asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is the intention of the Government to ask for the appointment of a Commission under Article 14 of the Palestine Mandate for an inquiry into the Holy Places, in addition to the inquiry recently agreed to with regard to the Wailing Wall?

In the absence of any indication that it is now possible to reconcile the differences of opinion which arose in 1922 when His Majesty's Government put forward proposals for giving effect to Article 14 of the Palestine Mandate, His Majesty's Government do not propose to reopen the question. So far as concerns the Wailing Wall, His Majesty's Government anticipate that this question will be finally disposed of by the Special Commission recently approved by the Council of the League of Nations.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the number of Jewish and of Arab primary schools in Palestine in the years 1920, 1925, and 1929; and how many of those schools in each class were supported by the Government?

It is not possible to give the precise particulars desired, but the following information may be of assistance. In the school year 1920–21 there were 166 Government (Arab) primary schools. In 1925 and in 1928, the last year for which the statistics are available, primary schools were as below:

—	1925.	1928.
Government (Arab)	305	332
Non-Government:	*	Aided	Others.
Moslem	46	18	58
Jewish	225	236	84
Christian	152	79	155
* Number of schools aided in 1925 not stated.

A recent report stated that in 1929 the Government elementary schools included 49 town schools (which had increased in size and number since 1920) and 263 village schools, all of which had been opened or taken over since 1920.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has now reached a decision upon the proposals in connection with the question of the Boxer indemnity; if so, whether legislation will be required to deal with the matter; and when such legislation will be introduced?

AB I stated on Wednesday last in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Broxtowe (Mr. Cocks), new proposals are now under discussion with the Chinese Government. No conclusion has yet been reached, and I cannot therefore say when the Bill which will be necessary will be introduced.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what has been the cost of the Roads and Communications Department of the Southern Command since 1st July last and any available comparative figures for an earlier period?

I will have figures prepared and send them to the hon. Member when they are ready.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he

Year.		Number discharged.	Number accepted as attributable and awarded pensions.	Number awarded non-attributable gratuities.	Number to whom neither pensions nor gratuities were awarded.
1924	…	174	43	not available	not available.
1925	…	227	26
1926	…	223*	67*	83*	73*
1927	…	165	57	77	31
1928	…	184	58	103	23
* These figures include men discharged for tuberculosis from the Reserve and the Territorial Army.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the fatality which occurred on the night of 6th-7th December, 1929, on the Seaford-Newhaven Road and the risk which is incurred along the said road whenever rough weather and spring tides coincide, and to the fact that the East Sussex County Council have been repeatedly warned of the danger but have taken no effective action; and what action, if any, he proposes to has any statement to make to the House as to the general reduction of land forces in agreement with other European Powers?

No, Sir. I have no special statement to make, but, as the hon. and gallant Member is aware, the establishment of the British Army has been under continuous reduction since the War.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of men who have been granted pensions for pulmonary tuberculosis held to be attributable to the conditions of service during each of the last 10 yearn for which statistics are available; the number of such men who were refused pensions as being non-attributable; and the total number of men in receipt of such pensions at the latest convenient date?

As regards the first and second parts of the question, the subjoined table gives such figures as are available. As regards the last part of the question, I regret that the information could not be obtained without disproportionate labour.take in order to prevent further loss of life and to preserve proper road communication between Seaford and the country west and north thereof?

My attention has been called to the matter. I understand that a meeting is being arranged between the county council and the Sea-ford Urban District Council with a view to the discussion of remedial measures. I have asked to be informed of the result of this meeting, and shall then be in a position to determine what action, if any, is desirable by my Department.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will consider appointing a committee to consider the advisability of constructing a lock above the Pool, so that the River Thames can be maintained at a constant level and traffic could proceed independent of the tide?

I have brought the hon. and gallant Member's question to the notice of the Port of London Authority, but I do not propose to appoint a committee to consider any scheme such as he suggests, of which the effect, in my view, would be rather to impede than to facilitate traffic.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will consider constructing a tunnel from the Mall to Berkeley Square so that north- and south-borne traffic can cross under Piccadilly?

This proposal has been carefully examined on more than one occasion but having regard to the many important considerations involved and to the fact that the execution of the scheme would seriously interfere with the amenities of the Green Park, it is not proposed to proceed further in the matter.

asked the Minister of Transport if any specific instructions are given to local authorities, in planting trees along arterial roads, as to the distance these should be planted from the surface of the road itself so as to reduce to the minimum the risk of danger to traffic caused by such trees being blown down in storms?

Local conditions vary so widely as to render it impracticable to draw up instructions which would be generally applicable, but my technical officers are always available for consultation in specific cases.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider recommending all public authorities to plant fruit trees on all roadsides whenever practicable?

The choice of trees for roadside planting depends upon such widely varying condi- tions of climate, subsoil, altitude, aspect, etc., that I do not think it would be wise to issue a general recommendation of the nature suggested.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the many deaths and inconvenience caused during the recent gales by the falling of trees across highways throughout the country, he will take the necessary steps to see that trees which border public roads and are in a dangerous position are removed?

I have no power to require the removal of trees on or adjoining a public highway.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is proposed under the Traffic Bill that where the district commissioners authorise the running of specific municipal transport services on different routes, these shall be regarded as possessing permanency, or whether the concession will be subject to revision from time to time?

I presume that the hon. Member is referring to Part V of the Bill which has been struck out in another place. I may say, however, that it was the intention of this Part of the Bill that the services which the hon. Member has in mind should be subject to any necessary revision from time to time.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider the desirability of issuing a circular to local authorities urging upon them the necessity for using goods and materials of home production to the utmost extent practicable, in connection with all contracts and works carried out under their supervision, similar to Circular 1060 recently issued by the Minister of Health to all local authorities in England and Wales?

While I propose to call the renewed attention of local authorities to this matter, I would remind the hon. Member that the use of British, materials is already a definite condition of grants to highway authorities made from the Road Fund at percentages above the normal, on the ground that the works to which they apply have been expedited for the relief of unemployment.

asked the Minister of Transport when the construction of a bridge in place of the existing level crossing on the A 30 road at Blackwater, Hampshire, for which a grant was made in the year 1926, is to be put in hand?

The construction of this bridge began last week.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the ferry across the River Severn at Highley, Shropshire, could not be used for five days during recent floods, with the result that about 90 workers at the Highley Colliery, who live on the opposite side of the Severn, were unable to get to their work except by travelling 31 miles by road; and whether, in view of the inconvenience caused to these men, he will give substantial financial assistance to the local authorities concerned in the construction of a bridge across the Severn in this locality?

I am not aware of the temporary stoppage of the ferry service at Highley. I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer I gave to his question of 15th July last, in which I indicated that if the responsible highway authorities are prepared to put forward a suitable scheme and to make an adequate contribution towards its cost, I will consider any application they may make for assistance from the Road Fund.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the inconvenience which is caused by the level crossing of the London, Midland and Scottish Railway at Kirkby-in-Ashfield, and to the fact that on a recent occasion a fire having broken out at Kirkby the local fire brigade was held up for 10 minutes at the level-crossing gates, whereby danger was caused to life and property; and whether he proposes to take action, by the introduction of legislation or otherwise, to abolish these level crossings?

My attention has been called to the incon- venience to the local fire brigade at this level crossing on a recent occasion, and I am in communication with the railway company in regard thereto. I do not think there is any immediate need for legislation, and I am prepared to consider applications for financial assistance towards well-considered schemes for the erection of bridges at level crossings.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consult the Traffic Advisory Committee with a view to arranging for the tramway and omnibus authorities in London adopting the Parisian system, which enables passengers in the order of their arrival at busy stopping places to board tramcars and omnibuses by the use of numbered tickets fixed to lamp standards?

This question was considered some time ago and the conclusion was reached that the system referred to by my hon. Friend was not suitable for London, where the conditions of traffic differ widely from those which obtain in Paris.

asked the Minister of Transport when he expects to be ready with his scheme to deal with London traffic; how much progress has been made in his negotiations with traffic combine and other interests; whether legislation is contemplated; and. if so, when he expects to be in a position to introduce it?

As I have already informed the House, Sir William McLintock has been appointed to advise the Government on the financial aspects of this matter, upon which he is actively engaged. The hon. Member will recall that in announcing the policy of the Government I said that no further statement was to be expected for some time—and that time has not yet arrived.

asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been called to the increasing number of accidents, fatal and otherwise, caused on the roads by motorists descending to attend to their vehicles and being run down by other motorists, especially when the lamps of the broken-down vehicles are at fault; and whether he will investigate these occurrences to see whether he can make any recommendations as to the carrying of alternative lamps for occasions of this nature?

I have noted in the Press occasional reports of such accidents, but the information in my possession does not indicate any appreciable increase in their number. While it may be desirable that drivers of motor vehicles should carry spare lamps to be used in case of emergency, I see no sufficient reason at present for issuing any general recommendation in the matter.

asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been called to the long hours worked by some of the drivers of long-distance motor coaches; and whether, in the interest of public safety, he is proposing to take any steps to deal with the matter?

My attention has been called to this matter, and a clause designed to limit the hours of work of the drivers of motor coaches and of certain other heavy motor vehicles is included in the Road Traffic Bill now before Parliament.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will take steps to approach the London Underground Railway Company to prevent the overcrowding of the trains running from Golders Green to Charing Cross consequent on the number of coaches taken off in the middle of the day?

I will communicate with the railway company with regard to my hon. Friend's complaint, and will let him know the result.

asked the Minister of Transport the present position in relation to the Battersea power station; and whether any further report has been made by the Government chemists?

The Government chemists have not been in a position to furnish any further report, but I understand that a further series of experimental tests has been in progress at the Grove Road Station and a full-sized washing plant has been erected on which tests have been commenced.

asked the Postmaster-General if it is his intention to establish generally in the country the new type of kiosk offering telephone facilities, the purchase of postage stamps, and the postage of letters, such as has been erected at Whitley Bay; and, if not, whether he will consider the desirability of doing so?

A small number of kiosks of the type to which the hon. Member refers are being erected, as an experiment, on selected sites throughout the country. The question of providing further kiosks of this kind will be considered in due course.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of British mail bags (letters and parcels, separately) entrusted to foreign ships at the port of Liverpool during three weeks, 1st January to 28th January, 1930; to what extent, if any, British ships were available for conveyance of those mails; and whether it is the practice to utilise British services when available in preference to those of foreign ships?

No British mails were embarked on foreign ships at Liverpool during the period 1st–28th January mentioned by my hon. Friend. It is the practice to use British services when suitable and available, in preference to foreign.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of mail bag thefts that have occurred in each of the three last calendar years; and what precautions he is taking to prevent these thefts?

I would refer the hon. Member to the detailed reply which I gave to several similar questions on the 28th instant.

asked the Postmaster-General when it is expected that telegraphic communication will be restored between Kirkwall and Westray; and if he will give the dates on which this cable has been interrupted since the War and the dates on which repairs have been effected?

I regret that it is not possible to give even an approximate date for the restoration of cable communication with Westray. There is a heavy programme of repair work on important cables; and in any case repairs are extremely difficult during the winter months in the North of Scotland. Cable communication with Westray has been interrupted on six occasions since the War. The dates of interruption and restoration were as follow:

	Date of Interruption.	Date of Restoration.
1.	16th November, 1919	30th March, 1920.
2.	10th February, 1922	26th June, 1922.
3.	10th December, 1923	28th June, 1924.
4.	25th December, 1924	15th April, 1925.
5.	12th November, 1926	18th March, 1927.
6.	31st December, 1929	Not yet restored.

asked the Postmaster-General the present numbers of established and unestablished employés, respectively, in the manipulative grades of the Post Office; and what is the present average interval elapsing between the date of commencing temporary employment and the date of establishment?

The number of established persons on the indoor and outdoor manipulative grades of the Post Office is approximately 106,700; and the number of full-time unestablished employés, including temporary staff, on these grades is approximately 3,900. There is no provision for advancing purely temporary employés to the establishment. New entrants to the established grades are normally appointed direct, but in some instances they may serve in a temporary unestablished capacity before appointment to the establishment. The circumstances, vary so greatly that it is impossible to state any average duration of such service.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the recent revelations arising from the activities of private companies, he proposes to place any limit upon the financial operations of private companies?

I note the hon. Member's suggestion that a limit should be placed upon the financial operations of private companies, but I should be glad if he will let me have his specific proposals, as I am not clear what he has in mind.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received an estimate for the repair of the damage to the rock on which the Needles lighthouse is situate; and whether he has sanctioned such estimate?

An estimate has been received and sanctioned by the Board of Trade.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will take steps to obtain, by circular or otherwise, a statement of the various systems of taxation in operation in municipalities and other local governing authorities in the Dominions and self-governing Colonies, apart from taxation levied by the Government itself, including octroi or other local imposts on commodities; municipal fees, stamps or licences; taxes according to value of land, buildings, or other immovable property, specifying the basis of assessment (whether on capital or annual value, whether on the immovable as a whole or on the land or site value only, whether at a uniform rate per house or hut, or in what other way graduated); and taxes levied at so much per person (specifying whether the unit is man, or adult, or person of any age or family), respectively?

I will endeavour to ascertain how far the information desired by my hon. Friend is available, and will communicate with him later.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will take steps to obtain, by circular or otherwise, a statement of the various systems of taxation in operation in municipalities and other local governing authorities in the Crown Colonies, Dependencies, Protectorates and Mandated Territories (apart from taxation levied by the Government itself), including octroi or other local imposts on commodities, municipal fees, stamps or licences, taxes according to the value of land, buildings, or other immovable property, specifying the basis of assessment, whether on capital or annual value, whether on the immovable as a whole or on the land or site value only, whether at a uniform rate per house or hut, or in what other way graduated, and taxes levied at so much per person (specifying whether the unit is man, or adult, or person of any age or family), respectively?

Yes, Sir. I will endeavour to collect the information which my hon. Friend suggests.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies the total casualties due to the recent disturbances in Nigeria; and whether it is proposed to conduct an impartial inquiry into the causes and results of these disturbances?

According to the latest information available the casualties are six killed at Abak, four at Utu Etim Ekpo and 38 at Opobo. The Governor appointed a Commission to inquire into the incidents and has now telegraphed to say that he is appointing a new Commission consisting of two African un-officials, two European unofficials and one European official, with the Chief Justice as President, with terms of reference to inquire into the origin and cause and the responsibility for the disturbances and the measures taken to restore order. In the circumstances my Noble Friend proposes to await the Report of this Commission.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, during the recent disturbances in Nigeria, machine guns were used to fire upon the women in Etim Ekpo and Abak; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter?

As I have informed the hon. Member, detailed reports on the occurrences in the villages mentioned have not been received, but at Abak the shots were fired by the police, who are not armed with machine guns, and at Utu Etim Ekpo the number of casualties was four. On receipt of the report of the Commission of Inquiry I shall be in a position to reply further.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the administration of Nigeria is now proceeding to levy heavy fines upon certain villages in Nigeria as penalties for the recent disturbances; and what is the amount being levied upon the villages of the Colony?

No information is yet available as to what action is being taken to levy compensation for the damage inflicted, which is estimated to amount to a considerable sum. From the reports received I am aware that two villages have been required to make deposits, totalling £2,300 in all, against the damage done, but I am not aware that any further fines have been levied.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether the people of Umu Oyoro or Umu Akpara have petitioned the resident of Owerri province, pointing out to him the impossibility of paying the fine inflicted upon this small village; and if he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Apart from the case of Azumini, to which I have referred in another answer, the only information available is that at Okpala the Chiefs and Elders were ordered to make a deposit of £300 against the damage done. There is no information that they have petitioned against the fines, but if they have, I have no doubt that the petition will be given due consideration. While damage done must be made good as far as possible, it-is not the policy of the Colonial Government to engage in retributive punishments. According to the information at present available, the damage done amounts to at least £20,000 in the stores looted, without taking into account other damage in various parts of the disturbed area. The Governor states that he has issued stringent instructions that no vindictive punishments are to be inflicted for damage done to property, or even for assaults on officers, and that the work of pacification and reconstruction is more important than punishment.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that one village in Nigeria has been fined the sum of £2,000, payable within 24 hours, as a penalty for the disturbances which have recently taken place; and whether he will inquire into the matter?

It has been reported that the people of Azumini were required to deposit a sum of £2,000 against the damage done. They paid £1,900 the following morning and the balance within two days. Further despatches from the Governor will probably arrive by an early mail, pending which it seems unnecessary to make special inquiry.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the regulations governing the jurisdiction which may be exercised by the courts in Ashanti?

Judicial procedure in Ashanti is governed by the Administration Ordinance and the Judicature Ordinance of 1920, the latter of which lays down the jurisdiction of the Circuit Judge. In addition to the Superior Court of the Chief Commissioner, whether presided over by the Chief Commissioner himself, or by the Circuit Judge, there are minor Courts, held before the District Commissioners, and there are Native Courts which deal with matters arising in connection with native law and custom. Various Ordinances governing the Courts will be found in the Laws of Ashanti, a consolidated edition of which has recently been published as a supplement to the Laws of the Gold Coast Colony. In addition to these Courts, provision has recently been made by Order in Council for the establishment of a West African Court of Appeal which will deal with appeals both in civil and criminal matters from the Courts in Ashanti.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if it is the intention of the Secretary of State to request the Government of Hong Kong to take action in that Colony on the lines of the recommendations of the two committees which reported respectively in August, 1925, and March, 1929 (Cmd. 2501 and Cmd. 3294) on the subjects of brothel-keeping, procuration, and the protection of women and girls in the Straits Settlements and the Federated Malay States?

The Committees to which the Noble Lady refers had before them certain legislation or draft legislation which referred only to Malaya, and the Secretary of State's predecessor did not request the Government of Hong Kong to take any action upon them. The circumstances of Hong Kong are not the same as those of Malaya, and in my Noble Friend's opinion any problems arising in Hong Kong would best be considered in relation to its own conditions.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has any information as to what action, if any, has been taken by the Government of the Straits Settlements and the Federated Malay States to put into operation the recommendations made in March, 1929, by the committee appointed by his predecessor to examine and report on certain new ordinances and enactments relating to brothel-keeping and the protection of women and girls?

I would refer the Noble Lady to my predecessor's reply to the right hon. Member for Stafford (Mr. Ormsby-Gore) on 6th November last. I may add that I have asked the Governor and High Commissioner to furnish me in due course with his detailed observations and proposals on the several recommendations of the committee.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number or officers and men, all ranks, in the Royal Air Force in July, 1929?

The answer is 30,670.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of military aeroplanes and airships possessed in July, 1929, by Great Britain, the United States of America, Japan, France, and Italy, respectively?

As regards Great Britain, the first-line strength of the Royal Air Force at the date named was approximately 770 aircraft. There were no airships in commission; the two at present under trial are primarily intended for civil aviation. As regards the United States of America and the other countries named, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Gillingham (Sir R. Gower) on 23rd December, and to the statistics published in the Armaments Year Book of the League of Nations, 1929.

Airmen Invalided for Pulmonary Tuberculosis.
Calendar Year.						Pensions Granted.		Pensions refused (non-attributable cases).
						Great War cases.	Post-War cases.
1922	…	…	…	…	…	20	5	9
1923	…	…	…	…	…	8	3	32
1924	…	…	…	…	…	3	4	31
1925	…	…	…	…	…	1	3	23
1926	…	…	…	…	…	1	5	16
1927	…	…	…	…	…	—	4	16
1928	…	…	…	…	…	—	5	13
1929	…	…	…	…	…	1	10	15

As regards the last part of the question, the number of airmen actually in receipt of pensions for pulmonary tuberculosis attributable to post-War service on 31st December, 1929, was 24. I have no information regarding the number of Great War cases still in receipt of pension.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of private owners of aeroplanes in Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and the United States of America, respectively, at the last convenient date?

Apart from aircraft owned by Imperial Airways, Limited, National Flying Services, Limited, the

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of men who have been granted pensions for pulmonary tuberculosis held to be attributable to the conditions of service during each of the last 10 years for which statistics are available; the number of men who were refused pensions as being non-attributable; and the total number of men in receipt of such pensions at the latest convenient date?

As regards the first two parts of the question, the following is the information required in respect of the years 1922 to 1929, no post-War cases of pulmonary tuberculosis having arisen before the former year and War cases of prior date having been submitted direct to the Ministry of Pensions:light aeroplane clubs (subsidised and un-eubsidised), flying schools, joy-riding and other profit-earning undertakings, there were 214 aircraft owned by 196 private owners on the register in this country on 31st December, 1929. An approximate estimate of the number of privately-owned aircraft on the same date in the United States of America was 540; in France, 70; in Germany, 100; and in Italy, 25.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will publish a Return giving as regards the fleets of Spain, Greece and Turkey the same particulars as those given in Cmd. 3464 regarding the fleets of certain other Powers?

A Return of this nature requires considerable time to prepare and print; it will, therefore, not be possible to arrange for the publication requested in the near future. Information on the subject can be obtained from "Jane's Fighting Ships" if wanted in connection with the Conference.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if it is the intention of the Admiralty to cancel the vote for the reconditioning of the "Effingham" class cruisers; and, if so, what effect this decision will have on dockyard employment?

His Majesty's Ship "Hawkins" has completed her large repairs at Chatham. None of the three remaining vessels of the class is due for reconditioning at present.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will give particulars of the 1929 naval shipbuilding programme, as approved by Parliament, setting out the dockyards and private firms, respectively, in which these vessels were to be constructed and showing which of them have been abandoned?

The new programme of 1929 as approved by Parliament is set out in the current Navy Estimates and consists of:

3	Cruisers (of which one was to have been armed with 8 in. guns).
1	Flotilla Leader.
8	Destroyers.
6	Submarines.
1	Netlayer and Target Towing Vessel.
6	Sloops.

Of these ships, two cruisers, two submarines, the netlayer and two sloops were to be built in His Majesty's dockyards, and the remainder by contract. Orders for two of the sloops have already been placed with Devonport and Chatham Dockyards respectively. The following

vessels have been deleted from the programme:

2	Cruisers (including the 8 in. gun ship).
4	Destroyers.
1	Netlayer and Target Towing Vessel.
2	Sloops.
3	Submarines.

A decision as to proceeding with the remaining three submarines will be taken after the London Naval Conference has been concluded.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will investigate the circumstances attending the stoppage of pension to Mrs. E. Rayner, of 43, Sal-way Road, Stratford, E., Reference No. 44 C (3) P.W.W. 268; and whether, as the husband has only the old age pension to live upon and the couple have to look to the guardians for help, he will grant a pension in respect of the loss of both the sons, who died as the result of War service?

Payment of the pension of 9s. a week awarded to Mrs. Rayner, in respect of the death of her son, the late Thomas C. Rayner, A.B., was discontinued in May last in view of the amount of her income. She has recently intimated that her income has decreased and if, as the result of a reinvestigation of her circumstances, which is already proceeding, she is found to be again eligible for the original award, the pension will be restored. Any application she may wish to make in respect of her other son, who, it is understood, died in March last whilst serving in the Army, should be addressed to the War Office.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of officers and men at present required to man the cruisers of the Royal Navy; and what would be the number required if the cruiser force consisted only of 50 10,000-ton vessels of the present type?

The second part of this question is purely hypothetical, and bears no relation to facts. There is no intention of building so large a number of 10,000-ton cruisers and the answer would be more misleading than useful.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of officers and men, all ranks, in the navies of Great Britain, the United States of America, Japan, France, and Italy in July, 1924, and in July, 1929?

As regards Great Britain, the actual numbers borne were:

July, 1924	…	…	…	98,818
July, 1929	…	…	…	99,268

Figures of personnel for July, 1924, and July, 1929, for foreign Powers are not available, but the numbers voted for 1924–1925 and 1929–1930 are as follow:

	1924–25.	1929–30.
United States of America	116,579	114,500
Japan	72,831	85,000
France	59,246	62,000
Italy	45,000	46,000

The figures are not strictly comparable, one of the principal points of divergence being that the figures for the United States include a complete Naval Air Service, constructor officers and civil engineers: in addition United States auxiliary craft are manned by active service ratings.

asked the Minister of Health the total number of blind persons in Great Britain, and the number who are estimated as being unemployable?

The total number of blind persons registered in England and Wales on 31st March last was 52,727, of whom 37,563 were classified as unemployable. Any question with regard to Scotland should be addresed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Med-way Board of Guardians has passed a resolution urging His Majesty's Government to initiate legislation amending Part I of the Children Act, 1908, to the effect that it shall be made compulsory upon intending foster parents to apply to the local authority concerned for the registration of their premises for the reception of nurse infants before the reception actually takes place; and whether he proposes to introduce such amending legislation and, if so, when?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. This suggestion will receive consideration in connection with any legislation for the amendment of the Children Act, 1908, but I cannot give any date for the introduction of such legislation.

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons in receipt of Poor Law relief in England and Wales at the last convenient date in 1929?

The following statement shows the number of persons in receipt of Poor Law relief in England and Wales on Saturday, 28th December, 1929.

Number of persons in receipt of		Total.
Institutional Relief (excluding lunatics in county and borough asylums and casuals).	Domiciliary Relief (excluding persons in receipt of domiciliary medical relief only).
220,467	845,120	1,065,587

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the desirability of prohibiting young children from attending boxing matches?

I should be surprised to learn that young children attend professional fights. If my hon. Friend will furnish me with any information in his possession, I will consider the matter.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the number of accidents from air-guns amongst small children, he will consider the desirability of limiting their use to the holders of a duly issued licence?

If the mischiefs to which the Firearms Act, 1920, was directed by Parliament were found to arise as regards air-guns, power already exists to impose the requirement of a fire-arm certificate, but those mischiefs do not arise and I do not think sufficient ground exists for proposing legislation to set up a licensing system with other objects in view.

asked the Home Secretary what information he has with reference to the adoption of suggestion schemes in factories throughout the country?

I take it the hon. Member refers to schemes for obtaining from the workers employed in factories suggestions with regard to such matters as safety, health and welfare arrangements. I know that a number of progressive

Date.			Men.	Boys.	Women.	Girls.	Total.
1929.			Pontefract.
17th June	…	…	1,341	42	78	55	1,516
15th July	…	…	1,691	61	116	21	1,889
12th August	…	…	1,351	45	70	46	1,512
16th September	…	…	1,248	46	63	70	1,427
14th October	…	…	1,299	40	81	39	1,459
11th November	…	…	1,442	46	69	55	1,612
16th December	…	…	1,477	42	99	49	1,667
			Castleford.
17th June	…	…	3,428	159	104	45	3,736
15th July	…	…	2,746	100	131	35	3,012
12th August	…	…	2,570	106	103	48	2,827
16th September	…	…	2,438	111	160	62	2,771
14th October	…	…	2,388	97	180	56	2,721
11th November	…	…	2,584	80	172	65	2,901
16th December	…	…	2,594	64	141	24	2,823
			Goole.
17th June	…	…	404	48	90	134	676
15th July	…	…	383	32	90	91	596
12th August	…	…	281	37	78	65	461
16th September	…	…	364	36	92	73	565
14th October	…	…	325	20	70	52	467
11th November	…	…	418	34	78	70	600
16th December	…	…	477	26	73	96	672

asked the Lord Privy Seal the nature of the invitation from the British Government on which a delegation

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men, women, boys and girls registered as out of work at the Pontefract, Castleford and Goole Employment Exchanges for each month from June to December, 1929, inclusive?

The following table shows the numbers of persons on the registers of the Employment Exchanges mentioned at about the middle of each month of the period June to December, 1929, inclusive:from the Canadian Wheat Pool is visiting this country, and the intended scope of the discussion?

While in Canada I met the representatives of the Wheat Pool and discussed with them the possibility of greater regularity in wheat shipments which might result, among other things, in a freer movement of tonnage between the St. Lawrence Basin and the United Kingdom, and so facilitate coal shipments from this country. I invited them to continue these discussions when they came to Europe on their own business.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster the number of justices of the peace appointed in Lancashire since June, 1929 and how many of those appointed were Labour men and women?

The number of justices of the peace appointed in Lancashire since June, 1929, is 49. Persons appointed to the bench are not asked to state their private political opinions, but, at the same time, advisory committees are requested to ensure, when making confidential reports and recommendations to me, that, to the best of their belief, different shades of opinion are adequately represented on the various benches in accordance with the Report of the Royal Commission upon the Selection of Justices, to which I have recently drawn their attention.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the depressed condition of agriculture and the need of assistance being made available to farmers who have bought their farms, he can take steps to expedite the operation of the Agricultural Credits Act, 1929?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of yesterday to the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Sir R. Hamilton).

asked the Minister of Agriculture what action the Government is taking to encourage re- search into the causes of swine fever, in view of the large increase in the number of outbreaks of this disease in 1929?

I am now considering a scheme for the development of research into animal diseases generally, and propose to include swine fever in the expanded programme of work. A certain amount of research on the subject has already been conducted at the Ministry's laboratory at Weybridge.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of horses that were exported during the 12 months ended to the last convenient date to destinations in Europe; particulars of the number that were intended for immediate slaughter on arrival; and any information that will show the eventual destination of these horses?

The number of horses exported to destinations in Europe during the 12 months ended 31st December, 1929, is 9,912. Of these, 1,447 were exported to Belgium, 5,777 to Holland, 2,303 to France, 201 to Germany, 167 to Denmark and 17 to Sweden. The approximate number of horses that were intended for immediate slaughter on arrival is, according to information obtained as the result of enquiries by the Inspectors of the Ministry, 4,371. Of these 4,342 were shipped to Holland and 29 to France. I have no information as to the eventual destination of the remainder of the horses exported.

asked the President of the Board of Education what was the total number of increased admissions of men expected to take the two years' course in the teachers' training colleges for the years 1929, 1930 and 1931?

484 additional men were admitted as recognised students to the two-year courses in training colleges in the year 1929. It is not yet possible to give the numbers who will be admitted in 1930 and 1931.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the Portsmouth Education Authority are considering the reorganisation of schools under the Hadow Report and the provision of accommodation to meet the legislation extending the school age, and desire to purchase the disused Colewort Barracks; and will he consider offering an alternative site in the locality or any proposal to help to solve the problem?

A letter has just been received from the Portsmouth education authorities on this subject. Colewort Barracks are at present occupied, but I am having the question fully examined, and a communication will be sent to the education authorities as soon as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Education the estimated number of children aged three to 15 years on the registers of public elementary schools in England and Wales at 31st March, 1930, to 1939?

The estimated numbers of children between the ages of five and 15 on the registers of public elementary schools at 31st March in the years 1930 to 1939 are as follow:

On 31st March, 1930	…	5,353,000
On 31st March, 1931	…	5,342,000
On 31st March, 1932	…	5,771,000
On 31st March, 1933	…	5,769,000
On 31st March, 1934	…	5,772,000
On 31st March, 1935	…	5,662,000
On 31st March, 1936	…	5,487,000
On 31st March, 1937	…	5,335,000
On 31st March, 1938	…	5,241,000
On 31st March, 1939	…	5,170,000

As attendance between the ages of three and five is not compulsory, it would be difficult to form any reliable estimate of the numbers of children between these ages who will be in attendance at the schools.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of civil servants who pleaded conscientious objections in the War; the number of those who accepted alternative work of national importance and the number who declined to accept such work; the number of those who were dismissed; and the number of those who were subsequently reinstated, with the dates of their reinstatement,?

The answer to the first part of the question is 300 approximately; to the fourth part between 40 and 50. I regret that no information is available which would enable me to supply the information asked in the second and third parts of the question. As regards the last part of the question, the number subsequently reinstated was about 230. These reinstatements took effect in general from 1st April, 1920.

asked the Minister of Transport whether Sir Henry Maybury is still a technical adviser of the Ministry; and, if so, what are his conditions of service?

Sir Henry Maybury still retains the appointment of Consulting Engineer and Adviser to the Ministry on road questions. The terms of this appointment were fully set out in the answer to the question asked by the hon. Member for Mile End (Mr. Scurr) on 4th February, 1929, of which I am sending a copy to the hon. Member.