asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the Insurance Commissioners, whether any consumptive insured persons recommended for treatment in a residential institution have refused to go to such institution; and, if so, what, if any, action is taken in such cases?

My right hon. Friend is informed that in some few cases tuberculous insured persons recommended for residential treatment have declined to avail themselves of the form of treatment recommended. In most of the cases which have come to my right hon. Friend's notice other forms of treatment have been afforded, where suitable.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if an employed contributor under the National Insurance Act ceases to be employed and, in order to provide for himself and his family, engages in some business on his own account, from which he may derive a smaller income than when he was employed, he is entitled to full benefits as an employd contributor in respect of contributions previously paid by him in that capacity?

An employed contributor who ceases definitely to be employed by reason of engaging in some business on his own account has the option of continuing in insurance as a voluntary contributor. If he does not exercise this option he becomes suspended from insurance and ceases to be entitled to benefit. If, however, he subsequently again becomes employed his previous contributions will be taken into account in determining the benefits to which he is then entitled.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury why the Order in Council gives permission to the Civil Service Commissioners to give a second division clerk who has not passed a satisfactory probation in one office a chance in another office, but does not extend this privilege to assistant clerks; and will he take steps to have the order amended so that there may be no relative disadvantage in this respect?

Second division clerks, unlike assistant clerks, are certificated to their class, and not to a particular Department. I am not prepared to recommend an extension to other classes of the privilege to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the estate of Mr. A. Percival, situated in the union of Tubbercurry, county Sligo, has yet been purchased by the Congested Districts Board; and, if so, whether the game rights have been reserved to the tenants?

The Congested Districts Board inform me that the agreement for the purchase of the Percival estate has practically been concluded, the owner retaining for his own life only the sporting rights.

asked the Chief Secretary why the vesting orders have not been issued on the estate of Mrs. Ryan and Mrs. Walsh at Ballyculleen, Banogue, Croom, county Limerick; when were the agreements lodged; and how soon will the purchase money be advanced?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that this estate is not yet in priority for payment on the principal register of direct sales (all cash). The purchase agreements were lodged in 1907. The Commissioners are not at present in a position to reply to the concluding part of the question.

asked what is the cause of delay in having the vesting orders issued on the estate of the Earl of Kenmare at Hospital, Killiely, and Knockaney, county Limerick; when were agreements lodged; and will the purchase money be advanced in April?

If the hon. Member refers to the estate of the Earl of Kenmare, county Limerick, which is the subject of a sale direct by the owner to the tenants under the Irish Land Act, 1903, the purchase agreements were lodged with the Estates Commissioners in October, 1908. The estate will be dealt with in order of priority on the principal register of direct sales (all cash), but, having regard to the position of the estate on the register, and to the prior claims of other estates, the Commissioners are unable at present to say when the estate may be reached. The reply to the concluding portion of the question is in the negative.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland when the Estates Commissioners will take over the Keogh estate, situate in Geevagh, union of Sligo (Boyle, No. 2), with all the grass lands thereon; whether all the estates in the neighbourhood of this one have been purchased by the tenants through the Estates Commissioners, although this one in order of priority should have been settled long ago; and, if so, whether, seeing that most of the tenants occupy uneconomic holdings and hold under the rundale system, steps will be taken to have the purchase of this estate perfected without delay?

The hon. Member presumbaly refers to the estate of George Keogh, deceased, Sligo, which is the subject of direct sale proceedings by the owner to the tenants under the Irish Land Act, 1903, and purchase agreements signed by the parties were lodged in the Land Commission in October, 1908. The Commissioners cannot identify the other estates from the particulars given in the question. The Keogh estate has not yet been reached in order of priority on the principal register of direct sales (all cash) to be dealt with by the Commissioners, and, having regard to the prior claims of other estates, they are not in a position to say when it will be reached. The Commissioners have no power to deal with this estate out of its order, but when reached it will be dealt with as rapidly as practicable.

asked when the Estates Commissioners or the Congested Districts Board will take over or purchase the Knowles estate, situate in the parish of Geevagh, union of Sligo (Boyle No. 2); whether this estate has been inspected in its order of priority; and, if not, whether, seeing that it is a congested estate with a number of uneconomic holdings and the old rundale system still prevailing, steps will be taken to have the sale perfected as soon as possible?

If the hon. Member refers to the estate of F. H. S. Knowles, county Sligo, it is the subject of direct sale proceedings by the owner to the tenants under the Irish Land Act, 1903, and purchase agreements at prices agreed on between the parties were lodged with the Estates Commissioners in October, 1908. The Commissioners have no power to deal with this estate out of its order of priority, but when reached it will be dealt with as rapidly as practicable.

asked the Chief Secretary what is the amount deducted from the local taxation grant given to the Kerry County Council for the year 1913–14 in respect of the Tralee and Dingle Railway; when it is proposed to refund this with the £1,597 kept back in the three years 1911, 1912, and 1913 in respect of this railway; whether, seeing the loss on running this line and that the expense has to be borne by poor people living in a congested district, he will take steps to have this amount refunded them at once?

The amount of the abatement from the sum payable to the county council of Kerry for the year 1913–14 in respect of the Tralee and Dingle Railway is £171 18s. 5d. The hon. Member is under a misapprehension as regards the deductions in respect of this line for the three previous years; the total sum deducted during those years being £447 1s. 8d., and not £1,597 as stated. These abatements were made in pursuance of Statute, and there is no power to refund them to the county council.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he is aware that the restrictions on potato growing in the Mourne district, county Down, are likely to be productive of hardships and even of ruin to the small holders, who constitute nine-tenths of the whole; that many of them, as a result of the restrictions, will be unable to pay to the Land Commission their instalments on the purchase of their holdings; and whether he will immediately consider which of the Regulations can be relaxed and which can be abrogated?

The Department are fully aware of the conditions obtaining in the Mourne district. In view of the very great importance of the matter, not only to potato growers in that district, but to the industry as a whole in Ireland, the Department do not feel that they would be justified in abrogating any of the existing restrictions; but, to meet any special cases of hardship, they are considering whether, in portions of the district distant from where disease was found, permission may, in special circumstances, be given to plant potatoes this season on lands which have already been prepared for the purpose, although potatoes have previously been grown thereon within the last five years.

asked the Chief Secretary what is the total amount deducted from the Local Taxation Account for county Kerry for the years 1911, 1912, 1913, 1914 under each of the following heads: medical and educational expenditure in unions, salaries paid to sanitary officers in rural and urban districts, Estate Duty Grants in respect of land purchase liability, and railway and harbour charges under Section 58 of the Local Government Act, 1898; and what steps does he propose to take to recoup the county for these losses?

The following statement shows for the year ending 31st March, 1914, the abatements made under Section 58 (5) of the Local Government (Ireland) Act, 1898, from the sums payable to, or on behalf of, local bodies in county Kerry in respect of medical and educational expenditure in unions, and salaries paid to sanitary officers in rural and urban districts, also the amounts added, in respect of land purchase operations, to the shares of local bodies in the county in the Estate or Death Duty Grant:—

The amount of the abatement from the sum payable to the County Council of Kerry in 1913–14 in respect of Railway and Harbour Charges was £422 10s. 6d.

asked why the application of Michael Keating, the infirmary, Croom, county Limerick, for a pension was rejected by the Local Government Board; and whether a statement was signed by four respectable persons in Ballingarry, to the effect that this man was beyond the age limit; and, if so, will the Board reconsider their decision?

The application of Michael Keating, the infirmary, Croom, was disallowed by the Local Government Board on appeal on the ground that the claimant failed to show that he had complied with the statutory conditions as to residence. He was also in receipt of Poor Law relief, and there was no satisfactory evidence that he intended to leave the workhouse.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he can state the number of persons in Scotland who were in receipt of old age pensions on the 1st January, 1909, and on the Fridays immediately preceding the 1st January, 1910; 1st January, 1911; 1st January, 1912; 1st January, 1913; and 1st January, 1914?

The number of persons in Scotland who were in receipt of

old age pensions on the Friday preceding 1st January, 1913 and 1914, was 96,771 and

97,702, respectively. For the figures for earlier years I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given him on the 7th August, 1912.

asked the Chief Secretary the amount of compensation for alleged malicious injuries paid by the public in Westmeath during the last five years; whether in any of the cases a jury was empanelled to try as questions of fact the maliciousness and the value of the property destroyed; whether the police authorities supported the allegation of malice in any of the cases; if they did, why no person was charged; what is the number of cases, and the gross amount awarded in them, in which no evidence of value was given by those paid for defending the ratepayers against bogus claims; whether the attention of the Lord Chancellor of Ireland and of the auditor for the Local Government Board has been directed to these cases in which compensation has been awarded without any evidence of value except that of the claimants; and what action those officials propose to take with reference thereto?

During the past five years the amount of compensation paid for malicious injuries in county Westmeath was £2,069. In no case was a jury empanelled to try as questions of fact the maliciousness and the value of the property destroyed. The claims were decided, and the sums awarded by the County Court judge. There were appeals in eleven cases, in all of which the decisions of the County Court judge was confirmed by the judge of Assize. In forty-six cases the police authorities supported the allegation of malice, and in fifteen of these cases 118 persons were charged. The county council opposed the claims in every case. The Lord Chancellor has no jurisdiction in this matter, and the auditors of the Local Government Board have no power to question any payments made by a county council upon a decree of the Courts in the case of malicious injuries.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what number of battleships and battle cruisers, on the basis of the present shipbuilding programmes of this country and of Germany, will be required to be in commission in 1916 to maintain the Admiralty standard of three keels to two in Home waters; and what number of such vessels will then be available for service in the Mediterranean and on other foreign stations?

I propose to deal with the general question of relative strength in my speech on the Navy Estimates this afternoon.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is his intention to continue indefinitely to keep the Reports of the Royal Commission on Oil secret?

The following is a Memorandum from the Chairman of the Royal Commission on Fuel and Engines to the First Lord of the Admiralty:—

"Towards the end of the past Session, and especially after your speech on the Navy Estimates, persistent efforts were made by certain Members to obtain particulars of the proceedings and recommendations of the Royal Commission on Fuel and Engines."

These efforts were properly resisted, for the most important part of the evidence taken by the Commission was given upon the distinct understanding that it was to be regarded as strictly confidential. Moreover, it would clearly be inexpedient to make known to the world the precise views of the Commissioners as set forth in their interim Reports.

The policy of secrecy, however, has the drawback that it is liable to create the impression that the procedure of the Admiralty in respect of oil fuel is not in harmony with, or, at any rate, is not fully supported by, the results of the Commissioners' investigations, and the House of Commons may not unreasonably ask for some further assurance on this point than it has yet obtained.

In these circumstances, and having regard to the probability that the action referred to will be renewed next Session, I have obtained the authority of my colleagues to write you this Memorandum, in order that the following summary of the unanimous views of the Commissioners may be available for such use as you think fit to make of it:—

1. The advantages to be derived from the use of oil fuel, and the imperative necessity for such use if the Fleet is to be maintained in a condition of highest attainable efficiency, are conclusively established by the Commission's first interim Report.

2. The Commissioners are of opinion that the oil resources of the world are amply adequate to meet the requirements of the Fleet, if suitable measures are taken to secure supplies.

3. Large reserves should be accumulated in this country, and at certain other storage centres on British territory. The extent of these reserves should bear a prescribed relation to the consumption under peace requirements, as this will give a definite basis.

(Signed) FISHER, Admiral of the Fleet.

Chairman of the Royal Commission on Fuel and Engines."

December, 1913.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty when the petition presented by the yard-craft men at Portland Island will be answered?

The question of the conditions of employment in yard craft has been considered by a Committee appointed by the Board of Admiralty. The Report of this Committee has been received and is under consideration. The whole of the employés in yard craft are concerned, and many departments have to be taken into account. The men employed at Portland are affected amongst others.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of Private H. Woodhouse, No. 9991, 2nd Royal Sussex Regiment, who in September of last year contracted pleurisy while on duty and was discharged as unfit on 6th December; and whether, in view of the fact that Private Woodhouse is now an invalid and unfit for hard work, he can claim any gratuity or other recompense for loss of health while serving with the Forces of the Crown?

Private Woodhouse was admitted to hospital for bronchitis. The invaliding medical officer stated that his military service, which was one year 159 days only, had no part in the production of his disability. In the circumstances I regret that he is not entitled to any award of pension from Army funds.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Army in the Colonies and India are at such strength as to represent full mobilisation?

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the full statements I made on this point in Debate on the 10th and 11th instant.

asked the Secretary for War how many bayonets were manufactured for the Army in each month of the year 1913, and in January and February, 1914?

The monthly output of bayonets for the Army from 1st January, 1913, to 28th February, 1914, was as follows:—January, 2,393; February, 2,988; March, 2,124; April, 2,220; May, 2,585; June, 1,644; July, 2,432; August, 1,874; September, 2,517; October, 2,750; November, 2,549; December, 2,796. January, 1914, 2,808; February, 1914, 3,047—total, 34,727.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what quantity of opium is imported annually into this country; are any returns made of its distribution for medicinal as distinct from other uses; and what wholesale quantities are disposed of to others than chemists or manufacturers?

My right hon. Friend has asked mo to deal with this question. In the last five years the annual imports of opium have averaged 528,000 lbs., and the exports (including a small quantity dried and powdered in the United Kingdom) 235,000 lbs., leaving a net quantity of 293,000 lbs. A large proportion of this is used in the manufacture of morphia and morphia salts for export, but there are no available statistics as to the quantity actually retained for consumption in the United Kingdom, nor as to the purposes for which, or to the persons to whom, it is distributed.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that timetables are laid down for the principal routes of the motor omnibuses running in the London streets; whether he is aware that it is difficult or impossible for the drivers of these vehicles to keep the time provided by these tables without driving in the streets to the danger of the public; and whether, in view of that danger, he will take steps to ensure that all such time-tables shall be submitted to and approved by the police or some other public body before motor omnibuses using such time-tables are licensed by the police?

Yes, Sir. The Select Committee on Motor Traffic made careful inquiry into this question, and found that these time-tables are often closely drawn, and that this is a factor which tends to induce the driver to take risks. The omnibus companies could not be compelled to submit their time-tables for approval by the police or some other public body, but I will take steps to inquire whether the companies would be willing so to submit them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is the practice to change members of the staff of criminal lunatic asylums from one asylum to another?

Rampton asylum, which is the only criminal lunatic asylum besides Broadmoor, was only established last year. It was staffed from Broadmoor in the first instance, and it is anticipated that, as occasion requires, there will be an interchange of attendants between the two asylums.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries have received from the Treasury an application by the Conway Corporation for a grant of £1,000 from the Development Fund in aid of mussel purification; whether the Board have reported on the same for the information of the Development Commissioners; and, if so, what is the nature of such Report?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Board have reported on the application but they have been further consulted by the Commissioners on certain financial questions which arise in connection with the proposal, and they are also in consultation with the Conway Corporation with regard to the details of a scheme of purification which the Commissioners desire to have before them. Before these details can be settled some further scientific investigations are required for which arrangements are now in progress.

asked the Secretary for Scotland the number and sex-distribution of able-bodied paupers in Scotland on the 31st December, 1911, 1912, and 1913; and if he can give the number of those under 16 and over 65?

An able-bodied person is not entitled to poor relief under the Scottish Poor Law, but the numbers of paupers of all classes on the dates which most closely correspond to those mentioned by the hon. Member, and for which figures are available, are as follows:

The figures for 15th January, 1914, are not yet available. No statistics are available as to the number of paupers under sixteen years of age. the numbers of sane papers of sixty-five years and up- wards can only be givn as on the 15th May in each year, and, excluding dependants, are as follows:—

asked what is now being done to provide small landholders in Scotland with agricultural education?

Extension lectures and demonstrations are being carried out by the agricultural colleges for the benefit of farmers and small landholders, and there are five demonstration crofts in the Congested Districts and a demonstration poultry station in Rossshire. The Board have also under consideration the preparation of a further scheme of instruction, specially designed for small landowners.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why Sir Lionel Carden, the British Minister to Mexico, has been summoned to England; whether it is intended that he shall return to his post; and whether his absence from Mexico at the present moment is the result of any representation made to the British Government by the Government of any foreign Power, and, if so, which Power?

It would perhaps be desirable that I should endeavour to remove some misapprehension about Sir Lionel Carden's appointment and movements. After thirty-six years' valuable service, I desired to recommend him for one of the highest posts in South America when there was a vacancy, but, as there was a crisis in Mexico, I asked him last July to go there. Sir L. Carden reluctantly, in deference to this request, consented, but stated that for private reasons he could not stay in Mexico for more than a year. The crisis in Mexico having apparently become chronic and various complications having arisen, I requested Sir Lionel Carden last month to come home to discuss the situation, and he will return shortly to his post. Neither Sir L. Carden's appointment to Mexico nor the condition upon which he entered upon it nor his present visit to England are in any way due to the representations of any foreign Power.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether any councils of counties or county boroughs neither own nor are now building their own sanatoria; and, if so, whether he will give their names?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As I explained in my answer of the 19th February to the hon. Member for North Dorset, councils are empowered to provide the necessary sanatorium accommodation for their areas in various ways other than themselves building sanatoria, and in many cases are doing so. The councils of the following counties and county boroughs have not yet provided sanatorium accommodation, and are not building sanatoria at the present time:—

Of the others named in the list, seven county councils and seven county borough councils have submitted proposals for the provision of sanatorium beds, three county councils and five county borough councils are at present arranging for the provision of beds at or in connection with existing institutions, and six county councils and five county borough councils have purchased or propose to purchase sites for the erection of new buildings.

asked what was the number, according to the Census figures of 1901 and 1911, respectively, of persons of independent means not employed or engaged in any business, profession, or paid occupation?

The number of persons classified at the 1901 Census under the heading "Living on own means" were 93,381 males and 361,996 females. At the 1911 Census the heading of "Private means" was substituted, and under this heading there were 53,432 males, and 295,712 females. In addition to the above, the following numbers were classified as "Pensioners or retired," namely:—In 1901, 287,742 males and 82,777 females; in 1911, 422,213 males and 87,894 females. I am afraid, however, that these figures cannot be usefully employed for purposes of comparison.

asked the President of the Local Government Board the number of births, vaccinations, and exemptions from vaccination in the unions of Halifax and Dewsbury during the years 1907, 1908, 1909, 1910, 1911, and 1912, respectively?

The particulars asked for are as follows:—

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in the event of the Sale of Food and Drugs Bill of last Session being introduced this Session in a modified form, due regard will be paid to the suggestion of the Manufacturing Confectioners' Alliance that if Bills were passed dealing specifically with those articles the adulteration of which is responsible for the Bill as drafted, the opposition now so generally aroused would be disarmed?

I will note the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any ordinance was at any time issued defining the latitudes between which Asiatics were to be employed under Lascar agreements on British foreign-going ships; whether any alteration of such ordinance has been made during the past ten years; if so, upon what authority; and whether such ordinance applied to Chinese engaged under European agreements?

Under the provisions of the Indian Merchant Shipping Act of 1883 and Section 125 of the British Merchant Shipping Act of 1894 the Government of India prescribe the form and contents of Lascar agreements entered into in British India. Since 1886 the agreement has provided that Lascars shall not, save under special agreements, voluntarily undertaken, be bound to serve on voyages round Cape Horn, and that they shall not serve between the 1st October and the 31st March in the Baltic or above 38 deg. North latitude on the East coast of America. In 1902 permission was given for their employment, on special voluntary agreements and subject to certain conditions, in the engine or steward's departments, between 38 deg. and 43 deg. North latitude on the East coast of America; and in 1910 it was provided that they should not be bound to serve, save on such special agreements, on voyages through the Straits of Magellan. None of these provisions apply to Chinese engaged on European articles.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why the late caretaker of the Labour Exchange at Gloucester was summarily dismissed last week; if he is aware that this man is unable to get work in the ordinary labour market on account of infirmity resulting from an accident in State employment; and will he consider the reinstatement of this man if, on an inquiry into the circumstances of his dismissal, he finds that he was discharged for no other reason than that he was away from work one day on account of illness?

I have made inquiries into the case referred to by my hon. Friend. The proximate cause of the dismissal of the cleaner in question was his failing to attend at the Labour Exchange, Gloucester, to perform his duties on the 4th March, 1914, but during the six and a half months of his engagement as cleaner he had received several warnings that his conduct was not satisfactory. I understand that he is in receipt of a pension in respect of the injuries referred to by my hon. Friend. I am considering whether there is any ground for making any payment to the cleaner in lieu of notice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the value of the produce and manufactures of the United Kingdom consigned to the United States, France, Germany, Holland, and Belgium, respectively, in 1913; the percentage of wholly or mainly manufactured goods in each case; and the same information as regards goods exported to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa in the year 1913?

The value of the exports of the United Kingdom produce and manufactures consigned from this country during 1913 to the countries specified was as follows:—

The above figures are preliminary and subject to rectification on final examination of the Returns. Information as to the value of the articles wholly or mainly manufactured, which are included in the above totals, will not be available until early in May.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of Asiatics and Chinese employed on British foreign-going ships under Lascar agreements in the year 1880?

I regret that I am unable to give the information required, as no statistics relating to seamen serving under Lascar agreements were kept in 1880.

also asked how many Chinese have been rejected in the United Kingdom as being unable to pass the language test in each of the years since the operation of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1906; and whether he can state what became of the Chinese who failed to pass the language test?

No statistics were kept until recently of the number of Chinese seamen who, under the provisions of Section 12 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1906, were not allowed to be engaged because they did not pass the language test under that Section. According to the records now kept, 320 Chinese seamen failed to pass the test during the sex months ending 31st December last, and accordingly were not allowed to sign the agreement of the ship on which it had been proposed to engage them. I have no information as to what became of these seamen

next asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is a practice amongst certain Liverpool shipping companies to engage at Hong Kong, and other ports abroad, additional Chinese apart from the crew required to man the ship; whether he is aware that those Chinamen are landed in Liverpool with a view of increasing the number of Chinese already in ports in the United Kingdom; if he can state whether the immigration authorities at Liverpool are alive to this practice; and what steps have been taken to prevent this wholesale importation of Chinese into this country?

I am informed that cases of the nature mentioned by my hon. Friend have occurred, and that additional Chinese seamen have been brought to this country for the purpose of manning ships in the United Kingdom. The Board of Trade have no power under the Merchant Shipping Acts to prevent the landing of Chinamen in this country. So far as the matter comes within the Aliens Act, I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department, that in cases of the nature mentioned, steps are always taken to ensure that the provisions of the Aliens Act, so far as they apply, are complied with. These aliens when so brought to the United Kingdom are passengers within the meaning of Section 8 (3) of the Aliens Act, and are liable, if the ship is an immigrant ship, to inspection under that Act before they may land in the United Kingdom.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the number of Chinese who were engaged on British foreign-going ships in the United Kingdom and at ports on the Continent between the Elbe and Brest in each of the years 1880, 1891, 1896, 1901, 1906, and 1911, distinguishing the ports of engagement?

I am sending my hon. Friend a Return of such information as is available for the years 1906 and 1911. No statistics are available for any of the earlier years mentioned in the question.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will state the number of vacancies on the establishment in the Cork telegraph office; and whether, seeing that limited competition has proved a failure in Cork, vacancies will now be filled by open competition?

There are nine vacancies in the Cork telegraph office, eight of which are being kept open pending a general revision of the indoor staff. No difficulty is anticipated in filling these vacancies, as a number of officers at present partially employed on postal work are desirous of appointment on the telegraph side. I see no necessity for holding an open competition, as suggested by the hon. Member.