asked the Minister of Pensions if soldiers in hospitals when on leave have their ration allowance cut off, 19s. being deducted from their rations if they are on leave for seven days; and will he remedy the matter, in the interests of the soldier's wife and children, especially as soldiers when on leave from active service had their allowance paid in full?

I presume the hon. Member refers not to serving soldiers but to ex-service men. The system of ration allowances does not obtain in my Department. When his condition permits, a man receiving a long period of treatment away from home is given the opportunity of a few days' leave, during which his treatment allowances are continued without interruption. It would be impracticable to adopt any other system of payment.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will give definite instructions to all pensions officers and others concerned to notify boards of guardians, through their clerk, of any amounts of money paid to the guardians' collector or other officials in respect of the maintenance of any person or persons chargeable to such guardians or union?

I am not aware of any general desire on the part of boards of guardians for notifications of this character to be sent to clerks to the boards. I am, however, quite prepared to meet, in the manner most suitable, the object which, I infer, the hon. Member has in view, namely, that payments so made should be adequately secured to the guardians.

asked the Minister of Pensions by what authority the payment of pension allowance to ex-service men is stopped when they go upon panel treatment?

The hon. Member appears to be under some misapprehension. Pension is not stopped while a man is receiving treatment from his insurance practitioner unless a course of treatment in this form is approved by the Ministry and is of such a nature as to prevent the man from providing for his own support and that of his family during the treat-men';. In such a case pension is withheld during treatment and, in place of it, allowances corresponding to the maximum rate of pension are granted under Article 6 of the Royal Warrant.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many of the new light metal limbs have been issued to ex-service men and how many have been applied for: and whether there is a waiting list?

The number of light metal limbs supplied up to the 31st October last was 2,227. An additional 835 are under construction, and when these are completed it is expected that the present demand will have been met.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is prepared to make representations to the Lord Chancellor to allow a further appeal to the Appeal Tribunal in cases where fresh relevant evidence can be produced?

The matter has been and is being considered by the Lord Chancellor's Department in conjunction with my own.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many of the 600 insane ex-service men whose maintenance has been thrown upon Poor Law authorities have appealed against the stoppage of pension allowances and treatment by his Department; what number of these appeals have been determined and with what results: what steps have been taken to ensure that every one of these men are given facilities to appeal; and whether local pensions committees have been asked to assist these unfortunate men to prepare their cases for appeal?

It is the invariable practice in notifying claimants of the rejection of their claims to call attention to the right of appeal, and in these particular cases special steps were taken last summer to bring that right to the notice of the relatives of the men. I find that of those on whose behalf appeal had not previously been made, appeals have now been lodged in about 275 cases and are being dealt with by the tribunals as rapidly as possible. I have at present only information as to 89 cases as having been decided, and of these in 36 cases the appeal has been allowed. It is the duty of the officer in charge of a local office of the Ministry at which appeals are lodged to explain the procedure to the appellant (or the person acting on his behalf) to indicate in what respects the evidence in support of the appeal is defective, and to inform the appellant that if he so desires he may secure the assistance of a member of the War Pensions Committee in putting forward the appeal.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the grave dissatisfaction which has arisen amongst ex-service men and dependants, steps can be immediately taken to revise the Royal Warrants dealing with pensions and allowances; and whether the powers of appeal tribunals can be extended?

I am not aware of any grave dissatisfaction with the present Royal Warrants nor of any demand for a general revision such as the hon. Member suggests.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of ex-service men suffering from tuberculosis who were receiving extra nourishment in November, 1922; and how many applications for extra nourishment during the same months had not been granted?

The latest available figures are for September, when a special diet allowance was being paid in about 3,000 cases of tuberculosis. The grant is not determined merely on the man's application, but on the recommendation of the medical practitioner in charge of the case.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Daniel McGuire, A.B., R.N.D., C.Z.6375, joined up at the outbreak of war, and was sent back to England in 1916; that this man was married on the 8th December, 1916, when on leave, and then went back to duty, being eventually sent up to the firing line, and was finally discharged at the end of 1917; that this man was in receipt of a pension for pulmonary tuberculosis, but he is refused an allowance for his wife on the ground that his pensionable disability was contracted prior to the date of his marriage; and whether, in view of the fact that this man was sufficiently fit to be sent to the firing line after his marriage, he will now reconsider this decision; and whether he will now give instructions for the payment of the allowance on behalf of this man's wife?

I am inquiring into this case, and will communicate, the result to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Daniel M'Kinnon, 283, Govan Road, Govan, has had his pension and allowances reduced, on the ground that one of his children for whom be was receiving an allowance is over age; that he was also informed that deductions would be made to effect a recovery of an overpayment of £65 12s. 2d. made to him in respect of this child; that close upon £20 has been deducted, and the balance of £48 it was decided not to force recovery; that the daughter for whom this allowance was being received by Mr. M'Kinnon was acting as his housekeeper and attending to the upbringing of a younger daughter, for whom he is still in receipt of an allowance; if an allowance for a housekeeper is not permitted; and whether he is prepared to reconsider this case and resume the allowance to this daughter, together with a return of the money already deducted from his pension?

The payments referred to were clearly irregular, the allowance for the child, who had attained the age of 16, being inadmissible under the terms of the Royal Warrant, and I do not see my way to recommend repayment of that part of the over-issue which has been recovered. An allowance for a housekeeper is not provided under the Royal Warrants.

asked the Minister of Pensions why the weekly pension of 12s. 6d. has been reduced to 8s. in the case of Private Oscar W. Greensmith, No. 42,335, Lincoln Regiment, who is seriously disabled by wounds received in the War; and will he take steps to guarantee the minimum of 10s. per week in such case?

This man is suffering from an injury to his hand, disablement from which is considered to be equal to the loss of two fingers and has been assessed at 20 per cent. A final award at that rate has been made. The man has the usual right of appeal to the independent Appeal Tribunal.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he can give any assurance that only English stone will be used on any Government-assisted road scheme?

While I am entirely in sympathy with the motive underlying my hon. and gallant Friend's question, and am desirous of encouraging in every way the use of British materials, I am not in a position to impose on local authorities the condition that only English stone shall be used on any Government-assisted road scheme, an expression which would include the whole work of maintenance and improvement on all Class I and Class II roads.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport if the driver of a taxi-cab, for instance, in Cambridge, who cannot afford, through bad trade or other circumstances, to take out a driving licence except in quarterly instalments, is thereby penalised an additional 20 per cent.; and whether he is prepared to take steps to mitigate or remove this hardship?

Under Section 13 of the Finance Act, 1920, all quarterly licences for mechanically propelled vehicles are issued at 30 per cent. of the annual rate of duty. The additional administrative work involved in the issue of quarterly licenoes and the advantages derived therefrom by the licensee necessitate and justify a charge at a higher rate than that for annual licences. I do not think that any differentiation can very well be made between taxi-cab owner-drivers and others who depend upon the use of motor vehicles for a living, but I will carefully consider the general question bearing in mind my hon. Friend's representation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he would consider the desirability of introducing legislation to enforce the carrying of rear lights upon cycles, in view of the great personal danger to cyclists and motorists when this is not done?

Legislation on this important subject is now under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport if the new completed road between Redcar and Middlesbrough has been opened for traffic by the Redcar authorities, but the Eston authorities refuse to open their section, though completed, and maintain a barrier at the Redcar boundary, whereby motorists and traffic generally from Middlesbrough, who contribute through taxes to the making and maintaining of this road,, are precluded from using it; and what steps he hi prepared to take to remedy this state of affairs?

I understand that the Eston section of the new Redcar-Middlesbrough road was opened to traffic yesterday.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport the amount collected during the last financial year in Motor Tax in Orkney and Shetland, respectively, and the amount allocated for road upkeep in each group of islands?

I deprecate the institution of comparisons between the amount of the collections from motor taxation in any particular area and the amount allocated in grants to that area. The Road Fund, to which the net proceeds of motor taxation accrue, is a national fund, and grants are distributed on general principles which apply equally to all parts of the country. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the claims of Orkney and Shetland have been most sympathetically considered.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport if he will move the highway authorities of Huntingdonshire and of the Kesteven division of Lincolnshire to so arrange their work in the repairing of the Great North Road as to allow traffic to pass and so avoid the danger and inconvenience now being caused by the diversion of heavy traffic on to bye roads in no less than three places between Huntingdon and Grantham, and in each case for long distances; and whether he is aware that similar repairs have been carried out in that part of the road controlled by the Northamptonshire highway authority without any diversion of traffic?

The resurfacing and improvement operations on the stretch of the Great North Road, to which my hon. Friend refers, are of such a comprehensive character that the closing of the highway is unavoidable in the interest of sound workmanship and economy. I attach great importance to the work, towards which a large contribution has been made from the Road Fund, but I will do all I can to ensure that the least possible inconvenience is caused to road users.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport if he is aware that, while announcements have been made of reductions in ordinary passenger fares on the railways early next year, no such announcement has been made with reference to workmen's fares, which have been increased by from 130 to 200 per cent, above pre-War rates, the pre-War workman's fare between Glasgow and Clydebank being 1s. is at present 3s. per week; and, since wages have been so considerably reduced, if he is prepared to take all possible steps to reduce these fares also?

I am aware that the main line railway companies in announcing reductions in ordinary passenger fares to operate from the 1st January next, stated that they did not propose to make any reduction in workmen's fares. I am, however, arranging for a copy of the hon. Member's question to be sent to the companies. I would remind the hon. Member that the Minister has now no jurisdiction over railway charges, but that Sections 60 and 78 of the Railways Act, 1921, provide a means by which representations can be made to the Rates Tribunal for reductions in such charges. Under the provisions of the London Electric Railways (Fares, etc.) Act, 1920, the reduction in ordinary fares announced by the Underground Railways subject to that Act to take effect on 1st January next will involve corresponding reductions in workmen's fares.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport the reduction in the railway directors as a result of the recent railway amalgamations; and what is the approximate saving in directors' fees and emoluments, if any, and the extent to which compensation is being paid to the directors whose services have been discontinued?

The directors of the undertakings which will be amalgamated under the Railways Act of 1921 numbered about 700 at the end of that year. The maximum number authorised by Schedule 2 of the Act for the four amalgamated companies is 102. The fees paid in 1921 to the directors of the same undertakings amounted to about £154,000, but I am not in a position to state the amount of the fees which will be paid by the new companies. The amount to be paid to directors whose services have been discontinued is a matter for the shareholders and, so far as I am aware, has in some cases not yet been determined.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he is aware that the two counties of Lincolnshire and Yorkshire have as many acres of potatoes as the whole of Scotland, and that many of these potatoes cannot be marketed owing to the excessive railway rates which, in many instances, exceed the price per ton paid to the growers: and whether he can give the reason why potato rates from Scotland are being reduced by 20 per cent, to 40 per cent, from the 1st proximo, whilst all reductions have been refused to English growers?

I would refer to the reply (a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member) which I gave yesterday to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for Stone (Mr. Lamb). I will inform the hon. Member of the result of the Department's communication to the railway companies.

asked the Home Secretary if the House can have an opportunity of considering the Report of the Committee appointed by the Lord Chancellor with reference to the limitation of the number of assize towns before any action is taken?

I have been asked to reply, and would refer the gallant and Noble Viscount to the answer I gave to a similar question on Thursday last, addressed to me by the hon. Member for Bodmin (Mr. Foot).

asked the Home Secretary what is the closing hour on Sunday for a shop which sells sweets and tobacco?

The answer to this question depends on whether the Order which was continued in force by the Shops (Early Closing) Act, 1920, applies to Sundays. This point is, I am informed, the subject of an appeal in the High Court, and I cannot anticipate the Court's decision.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case of Horace George Kingland, a convict at Princetown; and whether the complaints he made when giving evidence in a recent case in the High Court of Justice against the authorities will be inquired into?

I would refer to the reply given to a question asked yesterday by the hon. Member for Batley and Morley.

asked the Home Secretary whether, to ensure confidence in a doctor who acts as certifying factory surgeon, he will take steps to prevent such a doctor also acting in the capacity of compensation doctor for firms in the same area and at the same time as he is fulfilling the first-named duty?

It would not be possible to lay down any general rule on the subject because in industrial districts it is often difficult to find a well-qualified medical man who does not hold some appointment in connection with employers or associations of workpeople. The consideration, however, is borne in mind in making appointments, and the Department is always prepared to inquire into any case of grievance that may be brought to its notice. I may add that an appeal lies from decisions of a certifying surgeon under the Workmen's Compensation Act to the medical referee appointed under that Act.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that certifying factory surgeons refuse to give a second certifying note to men who have already been examined by them on the grounds that the man or men have not returned to their former occupations; and whether he will take steps to ensure that such a certifying note will be issued within such time as is reasonable after the issue of the first note?

I do not gather precisely what the practice is of which the hon. Member complains. If he will furnish me with further particulars, I shall be glad to go into the matter.

asked the Home Secretary whether the county borough of Bootle watch committee has reduced the increase of pensions granted under The Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920, by 50 per cent.; on what grounds this has been done; whether all increases given by the watch committee of Bootle have been so reduced or whether only police pensioners have suffered reductions; and whether there is a general reduction taking place throughout the country in the pensions of those who received an increase under the said Act?

I understand that the Bootle Town Council have reduced by 50 per cent, all the increases of pension which they have granted under the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920 (except in the case of one widow), and that the reduction has not been confined to police pensioners. The matter is one within their discretion, and I have no jurisdiction. No reduction is being made in the increases granted to Metropolitan Police pensioners, and I have no information to show that the increases are being reduced by county and borough police authorities generally.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that special licence facilities for the consumption of liquid refreshment have been granted to certain well known and well conducted dance clubs in London for some time for a limited number of occasions; that in a certain club known as Murray's, on the instruction of the Commissioner of Police, these facilities have been refused; what are the reasons for this action in this particular instance; whether the police have any reason to complain of this establishment; whether such action has been taken in all other cases; and whether this matter can be reconsidered?

I am informed that the Commissioner of Police on two recent occasions has declined to grant exemptions to the club in question on the ground that in the particular circum- stances, and having regard to the frequency of similar applications from that club, he did not consider that it would be proper to grant exemptions under a power which is limited by the Statute to special occasions. The same principles are applied to the consideration of all similar applications, whether from clubs or licensed premises, and I have no reason to think that they or the decisions resulting from them are wrong.

asked the Home Secretary whether there has been any specific case of moneys being sent from either the Russian Government or from societies or organisations in Russia for the purpose of paying ill-disposed persons in this country, or for subsidising revolutionary propaganda, or newspapers, during the last 12 months; if so, what are the facts; and what steps he is taking in the matter?

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

asked the Home Secretary when the Government will consider legislation in order that the franchise can be extended to women on terms identical with those governing the franchise of men?

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

asked the Home Secretary whether there are any statistics available showing the number of prosecutions taken, respectively, in London and the provinces against women in respect of alleged solicitation and annoyance?

Table XXIII of the Judicial (Criminal) Statistics gives the number of women proceeded against as common prostitutes or night-walkers in each police district. Appendix B gives the statutory enactments under which such proceedings are taken.

asked the Home Secretary whether there are any statistics showing the number of accused persons, who during the past 12 months have been accorded the benefit of the Poor Persons Defence Act, and the cost to which the Treasury has been put in this respect?

If the hon. Member refers to the Poor Prisoners Defence Act, 1903, I have no information as to the number of defendants who benefit by it. The costs are paid as part of the costs of prosecutions from local funds, not by the Treasury.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case of John Berkley, a naturalised British subject of Austrian birth, who was sentenced at the Old Bailey for assaults upon women on 24th November, and to the remarks of the Recorder that he should have recommended the man for deportation but for the fact that he was naturalised, as such men were not wanted in this country; and whether steps will be taken to revoke the naturalisation certificate in this case?

I would refer to the reply which I gave on the 30th ultimo to a similar question by the hon. Member for the Northern Division of Newcastle-on-Tyne (Mr. G. Doyle).

asked the Home Secretary what decision has been arrived at with regard to street trading; and whether he can assure the House that, subject to reasonable restriction which experience has shown to be necessary, no undue obstacle will be placed by the Government in the way of street traders?

A Bill is being prepared to give effect to the recom- mendations of the Report of the Street Trading Committee, which did not suggest that any undue Obstacles should be put in the way of street traders.

asked the Home Secretary how many aliens were naturalised as British citizens in 1921 and during the first 11 months of 1922?

The number of certificates of naturalisation granted in the United Kingdom in 1921 was 1,247, and during the first 11 months of 1922, 821.

asked the Home Secretary how many aliens, approximately, are at present resident in Great Britain?

According to the latest figures available, the aliens registered under the Aliens Order in Great Britain number 270,670.

asked the Home Secretary what action, if any, he proposes to take against Messrs. H. Andrews and R. V. Dawkins, the directors of the Premier Aluminium Casting Company, Limited, whose negligence was a contributing cause of the Dudley Port, Tipton, explosion, as indicated in the final Report of the court of inquiry?

I have consulted the Director of Public Prosecutions on this matter, and he informs me that when proceedings for manslaughter were pending against the manager and fore, an of the factory he considered carefully whether there was evidence which would justify the institution of criminal proceedings against any other persons, and decided that the evidence available would not justify the inclusion of any other persons as defendants in the criminal proceedings. The two persons mentioned in the question were necessary witnesses for the prosecution and were called as such. The Director advises me that the legal position with regard to these persons is not altered by the evidence given by them at the trial, or by the facts set out in the Report, or by the terms of the finding.

asked the Home Secretary whether, having regard to the findings of the court of inquiry into the cause of the Dudley Port, Tipton, explosion, he proposes to make more stringent the regulations governing the breaking up of ammunition, so that such disasters in the future may be avoided?

I am considering whether further restrictions on the employment of young persons in dangerous processes should be included in a Bill now in course of preparation.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will lay upon the Table the regulations or instructions which govern the relations between the War Office and the Army agents, such as the firm of M'Grigor and Company, and especially the Regulations and instructions relating to inquiries and information as to the financial position of such Army agents?

The regulations governing the supply of public funds to Army agents, and the rendering of accounts for such funds by them to the War Office are contained in paragraphs 332–335 of "Financial Instructions in relation to Army Accounts," which read as follow:

"332. Estimates of the sums required by Army agents for the pay of the officers in their payment will be prepared on A.P. M 1405, and forwarded in time to reach the War Office not later than the 25th of each month.

333. When any sum of money is received by an agent from the public, on account of an officer in his agency, he will immediately notify the fact to the officer concerned.

334. Army agents will render their accounts to the War Office quarterly as follows: —

General Staff and Departments; Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers, Army Service Corps, Army Ordnance Corps, and Royal Array Medical Corps:

A.P.N. 1453. (Not later than six weeks after the expiration of each quarter.) Cavalry and Infantry:

A.F.s N 1454 and N. 1539.(One month after the expiration of each quarter.)

335. A separate account, on Army Form N 1454, will be rendered by the agents for each regiment of cavalry or infantry, as well as a "General Statement," on Army Form N 1539, of the accounts of all the regimente 'whose officers are in their payment."

There are no Regulations or instructions relating to inquiries and information as to the financial position of Army agents.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any punishment equally efficacious and adequate could be substituted on active service for field punishment No. 1; the nature of offences for which that punishment is inflicted; whether it is carried out without any danger or personal injury; and what would be the alternative in the event of its discontinuance?

In accordance with Section 44 (5) of the Army Act, and subject to the Secretary of State's rules made thereunder, field punishment No. 1 or No. 2 may be awarded, on active service only, for any offence. The Army Act lays down that

"such field punishment 6hall be of the character of personal restraint or of hard labour, but 6hall not be of a nature to cause injury to life or limb."

The Army Council consider that no punishment equally efficacious and adequate could be substituted for these punishments without involving either an increase in severity, or an interference with the effective conduct of active operations. The matter was specially considered by a Committee which, under the presidency of the Judge Advocate-General, has recently reviewed the Army Act. Their recommendation in favour of the retention of field punishment No. 1 is as follows:

"The Committee consider that the question of the retention or abolition of field punishment No. 1 is one depending mainly on whether any other punishment can be devised to take its place which is suitable and effective on active service. The views of officers commanding in various theatres of war were obtained by the Army Council. These strongly support the necessity of retaining fisld punishment No. 1, and this view is endorsed by the Service members of the Committee. No suitable alternative punishment, which has the support of military and Air Force opinion, has been suggested to the Committee. In these circumstances, they do not feel that they are in a position to recommend the abolition of field punishment No. 1."

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War why the period of half-pay for officers, prior to compulsory retirement, specially promoted for services in the late War has been extended by one year for major-generals and not lieutenant-generals; and if he will take immediate steps to remove this anomaly as regards lieutenant-generals?

The extension referred to was authorised in the interest of the public service, with a view to increasing the field of choice for certain major-generals' appointments which will shortly fall vacant. No similar extension is necessary in the case of lieut.-generals, since there are already a sufficient number of officers qualified to fill any lieut.-general's vacancy.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any decision has been arrived at for the issue of home-service medals to troops who were kept in England for home defence in the War period; and whether any special decoration will be given to those who joined up for service in August, 1914, but were not allowed to go to the front?

The question of issuing a medal or decoration for the performance of general military duty at home was most carefully considered by the late Government. It was decided in the negative, and I am unable to hold out any prospect that this decision will be varied.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in the case of a civilian who came from the East to enlist during the War, and had on demobilisation received an educational grant for three years, it is still possible to claim repatriation to China under the Government scheme?

The closing date for acceptance of applications for repatriation was 31st January, 1921. Individuals who registered their names prior to that date are permitted to defer their passages until completion of educational studies.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that, as a result of money grants made by the French Government to French civil aviation companies, British newspapers and freight are carried by French aircraft between London and Paris at rates with which it is impossible for British aviation companies to compete; and whether some arrangements can be made to prevent this obvious undesirable state of affairs continuing and for traffic to be carried by British machines?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the future policy in regard to civil aviation is now being considered, and I will bear in mind the suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend when reviewing the question of the future subsidies to be granted to the air transport lines.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the original air-line subsidy, based on mileage and weight, was changed for a flat rate of £15,000 a year merely for 300 effective return flights, the majority of which maybe run in the summer months alone; and, if so, why was this done?

The answer to the first part of the question, which I take to refer to the London-Paris route, is in the affirmative, but I would add that under the agreement a specified number of flights must be carried out during the winter months. With regard to the second part, the former subsidy arrangement proved to be unsatisfactory, the traffic available not being sufficient for the three British companies who were competing for it on this one route, and the whole scheme was therefore recast in order to make the best possible use of the money available.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the new subsidy given as a monopoly to Handley Page Transport, Limited, for the London-Paris air route provides for the early daily carrying of British newspapers as well as for passengers; and whether the transport of passengers cannot be remunerative without subsidy?

The answer to the first part of the question is that the new subsidy granted to the Handley Page Transport Company for the operation of the London-Paris route does not specifically differentiate between the carriage of passengers and goods, but leaves it open to the firm to carry that class of freight which they find most remunerative. The answer to the second part is that the transport of the comparatively small number of passengers at present travelling cannot be self-supporting without some form of direct financial assistance, but as the volume of traffic increases this position will improve and should ultimately right itself.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the sale of British newspapers in France and Italy has been increased five-fold during recent months owing entirely to their early arrival by aeroplane in Paris and their distribution thence by early trains; and whether he is prepared to recommend giving a subsidy to air lines, which would be well applied in thus fostering international understanding?

I fully appreciate the advantages of carrying British newspapers to the Continent by air, but while I recognise the importance of the early distribution abroad of these newspapers, I am not in a position to say whether it will be possible to find funds to provide a sufficient subsidy to enable these newspapers to be transported in British aircraft.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can make a statement on the placing of contraets for the new battleships; and whether, in placing contracts or sub-contracts for machinery and equipment, the Admiralty will remember the capacity and needs of inland industrial areas?

In view of the terms of the Prime Minister's reply of yesterday to the Noble and gallant Member for South Battersea (Viscount Curzon), it would be premature for me to make any statement on the placing of the contracts beyond what I have already said in answer to the hon. Members for Ecciesall (Sir S. Roberts) and Devonport (Sir C. Kinloch-Cooke) on the 27th November. As regards the second part of the question, the responsibility for sub-contracts rests with the main contractors, but it is the policy of the Admiralty to ask them to distribute the work widely with a view to spreading employment over the country as evenly as possible.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty which Department of the Admiralty deals with the payment of prize money, the number of working hours per week in that Department, the number of persons engaged in it as compared with the let January last, the cost since that date, and the, amount of prize money distributed?

The payment of prize money is dealt with by the Prize Branch of the Department of the Accountant-General of the Navy, which is also responsible for all the miscellaneous work connected with the Naval Prize Fund and for medal service records. The general working hours of the staff are 44 per week, and there are now in the branch 183 persons, of whom 169 are ex-service, while the total number on 1st January last was 201. The amount of prize money distributed since that date is £6,500,000 to over 300,000 applicants, the cost of the staff being approximately £43,000 per annum.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that in many cases where ships are sold to be broken up the rates of wages paid to the men employed are below the standard, he will consider the advisability of including in the conditions of sale the terms of the Fair Wages Clause?

Whenever the contract definitely provides for breaking-up the usual Fair Wages Clause is inserted in the conditions of sales of ships.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will state the Regulations that at present govern the introduction into and movement in Great Britain of Irish store cattle?

Store cattle brought from Ireland to Great Britain are required to be landed only at approved landing places, where each cargo has to be detained for at least 10 hours for rest and examination by veterinary inspectors of the Ministry. All cattle must be marked before landing. No cattle may be removed from the landing place except with a licence of the Ministry's inspector, and then only to

(a) A market or part of a market authorised by the local authority for the sale of Irish animals, from which they can only be moved by licence of the local authority's inspector to private premises for six days' detention: or

(b) private premises, i.e., any premises other than a market, fair-ground or sale yard, where the cattle must be detained for six days.

Provision is made for the slaughter of any of the animals during the period of detention, if required. To facilitate marketing, the cattle may, en route from the landing place to the market, be temporarily kept in authorised lairs or enclosures under the control of the local authority for a period not exceeding 72 hours whilst awaiting exposure for sale.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will consider the advisability of immediately putting into operation a comprehensive scheme of afforestation, particularly in Wales, which scheme would render productive many thousands of acres of land at present unproductive, and would in due time render the coal-mining industry less dependent on foreign countries for the supply of pit-props, and would give profitable employment to large bodies of men, especially ex-service men at present unemployed?

I have been asked to take over this question. A State scheme of afforestation has been in operation- since 1919 and particulars are given in the First and Second Annual Reports of the Forestry Commissioners, published by the Stationery Office. In Wales the Forestry Commissioners have acquired some 11,000 acres of land, of which over 1,400 have already been planted up and 1,000 and upwards will be planted during the present season. The extent of the State scheme of afforestation for last season and the current season has been drastically reduced in consequence of the funds available to the Commission having been reduced by approximately 50 per cent.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if large quantities of potatoes, mean, and other agricultural produce are being sold by foreigners in the English market by auction; and if, after they have been so sold in the open market to the benefit of the consumer, he will collect from the auctioneers a percentage charge before payment is made over to the foreign importer, the amount so collected to be used in relief of agricultural rates and taxes?

I do not think the method of relieving agricultural rates suggested by the hon. Member is a practical one, and in any case it would involve legislation of a controversial character.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what was the average minimum wage for agricultural workers in England and Wales in the month of November, 1922; what was the average wage for such workers in the year 1914; and how the percentage increase of the former compares with the percentage increase in the cost of living in November, 1922, compared with the cost of living in 1914?

From such information as is at the disposal of my Department it is estimated that the average minimum cash wage of ordinary agricultural labourers in England and Wales in November, 1922, was 28s. as compared with a wage of 18s. (including allowances) in 1914, an increase of 65 per cent. The cost of living figures estimated by the Ministry of Labour showed an increase on the 1st November of 80 per cent, above the 1914 level.

asked the First Commissioner of Works, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, whether it is proposed to institute an inquiry in Scotland into the method of selling and distributing agricultural, horticultural, and dairy produce?

My Noble Friend thinks that it is desirable that the inquiry into this matter should extend to Scotland, and he is in communication on the subject with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give any information as to the additional amount of rates paid in respect of agricultural land in the year 1921 in consequence of the provisions of the Ecclesiastical Tithe Rent Charge (Rates) Act, 1920?

I regret that the desired information is not available. It would be necessary, in order to obtain it, to ask for a special return from every rating authority collecting rates in respect of agricultural land.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if the proposed Departmental Committee on the cost to consumer of agricultural produce will also inquire into the cost of feeding cake, milling offals and manures, and as to how far the price is increased unfairly by the operation of trade rings?

The terms of reference to the Committee have not yet been finally settled, but as at present advised, I propose to limit the reference to the Committee to questions relating to agricultural, horticultural and dairy produce. It will be for the Committee, when set up, to decide on the particular articles to which their inquiry will be directed.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many ex-service men have been settled on small holdings under the Land Settlement (Facilities) Act; how many applications are still pending; what amount has been expended on land purchase under the Act; how many acres have been so purchased; and the total amount advanced to settlers?

The latest returns received from county councils and councils of county boroughs show that, up to the 15th July last, 15,908 ex-service men have been provided with small holdings under the Land Settlement (Facilities) Act, 1919. With regard to the second part of the question, I should explain that any ex-service men who desired to avail themselves of the preferences given to such men over civilians under the scheme were required to send in -their applications before the 1st December, 1920. As regards such applicants, the number approved who had not on the 15th July last been provided with holdings was stated to be 7,724, and, in addition, 4,890 applications were awaiting consideration or were standing over. It is, however, known that a large proportion of these, owing to the changed conditions, can no longer be regarded as effective applicants. The total area purchased by local authorities for cash is 219,570 acres, the total consideration money, including costs of acquisition, etc., being £9,663,343. In addition, 7,550 acres have been purchased in consideration of perpetual annuities or rent charges, totalling £16,272 per annum. In reply to the last part of the question, returns supplied by councils show that up to the 30th September last advances amounting to £152,265 had been made to their small holdings tenants under Section 18 of the Land Settlement (Facilities) Act.

asked the Minister,of Agriculture whether the ex-service men settled on the Titchfield farm settlement are being charged rent at the rate of £5 per acre, and have to pay a deposit on purchase; whether this is in accordance with the pledge given to them; and whether the Hants County Council, in view of the terms of transfer of the settlement, is in a position to reduce the, rent and abolish the deposit without prejudicing its position financially?

The rents obtained for small holdings on the Titchfield Estate vary from £3 to £5 per acre for land suitable for strawberry culture, which rental is in accordance with rents prevailing in the district for land of this nature. The transfer of the settlement from the Ministry to the Hants County Council enables the council to deal with the estate in the same manner as the remainder of its small holdings property. A large number of smallholders have applied to purchase their holdings, and the Ministry has sanctioned sales at prices ranging from £50 to £85 per acre. The smallholders who applied to purchase have no statutory right in the matter, and in asking for a deposit of 20 per cent, of the purchase money, the balance to be repaid by annuities spread over a period of years, the Hants County Council is following its usual custom. The Ministry is satisfied that pledges given to smallholders on this estate have been duly observed in connection with these transactions.

asked the First Commissioner of Works, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, the number of applications received for small holdings in Scotland from ex-service men and other persons, respectively, the number of applicants under each of these separate categories who have been settled, the number still awaiting settlement, and the number who have not yet been interviewed by the Scottish Board of Agriculture?

Applications have been received from 11,843 civilians and 7,406 ex-service men. The numbers settled, amount to 1,788 and 1.216, respectively. There remain to be dealt with applications from 6,223 civilians and 3,883 ex-service men. Of these 2,610 and 1,204, respectively, have not as yet been interviewed.

asked the First Commissioner of Works, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, whether land at Benbecula has also been seized by landless ex-service men: and whether there has also been undue delay in constituting small holdings?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Board had considered the possibility of framing a scheme of land settlement on this farm. The decision not to proceed with a scheme was based mainly on serious difficulties as regards water supplies, and the prospect of a heavy compensation award if the sitting tenant were, displaced. There is no foundation for the suggestion that there has been undue delay on the part of the Board.

asked the First Commissioner of Works, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, whether the Government propose to make any change in the land-settlement policy instituted by their predecessors; and how much longer approved ex-service applicants will have to wait for the holdings they were promised?

The scheme of land settlement, which was instituted under the Land Settlement (Scotland) Act, 1919, is being proceeded with, and it is not in contemplation to alter the policy. It is anticipated that the majority of the approved ex-service applicants will be settled within the next three years.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, if he is aware that two ex-service men, J. Wickenden, at Long Grove, and C. S. Norris, at Banstead, are being detained in these two asylums, respectively, while their parents in each instance are exceedingly desirous to undertake complete responsibility in regard to them, and to give them comfortable homes and every care; that the wife of each refuses his release, the wife's refusal being backed up by the Pensions Minister, who has decided that they must remain where they are and continue to be imprisoned as lunatics on pain of loss of dependants' allowances; that neither of these men can be proved to be dangerous or unfit to be at large; that in the case of C. S. Norris the decision of two independent doctors, under Section 49 of the Lunacy Act, which is the sole instrument of defence against the action of unjust petitioners, has been overridden by referring his case to a self-constituted tribunal, viz., the London County Council Central Committee; whether these two unfortunate ex-service men are at present ranked as private patients or as paupers; and, in view of their long and very prejudicial deprivation of liberty, and the indignation thereby excited in the public mind, will he take steps to see that their immediate discharge is secured, and that they are indemnified for their sufferings by a substantial sum to enable them to find their way back speedily to self-supporting life.

These patients are treated as private patients. The Ministry of Pensions are empowered to pay an allowance to the wives while the husbands are detained under institutional care. But if the patients are discharged contrary to medical advice, that allowance would cease. The Visiting Committee has power in regard to the discharge of all patients, whether private or public, by virtue of Section 77 of the Lunacy Act, 1890. The recommendation of one of the doctors who examined the patient Norris under Section 49 of the Lunacy Act, was that he should be given leave of absence on trial. This was properly referred to the Visiting Committee in whom rests the power to permit such leave of absence under Section 55 of the Act. My right hon. Friend cannot concur in the view that any indignity has been perpetrated on these ex-service men, and the hon. Member is in error in regard to his interpretation of the legal points. These cases are being kept under careful observation, but my right hon. Friend regrets to say that, having regard to the present condition of the patients, it is both necessary and desirable that they should continue to be kept in institutional care.

asked the Minister of Labour how many ex-service men are now employed under the scheme of the King's Roll; how many firms and local authorities have joined the King's Roll; and whether he is aware that trade and industry could absorb all disabled ex-service men at present unemployed if all firms and local authorities who were qualified would join the King's Roll and employ their percentage?

At present 30,600 employers, employing about 300,000 disabled ex-service men, and including 1,190 local authorities, are on the King's Roll. The roll is being reexamined and we have reason to hope that the great majority will continue their undertakings and new firms are coming on daily. It is estimated that the qualification for the King's Roll, if complied with by all employers, would secure the absorption of practically all disabled men. As announced recently in this House, local King's Roll Committees and a King's Roll National Council are being set up to promote the employment of disabled men on the lines recommended by the Select Committee of last Session.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of Admiralty drifters and other vessels which have been sold to Scottish fishermen since 1918; the number in respect of which the full purchase price has now been paid; the number of cases in which the purchase price has yet not been fully paid; and the number of cases in which mortgages over the vessels have been foreclosed?

I have been asked to reply to this question. It is presumed that the hon. and learned Member refers to the scheme under which surplus Admiralty drifters have been sold on the instalment system by the Fishery Board for Scotland to Scottish fishermen. Seventy vessels were sold under the scheme. It has been necessary to foreclose mortgages in 15 cases. In three cases the full price has been paid. In the remaining 52 cases the price has not yet been fully met.

asked the First Commissioner of Works, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, when it is proposed to fill the vacancy in the Scottish Land Court?

My Noble Friend hopes that the vacancy in the Scottish Land Court will be filled within the next few days.

asked the First Commissioner of Works, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, whether it is intended that existing licences for whaling in Shetland should be withdrawn so as to cover the season of 1923?

An application by persons interested has been made to the Secretary for Scotland under the recent Act which empowers him to order the cancellation or the suspension of any licence if he is satisfied that the prosecution of the whaling industry under the licence is prejudicial to the herring fishery or to any other sea fishery. Pending investigation and disposal of the application, my Noble Friend is not in a position to state whether the licences concerned will be cancelled.

asked the First Commissioner of Works, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, how many land settlements have been made in the Western Isles during the past five years; and in how many of these settlements did the present holders raid or threaten to raid the land now held by them before the Board of Agriculture moved in the matter?

32 land settlement schemes have been put into operation in the Western Isles during the past five years. In 14 of these cases the lands had been raided.

asked the First Commissioner of Works, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, what steps, since the passing of the Small Landholders Act of 1911, have the Board of Agriculture for Scotland taken to make available the farm of Stinervay, in the parish of Lochs, Lewis, which farm extends to 80 acres arable and several hundreds of acres pasture; whether landless men from the adjoining congested crofting township have been applying for land on this farm for the past 10 years; and whether the Board have refused or delayed to take action in the matter, with the result that these landless men or some of them have now seized the farm and are threatened by the landlords with interdict proceedings?

I refer to my reply to the hon. Member's question of yesterday on the same subject. I am aware that there are applications of long standing for the farm in question, but for the reason stated yesterday I am not prepared to ask the Board to reconsider their refusal to proceed with a scheme.

asked the First Commissioner of Works, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, the number of prosecutions for illegal trawling along the coasts of Scotland during the past six months and the number of convictions obtained?

Since the 1st of May last there have been 23 prosecutions for illegal trawling in Scottish waters. In 21 cases a conviction was obtained.

asked the First Commissioner of Works, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, whether he is aware that illegal trawling is prevalent within the three-mile limit around the Northern Scottish coasts, and that discontent and loss is caused among the fishermen who use this area for their livelihood; and whether further policing can be provided without delay?

My Noble Friend is aware that complaints of illegal trawling have been received from certain localities in the area referred to. All possible attention is being paid to these waters, consistently with the requirements of other districts and the means placed at the disposal of the Fishery- Board for Scotland.

asked the First Commissioner of Works, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, the annual cost of the fishery protection cruiser "Norna," and the number of convictions for illegal trawling in Orkney and Shetland during the last 12 months that were obtained on the evidence of her officers?

The cost of the maintenance of the fishery cruiser "Noma" is estimated for the current financial year at approximately £7,600. No detections of illegal fishing have been made by the "Noma" in Orkney and Shetland waters during the past year, but the patrol area of the "Noma" is an extensive one, embracing other waters, and taking the area as a whole, there have been comparatively few complaints of illegal fishing during the year. The absence of detections may, therefore, be taken as evidence of the efficiency of the patrol, the primary purpose of which is the prevention of illegal fishing.

asked the First Commissioner, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, the number of competent local authorities in Scotland who are giving effect to the provisions of the Blind Persons Act, 1920, and the number who have failed to do so; whether, in view of the fact that the bulk of the blind people working in institutions for the blind are members of the National League of the Blind, he will take the necessary steps to give this league representation on the Advisory Committee on the Welfare of the Blind; and will he see that in the appointment of home teachers for the blind preference is given to competent blind persons?

The number of local authorities in Scotland whose schemes, prepared and submitted under Sub-section 1 of Section 2 of the Act, have been approved by the Scottish Board of Health is 54; schemes are being prepared for submission to the Board by eight authorities, and the remaining four authorities are considering the question of preparing schemes. The National League of the Blind is already represented by two nominees on the Scottish Advisory Committee for the Welfare of the Blind. Where the circumstances are suitable for their employment preference will be given, in the appointment of home teachers of the blind, to competent blind persons. Several appointments of this nature have recently been given in Scotland to blind persons.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that many proprietors of Highland estates have of late years had to pay rates and taxes which exceed the actual rents received; that they have also to pay for the upkeep of their property; and that they are at the same time taxed, and in some cases super-taxed, as if they were in receipt of income from their estates, with the result that a Highland estate which is entirely agricultural and pastoral, with incidental rente that may be obtained from the shootings and fishing, is not an asset but a liability to the owner; and whether, seeing that it is impossible for the present owners to continue to pay the present rates and taxes, he proposes to take any steps to deal with the matter?

I fear that I cannot deal with all the points raised in the question within the limits of a Parliamentary answer, but I would refer my hon. Friend to the provisions included in this year's Finance Act, which repre- sented the full extent of the concessions in respect of taxation which it was felt practicable to afford under existing conditions, and to the Debates in this House during the passage of that Act.

asked the First Commissioner of Works, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, whether his attention has been directed to the great injustice inflicted upon many parishes in Scotland by the present system of rating for educational purposes under the Education (Scotland) Act, 1918; and whether, in view of the strong condemnation of the present system by the Dunedin departmental committee on local taxation, and of the unfair incidence of rating arising under it, he is prepared to introduce an amending Bill dealing with the matter?

My Noble Friend is aware of the questions which have arisen as regards rating for education purposes in Scotland. These questions and the recommendations of the Dunedin committee are now receiving his consideration, but he is not at present in a position to make any statement as to legislation.

asked the First Commissioner of Works, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, whether he is aware that a number of landed estates in the Highland counties of Scotland are now being sold by auction; that existing smallholders are liable to be evicted by the Land Court on application for resumption by a purchaser who possesses no other holding than the one he has bought; that in consequence many smallholders are being compelled to buy their holdings at competitive prices at auction sales; and whether he is prepared immediately to introduce legislation which, while maintaining the principle of fixity of tenure, will enable those smallholders who wish to purchase their holdings to do so at a fair price fixed by the Land Court, and to obtain credit facilities from the Board of Agriculture on the same terms as the loans now granted for erecting houses on small holdings?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. My Noble Friend has no exact information as to the numbers of smallholders who are buying their holdings to avoid the risk of removal, but the whole question is receiving his attention, and the suggestion of the hon. and gallant Member will not be lost sight of.

asked the First Commissioner of Works, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, whether he is aware that a number of privately owned piers and harbours round the coast of Caithness and of Sutherland have fallen into a serious state of disrepair; that the county councils are in several eases prepared to take over these harbours forthwith, but that they are inhibited by Statute from so doing unless a Government grant, however small, is forthcoming in each case; and whether he will make such grants in all cases where the county council considers itself justified, in the interests, not only of the fishermen concerned, but of the ratepayers in the county, in taking over a particular pier or harbour?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. No cases have been brought to the notice of my Noble Friend in which the absence of a Government grant, however small, has been shown to involve a statutory inhibition to the taking over of the works by either of the county councils. If particulars of any such cases are furnished, he will consider them.

asked the Postmaster-General when, now that the required number of subscribers has been secured for Cromarty, Munlochy, and Fortrose, the telephone service is likely to be introduced into the Black Isle?

I hope that it will be possible to complete these exchanges within three or four months hence, but, as a considerable amount of work has to be done, it is too early to name a definite date. The work will, however, be pushed forward as, quickly as possible.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the excessive charges claimed in the form of deposits on the accounts of users of the telephone; and can these charges be revised?

The deposits required from telephone users under the current tariff, by which all calls are paid for quarterly in arrear, are sufficient to cover approximately two-thirds only of the credit given. Under the previous tariff local calls were paid for in advance, usually annually, and trunk calls monthly in arrear, and deposits in respect of trunk calls were generally required to cover the total credit. Even allowing for the increased deposits, the subscriber receives more credit under the new system than under the old, and I am not in a position to reduce the scale of deposits now required.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will take steps to provide further telephone facilities in rural areas in Scotland with a special view to their use in aiding the police to prevent crime or secure the capture of persons who have committed crimes?

In accordance with the policy announced last May, new rural exchanges are opened where a minimum of eight subscribers can be found willing to pay £2 a quarter (for circuits within a mile of the exchange), and where the expense involved is not abnormally high. Call offices are provided at all such exchanges, and also wherever they can be established without undue expense or where a guarantee is forthcoming. Many rural exchanges and call offices have been authorised in recent months, and I am prepared to consider any specific proposals submitted to me. Further, I am prepared to provide on ordinary rental terms any telephone circuits which the police may require.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the large and rapidly growing population of Clarkston, Renfrewshire, he is prepared to improve the facilities in that district by the addition of a properly equipped telegraph office to the existing post office?

I am making inquiries in the matter and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Postmaster-General what is the present position of negotiations with the Governments of Canada, Australia, and the other Dominions, and India on the subject Of co-operation in the Imperial wireless chain scheme of the British Post Office?

The Government have not yet had an opportunity of considering the present situation in regard to the Imperial wireless chain, and I am not in a position to make any statement on the subject.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can comply with the request of the Egginton parish council and have a letter box fixed for the convenience of a number of parishioners who live a mile away from the post office?

I will make inquiry into this question and will write to the hon. Member in due course.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is prepared to grant recognition to the Guild of Postal Sorters; and whether he is prepared to receive a deputation from the Guild to hear their views?

asked the Postmaster-General why official recognition has been withheld from the Guild of Postal Sorters, who withdrew from the Union of Post Office Workers because they disapproved of the extremist activities of the latter body; and will he reconsider the question and, if necessary, receive a deputation?

I am considering the question of recognising the Guild of Postal Sorters, and am prepared to receive a deputation from that body if they so desire.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the appointment by his predecessor of a committee to advise him on matters of Post Office policy entails any charge upon public funds; and whether he will consider the question of terminating the services of a committee which has no responsibility to Parliament?

No charge from public funds has yet been incurred, apart from a small expenditure on typewriting. I am reappointing the Advisory Council, which, I would point out, is not an executive body.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will press forward with the building of the new post office in Macclesfield at once, instead of in 1924 as previously decided, with the object of helping the unemployed persons in that borough; and whether he is aware that in all probability this building will place no cost on the Exchequer owing to the sale of the old site?

The building proposals for the proposed new post office and telephone exchange at Macclesfield have not yet been definitely formulated; the site which it is hoped to use for the purpose has not yet been purchased; and there are many other building schemes which must take precedence over the Macclesfield scheme on the score of urgency. In these circumstances it is quite impossible to make provision for this scheme in the Estimates for next year. The hon. Member's estimate of the sum to be realised by the sale of the old post office is, I fear, unduly optimistic.

asked the Postmaster-General why there is not a regular mail service to the Dominion of New Zealand; whether he is aware that it is a common thing for steamers carrying cargo to arrive in the Dominion before the mail carrying documents and bills of lading arrive, with consequent loss to shippers and injury to British trade; whether, owing to the closer proximity of America, he is aware that this irregular mail service is likely to divert trade to the United States of America; why the dates of the mails to New Zealand are often only advertised a day or two before despatch and at the last moment are frequently changed; and whether he will consider re-establishing a regular fortnightly service of mails between this country and New Zealand in order to encourage British trade?

There is already a regular despatch of mails once a fortnight from this country to New Zealand via Suez. The dates of departure are published in advance each quarter in the Post Office Guide. Additional despatches have recently been arranged by the steamers of the Commonwealth Line. Advantage is also taken of services viâ North America, by way of Vancouver and San Francisco, and also by the Panama Canal route. The vessels on these routes are not under contract to the British Post Office: and it is not practicable to give long notice of the dates of sailing. The information is published, however, in the Post Office Daily List which usually shows at least one week's mails. It is the case that cargo sent by a fast ship proceeding viâ Panama, may arrive in New Zealand in advance of the relative documents if they are posted after the ship conveying the cargo has sailed. The steamer service from the United States to New Zealand is not more regular than that from the United Kingdom, and is less frequent.

asked the Postmaster-General the names of the principal firms who are members of the Broadcasting Company and the amount of their holdings; and whether he will publish the terms of the agreement between the Post Office and the company?

The following six companies have guaranteed the capital of the British Broadcasting Company, each holding an equal number of shares, up to a total for the six companies of 60,006 £l shares. No further capital may be issued without the Postmaster-General's consent:

• Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Company.
• Metropolitan Vickers Electrical Company.
• Radio Communication Company.
• The British Thomson-Houston Company.
• The General Electric Company.
• Western Electric Company.

asked the Postmaster-General the amount of the deposits in the Post Office Savings Bank on 31st March, 1913, and on 31st March, 1922; and the amount in Post Office War Loan Certificates standing to the credit of investors on 31st March, 1922?

The deposits in the Post Office Savings Bank on 31st March, 1913, amounted to £183,250,000 and on 31st March, 1922, to £260,250,000. The amount of stock or bonds held through the Post Office on 31st March, 1913, was £26,300,000, compared with £209,900,000 on 31st March, 1922. The amount of National Savings Certificates held on the 31st March, 1922, was approximately £342,000,000.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the attention of the Board has been drawn to the acquisition during the present year of several retail and importing meat companies by large trusts, in every case at figures greatly in excess of the value of the shares held by those companies; whether he is aware of the large number of stalls in the Smithfield Market allotted to the companies forming the trust, thus allowing them to manipulate prices to the disadvantage of the consumers; whether his attention has been drawn to the excessive prices paid for possession of stalls in the market, thereby adding considerably to the cost of meat besides restricting possession of the stalls to firms connected with the trusts; and whether any action has been taken by the Board with regard to the serious allegations made before the Committee inquiring into meat combinations in 1908 with reference to certain practices alleged to prevail in connection with Smithfield Market?

I am not aware of any such purchases by large trusts, but the right hon. Gentleman is no doubt aware that important acquisitions of this nature have been made by a British company. The number of stalls in Smithfield Market held by others than British subjects does not appear to me to be dangerous, and I understand that the meat trade is of the opinion that it is not possible for any interest to control the price of meat. The purchase of stalls in the market is a matter for the City Corporation, but I may remind the right hon. Gentleman that the 1908 Committee did not find that there was any undue preference in the allocation of stalls.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total value of trade between Great Britain and Mesopotamia, imports and exports, for the first nine months of this year and for the first nine months of 1921?

The following statement shows the value of the imports into and exports from the United Kingdom consigned from and to Mesopotamia during the first nine months of 1921 and 1922:

	Jan.-Sept., 1922.	Jan.-Sept. 1921.
	£	£
Imports consigned from Mesopotamia:
Total	415,281	906,305
Exports consigned to Mesopotamia:
United Kingdom produce and manufacture.	2,888,975	3,746,665
Foreign or Colonial merchandise.	30,073	60,739
Total Exports	2,919,048	3,807,404

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total tonnage and value of exports and imports of textile machinery for the years 1912, 1913, 1919, 1920, 1921, and the 10 months of 1922; and the principal countries with which this trade was done?

The following statement shows the quantity and value of textile machinery imported into

Period.				Total Imports		Exports.
						(a) Of United Kingdom Manufacture.		(b) Of Foreign and Colonial Merchandise.
				Quantity.	Value.	Quantity.	Value.	Quantity.	Value.
Year—				Tons.	£	Tons.	£	Tons.	£
1912	…	…	…	3,762	273,511	150,456	7,043,477	65	9,051
1913	…	…	…	5,026	366,468	178,074	8,281,848	88	13,328
1919	…	…	…	3,166	777,826	65,920	8,427,248	198	102,134
1920	…	…	…	4,091	1,098,270	63,314	9,158,773	276	181,561
1921	…	…	…	2,949	708,804	157,044	25,112,884	356	146,909
January to October (10 months) 1922.				2,012	482,848	123,053	17,648,837	209	128,830

The available statistics have not been compiled in such a manner as to enable me to give detailed figures arranged according to the countries from and to which all imports and exports of textile machinery were consigned, and I fear the clerical labour involved in preparing such figures would not be justified. It will be seen, however, from the details published in the Annual Statements of Trade of the United Kingdom that the principal countries from which the imported machinery was consigned were the United States of America, Germany, France, and Switzerland, and that the chief countries to which the exports were consigned were British India, France, Japan, the United States of America, and China.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that, owing to the great difference in the rate of exchange, French and German lace is now being imported into this country at 40 per cent, below the price at which it can be manufactured here, and that as a result 90 per cent, of the lace trade employés of Nottingham are on the dole; and, if so, what steps, if any, he proposes to take in the matter?

I am aware that imports of lace at low prices are

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the unemployment amongst agricultural workers, he has considered extending to them the benefits of the Unemployment Insurance Acts; whether he has been asked to do this by the Agricultural Workers' Association; and whether he will invite the agricultural industry as a whole to consider this question?

The question of the application of unemployment insurance to agriculture was considered as recently as last year by a Committee, appointed by the Agricultural Wages Board, and representative of the farmers' and farm workers' organisations. This Committee reported that there was general opposition both by employers and workers to the inclusion of agriculture under the general provisions of the Act. So far as I am aware, the general feeling in the industry remains as then reported.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will reconsider the sentence of nine months, passed on Stanley Ernest Dallas at Lambeth in July last, for an alleged seditious speech uttered at an unemployed demonstration on 22nd June; and whether, in view of Dallas's services in the Army, consideration as to a reduction of sentence can be given?

I have looked into the facts of this case and regret I cannot see my way to recommend any reduction of the sentence.

asked the First Commissioner of Works, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, whether any schemes have been sanctioned in Scotland for giving work to the unemployed in connection with the construction and repair of piers and harbours along the Scottish coasts; and whether any such schemes put forward by harbour and other local authorities will be considered with a view to providing employment?

I have been asked to answer this question. I am informed that some schemes of harbour and dock improvements in Scotland have been approved for assistance from funds at the disposal of the Unemployment Grants Committee and the Trade Facilities Act Advisory Committee, respectively. As already indicated in the reply of my right hon. Friend the First Commissioner of Works, to a question addressed to him by the hon. Member for Moray and Nairn (Mr. Guthrie), the Unemployment Grants Committee are prepared to consider applications made by harbour authorities for assistance in the construction of harbour and dock works for the purpose of relieving unemployment.

asked the First Commissioner of Works, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, whether he is aware that the construction of the dock at Shieldhall and Renfrew has been undertaken by the Clyde Trust, and that this scheme has been held over since the outbreak of the War; and whether, in view of the abnormal unemployment existing in Glasgow and in Renfrewshire, he is prepared to consider a grant or a loan under the Trade Facilities Act, 1921, to enable the promoters to proceed with the work immediately, and thereby assist in absorbing a large number of the men who are at present unemployed?

I have been asked to reply. I am informed that the Clyde Navigation Trustees have decided to construct a dock basin at Shieldhall, but that owing to unforeseen engineering difficulties it is not expected that the work can be commenced for some time. Any application which the trustees might make for assistance from the Government in financing the work would have full consideration, but I understand that they are satisfied that they can themselves raise the necessary loan on satisfactory terms.

asked the First Commissioner of Works, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, whether grants will be given for the building, development and repair of fishing and other harbours in the Moray and the North and West Coasts of (Scotland, keeping in view the importance of the fishing industry and the prevalence of unemployment, and the fact that promises have repeatedly been made to construct small harbours and piers which have so far not been implemented?

The Unemployment Grants Committee are prepared to consider applications by statutory harbour authorities not trading for profit for grants towards the cost of harbour works undertaken for the purpose of relieving unemployment. Applications may also be made to the Treasury for assistance from the Development Fund for the improvement of fishery harbours, but I am informed that the assistance to be expected from this source is limited in view of the financial situation. My Noble Friend is not aware what are the promises to which the hon. Member refers. During the past 12 years grants amounting to over £120,000 and loans of over £250,000 have been made from Government funds for the improvement of harbours on the Moray Firth.

asked the Minister of Labour whether with a view to finding employment for a great number of men now unemployed in Tottenham, Hornsey, Edmonton, and Wood Green, he will grant facilities for the extension of the tube from Finsbury Park through those districts where a large population, through their district councils, are asking the Minister of Transport and the Minister of Labour to receive deputations pressing for the extension of this tube; and whether he will use his influence with the Great Northern Railway to allow this extension to be carried out without further delay?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave yesterday to a question on the subject by the hon. Member for North Tottenham, of which I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a copy. I have, however, agreed to receive on Monday next, in conjunction with my hon. and gallant Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour, a deputation from the councils concerned.

asked the First Commissioner of Works, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many working people are being evicted from their homes owing to inability to pay the rent due owing to continued unemployment; and what action he is prepared to take in order to protect those folk from being thrown out of their homes during the winter months?

My Noble Friend is not aware that the fact is as stated in the first part of the question, but he will be glad to consider any information on the subject which the hon. Member may be good enough to supply to him.

asked the Prime Minister whether any proposals have been considered, partly to meet the applications for loans and credits by Austria and other countries, by forwarding British manufactured goods, which would tend to relieve unemployment in this country; and, if not, will His Majesty's Government consider such proposals in dealing with the general question of loans to foreign countries and unemployment at home?

I would draw the hon. Member's attention to the provisions of the Export Credit scheme and the Trade Facilities Act.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he is aware that the Ockenden Farm Colony, belonging to, and capable of being worked by, the West Ham distress committee, is at present going to waste owing to the repeated refusal of the Ministry to come to the assistance of the committee; what steps he is prepared to now take; and whether he will receive a deputation from the distress committee of West Ham, in order that arrangements can be made to take full advantage of the facilities offered for the relief of distress and the development of a sound agricultural training?

My right hon. Friend is sorry that the arrangements made between the distress committee and the guardians for the use of the Ockenden Farm Colony on the lines on which the Hollesley Bay Colony is at present being used should have been terminated, and understands that the question whether new arrangements to that end can be devised is under consideration. There are no funds at his disposal out of which assistance could be given towards the cost of the colony, and in these circumstances, while he is prepared, if desired, to arrange for the reception of the proposed deputation, he would prefer to await the result of the negotiations already mentioned.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will consider schemes presented to him by cotton-spinning companies and others whose employés are also the owners of the companies, who at present are (extremely under-employed and in many cases are properly receiving unemployment pay, to enable such grants to be made co-operatively and thus enable the firms to provide competitive trade for the workers concerned?

We are ready to give careful consideration to any schemes having for their object the reduction of unemployment. I would, however, remind the hon. Member that we have no power to make payments out of the Unemployment Fund otherwise than for the statutory benefits payable to beneficiaries for whom work is not available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether in the Government policy for dealing with unemployment any effort is to be made to provide suitable work for women; and will he, should no such provision be made, take steps to secure more generous consideration and allowances for unemployed women?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered any proposals to relief work suitable for unemployed women in districts where there is not a large demand for unskilled domestic labour; and what schemes are authorised or proposed for training suitable girls for a life in the Dominions?

It is, I am afraid, impracticable to deal directly with unemployment among women by the provision of relief work. Assistance from State funds has, however, been allocated towards the cost of conducting the scheme for homecraft training for which the Central Committee on Women's Training and Employment are responsible. The question of the training of women for life in the Dominions is under consideration, but no scheme for this purpose is as yet in operation. Having regard to the great pressure on the unemployment fund, my right hon. Friend could not undertake to propose an increase in the allowances to unemployed women.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that numbers of men are receiving from the Employment Exchanges Form U.I. 503, which means that unemployment insurance benefit for these men will cease on the ground that it does not appear that sufficient effort has been made to obtain work; and, inasmuch as many of these men are genuinely seeking work but cannot obtain the same, will he issue special instructions that the greatest possible care shall be taken to avoid penalising such workmen and to obviate their being obliged to fall back upon the guardians for relief, thus adding to the already heavy burden of local rates?

In determining whether an applicant is genuinely seeking work we rely on the recommendations made by local committees after personally interviewing the applicants. These committees have great experience of the treatment of applications for bene- fit, and we have every confidence that their recommendations are made only after full and careful consideration of all the facts.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that large numbers of persons waiting at Employment Exchanges and at pay stations are kept for long periods waiting, in queues out of doors; and whether, in view of the inclemency of the weather and of the scanty manner in which such persons are clothed, he will endeavour to secure adequate shelter for them?

I am afraid we cannot undertake to provide shelter beyond that available on the Exchange premises. These premises include a large number of temporary premises, which are being made use of during the present severe unemployment. I would point out, however, that if applicants attend at the times at which they are asked to be present they need hardly ever wait more than about half-an-hour. Any longer wait almost invariably arises from applicants attending before the proper time.

asked the Minister of Labour as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he can give the names of the candidates at the recent General Election who failed to obtain one-eighth of the votes recorded in the constituency they contested and also the names of these constituencies?

I have been asked to reply, but the official Returns have not yet in all cases been received, and I regret therefore that I am not at present able to give the information desired.