolution of the House of Commons. If the hon. Member contends that the Resolution is being infringed by the Powell-Duffryn Coal Company and Ocean Coal Company in respect of the electrical supervisory staffs engaged in the execution of a contract for the supply of coo., for naval use, and will furnish me with full details, the Admiralty will inquire into the matter.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Admiralty propose to devote any and, if so, what sums towards the maintenance of airships?

The recommendations of the Admiralty with regard to the desirability of contributing to the maintenance of a commercial airship service are now under consideration by the Government.

Will the House have an opportunity of voting directly on the issue whether the Admiralty shall take over air work?

That question has been answered by the Prime Minister.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Admiralty has come to any final decision on the subject of presenting the Estimates classified as to the purposes of expenditure on the same plan as the Army Estimates, in accordance with the recommendation of the Select Committee on National Expenditure?

The answer is in the negative. On the general aspect of this matter I would invite attention to the Third Report of the Select Committee on Public Accounts, 1921, paragraphs 17 to 23. Reference to that Report will show that the Committee were of opinion that it would be wise to await fuller experience of the results obtained from the operation of the scheme in the accounts of the Army before extending the system to other Departments. The hon. Member will no doubt appreciate that any radical change in the form of Estimates and accounts would require the concurrence of the Committee on Public Accounts.

Was not that recommendation made two years ago? Is it not now time to deal with the question?

I think we had better wait for fuller information.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what progress has been made by the various signatories to the Washington Treaty in scrapping the units of their fleet in excess of their establishment under the said Treaty; whether a specified date was arranged for the completion of their respective disarmament; and, if so, when does this time expire?

As the reply to the first part of the question is somewhat long, I will, with the hon. and gallant. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

As regards the second part, the date of rendering unfit for further warlike service ships to be scrapped under the Washington Treaty is six months after the date of the Treaty being ratified by all the signatories.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether the United States of America had in commission at the time the Treaty was signed any capital ships which should have been scrapped under the Treaty, and if any progress has been made with scrapping them?

A very considerable number of ships were under construction which fell due to be scrapped, as well as some of the older vessels. A beginning has been made with the scrapping of the latter.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has any information as to the ceding to Brazil of two French destroyers in exchange for two ex-German steamers, and what effect this has on the Washington Agreement?

I am informed that this report is without foundation.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether six ex-German mine sweepers have been secured by the Argentine Government; whther these mine sweepers were covered by the Clause in connection with the German fleet in the Treaty of Versailles; and what armament, if any, these mine sweepers carry?

Ten ex-German mine sweepers were sold by the firm of Hugo Stinnes to the Argentine Government in August, 1922. All war material and warlike characteristics were removed from these vessels and surrendered to the Allies under Article 192 of the Versailles Treaty. They were. then, in accordance with Article 181 of the Treaty, available for commercial use.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that an ex-lndian civil servant is employed in writing the naval history of the War at a salary of £500 per annum while in receipt of £1,000 a year pension; and whether he will give the work to some naval officer who is at present without an appointment?

As regards the first part of the question, my hon. Friend is misinformed. A pensioned Indian civil servant is employed in the naval branch of the historical section of the Committee of Imperial Defence at a salary of £500 per annum. He is not engaged in writing the naval history of the War, but is responsible for the selection and arrangement of Admiralty papers of historical interest. As regards the second part, I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies given by the Prime Minister on 5th December and the First Lord of the Admiralty on 21st February last.

Is not this ex-civil servant in receipt of £1,000 a year as pension? If so, ought not this work to be given to someone else?

The answer to the first part of the question is that that is so. With regard to the second part, this gentleman was appointed to the work some time ago on the recommendation of the Admiralty, and I have yet to know that the receipt of a pension is a sufficient reason for discharging a man.

Does not justice demand that men entirely out of employment should be given this work?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has yet received any Report from the Committee appointed by his predecessor to consider what steps could be taken to remove the disability at present placed upon the innocent victims of an industrial dispute from receiving unemployment benefit to which they have duly contributed when thrown out of work on account of a dispute to which they are in no way parties?

The Committee referred to by the hon. Member has not yet submitted a Report.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, in view of the great delay that has taken place, table an Amendment himself that might be embodied in the Bill to meet this injustice? Sir M. BARLOW: I cannot undertake to do that. The Committee was appointed because the matter is one of great difficulty, and the mere fact that there has been considerable delay in presenting the Report is, I think, indicative of the nature of the position.

asked the Minister of Labour the total numbers of unemployed on 1st January, 1921, 1st July, 1921, 1st December, 1922, and 1st March, 1923?

The numbers of persons on the Live Registers of Employment Exchanges in Great Britain at the dates nearest to those mentioned were:

1st January, 1921	701,179
1st July, 1921	2,040,278
4th December, 1922	1,389,894
26th February, 1923	1,328,000

I have no means of stating the total number unemployed at those dates.

Cannot something be learned from these figures, particularly the figure for July, 1921, by some hon. Members opposite?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that David Adams, a miner, formerly employed at the Meiros Collieries, Llanharran, Glamorgan, has been discharged on the allegation of filling dirty coal; that he has since been refused his unemployment benefits by the Ministry of Labour on the ex-parte statement of the colliery company; whether he will have inquiries made into this case; whether it is the practice of the Ministry of Labour to accept the ex-parte statements of colliery companies in such cases; and will he issue instructions that no miner is to be deprived of his unemployment benefits on such charges without being given an opportunity to disprove the said charges?

I am making inquiry as to whether the Exchange in this case followed the usual practice, which is to supply the applicant with a copy of any statement by his last employer which may lead to refusal of benefit. I may mention that a statement from David Adams was put before the Insurance Officer, together with the employer's statement, and he also stated his case in person before the Court of Referees, which upheld the disallowance of benefit.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reason given, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question on the first opportunity on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that, in connection with a local public works relief scheme for road widening being carried out by the Cowbridge Rural District Council, Glamorgan, part of the work of widening Boverton Bridge under this scheme is being carried out by a local farmer, who employs men and horses otherwise fully employed on his farm, when there are a number of unemployed men in the locality and haulage contractors in the locality who are unemployed or only partially employed; is he aware that farmers and farm workers are not insured under the Unemployment Acts; and will he state whether any con- ditions are made in schemes which were sanctioned by Parliament that work shall be found for the unemployed?

I am informed that the contractors executing the scheme on behalf of the local authority have employed a local farmer to carry out a small amount of cartage. This work employs one or two men only, and is a very small portion of the whole scheme, which has provided employment for as many as 60 men.

Is it not the fact that the right hon. Gentleman's own policy is to provide work by these schemes for the unemployed, and that these people have work other than this to do, while unemployed people in the locality have nothing to do?

asked the Minister of Labour if he will be prepared to consider, or has considered, a scheme of unemployment relief whereby on every contract or order of the value of £5,000 or over the placer of the contract be credited with half the weekly payment which would otherwise have been paid in full to each unemployed worker, had he not been specifically engaged in connection with such contract, it being made a condition, if necessary, that unemployed men be taken on as far as possible in connection with such work?

I have not seen any scheme precisely on the lines indicated. The recently published Report of the Cabinet Committee—of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy—considered the general question of using unemployment benefit in aid of wages, and points out the grave objections to any such arrangement and I am afraid that similar objections would apply to the proposal mentioned by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a youth of 17½ years of age applied for benefit at the Rutherglen Employment Exchange last week, and gave as his reasons that the wage paid him by Weir's of Cathcart, as a machineman, was 11s. 6d. for 47 hours, with is deducted for insurance and 1s. 6d. for car fares; and whether, since these wages are less than unemployment benefit, he will see that benefit is paid to such cases meantime?

I am making inquiries and will communicate the result to the hon. Member. I may point out, however, that the weekly rate of benefit payable to a boy of 17½ years is 7s. 6d.

While the right hon. Gentleman is making inquiries, will he ask the Noble Lord whether this wage of 11s. 6d. to a young man taking three meals a day is in keeping with his idea of relativity and starvation?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will give instructions that, where unemployment benefit has been refused on the ground that the applicant has not produced evidence of search for work, the applicant shall be entitled to a re-hearing to enable him to produce any further evidence?

Refusals of benefit on this ground are invariably the result of a recommendation by the local employment committee. If applicants have any further evidence to bring forward, the committees, so far as I am aware, are always ready to grant. a re-hearing.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what method is adopted to notify the applicant when his case is being heard that it is necessary for him to produce such evidence?

The practice of the committee is fairly well known in the locality.

asked the Minister of Labour the. number of single men who have applied for unemployment benefit, and the number of claims disallowed since 1st July, 1922?

The records kept do not show separately the number of single men who have applied for unemployment benefit since July, 1922, nor the number of such claims which have been disallowed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the dissatisfaction that arises through disallowing benefit to these men, and will he make. exhaustive inquiries?

I am afraid that every applicant whose application is refused is probably dissatisfied.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give the number of china-clay workers registered as totally unemployed on 1st November, 1922, and 1st March, 1923; and, if so, what are the figures?

The numbers of china-clay workers registered at Employment Exchanges as unemployed at the nearest dates available are 254 at 11th November, 1922, and 140 at 5th February, 1923.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any suggestions have been made to him with regard to the employment of British workers on reconstruction work in the devastated area of France or Belgium; and, if so, whether he has arrived at any decision in the matter?

I have just received the report of an inquiry made into this question, and hope to be able shortly to reach a decision on the matter.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that, while the number of men employed on relief work by the Glasgow Corporation has increased since 23rd December from 3,594 to 3,614 on 10th February, the anomalous situation arises that the number of those in receipt of the full standard rate of wages has decreased from 2,968 on 23rd December to 2,726 on 10th February, and the number of those in receipt of 75 per cent. of the standard rate has increased from 626 to 888 on the above dates, respectively; and, in view of this apparent use of the 75 per cent. regulation for the chief purpose of evading the payment of the full standard rate to those who have qualified for it, will he consider the advisability of entirely withdrawing that Regulation?

I have no information to show how many of the men employed on relief works by the Glasgow Corporation are in receipt of the standard rate of wages, but I do not think that the figures quoted by the hon. Member necessarily indicate that men qualified to receive the full rate are not, in fact, receiving it. I may say that the majority of men employed are understood to be on works for which no State assistance is being received, and their wages are accordingly not governed by the Government Regulation on the matter.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it is quite common where they are engaged in relief work in Glasgow that, having concluded the six months' probationary period, which entitles them to full rate, they are discharged and new men taken on?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that men engaged on these schemes are doing precisely the same class of work, and is he not of the opinion that they ought to be paid the same rate?

That, of course, begs the whole question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries into it?

With regard to the first supplementary, if any facts are put before me, I will look into them.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the Glasgow Corporation themselves are in sympathy with the proposal to pay the same rate to these men?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will reconsider the decision to close the Employment Exchange at Horbury, near Wakefield, on 6th March next; whether he is aware that the unemployment figures are going up in that district, and that a paper works employing 200 persons is closing down until June next; and, if he cannot agree to continue the Exchange, will he allow a clerk to attend at Horbury on certain mornings in the week so that unemployed persons may be able to register without having to walk miles daily to either Wakefield or Osset?

The Horbury Branch Employment Office will not be closed before 31st March, and the question whether it should be kept open after that date is still under consideration. I may add that Horbury is only two miles from Ossett and three from Wakefield where Employment Exchange facilities already exist, and signatures would only be required on alternate days from applicants coming from Roxbury.

asked the Minister of Labour why benefit is not being paid to Neil Gillies, 6, Eglington Lane, at the Glasgow South Side Exchange for the past nine weeks; and, if the reason is alleged fraud, why the man has not been prosecuted before now or, on the other hand, paid benefit?

The circumstances of this claim have been under investigation. The insurance officer has now disallowed the claim. The claimant has the usual right of appeal to a Court of Referees.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of tin miners and tin streamers who are now registered as unemployed at Employment Exchanges in Cornwall, and the average weekly payment of Unemployment Benefit paid to these men?

At the beginning of February the number of tin miners and tin streamers registered as unemployed at Employment Exchanges in Cornwall was 1,834. Assuming that these workpeople drew the same average per head as unemployed workpeople generally, the weekly amount drawn by them was, approximately, £1,250.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether, in view of the prolonged period of unemployment and consequent. heavy burdens thrown on the local rates by out-relief charges, he will considerably extend the period for which he has authorised loans to be raised by hoards of guardians and, in those cases where money has been lent by the Public Works Loans Commissioners, will he make representations so that the rate of Interest charged is not more than the cost, so that the taxpayer does not make a profit at the expense of the ratepayer?

The maxi- mum period for which my right hon. Friend (Sir A. Griffith-Boscawen) had power to sanction loans in respect of current expenses in ten years. The circumstances of every application are carefully considered with a view to fixing an appropriate period within that maximum. The interest charged is the prevailing market rate for loans of similar currency.

Has not the time come when these necessitous areas should get a lower rate of interest on these special loans?

Who is my hon. Friend's "right hon. Friend" mentioned in the reply?

If the hon. Member reads the answer, he will see that "my right hon. Friend," who had power to sanction loans, was the right hon. Gentleman the late Member for Taunton.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he is aware that on the Sunderland barrack site relief works, which is regarded as coming within the category of constructional engineering work, the workmen have had their wages reduced in conformity with a reduction in the wages of the road men employed by the local authority; and whether, since the regulations governing the payment of wages on relief work provide that the percentage rate must be based upon the lowest wages paid to the employés of (he local authority concerned, he will make representations to the Sunderland Council on this matter?

I do not think there is any ground for intervention in this case. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the conditions laid down by the Unemployment Grants Committee as regards wages.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Thateham Board and Paper Mills, Limited, are working their employés on 12-hour shifts; and whether, in view of the fact that the Government advanced £100,000 for the building of the mill under a development scheme and that unemployment is so severe, he will bring pressure to bear on this company to revert to the 8-hour shift formerly in operation?

So far as I am aware, no assistance has been given under the Trade Facilities Act to the Thatcham Board and Paper Mills, Limited. I do not know under what circumstances the 12-hour shift is being worked. I am sure that employers generally recognise the importance of ensuring the maximum amount of employment, and I am calling this firm's attention to the hon. Member's question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a guarantee was given to this firm for the building of these mills, and does not that imply some consideration on the part of the Government Department?

I have answered that. I have said that I believe the position to be that the guarantee was not given to this particular mill.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, in making inquiries, bear in mind that all the trade unions concerned with the class of labour referred to have a firm agreement for a 48-hour week?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the relations between the management and the employés have always been of a cordial nature, and will he see that the extension of these works awl factory is not hindered in any way, in view of the fact that when they are completed they will give employment to nearly 1,000 men and women, to the great advantage of the trade and commerce of the country?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will undertake that no disintegration of the Air Service shall be sanctioned until the House of Commons has approved of the same by a direct vote?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave to him on Monday last in reply to a supplementary question on this subject.

Does not the Prime Minister realise the importance of making no vital change, such as this is, in the administration of the Air Service, without getting the direct assent of the House of Commons?

Yes, Sir. I feel that it is a subject on which the House of Commons ought to have an opportunity of expressing its opinion; but there is just the possibility that the Committee may report when the House is not sitting, and I do not wish to be under an obligation to present it to the House of Commons.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the naval demand only affects 5 per cent. of the Air Force, and can he break down the dog-in-the-manger attitude of the Air Force?

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the fact that this House has in effect no control whatsoever over expenditure, whether he will set up a Royal Commission to explore the possibilities of introducing other and more satisfactory measures whereby this House would have a certain amount of control over all national expenditure?

I do not agree that the House has no effective control over expenditure, and I do not think any useful result would follow from the appointment of a Royal Commission.

asked the Prime Minister if he has considered that the successful candidate in the recent election at Mitcham obtained only 38 per cent. of the total votes polled, whereas other candidates secured 62 per cent. of the votes; and whether he will introduce a scheme of proportional representation, so as to prevent candidates who poll only a minority of the votes from being elected to this House at the next General Election?

No, Sir. I am not prepared to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion.

Has the Prime Minister any fellow-feeling for candidates who get returned by a minority vote?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give the figures for the cost of living on 1st November, 1922, and 1st March, 1923?

The Ministry of Labour cost-of-living index number showed an increase of 80 per cent. over the pre-War level at 1st November, 1922, and of 77 per cent. at 1st February, 1923. Information relating to 1st March will be published about the 17th of this month.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that we have now 12 years' experience of the, Canadian Arbitration Act, as amended in 1910, and applied to means of communication and mines; and, in view of its success in preventing strikes and lock-outs as compared with the state of affairs in Great Britain in the same period, whether the question of applying similar legislation to this country has been considered?

The working of the Canadian Industrial Disputes Investigation Act has been closely watched, but available statistics do not indicate that it has achieved that measure of success which my hon. and gallant Friend suggests. I may perhaps point out that in this country the power to hold an independent court of inquiry in appropriate cases, when the parties to a dispute are unable to adjust the difference, is already contained in the Industrial Courts Act, and I do not consider that the present powers for securing the settlement of industrial disputes require to be extended in the manner proposed.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has taken, or intends to take, any steps to invite the firm of Messrs. Harris Lebus, Finsbury Cabinet Works, Tottenham, to confer with the representatives of the Furnishing Trades' Association, with a view to bring to an end the present lock-out?

I understand that this firm is a member of the London Cabinet and Upholstery Trades Federation, and that under the working rules for the cabinet trade of London, agreed upon between the federation and the trade union, conciliation machinery is provided for the adjustment of disputes and the avoidance of stoppages of work. My Department has been in touch with the parties, but, as the hon. Member is no doubt aware, it is our policy not to attempt to intervene in a trade dispute unless and until existing conciliation machinery in the trade has been fully utilised.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this man has deliberately torn up an agreement of the Cabinet Makers' Association which has been in force in London for the last 20 years?

I think my answer covers a point like that.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the fact that in England and Wales the majority, 1,371 out of 2,431, and in Scotland the great majority, 236 out of 333, of local authorities were shown in the "Labour Gazette" for January as not being on the King's Roll; and what steps he proposes to take to prevail on these local authorities to qualify for inclusion on the Roll?

In the case of the smaller local authorities there is considerable difficulty in complying with the conditions for membership of the King's Roll, but when all allowance has been made for this, the position is by no means as satisfactory as it might be. I say that, frankly, the question of the further steps which should be taken with regard to local authorities generally is one which falls within the province of the King's Roll National Council, and I should, of course, consider very carefully any recommendation that the council might make on the subject.

Will my right hon. Friend give the names of the local authorities which have not subscribed to the King's Roll?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that local authorities give work to men, not because they were in the Army but. because they are citizens, and have obligations to carry out?

asked the Minister of Labour whether his Department has declared its willingness to make arrangements for the training of disabled ex-service men as shorthand-typists; and whether anything has yet been done in this direction?

A number of ex-service men have been, and are being, trained to commercial subjects, including, in many instances, shorthand-writing and typewriting. It is not thought advisable to train men as shorthand-typists only, as the prospects of their being satisfactorily employed subsequently are not favourable. A few men have been trained as press reporters.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that cases have occurred in which women have been substituted in various Departments, have then received a training grant from the Ministry of Labour, and, on conclusion of such training, have been reposted to Departments in the capacity of shorthand-typists; and why a similar arrangement could not be made immediately applicable to ex-service men?

A few women discharged from Government Departments have received a training grant from the Central Committee on Women's Training and Employment, and have subsequently obtained Government posts as shorthand-typists in open competition. There was no arrangement when they were dis- charged that they should be re-employed as typists. As is the usual practice of commercial firms, shorthand-typing is generally regarded by Government Departments, in accordance with the Lytton Report, as being work proper to women.

Has the opinion of the men in question been asked?

asked the Minister of Labour what are the reasons for terminating, before the time agreed upon with the trainees, the period of instruction irk watch and clock repairing of disabled ex-service men at the Government instructional factory, Bolton Road, Salford; and whether he can see his way clear to reconsider this matter, which is causing dissatisfaction amongst ex-service men so affected?

The original course of training in watch and clock repairing was for 12 months only, all of which was in a training centre. This was subsequently extended to 18 months in a training centre, but after some experience of the extended course it was decided in May, 1922, on the express recommendations of the National Trade Advisory Committee for the Gold, Silver and Allied Trades, that in the interests of the trainees themselves the final six months of the training period should in all cases be spent in an employer's workshop. In no case is the period of training with maintenance less than 18 months. In addition, the 12 months in a training centre may be extended up to a maximum of 15 months, if an improvership with maintenance is not immediately available.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of referring Question 75 to Moscow?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the women still retained in the claims and record office at Kew are doing precisely the same work as was done up to a few weeks ago by ex-service men now dismissed, and why they were retained in preference to the men.