asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to a letter published by the Indo-British Association relating to an incident at Shajungi where the people with religious solemnity vowed to boycott European goods; and whether he has any information as to the extent of this policy in India, and the probable effect it will have upon the trade of Lancashire?

I have seen the letter referred to. I do not think the boycott suggested is receiving any substantial support, but I am inquiring.

asked the Secretary of State for India if his attention has been called to the fact that officers of Indian regiments returning to India from overseas have had their pay held up for sometimes five or six months, and that Indian Income Tax is now being deducted from these officers' pay from the arrears due to them for the time they were serving overseas; and whether he will put a stop to this practice?

I am making inquiry of the Government of India.

asked the Secretary of State for India when he will be able to state what steps are to be taken to remedy the present condition in India under which the rupee rates of pay of British service officers in India are less than the Home rates of pay and allowances converted at the current rate of exchange?

I am about to address the Government of India on this subject, and on receipt of their views the question will be dealt with as expeditiously as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can now say what decision has been arrived at on the subject of the additional pensions of £ 200 and £ 100 a year which it was stated in the India Office Memorandum of 3rd June, 1920, would be granted to military officers of the Indian Army on the supernumerary list who had held high civil appointments?

No decision has yet been arrived at on the subject referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend, but a telegram detailing the views of the Govern- ment of India thereon has been received recently and is now under consideration.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when I can put a further question and get the decision?

I hope very shortly, but I will let my hon. and gallant Friend know in the course of a very few days.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will give a list of the cavalry regiments and infantry battalions that were reduced prior to his undertaking that no further reductions should take place; and whether all further dismissals of men have been put a stop to?

I hope my hon. and gallant Friend will allow me to circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPOET.

The following is the answer:

The following are the units which the Government of India report as having been disbanded up to 24th February of this year:

Indian Cavalry: 43rd Cavalry. 44th Cavalry. 45th Cavalry.

Additional Squadrons of— 35th Scinde Horse. 26th Light Cavalry. 7th Hariana Lancers. 39th (K.G.O.) C.I.H.

Indian Infantry and Pioneers: 2/40th Infantry. 2/44th Merwara Infantry. 2/86th Carnatic Infantry. I/144th Infantry. 2/57th Wilde's Rifles. 3/103rd Mahratta Light Infantry. 2/131st Infantry. 1/133rd Infantry. 3/2nd Rajputs. 2/63rd Palamcottah Light Infantry. 2/99th Deccan Infantry. 2/28th Punjabis. 1/141st Punjabis. 1/142nd Punjabis. 3/30th Punjabis. 3/32nd Sikh Pioneers. 1/143rd Infantry. 4/30th Punjabis. 2/8th Rajputs. 1/131st United Provinces Regiment. 3/154th Infantry. 1078 2/5th Light Infantry. 1/140th Infantry. 1/156th Infantry. 1/154th Infantry. 2/llth Rajputs. 2/130th Baluchistan Infantry. 2/153rd Punjabis. 85th Burman Rifles. 2/48th Pioneers. 2/43rd Erinpura Regiment. 2/151st Infantry. 1/152nd Infantry. 1/155th Infantry. 2/88th Carnatic Infantry. 3/3rd Queen Alexandra's Own Gurkha Rifles. 4/11th Gurkha Rifles. 2/155th Pioneers. 3/2nd King Edward's Own Gurkha Rifles. 49th Bengalis. 2/3rd Gaur Brahmins. 2/18th Infantry. 2/lst Brahmans. 3/150th Infantry. 2/75th Carnatic Infantry. 2/94th Russell's Infantry. 2/34th Sikh Pioneers. 2/80th Carnatic Infantry. 2/101st Grenadiers. 3/6th Gurkha Rifles. 2/95th Russell's Infantry. 2/81st Pioneers.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the battalions of the Machine Gun Corps now in India have been disbanded; and, if not, whether, considering the state of agitation and unrest now prevalent in India, the unsettled state of the frontier tribes and the uncertainty regarding Afghanistan, he will postpone their disbandment till more settled times?

The battalions of the Machine Gun Corps in India have ceased to exist. The organisation of cavalry and infantry units in India, as at home, now includes machine gun troops and platoons.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the action of the new Bengal Council in making a wholesale reduction in the grants for reserved Departments; and whether he proposes to take any steps to support the protest of the Governor and to prevent any recurrence of such action?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies which I gave to similar questions on the 23rd March. The Governor has, by Statute, complete powers to deal with the matter. I would refer the hon. Member to Section 72 D (2) (a) of the Act, and also to the Joint Committee's recommendations on Clause 11. Of course, His Excellency is assured of my full support in the exercise of his discretion and his use of the powers conferred upon him by Parliament.

Has the right hon. Gentleman heard from His Excellency as to what steps he is taking in this matter?

I have not heard officially. I have seen reports in the newspapers that it was the intention of the Governor to use his discretion, and he has restored, at any rate, certain of the items.

Will it be in the power of His Excellency to restore the grants which have been disallowed?

The Governor has, of course, power to restore the grants.

Does he propose to exercise that power?

That is within his discretion. I have not any official information, but I understand from newspaper reports that he has exercised the power.

As this is the first occasion on which interference has been made with the reserved services by the Indian Council, could the right hon. Gentleman not call for a full report on the matter?

I will certainly give the House every information it requires, but I do not want it to appear that we desire to interfere with the discretion of the Governor. I do not think it is the first occasion; I think a similar case has occurred.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what are the rates of pay, with all allowances, of a captain, commander, lieutenant-commander, lieutenant, sub-lieutenant, mate, and commissioned warrant officer, married and single, respectively; and whether any free passages or quarters are available for any of the above ranks under certain conditions when proceeding to a foreign station?

As the answer is rather long, I propose, with the Noble and gallant Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the answer:

The following are the minimum and maximum rates of pay of the ranks referred to: Rank. Minimum per diem. Maximum per diem. s. d. s. d. Captain 60 0 75 0 Commander. 40 0 52 0 Lieutenant-Commander 30 0 34 0 Lieutenant 17 0 24 0 Sub-Lieutenant 10 0 10 0 Mate 16 0 16 0 Commissioned Officer from Warrant rank. 19 0 25 0 Warrant Officer 14 0 17 0

Lieutenants and lieutenant-commanders promoted from warrant rank for long and zealous service are entitled to higher rates.

In addition, all the ranks referred to, when employed afloat or in naval establishments, are entitled to Service victualling, cabin and mess accommodation and attendance, or when employed in certain shore appointments the following allowances are issued in lieu:

In lieu of Service victualling, £80 per annum for all ranks.

In lieu of Service accommodation, £100 per annum for captains.

In lieu of Service accommodation, £80 per annum for commanders, lieutenant-commanders, and lieutenants.

In lieu of Service accommodation, £60 per annum for sub-lieutenants, mates, commissioned officers from warrant rank, and warrant officers.

In lieu of servants, £60 per annum for captains and commanders.

In lieu of servants, £30 per annum for lieutenant-commanders and lieutenants.

In lieu of servants, £13 10s. per annum for the remaining ranks referred to.

Captains in certain appointments receive higher rates of servants' allowance.

For particulars of duty allowances, I must refer my noble and gallant Friend to Section VI, Schedule V, of the Order in Council dated the 22nd January, 1920. I am sending him a copy of this.

All rates of pay and allowances are payable irrespective of whether the officer be married or single.

All officers are entitled to free passage when ordered to take up a naval appointment abroad. Those appointed for service in naval establishments abroad and borne definitely for shore, as distinct from fleet, duties are allowed free passages for their wives and children, if the duration of their appointment be not less than five years, or one-half the cost of such passages if the duration of the appointment be short of five, but for not less than two, years.

Officers in certain shore appointments, both at home and abroad, are allowed to occupy official residences which provide adequate accommodation for themselves and their families.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the number of dismissals taking place at Rosyth naval base, it is possible to provide alternative employment there by the utilisation of part of the machinery and plant in the manufacture of goods for commercial purposes upon an economic basis?

This is one of the suggestions which came before the Committee presided over by Lord Colwyn on work in His Majesty's dockyard. That Committee, after full consideration, was not prepared to recommend its adoption, and I am afraid I cannot see my way to embark on a different policy.

Is it not the case that alternative employment has been given in Woolwich Dockyard?

Of course, the position at Woolwich is rather different. I am inclined to think that to attempt to enter into competition with civilian industry at Rosyth would be doing an injury to other industries in the country.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any decision has yet been reached as to the future status of Rosyth naval base?

Rosyth will remain one of the principal naval bases in homo waters.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many battleships, battle cruisers, light cruisers, destroyers, and submarines, respectively, have been removed from the Navy list of the United States, Japan, and the British Empire since the date of the Armistice?

According to the latest information available, the figures are as follow. The phrase "removed from the Navy list" has been taken to mean scrapped: — Class. United States of America. Japan. British Empire. Battleships 5 (pre-Dread-nought Class). — 38 Battle Cruisers — — 2 Cruisers 1 (old) — 87 Light Cruisers 3 (old) 2 (one wrecked). Destroyers 21 4 300 (including Flotilla Leaders). Submarines 14 — 106

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of boom-defence boats lying at present in Inverkeithing harbour; what is the cost of maintenance; for how long a period they have been lying idle; and for what purpose they are being retained?

Twelve boom-defence vessels are now lying in Inverkeithing Harbour. The cost of their maintenance is, approximately, £200 per boat per annum. The boats have not been employed since February, 1919. They are retained for future boom services, for which they were specially designed and employed during the War. Their construction, and the fact that they are unpropelled, renders them unsuitable for other naval purposes or for commercial use.

Is it not possible to dispose of these boats at something like a remunerative price?

I think that question has been gone into, but it was found that they are unsuitable for commercial purposes, that they would not fetch a remunerative price, and that to replace them would cost a very large sum of money.

Is there any possibility that they may be used in any capacity at all?

It is always possible that any part of our defensive equipment may be required.

Is the upkeep of these boats an expensive matter?

No, Sir, it costs £200 a year each.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if there is a Committee visiting naval ports known as a Re-settlement Committee; if so, by whom has it been appointed; what is its purpose and constitution; will it report to Parliament; and in what Estimates Vote will its cost appear?

The Re-settlement Committee was appointed by the Admiralty, in consultation with the Ministry of Labour, to investigate and formulate definite proposals on the question of imparting to men of His Majesty's Fleet, during their periods of service, educational and vocational training which will improve their prospects of employment in civil life after their discharge. The membership of the Committee is as follows: — Captain Edward M. Bennett, O.B.E., R.N., Chairman. Instructor Captain Horace H. Holland, B.A., R.N. (Deputy Inspector of Naval Schools). 1084 Major Henry N. H. Houghton, R.M.L.I., representing the Adjutant General, Royal Marines. Mr. A. H. M. Robertson, Admiralty (Naval Branch) Secretariat. Mr. I. Haig Mitchell, Ministry of Labour. Paymaster Lieutenant Duncan F. Forbes, R.N., Secretary. Arrangements are made from time to time for such visits by the Committee, or members of it, to naval ports, or establishments elsewhere, as may be desirable to assist them in their deliberations. The Report of the Committee will be submitted to the Board of Admiralty in accordance with the usual procedure. As the members of the Committee are officers serving in appointments at the Admiralty and Government officials, the only extra expense involved is their travelling and subsistence allowance when visiting home ports, etc. This is charged to a Naval Vote.

Have the Admiralty decided to call representatives of the lower deck by way of advising members of this Committee?

I am sure the Committee will take every opportunity of ascertaining the views of the lower deck.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman inquire?

I will inquire.

Will my hon. Friend say whether any money has already been voted by Parliament for the expenses of this Committee?

I am afraid I must have notice of that question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the object of giving naval schoolmasters at Devonport a course of technical training in engineering; how many are to be specially trained; is the training to be carried out in all other depots as well as in Devonport; and who are to be employed in training them?

No naval schoolmasters are given a course of technical training in engineering. Under Section 1, 7 ( b ), of the Regulations for the Schoolmaster Branch, Royal Navy, schoolmaster candidates spend a few days of their preliminary course in acquiring such elementary theoretical knowledge of the steam engine and internal combustion engines as may subsequently assist them in their instruction of stoker ratings.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the maximum number of patients that can be accommodated at the Hong Kong Royal Naval Hospital; what were the maximum and minimum numbers accommodated in 1920; and how many convalescents were sent from there to the Yokohama Royal Naval Hospital in 1920?

The maximum number of patients that can be accommodated in the Royal Naval Hospital, Hong Kong, is 134. The maximum and minimum numbers accommodated in 1920 were 99 and 52 respectively. Eleven convalescents were sent from Hong Kong Naval Hospital to Yokohama Naval Hospital in 1920. The latter was not reopened until 16th June, 1920, which is after the usual time of year for transferring convalescents thither from Hong Kong.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he can now say when those commissioned warrant officers who have passed the requisite examinations will be promoted to lieutenant; and if he is aware that all other naval officers are promoted as soon as the requisite examinations are passed?

My hon. and gallant Friend appears to be misinformed as to the nature of the scheme of promotion referred to in the first part of the question. It was never intended that the officers who pass the examinations in question should be immediately promoted, and it was definitely stated when the scheme was announced that promotion would be by selection in conjunction with seniority. An early announcement will be made of the date of the first promotions under this scheme. I might add, as regards the second part of the question, that officers who have to pass qualifying examinations for a senior rank in some cases have to wait years until they reach a sufficiently high place in the seniority list of their existing rank.

Is it not the fact that the Admiralty Order stated that these promotions would be made half-yearly, and can the hon. Gentleman give me a date on which I can repeat the question?

I am afraid I cannot give an exact date; but as early as possible an announcement will be made as to the promotions under the scheme.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he can give any date, this year or next year, when the present consideration of the marriage allowance to officers of the Royal Navy is likely to arrive at a result and become effective?

I regret that I am not in a position to add anything to the reply I gave last Wednesday on this subject to the hon. and gallant Member for East Lewisham.

Will the hon. Gentleman give me a date on which I can repeat the question, or must we wait five years for it?

I must ask my hon. and gallant Friend to wait a little longer.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the numbers employed in the dockyards of the various trades and grades of skilled and semi-skilled labour during the month of April in the years 1909, 1913, 1917, and 1921?

I am afraid it would not be possible to provide these particulars for the month of April in each year specified by the hon. Member, on account of the great expenditure of time and labour that would be involved in extracting them. I am, therefore, giving the figures in each case for the nearest month for which they are available, that is, March, 1909, July, 1913, July, 1917, and October, 1920, the latter being the most recent available. As the particulars comprise 30 rather lengthy columns of figures, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following are the particulars: Numbers of the Classes of Workpeople named employed, at the dates shewn, in the Shipbuilding and Engineering Departments of the several Home Dockyards:— March, 1909. July, 1913. July, 1917. October, 1920. Trade or Description. Portsmouth. Devonport. Chatham. Sheerness. P.D. Haul TOTAL. Portsmouth. Devonport. Chatham. Sheerness. P.D. Haul TOTAL. Portsmouth. Devonport. Chatham. Sheerness. P.D. Haul Rosyth. TOTAL. Portsmouth. Devonport. Chatham. Sheerness. P.D. Haul Rosyth. TOTAL. * * * * * * * Yard Craft Employés 159 125 109 75 15 16 499 281 213 70 308 16 38 926 220 179 175 235 18 30 89 946 225 207 284 315 38 149 290 1508 Shipwrights 2205 1752 1225 281 575 105 6143 2407 2475 1500 370 686 130 7568 2231 2476 1227 290 809 163 739 7935 2040 1955 1071 273 592 130 512 6573 Ship Fitters 209 215 340 19 133 13 929 247 324 237 56 177 15 1056 332 435 291 44 117 23 135 1377 325 347 254 47 81 24 115 1193 Engine Fitters 771 703 1042 223 — 76 2815 1100 900 1350 335 — 115 3800 1405 1016 1484 291 178 136 484 4988 1198 937 1073 257 121 97 388 4071 Electrical Fitters 370 210 156 38 49 18 841 380 400 250 42 42 23 1137 731 380 214 80 50 43 369 1867 679 393 195 72 75 39 289 1742 Joiners 359 227 215 58 65 27 951 457 256 250 74 76 42 1155 593 426 325 150 71 76 173 1814 732 397 316 116 99 61 191 1912 Smiths 169 130 132 71 83 10 595 194 185 165 54 74 12 684 239 256 171 65 92 27 74 924 197 172 166 63 59 19 69 745 Founders 51 41 46 15 16 4 171 63 46 79 20 16 4 228 91 51 96 25 19 15 24 315 77 38 64 20 15 6 24 243 Pattern Makers 41 42 46 15 6 2 152 64 45 83 19 5 4 220 67 33 59 14 10 3 13 199 64 45 50 15 9 7 24 214 Plumbers 34 53 55 4 9 10 165 47 67 57 7 1 9 188 95 110 76 11 22 24 49 387 103 94 70 10 18 17 56 368 Coppersmiths 89 58 61 21 11 4 244 95 79 81 28 9 7 299 106 97 78 31 13 6 41 372 111 75 86 30 19 8 40 369 Boilermakers 406 432 345 137 56 26 1399 385 500 440 156 54 54 1589 551 463 457 160 68 37 172 1908 446 368 311 154 47 42 114 1482 Painter 58 20 30 11 18 5 142 80 35 42 13 12 6 188 125 141 27 13 10 11 22 349 145 128 69 14 21 10 10 410 Bricklayers 18 23 14 — — — 56 19 24 20 4 3 1 71 43 32 36 9 — — 32 152 37 35 23 10 10 2 20 137 Riggers 116 66 85 63 3 14 347 125 87 90 67 3 14 386 205 132 108 74 5 58 82 664 224 105 94 96 4 59 62 644 Sailmakers 53 45 36 12 2 3 151 69 53 53 16 3 3 197 91 69 55 21 3 8 16 263 87 52 51 18 2 8 16 234 Ropemakers — 33 24 — — — 57 — 42 36 — — — 78 — 55 47 — — — — 102 — 36 37 — — — — 73 Sawmillmen 30 18 8 4 — 1 61 8 — 8 5 3 1 25 61 36 — — 3 1 — 101 31 — 1 1 — 1 — 34 Riveters Included with Skilled Labourers. Included with Skilled Labourers. Included with Skilled Labourers. 328 169 67 13 38 — 44 659 Drillers 683 282 229 28 104 — 123 1449 Caulkers 197 163 88 9 36 — 41 534 Welders 60 10 3 1 4 — 6 84 Hammermen 216 230 146 15 35 — 25 667 Machinists 174 1134 145 16 66 — 23 1558 Electrical Wiremen 148 64 115 6 44 — 33 410 Skilled Labourers 2815 2426 2278 406 611 115 8651 3500 3250 2900 526 719 212 11107 5814 4785 3762 717 974 440 1596 18088 3598 1904 2296 621 390 361 1342 10512 TOTALS of above classes 7953 16619 6244 11453 1652 449 24370 9521 8981 7711 2100 1899 690 30902 13000 11166 8682 2230 2462 1101 4110 42751 12125 9346 7304 2220 1927 1039 3870 37825 *Includes Fleet Coaling employés.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920, requires workers to have at least 20 health stamps on their cards for last year; if he is aware that many through sickness have not the requisite number of stamps on their cards and are precluded from receiving any out-of-work pay; and can he remedy this difficulty?

There is no such condition in the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920, but one of the conditions for the receipt of benefit under Section 3 of the Act of 1921 is that persons—other than those formerly engaged in War service—must prove employment in an insurable occupation in at least 20 weeks since the 31st December, 1919. There is no provision under which this condition can be waived, and I have no power to authorise payment of benefit otherwise than in accordance with the terms of the Act.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that statements are constantly being made that enemy aliens who have returned to this country are drawing unemployment pay; and whether it is possible, under the existing Regulations, for any alien to draw unemployment doles?

No specific case of the receipt of unemployment benefit by an enemy alien has been brought to my notice. No distinction is, however, made as regards nationality by the Unemployment Insurance Acts, and persons of foreign nationality resident in the United Kingdom are liable to pay contributions and are eligible for unemployment benefit on satisfying the same conditions as British subjects. Out-of-Work Donation is not payable to aliens unless they have served in His Majesty's forces.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that aliens are not drawing unemployment benefit now? [An HON. MEMBER: "He says they are."]

They are. An alien resident in this country and em- ployed in an insurable trade, who makes contributions under the Act and becomes unemployed, is eligible for benefit under the Unemployment Insurance Act. He is not eligible for Out-of-Work Donation unless he has served with the forces.

Does that apply to aliens who are unnaturalised?

Speaking off-hand, yes. But perhaps my hon. Friend will put down a question.

asked the Minister of Labour how many Trade Boards there are established; what is their cost to the country; how much money is spent in covering the cost of representatives of employers and employes travelling to and from London for preliminary conferences; and if he will take steps to abolish Trade Boards?

With regard to the first three parts of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer, of which I am sending him a copy, which I gave on the 23rd March to my hon. Friend the Member for Pontefract, to which I would add that the staff of 72 engaged in connection with the work of investigation has since been reduced by 33. I have frequently stated that I regard it as desirable in the present circumstances to proceed with caution in the establishment of new Trade Boards. I have, however, made it equally clear that I regard the Trade Board system as a valuable piece of social legislation; and I am opposed—as is the Government—to-any steps on the lines suggested in the-last part of the question.

Is it not true that wherever Trade Boards have been set up that both employers and employed are very highly satisfied with them; is it not true that there has not been a single strike in the different industries where they have had Trade Boards operating?

I cannot say offhand as to the latter part of the question; but I will send the hon. Member a complete statement of the formation and history of Trade Boards. As I say, they are a valuable piece of social legislation. I do not propose to abolish them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of extending the Trade Boards, seeing they are so satisfactory?

Is it not true that unemployment has been caused by the action of the Trade Boards?

I have asked for information on that point Manifestly, if in the desire to help poorly paid people we are making their last end worse than their first, we are defeating our own aim. Any information on the point put by the hon. Gentleman shall receive very close attention.

Is it not the fact that wages are ultimately settled by economic conditions? Will the right hon. Gentleman explain in what way Trade Boards influence wages?

Are wages not sometimes settled by good will?

With the aid of Trade Boards?

That is my point.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the substantial fall in the cost of living and the prospects of further decreases, he proposes to give his consent to the proposals of various Trade Boards to increase minimum rates; and, if so, upon what public grounds?

I have at present before me two cases in which Trade Boards have decided, by agreement between employers and workers, to increase the existing rates, and have applied to me for confirmation. It is my duty in all proposals that come before me, whether for increase or reduction, to give full consideration to all relevant facts before giving a decision.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has been able to conclude the negotiations, which he has been carrying on since August of last year, to allow the employment of ex-service men on the construction of houses for the working classes; and, if so, will he state the terms?

The negotiations with the National Federation of Building Trades Employers for the employment of 50,000 ex-service men to be trained in the building industry are concluded, and it is hoped that the scheme will start without delay. The main features of the arrangement were explained in the statement which I circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT on the 23rd of March in reply to a question by the hon. Member for South Kensington, and I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy for his information.

Will the right hon. Gentleman expedite the matter as much as possible? Is he aware that the negotiations have not been proceeding, as stated in the question since August last, but since July, 1919–22 months—and will he take a leaf out of the book of the trade unions who, having decided on direct action, act promptly?

Will my right hon. Friend say whether these 50,000 men who are going to be employed will absorb the whole of the ex-service men who desire employment; and if they do not represent this number, are the builders willing to take more; if so, why has the figure been fixed at 50,000?

I am sorry to say that there are 400,000 ex-service men unemployed. But 50,000 was the number that, having regard to the requirements of the trade, we thought we could fairly ask to be absorbed.

Do not the trade want 100,000 men, and should they not be allowed to take as many as they can get?

Fifty thousand is the number we think can properly be absorbed without fear of unemployment.

Are we correct in assuming that the right hon. Gentleman has now arrived at the stage of hoping that something will be done? What about some action being taken?

If the Noble Viscount will look at the answer of 23rd March, to which I referred, he will see the scheme set out in detail. I will send him a copy.

When does the right hon. Gentleman think the first man will start work?

One man?

Yes, one man?

Next week, I hope.

Good!

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Dugald Cameron, late of 4, Baird Street, Govan, Glasgow, was granted a free warrant to New Zealand; that he had a situation to go to which he would lose if he was not in the Colony by a particular date; that his relatives in New Zealand had to advance his passage money owing to the delay in receipt of his warrant; and that he gave written authority to Mr. J. Coutts, secretary of the Discharged and Demobilised Soldiers and Sailors, Govan, to act on his behalf; whether a letter was sent to the Department on 17th December by Mr. Coutts returning the warrant with a full statement of Cameron's departure and enclosing the signed authority of Cameron, and, as no acknowledgment was received, a reminder was sent on 19th January, 1921; whether, on 27th January, a letter was sent from the Overseas Settlement Office stating that the first letter of 17th December could not be traced and asking for a copy; that on 28th January this copy was forwarded by Coutts and on 19th February a further note reminding them of the case; that on 2nd March a letter was received from the Overseas Settlement Department that the letter of 28th January, which was a copy of the letter of 17th December, could not be traced; and that on the 8th of March a further letter was received from the Overseas Department stating that a thorough search had been made but the letters of 17th December, 1920, and 28th January, 1921, could not be found; whether, on 14th March, another letter was received from the Overseas Department intimating that all letters had been found and asking to be furnished with evidence that Cameron had actually arrived at New Zealand, and asking Coutts to obtain from the steamship office evidence in the form of receipts that Cameron's passage was not paid from public funds; whether Coutts sent a letter on 15th March protesting against the conditions and on 19th March the Overseas Department wrote informing him they would communicate direct with the steamship company; whether he can explain the evident negligence in his Department as evidenced by the letters of 17th December and 28th January being mislaid; and whether, in view of the fact that four months have elapsed since the first letter was sent to the Overseas Settlement Department, he will promise a prompt settlement in this case?

It is true that there were oversights and delays in connection with this case, which I very much regret. I have given instructions that the matter shall be settled at once.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that persons who have made investigations and are competent to give an opinion have formed the conclusion that, taking into consideration the change in the habits of the people since the year 1904, the cost of living now amounts to a rise of 80 per cent, as compared with 1914 and not 140 per cent.; and will he take the necessary steps to have their evidence brought before the statistical branch of his Department?

Accurate information as to the changes in the habits of the people since 1914 could only be obtained by means of elaborate and comprehensive investigations into the amount and distribution of family expenditure. I am not aware that any investigations of this character have recently been made on the scale that would be necessary if trustworthy statistics were to be compiled as to the change in the average level of expenditure since 1914, and I may remind my hon. and gallant Friend that at the present time, even if such investigations were instituted, the results would be materially affected by the reduction in purchasing power caused by the present depression in employment.

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken into consideration the amount of butter required in this Estimate, and is that amount available?

We have never had it; never mind them. [ Interruption. ].

I appeal to the hon. Member for Silvertown (Mr. Jones) not to interrupt. If he desires to have any particular piece of information, I am always ready to call upon him.

I cannot get it when [ask for it.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has replied favourably to the petition of the Moreton district council upon the subject of the caravan settlement in that and adjoining parishes; whether an expert from the Ministry of Health has surveyed the settlement and reported upon it; if so, whether he can see his way to publish the Report; whether this settlement contains about 1,100 caravans, many of which merely have bogus wheels and pretend to be movable residences, whereas they are not so; whether many tents are added during the summer months, increasing the population to many thousands; whether there is no drainage system and the latrines and urinals are wholly inadequate and insanitary; and, owing to the low level of the land, it is a quagmire in wet weather; whether, in dry weather, as the settlement is below high-water mark, there is any possibility of draining off the excreta, washing refuse, and food remnants, upon which flies feed in turn, with all the consequent danger of spreading an epidemic; and whether, if his present powers are insufficient to regulate the position, he will take powers to enable him to deal with a problem which is an intolerable nuisance and a grave danger both to the population inhabiting the caravans and to the whole surrounding district?

I have received a report from a medical officer of the Ministry of Health on these settlements which is substantially in accordance with the statements of fact in the question. I am advised that the local authority has already sufficient powers to deal with the serious factors in the situation and I am in touch with them, and will communicate with my hon. Friend on the matter.

Is there any way of limiting this, in view of the alarming fact, that it is increasing every year?

I should want notice of that question. The local authorities have full power to deal with it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to be prepared to meet an epidemic of typhoid fever which is almost certain to arise?

It is the business of the local authorities to see that epidemics do not arise. They have full powers, and they ought to exercise them.

What is the particular attraction of these places for all these lurid details?

Not having visited this place, I cannot say.

How does he expect these people to live until he gets the houses put up?

Is he aware that they only live in houses during the winter and only come to these places for enjoyment in the summer? Does he not know that the local authorities say that they have no powers to deal with them and they want him to give them the necessary powers?

I stated in my reply that I am informed that the local authorities already have sufficient powers.

They say "No."

My advisers say that they have, and that they have not exercised them. I am in touch with the local authorities, and if I find that they have not sufficient powers, I am prepared to go into the matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the general question of supervision and inspection of the people living in these sort of dwellings with a view to seeing that the children are not deprived of their education as is the case at the present time?

I think that is a matter for the Board of Education.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has re- ceived any report upon the proceedings against John Davies, of Bilston, under Section 6 of the Housing (Additional Powers) Act, 1919, inquiry into which was promised by his predecessor on the 23rd March?

I am informed that the facts are substantially as stated in my ton. Friend's previous question. My hon. Friend will be aware that there are at present no other statutory powers for dealing with this matter, which is part of the general question of damage due to subsidence, now under the consideration of the Government. A conference has been arranged with representatives of the Council on the subject.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the engineer and surveyor of the Tottenham Urban District Council reported to the Local Housing Committee, at its meeting on the 1st March, 1921, that he was not satisfied with the work of the bricklayers engaged in the erection of houses by direct labour on the Coombes Croft housing estate at Tottenham, that the men were specially given some straightforward work, and the result showed that the average number of bricks laid per man was only 272 per day; "whether these facts were communicated to the Ministry by the Housing Commissioner; and what action was taken in the matter to protect the public purse?

I understand that the facts are that some additional bricklayers were started on some work; that the output of work by these men proved very unsatisfactory; and that the local authority's engineer dismissed the men on his own responsibility, and reported the matter to the council.

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to issue instructions to the Housing Commission to inform the Bricklayers' Society that the laying of an inadequate number of bricks means a largely increased rent to the working classes who will occupy those houses?

I will consider that suggestion.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that under the scheme of direct labour every brick laid costs Is.?

I do not know how my hon. and gallant Friend arrives at that figure.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in pre-War days 900 bricks per day were laid on straightforward work, that the general cost is now four times more than in pre-War days, and that the cost of building houses is now 10 and 12 times more than it should be?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what in his opinion is the average number of bricks which should be laid per day?

I do not think that I should be asked to answer that question.

asked the Minister of Health whether the policy of approving housing schemes under the guild system is still being pursued by the Ministry; whether the private employers' contract contains a Clause penalising him if he exceeds his estimate, and assuring him of a small additional profit if he works below it; whether the guild contract guarantees the workers a five per cent, profit, and makes no provision for any penalty, although their estimated cost may be doubled in working; if he will explain why the guild contract is conceded 6 per cent, for establishment charges, in association with other bribes, as against ½ per cent, in the employers' contract; whether the existing form of guild contract cuts at the very root of economy, and definitely makes for waste of the taxpayers' money; and if it is the intention of the Ministry to continue further experiments with these economically unsound guild building schemes?

Approval has been given as an experiment to the carrying out of 13 housing schemes under the guild system. It is not proposed to extend this experiment, but when the results obtained on the schemes now in hand are available I shall consider whether any modification of this method can be employed with advantage. Contracts are being carefully watched, and I should have no hesi- tation in advising a local authority to exercise their right to determine the same in the event of wasteful expenditure.

Is the word "bribes" a correct term to use in connection with these contracts, and can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that he is not going to continue the policy of hostility to the guild system of building, as shown by his predecessor and in this question?

I think my predecessor showed every sympathy with the guild system. I have no hostility to the guild or any other system, but if it cannot produce houses on an economic basis, I am certainly not going to spend the taxpayers' money on it.

Do not the guild contracts so far show an actual reduction on the contractors' tenders?

Nobody would be more pleased than I if they did, but at present I have no information that that is the case.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman give a statement showing the cost of building by private enterprise as compared with the guild system?

I shall be very pleased to do so when we have a scheme complete.

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses already actually completed under the housing schemes which have been built by the guild system, and the maximum and minimum cost of such individual houses, even though no whole scheme has been completed; and if he will say how these figures compare with the cost of similar types of houses in the same districts built by private enterprise?

Only two houses have been completed by a guild at present. My hon. Friend will realise that no useful comparison of the costs can be made until a greater number of houses has been completed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the two houses to which he has referred were certified by the Surveyor of the Bentley-with-Arksey Urban District Council as having cost £760, which is £200 per house less than the similar prices by ordinary private contract?

I am very pleased to have that information. From my own experience, I am not prepared to accept the prices of odd houses on a scheme. When a scheme is completed, and we have all the evidence available for making a fair comparison, I can assure my hon. Friend that nobody will be more pleased than I shall if the scheme works out well.

asked the Minister of Health whether the London County Council has presented a scheme for dealing with the slum area of Brady Street, Bethnal Green; when such plan was sent to his Department; whether it has been approved or rejected; and, if so, when was the London County Council informed of his decision?

A local inquiry was held in June, 1920, into the scheme proposed by the London County Council for dealing with this area. The scheme involves a number of legal and administrative questions, and until these are settled a decision cannot be given upon this particular case. Action upon the scheme would in any event have to be deferred until further progress has been made with the provision of new houses.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when his Department will be able to give an answer?

I am afraid I cannot.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the declared policy of the Government that the subsidising of an industry out of taxation is wrong in principle and indefensible, and of the fact that the subsidising of the housing industry now controlled by his Department is fatal to efficiency and enterprise, he will, in order to place the building industry on an economic basis, set up a competent housing board and have a searching inquiry into the house-building arrangements?

I must refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given by the Prime Minister on the 10th March to the question put by the hon. Member for North St. Pancras (Mr. Lorden).

asked the Minister of Health (1) whether, assuming the existing schemes of housing are carried out, the general housing demand all over the country will be satisfied; how many new schemes have been sanctioned since 1st January, 1921; for how many houses these provide;

(2) whether he has yet received any information showing a decreased demand for houses in any part of the country due, not to satisfied wants, but to inability to pay the rents demanded?

Since the 1st January tenders for 13,699 houses have been approved, bringing the total number of houses for which tenders have been approved up to approximately 175,000. In addition, certificates have been issued for approximately 30,000 houses under the private builders' subsidy scheme. Owing to altered economic and financial circumstances, the general housing demand is undergoing review by my Department.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say which constituency at present is leading with regard to new houses?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Health the estimated amount of subsidies which it is expected will be forthcoming for housing construction sanctioned or commenced this year?

I am not quite clear what my hon. Friend has in mind, but I presume he refers to the subsidies to private builders. If the Housing Bill at present before the House is passed into law, about £5,000,000 of the aggregate grant authorised by the Housing (Additional Powers) Act, 1919, will be available for subsidies to private builders in respect of houses sanctioned during this financial year.

asked the Minister of Health whether the cost of building houses is being reduced; and, if so, to what extent?

Although the cost of building remains very high, there is no doubt that it is falling, but the extent varies with the districts concerned and the class of materials used. The general average of tenders accepted for houses was £950 in August last, £900 in November, and £855 in March.

Seeing that this very substantial reduction in the cost of construction has taken place, is it necessary to have that large subsidy?

That is one of the questions which I am going to look into.

asked the Minister of Health what is the total number of medical men on the permanent or temporary staff of his Department and the annual cost of such appointments; and what was the number employed by the Local Government Board in 1914 and the total cost for that year?

The total number of medical men on the staff of the Department (including two part-time specialist officers) is 100, namely, 63 at headquarters and 37 in regional offices. The salaries of the headquarters staff, as on the 31st March, 1921, amounted to £51,549 3s. Od., and the war bonus to £31,681, a total cost of £83,230 3s. 0d. per annum. The salaries of the regional medical officers, as on the 31st March, 1921, amounted to £47,400. (The salaries of these officers is inclusive of war bonus.) The number of medical men employed by the Local Government Board in 1914 was 31, and their actual salaries during that year amounted to £20,571 15s. 9d. For purposes of comparison, however, the medical staff of the National Health Insurance Commissions (England and Wales) must be added to this, as their functions are now performed by medical officers of the Ministry. In 1914 this staff numbered eight (including the deputy-chairmen in England and Wales), and their salaries totalled £6,300. The total number of medical men in the two Departments in 1914 was therefore 39, and the cost £26,871 15s. 9d.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any intention of reducing, what is apparently an already overweighted staff, to something like its pre-War number?

Is it not a fact that this staff has always been insufficient for protecting the health of the nation?

I have not had an opportunity of going into this question, and, therefore, I am not in a position to offer any opinion as to its sufficiency or insufficiency.

asked the Minister of Health the number of cases of sleeping sickness which have been reported to his Department in this country during the last 12 months; how many cases have proved fatal; and will he state what special steps his Department has taken to deal with this epidemic?

1,572 cases of encephalitis lethargica, to which disease my hon. Friend no doubt refers, have been reported in England and Wales between 1st April, 1920, and 31st March, 1921. The deaths from this disease during the same period, as far as is known at present, amount to 495. The disease was made compulsorily notifiable on 1st January, 1919, and since then special reports have been received from medical officers of health on practically all the cases which have been notified, while special inquiries have been made, and advice has been given by medical officers of the Ministry in suitable cases. Simultaneously, the pathology of the disease is being studied in association with the Medical Research Council.

May I ask if the Minister of Health's Department is itself quite free from this disease?

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that certain borough councils are insisting as a condition of employment that employes shall belong to a trade union; whether this action has his approval; and, if not; what steps he proposes to take?

The answer to the first question is in the affirmative. I very strongly deprecate the attitude of the councils in question which interferes with the liberty of the subject under what conditions he chooses to obtain employment, but I am advised that I have, unfortunately, no legal powers to act in the matter.

If the right hon. Gentleman has no legal powers, will he take steps to obtain them?

May I ask if this question has been put down at the request of a union?

Not that I am aware of.

Yes, at the request of the Middle Classes Union.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the Islington Borough Council propose to superannuate their medical officer of health after 39 years' efficient and energetic service (10 years under the corporation of Sunderland and 29 years at Islington) at a rate which is not fixed on any definite scale, and is far below that usually granted to executive officers; and seeing that the Superannuation (Metropolis) Act, 1866, provides for the payment of superannuation at the rate of one-sixtieth of salary for every year of service, that the Act is intended to apply without discrimination between the employes of local authorities, that the Islington Borough Council have adopted this Act in superannuating their roadmen, scavengers, and other labourers, and that the medical officer of health has requested the protection of the Minister of Health against the non-application of the scale in his case, will he say what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

I am making inquiries as to this case, and will inform my hon. and gallant Friend of the result.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is still the intention of the Government to introduce a measure, during the present Session of Parliament, for the purpose of carrying out the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on the Dentists Act, 1878?

I am afraid that, owing to the congestion of the Government legislative programme, legislation on this subject will not be practicable during the present Session.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his predecessor promised that legislation would be introduced if there was general agreement on the subject, and if we are able to assure the right hon. Gentleman that there is general agreement and that little time will be occupied, will he reconsider the matter?

I had no intention to introduce a Bill this Session, and, of course, the programme of legislation is very much upset already. I am also informed that there is very little chance of there being any agreement. Of course, I shall be glad to look into the matter again, but I do not know how any member or group of members can assureme that there is going to be agreement, and I am sure the House does not want an autumn Session.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to receive representations on the matter from Members of Parliament?

I shall be very pleased.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the alleged existence of a secret agreement between France and Great Britain, offensive and defensive; and whether or no the House of Commons will be allowed to know of these commitments and discuss their value or necessity?

The rumour alluded to by the hon. Member is without foundation.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Canadian Prime Minister has undertaken to submit to the Canadian House of Commons for discussion the Agenda of the forthcoming Conference of Empire statesmen in London prior to his departure from Ottawa in the first week in June; whether the subjects to be so discussed at Ottawa will include Empire naval defence and the renewal of the Anglo-Japanese alliance; and whether the Agenda will be similarly submitted to this House and an opportunity given for discussion?

I do not understand that the Canadian Prime Minister undertook to submit the Agenda to his Parliament. I gather that he offered facilities for a discussion on the two subjects mentioned in the second part of the question if that were the general desire of the House, but I am not aware that such discussion has taken place. The answer to the third part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will state the considerations which governed the selection of the particular commodities set forth in Financial Resolution No. 1 of the Safeguarding of Industries Bill.

This subject cannot be discussed by question and answer, but full explanations will be given when the Financial Resolutions are discussed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a feeling among Members that certain other industries might be regarded as essential industries, and what facilities will Members have for urging that view on the House?

I am aware that that view is held in some quarters, and the proper time to urge the view is when the Resolution comes to be discussed. Obviously one cannot deal with a complicated matter of this kind in the time allotted to questions and answers.

Will the right hon. Gentleman circulate to the House a plain statement of the principles which have governed the drafting of the Bill?

I think it better to follow the ordinary procedure.

Would it be in order for any Member to move to add an industry?

Is it in order for Private Members to move any additions to the list of commodities within the Resolution?

That is a question which my hon. Friend must put to the Chair.

I should like to put it to the Chair, if I may.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has given personal consideration to the washing scheme installed by the Fulham borough council; whether he is aware that a request by the local authorities of Greater London for an interview to discuss the possibility of extending their present powers has been refused on the ground that any such proposal would involve very considerable expense on the part of the local authorities; and whether, in view of the actual facts of the Fulham experiment, he will reconsider the decision not to receive the deputation?