I beg to move, to leave out the word "notices" ["such notices shall also contain"], and to insert instead thereof the word" notice.'

One word of explanation is necessary of the series of Amendments to the Standing Orders which appear under my name on the Order Paper. The object is purely the saving of expense. At the present time the promoters of private Bills are required to publish an immense variety of notices of the exact details of the proposed works. The Lord Chairman of the other House and his advisers, and I in this House and my advisers, have come to the conclusion that this is absolutely unnecessary at the present time—an absolutely unnecessary expenditure—and I trust the House will see their way to agree to these Amendments.

What is it anticipated will be saved each year?

It is quite impossible to say, as it depends entirely on the magnitude and complexity of the Bills. In the case of an omnibus Railway Bill, for instance, the saving would be very considerable.

May we take it that there is no saving of public money, but only of the private money of the promoters of these Bills?

That is so.

I beg to move to leave out the words "application in writing shall be made," and to insert instead thereof the words

"notice in writing of the application shall be given."

I have not the Standing Orders with me, but can the Chairman of Ways and Means give us some explanation of this and the succeeding Amendments, as to whether they relate to notices to householders who are affected by private Bills? There is a Special Order, I know, that requires notices to be given to persons who are affected, for instance, by a proposed Tramway Bill, and if these Amendments relate to those notices, I think we ought to have a little explanation before we pass them.

My impression is that the notices to individuals remain the same, and that these alterations apply only to general public advertisements, and not to individuals whose property is proposed to be affected in any way. If the hon. Member has any doubt about it, I will put the remaining Amendments off till tomorrow.

I should be glad if they could be put off till to-morrow, as I have not had time yet to look thoroughly into the proposed Amendments.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Anglo-Persian Oil Company has negotiated the exclusive rights to drill for oil over the whole of Macedonia with the Greek Government; whether the concession includes the oil rights in Thrace; whether the future of Thrace is one of the subjects under discussion between the Greek, Turkish and Allied Governments; and Whether diplomatic support was given to the Anglo-Persian Oil Company in negotiating this concession?

The answer to the first part of this question is in the affirmative, and to the second part in the negative. With regard to the third part, the frontiers of Eastern Thrace will no doubt be one of the subjects which will be discussed in the general settlement of the Near Eastern question. With regard to the fourth part of the question, His Majesty's Government accorded to the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, in their negotiations with the Greek Government, the usual support, is always given to reputable British firms in their negotiations with foreign Governments.

While thanking the hon. Gentleman, might I ask him to make it quite clear whether any oil concession has been given for lands which are now in dispute between the Greeks and the Turks and which are being decided by the Allies in consultation—at least, I hope so—at the present time?

My information is that no concession has been discussed or arranged in connection with Thrace, or any part of it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any information as to the serious condition of the Church of St. Sophia, in Constantinople; whether it runs grave danger of destruction through want of repair; if it is a fact that its external nave is occupied by soldiers and ammunition kept there; and whether any pressure can be brought to bear upon those in control to safeguard this building, almost unique in its beauty and historical interest, from falling into decay?

From various reports obtained by His Majesty's High Commissioner at Constantinople in April, 1921, it was clear that, at that time, the building, though not permanently secure, was in no immediate danger. The Turkish authorities appeared to be fully alive to the importance of preserving it. In regard to the third part of the question, I have no information, but inquiries will be made. In regard to the last part, no immediate representations appear to be called for.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any protests have been made to the Chinese Government regarding the numerous illegal imposts on British river traders made by unauthorised bodies in the undisturbed parts of the country?

I am afraid I am unable to answer this question without more specific information regarding the cases which the hon. Member has in mind.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any decision has yet been reached in regard to the commutation and allocation of the sum remaining due in respect of the Boxer indemnity?

The reply is in the negative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether men of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines are being, or are going to be, refused permission to reengage at the expiration of their first 12 years of service; and, if so, to which ratings and branches of the Service does this order apply, or will apply?

It is not proposed to alter the rule that men who are of good character, and recommended, may re-engage to complete time for pension.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will confer with the Air Minister and consider the advisability of dropping 3,0001b. to 4,000lb. bombs within 20 feet of the side of one of the battleships detailed to be scrapped under the terms of the Washington Conference, the bomb in each case to be fitted with a delay-action fuse to detonate the explosive charge 30 feet below the surface of the water, and the battleship to be stiffened up below the water line or altered as necessary to meet as nearly as possible the latest requirements of the Director of Naval Construction for protecting battleships from explosive charges below the water line; whether the speed of the battleship can be determined before and after the detonation of the bombs: and whether one or two simple experiments of this nature can be carried out in conjunction with the airmen before sixteen millions of the taxpayers' money is expended on two capital ships it is understood the Admiralty now propose to have built?

Progressive trials, designed to solve all relevant problems of the kind alluded to by the hon. and gallant Member, have been carried out for some time past, and are affording the Director of Naval Construction all necessary information.

Have large bombs of that size been dropped on targets?

When the right hon. Gentleman speaks of no aeroplane being able to destroy any modern battleship, does that refer to torpedo-carrying aeroplanes, and does lie mean to say that 20 torpedo-carrying aeroplanes are not going to be able to sink any ship that is likely to be built?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the answer he really gave is only in reply to a question as to whether these aeroplanes are capable of being operated at sea or not?

I would not say that, given sufficient time, no aeroplane could destroy a battleship, but I do not understand that any aeroplane now in existence under ordinary Service conditions can destroy a battleship.

Is there any reason why aeroplanes with torpedoes cannot be carried at sea, and have not been carried, and ought not to be carried at sea now?

This cannot be argued at Question Time.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that there is dissatisfaction among ex-service naval men as to the rate of distribution of naval prize money; and whether he can say when such distribution is likely to be completed?

I have frequently explained the difficulties which face the Admiralty in this matter, both in reply to hon. Members' questions and in the Debate on the Navy Estimates on the 18th July. I can only repeat that the distribution is being carried out as rapidly as the staff available permits, and I am satisfied that faster progress is impossible. The general distribution is seriously impeded by the number of specially hard cases represented, but I am sure that it is the wish of the House that these should have prior treatment.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if there is any other country in the world in which the Air Force unit working with the Navy is under the control of a separate Air Ministry?

The answer is in the negative.

Was there any other country which, under a united Air Ministry like ours, did so well as we did in the War?

I cannot answer that question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether any inquiry has been made as to the time which would be required for the alteration of slip No. 3 at Devonport dockyard to enable a capital ship to be built there; and, if so, has consideration been given to the possibility of a three-shift system of work?

It is estimated that if ordinary hours were worked, the lengthening of the slip to a sufficient extent to allow a capital ship to he built could be completed by about September, 1924. This time could no doubt be shortened if double or treble shifts were worked, but the expense would, of course, be much greater.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is the possibility that this work might be carried out in nine months with three shifts?

No, Sir; I am not aware of that.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if they had begun this slip when I made representations to them six months ago, it would have been ready now?

Did not my hon. Friend the Member for Devonport (Sir C. Kinloch-Cooke) raise this question long before anyone on the other side?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, seeing that the alterations of slip No. 3 at Devonport Dockyard to enable a capital ship to be built there would give employment mainly to unskilled workers, and that this work could he proceeded with without interfering with the work of the skilled artisans who would be employed for many months in assembling the material for the capital ship before it could, actually be laid down, he will have these alterations put in hand; and, further, whether slip No. 4 at Devonport Dockyard could be extended to enable the new minelayer to be built there; and whether, seeing that this alteration and extension could be carried out at comparatively little cost and that this alteration of slip No. 4 would leave slip No. 3 free for the alterations necessary to enable one of the new capital ships to be built there, he will have the extension of slip No. 4 taken in hand immediately?

As I have already explained to the House during the discussion on the Navy Estimates, the proposal to build the new capital ships in the Royal dockyards was fully considered, and it, was found that it would involve so much delay and extra expense, that it was decided to build them by contract in private yards where the necessary facilities already exist.

Has it been taken into consideration that, before the ship can be laid down, many months may expire, during which time the slip might be prepared? Is it not true that at least nine months will have to expire before the ship can actually be laid down, because of the assembling of the material for it?

And is it not true that we asked the Government six months ago to start the slip?

All these relevant considerations were in the mind of the Admiralty, and we still decided that it was better to put out the ships to private contract.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us the difference between the estimate, of the Superintendent of the Dockyard and that of the private contractors?

No, Sir.

The hon. Member must give notice of that, question.

rose—

This competition takes up too much time.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in placing the contracts for the new capital ships, it is proposed to stipulate any date for delivery and whether the Devonport Dockyard authorities will be given an opportunity of stating if the time required for the alteration of slip No. 3 would prevent them from building and delivering, one of the capital ships within the same period as allowed to the private yard?

A date for delivery will be stipulated in accordance with practice. The time required to alter the Devonport slip would make it impossible for that yard to complete one of the ships referred to within the period stipulated for a similar ship built by contract.

Is the answer which the right hon. Gentleman has given based upon information from the authorities in the yard itself? Is he aware that their information is in conflict with his own as expressed in this House to-day?

Is it not a fact that all these questions have been put by the hon. Member for Devonport, and answers given?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware of the case of Chief-gunner Slight, who was specially recommended for gallant conduct under exceptional circumstances, on His Majesty's steamship "Malaya," at Jutland, and who has been passed over for promotion to lieutenant and has received no British honour, though he has received foreign decorations; and if he can say why this officer's great and distinguished services have met with such inadequate reward while comrades of his who were standing by ashore have been promoted?

Mr. Slight was among those officers recommended for commendation for their services in the Battle of Jutland, but was not recommended for early promotion. His name, as one of those recommended for commendation, duly appeared in the "London Gazette" of the 15th September, 1916. In the circumstances, his name was not considered for special promotion, and he had not reached his turn for promotion in the ordinary way when placed on the retired list, at his own request, in May last. It is incorrect, therefore, to say that he was passed over for promotion. The action taken in this case, and in that of other officers, was in accordance with the recommendations of the Commander-in-Chief at the time, and the Admiralty, while fully recognising the gallant services rendered by this officer, regret that it is now impossible to re-open the matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can say that the risk of life in submarines is the same for all classes; if so, whether he will explain the differentiation in the new rates of submarine pay which gives to lieutenants 6s., warrant officers 3s., and ratings above able seaman 3s. 9d. per daily rate; and why warrant officers under these ratings receive less than that given to petty officers of the lowest grade?

In fixing the new rates of submarine pay, no fresh scale has been drawn up, but the rates previously existing have in certain cases been increased all round by 50 per cent. The differentiation in the rates according to the rank, held is, therefore, no new factor, and has, indeed, been in force since submarine allowances were introduced in 1901. The present basic rates for officers were fixed according to the recommendations of the Halsey Committee in 1919, as one part of the whole scheme of pay and allowances, and that Committee, whose views were accepted by the Government, recognised that, in certain cases, junior officers, including warrant officers, might receive less pay than ratings, but saw no real objection to this.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether there are any aircraft defences to any of our dockyards, fuelling stations, or naval establishments abroad other than Malta?

As regards anti-aircraft defences, I would suggest that my Noble and gallant Friend should put a question to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War. I am informed by the Air Ministry that aircraft are available, if required, for the defence of Port Said, Suez and Aden.

I that in addition to Malta?

There are aircraft there.

Does that mean that there are no aircraft defences at Singapore or Hong Kong?

Yes, it does.

It is disgraceful then.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is able to announce the decision of the Government as to the advancement of the date for the commencement of the two new battleships?

asked the Prime Minister whether ii is intended to place the orders for the hulls, armament and machinery for two battleships before the Adjournment: and whether, considering the fact that the actual commencement of building cannot be proceeded with for some months after the orders have been placed, such orders might be given at an early date, so as to provide work during the coming winter for large numbers of men who may otherwise be unemployed?

Having regard to the finance of the present year, the Government is not in a position to anticipate the date already fixed for laying down these ships.

Will the right hon. Gentleman further consider that the men engaged in shipbuilding and engineering would be better employed upon this work than upon relief works?

I agree that everybody would be better employed on their own work than upon work we have created for them. We have to take into account all the circumstances.

We are very anxious that these men should not be dispersed.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it has been finally decided to lay these two battleships down in private yards?

Does the Leader of the House not know that they can be built better in Glasgow?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will invite the Committee, which he recently appointed to make inquiries with a view to devising means whereby the innocent victims of a trade dispute shall not lose their unemployment benefit, to issue their Report in time for amending legislation to be passed in the Autumn Session?

I feel sure the Committee will make their report at the earliest possible date. In any event, I cannot, at this stage, undertake to introduce legislation on this subject in the Autumn Session.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that if the Report of the Committee be in favour of this being done, he will not be able to act upon that Report before next year?

Not necessarily. It means that I cannot at this stage say whether or not I will.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the estimated cost per insured person receiving benefit per week of administering unemployment benefit in the case of a benefit paid directly through an Employment Exchange, and in the case of benefit paid through an association having an arrangement under Section 17 of the Unemployment Insurance Act., 1920; and can an explanation 'be given of the way in which the amounts laid down in the new scale of administration grants for associations were calculated?

asked the Minister of Labour whether any inquiry was made by his Department as to the cost of administering the State unemployment benefit by any of the large trade unions before the administrative grant was reduced; if so, what was the result of such inquiry; whether he is aware that the largest trades union administering State unemployment benefit, with a membership of over 400,000, has ceased to administer the Act owing to the reduction already in operation and in view of the fact that the new administrative rates are insufficient to cover even the bare cost of work done; and whether any of the trades unions have expressed their willingness to accept the Ministry's proposal?

As the answer is a long One, I shall be obliged if my hon. Friends will allow me to issue it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that the Unemployment Insurance (No. 2) Act will expire before the House reassembles, he has considered taking powers before the Adjournment in order to continue the provisions of this Measure or, if not, what steps do His Majesty's Government intend to take to deal with unemployment during the forthcoming winter?

The Unemployment Insurance (No. 2) Act, 1922, deals with the period up to 1st November next. The winter months are, however, already covered by other legislation, which provides for benefit up to a maximum of 22 weeks as from 1st November onwards.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give the figures of the unemployed, as recorded by his Department, on 29th July, and at the end of each fortnight during the preceding three months; and whether he possesses any figures enabling him to form an approximate estimate of those also unemployed but not registered with his Department?

The numbers of persons registered as unemployed at Employment Exchanges in Great Britain at fortnightly intervals during the past three months were as follow:

1st May, 1,617,082; 15th May, 1,553,745; 29th May, 1,471,434; 12th June, 1,443,088; 26th June, 1,405,293; 10th July, 1,371,534; and 24th July, 1,362,335.

There is no means of making a reliable estimate of the number unemployed who are not registered at Employment Exchanges. I have no reason to suppose, however, that this number is at all large relatively to the number so registered.

Do the figures just given by the Minister of Labour include the men and women who are receiving payment as well as those who have exhausted their benefit?

They include all the men, women, boys and girls registered as unemployed.

asked the Minister of Health the reasons why he does not favourably consider the definition of a necessitous area as recently submitted to him by certain Poor Law authorities; and will he give consideration to a revised scheme embodying such modifications as he may suggest?

It is not possible, in answer to a question in the House, to state in detail the many objections to the scheme referred to, but one fundamental defect is that the measure of relief which would result from the scheme is not adjusted to the needs of the area as measured by its total burden. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to a question on Tuesday, 25th July, of which I am sending him a copy.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, in consequence of the importance of this question, receive a deputation for the purpose of discussing the matter, seeing if we can arrive at a basis of what is known as a necessitous area?

I have been considering that for a long time. Another attempt was made only lately to settle the question.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the experience of the actual administration of the one-week gap period in the payment of unemployment benefit has shown that it has imposed a considerable amount of extra elerical work upon all boards of guardians, in addition to causing serious disaffection amongst the insured, as well as throwing a heavy extra burden on the local rates; and will he therefore advise the Cabinet Committee on Unemployment to propose legislation to amend this Section of the Act?

No, Sir. I have not received any representations to the effect suggested in the first part of the question, and I am unable to recommend further amending legislation on this subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes during the Recess to publish the Report of the Cabinet Committee on the question of unemployment; and whether the Cabinet Committee, which is reviewing the whole position of trade and unemployment, will investigate the reasons for high prices in certain of the chief industries of the country, more especially coal?

As regards the first part of the question, it is not customary to publish reports of Cabinet Committees. In reply to the second part of the question, the Cabinet Committee has been appointed to review the whole position of trade and employment. It will make all the inquiries which it may consider necessary, but I cannot say in detail what these inquiries will be.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the reduction of the scale of allowances in respect of attendances at trade board meetings has caused annoyance to the representatives of employers and workers on the various trade boards; whether the amount of the economy expected to be made by the reduction is estimated by the Ministry of Labour at £1,000; and whether, in view of the serious annoyance and inconvenience to which it has given rise, he will desist from this problematical economy?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Spen Valley (Mr. Myers) on Monday last, of which I am sending him a copy. In view of the facts referred to in that reply, I am not prepared to increase the subsistence allowances payable to members of trade boards. I do not quite understand my hon. Friend's process of reasoning. If, while acting fairly to the interests concerned, we can save £1,000, surely, that is a desirable achievement.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to a proposal on the part of the Brighton Corporation to lease the Brighton Aquarium for the term of 60 years for the purposes of a motor char-à-banc garage; whether he is aware that this proposal has aroused strong public opposition on the ground that the amenities of the Brighton sea-front are endangered by it; and whether, in view of this widespread feeling, he will direct the holding of a public inquiry before sanctioning the proposed lease?

Yes, Sir. A public local inquiry will be held before any decision is given.

asked the Minister of Health the number of persons who were found by the verdict of a coroner's inquest to have died of starvation, or to have had their deaths accelerated by privation in England and Wales in the year 1921: and will he state their ages and sex, the dates of the inquests, and the names of the unions and counties in which the deaths occurred?

I am sending the hon. Member a statement containing the information lie desires.

Will that statement contain any facts as to whether these persons who have died have received, or have applied for, Poor Law relief?

I should think it probably will.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the figures in the Registrar-General's Report for 1920 showing that the marriage rate was the highest on record; and, in the light of this new information, is he prepared to withdraw his objection to local authorities completing their original building schemes under the Housing Act of 1919, in order to meet the largely increased need for more houses indicated by this increased marriage rate?

I am aware of the figures referred to. With regard to the second part of the question, I have nothing to add to the answers already given to the hon. Member on this matter.

As this will be the last opportunity for some months to put a question, does the right hon. Gentleman say that nothing is to be done for the next three months to relieve the congestion that is still in existence in regard to housing?

My hon. Friend is aware that 50,000 houses that are in process of being built will not be completed for eight months, and that will do a good deal towards relieving the congestion.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that that is only one-tenth of what the Prime Minister promised?

asked the Minister of Health when the Cabinet will be able to consider, as suggested, the desirability of temporarily assisting private building enterprise by partial or complete remission of rates; and whether, since there is no time to be lost in promoting such inquiry, the municipal and other local authorities will be consulted and, in case of need, the necessary legislation introduced in the autumn?

I am afraid that there are serious difficulties in the way of adopting any scheme of the kind, but I am carefully considering the suggestion, and if there appears to be a prima facie case for adopting it I should certainly wish to consult the representative organisations of local authorities at an early stage.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that there are a number of hardworking people who, by reason of their thrift, have been able to purchase a house to live in but who, under the provisions of the Rent Restrictions Act, are unable to obtain possession, either in whole or in part, of their property, while the tenants themselves are making a large profit by sub-letting and taking in paying guests; and whether he can see his way to put an end to such a state of affairs, either by amending the Act or by setting up local tribunals before whom cases of this kind can be heard?

I have received some complaints of this nature and I propose to bring them to the notice of the Committee which has just been appointed to consider the operation of the Act.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in the district of Grays there is still a waiting list of several hundred applicants for houses: that the Department recently gave consent to the erection of a further 25 houses by the urban district council; that, upon plans being submitted, the Department withheld its approval on the ground that the estimates were too high; that the local authority has pointed out that the figures given were estimates only; that it was proposed to carry out the work by direct labour, and that. every effort would, be made to keep the cost as low as possible; whether sanction has been given in other districts to the erection of houses without a limiting figure being fixed; and whether, in view of the admitted shortage of houses in the district in question, the proportionately large amount of unskilled labour which will be employed upon the houses proposed which are to be constructed on the Due-slab system, and that 1,020 men are unemployed in Grays alone and drawing unemployment benefit, he will reconsider this matter and give the necessary approval to the commencement of the work?

I am aware of the general housing conditions in this district and of the position of the local authority's housing scheme. I have made arrangements for a deputation from the council to be received to-morrow, and the question of the particular houses to which the hon. Member refers will he fully discussed at that interview.

asked the Minister of Health the number of county and borough council lunatic asylums who have no women members on the visiting committees of their asylums; and how many women patients are detained in those institutions?

So far as the Board of Control are aware, there are 58 county and borough mental hospitals which have no women members on the visiting committee. In these institutions there are approximately 31,000 female patients.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has yet received the auditor's report on the accounts of the Edmondsley Parish Council, county Durham; and, if so, whether he will indicate the nature of that report?

The district auditor discovered serious defalcations on the part of the late assistant overseer, and the latter has since been convicted of forgery and embezzlement. The auditor's final report was deferred pending the trial, but he has made an interim report in which he states that he has come to the conclusion that the members of the parish council had not acted corruptly or been in collusion with the assistant overseer.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some few days ago the hon. and gallant Gentleman the Member for Gateshead (Brigadier - General Surtees) in this House charged this council with the misapplication of funds, and of expenditure without sanction? May I take it, in view of the answer of the right hon. Gentleman, that that has absolutely no foundation?

I did not hear the statement of the hon. and gallant Gentleman; but the district auditor, as I have said, has been into this question, and what he says would appear to bear out what the hon. Gentleman has just said.

May I ask your ruling, Mr. Speaker, in regard to this matter'? May I explain—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"]

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put his point to me at the end of Questions.

I was going to ask your ruling, Sir, on a question put by the hon. and gallant Member for Gateshead, which implied a serious charge against a certain parish council, as will be seen by the answer. In view of the fact that the hon. and gallant Gentleman is not in his place, I propose to waive my right to ask your ruling on the matter till such time as he is present.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the absence of housing accommodation for the workmen and their families employed upon the new reservoir works of the Metropolitan Water Board at. Ashford Common, Middlesex: is he aware that the accommodation provided is for 100 men, while the number at present employed upon the, works is 1,160: that Mr. C. Rodgers, the local sanitary inspector, has repeatedly called the attention of the local sanitary authorities to the subject without result: and what action his Department has taken to put the law in force in accordance with Section 11 of the Act of 1911 authorising these works?

I have written to the hon. and gallant Member informing him of the result of the inquiries which I have had made into this matter.

Mr. Speaker, the reply of the right hon. Gentleman is simply that he can do nothing, but there is an Act of Parliament that he is supposed to enforce: and the question with the Section has been put clown to draw the attention of the right hon. Gentleman to the actual powers that he possesses, and of which he does not seem to know: is that so?

I have been looking into the question. The Metropolitan Water Board has to carry out the regulations of the local authorities, and the local authorities' sanitary inspector made certain recommendations which, I understand, are being carried out. If my hon. and, gallant Friend will read my statement he will find that a great deal has been done.

asked the Minister of Health how many local authorities, guardians and municipal, have, so far as his information goes, been notified by the banks that the latter cannot permit any more overdrafts; whether he will give the names of each such authority and the poor and general rate in each respective case; and has he any evidence to the effect that the rates are being unduly kept down to relieve the ratepayers and in the hope that more State assistance will be forthcoming?

The number of such, cases within my knowledge is quite small. I am sending the hon. Member a note of the particulars he desires. I think it is possible that in some cases the hope of a State grant has led to a reduction of the amounts raised by rates and so to an increase of temporary borrowing.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state what the estimated extra cost would amount to if, in estimating the means of old persons for the purpose of assessing the amount of their old age pensions, the value of their housing accommodation was omitted?

There are no statistics available from which the desired information could be obtained.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland why two assistant under-secretaries are employed in the Irish Office as compared with one in 1921–22; who is the additional secretary; when was he appointed and for what purpose; and if he will state why provision is made for the payment of salaries for a full year to these officials, while in the case of the Chief Secretary only six months' provision is made in the Estimates?

In reply to the first and third parts of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to a similar question addressed to me by the hon. and gallant Member for Leith on 27th July last, in which I made it clear that it is not the case that two assistant undersecretaries are employed in the Irish Office. In reply to the second part, the additional assistant under-secretary is Mr. Mark Sturgis, who is head of the Irish Office staff, the other assistant under-secretary, Mr. Cope, being employed in Dublin. As I have previously stated, the Irish Office staff, in addition to advising me in the matters for which I am responsible to Parliament, advises my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies in the Irish matters for which he is responsible, and for this purpose it is anticipated that their services will be required at least until the expiration of the current financial year.

Considering the enormous number of duties that have been taken away from the Irish Office, and placed in the Colonial Office, why is it necessary to appoint an additional secretary?

Can the Chief Secretary tell us at all whether there is any hope in the near or distant future that the office of Chie. Secretary and the attendant expenses will disappear from the Estimates?

As I have repeatedly said "On the earliest possible occasion."

Why, in view of the answer, does Mr. Cope not take his orders from the Chief Secretary instead of from the Colonial Secretary? Surely the person who pays the official ought to give him his orders?

Mr. Cope is paid by Vote of this House. He is a civil servant of the British Civil Service loaned for special duty in Ireland. He takes his orders from the Irish Secretary in matters relevant to the Chief Secretary's office, and from the Colonial Secretary in matters relevant to the Colonial Office.

Is he charged on the Vote of the right hon. Gentleman?

Yes, he is on my Estimates in reference to his duties in connection with Ireland.

Suppose Mr. Cope gets one order from the Irish Secretary and another from the Colonial Secretary, whom is he to obey?

The Government is supposed to be a united one!

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the statement that a monopoly concession over the Russian oilfields is about to be granted to a single oil group, he will take steps to discountenance any attempt on the part of a British firm or company to acquire such a concession over oil lands in Russia or Azerbaijan formerly held either by a foreigner or by a British national, except in cases where the consent of such previous owner has been first obtained?

I have no information about the proposed concession of an oil monopoly. The attitude of His Majesty's Government on the matter raised in the second part of the question is covered by the terms of the Resolution passed at The Hague on 20th July, and contained in the last section of Command Paper No. 1724.

Will care be taken to see that the British owners of oil concessions in Russia receive the same protection under the international agreement as foreigners?

I think my hon. and gallant Friend had better look at the Paper.

I have read it.

Well, then, there is the answer.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Supreme Council has asserted the right of Eastern Galicia to independent existence, subject to precise definition of its status: whether he is further aware that the Polish Government proposes to hold elections in this country on 29th October as though it were an integral part of Poland; and what steps he proposes to suggest to other members of the Supreme Council in view of this disregard of their guarantee?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. My hon. and gallant Friend is perhaps thinking of certain resolutions passed by the Supreme Council at the time of the fighting in Eastern Galacia in June, 1919, the main object of which was to secure that the military occupation of the province by the Poles did not prejudice the ultimate determination of its status. Statements have been made to the effect that the Polish Government intend to hold elections in the province, but, I have received no official confirmation. The third part of the question does not therefore arise.

Is my hon. Friend aware that reports have appeared in the French newspapers to the effect stated in my question, and will he be careful to see that the occupation by Poland of this country does not result in its annexation by Poland contrary to the expressed will of the people?

I do not think the hon. and gallant Gentleman will expect me to give a specific answer to these questions. I can assure him that all these matters are under the consideration of the, Government.

Could the Under-Secretary not instruct our representative at Warsaw to visit Galacia, in order to see the conditions under which the elections are to be held?

I do not think that is a practical suggestion.

As our representative in Warsaw has already visited Galicia, why cannot he visit it again at a time when the elections are about to take place?

Is it not a fact that we have asked for a report from the Polish Government on the subject of the holding of these elections?

Yes, Sir, I think inquiries have been made.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will issue a return showing all the pledges given by Members of the Government on the occasion of the Imperial War Conference in 1917 and at subsequent Imperial Conferences, indicating those that were given with the express sanction of the Cabinet, those that were subsequently endorsed by the Cabinet, those that have been fulfilled, and those that remain to be fulfilled by legislative and administrative action, respectively.

The published resolutions of the Conferences in 1917, 1918 and 1921 will be found in Command Papers 8b66, 9177 and 1474, respectively, to which I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend. I do not think that it would serve any useful purpose to deal in detail with the other points referred to in the question, but much information may be obtained from the OFFICIAL REPORTS of the Debates and of the legislation passed both here and in the Dominions and India since the Conferences were held.

In view of the high prices to-day of Government publications, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of publishing the pledges in a cheaper form as a White Paper so that they will be more readily accessible to the public?

The fact that the cost of printing is high is not a good reason for duplicating documents which are already in existence.

If the right hon. Gentleman would confine the publication to the pledges which have been carried out, the expense will not be very great.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the definite pledges given to British farmers in October, 1919, that home food production should be encouraged, the injury inflicted last year upon cereal growers by the failure to give four years' notice of intention to repeal the Corn Production Acts, and the risk that now exists of restricted production in the principal branch of the agricultural industry namely, stockbreeding, he will consider the desirability of immediately adopting an agricultural policy which will confer a greater measure of stability on the industry?

The Government have definitely abandoned any policy which involves interference by the State in the business of farming. Their present policy is to encourage home food production by extending and developing the provision of agricultural research and education, for which an additional sum of £1,000,000 was voted by Parliament last year, and by endeavouring to give some relief from the burdens which agriculture has to bear, such as has been granted this year in connection with Income Tax assessments. I hope that this policy may be continued by all parties as the best means of assisting agriculture, and that by such means the industry will be given stability and confidence to develop on its own lines without undue interference by the State.

Does the Government consider that the position of the agricultural industry in this country today is satisfactory, and, if so, do they think that to-day's position has been brought about by the agricultural policy of the Government?

No. Sir: I do not think that to-day's position has bean brought about by the agricultural policy of the Government, nor do I think that the present position of agriculture is more satisfactory than the general condition of the industries throughout the country. We are suffering from world conditions which we may do something to alleviate, but the position can only be put right by the common action of many nations.

asked the Prime Minister whether, before he consents to write off France's war debt to this country, he will, in the interests of world peace, endeavour to secure a substantial modification in her submarine policy?

would ask my hon. Friend to await the statement that will be made during the Debate on the Appropriation Bill.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the temporary demand for coal for export, and the necessity for alleviating the distress amongst the miners, he will recommend to Parliament a temporary suspension of the Seven Hours Act in order to enable the miners to take advantage of the present trade to the fullest?

I have been asked to reply. In the absence of any expressed desire on the part of the representatives of those employed in the mining industry, I am not prepared, in present circumstances, to introduce the legislation suggested.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of the best coilieries in Durham are still working short time in spite of these orders?

asked the Prime Minister whether any time limit has been imposed within which the terms of the proposed Irish Free State Constitution shall he submitted for approval by the Imperial Parliament; and, if not, will he state whether it is the intention of the Government to allow the existing anomalous relations between Great Britain and Southern Ireland to continue indefinitely, having regard to the fact that these conditions, while involving this country in heavy financial obligations, deprive it of any of the powers of governmental control given to it under the Treaty?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to Article 17 of the Schedule to the Irish Free State Agreement Act, which provides for the continuance of a Provisional Government, pending the constitution of an Irish Free State, for a period not exceeding 12 months, from 6th December, 1921. In reply to the second part of the question, I am not aware that any delay in the constitution of the Free State involves this country in any financial obligations which would not otherwise arise.

Are we to understand that the time limit of the 6th December, which will expire in about three or four months, will be strictly adhered to by the Government?

I have tried to answer the hon. and gallant Gentleman's question in language which is customary in this House.

I am perfectly conversant with the date, but we should like to know whether that date is going to be adhered to or not.

Is not the universal belief in Ireland that all the destruction of property which is taking place in the South of Ireland will ultimately be paid for by the British taxpayer; and will the Government definitely announce to the Provisional Government that they do of intend to pay any of it?

I do not know where that comes in on this question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether an Englishman, Scotchman, or Welshman, who has not been domiciled in the Irish Free State for seven years before the coining into operation of the Constitution, will, as a British subject, have the same rights and privileges in the Trish Free State as an Irish citizen created so by virtue of Article 3 of the Draft Constitution?

The answer is in the negative. I must refer the hon. Member of my answer to his question of 6th July on this subject.

But is that an answer to the question? I have asked whether British subjects will have the same rights and privileges in the Irish Free State as an Irish citizen? The answer is "No." May I ask how it is the right hon. Gentleman gave an answer a few days ago in which he said that a British subject would not be a foreign subject in the Trish Free State when the Constitution comes into force?

I have read the previous answer. There is no contradiction with the answer which I have just given.

By whom is the right hon. Gentleman advised?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how much has actually been paid to the claimants so far under the awards before Lord Shaw's Commission sitting in Dublin; and what proportion does that sum represent of the total amount awarded?

In reply to the first part of the question, no such payments have yet been made; the second part of the question does not therefore arise.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information that letters arriving in Dublin from Belfast with British stamps on them are surcharged the amount of postage; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

I have been asked to answer this question. No such information has reached me, but if my hon. and gallant Friend will supply me with specific cases, I will have inquiry made.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the case of letters posted in Londonderry with the Irish Free State stamps on them, the recipients in this country are surcharged for them?

I have not heard of such a case. I will inquire.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government will publish, as a Parliamentary Paper, the Report made by Colonel Robertson, in which he gave his reasons for advocating the Nakuro route for the Gishu Railway, and also the Reports of the technical advisers of the Kenya Government as the best route to he followed?

My right hon. Friend sees no reason for incurring the expense of publishing the Report. Colonel Robertson's recommendation of the Nakuro route was supported by the general manager of the Uganda Railway, by Colonel Hammond, the special commissioner sent out by Viscount Milner to examine railway questions generally in East Africa, and by the consulting engineers in this country, as well as by the Governor of Kenya, with the unanimous concurrence of his Executive Council.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether His Majesty's Government will consent to guarantee the loan to Belize, British Honduras, for providing an adequate water supply for the city on the condition that the materials are purchased in the United Kingdom, especially in view of the rival offers put forward by American firms?

The question of the provision of an adequate water supply for Belize is receiving consideration. I may remind my hon. Friend that assistance under the Trade Facilities Act would be likely to raise questions of the control of the finances of the Colony, and, as my hon, Friend will be aware, such control in British Honduras rests with the unofficial majority of the Legislative Council.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, why the Colonial Office published the correspondence leading up to the resignation of Colonel T. E. Lawrence of his post in the Middle East Department: whether there have been any differences of opinion between himself and Colonel Lawrence on matters affecting British administration and policy in the Middle East; and will he state if it is intended to abolish the Department?

The object in publishing the correspondence referred to was to make it clear that Colonel Lawrence's resignation was due to no difference of opinion on policy between my right hon. Friend and him. The answer to the last two parts of the question is in the negative.

Considering that the brains of the Department have gone, is it necessary to keep the remainder?

asked the Secretary of State for Air how much it costs to keep an effective pilot in the air in France, United States, Japan and Great Britain: and whether there are any figures to show the ratio of ground to flying personnel in each of these countries?

I regret that I am unable to give the information required by my Noble and gallant Friend so far as it refers to foreign powers. The information at my disposal is not sufficient to enable me to frame any estimate under either heading of his question, owing to the distribution of the cost of these foreign air forces throughout several Votes and the consequent impossibility of segregating the amount of money or personnel devoted solely to their air defences. As regards Great Britain, I would refer the Noble Lord to the Air Estimates and to the answer given to him on 6th July, in which it was stated that there were, at that time in the Air Force, 1,862 qualified pilots and 109 observers. In answer to the second part of the question, my Noble and gallant Friend will see that Vote A of the Air Estimates provide for an establishment of 31,176 of all ranks which, added to the number in India, namely, 1,838, gives a figure of about 17 Royal Air Force personnel of all ranks to every pilot.

Is it possible to give the figures asked for in the first part of the question as far as they relate to Great Britain?

No, Sir. I have not the information which would enable me to give them.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, when the Canadian cattle embargo is raised, there will be protection, through special marking or designation, to the public against having this meat represented to them as home bred and raised; and whether, if this cannot be carried out by law as it stands, the Government will consider the desirability of introducing the necessary legislation?

The whole question in connection with the importation of Canadian cattle is at present under consideration, and I am unable to make a statement at the present time.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that there is a very good root crop this year and that store cattle are urgently required this autumn to consume same; and, seeing that the Irish supply is uncertain and suspect of disease, whereas the Canadian cattle coming from the ranges next month are in the best of condition to be sent here at once before they are put on winter keep and lose condition, and before the winter season handicaps traffic, as no legislation is required for the admittance of South African and Irish cattle, and that no quarantine is enforced for either, can he see his way to extend this privilege to Canadian cattle pending the passing of a definite Bill, according to the wishes of both Houses of Parliament?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, but I am unable to agree that the Irish supply of store cattle is either uncertain or that the animals are suspect of disease. I have no power to admit cattle from overseas, whether from Canada or South Africa, into the United Kingdom, other than for immediate slaughter at the ports, save in the case of animals imported for exceptional purposes. A small number of Friesian cattle were admitted recently from South Africa for breeding purposes, but they were subjected to four months' quarantine. Legislation would be required for the admittance of store cattle from any country outside the United Kingdom.

Seeing that these excellent Friesian cattle were subjected to four months' quarantine, does the right hon. Gentleman propose that the same quarantine shall be put on Canadian cattle if and when they come in?

That matter will have to be considered by the Government as a whole. I cannot possibly make any statement on it.

Is there any doubt in the mind of the Government that they have to carry out the Resolution passed by this House?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the resolution extensively circulated by the Fly Fishers' Club, protesting against the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Bill on the ground that it legalises pollution; and whether he contemplates moving such an Amendment to the Bill during the Report stage as will allay the fear to which the resolution gives expression?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have since received a copy of a Resolution passed at a special meeting of the general committee of the Fly Fishers' Club repudiating the former Resolution which I understand to have been irregularly passed by a few members of the club who were misinformed as to the exact provisions of the Bill. I am not aware of any provision of the Bill which would legalise pollution, and, so far as this aspect of the matter is concerned, I have no Amendment to suggest.

asked the hon. Member for the Pollok Division of Glasgow, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he can make any statement as to the progress made towards the agreed-on erection of a statue of the late Mr. Joseph Chamberlain in the Lobby of the House?

Mr. John Tweed is now working on the statue, which he anticipates will be completed next year, but I cannot give an exact date.