asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, after the arrest of M. Gounaris, a representative of the British Legation at Athens demanded of the Greek authorities the return of certain documents, said to be the correspondence between M. Gounaris and British Ministers, which had been seized at the house of the former by the Greek police; and whether the British Legation at any time requested the Greek authorities to return, or withhold from the trial of the accused Ministers, communications between them and British Ministers?

The answer to both parts of this question is in the negative.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether a British cruiser was sent to Greece to give a passage to Prince Andrew of Greece after his trial; by whose orders and for what reason was a warship used for this purpose; and what is the estimated cost of this service?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The vessel was sent by the Admiralty, at the request of His Majesty's Government, as a possible means of saving the lives of Prince and Princess Andrew of Greece which, at the time, were believed to be in jeopardy. The estimated cost is about £1,200.

When this Prince had been tried and sentenced to banishment had not the danger evaporated? Why then was it necessary to use a British cruiser for this purpose at the risk of offending the present Government of Greece, and of estranging the democracy of the country?

Is not the lady referred to the sister of a distinguished naval officer in our own service?

Would the ship have been sent by the Admiralty had it been the case of two Greek peasants?

Ought not a sentence of banishment imposed upon a Greek citizen to be carried into operation by the Greek Navy; ought it not to provide the necessary facilities rather than the British Navy sending a boat across?

I have pointed out in my answer that a boat had already been sent. The reception of Prince and Princess was a matter of courtesy which we, on many occasions, extended to others.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can give his assurance that there is not a secret naval treaty between the German Government and the Russian-Soviet Government?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for South Kensington (Sir W. Davison) on 4th December.

Do I understand from that that the Government do not view with great alarm any such treaty, if in existence?

I do not think that arises.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been directed to the treatment of British emigrants at Ellis Island; and whether he proposes to take action in the matter?

This question has received the closest and most continuous consideration from His Majesty's Government for some time past. In the course of the present year alone representations have twice been made on the subject to the United States Government, and two visits of inspection have been carried out, at the invitation of that Government, by members of His Majesty's Embassy at Washington. The last of these was on 28th October. The conditions and treatment at Ellis Island are primarily adapted to emigrants of a low standard of cleanliness and conduct, who form the bulk of the arrivals. For persons of any refinement, especially women, subjected to the same treatment it constitutes a Serious hardship, but it appears that the United States Government are unable to keep emigrants of the various nationalities separated while undergoing detention. British subjects proposing to emigrate to the United States would do well to bear these facts in mind.

Having regard to the fact that the treatment meted out to British emigrants is still unsatisfactory, will the hon. Gentleman pursue his representations to the United States Government on the matter?

Those negotiations have been, as I have said, continually proceeding, and are still proceeding.

Is it not far better for British emigrants to go to some section of the British Empire?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government has appointed a consul or consular agent at Cetinje, in order that the Foreign Office may be fully informed on the condition of Montenegro?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the French authorities in Morocco and Tunis refuse to recognise Maltese settled in those countries as British subjects; and whether Maltese have been conscripted for service in the French Army?

The measures taken by the French authorities in Tunis and Morocco (French zone) affecting the nationality of British subjects resident there have formed the subject of prolonged discussions between His Majesty's Government and the French Government, who have recently agreed to refer certain legal points arising out of this dispute to the Permanent Court of International Justice at the Hague. It is believed that no British subjects are at present being conscripted for service in the French Army.

Can the hon. Gentleman assure the House that there are no Maltese or other British subjects serving in the French Armies as conscripts?

I have just said it is believed that no British subjects are at present being conscripted for service in the French Army.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the highest sum payable for a visa on a European passport and what is the amount of the lowest?

The highest fee charged for British visas to the nationals of any European country is the fee of £2 charged to German citizens for a visa valid for six months. This is a retaliatory charge imposed as the equivalent of the Gorman fee for similar visas to British subjects. The lowest fees are the equivalents of 10 gold francs for ordinary visas, and I gold franc for transit visas which, in accordance with the recommendations of the International Conference held in Paris in October, 1920, are charged to the nationals of all countries except those against which retaliatory charges are in force.

Is it not a fact that a good many Continental nations look upon the money obtained by visas as a financial transaction to benefit themselves, instead of it being to keep out undesirable travellers?

I have no idea whether that is so or not.

Would it not be very much better for people in this country who want to go abroad to go to places within the Empire?

Hear, hear!

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that a number of naval men were prevented from voting at the recent General Election owing to the returning officers for their constituencies not receiving the necessary information from the Admiralty that such men were either serving in home establishments or in ships in home waters, thus preventing returning officers from despatching ballot papers to them; whether a census of such men has been taken by any of the naval authorities; if so, what is the number of such men who were unable to vote in each of any of the several divisions of Portsmouth; and what action he proposes to Take in the matter?

Before this question is answered, may I put a question to the right hon. Gentleman, namely, that the statement in this question is not correct? Is it not a fact—

It is for the Minister to say whether it is correct or not.

It is not correct.

Under the naval procedure, accountant officers are required, when a General Election is announced, to furnish returning officers with addresses to which the ballot papers for all naval ratings should be sent unless serving abroad, and telegraphic instructions for this to be done were issued from the Admiralty on the 26th October. From reports received, it appears that about 300 men of the Portsmouth Command were unable to vote in the Central Division of Portsmouth. There were various contributory reasons, but a complete analysis of the reports has not yet been made, and I will communicate further with the right hon. Member when the investigation has been completed.

Is it not a fact that it is not so much a question of returning officers doing their duty as that the system is wrong? Will the right hon. Gentleman revise the system, or have a new system inaugurated before the next General Election?

That is being inquired into. The right hon. Gentleman must remember that the machinery is entirely new, and has not been properly tested, but I should not like to say that it has broken down until an analysis is made.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether any complaints have been made?

There are a good many contributory causes, and one is that people do not take interest in Elections until they are upon them, and then it is too late.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1918, whereby officers and men of His Majesty's forces are entitled to be registered as absent voters for any constituency for which they would have had the necessary qualification but for their service, the procedure laid down in A.F.O. 1,500/1918 and subsequent amendments is adequate to insure that correct information is forwarded from time to lime to the various registration officers to enable them to include naval ratings in the periodically revised registers; whether there is any method other than the annual routine of reporting the next-of-kin to insure that the correct shore address of naval ratings is known and recorded; whether the correct shore address of naval ratings is noted on all service certificates after it is inserted in the September quarter ledger; whether forms S. 1,355a or S. 1,335b are kept corrected with the latest, shore address of naval ratings; what method is adopted and who is responsible that this should be done; and whether it could be arranged for the home ports, which have a large number of absent voters, to have proof copies of the absent voters' register corrected in the depot drafting offices for each periodical revision of the registers and on the declaration of an Election?

The registration of naval voters is based on the completion by each officer and man of the prescribed card (form S. 1335A). Fresh cards are available on board ship and are issued on application when a man desires to change his constituency as the result of alteration of address. Fresh cards are also prepared when regis- tration officers notify changes of address as the result of local canvas. Provision is made for changes of address to be noted on Service Certificates. I may add that in view of the experience gained at the recent General Election the whole question of naval procedure is under consideration.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when the orders are given to build the two new capital ships what trades will benefit; how many men will be employed; how much will be spent in wages; how many firms will be concerned: and if he can state approximately what centres of population would principally benefit?

The following would benefit from the placing of the orders for the two new capital ships:

• Shipyards and allied concerns.
• Engineering establishments.
• Ammunition factories.
• Steel works.
• Mines.
• Railways.
• Shipping.

During the first three months 4,000 to 5,000 men would be employed. During the first six months an average of 13,000 would be engaged on the work, rising in the second six months to some 29,000 men, and subsequently for a time to 40,000 men. The average number employed over the whole period of construction would be about 21,000. It is expected that somewhere about £10,000,000 would be spent in wages, and it is estimated that during the period of the construction of the ships about 500 firms would be interested to a greater or less degree in providing material to be incorporated in the finished ship. In addition to the two districts in which the ships would be built, workpeople in Government Ordnance Factories, Sheffield, Manchester, Barrow, Glasgow and the Tyne would principally benefit from the contracts.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at Barrow there are 10,000 men out of work, and will it be possible to ask the Admiralty to place one of these vessels at Barrow?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are 80,000 unemployed in Glasgow, and—

If we pursue this matter, we may go on till the evening.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in placing any orders for naval constructional work, he will make a point of allowing all private yards to tender, and especially those which, forming the main industries of certain towns, are now depressed, with much resultant local unemployment?

All the private yards in the United Kingdom considered capable of building the ships have been invited to tender for the two battleships which are under consideration. No other important constructional work is contemplated in the near future.

Does that apply to everything in respect of naval orders?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is now in a position to make a statement as to the decision of the Government in regard to the two battleships which the last Parliament decided should be laid down?

I cannot anticipate the statement which the Prime Minister proposes to make on this subject before the Recess.

Is a statement to be made to-day in another place, and, if so, will the intentions of the Government be communicated to us?

No, Sir.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when the official account of the battle of Jutland is to be issued; and whether Lord Jellicoe has agreed to its issue, without alteration, as it was sent to him last June?

Lord Jellicoe has received the narrative and charts, and will return them, with his comments, at the earliest possible moment. Publication will be arranged as soon as practicable after their return, but, of course, I cannot give any date.

Can the right hem. Gentleman give any idea when "the earliest possible moment" is? Is it known that these documents are coming back to this country now—we have waited a long time?

They have been received, and I hope within a very few weeks the comments will come back to us.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty upon what principles the prize bounty salvage awards in connection with the Battle of Jutland have been fixed; and if he is aware that in some cases some of the men have received as their share only 5s. 1d.; and if he will take action in the matter?

Prize bounty is a special award under Section 42 of the Naval Prize Act, 1864, which is granted to the crews of His Majesty's ships present at the capture or destruction of enemy armed vessels. The award is fixed at £5 for each member of the crew of the enemy vessel taken or destroyed, and the claim has to be proved in the Prize Court. In the Battle of Jutland the enemy ships sunk carried 4,537 persons, and the award made was £22,685, which amount, after payment of the expenses of the claim, was distributed on the usual scale amongst the 61,654 officers and men present in His Majesty's ships. The share of an able seaman worked out at 5s. 1d., the smallness of the share being due to the very large number of persons among whom the award was divided.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty if his attention has been called to the extraordinary delay in payment of prize money to Samuel Coaley, of Kirkdale, Liverpool, and also to the Department concerned in not answering six letters relating to this case, including a registered letter, and a letter from a magistrate writing on the man's behalf; and can he make any statement on the subject?

I much regret the delay in the payment of Mr. Coaley's claim, which was due to the Office record of his service being missing when his application was received. I am sure my hon. Friend will agree that, although every precaution is taken, it is impossible to ensure that a few papers are not mislaid out of the many thousands that are constantly in circulation. I also regret any inconvenience or anxiety which has been caused to Mr. Coaley in connection with this matter.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman tell us what period can be placed or will be placed on the final disbursement of prize money, and can he give the House any idea when they are going to get rid of this liability altogether?

That question does not arise.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why warrant writers have been withdrawn from the complements of capital ships; who have taken their places; and whether the withdrawal is a permanent or temporary measure?

The decision to withdraw the warrant writers and replace them by chief writers is in consequence of a reorganisation of accountant duties and complements generally, and the withdrawal is permanent.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when it is expected that approval will be given to the repeated request of the chief and petty officers of the Royal Navy to be granted a fully licensed bar in their messes, the same as their equivalent ranks have in the Army and Air Force; and whether he is aware that considerable feeling exists amongst the chief and petty officers at the continued delay with which this reasonable request is being treated?

The request for a fully licensed bar was refused in Fleet Order 888 of the 31st March last. The requests of the Welfare Conference, 1922, which include a reference to this matter, are being dealt with as rapidly as circumstances admit.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that the wage paid to adult labourers in the Royal Dockyard at Plymouth, including all bonuses, is 41s. per week; and, seeing that this does not constitute an adequate living wage for the breadwinner of a family under present conditions, is he prepared to increase this wage substantially?

The minimum rate of wages paid to labourers in His Majesty's Dockyard at Devonport is as stated by the hon. Member. The rate compares with 37s. 6d. paid in the commercial industries with which the dockyards are commonly compared, and it is not proposed to increase it.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that that is a living wage? Is he going to take the standard set up by private enterprise as the national idea of what a living wage should be?

asked the Prime Minister what, if any, decisions have been arrived at with regard to the assistance to be given by the Dominions to the Royal Navy?

The question of naval defence was discussed at the Imperial meetings, June

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the relative strength of the navies of the United States of America, Japan, and Great Britain, in capital ships, when the Washington Treaty is ratified, and if it is not ratified, respectively?

As the full reply must be given in tabular form, I will, with my Noble and gallant Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I may, however, state at once that if the Washington Treaty be ratified, the United States of America will have 20 capital ships of fighting value, Japan 10, and Great Britain 22. If the Washington Treaty be not ratified, the United States will have 41 capital ships of fighting value, Japan 23, and Great Britain 23.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the relative strength of the navies of the United States, Japan, and the British Empire in capital ships designed to embody the lessons learnt in the battle of Jutland, if the Washington Treaty is ratified and if the Washington Treaty is not ratified?

If the Washington Treaty be ratified, the United States of America will have three such capital ships completed and two building; Japan two completed, and Great Britain one, the "Hood," which, however, only partially embodies the lessons learnt in the Battle of Jutland. If the Washington Treaty be not ratified, the United States of America will have three such capital ships completed and 13 building, exclusive of two battle cruisers now being converted into aircraft carriers; Japan will have two completed, four building, and four projected; and Great Britain one completed, namely, the "Hood," to which I have already referred.

Do the Admiralty consider that the only basis of naval strength is the capital ship, and if that is so, should they not make it clear to the House?

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider, in view of his answer, that the One-Power standard, approved by this House and the country, is being satisfactorily maintained?

The capital ship is not the only standard, but it is the main standard of comparison agreed upon at Washington. If the terms of the Agreement at Washington are carried out, I trust we shall, at least, maintain the One-Power standard.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to the reply of the Government of the United States of America in the matter of capital ships; and whether he has any further statement to make on the subject?

I have seen in the Press the statements purporting to have been made by the United States State and Navy Departments on the subject of scrapping capital ships. I have nothing to add to the statement already made by the Parliamentary Secretary in reply to the Noble and Gallant Member for South Battersea (Viscount Curzon) on 29th November.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Washington Treaty restricts the building of cruisers; and, if not, will he consider the advisability of utilising the Royal dockyards for this purpose?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. When it is decided to build cruisers I am sure that the Board of Admiralty will give most favourable consideration to the Royal dockyards which are capable of constructing the ships proposed.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the matter will be considered?

No, Sir.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that disabled ex-service men employed in the Accountant-General's branch of the Admiralty are being dismissed on the 30th of December, while sound ex-service men are being retained in the employment of the same branch; and, seeing that this course is contrary to the recommendation of the Lytton Committee that disabled ex-service men should be given priority of retention over other ex-service personnel, will he inquire further into this question?

The Report of the Lytton Committee recommended that ex-service men should be discharged in the following order:

1. Home service.

2. Overseas.

3. Disabled.

All the men referred to are home service men, and, as such, are being discharged before overseas men or overseas disabled men. It is the Admiralty practice to consider the cases of men disabled at home on their merits, taking into consideration whether the disability is directly attributable to service. This procedure, together with the discharge of these particular men, has the concurrence of the authorised representatives of the Association of Ex-Service Civil Servants. I may add that it is open to these men to appeal through the ordinary official channels or through their own organisation, but they have not yet done so.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the total number of ex-service men drawing unemployment benefit; and what percentage of that number are disabled?

At 23rd October there were 414,810 ex-service men on the live registers of Employment Exchanges, of whom 64,968 or 15·7 per cent, were classified as disabled, that is, in receipt of a disability pension. I have no reason to suppose that at the present time any considerable number of these are not in receipt of unemployment benefit, but exact figures are not available.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the obstacles placed by the Pensions and Health Ministries in the way of the discharge of ex-service men and other inmates of asylums in instances where it cannot be proved against the patients that they are dangerous and unfit to be at large, he will take measures for the institution of an appeal court, not connected with the lunacy or pensions administrations, to which inmates would be entitled to present their applications for freedom in accordance with the rights, at present held in abeyance which are guaranteed to them by the emancipating provisions of the existing Lunacy Acts?

No obstacles are placed by the Ministry of Pensions or the Ministry of Health in the way of the discharge of ex-service men and other inmates of asylums. This is not a matter in which either Department intervenes. Ex-service patients who have been accepted by the Ministry of Pensions and classified as service patients are upon the footing of private patients, and can be discharged under the provisions of Section 72 of the Lunacy Act, unless a certificate is given by the medical officer of the institution to the effect that the patient is dangerous and unfit to be at large. Other patients can only be discharged by the visiting committee, in whose discretion the matter rests. The remainder of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in any unemployment relief schemes which he may bring forward, there will be adequate provision for giving training to ex-service men who, by reason of their youth when they joined the Colours, have had no opportunity of learning trades or crafts?

There is a preference given to ex-service men in selection for employment on relief schemes; but. I fear that the nature of the schemes is such that they cannot include provision for the training of the men referred to in a skilled occupation.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has received any Report from the Committee appointed by his predecessor to consider what steps could be taken to remove the disability at present placed upon the innocent victims of an industrial dispute from receiving unemployment benefit when thrown out of work through a dispute to which they are in no way parties?

The Committee to which the hon. Member refers have not yet submitted a Report.

Will the right hon. Gentleman do his best to expedite a Report in order that this grievance may be dealt with this Session?

The matter is a difficult, one. It is in the hands of a Committee, and I shall give them every facility in my power. I hope a decision will be arrived at without delay.

asked the Minister of Labour if he has, or can procure, any records to show the percentage of those registered on the Employment Exchanges in the last two years or 18 months who have been found permanent employment; if he has received any representations within that time from any local authorities condemning or praising the Employment Exchanges; and, if so, how many, and which, places?

Statistics on this point are not available and could not be compiled without great labour. I may say, however, that there is no reason to suppose that employment found through the Employment Exchanges is any less permanent than that normally obtaining in the particular occupation concerned. I am not aware of any case in which, within the period in question, a local authority has made representations to the Department either praising or condemning the Employment Exchanges.

asked the Minister o? Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the criticism from all quarters as to the present, under-staffing of the Employment Exchanges, which is resulting in the overworking of the staff and vexatious delays to persons who have to resort to the Exchanges; and whether he will institute a thorough inquiry into the question?

In the interests of economy a very careful watch is kept on the staffing of the Exchanges, and little margin can be allowed for special emergencies, but I have no reason to suppose that the Exchange staffs are not generally adequate. In these circumstances I do not think a general inquiry would serve any useful purpose, but if particulars of any specific cases of alleged under-staffing can be supplied I shall be glad to inquire into them.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state the number of unemployed men dealt with in each office?

I should require notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of farm labourers at present unemployed in this country; and, in view of these labourers being ineligible for unemployment benefits, what steps are being taken to remove this anomaly?

The number of farm labourers registered ax Employment Exchanges on 6th November was 3,461, but this number does not represent the total amount of unemployment among this class of workers, with regard to which I would refer the hon. Member to the general estimate given on 4th December in reply to the hon. Member for East Grinstead. As regards unemployment benefit, I am not aware of any general desire on the part of the agricultural industry to be included in the Unemployment Insurance Scheme.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, if he is aware that where local rates are between 20s. and 30s. in the £ the granting of temporary loans for short periods ranging from six months to five years affords no real relief; and, pending the decision of the Government as to special grants to necessitous areas, will he sanction the extension of these loan periods to at least 10 or 15 years in order that industry may have an opportunity of recovery with as little hindrance as possible from the burden of exorbitant rates?

My right hon. Friend is unable to accept the suggestion conveyed in the earlier part of this question. In dealing with applications for sanction to borrowing, every care is taken, as regards both the amount and (within the statutory maximum of 10 years) the period of the loans, to afford the maximum of assistance to the local authority.

I desire to give notice that, in view of the unsatisfactory reply, I shall raise this question on the Consolidated Fund Bill, in order that the subject may be discussed before we rise.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say what rate of interest is being charged by the Government on loans granted to these necessitous areas?

asked the Minister of Labour whether able-bodied spinsters are allowed to draw unemployment benefit whilst vacancies in domestic service are available; and what steps are taken to prevent women and girls drawing benefit after refusing a situation?

Benefit is only paid to women who are normally employed otherwise than in private domestic service. Further, such women who are suitable for, and who refuse, domestic service are not granted benefit. In administering these rules the Exchanges can, of course, only act upon the facts as ascertained by them; but I may point out that in dealing with uncovenanted benefit the local employment committees commonly require applicants to show what efforts they have made to find employment, and in a number of cases benefit has been refused on the general ground that the applicants could, if they chose, obtain employment in domestic service.

Would the hon. Gentleman explain to the House that these women cannot be taken into domestic service unless they are trained? [HON. MEMBRHS: "Oh!"] If hon. Members knew anything about it, they would know that.

The hon. Member is now giving information.

Is there any evidence of truth in these continual libels on a decent body of citizens?

If domestic service were made more humane, would not more girls go into it?

asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether he is aware that hundreds of men in Glasgow who are unemployed are having their claims to unemployment benefit under the fourth special period disallowed on the ground that they are not genuinely seeking employment; whether he is aware that the great depression in trade makes it impossible for those men to find employment; and whether he will give instructions to the local employment committees who are issuing such decisions to reconsider those cases with a view to having those men paid the uncovenanted benefit to which the Act entitles them;

(2) whether he is aware that hundreds of men in Glasgow are having their claims to unemployment benefit during the fourth special period disallowed by the local employment committees; that no reason is given on the U.I. 503 form which is sent to those men; and whether he will cause the employment committees who have considered those cases to give reasons why those claims have been disallowed, so that the men may have knowledge of what decision they should appeal against?

It is a condition for the receipt of uncovenanted benefit, which is what I gather the hon. Member is referring to, that applicants must prove that they are genuinely seeking whole-time employment. The local committee, which deals with the applications, is fully conversant with local industrial conditions, and I am satisfied, as the result of local inquiry, that the committee does not refuse to recommend benefit unless it is convinced, after personal interview, that the above condition is not fulfilled. Uncovenanted benefit is, under the Acts, always discretionary. The normal practice is to notify claimants of disallowance and the reason for it by means of a printed form. If the exact ground for disallowance has been omitted in any case, this is exceptional and due to recent pressure of work, and the large number of claims involved. If the hon. Member will bring any cases of this kind to my notice, I will see that the ground for disallowance is furnished.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that these individuals who are refused unemployment benefit on the ground that they are not genuinely seeking employment, are compelled to go to the foreman of their works for a statement that they have been in actual employment? Is it not the case that the Employment Exchanges were started with the object of finding employment for people who are unemployed, and if they cannot do it, how can the unemployed people be expected to succeed? Are they not, under these circumstances, entitled to the benefit?

Why do not Ministers answer questions?

The hon. Member, I think, made a speech rather than asked a question.

As the Minister replied to two questions at once, I was compelled to combine my supplementary questions to the two. I was doing that, and not making a speech.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that P. Johnstone, 35, Main Street, Govan, has claimed unemployment benefit during the fourth special period, and has been refused on the ground that he did not prove to the satisfaction of the local employment committee that he was normally employed in an insurable occupation; that the local committee also state that his rights to covenanted benefit, namely, benefit on contributions paid, have meantime been exhausted; whether he can state how a man, whose rights to covenanted benefit, which can only be secured by being employed in an insurable occupation, can be ruled out of benefit on the ground that he is not in an insurable occupation; and whether, in view of the contradictory decisions of this committee, he will cause further inquiry to be made with a view-to the benefit under the fourth special period being paid to this man?

I have made inquiries and find that according to the records of the Department no contributions have ever been paid in respect of this applicant. The question of benefit in respect of contributions has, therefore, never arisen. The man received 44 weeks of uncovenanted benefit, however, up to April of this year. His claim has been considered on more than one occasion since that date, but has been rejected by the Committee. The applicant was not, I am informed, able to prove any employment since 1915. I see no reason to interfere with the recommendation of the Committee in this case.

Do not the Committee admit that this man had a right to covenanted benefit which could only be obtained by paying insurance contributions, although the right had been exhausted? Does not that dispose of the statement that he was not normally employed in an insurable occupation?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the Joint Industrial Conference of 1919 having been able to produce an unanimous Report on wages and hours, he will, with a view to convincing the public that the Government is in earnest in regard to unemployment, and thereby allaying discontent, consider whether, between the time the House rises and re-assembles, a similar joint industrial council can get together to consider the causes of unemployment?

I do not think that any useful purpose would be served at the present time by setting up a special body to investigate such a wide and controversial subject, as the causes of unemployment

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the whole of the workers who were engaged in the zinc and lead mines of this country are still unemployed; whether he is aware that this is due to the 10 years' contract with the Australian Government; and, if so, whether he will consider the advisability of treating the miners of this industry as favourably as they are treating the Australian miners?

I have been asked to reply. I am aware of the condition of the zinc and lead mining industry in this country, but I do not think it can be properly ascribed to the contract to which the hon. Member refers. The hon. Member will find the whole position with regard to this contract very fully dealt with in Sir W. Mitchell-Thomson's speech on the Board of Trade Vote on 21st February last.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the number of juveniles in Glamorganshire, Carmarthenshire, and Monmouthshire who are registered at local Employment Exchanges as unemployed?

The number of boys and girls under 18 on the Live Registers of Employment Exchanges in the counties mentioned at 27th November were as follow:

Glamorganshire	1,461
Carmarthenshire	90
Monmouthshire	571

In view of the fact that the coal industry in South Wales is in such a deplorable condition, and that there are now no openings for juveniles in these three counties, will the Government take some steps to secure new callings for the juveniles?

The whole question of juvenile employment is, as I have stated to the House once or twice during the last two or three days, under active consideration.

Having regard to the conditions which prevail in industrial centres—in Glasgow, for instance—under which large numbers of boys and girls from the age of 14 upwards cannot find employment, have the right hon. Gentleman and his colleagues under consideration a system of technical education for these children during the day?

Another Minister would have to answer that question.

asked whether, when a board of guardians, by arrangement with the local authority and under a scheme submitted to the Ministry of Health, employs men on test work, which requires unskilled labour and is of substantial public utility in the area, for the purpose of testing the suitability of applicants for relief, and grants them relief out of rates not exceeding the amount of relief granted to men not undergoing the labour test, such men are entitled to receive unemployment benefit in addition to the relief granted, or whether the Minister of Health declines to sanction such schemes?

The question whether unemployment benefit is payable in the cases mentioned by the hon. Member depends on the circumstances of each case. The final decision rests with the Umpire, who has laid down certain of the relevant considerations in two recent decisions, of which I am sending a copy to the hon. Member. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Health is prepared, as far as possible, to sanction such schemes so far as payment of outdoor relief is concerned, but his sanction does not apply to the payment of unemployment benefit, which depends on the provisions of the Unemployment Insurance Acts.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the number of skilled men in the building trades now registered as unemployed; and if he will state, allowing for the usual proportion of unskilled to skilled men, the approximate total number of unemployed men in the building trades immediately available for the construction of houses?

At 20th November the Employment Exchange registers included 56,502 building trade operatives in skilled occupations, and 74,406 in unskilled occupations. The number who could be effectively employed at once on building houses cannot be stated, as so much would depend on such factors as the geographical distribution of the men and their grouping in the various skilled occupations. It must be borne in mind that in certain of the skilled branches of the building industry there is no large number of unemployed labour—in fact, rather the reverse.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that last week, in answer to a question, he said that there were only 5,000 bricklayers out of employment?

That point is covered by the last part of my answer.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he is aware that the maintenance of 160 unemployed marchers has cost the Edmonton Board of Guardians up to the present £500; and whether he intends to make a grant from Government funds towards such costs?

My right hon. Friend is aware that this board of guardians has incurred expenditure in the relief of some of these men. There are no funds at his disposal out of which such a grant as is suggested could be made.

Is the hon. Member aware that many boards of guardians are in a similar position, and is he aware that Members on this side of the House believe that if the Prime Minister would receive a deputation from the unem- ployed all this expenditure would be avoided?

If the Minister has no money to meet a claim like this, where did the money come from to take a Prince from Greece?

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the fact that at Oughtibridge and Worrall there are 150 unemployed who have twice a week to attend the Labour Exchange either at the Corn Exchange, Sheffield, a distance of six miles, or at Stocksbridge, a distance of five miles; whether he is aware that a number of the older men are unable to walk these distances and have to pay 2s. 4d. per week in travelling expenses; and whether, in view of the number affected, he can see his way to make some alternative arrangement whereby it will be unnecessary to travel these distances?

I am considering whether some arrangement can be made to reduce the number of attendances in the cases mentioned by the hon. Member, and I will communicate with him as soon as I have completed my inquiries.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, the total number of persons in receipt of old age pensions, the number and respective value of such pensions, and the total expenditure incurred, including administrative expenses?

The total number of old age pensioners in Great Britain at 31st March last was 858,497, namely, 800,308 at 10s weekly, 23.35S at 8s. weekly, 14,924 at 6s weekly, 796 at 5s. weekly, 11,432 at 4s. weekly, 112 at 3s. weekly, 6,005 at 2s. weekly, and 1,562 at 1s. weekly. The estimated expenditure in 1922–23 is £22,565,000 for cost of pensions, and £860,270 for cost of administration (including expenses of local pensions committees), a total of £23,425,270.

In assessing the pension of ex-Lords High Chancellor, will the right hon. Gentleman take into account any incomes they receive?

That question does not here arise.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, how many mothers and expectant mothers and babies under one year old were supplied with milk or milk foods from local health authorities in Wales during the past 12 months; and how many, if any, were proceeded against for making false declarations of inability to pay or otherwise abusing the provisions of the Maternity and Child Welfare Act?

My right hon. Friend regrets that the information asked for in the first part of the question is not available. No case has been reported to the Welsh Board of Health in which such proceedings as are mentioned in the second part of the question have been taken.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Minister of Health, whether any protests have been received from Coventry against the proposal of the local authority to stop the sale of dried milk to nursing mothers, although the local authority has made a profit on the sale, and to close the maternity home for necessitous mothers; and whether he will make representations to the local authority as to the inadvisability of taking this action?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, but my right hon. Friend is in communication with the town council in regard to their proposals for curtailing their expenditure upon the maternity and child welfare service.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he has at any time received complaints from any quarter that the medical service provided under the State Health Insurance scheme is inadequate or inefficient; and, if so, what steps does he propose to take to improve this service?

Insurance Committees are required to investigate all specific complaints of failure on the part of insurance practitioners to carry out their obligations. Reports of all these investigations are forwarded to the Ministry of Health and, where necessary, disciplinary action is taken. The question how far the service could be improved without unduly increasing the cost is under consideration in connection with the revision of the present agreement as to the capitation fee which expires at the end of next year.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, what action the Government is prepared to take to remedy the present evils of overcrowding, in view of the failure of the late Government's housing schemes and. of the efforts of private enterprise to supply the houses needed to meet the shortage which has been in existence since the Armistice?

The Government have the whole question of housing policy under consideration, and I am not yet in a position to make a statement with regard to it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government will make some announcement on this question before the House rises?

I will ask my right hon. Friend whether that is possible. The whole question is under consideration at the present time.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this question has been under consideration for the last 50 years?

asked the Minister of Labour as representing the Ministry of Health whether he is aware that Messrs. Lever Brothers, soap manufacturers, have provided house accommodation for one-fourth of their workpeople employed at Port Sunlight, and that there is a long waiting list of employés desirous of housing accommodation in that township; that several long-service employés of Messrs. Lever Brothers who have been tenants of the firm in the neighbourhood have received notices to quit their homes because they have severed their connection with the firm; that no alternative accommodation has been provided by Messrs. Lever Brothers for them: and, in view of the position of those workpeople, whether he will take steps to see that legal provision is made to compel employers who are owners of cottage property to provide alternative accommodation in such cases?

My right hon. Friend is aware that the firm referred to have erected houses for their employés, but he has no information on the further points referred to in the question. He does not think that legislation on the lines suggested will be practicable.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give favourable consideration to this problem if I bring before him specific cases of tyranny upon tenants by Messrs. Lever Brothers?

I can assure the hon. Member that my right hon. Friend will be very glad to receive any such information.

He shall have it.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he is aware that large blocks of tenements, known as the Peabody Buildings, Buckingham Gate, in the City of Westminster, are now standing vacant; and whether he proposes to take any steps to prevent these tenements being pulled down at a time when the shortage of houses in London is so acute?

The matter is not one in which my right hon. Friend has any power to intervene. He is informed, however, that the Peabody Dwellings at Buckingham Gate, which have been sold, were out of date; that a modern building has been erected by the Peabody Trustees in Westminster for the purpose of rehousing the late occupants of the Buckingham Gate Dwellings; and that this building would not have been erected but for the arranged sale of the Buckingham Gate site.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that in France during the War many persons were engaged in the opening up of chalk quarries and preparing the chalk by specially mixing with cement in a manner suitable for road-making and house-building; and whether, in view of the fact that by this means remunerative employment could be found for many unskilled men, he will consider the advisability of making the experiment in this country?

I have been asked to answer this question. The use of block chalk for road foundations is familiar, but I am not acquainted with any application to road-making of the mixture described by the hon. Member. If he will supply me with further details, I will gladly have investigations made.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, what is the annual cost of his public information Department; how many officials, including supervisory, part-time, and clerical staff, are connected with it; and whether this post-War Department will be abolished, as in the case of the Ministry of Labour?

The staff engaged upon the work to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers consists, and has consisted since the 1st April last, of one whole-time and one part-time officer. The annual salaries (including bonus) of these officers amount to £1,525. My right hon. Friend has the question of the continuance of the whole-time post under consideration.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the recommendations of the Committee on National Expenditure, it is intended to effect economy in administration by amalgamating the Ministries of Health and Labour, and renaming such Ministry the Ministry of Home Affairs?

I cannot usefully add anything to the answer which I gave on the 30th November to a question on this subject by my hon. Friend the Member for South Cardiff (Sir H. Cory).

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, when the Census Returns will be completed and published?

It is expected that the publication of Census Reports for all counties will be completed in the course of next year.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to proceed this Session with the Economy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill; and, if so, whether provisions will be made in the Bill for an alteration in the code of Regulations for elementary schools to secure that children under six shall not be excluded from school on the ground that there is lack of accommodation?

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

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to permit this House to discuss the proposed changes in holding the assizes in the provinces before any definite action is taken thereon: and whether he is aware of the differences of opinion on the subject?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Attorney-General to the hon. Member for Bodmin (Mr. Foot) on the 30th of last month. Until the Committee which has been appointed to consider the question has reported, it is not possible to say what changes, if any, will be proposed in the system, and whether it will be necessary to discuss the matter in this House. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the importance of thoroughly reliable investigation into the welfare of the certified insane, whose pecuniary interests are committed to the care of a single Master in Lunacy, who is blind and dependent for his knowledge of facts upon the services of his clerk, he will institute an inquiry into the fitness of the Master for the discharge of his duties and the desirability of substituting as the holder of this office some other barrister or Master of high standing not so incapacitated?

I have been asked to reply. This question refers to a most zealous and efficient public servant, and I regret that it should have been asked. I think it right, however, that the House should know that some months ago (long before this question appeared upon the Paper), the Master in Lunacy intimated his desire to retire from the public service at the end of the present year.

asked the, Prime Minister, in view of the present unsatisfactory procedure of requesting this House to approve of Supplementary Estimates after the-money has been spent, if he will consider the advisability of appointing a Committee to examine alternate methods of procedure applicable in all cases other than those of national emergency?

I do not think a Committee to consider procedure would assist the hon. and gallant Member's object, with which I am in entire sympathy. Estimates cannot be exceeded without Parliamentary authority except in urgent cases by limited and temporary advances from the Civil Contingencies Fund, and it is in all cases the duty of the executive to obtain Parliamentary authority at the earliest possible moment if an excess on the original provision for the year is in sight. It is precisely for this reason that certain Supplementary Estimates have been presented now.

Has the right hon. Gentleman made up his mind as to the desirability of setting up an effective Estimates Committee of this House to deal with subjects of this kind?

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to carry out the excellent statement which he has just made?

Certainly.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether, in arranging for relief works during the winter to give employment, he will consider the importance of improving the arrangements for sewage disposal in the upper reaches of the River Lee, the polluted condition of which has long been a serious menace to the- health of the people of Hackney;

(2) whether any attempt has been made to call the attention of the local authorities in Edmonton, Tottenham, Enfield, and other districts on the upper reaches of the River Lee, to the polluted condition in which the water of the Lee reaches Hackney; whether he can state if it is yet known which of these districts is responsible; what the remedy is;

(3) whether the improvements to the Enfield sewage disposal works, for which the scheme was approved last June, have been carried out; and, if not, whether there is any likelihood of their being finished during the winter?

Improvements are required in the sewage works of Enfield and Edmonton, and my right hon. Friend is desirous of having the necessary work put in hand without delay. The Enfield Council have not-started the new works for which approval has been given, stating that they are conferring with Edmonton as regards a joint scheme. My right hon. Friend is pressing the council to proceed with the approved work.

Will the Department consider the desirability of bringing the whole sewerage system of the Metropolitan area under one authority?

I will convey that suggestion to my right hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he is aware that the River Lee is in so insanitary a condition that the amenities of Hackney Marshes, where some thousands of East End workers seek recreation on Saturday afternoons, are seriously prejudiced; that the reason given for its present condition is that it has not been possible hitherto to decide which local authority is responsible; and whether he will institute inquiries with a view to having the River Lee cleansed, thus providing the unemployed with work which may be of some benefit to the neighbourhood?

My right hon. Friend is not aware that the conditions are such as seriously to prejudice the general amenities of Hackney Marshes, but he is in communication with local authorities with a view to securing improvements in their sewage works.