asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the exemption orders applied for during the past two years under Section 10 (5) of the Finance Act, 1926, in respect of lactic acid of a quality known as pale technical, 50 per cent. by weight, and lactic acid, edible quality, being products liable to duty under Part I of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, 1921, have not yet been issued; that the only lactic acid produced in His Majesty's Dominions is a crude dark cloudy quality; that this quality cannot be satisfactorily used in the textiles industry, the artificial silk industry, by manufacturers of light coloured and fancy leathers, and in other important industries; that manufacturers of foodstuffs and soft drinks are bound to use the edible quality; that all these industries have, during the past two years, been compelled to pay more than would otherwise have been the case for these raw materials, which have to be imported; and will he take steps to issue the exemption orders in question forthwith?

Lactic acid which satisfies the requirements of most consumers in this country has been made here for some years past, and I understand that other kinds are now being produced in this country, and will be produced in substantial and increasing quantities. I am, accordingly, not satisfied that the conditions for exemption from duty are fulfilled except in the case of lactic acid complying with the requirements of the British pharmacopoeia, which has already been exempted.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the exemption orders applied for in about July, 1926, under Section 10 (5) of the Finance Act, 1926, in respect of cocaine and cocaine hydrochloride, being products liable to duty under Part I of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, 1921, have not yet been issued; that his Department refuse to issue these exemption orders, although the products in question are still not made in His Majesty's Dominions; that, in consequence, hospitals and the general medical services, who are the chief consumers of these materials, which have to be imported, have during the past two years been compelled to pay more than would otherwise have been the case; and will be take steps to issue the exemption orders in question forthwith?

The manufacture of cocaine and cocaine hydrochloride in substantial quantities has been carried on in this country for some time past under the authority of the Home Office. I understand that these materials will shortly be available for disposal, and the conditions for exemption from duty are, therefore, not satisfied.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the increase in the import of press buttons since the recommendations of the Board of Trade Committee on the safeguarding of buttons, &c., have been published, which increase is reflected in a reduction of 60 per cent. in the weekly orders received by British manufacturers during the past five weeks; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

No, Sir. Figures of imports for the period in question are not yet available.

If there is continued increase of unemployment in this trade, will my right hon. Friend consider a fresh application in relation to this industry?

I do not think that I could be expected to answer a contingent question. My hon. Friend knows that, if the circumstances differ from those which the original application was made, it is always open to a trade to make another application.

Is the right hon. Gentleman compelled to consider every application that is made?

Yes. Every application which is made under the White Paper is considered, in accordance with the terms of the White Paper.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total sum of public money expended to date in consequence of the appointment of the Food Commission?

The cost of the Food Council to 31st May, 1928, excluding certain miscellaneous items such as postage, rent, telephones, heating, lighting, which are not readily available, has been £8,443.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Advisory Committee appointed under the Cinematograph Films Act, 1927, have reported to him the present position in the cinematograph trade with regard to blind and block booking; and whether his Department has taken any action in the matter?

No formal report has been made by the Committee on the subject, but it is, I understand, well in their mind as in my own. In reply to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Chelmsford (Colonel Howard-Bury) and the hon. and gallant Member for Dulwich (Sir F. Hall) on 9th May.

As this has been running in the right hon. Gentleman's mind, what action is he taking?

I am not taking any action. If there is an infringement of the Act, and satisfactory evidence of it, a prosecution will take place; but I think that satisfactory evidence of the general condition is the great increase in the production of British films and their distribution throughout the world.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of men employed in the stores of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps depots in April 1927 and 1928, and the number of group officers engaged in such stores?

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for War if agreement has now been reached between the War Office and the Air Ministry on the position in. respect of compulsory flying of an officer of the Regular Army attached to the Air Force for study purposes?

I am not aware of any disagreement with my right hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War for what reason Army Order 304 of 1924 was issued; and what was the date on which it came into force?

Army Order 304 of 1924 was issued because inquiries had been made whether, in view of the formation of the Royal Air Force as a separate Service, Army personnel were still liable to go up in aircraft. The Army Order did not impose any new liability, as Army personnel had always been liable to travel by air on military duties.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Army Order 304 of 1924 is enforced in the case of officers who joined the Army prior to that date; whether he is aware that Lieutenant D. F. C. Scott, of the Essex Regiment, who joined the Army in 1920, selected that arm of His Majesty's forces because he had an objection to flying; and whether he will in future give those officers who joined the Army prior to the issue of this Order the option of deciding whether they will go up in the air or not, either as a pilot or a passenger?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative and to the second and third parts in the negative, except that, as explained to the hon. Member on 22nd May by my hon. Friend, the Financial Secretary, officers of the Army are not called upon to fly as pilots unless they volunteer for the duty.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, seeing that the number of outgoing transatlantic telephone calls between Great Britain and Canada for the three months ended to the 19th of April totalled only 68, he can state that the transatlantic telephone service between these two countries is self-supporting?

Yes, Sir; the Canadian and American services are worked over the same radio channel.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether they are now self-supporting?

Of course, I can answer only for our end; I cannot say what the corresponding rates are at the American end. So far as this end is concerned, the services are self-supporting.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the delay in delivering telegrams sent through the Mumbles Post Office; whether he is aware that a letter posted in London between 6 and 7 p.m. is delivered sooner than a telegram handed in at the same time; and will he look into the matter?

I have not heard of any general suggestion of delay. The hon. Member may refer to a telegram for Mumbles which was recently handed in at a London office at 6.55 p.m. The Mumbles Sub-Post Office, like other offices of the same kind, closes at 7 p.m., and, accordingly, after that hour there can be no delivery of telegrams except to telephone subscribers.

Can the right hon. Gentleman hold out some prospect of a later closing of Mumbles Post Office; seven o'clock is a very early hour?

Seven o'clock is the normal hour in country offices, and I cannot contemplate any general extension of the hours in every country office. Telegrams can be delivered to telephone subscribers after that hour.

Mumbles is not a country place.

It is a popular seaside resort.

I do not want to say anything disrespectful of Mumbles, but it falls into the class of sub-post offices which are normally closed for telegraph duty at 7 p.m. It is obvious that there must be some genera! hour of closing for the delivery of telegrams, and the quantity of business in offices of that character after seven o'clock does not justify, in the public-interest, their being kept open.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has received a Report from the Trent Fishery Board concerning the pollution of the river Penk and its tributaries; and whether any detrimental effects have resulted in the provision of water for cattle?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I am not in a position to make a statement as the evidence resulting from the inquiry I have caused to be made is inconclusive.

What action does the right hon. Gentleman propose to take in this matter when he has considered the evidence?

I had better wait until I know the result of the inquiry.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he is causing a great deal of dissatisfaction by his failure to deal with numerous cases of pollution all over the country?

I really cannot deal with cases in face of conflicting evidence Until I get the result of the inquiry.

Does my right hon. Friend not think that these various complaints rather give rise to the view that it is desirable to appoint a new Commission to go into the whole question?

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he can state the extent to which public funds have been employed since 1919 in promoting the activities of the Empire Cotton Growing Association; the total amount expended for this purpose from all sources; and the sums provided by private contributions to supplement Parliamentary grants?

I have been asked to reply. A capital grant of £978,715 was made by His Majesty's Government to the Empire Cotton Growing Corporation in November, 1921, and before that date £10,000 had been paid to the Empire Cotton Growing Committee which preceded it. The capital grant has been invested and retained intact. As the result of the levy of 6d. a bale on cotton consumed in the United Kingdom, the corporation has received from the industry between January, 1922, and March last a total sum of £372,547. The total amount of the expenditure during that period, part of which is recoverable, has been £471,215.

asked the Minister of Health how many claims for old age pensions have been rejected because no evidence has been found to establish the age of the applicant; and whether in those cases where no reliable evidence of age exists the applicant is disqualified for all time?

As regards the first part of the question, exact figures are not available, but the number is very small. As regards the second part, the answer is in. the negative. The position can be reviewed, from time to time, on presentation of a fresh claim, and a right of appeal is provided.

There must be cases where no evidence at all is in existence as to the age of an applicant, and where that is the only objection. In such cases, does the Department take steps to fix an age or to make some decision?

No, Sir. I think the claimant is generally invited to supply as many particulars as he can. The hon. Gentleman will realise that it is very difficult for the Department itself to determine a matter of that kind without evidence. We are really anxious to deal with these cases, and, if further evidence is procurable at any time, the applicant can make a fresh application and 'his case is gone into.

asked the Minister of Health if he can give any instances of local authorities which have realised reductions of £50 or more in the price of houses of the same or similar type within the last two-and-a-half years?

Yes, Sir. I quote as examples the following areas:

• Croydon County Borough Council.
• Derby County Borough Council.
• Manchester County Borough Council.
• Newcastle County Borough Council.
• Nottingham County Borough Council.
• Skipton Urban District Council.
• Chelmsford Rural District Council.

asked the Minister of Health whether there is any increase, according to official statistics, in the adulteration of milk; whether all local authorities are expected annually to carry out any fixed or approximate number of tests; and whether he will take steps to see that such tests are generally carried out?

The official statistics indicate a progressive decrease in the adulteration of milk, the percentage of samples reported by public analysts as adulterated or below the presumptive standards being 6.9 in 1927 as compared with 7.4 in 1926 and 9.3 in 1920. There is no specific requirement as to the number of samples to be taken annually by a local authority, but it is the practice of my Department to communicate from time to time with these authorities which do not seem to be taking a sufficient number to provide a proper check on adulteration.

asked the Minister of Health whether, under the provisions of the Rating and Valuation (Apportionment) Bill, an industrial establishment which generates and distributes electricity to itself will be entitled to the direct relief in rates under the Budget proposals for the whole of its establishment, including the electricity undertaking; and will the direct relief be given, if in addition to distributing power to its own works, it furnishes power to others outside its own establishment?

My right hon. Friend thinks the question raised by the hon. Member could be most conveniently dealt with in the discussions on the Bill.

Have the Government made up their mind upon that point?

I would refer the hon. Member to the terms of the Bill.

As this particular case is of some importance, will the hon. Gentleman represent to his right hon. Friend the desirability of dealing with it in his speech to-morrow?

I am sure some hon. Gentlemen opposite will be able to raise it in the Debate.

That is very unsatisfactory.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the present strength of the garrison at Aden; and whether this represents an increase or decrease compared with the position two years ago?

I have been asked to reply. The Aden garrison is composed of one British battalion; two batteries, Royal Artillery; one Fortress Company, Royal Engineers; one squadron, Royal Air Force; one armoured car section, and ancillary services. The present strength represents a decrease in numbers as compared with two years ago, the withdrawal of an Indian infantry battalion and a reduction in ancillary services having more than counterbalanced an increase in the Air Force strength from a flight to a squadron.

Is the cost of this force, which was previously borne by the Indian Government, now all borne by the British taxpayer?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what was the price paid for the hydrogen-kerosene engine purchased from the Airship Guarantee Company in March, 1926; how much money has been expended on this engine since; and whether he is yet in a position to say whether or not the engine will be of any practical value?

I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is 210,500; to the second, that contracts for further work upon the engine have since been placed to the value of £4,274, but payment under these contracts has not yet been made. As regards the last part of the question, my right hon. Friend is not in a position to give a definite answer pending the completion of the work, but it is hoped that valuable results will accrue.

In view of the fact that over two years have elapsed since this engine was purchased, when does the Air Ministry expect to be in a position to say whether any benefit is to be derived from it or not?

The engine will be ready to be tested in July, and we hope then to be able to deal with the matter.

This year, or next year?

This year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the proposed inquiry into methods of administration and other matters connected with the police force will apply to the provincial boroughs and counties as well as to the Metropolitan Police?

Without having come to any definite conclusion, I am disposed to think that the object in view will be best secured by an inquiry as to the practice of the Metropolitan Police in conducting interrogations and taking statements in the course of criminal investigations. Such a reference would, of course, cover investigations undertaken by the Metropolitan Police outside their own area, but I have already promised to consult the other parties as to the terms of reference.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the difference between the administration of police by watch committees in boroughs and the administration of police 'by standing joint committees in county areas; and does he not think that he ought to deal with this matter, not in a piecemeal way, but completely, and as affecting the whole country?

I am quite willing, as I say, to consult with the right hon. Gentleman opposite or with the right hon. Gentleman below the Gangway as to the terms of reference. If the hon. Member himself hash Any particular point which he would like to have included, and if he lets me know, I shall be glad to consider it also.

Will the terms of reference allow of inquiry being made into other incidental considerations with regard to police procedure? For instance, there is the case of the Hyde Park double tragedy, where the widow of the man concerned was told by the police that the man was injured and was then, without a word, taken straight to the hospital mortuary where his body was. Will the inquiry include a case of that kind? It is a shameful case.

I have had no details of that case. I suppose the hon. Member refers to a case which has just taken place.

On Saturday.

I have no details at all. The hon. Member must not ask me questions of that kind without giving me some notice, but I am always willing to get all the information that I can. If he also would like to suggest terms of reference, I shall consider his suggestion, as well as anybody else's suggestions.

I am sorry if I was out of order in putting that question.

asked the Home Secretary what steps he is taking with regard to the two police witnesses who gave evidence for the Crown at the Marlborough Street Police Court against two persons charged with an offence against Regulation 24 of the general regulations for Hyde Park, when the case was dismissed with costs against the police; and whether these two police officers are to have an opportunity of clearing themselves or, alternatively, if they are being proceeded against?

I understand that the two officers in question have obtained the issue of writs for libel, and pending the result of any legal proceedings, I can say nothing.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the issue of the writs absolves him from his undertaking to see that the cases were fully investigated and that the men were dealt with, one way or the other, before the accusation was allowed to lie over their heads?

No one in the police can issue a writ without the sanction of the Commissioner. The Commissioner has given sanction for the issue of the writs by these men, and their cases will be investigated by a, jury. It would be improper for me to arrive at a decision, one way or the other, which might be contrary to the decision arrived at a month or two later by a jury of 12 of their countrymen. The men are still employed, and I prefer, therefore, to leave the case to go before a jury, assuming always that it is pressed forward with reasonable diligence. If not, I shall have to take steps to see that it is pressed forward properly. I think a jury had better consider it and give their decision first.

Did the right hon. Gentleman give his permission for the issue of the writs or was he consulted?

I was not consulted at all. Writs are always permitted to be issued unless the Commissioner is of opinion that there is anything frivolous or vexatious about the case. In the ordinary case, the policeman is as much entitled to take this course as any Member of this House.

After the termination of this case, will the right hon. Gentleman give the matter further consideration?

If a policeman makes a charge and gives evidence in support of it, and if the charge fails, why should he get into any difficulty about it, as long as he is doing his best in the course of his duty? Does it affect his chances of promotion or his position in the force?

No, Sir. I should like to make it quite clear that, assuming the charge is, in the opinion of his superiors, brought bona fide it makes no difference whatever to the man's position or his chances of promotion, whether it is successful or otherwise.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has made any inquiry into the activities of M. Jonescu, the host of Prince Carol during his visit to this country; and, if so, the result of his investigation?

I cannot usefully say more than that I did not find it necessary to take any special steps against this alien, who has been resident in the United Kingdom for a number of years.

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken steps to ensure that this particular gentleman does not use his position again in a similar manner?

I do not think Prince Carol will come over again?

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the dangerous nature of the work of men engaged in the manufacture of sheep-dip in consequence of the amount of arsenic which is used in the process; that after a certain time symptoms of poisoning develop and, owing to the serious illnesses of men engaged on this class of work at Barking Creek factory, inspectors have ordered the management of the firm to supply special washing basins and nail brushes and one pint of milk per day to each employé; and whether he is prepared to issue regulations on these lines to make it obligatory on all firms manufacturing sheep-dip similar to the instructions issued by the Minister of Agriculture in this connection?

I am advised that these processes are liable to give rise to diseases of the skin, but the number of such cases reported in the last few years has been quite small. The Factory Department have not been able to trace any recent cases of a serious character at the Barking factory, and it is presumed that the cases referred to by the hon. Member must have occurred some years ago. The main precautions to be taken are the provision of adequate exhaust ventilation and suitable washing facilities, but these can be already secured in all cases where arsenic is used under the existing provisions of the Factory Act, and I am advised that no additional Regulations are necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further statement to make with regard to the political and military situation in China?

On the 30th of May the Northern forces commenced the evacuation of Paoting, and a military conference held that night decided on a total withdrawal along the whole front. On the 1st of June Chang Tso-lin gave a farewell interview to the Diplomatic Body, and informed them of his intention to leave the capital; he departed on the night of the 2nd of June, accompanied by the whole Cabinet, with the exceptions of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister of the Interior. A bomb was thrown at Marshal Chang Tso-lin's train just outside Mukden, and he and the Governor of Tsitsihar were both wounded. The Japanese killed two of the assailants, on whom they found bombs of Russian manufacture, with instructions from some South China organisation. A committee of elder statesmen, including two ex-Prime Ministers, has been formed to administer the city during the interregnum, and to maintain law and order. Conditions in Peking remain normal; it is not known which of the Southern leaders will take over the city, nor when this will take place.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is proposed to call a conference of the Powers to deal with the new situation, in view of the approaching government of all China by one body?

I think it -is premature to take any steps at present.

But surely they are going to take some steps in the matter. Are we prepared to allow the matter to drift with these large garrisons of British troops scattered about China?

Directly we know what kind of Government is going to take over Peking, no doubt steps will be taken.

The Nanking Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, for the information of Parliament, he is now prepared to elaborate his statement in paragraph 10 of his Note to the United States of America Government of 19th May last, in which he declared that there are certain regions of the world which constitute a special and vital interest for our peace and safety, by stating which areas of the world, outside the British Empire, he had in mind?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply returned to the hon. Member for Shoreditch (Mr. Thurtle) on the 23rd of May, when my right hon. Friend stated that it would be undesirable to add to the general statement of the position of His Majesty's Government contained in his Note of the 19th of May. I am not in a position to make any further statement at present.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I asked whether this information could not be given in the interests of the British public and of this House? Is it not undesirable to have these indeterminate areas, of which nobody knows the extent, in a document of this sort?

asked the Minister of Labour whether any proposals have been received by his Department for the transfer of juveniles from one district to another; and, if so, will he name the districts concerned, with the conditions set down for the welfare of these boys and girls?

I have been asked to reply. There are no such proposals apart from the notification of specific vacancies. These notifications come, in small numbers at a time, from various parts of the country and are dealt with in the ordinary course of Exchange business and with the usual arrangements for supervision by the Juvenile Advisory Committees.

Will the hon. Gentleman ask the Department whether they will name the districts from which these requests have come, in view of the fact that the Department have issued a circular asking for provision for the welfare of these juveniles?

I would suggest that the hon. Member should put down a further question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State or the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he is aware that no sanitary conveniences exist in the upper ward of Edinburgh Castle for the use of visitors to the National Memorial; and, seeing that representations have been made without avail to the Office of Works to have the matter remedied, will he take immediate steps to put this matter right?

Lavatory accommodation for men is already provided in the upper ward of Edinburgh Castle. Provision has been made in the current year's Estimates for the conversion of a disused building in Crown Square into ladies' lavatories, and it is expected that the work will be completed before the end of July.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why Members have not yet been furnished with information regarding local rates in Scotland similar to that published for England and Wales?

The information referred to is being compiled from returns that are being supplied by rating authorities. It will, I hope, be published at an early date.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he has taken any steps to ascertain what number of mine workers in the South Wales coalfield have been unable to follow their employment due to silicosis; and if any compensation has been paid in respect of any of these eases?

I have been asked to reply. I regret that, for the reasons indicated in my reply to the hon. Member for Gower (Mr. D. Grenfell) on the 3rd of last month, the information asked for in the first part of the question is not available. No compensation is payable at present to workmen who contract this disease in the coal-mining industry, but I have asked the Departmental Committee on Workmen's Compensation for Silicosis to advise on the terms of a scheme under Section 47 of the Workmen's Compensation Act for the industry, and for this purpose I have appointed to the Committee representatives of each side, nominated by the Mining Association and the Miners' Federation, respectively.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us when he expects a Report from that Committee?

The hon. Member will remember that it was only on the 3rd of last month that I informed the House that I had not got the names of the representatives from one of the associations. I have now got them, and I have now appointed them; and I believe they are getting to work at once.

Has the right hon. Gentleman power to pay compensation for silicosis cases in the mining industry in the interim pending the Report?

I have no such powers.

Will the terms of reference to this particular Departmental Committee deal with districts other than South Wales?

Yes, certainly.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his Department has taken any steps to take tests as to the quantity of silica in the strata of the coal mines of South Wales?

Yes, Sir; the inquiries which have been made as to the occurrence of silicosis among miners working in hard rock in coal mines have included analyses and other tests of the rock dust.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the loss to the Exchequer due to over repayment of Excess Profits Duty, in the last three financial years?

In the year 1927–28 repayments of Excess Profits Duty exceeded the gross receipts by about £405,000; in the two previous years the receipts were in excess of the repayments. Particulars of the net receipt of the duty and of the amount paid over to the Exchequer in those years will be found on page 100 of the 70th Report of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue (Command Paper 2989).

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that he has not answered my question, which was as to the amount of money which was over repaid, that is to say, improperly repaid in excess of that which was due to be repaid. Can the lion. Gentleman tell me how much that was?

The Exchequer suffered to the extent of £405,000 in 1927–28; in 1926–27 the Exchequer benefited by £4,500,000; and in 1925–26 it benefited by £2,000,000.

Still the hon. Gentleman has failed to reply to my question. My question was as to the amount of money which was improperly repaid by the Treasury?

I do not admit the premise.

Is it not to be clearly understood that the answer my hon. Friend has given does not indicate or suggest that there has been any amount improperly paid and that the amounts that he has mentioned are only ordinary amounts either of credit or debit?

I do not admit for a moment that there has been any improper payment.

Does my hon. Friend not realise that nobody in this House or in the country will believe that the Treasury will ever repay any money improperly?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the last Report of the Public Accounts Committee refers specifically to a sum of £8,000 which was improperly repaid by the Treasury? What I wanted to get at was what other sums have been improperly repaid by the Treasury.

If the hon. Member will put down that specific question, I will do my best to answer it.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, in view of the pledge given by the late Financial Secretary to the Treasury that the appointment to the Civil Service of the successful candidates in the examination. held in November last will in no way restrict the promotion of permanent non-pensionable men or temporary ex-service men and that no efficient temporary ex-service clerk will be discharged in order to make room for successful candidates from the examination referred to, why 120 men have been discharged on the grounds of decrease of work, while vacancies have been announced by the same Ministry for 550 new appointments; and can he give the House an assurance that these vacancies will be given to temporary ex-service clerks?

I assume that the Ministry of Labour is the Department referred to. I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the detailed statement made by the Minister of Labour in reply to similar questions on this subject by my hon. Friends the Members for North Kensington (Mr. Gates) and North Croydon (Lieut.-Colonel Mason) on the 17th February last.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the late representative of His Majesty's Government on the board of directors of British Celanese, Limited, was a civil servant; whether he received any remuneration for his services on the board; and, if so, how much, and by whom was it paid?

No, Sir. The gentleman in question, Sir Philip Henriques, was not a civil servant. He received a salary of £500 per annum from His Majesty's Government, the director's fees which he drew from the company being handed over by him, by arrangement, to the Exchequer.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will make a general statement on the working of the roundabout system in London; whether he proposes to recommend its extension to other traffic centres; and, if so, to which?

I can only say that in my view, for which I think I can claim general support, the "roundabout" system, where adopted, has greatly relieved traffic congestion. The practicability of the extension to other congested areas is constantly under consideration, and, as the hon. Member is aware, it is introduced from time to time at fresh places where the conditions are considered to be suitable. This policy will be continued, but the hon. Member will realise that the number of places where this system can be introduced is necessarily limited.

Will the local authorities be given an opportunity to express their views before a further extension of this system is made?

I imagine that the hon. Member is referring to the London area. Local authorities are always consulted before anything is done.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's Department considered the introduction of the roundabout system at the Elephant and Castle, and if so, with what result?

We have considered it, but I am not clear with what result; I think it was adverse.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any information as to whether there has been any diminution in the number of accidents in places where the roundabout system has been introduced?

No, I have no information.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Elephant and Castle is one of the most dangerous spots in South London?

Yes, I am aware of that fact, but perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can submit a statement to the House on the progress of cotton production in Uganda during the past five years; what is the nature of the experimental work now being conducted; and what sums are appropriated for the promotion of increased cotton production?

As the statement is rather long and includes detailed figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it with the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has now received any information from the Governor of Kenya regarding the allocation of the money provided in the Estimates for 1928 for road making on land alienated to non-natives, roads connecting Government stations in native reserves, and roads in native reserves other than those in the first and second category, respectively?

Yes, Sir; but as the statement which I wish to make on the subject is of considerable length, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate the reply to his question in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has issued any Order, or caused any instructions to be issued through his Poor Law inspectors, instructing any boards of guardians in London or elsewhere that in future able- bodied single men and able-bodied men with families must not be granted outdoor relief, but must be dealt with by the issue of Orders for institutional relief?

The administration of relief by guardians of the poor, in London and elsewhere, is governed by the Relief Regulation Order, 1911, and my right hon. Friend has not issued any Order amending that Order. As regards the instructions issued to officers of my Department, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a previous question put by the hon. Member for Stourbridge (Mr. Wellock), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Health in how many casual wards of London the task of stone-breaking is at present being imposed; how many men were subjected to that task during the four weeks ending 25th May; for what period of time a casual may be detained and set to the daily task of stone-breaking; and what is the method adopted for determining which men shall be subjected to the task?

The reply to the first and second parts of the question is none. As regards the third and fourth parts, I would refer the hon. Member to Articles 9 and 11 and the Fifth Schedule of the Casual Poor (Relief) Order, 1925, of which I am sending him a copy.

If I do the same, is the right hon. Gentleman willing to undergo an experimental test to see what it is like? I will do it with him.

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the number and character of ships of the Fleet on which is installed a soda-water fountain; who installed the fountains and what is the price the mineral is retailed at; and whether he will arrange to have such apparatus fitted to all the ships of the Fleet?

Soda fountains are not installed by the Admiralty, but are regarded as part of the Canteen arrangements. The Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes have installed machines in some sixty ships of all classes, and it has been ascertained from that Corporation that the drinks are retailed at an all-round price of 1d. per glass. There are other installations which have not been provided by the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes, but they are comparatively few in number. It is the practice for the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes to provide soda fountains when desired by the ship's company and space permits.

(by Private Notice) asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the terms of the Sacks (Cleaning and Repairing) Welfare Order, 1927, have not been given effect to in Liverpool, where a large number of women are employed under wretched conditions in old warehouses; that several employers are making no attempt to provide overalls, dining room accommodation, etc., for their work-people and will the Home Secretary take the necessary steps to prevent this Order being completely ignored by a section of the employers who refuse to meet Trade Union representatives to discuss the situation.

I cannot agree that the position is as represented in the question. Reports received from the Factory Inspectors show that the whole of the Liverpool works have been visited since the Order came into force —most of them more than once—and any necessary instructions given, and that, as a result, conditions have been improved and the requirements of the Order are now substantially complied with. If, however, the hon. Member has any special cases in mind and will let me have particulars, I shall be glad to make further inquiry.