asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware of the distress caused to the needlework workers at the Marine Barracks, Chatham, by the irregular delivery of orders; that though the order for the current quarter was placed early this month the material has not yet been delivered, so that the situation is as acute as before; whether the schedule of garments to be made is a mere farce, the bulk of the garments never being sent there at all; and whether he can arrange that the whole of the coastguards' clothing shall be made at the barracks instead of the very small proportion entrusted to them at present?

Orders for the limited requirements of articles capable of being made at the Marine Barracks, Chatham, are placed with as great regularity as possible, in order to secure an even flow of work for the workers, whose interests are constantly borne in mind. The material for the current quarter's order has now been despatched. It was despatched at the earliest practicable date, having regard to the present pressure of work and reduced staff. It is not true that the bulk of the garments are never sent to the Marine Divisions. The schedule necessarily comprises all garments and articles which can be made, but only such as are actually required can be ordered. The new coastguard uniform consists of "made to measure" garments, i.e., jackets, waistcoats and trousers, and not, as formerly, of seaman's jumpers, trousers and vests included in the Marine Agreement. The new uniform is made by experienced "made to measure" uniform contractors.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the commissioned warrant officers who voluntarily retired under the Admiralty Order of May, 1920, can be granted the same privilege as to those who are retiring under the recent Admiralty Order which entitles commissioned warrant officers, after more than three years' service, to the rank of lieutenant on retirement?

The rank of lieutenant is granted on retirement to all commissioned officers from warrant rank who have actually had three years' complete service as such, provided that their records have been satisfactory. No alteration has been made in this rule in the case of officers retired under the present special scheme of retirement, and no question, therefore, arises of making any alteration in it in other eases.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if application has been made for the release from the Navy of Able-Seaman Cyril George Neale Aldons, No. J/52518, at present on board H.M.S. "Barham": is he aware that this application has been refused; and will he have the matter inquired into?

An application for the free discharge of this man on compassionate grounds was considered and refused in May last, since, on the evidence produced, the case did not appear sufficiently urgent to warrant his release, in view of the requirements for men with his length of service. If this man can produce evidence that the circumstances of his dependents are so urgent as to require his early discharge, it is open to him to renew his application through his commanding officer, but no guarantee can be given that his release will be granted.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the fact that the Economy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill cannot be discussed before the adjournment of the Rouse and cannot even, if subsequently approved by Parliament, become law for some months, he has sanctioned the abandonment of the London day continuation schools at the close of the present term?

The practical question before my right hon. Friend was whether in the existing circumstances he would be justified in insisting, under penalty of reduction of grant, that the London County Council should enforce the attendance of young persons at day continuation schools, in face of the considered resolution of the newly elected council. My right hon. Friend regrets greatly that the service of day continuation schools under the provisions of the Act of 1918 on the basis of obligatory attendance should be suspended, but in the circumstances he did not feel that insistence would be justified.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many schools in receipt of grants from the Board have no water supply of any kind, and how many schools have no supply of drinking water; whether he will instruct His Majesty's inspectors to report on the condition of the water supply on each of their visits; and whether he is prepared to make it a condition of grants that an adequate supply of wholesome drinking water shall be supplied at each grant-aided school within tile next six months?

My right hon. Friend has no particulars which would enable him to answer the first part of the question. The Board's Building Regulations for public elementary and secondary schools provide that an adequate and wholesome supply of drinking water must be readily available for the scholars in those schools, and His Majesty's inspectors report to the Board upon the matter when they find occasion. My right hon. Friend will be glad to look into any cases of inadequate provision in this respect which the hon. Member may desire to bring to his notice.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the price per acre proposed to be paid for the six acres of land required for a secondary school in Bedlingtonshire, Northumberland, is the same as that already paid by the Bedlingtonshire Urban District Council for 11 acres (adjoining the school site) required for housing; and, if so, why the Ministry of Health, having approved the price paid by the district council, now regard the price of the school site as excessive?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I am advised that the housing site is of more value than the school site because it is nearer to the railway station and to existing development, and because it has superior means of access.

asked the President of the Board of Education the proportion of certificated teachers to all other teachers employed in grant-earning schools for 1921–22?

I regret that the figures for 1921–1922 are not yet available.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that a chief or charge pharmacist and other qualified dispensers in Poor Law hospitals do not rank as statutory officers whereas outdoor dispensers do; and whether, in view of the extra responsibility and necessary technical training required, he will endeavour to rectify this in any general or other Orders that will be promulgated in the near future?

Yes, Sir. This question shall receive attention when a convenient opportunity may arise.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the advisability of issuing a Circular to boards of guardians pointing out their legal duty, as distinct from their legal power, to give necessary relief to a necessitous child; and whether he can point out that the guardians cannot make it a condition of relief to a child that the father must enter the workhouse, and that such relief must be given even though the mother and not the father applies on behalf of the child?

I am sending the hon. Member copies of two Circulars which have been issued on the subject of relief to children. I think that guardians generally are fully aware of their powers and duties in this respect.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has taken into consideration the Report of Mr. H. J. Cooper upon the administration of poor relief by the Poplar Board of Guardians, which contains evidence of illegal and wasteful expenditure; whether he proposes to sanction further loans to the Poplar Board of Guardians; whether he, will exercise his power to prevent further payments to that authority from the Metropolitan Common Poor Fund; and whether he will, if needful, promote legislation to avert a continuance of the malpractices disclosed in Mr. Cooper's Report?

Yes, Sir. I have issued a special Order regulating the relief of able-bodied persons in Poplar, and any loans sanctioned since the issue of the Order have been limited to the sums estimated to be required to meet the lawful expenditure of the guardians. The payments to be made from the Metropolitan Common Poor Fund will in no case exceed the sums which would have been paid by the guardians if the scale prescribed in the Regulations had been strictly observed. I should not hesitate to promote any legislation if it is found to be necessary.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, apart from those who are purely refugees, there is a large number of able-bodied Irishmen who are in receipt of Poor Law relief in this country; whether he will see that the cost of their maintenance is made a charge on the local bodies in Ireland to which these men belong; and whether, in the adjustment of accounts between England and Ireland, this question of accountability will be borne in mind?

I have no doubt that a proportion of those who are in receipt of Poor Law relief in this country are Irishmen, as has always been the case, but it does not follow that the cost of their maintenance ought properly to be a charge on Irish local funds. If my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health should, from the information before him, hold the opinion that substantial expenses not properly chargeable to them are being imposed in tae manner suggested upon local authorities in this country, he will no doubt bring the matter before the Cabinet Committee appointed to consider questions arising out of the change of Government in Ireland. In any case in which relief is given to any person who is purely a refugee from Ireland the guardians concerned should communicate with the Irish Distress Committee.

asked the Minister of Health the total umber of houses required to replace ocher houses which, although they cannot present be regarded as unfit for human habitation, fall definitely below a reasonable standard, as given by the local authorities under Section II (e) of the Form of Survey under the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1919?

The total number of houses estimated by local authorities as being required under the Section of the Survey referred to was 104,442.

asked the Minister of Health whether any local authorities, other than Northampton, are now building houses without Government subsidy; and what is the average rent in each of these cases, including Northampton, which will be charged to secure an economic return?

I am aware that a number of local authorities, in addition to Northampton, are at present considering the question of erecting houses without financial assistance from the Government, and I have expressed my readiness to give favourable consideration to such proposals. Definite particulars as to the estimated cost of the houses and the rents proposed to be charged are not yet available.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Government is still under an obligation to make payment in respect of subsidies for home construction; if so, what amounts still remain to be paid; and whether there still remain any undertakings by the Ministry to subsidise further building?

I presume that the hon. Member is referring to the provision for payment of subsidy to private builders under Section 1 of the Housing (Additional Powers) Act, 1919. Houses complying with certain prescribed conditions and completed by 23rd June, 1922, are eligible for subsidy, and there is no obligation or undertaking to subsidise further building. A certain number of certificates by local authorities of the proper completion of houses by 23rd June are outstanding, and it is estimated that sums amounting to £400,000 still remain to be paid.

asked the Minister of Health the number of marriages which took place in each of the six years before 30th June, 1914, and in each of the six years after 30th June, 1914?

The figures for which the hon. Member asks are as follow:

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that if a, person who has a capital of a few pounds and is also a recipient of an old age pension is, after admittance into the care of the union authorities, debarred from receiving such pension whilst an inmate, yet during his period there the local authority utilises the small capital owned by the person as compensation for his maintenance; and, in view of such action, if he is prepared to pay to such pensioners their pension under such circumstances?

There is no power under the Acts to pay pension to any person while he is an inmate of any workhouse or other Poor Law institution, subject to the exception laid down in Section 3 (1) of the Act of 1919, which relates to persons becoming temporarily inmates of such institutions for the purpose of obtaining medical or surgical treatment.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Commission of Inquiry concerning the administration of county asylums and the treatment of patients have reported their findings to him; if not, when the Commission will report; and whether it is intended to issue the Report for the information of Members of the House of Commons and for sale to the public?

I have received the Report, and hope that copies will be available for hon. Members to-day.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that a conference was called by the Neath Board of Guardians of representatives from adjoining local authorities, and held on Monday, to consider ways and means of urging authorities to provide relief work to meet unemployment; whether an application has been received from the Neath Board of Guardians for a grant to undertake relief works for the coming winter; and if he will take action in the matter?

I am aware that a conference was called by these guardians, but I have not as yet received from them any application of the kind suggested.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the West Ham Board of Guardians and the West Ham Distress Committee have worked out a scheme of relief work to be provided for unemployed in the farm colony, South Ockenden, Essex; that all such colonists in the first place to be selected from men not entitled to unemployed benefit; that in the cases of married men to be sent to the colony, the guardians to relieve the men's wives and families, and the men to be treated as of the single class for the purposes of payment to be made to the Committee; that the Committee have decided to pay the men 10s. per week, less 1s. 2d. contribution for health and unemployment insurance, to provide board and lodgings, also to disburse railway fares for all authorised journeys; and that the estimated cost of maintenance of a colonist at the colony is 20s. per week, together with colonist's payment of 10s., equal to 30s. per week; whether he has received a copy of the scheme; and whether the Government are prepared to make a substantial grant to assist the Committee in working the scheme?

I have received from the hon. Member a copy of a Report dealing with the subject matter of his question, and I welcome any co-operative arrangements of the kind suggested, but there are no funds at my disposal out of which I could make a grant towards the expenses of the scheme.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any steps have been taken to provide opportunities for ex-service men unemployed in this country to undertake harvesting operations in the place of the many thousands of Irishmen who in previous years have come to England at this season; and, if not, whether he will take steps to organise unemployed labour for this purpose?

I should doubt whether there will be any large number of cases in which sufficient labour is not available locally. But I will consult with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture as to whether any special arrangements can usefully be made, beyond those already existing, through the operation of the Employment Exchanges, in connection with which preference is already given to ex-service applicants.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a man named A. W. Conneley, having refused to accept work on a land drainage scheme at the rate of wages prescribed by the Warwickshire Conciliation Committee, was accordingly refused unemployment benefit by the Cole shill Labour Exchange, and that the Ministry of Labour subsequently overruled the said refusal, and directed that he should receive unemployment benefit notwithstanding that he could have obtained employment on the said work; and whether he will take steps to ensure that men who refuse to work on land drainage schemes at wages fixed by the proper authorities, and whose cases are dealt with locally, shall net be able to obtain the unemployment benefit on an appeal to the Ministry of Labour?

I am making inquiries locally in this case and will communicate the result to my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the case of a number of men at Gravesend whose unemployment benefit was stopped many weeks ago on the ground that they had refused work under the Strood Rural District Council at 9d. per hour; whether he is aware that the work was refused because other councils were paying not less than 1s. ½d. per hour for similar work, and that on road schemes under the Ministry of Transport the rate was 1s. 4½d. per hour; that the men concerned were fully qualified for the work of road widening; and whether, in view of these circumstances, he will state the grounds upon which the payment of unemployed benefit was stopped?

The claims in question were for uncovenanted benefit. It is one of the conditions for the receipt of such benefit that the applicant should be prepared to accept work other than that to which he has been accustomed, provided that the work is on fair terms and conditions. I am informed that the rate of 9d. per hour is that ordinarily paid by the Strood Rural District Council to their employés for work of the kind in question. This rate was therefore considered a fair rate for this work, and refusal of the work was properly regarded as a ground for disallowance of uncovenanted benefit.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that considerable employment is given in London and elsewhere to cabinet makers producing wooden mounts for a variety of imported glassware, such as pickle jars, tantalus bottles, tobacco jars, etc.; and on what grounds is this industry refused the consideration which is extended to the electroplate industry in the exemption Clauses of the Draft Order re glassware under Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act?

I am aware of the existence of the branch of manufacture referred to in the question. The Terms of Reference of the Committee covered the question of the effect of the imposition of a duty on industries using the class of article concerned as material, and it was accordingly open to persons interested to make representations to the Committee if they desired to do so.

asked the President of the Board of Trade. if he is aware that many articles of domestic glassware are manufactured in Czecho-Slovakia at prices below similar goods manufactured in Germany, and, in view of the reputed intention of the Czecho-Slovakian manufacturers to increase their prices in the event of a duty being placed upon their German competitors, does he propose to take any action to prevent the British consumer paying these extra prices; why he proposed to exclude oil-lamp chimney glasses from the duty, whereas the chimneys used for other than oil-lamp chimneys will be taxable; whether candle globes will be exempt; and whether he proposes to have any definition of oil-lamp chimneys in view of the fact that many large-sized lamp glasses are used for oil lamps for ships and lanterns.

With regard to the first part of the question, I would refer to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Hull Central (Lieut.- Commander Kenworthy) on the 24th July. "Oil lamp chimneys" is a well-known trade expression, and does not cover the other articles in the question, and I see, therefore, no reason for any closer definition of the term. Oil lamp chimneys were excluded from the scope of the Order as a result of consideration of the matter in the light of the reservation appended to the Report by one of the members of the Committee.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what efforts have been made by the Government since February last to dispose of the contracts for future deliveries of Australian zinc concentrates and spelter?

I am advised that, having regard to the state of the seeker market, the present would be an inopportune time to raise any question with the Australian producers of determining the contracts for future deliveries of Australian zinc concentrates.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total annual cost of the services in connection with the inspection of seamen's food, which are the subject of Clause 7 of the Economy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill?

The average net annual cost of these services over the last four financial years has been £13,081.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the chief engineer, Mr. P. Walsh, of the "Villa Franca," was discharged for calling attention to the need for necessary repairs to make the vessel seaworthy; what price was paid for the ship by its Portuguese owners and what value it was insured for; whether he is aware that Mr. Walsh is prevented from securing other employment owing to his irregular discharge and to his discharge papers not having been properly made out by the proper authorities; and whether steps will be taken to put his discharge papers in order?

My attention has been called to the statement made by this British officer. I am unable to state the cost and insured value of the ship, which is under a foreign flag. The Board of Trade have no jurisdiction over the discharge papers, but I will see whether steps can be taken to secure that the complaint is inquired into.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the vendors of the Australian zinc concentrates and metal were financially interested in the purchase of the Avonmouth Smelting Works from the Government; and whether the cancellation or purchase of the Australian zinc concentrates contract was made a condition of the sale?

These works, which do not belong to the Government, have not been sold; the question does not therefore arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Avonmouth Smelting Works, in which the Government invested large sums of money, have been sold; and, if so, what loss of public money has been incurred on this transaction?

My hon. Friend appears to refer to the works of the National Smelting Company, on which the Government holds a charge in respect of advances made during the War. These works have-not been sold.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what tonnage of lead and zinc metals were in stock in this country in August, 1914; and what stocks there are to-day in this country?

The stocks of pig lead in the metal exchange warehouses of this country on 30th June, 1922, amounted to 268 tons, and of refined and good ordinary brand shelters to 4,662 tons, including stocks of spelter in the hands of His Majesty's Government. These quantities are in addition to stocks of lead and spelter in the possession of individual firms. I regret that similar information with respect to August, 1914, is not available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many men, women and boys were employed in the metal mines of this country in 1875, in 1895, and in 1920; and what tonnage of lead and zinc ores were produced in these years, respectively?

The number of men, women and boys employed in 1875, 1895 and 1920 at mines coming under the Metalliferous Mines Regulation Act, 1872 (namely, all mines other than mines of coal, stratified ironstone, shale or fire-clay) were as follow:

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many ships flying the Soviet flags have entered British ports within the last year; what cargoes they have carried; and on what basis business in them has been transacted?

The number of entries of such vessels was 24. In nine cases the vessels brought no cargo to this country, and in 15 cases cargoes were discharged there. Of the cargo entries, seven were from Russian and Latvian ports, including five vessels with whole cargoes of timber, one with tar and plywood and one with tar, pitch, feathers, skins and bristles. The remaining eight entries with cargo relate to repeated voyages of two small vessels carrying general cargoes from Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain. The disposal of the cargoes was effected through ordinary business channels, and I am unable to furnish particulars as to the terms arranged.

asked the Prime Minister whether the evacuation of Japanese troops from Russian territory in the Far East has yet begun; and, if so, to what extent has the evacuation been carried out?

I have no information to show whether the Japanese have yet begun to evacuate their troops. The second part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that in an official communication issued by the Russian Government from Moscow, dated 25th July, the Japanese Government is charged with having blown up fortresses on the territory of Russia; and whether His Majesty's Government will make friendly representations to Japan to either compensate or restore the damage and to desist from future destruction on Russian territory?

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

asked the Prime Minister whether the attention of the Government has been called to the statement lately made by Herr Zinovieff, a prominent, member of the Russian Soviet organisa- tion, to the effect that 2,000,000 gold roubles have been remitted to the Persian and Afghan Communist party, and 5,000,000 gold roubles to the Indian revolutionaries, the money having been supplied by the Soviet Government specifically for propaganda work; whether any steps have been taken to confirm this report; why precautions have not been taken to make it impossible for funds to he transmitted from Russia for the fomenting of agitation in India; and whether the usual representations have been made to the Soviet authorities on the matter?

My attention has only recently been drawn to the report to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, and it is now being investigated.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that in a Report on The Hague Conference, dated 21st July, signed by M. Litvinoff, L. Krassin, and N. Krastinsky, the delegates stated, referring to their offer of 19th July to the non-Russian Commission, that the Russian delegation consented, under certain conditions, to ask the Russian Government whether it agreed to continue negotiations after a radical change in their basis, that is, whether it was ready to renounce the question of credits to be granted or guaranteed to the Russian Government as a result of the Conference, and to be content with the situation which logically followed from Comrade Litvinoff's formula (the de jure recognition of the Soviet Government), and which would facilitate the obtaining of the necessary credits, not from Governments but from individuals and private groups; and whether, if the Russian Government accept the formula which its delegates at The Hague proposed submitted to it, His Majesty's Government will accord immediate de jure recognition to the Russian Government so as to facilitate the raising of credits by the Russian Government, and thus render possible the fulfilment of the pledges which the acceptance of the formula involves on the part of Russia?

His Majesty's Government have not received the Report to which the right hon. Member refers. As regards the second part of the question, I have nothing to add to the statement which I made in the House on Wednesday last.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the nature of the latest reports received by the Foreign Office with regard to harvest prospects in Russia; whether there is still acute famine and, if so, where; whether there is any serious drought this year; whether funds are still needed for relief work and whether any nations or authorities have, in view of the improved outlook, discountenanced further public collections in aid of Russian famine victims?

The latest reports from Moscow indicate that the harvest prospects are good, but acute famine still exists in the Ukraine. So far as His Majesty's Government are aware, the answer to the third part of the question is in the negative. Owing to the smallness of the area sown, the harvest, even if it fulfils all expectations, will only provide the barest ration, and distress is likely to arise in certain localities, as well as in the Ukraine. In these circumstances more funds will in all probability be required. With regard to the last part of the question, the answer is in the negative, but we understand that certain of the relief bodies are considering the question of re-adjusting their organisations with a view to concentrate on the particular areas likely to be affected by famine early next year.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will propose the appointment of a Select Committee to inquire into and report to the House the arrangements to be made by the Postmaster-General for licensing broadcasting?

The appointment of a Select Committee would necessarily delay the arrangements which are being made for the provision of broadcasting services, and I have not seen any indication of a demand either from those who will provide the services or those who will use them for a Committee to consider the subject.

asked the Postmaster-General what are the pension rights which will not be affected by the transfer of the staff of the stamp section to the General Post Office in 191; whether it is a fact that the staff made a specific claim both at the interview and in previous correspondence leading up to the interview; whether he will lay upon the Table a copy of such correspondence and the official record of the interview; and what is the objection to supplying each of the established non-clerical officers of the stamp section, who were compulsorily transferred from the Inland Revenue Department in 1914, with a statement as to the age from which their unestablished service will be reckoned for superannuation purposes?

In 1914 a memorial was received from the warehouse staff of the stamp section transferred to the Post Office from the Inland Revenue in which they asked for an assurance "that the arrangement between the Board of Inland Revenue and the Treasury as to the counting of their unestablished service from the age of 16 will be recognised by the General Post Office." At the request of the memorialists the matter was represented to the Treasury who, in reply, stated that the transfer to the Post Office would in no way prejudice the men's claims to superannuation. They were informed to this effect at the interview in 1915. The final decision as to the pensionable service of these officers rests with the Treasury, and it is not the practice to approach the Treasury in individual cases until the persons affected are about to retire. I see no reason for treating the present case exceptionally.

asked the Postmaster-General the total number of temporary non-service men and women employed upon duties of a clerical nature, counter or otherwise, in London post offices, excluding scale payment offices?

I am having inquiry made, and will write to the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has received repeated complaints from the firm of Messrs. Roche and Roche, of 147a, Fulham Road, that their trade circulars, although posted in the proper manner, are not regularly delivered; and whether he will have an inquiry made into the case with a view to ensuring the regular delivery of the circulars and catalogues?

Several complaints have been received from the firm mentioned respecting the non-delivery of isolated copies of their catalogues, and the matter is under investigation.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that letters addressed to Guy Aldred have been opened in transit during the last month; and whether it is on the instructions of the Home Office that such action is taken?

Letters are only opened in the post under warrants issued by the Home Secretary. I am not in a position to disclose whether or not such warrants are issued in any particular case.

asked the Postmaster-General whether telephone calls are recorded against the various Departments of the Government service; whether accounts relating to such calls are from time to time rendered to such Departments; and whether any check is kept upon these messages to ensure that the lines are not used for the private business of the staff of such Departments?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Accounts are rendered to Government Departments for all trunk calls, and the charges for those made on private business are paid to the Post Office. The provision of any necessary checks against abuse is a matter for the several Departments themselves.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has been or is being approached by any dock or harbour authority or association thereof or similar body with a view to securing an extension of the customary hours of attendance of Customs and Excise officers in Customs warehouses or on the quays at certain ports; and whether he will bear in mind the far-reaching effect which any concession in this direction will have on the ordinary working hours of various trades and occupations outside the Customs and Excise service?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is receiving a deputation representing dock and harbour board interests; and, if so, the issues which are being raised by the deputation?

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has been asked to receive a deputation from the Dock and Harbour Authorities' Association and this request is now under consideration. Its object is substantially as stated in the first part of the question asked by the hon. Member for Edge Hill (Sir W. Rutherford). All relevant circumstances will be taken into consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is prepared to recommend the Public Works Loan Board to reduce to 5 per cent. the interest of the 6 and 6½ per cent. loans raised by public authorities for land settlement purposes; and is he aware that the continuance of the high rates of interest is greatly embarrassing those authorities who were compelled to carry out the provisions of the Land Settlement Act when interest rates on loans were so much higher than at present?

No, Sir. It is impossible to reduce these rates, which were based on market rates at the time when the loans were contracted. Such reduction would involve heavy loss to the Local Loans Fund which has, of course, to pay interest to holders of Local Loans Stock raised at the then market rates. In view of the fact that the State recoup any annual loss in respect of Land Settlement Schemes, my hon. Friend is mistaken in thinking local authorities are directly affected by the charge.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that there is much dissatisfaction with the treatment meted out by the inspector of taxes in the Winchester district; and, seeing that proper and smooth collection of taxes can only be made when there is accord between the public and the representatives of the Crown, will he see that proper instructions be given to inspectors of taxes as to their treatment of the public?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that there is much dissatisfaction with the treatment meted out to taxpayers by the inspector of taxes in the Winchester district; whether, seeing that proper and smooth collection of taxes can only be made when there is accord between the public and the representative of the Crown, he will see that instructions be given to inspectors of taxes as to their treatment of the public?

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is not aware of any grounds for the suggestion contained in my hon. and gallant Friends' questions. If, however, they will furnish him with particulars of the case or cases on which it is based, he will cause inquiry to be made.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many Members of Parliament have claimed the allowance to which they are entitled from assessment of Income Tax as citizens generally in respect of expenses to which they are necessarily put in earning their salaries, for additional cost of living away from home when engaged in their Parliamentary duties either at Westminster or in their constituencies, and miscellaneous expenses necessarily incurred, including stationery, postage, telegrams, and similar items, secretarial assistance, and occasionally the rent of an office; the total amount of Income Tax allowed to Members of Parliament; and the number of citizens not Members of Parliament who have made similar claims; and the total amount allowed?

The number of Members who have made claims of the character referred to is, I understand, somewhat under 400. The total number of other persons who have made similar claims is not available, but the number is extremely large. I would remind my hon. Friend that it is not the practice to make public particulars as to the Income Tax assessments upon, or the amount of the statutory deductions allowed to, particular taxpayers or small bodies of taxpayers.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that at Ystrad Police Court an Income Tax officer applied for the adjournment sine die of 50 Income Tax summonses against Rhondda miners on account of the recent reductions in the wages of the men that the magistrates granted the application; and that thousands of other workmen Income Tax payers are in a similar position; whether the Government have any intention of pressing for payment; and if he will take action in the matter?

My right hon. Friend's attention has not been especially directed to the cases referred to in the first part of the hon. Member's question. As has been stated on previous occasions, however, it is the general practice of the Board of Inland Revenue to acquiesce in a reasonable postponement of the payment of taxes in individual cases of genuine and proved inability to meet the demands of the revenue at the dates prescribed by law. The hon. Member may rest assured that this general practice will be followed in regard to the taxpayers to whom this question relates, and that there will be granted such extension of time for payment of the tax as the circumstances of the individual cases may warrant.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of duty paid on cider during the last financial year, and the amount from then up to 30th June last?

The net receipts of duty from cider and perry in the financial year ended 31st March, 1922, and in the period 1st April to 30th June, 1922, were as follow:

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the very serious damage which is being caused to the roads in Lindsey (Lines) and other counties by the transportation in road vehicles of large quantities of shells belonging to the Disposal and Liquidation Commission from Cross Gates, Leeds, and Altrincham, Cheshire, to the shell-filling factory at Thonock, near Gains-borough whether he is aware that the shells could be conveniently conveyed by rail; whether he has approached the Disposal and Liquidation Commission with a view to inducing them to make it a condition of the sale of the ammunition that it shall be conveyed to the filling factory by rail; and whether he is aware that any loss entailed by the Government in the introduction of such a condition would be amply recouped by the saving of expenditure upon road maintenance which is borne by the Road Fund of the Ministry of Transport and the funds of local authorities?

With regard to the first part of the question, inquiries have been made, and I am advised that there is little or no damage directly traceable to the traffic in question on the roads referred to. With regard to the second part of the question, the relative cost of transport by rail was prohibitive. The answer to the remainder of the question is in the negative.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the Board of Inland Revenue has fixed a period of three years post-War service as an indispensable condition of promotion; if so, whether this principle is confined to the Inland Revenue Department and whether the pledge that civil servants shall not be prejudiced by service with the Colours has been kept in view in fixing this period?

I gather that the hon. Member's question refers to the clerical staff of the Tax inspectorate, but in this connection he is under a misapprehension as to the course which has been pursued. No decision has, in fact, been taken which would result in disadvantage to officials previously released for service with the Forces who have demonstrated their fitness for promotion, and the Board of Inland Revenue are making arrangements which will result in every allowance being made in respect of War service.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many civil servants there actually are in the Whitehall district employed daily full-time in the various Departmental offices?

Approximately 22,000 civil servants of all grades are employed in offices situated in Whitehall, Victoria Street and adjacent thoroughfares, including staff housed in temporary buildings.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of ex-service men now temporarily employed under the following heads, administrative, executive, technical, special clerks, clerical and minor grades, such as messengers, etc.?

Figures as to the employment of ex-service men in Government offices are shown in the statement pre-seated monthly to Parliament. I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a. copy of the most recent statement. The returns do not show the various grades in detail, and to amend them in this respect would involve an unjustifiable amount of labour and expenditure.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport how much of the £30,000,000 handed over by the Government to the railway companies has been spent by them in the payment of dividends; and whether the Government, when handing over the remaining £30,000,000 in January, will endeavour to obtain an assurance from the companies that the present high rate of passenger fares will be substantially reduced?

From the £30,000,000 already paid by the Government to the railway companies in Great Britain, the companies appropriated in their accounts, in respect of the year 1921, £4,478,250 for revenue purposes, which include the payment of dividends. I have no powers to introduce new conditions when making the payment of the second moiety of the lump sum, and would refer the hon. Member to Sub-section (4) of Section 11 of the Railways Act, 1901

asked the Minister of Agriculture on what grounds the ratepayers of Grimsby are required to contribute a sum of £260 towards the expenses incurred by the prosecution of a Government official stationed at Grimsby, which action was taken by the Government?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The costs of prosecutions are, by law, charged to local funds, whether the prosecution has been instituted by a Government Department or not.