asked the Minister of Agriculture the average cash weekly wages of agricultural labourers in each of the counties of Wales and Monmouthshire on 1st December, 1922?

The following statement, based on such information as is at my disposal, shows the prevailing average weekly minimum cash wages of ordinary agricultural labourers on the 1st December, 1922, in each of the counties of Wales and Monmouth:

County.					Wage.
					s.
Anglesey	…	…	…	…	28
Brecon	…	…	…	…	30
Cardigan	…	…	…	…	30
Carmarthen	…	…	…	…	30
Carnarvon	…	…	…	…	30
Denbigh	…	…	…	…	27
Flint	…	…	…	…	27
Glamorgan	…	…	…	…	33

asked the Minister of whether, in view of the freedom of Irish cattle from foot-and-mouth disease, he will remove the restrictions imposed by the Animals (Landing from Ireland) Order of 6th July last?

The Regulations referred to were imposed after very-serious consideration, because in the early part of this year the hurrying from market to market of large numbers of Irish cattle, which had picked up infection in this country, converted a small local outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease into a widespread attack all over the country. The necessity for such Regulations has been endorsed by the Departmental Committee appointed to inquire into the causes of this outbreak, who made a special interim Report on the subject, and the same principle has been accepted by the Canadian Government with regard to importations of cattle from Canada. I regret that I cannot hold out any hope of modifying or removing this Order, which represents the minimum safeguard considered necessary to prevent the recurrence of the spread of foot-and-mouth disease on a large scale.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the machinery research branch of the Ministry of Agriculture had under consideration a scheme for securing sources of cheap and easily adapted power in rural areas; what is the nature of the scheme; and what have been the results of investigations?

I presume my hon. Friend refers to investigations into the utility of windmills as a source of electrical power. If so, I can at present add nothing to the answer which I gave yesterday to the hon. and gallant Member for Kincardine and Western (Lieut.-Colonel Murray).

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he proposes to take to ensure that the interests of the consumer will receive adequate consideration by the Departmental Committee which he is about to set up to inquire into the methods and cost of selling and distributing agricultural, horticultural, and dairy produce; and when he hopes to be in a position to announce that the Committee have opened their inquiry?

I am inviting certain Members of this House to serve on this Committee, and I am sure that they will have due regard to the interests of the consumer. I hope to be in a position to announce the composition of the Committee early next week. The inquiry will no doubt be commenced without delay.

asked the Minister of Agriculture when a Bill will be introduced to amend the Agricultural Holdings Acts, to meet the decision in the case of Dale v. Hatfield Chase Corporation?

I am unable to give any undertaking to introduce a Bill to deal with this decision.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the value of the poultry and egg production of Great Britain in 1922 as compared with the value of the wheat, barley, and oats production for that year and the corresponding overseas imports into Great Britain exclusive of re-exports?

I have been asked to reply. It is not at present possible to give estimates of the value of agricultural production of Great Britain, or of the probable value of imports of agricultural produce, for the current year. My hon. and gallant Friend may perhaps find the figures for 1921 sufficient for his purpose. The figures are as follows:—

	£
Estimated value of the egg and poultry production in Great Britain in 1921	25,000,000
Estimated value of wheat, barley and oats (exclusive of the value of the straw)	58,422,000
Net imports of certain classes of agricultural produce into the United Kingdom. (Figures for Great Britain alone are not available):
Wheat	69,991,000
Wheat meal and flour	16,752,000
Barley	10,415,000
Oats	4,292,000
Poultry	521,000
Eggs	14,662,000

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of agricultural scholarships granted and the value of the same?

I presume the hon. Member refers to the Ministry's scheme of scholarships for the sons and daughters of agricultural workmen and others under Section 3 of the Corn Production Acts (Repeal) Act, 1921. The following awards have been made this year:—Seven "Class I" scholarships, tenable for three years with the possibility of extension for a fourth year, four being tenable at Cambridge University and three at other universities in England and Wales. These scholarships cover the payment of all tuition and examination fees and entitle the holders to an outfit-allowance of £50 and a maintenance allowance not exceeding £200 per annum in the case of Cambridge and £150 per annum in the case of other universities.Ten "Class II" scholarships, tenable for two years at certain university departments and agricultural colleges in England and Wales. These scholarships cover all payment of tuition and examination fees and entitle the holders to a maintenance allowance not exceeding £200 per annum for the first year and £150 per annum for the second year.Seventy-three "Class III" scholarships tenable for one, two or three terms, but not exceeding one year in all, at farm institutes and other similar institutions in England and Wales. These scholarships cover the payment of tuition, board and lodging and laundry, and an allowance not exceeding £15 in respect of the first term and £10 in respect of subsequent terms to enable the holders to meet incidental expenses.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will state generally the results, if any, of the operation of the Allotments Act, 1922, and particularly the steps taken by local authorities to comply with the provisions of that Measure establishing allotment committees, with members representing allotment holders co-opted thereon?

As my hon. Friend is aware, the Allotments Act, 1922, dealt with a variety of matters affecting allotments, and it is somewhat difficult to deal by question and answer with its results. I am disposed to think, however, that, speaking generally, the local authorities will make full use of the increased powers entrusted to them for the provision of land for allotment gardens, and I may say that no complaints have reached the Ministry during the past three months of unreasonable dispossession of allotment holders. As regards the particular matter referred to in my hon. Friend's question, I have no reason to suppose that local authorities are not complying with the statutory obligation to establish allotment committees constituted in the prescribed manner. Application for exemption from the statutory requirements have, however, been received from 35 authorities, and the Ministry is consulting the Allotments Advisory Committee as to the procedure for dealing with such applications.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the approximate number of allotments which were acquired under the Defence of the Realm Act and which, at 30th September, 1922, were still held under the provisions of the Defence of the Realm (Acquisition of Land) Act, 1916; whether he is satisfied that local authorities, in response to the Ministry's recent circular, are taking all necessary steps to re-acquire, under their statutory powers, land which the Ministry will relinquish in March next; and what, if any, further steps are contemplated with a view to avoiding disturbance of allotment holders at that date?

The Ministry is not in possession of complete returns showing the number of allotments referred to in the first part of my hon. Friend's question, but arrangements were made for the Ministry's allotment inspectors to visit every local authority who, in August last, held any land for allotments under the Defence of the Realm (Acquisition of Land) Act, 1916, with a view of urging the acquisition of the land or alternative land under the Allotments Acts. These visits are nearing completion, and from the reports already received the Ministry is satisfied that, speaking generally, plot-holders will be disturbed in March next only where the land is ripe for building or development, or where the circumstances render its acquisition under the Allotments Acts impossible. In such cases, local authorities have been and will be urged to acquire alternative land to meet the needs of those persons who require other plots to cultivate.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of small holdings now in existence compared with the approximate number of 15,000 before the War?

I presume that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the number of statutary small holdings, namely, small holdings provided under the Small Holdings and Allotments Acts (the number of which, in 1914, was approximately 15,000). According to the latest returns by local authorities, showing the position on the 15th July last, these authorities had provided 15,804 new small holdings since the Armistice, and the number of statutory small holdings at the present date is therefore approximately 30,000.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, having regard to the fact that temporary allotments on land owned by local authorities and acquired under the Defence of the Realm Regulations are due to be surrendered before the 1st September next year, he can state what steps have been taken by local authorities to provide alternative allotments for holders who have been or will be dispossessed?

Local authorities are at present busily engaged in acquiring, under the Allotments Acts, land entered on under Regulation 2L of the Defence of the Realm Regulations, of which land the Ministry will relinquish possession on the 25th March next. Where such land cannot be so acquired, local authorities are engaged in negotiating for the acquisition of alternative land, and until this task is completed I do not feel that the time is opportune for the Ministry to press local authorities in the matter of providing alternative land for the plot holders referred to in my hon. Friend's question, who will remain in occupation of their allotments during next season. As, however, local authorities now possess ample powers to acquire land for allotments and allotment gardens, I have

		A.	B.	C.	D.
Age.		Vaccinated as evidenced by presence of one or more vaccination cicatrices.	Stated to have been successfully vaccinated, but no vaccination cicatrix present.	Stated to be unvaccinated (or vaccinated unsuccessfully) and no vaccination cicatrix present.	Previously unvaccinated but vaccinated during incubation of small-pox.
Under 1 year	…	—	—	1	—
1 year	…	—	—	—	—
2 year	…	—	—	—	—
3 year	…	—	—	2	—
4 year	…	—	—	—	—
5 year	…	—	—	—	—
6 year	…	—	—	—	—
7 year	…	—	—	—	—
8 year	…	—	—	—	—
9 year	…	—	—	—	—
10 year	…	—	—	—	—
11 year	…	—	—	—	—
12 year	…	—	—	—	—
13 year	…	—	—	—	1
14 year	…	—	—	—	—
15 year	…	1	—	—	—
20 year	…	—	—	—	—
25 year	…	4	—	3	—
30 year	…	2	—	—	—
35 year	…	3	—	—	—
40 year	…	8	—	—	—
50 year	…	2	2	—	—
60 year	…	8	1	—	—
70 year	…	8	1	1	—
80 year and upwards		1	—	—	—
Totals	…	37	4	7	1

No information is available as to the dates of vaccination of the cases included in Column A of the table, but some of these, which had been vaccinated in infancy were re-vaccinated during the incubation period of small-pox.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, if he will give details of the smallpox cases notified at Poplar, showing the ages of the cases and their vaccinal condition, including in the cases of any recently vaccinated the date of vaccination and the date of the development of small-pox?

The following table shows the ages and vaccinal condition of the cases of small-pox notified in Poplar up to the 30th November:

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the magistrates sitting at Brentford have refused to witness declarations under the Vaccination Act, 1907; whether he will inform them that their action is illegal; and whether any letter of instruction or advice has been sent to magistrates to cause them to refuse to witness such declarations?

I have communicated with the chairman of the Bench, who informs me that the Justices have not refused to witness any such declarations. The second part of the question therefore does not arise. The answer to the third part is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he can give a Return showing the cases of small-pox notified in London each year since 1890, the deaths each year, and the vaccinal condition of the children born each year in London since 1880?

The information asked for by the hon. Member is given in the following tables:

I.—Number of Cases of Small-pox notified in London and the number of Deaths from Small-pox during each of the years 1891–1921 inclusive.
Year.		No. of cases of Small-pox notified.	No. of deaths from Small-pox.
1891	…	114	8
1892	…	423	29
1893	…	2,813	186
1894	…	1,192	89
1895	…	979	55
1896	…	225	9
1897	…	104	16
1898	…	32	1
1899	…	29	3
1900	…	87	4
1901	…	1,700	229
1902	…	7,796	1,314
1903	…	416	13
1904	…	489	25
1905	…	74	10
1906	…	31	—
1907	…	8	—
1908	…	4	—
1909	…	21	2
1910	…	7	—
1911	…	72	9
1912	…	4	1
1913	…	3	—
1914	…	2	—
1915	…	11	3
1916	…	1	—
1917	…	—	—
1918	…	35	—
1919	…	24	6
1920	…	18	4
1921	…	2	1

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he is responsible for circularising the magistracy advising them to refuse to witness declarations under the Vaccination Act, 1907?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in order to enable the purchaser to obtain the meat he wants, steps will be taken to abolish the misleading ticket of home-killed meat and to designate in the butchers' shops the exact kind of meat sold; and whether provisions of this character will be inserted in the Importation of Animals Bill now before Parliament?

Any proposals for legislation on the lines indicated in the hon. Member's question should be embodied in a Measure to amend the Merchandise Marks Acts. I do not think that this is a matter that could be dealt with in the Importation of Animals Bill now before Parliament.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been drawn to the report of the case of George Pitchford, now serving a term of imprisonment, who, when called to give evidence at the Shrewsbury County Court, appeared manacled; whether he is aware of the disapproval of this indignity expressed by Judge Ivor Bowen at the said court; and whether he will make such alteration in the prison regulations as will save from this humiliation a man who is undergoing his sentence of imprisonment?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that when George Pitchford, a farmer, formerly of Stone Acton Hall, Salop, and now serving a term of imprisonment for perjury, was called to give evidence in Shrewsbury County Court on Friday last, he appeared between two warders with his hands tightly manacled, and unable to use pen or pencil; whether he is aware that Judge Ivor Bowen registered a public protest against such treatment; and whether he will undertake to issue instructions that shall prevent persons called upon to give evidence under similar conditions being subjected to such an indignity?

In reply to this question and No. 103, I would refer to the answer which I gave to a question asked yesterday by the hon. Member for Newton (Mr. R. Young).

asked the Home Secretary if the Government propose to introduce a Bill to amend the Factory Acts during the coming Session?

This question has not been considered by the Government, and I am unable at present to make any statement.

asked the Home Secretary whether the return of the salaries at present paid to the superior officers in the prison services, together with a return of such salaries paid in 1914, can be conveniently granted?

A return is being prepared, but it has not yet been completed.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can fix any date, even approximate, by which the recommendations of the Rigby Swift Committee affecting County Court officers will be carried into effect; and whether the delay in attaining this result is due to any specific cause or causes?

asked the Attorney-General whether His Majesty's Government have any intention of putting into force the recommendations contained in the Report of Judge Rigby Swift's Committee on County Court Staffs, Cmd. 1049/1920; whether he is aware of the very poor pay and prospects of those staffs and the urgent need of an improvement in their position, as recommended in the Report: and what action is proposed?

I have been asked to reply. I have nothing to add to the answer I gave to a similar question addressed to me by the hon. Member for Moss Side (Mr. G. Hurst) on the 4th of this month.

asked the Home Secretary how many prosecutions have been instituted by his Department for infringement of dock regulations for safety to life and limb during the years 1921–22; and in how many cases penalties were imposed?

Since 1st January, 1921, 29 occupiers and one worker have been prosecuted for breaches of the Docks Regulations. In 27 of these cases penalties—amounting to over £300 in all—were imposed. Of the other three cases, two were dismissed, and in one the occupier was convicted, but only ordered to pay the costs.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the Chief Constables' Association have passed a resolution to the effect that in the interests of public safety it is desirable to alter the present rule of walking on the footpath and to use every endeavour to cause the public to keep to the left instead of to the right, and that similar resolutions have now been passed by every national organisation of local authorities in the country; and whether the Home Office is prepared to take any steps in the matter?

I understand that at a meeting of the Chief Constables' Association—which is an unofficial body representing only city and borough chief constables—a resolution was passed in favour of this change; but, so far as the opinion of chief constables has been ascertained through the district conferences, it appears that there is much diversity of view. I do not think the advantages of the proposed change are so clear as to justify any action on my part.

asked the Home Secretary how many aliens have been admitted into this country since 1918; and whether, in view of the congestion in housing, he will consider the advisability of placing restrictions on immigrants to this country?

The earliest date from which trustworthy figures can be given is 1st July, 1919. Between that date and 31st October, 1922, the number of aliens who landed in the United Kingdom was 1,148,148 and the number who embarked 1,139,378. These figures are exclusive of transmigrants. As regards the second part of the question, stringent Regulations placing restrictions on alien immigration are in full force, and I would refer to the reply which I gave on the 27th ultimo to a question by the hon. and learned Member for the Ealing Division (Sir H. Nield).

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the widespread unemployment among British workers, and especially ex-service men, he will introduce a brief Bill to extend the operation of the Clauses in the Aliens Restriction Act excluding aliens from this country without special and temporary permits for a further period of three years?

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that the Clauses in the Aliens Restriction Act excluding enemy aliens from this country without special and temporary permits expire on 23rd December, and that there is a great volume of unemployment among our own people, he will consider legislation extending the operation of these Clauses?

I would refer to the reply I gave on the 27th November to a question by the hon. and learned Member for the Ealing Division (Sir H. Nield), in which I explained that fresh legislation in this matter is not required.

asked the Home Secretary what are the present rent allowances made to constables and officers of the Metropolitan Police Force; whether these allowances have recently been reduced; is he aware that there is dissatisfaction as to the amounts of these allowances at the present time; has he made any recent inquiry into the matter; and, if not, will he undertake to do so with a view of remedying the complaints of the men in the police force?

The rent allowances for the several ranks are the actual amounts paid in rent, rates and taxes up to the following maxima:

• Superintendents, £80 per annum,
• Inspectors, 20s. a week,
• Sergeants, 17s. a week,
• Constables, 14s. 6d. a week;

but the allowances have, since April last, been subject to a deduction from the stated maximum at the rate of 7s. 6d. a week for superintendents, 5s. 6d. a week for inspectors, 4s. 6d. a week for sergeants and 3s. 6d. a week for constables. Representations regarding these and other deductions which took effect from the same date have been submitted by the Metropolitan branch boards, and a deputation from the sergeants' board was received by my predecessor in July last: but as the deductions formed part of the general scheme for securing economies in police expenditure and were settled after a full discussion at the Police Council in March last, there appeared to be no sufficient ground for reviewing them. The question will have to come before the Council again before the end of the financial year, but I cannot say what decision will be reached.

asked the Home Secretary if he will consider the introduction early in the next Session of legislation to restore the privilege of Sunday opening of licensed houses situate in the county of Monmouth, which is now the only English county deprived of that privilege?

The Government will be prepared to consider any representations as to the prevailing opinion in Monmouthshire on this subject.

asked the Home Secretary whether Garter King-at-Arms is to issue any Regulations with reference to the national flag consequent to the passing of the Irish Free State Constitution Act?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is intended to grant the fore-and-aft rig to all petty officers instead of to those of over four years' seniority only, observing that it is now over two years since the Admiralty stated that they approved of the principle?

As has already been announced in Fleet Orders, the Admiralty regret that this matter cannot be proceeded with until financial conditions admit.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, with reference to Admiralty Fleet Order No. 2,974/1922 and the entry examination for third writers, if future entries into the writer branch will receive automatic promotion similar to present Regulations?

The third writers who will be entered from the examination, held on the 30th November, will be entered under existing Regulations. The question of abolishing automatic advancement for future entries in the writer branch is under consideration.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether many small tradesmen are suffering severely, and many holders of licences are applying for parish relief, owing to the lack of ships being berthed at North Corner, Devonport; and can he do anything to relieve the position?

There is only one buoy in the vicinity in question where His Majesty's ships are berthed, and the extent of its use is governed by naval requirements. I am afraid the Admiralty cannot take any special action in the matter.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty the approximate cost of constructing the proposed two new battleships?

The anticipated coat of the two battleships is between 13 and 14 millions.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that Royal Marine schoolmasters were specially included in the revised rates of pay laid down for schoolmasters, Royal Navy, in 1920, and that their work has been brought into line with that of their naval confreres, but that they have been expressly excluded from the provisions of Admiralty Fleet Order 1,982 of this year, which placed the naval schoolmasters more in line with other naval officers of similar rank and seniority; and if he can give the reason?

The same rates of pay were fixed for Royal Marine schoolmasters as for Naval schoolmasters when new rates of pay were fixed in 1919 and when these rates were revised in 1920. At that time all Naval schoolmasters, as well as marine schoolmasters were serving ashore. When, however, the rates of pay of Naval schoolmasters were again revised this year, in order to bring them into approximate correspondence with those of schoolmasters of similar standing in civilian life, it was not thought necessary to make any alteration in r,he rates of pay of Royal Marine schoolmasters whose work has not been brought into line with that of their Naval confreres. The qualifications required for Royal Marine schoolmasters are not so wide, and, unlike Naval schoolmasters, they are not subject to the disabilities of sea service and frequent changes of appointment.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state in detail those parts of the world where, contrary to what was the case in July, 1914, our present commitments compel us to maintain troops of any kind; and what, in each ease, are the numbers of such troops?

The following are the numbers of troops at present maintained in parts of the world where no troops were maintained in July, 1914:—

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the fact that the circular letter 27/8026 (A.G. 8B), issued by the Director of Organisation to all the General Officers Commanding, directing that refusal to be vaccinated be considered misconduct within the meaning of Article 958 (g), is contrary to the decision of the War Minister given in April, 1918, that refusal to be vaccinated was not to be regarded as misconduct and was not to be punished as such; and will he take immediate steps to have the circular to the contrary effect withdrawn?

The circular letter referred to was not contrary to the reply given by the Under-Secretary of State for War on the 23rd April, 1918. In that reply my predecessor stated that refusal by a soldier to be vaccinated is not an offence punishable under the Army Act. I am advised, however, that if a recruit, after signing the attestation paper, in which he stated that he is willing to be vaccinated, then refuses to be vaccinated, such conduct may properly be regarded as affording ground for discharge for misconduct within the terms of Article 958 (g) of the Royal Warrant for Pay and Promotion, and this was the intention of the circular letter No. 22/8026 (A.G. 8B) referred to by the hon. Member. The wording of this circular letter is, however, open to some misconstruction, inasmuch as it was not made sufficiently clear that the offence of misconduct was not misconduct under the Army Act, but misconduct under the Royal Warrant. An amended letter will be issued to make it clear that it is only recruits who refuse to be vaccinated after having signed an agreement to be vaccinated who are to be discharged, and that the deprivation of their gratuity is not due to their having committed any offence under the Army Act, although they have been guilty of misconduct within the meaning of the Royal Warrant.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is the greatest mileage accomplished up to the present by a British commercial aeroplane in regular cross-Channel service; and what estimate can be given as to the probable life of such British mail aeroplane and engines in regular use?

In reply to the first part of the question, the greatest mileage accomplished up to 30th November by a British commercial aeroplane in regular cross-Channel service is 100,393 miles without overhaul. With regard to the second part, the aeroplane in question is still in perfect condition, but I am unable to estimate what its life is likely to be. With regard to engines, these have been changed constantly during the period in which this mileage has been achieved.

asked the Minister of Pensions what are the general conditions under which allowances are paid to badly disabled ex-service men who need the help of an attendant; is he aware that these allowances are frequently re- duced, and that men who have been allowed 20s. a week for two or more years have had the amount reduced in some cases to 5s.; on what evidence the reduction is made; and whether longer notice of intention to reduce can be given to the men to enable them to appeal?

A constant attendance allowance is granted in addition to a pension at the maximum rate in all cases where it is medically certified that the pensioner is in need of the constant attendance of a second person. The amount granted, up to a maximum of 20s. a week, depends upon individual circumstances, and as these vary from time to time adjustments are occasionally necessary.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, although the new system of administration of pensions in rural districts by which all sub-committees have been abolished will require the services of a great number of honorary workers in order that ex-service men may not suffer by having no one to whom they can apply for help in preparing their claims, the Ministry has refused to pay any expenses of these honorary workers when they travel by train or omnibus to make inquiries or to visit men desiring to consult them; and in what way does he propose to obtain sufficient honorary helpers to carry on the work without hardship to the men?

Voluntary workers will not ordinarily be expected to travel outside their own districts. If, exceptionally in remote and sparsely populated areas, travelling is found to be essential, suitable arrangements will be made. War pensions committees are taking steps generally to obtain voluntary workers, and I have every reason to expect that a sufficient number of workers will be secured.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether reconsideration can be given to the case of Reginald Albrough Drake, No. 206,076, late sergeant-mechanic, Royal Air Force, who was demobilised on the 14th March, 1919, without any disability claim, but submitted a claim under Article 9 of the Royal Warrant in respect of pulmonary tuberculosis in January, 1921, which was rejected on appeal, which decision was considered at variance with the facts of the case?

The Ministry's decision rejecting this claim to pension having been confirmed by the independent pensions appeal tribunal, I regret that the case cannot now be re-opened.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will expedite the settlement of the pension of Mrs. Clara McManus, of Manchester, in respect of her husband's death, which occurred on the 18th February, 1921, the claim for pension having been made on 22nd May last, since when nothing further has been heard from the Ministry?

The widow has now been informed of the result of her claim. I much regret the delay which has occurred.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that P. M'Alinder, 41, Hamilton Street, Govan, was an inmate of Hawkhead Asylum; that while there he received notification to attend the Adelphi Hotel, Glasgow, for the purpose of being medically examined; and that this man has been consequently examined and turned down by the appeal board; and whether, in view of the conflicting statements in this case, he will cause it to be reconsidered?

This case has been very fully considered, but I regret that the Ministry are unable to admit connection between the man's mental condition and service. There is a right of appeal to the pensions appeal tribunal against this decision, which may be exercised through the local area office.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, when awards are made by the assessment tribunal, the award is allowed fully or are previous awards being deducted from the award made by the assessment tribunal?

The award given by an assessment tribunal is always accepted by the Ministry. I gather, however, that the hon. Member has in mind the class of case in which the man has received a gratuity, or final weekly allowance, in compensation for a minor disability, and is receiving pension for another disability. Frequently the tribunal give a composite assessment covering both disabilities, and, in giving effect to that assessment, account must be taken of the compensation already paid in respect of the minor disability.

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the number of cases in which allowances for the education of children of deceased soldiers were cancelled after the course had been running for some months; and what was the total economy affected by this Order?

I assume that the hon. Member refers to grants which have been withdrawn because the awards were not covered by the regulations of the Special Grants Committee. A memorandum on this point was issued in August last, Command Paper 1748. It is impossible to state the exact number or the value of the grants so withdrawn without an undue amount of labour; but the hon. Member should understand that the sole ground for the withdrawal was that the grants were irregular.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in respect of the working of the Reparations Committee, he will state the number of applications he has received from widows who have lost their husbands through enemy action whilst engaged in the mercantile marine; whether any sum has yet been secured from Germany for this purpose; and whether, in the allocation of such reparations, those widows in pressing need should get precedence?

The number of claims registered in the Reparation Claims Department by widows of merchant seamen, including fishermen, who lost their lives through enemy action during the War, is 3,545. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative, and I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the hon. and gallant Member for Leith (Captain W. Benn) on the 27th November.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the extension of the terms of reference to the committee to be appointed to inquire into the organisation of the British Empire Exhibition so as to include an inquiry into the question of the employment of labour in the construction of the exhibition, more especially as it affects ex-soldiers and local workmen?

I understand that my right hon. Friend the Minister for Labour is in correspondence on the subject with the contractor concerned, and I do not think it is necessary to include this subject among those into which I am to inquire.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that certain firms in Sheffield which desire to replace such plant as is only suitable for the manufacture of heavy armaments by machinery of a lighter character have been requested by the Government to retain this plant; and whether special consideration may be given to these cases in order that the firms in question may be released from this obligation and allowed to make

		1913.	1914.	1920.	1921.
		Per cent.	Per cent.	Per cent.	Per cent.
Europe	…	11·2	(a)	(a)	(a)
United States of America	…	15·2	16·1	9·7	9·5
South America (b)	…	20·1	28·1 (c)	22·5 (d)	(a)
British Self-governing Dominions	…	39·0	38·5	31·9	36·8
(a) Cannot be given.
(b) Not including Venezuela, Colombia, Paraguay or the Guianas.
(c) The corresponding percentage for countries other than Bolivia is 28·3.
(d) Not including Bolivia.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the volume of trade (exports and imports separately)

I have been asked to reply. Certain firms were requested after the War not to dismantle plant suitable for the manufacture of heavy armaments without obtaining Admiralty sanction. Immediately a definite decision is arrived at as to the building of the two new capital ships provided for under the Washington Agreement, these firms will receive information from the Admiralty as to the extent of the requirements of heavy armaments, and they will then be in a position to judge what proportion of their plant will be required for that purpose and what portion can be released for other work.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of the total imports, respectively, into European countries, the Dominions, the United States of America, and into the countries of South America, were British, in the years 1913 and 1914, and in the years subsequent to the War?

The reply can most conveniently be given in the following statement showing for the undermentioned countries, or groups of countries, the percentage of the total imports given in the published statistics of those countries as imported from the United Kingdom, as far as the particulars are available:between this country and Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy in 1912 and in 1913; and how our trade with Germany

The following statement (compiled from the Annual Statements of the Trade of the United Kingdom for 1913) shows, for each of the years 1912 and 1913, the value of imports into and exports from the United Kingdom from and to the countries specified. It is not possible to give figures as to volume:

Country from or to which the Goods were consigned.		1912.	1913
(a) Imports into the United Kingdom from—
		1,000 £.	1,000 £.
Germany	…	70,048	80,411
Austria-Hungary	…	7,019	7,706
Italy	…	8,239	8,127
British India	…	52,149	48,420
Other British Countries	…	133,864	143,096
Total—All Countries	…	744,641	768,735

(b) Exports of Produce and Manufactures of the United Kingdom to—
		1,000 £.	1,000 £.
Germany	…	40,363	40,677
Austria-Hungary	…	4,943	4,481
Italy	…	14,008	14,610
British India	…	57,626	70,273
Other British Countries	…	119,467	125,034
Total—All Countries	…	487,223	525,245

(c) Re-exports of Foreign and Colonial Merchandise to—
		1,000 £.	1,000 £.
Germany	…	19,209	19,823
Austria-Hungary	…	1,210	1,300
Italy	…	1,003	1,012
British India	…	2,149	1,397
Other British Countries	…	12,302	12,218
Total—All Countries	…	111,738	109,575

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Belgian Government propose to revise their present Customs tariff and that, with regard to foreign newspapers and publications, a special article will be introduced taxing all fashion papers, maps, and music at the rate of 400 francs per 100 kilos; that this tax will have a serious effect upon the circulation of British fashion papers; and, in view of the possibility of its extension to other publications, what steps the Government propose to take in the matter?

I have been asked to reply. I am aware that the Belgian Government are preparing a Bill for the revision of the Customs tariff, but no details of their proposals are yet available. As soon as the draft tariff is received it will be examined from the point of view of British trade interests, and the point raised by my hon. Friend will be borne in mind.

asked the President of the Board of Trade who gave authority for the disposal of the several million yards of surplus cloth, serge, etc.; and whether consideration was given to the condition of the cloth trade in the heavy woollen district where such doth as is now being disposed of by the Disposal Board is made, and to the possibility of holding it over until the turn of trade in the districts concerned or to selling it on long term credit to Austria, so as not to hamper the cloth manufacturers in securing orders for the heavy woollen district?

The material referred to is presumably a portion of a large quantity of material originally sold by the Disposal Board in 1920, which has been on the market ever since. The original purchaser was eventually obliged to assign the unsold balances to another firm, and it is obviously impossible for the Government to intervene in the disposal thereof in the manner suggested.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he is aware that the Edmonton Union are being charged with the maintenance of about 160 of the unemployed marchers; that the cost to the guardians up to the present is about £500; and whether, in view of the fact that the men receiving relief are not ordinarily domiciled in this district, he will consider the possibility of making a grant to the guardians to meet the additional expense thrown upon them?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave yesterday to a similar question by the hon. Member for North Tottenham (Mr. R. Morrison), a copy of which I will send him.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that unemployed in Dewgbury entitled to draw unemployed benefit are compelled to sign on at the local exchange four days each week; that owing to the number of men signing on inconvenience is caused, and men often prevented from having adequate time to search properly for employment; if he has received representations on this matter from the Dewsbury Trades Council; and if he can see his way to give instructions to decrease the number of days per week upon which those entitled to benefit will be compelled to attend the exchange for the purpose of signing.

I have received a communication from the Trades and Labour Council, and local inquiries are being made. I will communicate the result to the hon. Member and to the council as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour whether an Army or Navy pensioner having from 15 to 22 years' service to his credit and in receipt of a pension ranging from 20s. to 40s. per week is not disqualified for receipt of unemployment benefit, whilst a dockyard pensioner with over 20 to 40 years' service to his credit and receiving a pension from 12s. to 30s. per week is disqualified; and whether he will explain the reason for this discrimination?

Established dockyard workers are excepted from the unemployment insurance scheme and are therefore not required to pay unemployment insurance contributions. It is for this reason that dockyard pensioners are in general disqualified for unemployment benefit. If they perform insurable work after discharge from the dockyard they may become qualified for benefit. In the case of Army and Navy pensioners, a contribution in respect of their service with the forces is paid under Section 41 of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920, in order to entitle them to unemployment benefit.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a number of business and professional people, such as town clerks, solicitors, auctioneers and valuers, bailiffs, estate agents, master printers, and grocers, are employed as managers of branch Unemployment Exchanges in Wales; and whether he will inquire into these cases with the object of employing competent ex-service men who are at present unemployed?

I can assure the hon. Member that the Department have this point very fully in mind. A. definite preference is given to ex-service men in making these appointments. All existing holders, appointed after August, 1914, were carefully reviewed by my predecessor with a view to the substitution of ex-service men in every case in which undue hardship would not thereby be caused; and similar action was taken in the case of pre-War holders where it seemed clear that they were not largely dependent on this work. Substitution took place in a number of cases, and in a number of others, in which substitution was not immediately possible, the position is kept under review. Out of 80 branch managers in Wales, 37 are ex-service men. In two other cases, ex-service men will be appointed at an early date if suitable men can be found, and in 17 cases the position is at present under review.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, the total number of condemned insanitary and slum areas under the local authorities in England and Wales; and the total number of houses on such areas certified as unfit for human habitation but at present occupied?

According to a survey made by local authorities in 1919, official representations under the Housing Act, 1890, had been made in respect of 855 areas containing 28,511 houses and a population, of 142,867. Information is not available as to the last point in the hon. Member's question.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, what is the total sum of money paid, or agreed to be paid, from the 1st of January, 1919, up to the 30th June, 1922, or to the most recent date ascertainable, to landowners in respect of land for houses erected by municipalities or through other State-aided schemes; what is the total acreage of such land; and what was its aggregate value computed for rate assessment purposes?

The total area of land acquired in connection with housing schemes is approximately 48,800 acres. The total cost is £9,272,000, being an average of £190 per acre. I am unable to state the aggregate rateable value of such land.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will supply information showing what number of huts belonging to the Office of Works are now used as dwelling houses in Sheffield; when they were erected; the approximate number of inhabitants housed in them: and the rent charged for them?

The Sheffield Estates comprise:

• 708 bungalows.
• 26 hostels.
• 34 colony buildings.

These buildings were erected in l916 and 1917. The approximate number of inhabitants housed is 3,500.545 bungalows are let at 8s. 6d. per week inclusive.163 bungalows are let at 7s. 11d. per week inclusive.The rents of the hostels vary according to circumstances (from 5s. to 7s. 6d. per week).

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he is aware that some building societies are prepared to advance to ex-service men the whole of the purchase money of houses if the Government will become partly responsible for any losses; and, if so, whether the Government has sanctioned this proposal?

My right hon. Friend has no information with regard to the scheme to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he is aware of the existence of a widespread suspicion as to the value of the practice of the pasteurisation of milk; that the practice sterilises the essential qualities as well as the impurities of milk; and whether arrangements can be made to supply the public with pure wholesome milk at a uniform price?

My right hon. Friend is aware that there is some distrust of pasteurisation as now practised, partly due to the high temperature processes frequently adopted commercially. There is no evidence that pasteurisation properly conducted is capable of destroying the essential qualities or constituents of milk. The Minister of Health trusts that the steps being taken by his Department in regard to the milk supply will conduce to the provision of a wholesome milk at reasonable prices.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the, Ministry of Health, whether he can now without further delay present to this House the draft regulations under Section 3 of the Milk and Dairies (Amendment) Act, in view of the fact that the statutory date on which this section comes into operation is 1st January?

The hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension as to the effect of Section 6 of the Act. The necessary Order under Section 3 will not be presented to the House in draft, but it is required that it shall be laid as soon as may be after it is made, which will, it is hoped, be within the next few days.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether his attention has been called to the border-line cases under the Dentists Act, 1921; whether he is aware that a number who have Served their apprenticeship to dentistry and have been in practice are now deprived of their only means of livelihood by being within a short period of the age required under the Act; and whether consideration will be given to these cases by removing the present penalisation?

Yes, Sir, my attention has been called to such cases. No objection was, however, raised to the age limit when the Bill was under discussion, and it cannot now be varied without amending legislation, which would be impracticable without general agreement. Nothing in the Act, prevents ex-apprentices from continuing to work as dental mechanics, and I am informed that the Dental Board are considering the possibility of dealing with some of the hard cases which have admittedly arisen by the provision of scholarships or maintenance grants so as to enable the more promising men to qualify.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the proposal for utilising tidal energy by the construction of a barrage across the mouth of the Severn; and whether he is prepared to introduce a scheme to give effect to this project in the interests of the profitable employment of labour and capital?

I have been asked to reply. I would inform the hon. Member that the Water Power Resources Committee considered the subject of tidal power and expressed the view that the technical information available in regard to the possibility of utilising the tides in the Severn for the generation of power was not sufficiently precise to enable them to express a final opinion. The Committee recommended that a technical commission should be set up by the Board of Trade, in consultation with the Ministry of Transport, to investigate the possibility from a commercial standpoint with special reference to the Severn Estuary. Owing to the financial position and the necessity for drastically curtailing the expenditure of Government Departments, it has not yet been practicable to set up the proposed commission.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of children who have left the elementary schools in Glamorganshire, Carmarthenshire, and Monmouthshire in each of the three years 1919, 1920, and 1921?

I regret that, owing to the partial suspension of the collection of statistics during the War, I am unable to give figures for the year 1918–19. The numbers of children who left public elementary schools in the three counties mentioned (including the county boroughs) in 1919–20 and 1920–21 were as follow:

		1919–20.	1920–21.
Glamorganshire	…	22,429	23,997
Carmarthenshire	…	3,285	3,307
Monmouthshire	…	8,346	8,468

asked the President of the Board of Education, approximately, how many young persons below the age of 18 years attended the day-time educational centres, which were set up after the Armistice, while they were in receipt of unemployment benefit?

I have no figures showing the total number of young persons below the age of 18 who ever at any time attended the centres; but the maximum number in attendance at any one time was about 17,000 daily.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the names and salaries of the officers of the Rural Industries Intelligence Bureau; whether these officers are employed full time; if so, whether part of their services are given to the Country Industries Co-operative Society, Limited; and whether any services rendered to that society are paid for by the State?

I am sending the hon. Member the information asked for in the first two parts of the question. The answer to the third and fourth parts is in the negative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the next open competition for candidates for Civil Service posts will be held; if he is aware that many young men studying for the Civil Service were under age for military service, and that the regulation confining examinations to candidates with military service has rendered nugatory all the studies of many young men and the expense to which their parents have been put; and if he will take the necessary steps to remove this hardship, and at the first open competitive examination so extend the age limit for entry as will enable these young men to compete?

No date can yet be fixed for the next open competition for the male clerical class of the Civil Service. The limitation of recruitment to ex-service men, in accordance with the settled policy of the Government, has in- evitably closed the normal avenue to this class for some considerable period. I am not prepared to adopt the suggestion contained in the last part of the question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the assessors appointed for re-valuation, Schedules A and B, have performed the bulk of their duties and borne the expenses arising thereunder without remuneration; and whether approval can now be given to the scheme of remuneration which the Board of Inland Revenue have recommended for these duties?

It is hoped shortly to arrive at a settlement of the scheme of remuneration in question. In the meantime, however, an advance on account has already been made in November, and, if necessary, a further advance will be considered.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the award of £353 for the use of the Penarth pier to the proprietors for its use and occupation during the years of the War; is he aware that the award has aroused considerable public indignation and has been referred to in the public Press as an insult and a scandal; and whether he will, under the circumstances, order an immediate rehearing of the case with a view to arriving at a more equitable decision?

I understand that the hon. Baronet refers to the award which has been made by the War Compensation Court in the exercise of their functions under the Indemnity Act, 1920. I do not propose to suggest to the Tribunal that a re-hearing of the case should take place, but I may remind the hon. Baronet that provision is made in the Indemnity Act for an appeal to the Court of Appeal upon any point of law.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent the sales of the Official Reports of Debates have increased since the opening of the Session in comparison to previous sales; and to what extent the cost of printing has diminished?

The average number of copies of the OFFICIAL REPORT sold during the first few days of the present Session was the same as the average for the corresponding period of last Session—about 950. Sales tend to fall away as the Session proceeds. There has been no fall in the cost of printing since the price of the OFFICIAL REPORT was raised last December. I would like to take this opportunity of correcting the statement I made in reply to a supplementary question on Tuesday last, that the copies sold have to bear the cost of the copies distributed to Members. I find that this is not so. The cost of all copies distributed gratis is borne by the State.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in consideration of the state of defacement and dilapidation into which the base metal silver coinage of 1920–21 is now falling, he will take into consideration the countermanding of any further such issues, and will revert to the issue of silver of the old standard, which, at the present price of bullion, is amply profitable to the Crown?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the estimated extra cost during the financial year 1923–24 if the restriction of income limitation were removed from the operation of the Pensions Increase Act of 1920; and what would be the extra cost (diminishing annually) for subsequent years?

The necessary data for calculating the extra cost are not available, but it is clear that a large sum of money would be involved, and that the Government cannot contemplate the legislation which would be required to abolish the income restriction.

asked the First Commissioner of Works if he can, in the interests of the health and well-being of the policemen on duty in and about the House of Commons, provide them with suitable facilities for being seated, under proper Regulations, when at their posts of duty?

I have been asked to answer this question. I am advised that the provision of seats would not be likely to tend to the proper performance of police duty, but I am informed that if the police are detained on duty during protracted sittings of the House, arrangements are made, whenever practicable, to relieve them from their posts for short periods, in addition to the interval which they are normally allowed for refreshment.

asked the First Commissioner of Works, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, if he can indicate the Scottish harbours towards the repair of which grants have been made or promised during the past year out of the harbour funds administered by the Fishery Board for Scotland, and also out of the Development Fund, giving in each case the amount allocated and the fund out of which it is payable?

The particulars desired are as follow:1. Grants paid from the funds of the Fishery Board for Scotland:

			£
Buchanhaven	…	…	350
Fraserburgh	…	…	4,271
Pittenweem	…	…	8,800
Findochty	…	…	250
Gardenstown	…	…	700
Total			£6,371

2. Grants promised from funds of Fishery Board for Scotland:

			£
Pittenweem (balance)			400
Findochty (balance)			245
Port Errol	…	…	200
St. Monance	…	…	1,050
Portknockie	…	…	750
Total	…	…	£2,645

asked the First Commissioner of Works, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, if he is aware that a special meeting of the Land Court has been summoned in the Island of Arran to hear a petition from the Marquess of Graham designed to secure a portion of common grazing land for the purpose of providing a vicar with a site for a dwelling-house; is he aware that there are rights of way in this grazing land and there is other land available; and will he have inquiries made into this case?

My Noble Friend has ascertained that the case referred to was, along with other cases, put down for hearing at an ordinary sitting of the Land Court, which commenced yesterday. As the case is sub judice, it would not be proper for my Noble Friend to intervene in any way, and he does not propose to do so.

asked the First Commissioner of Works, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, whether he is aware that smallholders on some of the schemes in Ayrshire are being asked to sign bonds for sums much higher than the value of the buildings; and whether he is prepared to advise that those buildings should be valued by the Scottish Land Court, so that holders may be assured that only a fair and reasonable sum will be charged?

My Noble Friend is aware that owing to the high cost of building in recent times there are cases in which the amount of the loan to the smallholder is high relatively to the present value of the buildings on the holding. He has the situation under consideration, and will keep in view the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies how much has already been spent on the construction of a residence for the British High Commissioner of Baghdad; and whether he will take immediate steps to stop any further expenditure on this head until the whole position has been reviewed in Parliament?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the question by the hon. and gallant Member for Maidstone (Commander Bellairs) on the 28th November. I need only add that the building is now complete and no further expenditure apart from maintenance is anticipated.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any statement can be given as to the progress made in overseas settlement by the Overseas Settlement Committee since its formation?

Under the Government scheme for the grant of free passages to ex-service men and women and their dependants, which was closed to new applications on the 31st December, 1921, 81,521 persons have proceeded overseas up to the 30th November, 1922. Generally, with regard to the work of the Overseas Settlement Committee, I would refer my hon. Friend to the Annual Reports of the Committee for 1919 (Cmd. 573), 1920 (Cmd. 1134), and 1921 (Cmd. 1580). For information regarding the progress of schemes under the Empire Settlement Act of 1922, I invite his attention to my reply of the 30th November.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport if he will consider the desirability of consulting the railway directors with a. view to the restoration of the pre-War practice of allowing patients travelling to and from convalescent homes to do so at reduced fares?

This is a matter within the discretion of the railway companies, and I am drawing their attention to the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he will consider the desirability of inducing the Great Western Railway Company to extend the railway from Pwllheli on through the Lleyn peninsula, seeing that such extension would provide useful work for the unemployed and in addition secure efficient means of access to a large agricultural area and facilitate the development thereof?

This is a matter for the consideration of the Great Western Railway Company, and I am not aware of any proposal on their part to seek the necessary statutory power to extend their line as suggested. I am, however, bringing the hon. Member's question to the company's notice.