asked the Secretary of State for Air (1) whether, in fact, the interpretation which it is now sought to plat on Air Ministry, W.O 73 and 263, of 1919, was originally contemplated by the Air Ministry, or has been adopted quite recently as the result of the great reduction in the Vote for the Royal Air Force; whether, if the present interpretation was that originally intended to be borne by those Orders, steps can be taken whereby the burden of the error should fall on the firm which Alas responsible for that error rather than that they should be permitted to attempt to secure repayment from the officers involved;(2) if Air Ministry Weekly Orders, Nos. 73 and 263, of 1919, are framed in such terms that officers affected by them could not be expected correctly to interpret them; and were many officers, whose gratuity claims have now been held to be adversely affected by these Orders, de-mobilised before these Orders were published?

As regards the first question, the present interpretation of the Weekly Orders mentioned is that originally intended. The Orders were, however, modified in certain respects by later Orders issued in March, 1919, but solely in the direction of favouring, officers. In reply to the second part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to my general reply to his subsequent questions. As regards the second question, I cannot accept the suggestion that the terms of the Orders were such that officers affected by them could not reasonably be expected to interpret them correctly. The Orders were issued in January and February, 1919, and they did not adversely affect the gratuity claims of such officers as were demobilised before their issue.

asked the Secretary of State for Air (1) whether he is aware that cases of irregularities of a grave nature have been found in the pay accounts of individual officers, Royal Air Force, who have been obliged to deal with Holt and Company; if so, whether the question of retaining this firm as Army agents can be reconsidered;(2) whether the payments made to demobilised ex-offices by Holt and Company, purporting to be a final settlement of the whole of their pay and gratuity accounts, were not properly to be so regarded by the officers concerned; and, if so, why are attempts made to re-open the accounts after a lapse of two and a half years, and to demand the refund of sums which, even if paid in error, were received in all good faith?

As regards the first question, I am aware that, in a limited number of eases, over-issues of pay were made to officers, and that the bankers responsible for making these over-issues have been endeavouring to recover from the officers concerned the amount of the over-issues. These over-issues of pay were the not unnatural result of the rapid demobilisation of over 20,000 officers, and I do not think that they constitute sufficient reason for dispensing with the services of the firm in question. I may mention that since April last all Royal Air Force officers have been given the option of drawing their pay either from an Accountant Officer or from the agents, and a very small number indeed have decided to change from the agents. As regards the second question, the payments made by the agents were subject to audit, as are all payments out of public funds, and disallowances consequently arose, but I am informed that in no case has so long a period as is suggested in the question been allowed to elapse before recovery has been attempted.

asked the Secretary of State for Air why it has been decided to treat service as a technical officer of the Air Board as service in civilian employment for the computation of gratuity in the case of officers of the Royal Naval Air Service and of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve who were ordered to such service, not only without notice that their status as naval officers was in any way affected, hut, in some cases, with a definite assurance from the Admiralty that that status was maintained?

The decision to exclude the service in question from the computation of gratuity was in accordance with the Admiralty Order which governed those officers' gratuities, the principle being that service on other than naval rates of pay was not gratuity-bearing.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the flying warship now under construction on Southampton Water is being constructed according to Admiralty requirements and specifications; and, if not, are the Admiralty in complete touch with all details as to its construction and fittings?

I have been asked to reply. By the term flying warship, assume that my Noble and gallant Friend has in mind the flying boat referred to in his question of the 27th July, in answer to which I informed him that it was only a flying boat hull that was under construction. The construction of this hull is simply one stage in the gradual development of the policy which has been frequently thought out and discussed with the Admiralty of producing flying boats which can carry out a prolonged cruise. It is the duty of the Air Ministry to arrange for the construction of such experimental boats as are necessary for this development, and it is for this purpose that the hull referred to has been produced. There is no lack of co-operation with the Admiralty in the matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, when the Admiralty asked for volunteers to be seconded to the Royal Air Force, they were to be paid the pay of the Royal Air Force, to be allowed to wear their naval uniform, and to hold the same relative rank; if not, on what grounds; whether any naval officers now are attached, lent, or seconded to the Royal Air Force; whether they are paid at Royal Air Force rates of pay, hold their reltive rank, and wear their uniform; and whether they volunteered for service with the Royal Air Force?

I assume that my Noble and gallant Friend refers to the scheme of attachment to the Royal Air Force promulgated in Admiralty Fleet Order 2011 (a) of 1920, and not to the short courses of training as observers which are now in operation. Under the former scheme, officers were graded as flying officers on joining, but if they held rank in the Royal Navy higher than sublieutenant, they were granted honorary rank in the Royal Air Force equivalent to their naval rank. During their service in the Royal Air Force, however, they carry the rank, pay, and authority of their substantive Air Force grading for all Air Force purposes. They are eligible for substantive promotion to flight-lieutenant, by selection in vacancies, after qualifying as pilots. The uniform worn is, in the case of Service uniform, that of their substantive Royal Air Force rank, or of the honorary rank if held, and, in the case of full dress and mess-dress, naval uniform. I may add that these conditions were those considered necessary by the Air Ministry, who attached considerable importance to the officers wearing the Service dress of the Royal Air Force, even if they wore the mess-dress and full dress of their parent Service. Seven officers, who volunteered for service with the Royal Air Force under this scheme, were attached in September, 1920, for a period of three years. As I explained in my reply of the 25th July to the hon. and gallant Member for Maidstone (Commander Bellairs), proposals were discussed for attaching a further number of officers in 1921, but the scheme fell through on account of the revised conditions, which the Admiralty thought were necessary to make any voluntary scheme a success, not being acceptable to the Air Ministry. No other officers are now attached, lent, or seconded, as, although officers undergoing courses as observers carry out the greater part of their training with the Royal Air Force, they remain under naval conditions throughout.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many cases there are of men who, having disappeared in the War, were posted as deserter, but who have never been heard of since, either by their friends or relatives: whether the War Office assume that the onus of proving that the men were not deserters must rest on the relatives: and whether, since on the contrary the onus of proving that they were deserters should rest on the War Office, he will see whether these cases can be treated on different and more generous lines?

asked the Secretary of State for War how many men who disappeared in the War, and who have never been heard of have been classed as deserters, and pensions refused to their widows or dependants and since, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, it would be fair to assume that these men lost their lives in some unknown way, what steps are taken to ensure that all such cases and sympathetically reviewed?

I am unable to give the figures asked for, but I would point out that no man is presumed to be guilty of he serious crime of desertion without idence to that effect. A Court of Inquiry is held, the witnesses are examined on oath, and the onus of proof rests with the authorities. In general, therefore, I do not think that men, who should have been classified as missing and their death presumed have been treated as deserters but if my hon. Friends have any particular cases in mind, I shall be glad if they will furnish me with any facts regarding them which they think may not have been already considered. In such cases the War Office is always ready to consider new evidence, with a view to rectifying any previous mistake.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has made satisfactory arrangements for housing, during the autumn and winter months, the troops now encamped under canvas in Dublin; and what these arrangements will be?

I cannot at present say what troops will be in Dublin next winter, or consequently what precise arrangements for housing them will be necessary, but the hon. Member may rest assured that the question of making such arrangements will not be neglected.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will present to the House a correct statement of what was said by the officer commanding-in-chief, Northern Command, relative to the League of Nations, when addressing the boys of St. Peter's School, York, on the 30th of June?

Yes, Sir; I understand that Sir Ivor Maxse expressed his disagreement, not with the policy embodied in the League of Nations, but with the opinion that there will never be another War, which latter opinion he described as "tosh."

asked the Secretary of State for War whether officers lately belonging to disbanded Irish regiments transferred to English regiments have been granted any allowance towards the new uniform rendered obligatory by the transfer; and, if not, whether he is prepared to take the necessary steps to indemnify such officers in the expense thus incurred?

This matter is being taken up, and I will communicate with my Noble Friend in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of No. M/24766, Private E. B. Goddard, of No. 585 Company, Royal Army Service Corps, in the Rhine Army of occupation, who was given his discharge at Cologne, and is reported to Rave married a German woman and to have settled at 32, Papageien Strasse, Mulheim, Cologne, leaving his real wife and family in England to be maintained out of the rates; and whether any steps can be taken to compel Private Goddard to support his wife and family?

The circumstances of this case are being investigated, and I will communicate in due course with my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been directed to the fact that, notwithstanding the well-established principle that allowances to cover necessary expenses are not subject to Income Tax, officers of the Army have recently been called upon to pay Income Tax on their allowances; and whether he will take early steps to discontinue this practice?

As the hon. and gallant Member will be aware, the money allowances paid to officers of the Army vary considerably in character, and their liability to taxation is not in each ease governed by the same considerations. If he will give me particulars of the cases which he has in mind, I will have inquiry made into the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the total cost of the British Army of Occupation on the Rhine and in Silesia during the past 12 months?

The total cost, excluding accommodation and other services provided free, for the 12 months to 30th Tune, 1922, is estimated at £1,275,000 for the British Army on the Rhine and £1,100,000 for the British Force in Upper Silesia.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office the total amount of the turnover of the Navy, Army and Air Force institutes for the year ending 31st December, 1921?

No, Sir; I am not in a position to publish this information.

asked the Secretary of State for War if any of the members of the council of management of the United Services Fund are salaried officials of the British Legion; if so, what are their names and salaries;(2) what were the salaries paid to full-time employés on the council of management of the United Services Fund; when they were first engaged; whether they have been increased; the date on which increased; and the amount now received?

As has been explained to the House before, the United Services Fund was formed by a Royal Charter, and the council of management which is the governing body of the fund is not accountable to the War Office. I am not, therefore, in a position to give the information for which the hon. Member asks.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Board of Guardians for Wandsworth and Battersea are not now observing the scale of relief recommended by him; that they have made a considerable reduction in the amount of relief formerly allowed; that in consequence unemployed men with families are suffering severe hardship: and whether he will make representations to the board in question as to the advisability of restoring the scale of relief recommended by him?

No, Sir. The scale referred to is a maximum, not a fixed scale, and I see no reason to interfere with the discretion of the guardians.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the definition of a necessitous area for Poor Law purposes has been defined as one where the poor rate exceeds 1s. in the £; that out of the 600 Poor Law areas only about 200 of them are affected in paying out large sums of money on account of there being so many men and women out of employment; and that a number of Poor Law guardians are considering the advisability of paying out ally more relief to the men and women who are out of employment, on account of the Government refusing to give them any financial assistance, in consequence of the heavy burdens which they have to bear at the present time; and if he will take action in the matter?

I am aware of the scheme to which the hon Member refers. The burden of the relief unemployed persons, of course, varies in the different Poor Law unions, and only a proportion of them are seriously affected by it. I have no reason to suppose that any board of guardians will fail in its duty of relieving distress, and the arrangements which have been made ensure that the necessary funds shall be available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the renewed assistance to relief works during the coming winter, he will instruct the Unemployment Grants Committee to pay special attention to the claims of the agricultural districts which are possibly, owing to incomplete record of existing unemployment, apt to he overlooked?

The matter to which reference is made is being specially considered.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Cabinet Committee on Unemployment will take into special consideration the existing and anticipated unemployment in the purely agricultural districts?

The Cabinet Committee in considering the problem of unemployment will bring under review all the staple industries of the country including agriculture.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that many of the workers in the ironstone mines of Cleveland, who are only working halftime, are refused all unemployment benefit owing to the mines working alternate days instead of alternate weeks; that the requirements of the blast furnaces supplied by these mines make it impossible for the mines to work alternate weeks; under these circumstances will he authorise the payment of benefit if it can be arranged for the mines to work the first three, or the last three, days in each week; and if the Act will not permit this, will he introduce an amending Act, so that workers who are only employed for half the working days in each month may receive the benefits for which they have paid and to which they are now entitled if at work alternate weeks instead of alternate days?

There is no power under the Unemployment Insurance Acts to pay unemployment benefit in the case of workers who are unemployed on alternate days or on alternate periods of three days. As my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, benefit may be payable to persons unemployed on alternate periods of two days. The operation of the present rule governing the payment of benefit in cases of intermittent unemployment is being carefully examined in the Department, but I can give no undertaking with regard to the legislation which would be necessary to effect any change.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that in the neighbourhood of Strood local authorities have been paying a rate of 1s. O½d. an hour on relief schemes, and that on a scheme under the Ministry of Transport the rate paid was 1s. 4½d. per hour, he can state upon what grounds it was decided that the offer of employ-ment by the Strood Rural District Council at 9d. per hour was based upon fair terms and conditions the refusal of which justified the stoppage of unemployment benefit to the men concerned?

As indicated in the answer given to my hon. Friend on Monday last, the rate in question, namely, 9d. per hour, is understood to be the rate ordinarily paid by the Strood Rural District Council to their employes for work of the same kind as that offered to the workmen in question.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the serious delay of eight months which has taken place in refunding contributions paid in error by certain school caretakers in Leeds under the Unemployed insurance Act; and whether he can give an assurance that all such cases will now be promptly dealt with?

The High Court decision of last January that certain classes of caretakers and cleaners are not insurable under the Unemployment Insurance Acts has naturally led to a very large number of claims for refund of contributions. Special steps were taken to deal with these claims as expeditiously as possible, and, in general, I do not think there has been any undue delay. I cannot identify the cases referred to in the question, but if my hon. and gallant Friend will send me particulars I will look into them.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps are to be taken to deal with unemployment, in view of the fact that the Unemployment Insurance Act (No. 2) will expire during the period of Recess?

I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the reply given yesterday to a similar question by the hon. Member for Leyton East (Mr. Malone).

asked the Minister of Labour whether any uniform Regulations are given to the local employment committees for their guidance in determining when single persons make applications for the uncovenanted benefit; and whether decisions are decided off a scale per head per week, going into various houses on a par with Poor Law relieving officers?

The direction issued to local employment committees is that uncovenanted benefit should not be paid to single persons residing with their relatives, unless such persons, when in employment, support themselves, and, when not in employment, cannot reason- ably look to their relatives for support, having regard to all the circumstances. In view of the varying conditions in different districts, no definite scale has been laid down; each case is considered by the local Employment Committee with regard to the individual circumstances. Perhaps I may quote the concluding sentences of the directions issued:

"What the Minister wishes the committees to do is to examine carefully the merits of each case in the light of the conditions laid down. These conditions are not designed to rule out benefit in cases where such deprivation would inflict real hardship. They are intended, however, to prevent the improper dissipation of a fund which is limited, which is built up mainly by heavy contributions from employers and employed, and which is urgently needed to meet the case of those for whom it is properly designed."

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that a very large number of labourers who are working for the Steel Ingot Makers' Association have already received a reduction during the last 12 months of about 37s. per week; that some of the lower paid labourers are now working for about 33s. per week; and, seeing that the purchasing power of such wages is very much below the purchasing power of wages paid in 1914, will he take action in the matter

I understand that the wages of these labourers are regulated by an Agreement between the employers' and workers' organisations, and I do not think that I can take any action in the matter.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the shipowners in the various shipping centres in the various parts of the country and the Port of London Authority are demanding a reduction of 2s. per day from the men working in the docks; that the dock workers have already had a reduction of 24s. per week; that the price of commodities is on the increase; that the wage earners in all parts of the country are protesting against the reductions which the shipowners and other employers of labour in all parts of the country are insisting upon; and that, in consequence of the increased cost of living, wage earners are in a worse position than they were in 1914: how many wage earners have received a reduction in their pay, and what is the total amount of reductions per week during the last six months; and he will take action in the matter?

I am aware of the proposal to reduce the rate of wages of dock workers. This proposal is at present the subject of negotiations between the employers' and workers' organisations, which I hope will result in a settlement of the matter. During the first six months of this year the changes in rates of wages reported to my Department resulted in an aggregate reduction of, approximately, £2,700,000 in the weekly full-time rates of wages of 7,150,000 work-people. The figures relate in the main to organised groups of wage earners and exclude changes in the wages of agricultural workers, domestic servants, Government employés, police, shop assistants and clerks, as to whom statistics are not available.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the Engineering Employers' Federation insisted upon a wage reduction of 16s. 6d. per week, 5s. 6d. to be taken off commencing Monday, 31st July, 1922, 5s. 6d. on 28th August and Ss. 6d. on 25th September; that a ballot of the members affected has been taken; that the men voted down by a majority of 26,963: that, although the men have voted the reduction down, the employers have posted up a. notice that the reductions will operate commencing from Monday, 31st July; that the members affiliated to the federation of engineering and shipbuilding unions have also taken a ballot upon the same questions, and they voted it down by a majority of 16,005; whether the Government agree to the methods of conciliation that have been exercised by the members of the Engineering Employers' Federation; if he is aware that the men in question have already had a reduction of 6s. plus 12½per cent.; that when the full reduction has been completed it will mean that some of the labourers will only receive about 35s. per week: and that the cost of living is now 84 per cent., as shown by the Labour Gazette figures, over and above 1914; and if he will take action in the matter?

I am aware of the, facts to which my hon. Friend refers, but I do not think that I can take any action in the matter.

asked the Minister of Labour the grounds on which he decided not to reappoint Professor J. H. Jones as an appointed member of the Stamped or Pressed Metal-Wares Trade Board, having regard to the high appreciation of his services by both the workers' and employers' sides of the board and his close study of the conditions and difficulties existing in the trades concerned; and whether, seeing that it is in the best interests of the trade boards that the strongly expressed and unanimous desires of the workers' and employers' representatives should not be ignored, this decision can be reconsidered?

Professor Jones was appointed a member of the Stamped or Pressed Metal-Wares Trade Board for a period of two years. At the end of that period, after careful consideration of all the circumstances, and in the exercise of the discretion given to me under the Statute, another appointment was made. My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary has discussed the matter with the board, and they have been notified that the decision already taken cannot be varied.

asked the Minister of Health if he will give the particulars of the total sums disbursed as health insurance benefits, and the total costs of administration during the last two years?

The particulars asked for are, as regards England and Wales, as follow:

	1920.	1921.
	£	£
Total expenditure on benefits	18,782,000	21,562,000
Total cost of administration	4,500,000	4,827,000

asked the Minister of Health what is the total amount of the contributions that have been credited to seamen insured under the National Health Insurance Act in respect of each of the 12 months ended 31st December, 1920 and 1921, distinguishing, as far as possible, between the total amounts of the contributions credited respectively to foreign-going seamen and home-trade seamen?

It is not possible to state the total amount of the contributions received in respect of seamen in the home trade, as the cards of such seamen cannot be distinguished from those of persons in employment on shore. The contributions of foreign-going seamen are paid on special cards, and are shown separately in the records of societies. To obtain the total amount of such contributions would, however, be a very laborious task, involving an examination of the half-yearly returns from about 2,000 societies and branches having foreign-going seamen members. Moreover, the figures for the year 1921 are not yet available. I am having a statement prepared of the total amount of the contributions for foreign-going seamen credited in 1920 in respect of members of the two principal seamen's societies, and will forward it to the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the tenants of the War Department hutments on Perham Down, Salisbury Plain, in which about 100 families of men employed at Tidworth Ordnance depot and other Government establishments are accommodated, have now been called upon to pay local rates in addition to the rents agreed upon; and whether, considering the condition of the hutments and the expense to which the tenants are put to preserve them in a habitable condition, he will consider the desirability of relieving them from their additional burden?

My attention had not previously been drawn to the matter. I have no power to relieve any person from the payment of rates, but I will inquire into the facts of the case.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will furnish a return in connection with housing schemes, showing the name and place of each housing scheme, the amount of money which each has involved, and the number of finished houses which each has produced?

As I stated in reply to a similar question by the hon. and gallant Member for Basingstoke (Sir A. Holbrook) on the 5th July, 1922, the preparation of such a return would involve much time and labour which I am reluctant to impose on my Department in present circumstances. I hope that the object of my hon. Friend will be sufficiently met by the following particulars:On the 1st July the number of houses completed under State-aided schemes was:

By local authorities and public utility societies	122,807
By private builders under the Government subsidy scheme	*36,803
		159,610

*Further claims have since been received in respect of 1,832 houses completed by the 23rd June.
Houses under construction (by local authorities and public utility societies)	35,971
Balance of houses remaining to be built by local authorities which had not been started	17,222

The total capital cost of the assisted housing schemes, when completed, is estimated at £190,000,000. In addition, the total sum paid or in course of payment in subsidy to private builders is £9,300,000.

asked the Minister of Health if be is aware that the payment of expenses of delegates of local authorities attending annual meetings and conferences convened by the Royal Sanitary Institute, the Municipal and County Engineers, the Sanitary Inspectors' Association, and similar institutions, has been refused; and whether, seeing that such conferences have proved helpful to local authorities and officials in the carrying out of their work, he will reconsider the matter with a view to sanctioning such expenses in future?

As the conferences mentioned in the question do not, come within the terms of the Public Health and Local Government Conferences Act, 1883, there is no legal authority for The payment out of the rates of the expenses of delegates attending them, and in view of the need for economy in public expenditure at the present time I have felt unable to promise any general sanction to such expenditure.

asked the Minister of Health the South-well Rural District Council (Notts) is proceeding with a water scheme for the parish of Hoveringham, involving a rate of over 2s. in the £ against the expressed wish of the large majority of ratepayers; why no reply has been sent to the petition expressing the ratepayers' opposition to the scheme; and what steps will he afforded to the overseers of Hoveringham to he heard in opposition to the scheme?

This scheme has not yet been sanctioned by my Department. Before a decision is given, a public local inquiry will he held, of which notice will he given and full opportunity afforded to any persons interested to state their views.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether there are serious complaints in the public Press of India about the deterioration of the postal service; and will he inquire at an early date as o how far this state of affairs is due to the inadequacy of the overworked supervising staff nod the failure, to recognise the claims for equitable treatment in the matter of pay and prospects as compared with the accounts and telegraph branches of the same Department?

I have no reason to think that the supervising staff of the Indian Post Office is inadeqate, or that grievances as to pay and prospects have caused any deterioration in the postal service, but I will make inquiry of the Government of India.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether there is discontent among officers in the administrative grades of the Post Office in India owing to the denial to them of rights and privileges under the revised rules relating to acting and other allowances, in spite of several petitions submitted to the Government of India on the subject during the past two years: and will he inquire into this?

I ant not aware that the officers of the Indian Post Office have been denied any rights and privileges under the rules referred to by the hon. Member, but I will make inquiry of the Government of India.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether officers in the higher grades of the Indian Post Office have been excluded from the general scheme of increases of pay in proportion to the high cost of living since the War, while officers of the finance and other Departments recruited in India, who formerly received similar rates of pay in different corresponding grades, have had their salaries considerably increased during the past three or four years; and will he state the reasons therefor?

There has been no general scheme of increases of pay in India in proportion to the high cost of living. The scales of pay of all the services, including the Post Office, have been revised during the last two or three years in consequence of the recommendations of the Public Services Commission.

asked the Under-Secretary of Stale for India if he is aware that by the Government of Burma Financial Department Notification No. 24, of 25th March, 1920, a special Burma allowance for 10 years, from 20th March, 1920, was sanctioned by the Secretary of State for officers of Departments not recruited in Burma to meet the extra cost of living in Burma; that this allowance has still after two years been withheld from the British officers of the Burma military police; that the Government of Burma referred this claim to the Government of India a year ago, but had in June last received no reply; whether the Government of India admit this claim; and, if so, when it will pay it or refuse the claim as inadmissible, and, if so, on what grounds?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the remaining parts of the question, I have no information, but will inquire.

asked the, limier-Secretary of State for India whether he can now give any information as to the results of the amended Leper Act passed by the Imperial Legislative Council in India; how far the Act has been put into force by the various provincial Governments; how many lepers have now been segregated; and how far the remedial treatment of the disease gives promise of success?

The amended Leper Act passed by the Indian Legislative Council in 1920 empowers local Governments to appoint places to be leper asylums and the local areas from which lepers may he sent to such asylums. Under the Holes made under the Government of India Act of 1919 the treatment of lepers is a transferred subject dealt with in provincial administrations by a Minister responsible to the Legislative Council of the province. The Act is therefore not compulsory. The Act is in force throughout Bengal and in prescribed areas of Bombay and Burma. Its application is under consideration in the Governments of the United Provinces, Bihar and Orissa and the Central Provinces. It has not been applied in Assam, the Punjab or the Madras Presidency. Exact figures of the number of lepers who have been segregated under the Act are not available, but 918 are reported to be in asylums in Bengal and 368 in the Bombay Presidency. In Bengal, treatment by chaulmoogra oil and its derivatives, in Bihar and Orissa intravenous injections of hydrocarpate of sodium and sodium morrhuate have been found satisfactory. The latter Government are now trying antimony treatment. It is stated by the Government of Bombay that some of the patients have shown marked improvement under treatment, but none have been really cured. Recent research tends to show that deficiency of certain essential constituents in diet (vitamins) may be a foci or in causing leprosy.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many resolutions he has received from the necessitous local education authorities protesting against the Government Circular (1261), issued by the Board of Education on 17th May, 1922, in connection with the expenditure under the provision of Meals Act, 1906 to 1914; and if he will take action in the matter?

I have received protests from eight local education authorities against the policy outlined in Circular 1261. I have nothing to add to the answer I gave the hon. Member yesterday.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether Mr. E. T. Balls, a school teacher, of Leytonstone, formerly a sergeant-major in the Queen's Westminsters, who enlisted at the commencement of the War, was invalided from France in 1919 suffering from tuberculosis, but is now on full normal teaching service, has been informed that, under Section 3 of the School Teachers, (Superannuation) Act, 1918, no death gratuity will he granted in his case, because he was of impaired health at the commencement of the Act, i.e., on 1st April, 1919, and that the decision of the Board cannot be affected by any subsequent improvement in his health; and whether it is proposed to deduct the contribution for superannuation from Mr. Balls' salary, although he can never qualify for full benefit under the Act; and whether legislation will be introduced forthwith to remedy the injustice done in this and similar cases?

The facts are as stated in the first part of the question. It is provided by Section 3 of the School, Teachers (Superannuation) Act, 1918, that a death gratuity shall not be granted in respect of any teacher who failed to satisfy the Board, in the prescribed manner, that he was not of impaired health at the commencement of the Act. In view of the nature of the illness from which this teacher suffered, the Board were unable to take the view that his health was not impaired. The School Teachers (Superannuation) Bill of the present Session does not exempt a teacher in such a case as this from payment of contributions; but the hon. Member will observe that Clause 2 (4) makes provision for the return of contributions in the event of death without having received any benefits under the Act. Though Mr. Balls cannot qualify for a death gratuity, he will be eligible, for the other benefits of the Act, if he satisfies the prescribed conditions.

asked the President of the Board of Education (1) whether, in view of the fact that the teaching of a foreign language is included in the curriculum of elementary schools, he will consider the advisability of extending this generally to all junior technical schools;(2) whether he has refused an application of the Portsmouth education authority for permission to include a foreign language in the curriculum of their junior technical school, but has stated that he would be prepared to consider the question of sanctioning the provision of a class in French for selected students outside school hours; whether the pupils attend usually 30 hours per week, and that the home work occupies from one to three hours per evening; and whether, in view of the impracticability of the pupils attending a class outside school hours, he will reconsider his decision in the matter?

On the general issue I would refer him to the reply given on the 1st August last to the hon. Member for the Spen Valley Division of Yorkshire (Mr. Myers). The decision of the Board in the Portsmouth case followed the principle stated in that reply; and I find it difficult to believe that if a reasonable number of selected students, who were really desirous of obtaining instruction in French, were to present themselves, time and facilities could not he found for meeting their wishes. It would be a mistake to suppose that instruction in a foreign language is a normal or usual part of the curriculum of a public elementary school. In exceptional cases provision is made for such teaching as part of a course of advanced instruction, aiming at the preparation of the pupils for commercial life.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of places available to scholars in secondary schools who qualified by competitive examination in 1921, as compared with a similar period in 1913; how many scholars for whom fees are paid are being taught in secondary schools; and the number of scholars who pass the examination test for whom there is no room in these schools?

Out of a total of 187,647 pupils in grant-earning secondary schools on 1st October, 1913, 61,266 were free-place scholars admitted as a result of a competitive examination. The corresponding figures for 1st October, 1921, were 360,615 and 121,646. The number of fee-paying scholars on the latter date was 238,969. I have no information to show the number of pupils who qualified for admission, but were excluded for lack of accommodation.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the Urban District of Mitcham is the poorest urban area in the administrative County of Surrey and that, while it contains only about 6½ per cent. of the population of the administrative county as defined for purposes of elementary education, it has about 10 per cent. of the total number of elementary school children educated by the Surrey County Education Committee; whether he appreciates that, in the light of the circumstances, the secondary school for boys recently sanctioned there by the Board will be disadvantageously circumscribed in its influence by the stipulation made by the Board of Education that not more than 25 per cent. of its scholars are to be free placers; and if he will withdraw the stipulation for that obtaining in the other secondary schools of the same county, namely, that the number of free placers admitted in a year shall be not less than 25 per cent. of the previous year's entrants?

I am familiar with the circumstances of this case, and the Board are in communication with the Surrey Local Education Authority upon it. Under existing financial restrictions I should find it difficult to justify an increase in the percentage of free places awarded in excess of 25 per cent. unless it can be shown that the increase is covered by a corresponding decrease in other schools in the area of the authority.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will appoint one or more representative teachers to serve on the Committee which he proposes to set up to consider the question of teachers' superannuation?

As the Committee is appointed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, I have been asked to reply. It is not proposed that any member of the Committee should be directly representative of the various classes of teachers who may be concerned. Such representations as these classes may wish to make will, no doubt, be fully presented to the Committee in evidence.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that Miss Trott, an art teacher at St. Angela's High School, Forest Gate, a school recognised by the Board, has been informed by his Department that she is not a full-time teacher for the purposes of the School Teachers (Superannuation) Act, 1918, despite the facts that she teaches for 24 periods out of 34 teaching periods per week; that she spends, as is customary in secondary schools, the other periods in correction work; that she is a capable specialist who has organised the art teaching throughout the school; that, in addition to working during the whole of the ordinary school hours, she, according to the statement of her headmistress, is often occupied by her school duties until 6 or 7 o'clock in the evening, and that she holds no other appointment, devoting all her energies to the school; and whether he will give instructions for a reconsideration of her case?

The information in the Board's possession last November, when the case was dealt with, was not entirely in accordance with the facts as stated in the question. If a full statement of Miss Trott's duties is forwarded to the Board, her case will again be considered in the light of it?

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that serious hardship and expense are in many cases caused to pensioners who go to convalescent homes situated in remote country districts owing to the impossibility of getting their sick certificates, authorising their dependants to draw their pensions, signed by a medical man each week in their presence whilst they are away: and will he authorise the medical officer sending them away to sign these sick certificates whilst they are away from home or make other arrangements whereby their dependants can draw their pensions?

My hon. Friend is, I think, under a misapprehension. Disabled men who are sent to a hospital or convalescent home by my Department receive allowances in lieu of their pensions, and no weekly certificates are necessary to enable the allowances to be drawn. If, however, my hon. Friend has in mind the local difficulty, about which he wrote to me recently, affecting the payment of a disabled man's pension to a second person, in a case where the pensioner himself had gone into hospital of his own accord for a complaint unconnected with his War service, I am looking into the point and will write my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, when a disabled soldier in receipt of a pension deserts his wife and children, there is any means of securing the whole or part of such pension towards the maintenance of his wife and children?

I have full power in such a case to pay the allowances for wife and children, attached to the pension, direct to the deserted wife, but I have no authority to divert to their benefit any part of the man's pension.

asked the Minister of Pensions the percentage of appeals which are unsuccessful in the six months ending June as compared with the six months corresponding in previous years: and whether, in these appeal cases, he will consider the utilisation of a specialist in each case rather than a general medical practitioner?

I have been asked to reply. I cannot give the figures asked for in the first part of the question for the reasons given in my reply to the hon. Member for Workington (Mr. Cape) on the 14th March last. In answer to the latter part of the question, the Regulations governing appeals to Entitlement and Assessment Tribunals empower them, in any case involving a difficult medical or surgical question, to send the appellant to be examined by a specialist who shall report to the tribunal or to take the opinion of a specialist upon a case stated to him.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he has received complaints from boards of guardians as to the manner in which the disability pensions of ex-service men, who are still unfit for any work, are being discontinued; and will he take steps to prevent obligations being placed on local ratepayers to meet what should be a national charge

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given on a similar point addressed to me by the hon. Member for Kettering (Mr. Water-son) on the 26th July, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether sick-berth petty officers of the Portsmouth Division are still allowed to take advantage of their free discharge under reduction of personnel as laid down in Admiralty Fleet Order 1359; and whether sick-berth petty officers of the Portsmouth Division have recently applied for their discharge under this Order without effect, in spite of the fact that the number of sick-berth petty officers at present borne are quoted as being in excess to the number allowed per Estimates for the current financial year?

The selection of home service men for discharge under the terms of the special scheme for the reduction of personnel ceased as from the 30th of June last, except as laid down in Admiralty Fleet Order 1746/22. When the numbers who have applied for their discharge on foreign stations are accurately known, the question of any existing surplus—should there be one—will be dealt with.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he furnish the date of the increase in proportion of the higher rates in the sick-berth staff of the Portsmouth Division?

January, 1919.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what are the numbers of sick-berth chief petty officers, sick-berth petty officers, leading sick berth attendants, and sick-berth attendants, respectively, of the Portsmouth Division laid down in the estimated numbers voted for the current financial year?

It is contrary to Admiralty policy to publish details of the numbers of ratings. Moreover, the numbers of the different ratings are liable to vary during the year according to requirements, and the numbers estimated for, if given, might prove misleading.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that the compensation paid to W. Wadison, 54, Woodhouse Lane, Wigan, who met with an accident at Royal Naval Gun Factory, Westhoughton, Lancashire, on 14th February, 1922, losing three fingers of his left hand, was£2 7s. 6d. per week, which should have been continued for six months; and that at the end of five months, i.e., 15th July, 1922, his compensation was reduced to £1 per week; whether he will have this case inquired into and the arrears due paid to him at once; and, seeing that this man is permanently disabled, will work be found for him when ready for work, or will he consider the question of commutation so that this man may take up some other business?

Wadeson was in receipt of hurt pay at the rate of £2 Ss. 6d. (not £2 7s. 6d.) a week up to the 15th ultimo, when the factory was closed, and he was discharged from Admiralty employment. He then ceased to be entitled to hurt pay, but, pending consideration of his claim to compensation, he was awarded a provisional allowance of £1 a week. This was the rate appropriate to the impairment of his earning capacity (materially impaired) as assessed by the local medical officer. Wadeson has now been awarded a temporary weekly allowance at the rate of 35s. a week, payable as from the date of the cessation of hurt pay, and subject to review in six months, or earlier, if the man obtains employment. This allowance is at the maximum rate appropriate to total loss of earning capacity, and includes 15s. a week temporary War addition. Authority for payment at the increased rate, with arrears, is being issued. It is not practicable to allow commutation at the present stage, as it is not possible to estimate the permanent effects of the injury. I regret that it is not possible to find further employment for this man.

asked the Under-Secretary a State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received the text of the manifesto in regard to which the members of the Egyptian delegation are about to be prosecuted; and, if so, the words upon which the charge is based?

I have not yet received the full text of the manifesto referred to. I understand, however, that one of the passages on which the charge is based runs as follows:

"The Delegation requests you (i.e., the Egyptian nation) to notify to the civilised world by all means at your disposal the expression of your anger and indignation, so as to render the British Government and present Ministry responsible for whatever the consequences this oppressive policy (i.e., treatment of Zaghloul) will have."

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, seeing that, as a condition of granting self-government to Egypt, it was agreed by His Majesty King Fouad that compensation should be paid to Government officials who may either be dismissed to make room for Egyptians or who may desire to resign owing to the changed conditions of service, he will state whether the basis of compensation has been approved by the Government; and whether there is any reason for the delay in giving effect to the arrangements?

I am unable to add anything to the reply given to the hon. Member for Newcastle, North (Mr. Doyle) on 31st July.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will inform the House of the present condition of the health of Saad Zaghloul Pasha: and whether any reports have been received since 11th July?

The last report on Saad Pasha Zaghloul's health was received on 23rd July, the chief medical officer of the Seychelles stating that no change of any importance had occurred in the Pasha's health since the date mentioned by the hon. Member.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the dissatisfaction amongst gas consumers in London on the new method of the London gas companies charging by therms; whether he is aware that many consumers think they are overcharged; and whether he will consider the desirability of an inquiry into the present methods of charging by the London gas companies, in the interest of the daily consumer

My attention has been drawn to comments in the Press on this subject. The method of charging for gas on a therm basis came into operation in the case of one London company in October, 1920, and in the case of the other Metropolitan companies in April and May, 1921, respectively. Under this method, consumers are charged according to the heating value of the gas supplied, and the local authorities have appointed gas examiners, in accordance with their powers under the Gas Regulation Act. At the time of the introduction of the thermal method of charging, the standard prices were revised, in compliance with the Act. I do not think that any further inquiry on the part of the Board of Trade is called for at present. The Act provides that a local authority may apply to the Board of Trade for a revision of the standard price per therm fixed in the original Order, consequent upon reductions in the cost of making gas since the date of the original Order, and this method of procedure is open to any local authority in whose area the consumers are of opinion that the standard price per therm should be reduced below that given by the Board originally.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how much of the educational research grant voted by the House of Commons has been utilised for the purpose of scholarships and maintenance grants for the sons and daughters of agricultural workers and others in the industry: and will the full amount of the grant be expended in the necessary work of individual occupational education?

I have been asked to reply. No money has yet been spent for the purpose mentioned; the first awards under the scheme approved will be made in time to enable scholarship holders to attend courses starting this autumn. The estimated cost of the scheme for five years is approximately £117,000. Of this sum, about £110,000 will be spent in payments to scholars, the remaining £7,000 being required for such purposes as travelling expenses of candidates summoned to interviews, printing and advertising.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has received representations from those engaged in the Irish store cattle trade in Scotland with regard to the great hardship, expense and congestion being caused by the Regulation for compulsory sale of imported animals at the landing ports; and whether he can see his way to accede to the request of Scottish farmers and others interested that the Regulations may be so far modified as to permit of the period of detention being passed elsewhere than at the port of landing?

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend is unwilling to make any change in the present Regulations with regard to the sale and movement of Irish store cattle pending -the receipt of the Report of the Committee on Foot-and-Mouth Disease, which was appointed some time ago.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the dwelling-house on Cochgwan Farm, Maentwrog, which is Crown property, was declared by the rural district council of Dendraeth to be in an insanitary condition, and an undertaking was given that the necessary repairs would be carried out; and that, on being pressed to execute the work, a letter was received from the Office of Woods in which it was alleged that the tenant had declared his holding was not large enough to provide him with a living, and that it had, therefore, been decided to combine the holding with another, known as Hafodfawr; whether he is aware that Cochgwan has maintained a family from time immemorial; and what is the reason for reducing the number of existing holdings at a time when large sums of money are being spent in providing small holdings and erecting thereon entirely new buildings?

I have been asked to reply. This is a matter for the (Mice of Woods and Forests, and my right hon. Friend has not yet had an opportunity of inquiring fully into the case. He will, however, look into the matter, and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the Government is now in a position to make any statement on the likelihood of legislation being introduced at an early date to deal with the relief of agriculture from local taxation?

I am not in a position to make any statement on this subject at present.

asked the Home Secretary whether the. High Brewery at Carlisle, with cottages and other premises, was recently offered for sale by auction and no bid was received; the cost to the public of this property when acquired in, 1916; and whether there have been any receipts into the Exchequer from rents or other sources in connection therewith?

The answer to the first and third parts of the question is in the affirmative. As to the second part, the undertaking known as the High Brewery was acquired as a whole, and as it included a number of licensed houses and other assets, besides the premises which were recently put up to auction, the cost to the public of the latter cannot be separately stated.

asked the Minister of Labour whether managers, manageresses, and other persons employed by the Government in public-houses under the State management districts scheme, are subject to the provisions of the Shop Hours Act; and whether, in every case, such persons are given the weekly half-holiday, as in the case of persons of like occupation not in Government employment?

My right hon. Friend has referred this question to me, as it does not concern his Department. I beg to refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave to the similar question asked by him on the 10th July.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the sentences passed on two men named Rust and Dallas for participating in a not arising out of an eviction in Camberwell; whether that it was stated that Rust was not present during the disturbance, and that during the police court proceedings the witnesses for the prosecution were in the police court before being called upon to give evidence; and, will he make early inquiries into the matter with a view to remedying any injustice?

I have consulted the magistrate, who informs me that he was satisfied on the evidence before him that Rust was present and took part in doing wilful damage to the premises. The witnesses for the prosecution were not present in court before being called to give evidence. I regret that I can find no ground for interference with the sentences passed upon the two men.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received from the Dudley Port Explosion Fund Committee any protest against the personnel of the court of inquiry set up to investigate the causes of the recent explosion in Dudley Port: and, if so, when was the protest made and what was the nature of the reply?

Yes, I have received this protest. It was dated the 1st August and received by me on the 2nd. I have replied that the court was constituted strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Act and that I believe there is not the smallest foundation for the suggestion that the court would not make an absolutely unbiased report.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the decision given by the Court of Appeal on Friday the 7th instant in the actions of Ford v. Blurton and Ford v. Sauber on the right to trial by jury, in Which it was held that the provisions of the Administration of Justice Act, 1920, had in effect taken away the right to trial by jury in civil cases: to the remarks of the Lord Justices that they doubted whether this far-reaching effect had been intended by Parliament: to the observations of Lord Justice Atkin that the principle of trial by jury was the bulwark of liberty and the shield of the poor from the oppression of the rich and powerful; and to the hope which the Court had expressed that the result of the decisions in the actions referred to might direct public attention, to a question of serious importance and might lead to a recon- sideration of the subject; and, if so, whether the Government is prepared to take steps to at once restore the former right to trial by jury, subject only to such limited restrictions as may be deemed desirable?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Attorney-General on the 17th July to a question by the hon. Member for Bodmin (Mr. Foot).

the Minister of Pensions whether the pledge given orally by a former Minister of Pensions to a deputation of women that women would be retained in the Pensions Issue Office in preference to officers and men who have fought in His Majesty's forces during the War was given on behalf of the Government or not: and whether the Government were consulted before any such pledge was given?

The pledge referred to must be regarded as having been given on behalf of the Government and, as such, was considered binding by the Lytton Committee. I am not in a. position to say whether the matter was formally considered by the Government at the time.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that, under paragraph 19 of the Third Report of the Lytton Committee, it was recommended that the percentage of non-service persons engaged in the Pensions Issue Office should be reduced by the 31st March, 1922, to not more than one-third of the total staff; that this recommendation was made under strong protest against the action of the former Minister in giving an oral undertaking to non-service personnel; that this recommendation is only binding up to the 31st March, 1922; and whether, in view of the fact that there are now over 1,400 ex-service men who have fought in His Majesty's forces during the War who have seen approved service in other Government Departments, and who have now become redundant seeking employment through the joint Substitution Board, he will take immediate action in the direction of a further substitution in the Pensions issue Office, with the object of providing employment for these men in a Department which it is specially desirable should be staffed entirely by those who fought in the War?

I fear that my hon. and gallant Friend is under a misapprehension. The Lytton Committee recommended that the proportion of non-service persons in substitutable grades in the Ministry as a whole should be reduced to one-third by the 31st March, 1922, and this recommendation has actually been carried out. The allocation of the staff was left to the Minister to decide. It is understood that the number of efficient ex-service men, redundant in other Departments, who have had service overseas or are disabled, and can be recommended for re-allocation as clerks, is now small.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of ex-service men now temporarily employed as special clerks in the Civil Service?

I regret that I am unable to add anything to the reply given on the 31st ultimo to a similar previous question by the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why, having regard to the then Prime Minister's promise given on 22nd August, 1916, that the claims to promotion of those serving in the Navy or Army would not be prejudiced by their absence from their departments. the Board of Inland Revenue has established as a condition for promotion that there must be three years post-War service at the date of review of each man's claim?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for West Houghton (Mr. Rhys Davies) on the 31st July. I am sending him a copy of that reply.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that the stall- holders, mostly ex-service men, in Douglas Street, Deptford, have had reason to complain to the Commissioner of Police as to the manner in which they have been harassed by the police, the names and numbers of the men in question having been reported to him; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made with a view to the stall-holders being permitted to carry on their trading without interference?

The police have experienced very little trouble with this market, so far from harassing the stall-holders, they have not had occasion to apply for a single summons this year. One complaint of the conduct of two officers has been received. Upon enquiry, however, the writer could not be traced; and the allegation was found on investigation to be groundless.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is yet in a position to state the further period during which the Government training factory at Kirkdale will be kept open?

The numbers in this training centre have fallen so much that it will be impossible to keep it open unless more men are passed for training. Representations have been made to the trades in Liverpool and they have agreed to reconsider the training position. I hope they will find it possible to accept more men. Until their decision is known I cannot say definitely how long the Government instructional factory at Kirk-dale will be kept open. In any ease the lease expires in May, 1923, and it is doubtful if it can be extended.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether since the last reductions in the rates of pay of the temporary staff in Government offices a large number of temporary women clerks have had their expenditure on fares considerably increased by being transferred from offices in Regent's Park to offices in Acton and from Customs and Excise and other offices to Kew under the workings of the substitution scheme; and whether this increase in the cost of living to a high proportion of London temporary women clerks will be taken into consideration in fixing upon a starting date or official cost of living figure for the base of the sliding scale scheme?

I am aware that a number of women have been transferred from one office to another in the London area, but it does not appear to me that this consideration could fairly be allowed any considerable weight in negotiations affecting the graded rates of the entire staff of temporary clerks.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that Grade 1 temporary shorthand typists are in considerable numbers now applying for City appointments, in view of the fact that the reductions proposed by the. Treasury will bring their rates considerably below those generally paid in the City for the first-class shorthand typist, and that this will cause grave inconvenience to those officials who have to dictate important correspondence; and whether, for the sake of the latter, he will make such arrangements that it is possible to retain the services of these first-grade shorthand typists?

I have no knowledge of any such tendency as that suggested in the question, and I should be much obliged if the hon. Member would furnish me with any specific instances with which he may be acquainted.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the normal yearly wastage in the Civil Service caused by ill-health, death, and retirements under the age limit?

The average numbers of superannuation awards made each year to established civil servants, or their representatives, on the basis of the last three years, were approximately as follow:—

On retirement due to ill-health	1,200
On death	520
On retirement on account of age	2,200

The Government Actuary has estimated that, on the basis of pre-War experience, the rates of wastage per thousand of the active staff were:—

Ill-health	5·3
Death	3·2
Age	5·3

These figures relate, of course, to the age constitution which obtained in the Civil Service as a whole during the period covered by the investigation.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what are the annual holidays allowed to the different grades of the permanent staff of the Civil Service; and how many days in a year can an official have leave of absence without furnishing a medical certificate; and what is the average absence per official per year on account of sickness?

In reply to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement, circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT of 22nd June, 1921 (0FFICIAL REPORT, Vol. 143, No. 82), in reply to a similar question by the hon. Member for Fulham West (Sir C. Cobb). Under the Order in Council of 10th January, 1910, heads of Departments have discretion to allow sick leave—without medical certificate—not exceeding in any case two days continuously, or seven days in a year; in practice, however, lower limits are frequently enforced. I regret that figures are not available for the whole Service showing what is the average absence per official per year on account of sickness.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the chairman of the Committee on Crown and Government, Lands has carried on any negotiations in regard to Crown or Government properties on behalf of Crown or Government tenants whilst that Committee was sitting and he has been acting in an advisory capacity to His Majesty's Government; and, if so, what was the nature and result of any such negotiations?

The chairman of the Committee is a partner in a firm of estate agents which, during the period in question, have been acting for Crown tenants in negotiation with the Office of Woods. In one case negotiations for a building lease proved abortive, and in another terms for a building lease were agreed.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any estimates have been made to show the nature and amount of the economies that are suggested by the Committee on Crown and Government Lands if a new Central Lands Department be set up to carry on the technical work which appears to be efficiently and economically carried on by the various Departments under the present régime; and if, before the Government proceeds to set up any such new machinery, a full financial statement of the present and proposed systems will be submited to this House?

No specific estimate has been made of the economies which might result from the adoption of the recommendations of the Committee on Crown and Government Lands. In view of the difficulties, enumerated in the fourth paragraph of the Final Report of the Committee, of making an accurate assessment of the total cost of managing and administering the Crown and Government lands under the present system, I fear that it would not be practicable to adopt the suggestion contained in the fatter part of the question.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the total cost to the Exchequer of all old age pensions and their administration for the last two years?

The net total cost to the Exchequer of old age pensions, including administration, during the year 1920–21 amounted to £26,058,599, as shown on page 635 of H.C. 10 of 1922. Final figures are not yet available for 1921–22, but the similar charge for that year was estimated at £27,148,803. This provision included the cost of a fifty-third weekly payment which fell due within the year. The actual expenditure will be reduced by the cessation of the charge for Northern Irish pensions as from 22nd November, 1921.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in order to claim the 10 per cent, reduction on earned incomes, Income Tax payers are now being required to make a return of carned income for the year 1922–23; whether he has received from local inspectors or collectors any representations as to the difficulties thus placed in the way of the tax payers: whether he proposes to take steps to mitigate the difficulty; and, if so, what?

I think my hon. Friend in under some misapprehension. Income Tax payers have always been required to make, early in the financial year, returns of untaxed income, whether earned or otherwise, for purposes of assessment to Income Tax. I am not aware of the difficulties to which my bon. Friend refers, but if he has any particular case in mind I shall be glad to have it looked into if he will communicate with me.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, when a claim for repayment of Income Tax is made on form No. 40, and the claimant signifies on the form that the repayment shall be made to some other person, it is within the power of the Board of inland Revenue to refuse to carry out the claimant's wishes and remit the money direct, and not to the person authorised by the claimant to receive the same?

Although there is no provision in the Income Tax Acts requiring them to do so, it is the general practice of the Board of Inland Revenue to pay any sums due to a claimant to any person who may be authorised by him to receive it. They reserve, however, the right to act otherwise where they consider it expedient to do so.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of persons with incomes over £100,000 assessed to Super-tax for the financial year ending March, 1922?

The number of individuals assessed to Super-tax for the year 1921–22 in sums exceeding £100,000 is 151; this number is subject to revision, as further assessments and adjustments on appeal for that year may still be made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount, in tons weight, of foreign cement imported into England during the years 1920, 1921, and the first half-year of 1922,

					Year 1920.	Year 1921.	Jan. June, 1.922.
					Tons.	Tons.	Tons.
Finland	…	…	…	…	—	4	—
Sweden	…	…	…	…	—	10	—
Norway	…	…	…	…	1,283	12,027	15,129
Denmark	…	…	…	…	5	98	656
Germany	…	…	…	…	776	846	42
Netherlands	…	…	…	…	685	654	296
Belgium	…	…	…	…	35,153	90,349	43,668
Luxemburg	…	…	…	…	—	741	—
France	…	…	…	…	59	438	126
Algeria	…	…	…	…	—	10	—
Switzerland	…	…	…	…	—	31	—
Poland	…	…	…	…	—	21	—
Spain	…	…	…	…	—	9	—
Czecho-Slovakia	…	…	…	…	—	10	40
Turkey, European	…	…	…	…	—	—	16
United States	…	…	…	…	471	463	291
Total	…	…	…	…	38,438	105,711	60,264

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that German-caught fish are competing with British-caught fish in the fish markets of England; and wheher he will inquire into the matter and consider what steps can be taken to prevent what, under present conditions of exchange and wages in Germany, is unfair competition?

I have been asked to answer this question. I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries on this subject in the House on the 17th February last. I understand that all the German fish landed in this country is brought to Aberdeen, and that the bulk of it is cured there for export. There appears to be a difference of opinion among those concerned as to the desirability of excluding this fish from our ports.

The following statement shows the quantity of cement (calcareous) for building and engineering purposes imported into the United Kingdom during the periods specified, distinguishing the quantities consigned from different countries:

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether trade in British-caught fish with France is being prejudicially affected owing to the high import duty charged by France on such fish; and whether he will inquire into the matter, in consultation with the Foreign Office, and ascertain whether anything can be done?

This matter has already formed the subject of representations to the French Government, and I am not aware of any further action which could usefully be taken. As the hon. and gallant Member is no doubt aware, the duty was reduced on 10th June from 46 to 38 francs per 100 kilogs.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the duty on English lace imported into France is four and a half times greater than before the War; that French lace is admitted into Great Britain free of duty; that, consequently, very little English lace is now exported to France whilst large quantities of French lace are being delivered here to the detriment of the English lace makers; and what steps does he propose to take to remedy this unfair state of things?

I am aware of the facts stated by the hon. Member, but I would remind him that, though the duty on cotton lace measured in francs is about four and a half times as great as before the War, the sterling equivalent of the duty is only about twice as great. If the hon. Member can furnish evidence that the ad valorem equivalent of the present duty is greater than it was before the War, I will see that, as in other similar eases, the matter is brought to the notice of the French Government.

asked the Secretary for Mines the amount by which the price of export coal has been increased as the result of recent large orders from abroad; whether that increase is already reflected in the home market; or whether he has information showing that the recent increase on the London market, of 2s. per ton is merely the result of interested persons using for private gain a situation which is not really justified by home selling prices?

I cannot give a categorical answer to the first part of the question, as the prices of the various classes of coal have advanced by varying amounts in the different districts. As to the second, I understand that it is a fact that the price of certain classes of coal sold for the home market show an upward tendency. The variation in home selling prices seems to me to be due to the ordinary operations of the law of supply and demand.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has received any resolutions of protest from London borough councils and extra London areas against the restrictions of the evening delivery of letters; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I have received representations from local authorities, but for the reasons stated in the reply which was given to the hon. Member for East Leyton (Mr. Malone) on the 3rd of July, my right hon. Friend does not see his way to reconsider the decision.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that considerable inconvenience is felt among the trading community at the method adopted by the Post Office, by which delivery of printed communications bearing a halfpenny stamp and posted, after 4 p.m., in towns at the general post office are held up till the next day; and what the necessity for this regulation is, and whether he can see his way to alter it?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply on the 6th of July to a similar question by the hon. Member for Lincoln (Mr. A. T. Davies).

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport what steps the Ministry is taking to expedite the construction of the proposed new road between Manchester and Liverpool; whether the Ministry is consulting the Regional Town-planning Committee in the Manchester and Liverpool areas; if not, will he undertake to do so and call an early conference of all local authorities on the route concerned; and whether the Ministry will recommend Government financial assistance towards the construction of this road, so that the work may be put in hand during the coming winter in order to relieve unemployment?

Every possible step is being taken to advance the proposal for the construction of the new road connecting Liverpool and Manchester. Members of the Ministry's staff have attended conferences of local authorities and of the Regional Town-planning Committees concerned at Manchester and in London, in order to formulate a scheme and to arrive at a tentative allocation of the cost. Meanwhile, so as to avoid all possible delay, a detailed survey of the route is now being prepared by officers of the Ministry. In the event of the project maturing, it is intended to grant financial assistance from the Road Fund.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in considering schemes of employment for those out of work to be undertaken during the autumn and winter, the Cabinet has had any reports from the Board of Trade or the Ministry of Transport or from the local authorities in Weardale and Teesdale, County Durham, recommending the construction of railways in the two Dales, thus linking up four dead-ends, i.e., from Middleton-in-Teesdale to Alston and from Wearhead to Allenhead; and whether he is aware that this would be a great saving in cost of transit and reduce in many parts the cost of production, find useful work for hundreds of men who have been out of work and in receipt of either unemployment pay or Poor Law relief, and it would also open up large avenues of future useful work in making mineral areas accessible and also land for cultivation?

I have been asked to reply. No recent report has been made on the suggested light railways from Middleton to Alston and from Wearhead to Allenhead. The Middleton-Alston proposal was fully examined in 1920 by the Ministry of Transport in consultation with the other Government Departments interested in the provision of new or improved transport facilities to meet the needs of agriculture, housing and industry. The information which was obtained as to the probable agricultural and industrial traffic did not compare favourably with many other similar schemes in other parts of the country, and it appeared that there was only one small area in the neighbourhood of Middleton where there would be any considerable traffic to a light railway. No definite scheme for the Weardale-Allendale railway has been submitted, but while I am unable, in the absence of a definite scheme, to express a final opinion, it appears on the information at my disposal that the nature of the country presents such engineering difficulties that the cost of construction would be too high to permit of the undertaking proving remunerative.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention had been directed to the recent rejection by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council of the appeal by the Grand Trunk Railway shareholders against the award of he Canadian arbitrators; whether II is Majesty's Government proposes to take any action, in the interests of a large body of British investors, in order that they may be treated fairly and that contracts made publicly shall be made sacred; and whether any communication has been made to the Canadian Government which, without impugning the award of the Canadian arbitrators or the judgment of the Privy Council, is designed to protect such British investors, wholly or partly, from the loss entailed by that judgment?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the third part in the negative. As to the second part, I would refer to the reply given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Fareham (Sir J. Davidson) on 4th April. 1921.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Free State Provisional Government have signified to the Imperial Government, directly or indirectly, that they will be unable to carry on without financial assistance; if that is so, whether any advances are in contemplation; and whether the British taxpayer, through Parliamentary representation, will have an opportunity of expressing approval or disapproval of such action?

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

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the distress among ex-War Department clerks who have lost their employment through the change of Government in Southern Ireland; and, if so, is he prepared to grant them compensation for loss of employment or temporary relief?

I regret that I can add nothing at present to the reply which gave on 23rd May last to my hon. and learned Friend the Member for York (Sir J. Butcher).

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the leading Russian delegates who attended The Hague Conference have stated that the Russian Government could more easily come to understandings with the Governments of Western Europe if negotiations were conducted directly between Russia and the individual Governments; and whether, in view of the failure to come to a collective understanding with Russia at The Hague, His Majesty's Government will enter into direct and single negotiations with the Russian Government?

All questions respecting further negotiations with the Soviet Government are dependent upon the attitude which that Government adopts towards the suggestion for a settlement put forward by the Russian delegation at the termination of The Hague Commission; and I cannot usefully answer the present inquiry until that attitude has been defined.

asked the Prime Minister whether the reports of the Cabinet Committee on the Co-ordination of Defence Forces will be published either severally or together; and, if so, when?

No decision has yet been arrived at as to the publication of the reports of this Cabinet Committee, but the publication of such reports as distinct from the announcement of the decisions is unusual.