asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the dissatisfaction among the temporary staff affected by the wage reduction which the Treasury intends putting into operation; that the staff in question have accepted the principles of the sliding scale, and claims that the basis from which the scale is worked should be in accordance with the actual facts, and that they are prepared to submit their case to arbitration and to abide by the decision of any court; and if he can give any reasons for the refusal to allow their case about reductions to go into court for arbitration!

I am aware of the representations which have been made on this subject. The scheme of adjustment which was introduced by the late Government, with effect from the 1st September last, was decided upon after prolonged discussion with representatives of the staff concerned, in the course of which substantial concessions were made. I am satisfied that it is sound and equitable, and in these circumstances I am not prepared to agree that the matter should now be referred to arbitration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what position did Mr. R. W. Rucker hold with reference to the Disposal Board; and when did he cease to have any connection with them?

Mr. R. W. Rucker was Controller of Non-Ferrous Raw Materials in the Raw Materials Department of the Ministry of Munitions from February, 1919, to 30th September, 1919, when he resigned his appointment. Mr. Rucker's duties included control of the disposal of non-ferrous scrap by the Raw Materials Department, on behalf of the Disposal Board, up to 1st July, 1919, when his connection with the Disposal Board ceased. He continued, however, to assist the Ministry of Munitions in an advisory capacity as a member of the Raw Materials Committee until February, 1920.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is proposed to transfer the headquarters of the Training Department of the Ministry of Labour from Edinburgh to Glasgow; whether economy would be effected thereby; whether he is aware that considerable hardship and expense would be caused to the staff by the transfer; and whether it is proposed to pay the travelling expenses of members of the staff who live in the East of Scotland?

The replies to the first two parts of the question are in the affirmative. At the present time the headquarters of the Training Department in Scotland are in Edinburgh, and there is a branch office in Glasgow. The transfer of the headquarters to Glasgow will make possible the abandonment of one office and, at the same time, in view of the fact that the greater part of the work lies in the Glasgow area, increase the efficiency of administration. I regret any inconvenience that the transfer may cause the staff in Edinburgh, but, so far as is possible, arrangements have been made to offer them corresponding positions in Glasgow. It will not, however, be possible to pay the staff travelling expenses, if they continue to reside in or near Edinburgh.

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the number of medical practitioners employed by his Department and their average remuneration; whether they have to engage themselves to whole-time employment; and what supervision is exercised by his Department as to whether they are properly carrying out their duties?

There are 549 medical officers in the whole-time service of the Ministry, of whom 253 are occupied locally in giving medical treatment at Ministry hospitals and clinics; the remainder are engaged on medical duties connected with the boarding and treatment of pensioners. The average rate of remuneration is £840 a year. These officers give the whole of their working day of eight hours to their duties; and in addition to the control exercised by their immediate superiors, their work is constantly reviewed and supervised by special inspectors from headquarters. Besides these whole-time officers, other medical men and specialists are employed as members of medical boards and in connection with medical and surgical treatment, and are remunerated on a fee basis.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of revenue derived from cinema theatres which are known as bonded houses, and to which tickets and stamps are not issued, for the first six months of the current financial year and for the corresponding period of the previous year; whether a record is kept, of the tickets and stamps sold to each class and place of entertainment; and, if so, whether he can state, approximately, the total amount of the Entertainment Tax collected from cinema theatres for the first six months of the current financial year and for the corresponding period of the previous year?

There is no information as to the nature of the entertainments for which Entertainments Duty tickets and stamps are purchased, and it is impossible therefore to state the amount of revenue derived from any particular class of entertainment. In these circumstances no useful purpose would be served by obtaining details of the duty paid on the basis of returns by those cinemas who do not use stamps or tickets.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can make arrangements whereby Entertainments Duty tickets may be obtainable at any general post office, so that those who require such tickets may not be compelled to travel long distances to obtain them?

I am afraid that it is not practicable to arrange for the sale of Entertainments Duty tickets at any general post office, but I would point out that such tickets can be purchased at some 70 Customs and Excise offices throughout Great Britain and can also be obtained by post from the Customs and Excise offices in London and Edinburgh. I am sending the hon. Member a leaflet which explains the existing arrangements.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider the desirability of a system of pensions for widowed mothers with the object of alleviating the conditions which prevail when the home is robbed of the bread-winner?

I cannot undertake to introduce legislation on this subject in present circumstances.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that the issue of the capital for the Government's unemployment schemes on roads, railways, etc., must result in a general rise in prices of consumable goods, and therefore be a direct charge on the public, he will consider the finding of this capital by notes issued direct from the Treasury, and so save an increase in the National Debt and a resulting increase of taxation for interest?

I do not agree with the hon. Member's premise. Loans raised under the Trade Facilities Act or by railway companies do not increase the National Debt and, in so far as they are met out of capital seeking investment, no more increase prices than any ordinary private issue in the market. On the other hand, to issue Treasury notes for the purpose would directly increase prices by depreciating the currency.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer who were the joint purchasers of the Atidruicq and other depots in France from the Disposal Board; how much of the purchase price has been paid; how much now remains due; and were financial guarantees secured for the whole purchase price?

The purchasers of Audruicq and three other depots in France were Messrs. Aldridge and Hughes. Including a deposit of £100,000, the net cash receipts up to the 2nd instant were £389,778 13s. 2d. Under a revised Agreement made with the contractors in September last, the ownership of these depots, and the goods in them, remains with the Disposal Board, and sales are being carried out under the supervision of the Board, which receives the proceeds and pays the expenses. The estimated amount still to be received is approximately £500,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the maintenance of a staff for the organisation of the sale of National War Savings Certificates entails any charge on public funds; if so, what is the cost per annum; and whether public money is expended on advertising the Certificates, and, if so, who are the advertising agents?

For the detailed Estimates of the cost of the National Savings Committee and the Scottish Savings Committee for the year 1922–23, I would refer the hon. Member to Class VI of the Estimates (Votes 7 and 6). The actual expenditure in 1921–22 was £88,010. Certificates are advertised, as other Government securities have been. The advertising is under the control of the two Savings Committees and cost in 1921–22 about £98,000. The total subscriptions to Certificates amounted to £120,263,239 in 1921–22 and this year are at the rate of about £3,600,000 a month.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, with a view to removing a distinct deterrent to recruiting and to encourage the esprit de corps of the Highland regiments, and to prevent the spectacle of guards at the Royal Palace of Holyrood House being sent on duty improperly dressed, the War Office is prepared at an early date to make a full issue of sporrans, hose-tops, gaiters, and Glengarry bonnets, the latter to replace the recent and unsightly innovation of Balmoral bonnets?

The issue of these articles depends on the re-introduction of full dress, and I cannot, therefore, authorise such an issue at present. The Glengarry in any ease will not be issued. It is to be replaced by a Highland flat bonnet.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War why no War gratuity has been paid to Thomas Cleland, No. 7340, Gordon Highlanders; whether he is aware that this man enlisted in November, 1914, was demobilised in July, 1920, and wounded twice in France; and whether he is aware that several letters have been sent by this ex-service man to the War Office, but no reply has been obtained?

Inquiries are being made into this case, and I will inform the hon. Member of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that warm clothing and comforts sent out by their families to officers and men in the Dardanelles so far back as the end of September had not reached them in the second half of November; and whether he will take measures to expedite their delivery?

I have been asked to answer this question. Parcel mails for the troops in the Dardanelles are normally despatched by sea direct and viâ Marseilles. The service viâ Marseilles was interrupted by a strike at that port about the end of September, and the delay referred to is probably due to the fact that a mail despatched viâ Marseilles about the end of September had to be returned to this country and re-despatched. The service viâ Marseilles has been resumed, and arrangements are in hand to make use of a second line of ships from that port. In addition, Army parcel mails are now being sent by transports.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if there has been a reduction in our forces in Egypt in the last 12 months; and, if so, what is the reduction?

Apart from the troops lent temporarily to Constantinople, there has been a reduction in our forces in Egypt in the last 12 months of 12,800.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the War Office has yet handed to the Official Receiver the statement of assets and liabilities which M'Grigor's submitted to the Department in 1921; and if he will take action in the matter?

No statement of assets and liabilities was submitted by M'Grigor's to the War Office in 1921.

asked the Under-Secretary for War what is the peace establishment of foreign armies in 1922; and what are the estimates for their annual cost?

The following is a statement of the peace establishments of foreign armies in 1922, together with the estimates of their cost in that year:

asked the Under Secretary of State for War whether the Secretary of State is in a position to re-appoint, at an early date, the Select Committee to inquire into the trading of the Navy and Army Canteen Board and the circumstances under which the Board conducted the liquidation of the business of the Expeditionary Force canteens and the losses occasioned by the operations of the Board; and, if so, whether the terms of reference will now include full inquiry into the administra- tion, trading, and accounts of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes, seeing that this last-mentioned organisation utilised for their trading operations capital obtained from profits made by the war canteens?

In regard to the first part of the question, if it is the general wish of the House that a new Select Committee, to inquire into the matters referred to in the question, should be appointed, I will certainly recommend to my Noble Friend the Secretary of State for War that steps should be taken for the appointment next Session. In regard to the second part, the terms of reference to the late Select Committee were duly settled by the late House of Commons as the outcome of full Debate, and I see no treason why they should now be varied.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of appeals that have been dealt with by the final Appeals Tribunals in the United Kingdom; the number of such appeals that have been decided in favour of the appellant; and the number of appeals which have been decided against the appellant?

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the Pensions Appeal Tribunals constituted in accordance with the provisions of Section 4 (3) of the War Pensions Act, 1921. These tribunals have already decided some 9,500 appeals, of which about 5,800 have been disallowed.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether any steps are to be taken for the closing down of the Queen Alexandra's convalescent centre at Salt ash; and whether, before taking any such steps, an opportunity will be given for the expression of the opinion of the local training advisory committee and other interests concerned?

Having regard to the large decrease in the number of men waiting for concurrent treatment and training and to the fact that the available accommodation in other similar Ministry institu- tions is considered adequate to meet all requirements, it has been decided to discontinue, early next year, the use of the premises at Saltash as a convalescent centre. This step was not taken without the fullest consideration of all the circumstances, and I am satisfied that the retention of Saltash as a convalescent centre could not be justified.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Albert Llewelyn Williams, late private in the Labour Corps, No. 224867, who has lost the sight of both eyes as a direct result of the War, has had a disability pension of 100 per cent, stopped since September, 1021, owing to the inability of the ex-soldier in question to state exactly the place where he was injured and the name of the hospital behind the lines where he was taken after injury; and whether he will give instructions whereby advantage of the unconscious hours of men who fought in the War shall not be taken in order to reduce the annual cost of pensions?

I am making personal inquiries into this case.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of pensions which have been reduced during the past three months and the number of cases now awaiting review?

During the last three months some 137,000 disablement pensions have been reviewed, of which approximately 13,000 were increased, 66,000 were renewed at the former rates, and 58,000 were reduced. The average decrease in assessment is now about 4 points in the percentage scale. All conditional or temporary awards are, as the hon. Member is aware, subject to periodic review. The average number of cases coming up for review each month is now about 45,000. With the progress of final awards the number of conditional awards which are subject to review is decreasing steadily. By the end of the present year about 200,000 final awards will have been made, thus leaving about 530,000 men in receipt of pension still on a temporary basis. It is my intention to deal with such of these latter cases as are suitable for final awards as rapidly as possible, and I have already taken special steps with that object in view.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, by what authority ex-service men of the class who still retain the rights and privileges of private patients are subjected to the decision of a Visiting Committee whose jurisdiction is limited by the provisions of the Lunacy Act to paupers?

Under Section 271 of the Lunacy Act, 1890, Visiting Committees are empowered to receive private patients into asylums upon such terms as they may think fit. The hon. Member is under a misapprehension in suggesting that their jurisdiction is limited to pauper patients.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that many ex-service men in the Government Instructional Factory, Cathcart, Glasgow, are working for 45s. per week; and if he will take steps to see that this scale is improved to equal the scale of men employed under the Glasgow Corporation relief scheme, which is 58s. per week plus car fares?

The rate of wages paid to men engaged as labourers at the Government Instructional Factory, Glasgow, is 45s. per week. This rate is based upon the recognised rate for unskilled labourers employed in this class of work in the Glasgow district. I regret that I cannot see my way to increase it.

asked the Minister of Labour how many discharges of trainees have been made from the Government Instructional Factory, Cathcart, Glasgow, since 1st December, 1922; how many of such discharges were motor drivers; what was the length of their training; and what responsibility the Government still have for finding employment for such men or, in the event of their failing to find employment, are such discharged men able to claim further instruction as motor mechanics?

Eight men are due to terminate their training at this factory between 1st and 12th December. Seven of these are motor mechanic drivers who have received 27 weeks' training. All these men furnished written promises of after employment before being accepted for training. In two cases it is known that the promises of employment will be fulfilled and the Department is in touch with the firms concerned in the other cases. Every effort is made to find employment for these men. If unfortunately employment should prove not to be forthcoming, they are not entitled to further training, since the course is adequate to qualify them for obtaining employment, if it is available.

asked the Postmaster-General when, and by whom, an investigation has been made in regard to printing a distinguishing mark in telephone directories opposite the names of members of the Roll of Honour, and also the reasons why the suggestion was regarded as impracticable?

This proposal was considered at the suggestion of the Minister of Labour in 1920, and the then Postmaster-General decided that it was inexpedient to depart from the established policy that the text of the telephone directory should be confined to its primary object of providing in the clearest manner possible the information required by users of the telephone and the staff of telephone exchanges. With this decision I concur.

asked the Postmaster-General why further examinations in his Department are being held while ex-service men who have already qualified in reconstruction examinations for supplementary clerkships are still not absorbed into their higher posts?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of the 4th instant to a question on the same subject by the hon. and gallant Member for Epping (Brigadier-General Colvin). No examination for appointment to male clerical posts has be-on held in the Post Office since the reconstruction examinations, and no date for a further examination has yet been fixed.

asked the Home Secretary how many ex-service men are engaged in London streets selling matches, chocolate, toys, papers, etc.; and whether provision could be made to enable such men to carry on under conditions which would protect them from inclement weather by the erection of kiosks and shelters?

asked the Home Secretary if he will consider the proposal of providing the ex-service man with the means of permanent employment, even though he may have lost an arm, a leg, or be totally blind, by the provision, say, of a kiosk for the sale of newspapers, magazines, sweets, matches, tobacco, etc., to be set up in the principal streets which kiosks could be constructed by the men themselves while the advertisements of traders painted on them would alone bring in a large revenue to the men; and is he aware that this scheme would restore self-respect to many who are at present drawing unemployment pay and who would infinitely prefer to earn their means of existence, and that such kiosks have been in use in Paris and all the great continental cities for many years past with pronounced success?

No figures are available of the number of men employed in the manner mentioned. I am advised that it would require legislation to allow the erection of kiosks in any part of the public highways, and I fear that the proposal would involve many difficulties, including objections from shopkeepers and objections as to obstruction of traffic.

asked the Minister of Labour as representing the Ministry of Health how many men were recruited during the late War from workhouses or other Poor Law institutions; and how many, if any, were recruited from among the inmates of asylums provided for the reception and maintenance of persons certified or registered as feeble minded or mentally deficient?

My right hon. Friend regrets that he has no information on this subject.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of ex-service men who have been wholly and partially trained, respectively, for civil life since demobilisation, and the numbers who, according to available records, have not been able to secure employment in the various branches of industry or in the professions for which they have been thus trained?

The number of men who have terminated industrial training up to 5th December is 64,150. In addition, about 11,000 men were trained by the Ministry of Pensions prior to 1st August, 1919. I regret I have no exact information as to the number of men who have found employment in the trades for which they have been trained, but men are not trained for occupations for which their physical disability renders them unsuitable. At the end of November 4,340 men who had received partial training were suspended awaiting improverships with private employers for the completion of their training. Every effort is being made by the canvassing staff to find vacancies for these men.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether the Government, in reconsidering the question of the extension of the Rent Restriction Act, will have regard to cases of genuine owners desiring to occupy their own houses; and whether he is aware of the fact that great hardship is being suffered by numerous owners who are unable to occupy their own houses, in which they have invested the whole of their savings?

The particular point to which the hon. and gallant Member refers will certainly receive careful consideration.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, what loan facilities are now open to local authorities who desire to resume housing schemes which they recently suspended; and whether he can urge the Treasury or the Committee responsible for such facilities to grant them to local authorities in areas where overcrowding is a serious menace to health and many building trade workmen are unemployed?

Local authorities are fully empowered under the Housing Acts to borrow money for the carrying out of housing schemes, subject to the sanction of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, and such sanction is readily granted for satisfactory schemes. There is, generally speaking, no difficulty at the present time in raising capital for this purpose. The Public Works Loan Commissioners will consider applications from local authorities whose rateable value does not exceed £200,000. The rate of interest on loans made by the Commissioners for housing at present being 5 per cent. The large local authorities can generally make their own arrangements for borrowing on at least as favourable terms, and, in addition, they may borrow through the Public Works Loan Commissioners one-half the money raised in their areas by the sale of National Savings Certificates.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether the Government, having made themselves responsible for the temporary housing of 3,500 people in Sheffield, will also make themselves responsible for the erection of proper houses in place of the wooden shelters, many of which are in need of repair and all of which are unsuitable for the permanent accommodation of the families who are now obliged to inhabit them?

These houses were provided to meet a war emergency in Sheffield. The Government cannot undertake to replace them by permanent dwellings, but my right hon. Friend understands that they are being maintained for the time being in suitable condition.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will consider a reduction of the high rents charged for the bungalows erected on the Sheffield estates, considering the many disadvantages which render them unsuitable for human habitation?

I cannot agree that the rents are high, or that the houses are un- suitable for human habitation. There is a long waiting list of applicants for these houses, and no difficulty is experienced in re-letting them when vacancies occur.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will consider the inclusion among works of a reproductive nature for which official assistance could properly be granted the provisions of water supplies in many of the hill villages which are without them and cannot, unaided, afford them; and whether he is aware that such a policy would considerably relieve unemployment in the rural districts?

It is open now for a local authority, if the degree of local unemployment warrants this course, to submit a scheme of water supply for grant. The local authority should, of course, before submitting a scheme, make sure that it is a practicable one from the engineering and the financial standpoint.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that Mr. W. Beveridge has been refused benefit at the South Queensferry Exchange on the ground that he is not seeking employment; that this man applied for a position as temporary postman and was refused; and if he will cause inquiries to be made into the matter?

I am having immediate inquiries made into this matter and will communicate the result as soon as possible to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a large number of unemployed men have been refused benefit at Broxburn on the ground of unemployment since July, 1921; whether he is aware that these men can find no employment in the district until the local shale and oil industry is fully revived; and if he will take action in the matter?

I am having immediate inquiries made into this matter, and will communicate the result as soon as possible to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that between six and seven hundred unemployed men in Whitley Bay have be walk to North Shields Labour Exchange to register; and will he make temporary arrangements whereby they could register in Whitley Bay, and so avoid what, to them, is an addition to their present hardships?

I am making enquiry into the position at Whitley Bay, and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as I have obtained the necessary information.

asked the First Commissioner of Works, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, the terms upon which grants are made from the funds at the disposal of the Unemployment Grants Committee and the Trade Facilities Act Advisory Committee to harbour and other local authorities for construction of works with a view to relieving unemployment; and whether such grants are available for local schemes which will give employment to persons residing outside the district in which such works may be constructed?

The terms upon which grants are made for schemes approved by the Unemployment Grants Committee are stated on the forms, of which my Noble Friend is sending copies to the hon. and learned Member. Intending applicants can obtain copies of the forms from the Unemployment Grants Committee. As a rule, such grants are approved in respect of works in areas where the existence of serious unemployment which is not otherwise provided for is certified by the Ministry of Labour. The guarantees provided for by the Trade Facilities Acts are given by the Treasury, and any request for information relating to such guarantees should be addressed to that Department.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give the latest figure of the membership of trade unions as compared with the official figure of 8,493,000 at the end of 1920?

At the end of 1921, the latest date for which complete figures are available, the total membership of British and Irish trade unions, as shown by the annual statistics of the Ministry of Labour, was approximately 6,793,000, as compared with 8,493,000 at the end of 1920. These figures include members of overseas branches of certain unions (numbering about 71,000 at the end of 1921), and also an unascertained, but relatively small, number of persons who are members of more than one union, and are counted more than once in the totals. Detailed figures for males and females for each of 36 groups of unions were published in the "Ministry of Labour Gazette" for September last, a copy of which is being sent to the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether the first reported case of small-pox in connection with the recent London outbreak, which fell ill on the 1st July but was overlooked until the 3rd August, was a vaccinated case; whether the case was under medical supervision during the period in question; and, if so, what action, if any, it is proposed to take in respect of the failure of the medical attendant to detect and notify the case as one of small-pox?

The case referred to is presumably that of a had aged 16 who had been vaccinated in infancy and who fell sick on 1st July. He attended at one of the London hospitals on 4th July, where his illness was diagnosed as chicken-pox. The lad was not again seen by a doctor until 3rd August, when it was discovered that he had suffered a mild attack of small-pox. The diagnosis of small-pox in certain cases is admittedly difficult, and owing to the comparative freedom of this country from small-pox in recent years there are many practitioners who have had no actual experience of the disease.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he will encourage the exercise of the right possessed by borough councils of continuing together to run hospitals for early uncertifiable mental cases, which shall be under the health committees of the councils and entirely unconnected with lunacy administration, with a view to facilitating the speedy recovery of such cases as well as tending to an ultimate reduction in the £7,900,000 now spent annually on asylums?

The question of providing for the treatment without certification of cases of early mental illness is at present under consideration, but the object which the hon. Member has in view cannot generally be secured effectively without amending legislation.

further asked the Minister whether, in view of the expressed desire of the Board of Control to devise measures which shall legalise the detention for six months of uncertifiable mental cases under lunacy control, he will state if such legislation has been effected by means of a London County Council Bill of local application only, with reference to the so-called Maudslay Hospital; whether the said institution ranks as a London County Council asylum; and whether any other public asylum has by similar measures been empowered to detain uncertifiable cases under the guise of voluntary boarders, which is a status not yet recognised by the Lunacy Act as applicable in the case of public asylums?

By Section 6 of the London County Council (Parks, etc.) Act, 1915, the visiting committee of the council are empowered to receive and lodge as a boarder at the Maudslay Hospital, on such terms and conditions as they may determine, any person suffering from incipient insanity or mental infirmity who is desirous of voluntarily submitting himself for treatment therefor. The powers only apply to the hospital mentioned, and no limit of time is prescribed by the Act. The hospital is one of the asylums of the London County Council. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, what action is being taken by the Ministry to press the local authorities of Enfield to make the alterations in their sewage disposal arrangements, for which a scheme was approved in June last, and on which no work has yet been started?

I have again written to the Enfield Council urging them to advertise at once for tenders for the scheme.

asked the Minister of Labousr, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether the Circular to local authorities relating to the more humane slaughtering of animals promised by the late Minister of Health upon 24th July, 1922, has been issued to all local authorities; and, if not, will it be issued without unnecessary delay?

The issue of the circular in question was deferred in view of the decision of the late Government to refer the whole question to a Committee of the Cabinet. The new Government proposes to adopt this course before issuing any circular.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware that the London County Council proposes this year to feed a much smaller number of under-nourished school children than in any pre-War year; and if he will continue the practice of his predecessor in urging authorities to use to the full the powers conferred upon them by Parliament?

If the number of children fed is in proportion to the expenditure now proposed by the London County Council, the answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; but I understand that a large number of children, who would in previous years have been fed at the expense of the Council, are, under arrangements recently made, being fed at the expense of other bodies. With regard to the second part of the question, I presume the hon. Member is referring to the action taken by the Board at the outbreak of the War. The practice of the Board must neces- sarily depend on the prevailing circumstances and conditions, and I am, in fact, following the course taken by my predecessor last spring.

further asked upon what principle the block grant of £150,000, in respect to the feeding of school children, is allocated among the various local authorities?

I may refer the hon. Gentleman to the contents of the Board's Circulars 1261 and 1273, copies of which I am sending him. In allocating among the areas desiring to make provision for this service the limited sum, related to a limited aggregate expenditure recognisable for the calculation of grant, which was placed at their disposal by Parliament for this purpose, the Board have regard to all the relevant circumstances of each area, including the expenditure of the authority in previous years and the amount proposed for the present year, the number of children, and the extent and incidence of unemployment. The Board, however, are bound to observe the principle that it is not proper for a local education authority to transfer to the education rate and to the State, which makes grant-in-aid of the education rate, the burden of relieving exceptional destitution which belongs to the province of the Poor Law authorities.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that in August, 1921, a number of ex-service men and women were appointed as teachers in the Manchester day continuation schools upon an assurance, based on Section 14 (iii) of the Joint Committee's Report, that service with the forces of the Crown during the War was to be accepted for the purpose of computing salaries; that such teachers were notified on the 16th November, 1922, that the Board had repudiated its undertaking to accept war service for such purpose while, on the other hand, still accepting commercial work up to five years as equivalent to teaching experience; that the Manchester Education Committee is thus disabled from fulfilling its pledge; and if he will reconsider this question?

I do not know what assurance, if any, was given to the men and women in question by the local education authority. The position of the Board as regards counting the war service of men graduates employed in secondary and technical, etc., schools for the calculation of salary under the Burnham Scales was defined by Circular 1244 of the 20th January, 1922, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy. That circular does not enable the war service of non-graduate men or of women to be counted in such schools, and I have no authority to go beyond the terms of the Circular. The Board have left the local education authorities a discretion to count time spent in industry for the calculation of salary, on the general ground that for certain teaching work experience of this kind is an additional and specific qualification.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what amount of the money recently raised in this country by the Indian Government for railway development and public works has been expended; how much of it has been spent in this country; whether any arrangements have been made to purchase further supplies of material in Great Britain; and whether the Indian Government proposes to make further application to British investors?

So far as can be ascertained about 20¾ millions have been spent on capital account on Indian railways since 1st April, 1921 This amount is approximate as full details of expenditure in India in the current year are not available. Of the above sum 17½ millions have been expended on supplies in this country, and further large supplies of material have been ordered in this country. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer ray hon. and gallant Friend to the discussions on the last East India Loans Bills earlier in the year.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware of the number of applications submitted by officers of the Indian police for premature retirement; that these increased from 72 to 83 during November, or more than 15 per cent, of the total strength; and that this service has become unpopular owing to the inadequacy of the pay and doubts as to the security of pensions; and what action, if any, it is proposed to take in the matter?

The number of applications from officers of the Indian police for permission to retire prematurely received by the Government of India up to the end of November was 73, or rather more than 10 per cent, of the strength of the service. As regards the last two parts of his question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Belper (Mr. Hancock) on the 6th December and would observe that my Noble Friend the Secre-

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the Government will take steps to ensure that henceforward all

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of acres under cultivation in England, Scotland and Wales of wheat, barley, oats, potatoes, turnips, swedes and mangolds in 1871 and 1921; and the decrease of acreage in each case?

The following table shows the acreage under certain cereal and root crops in England, Wales, Scotland and Great Britain in 1871 and 1921, with the increase or decrease:imported breadstuffs shall come to this country in the form of grain rather than of flour, and thus provide employment for British labour in the milling trade and an increased and cheapened supply of

The Government has decided that it cannot propose measures for the relief of agriculture which involve the imposition of protective duties on foodstuffs or an alteration in our existing fiscal system. The suggestion made by my hon. Friend appears to be ruled out by this decision.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has yet completed his inquiries of the local military authorities with reference to the proposed new bye-laws relating to the Penlee and Boviss artillery ranges; and whether an opportunity will be given for the representatives of the fishermen of Cawsand, Looe, and Polperro to express their views thereon before the proposed bye-laws are confirmed?

I am informed that the inquiries of the local military authorities are not yet completed. As regards the second part of the: question, I have already received many representations on this subject, and I have been for some time in communication with my Noble Friend the Secretary of State for War with a view to arranging such modifications of the by-laws consistent with military requirements, as will safeguard the interest of the fishermen. I shall be very happy to receive and to give careful consideration to any further representations the fishermen may desire to make.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is possible to accelerate the proceedings if the Royal Commission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action, in view of the fact that in many cases the suffering and damage were experienced more than five years ago and many of the claimants are persons of limited means?

The Royal Commission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action is proceed- ing with its work as speedily as is possible. The number of claims which the Commission has to consider is, however, very large, and many difficult questions have to be decided, so that the work necessarily takes time. I am aware that many of the claimants are persons of limited means, and in this connection I would draw the Noble Lord's attention to the fact that special payments on account amounting to over £50,000 have already been made to meet necessitous cases.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the reason for the delay in publishing the Annual Trade Returns of the United Kingdom; and whether, seeing that these are usually issued in July or August, whereas the 1921 Returns are not yet issued, he can say when they are likely to become available?

:Volume I of the Returns was issued in September; the remaining volumes will appear shortly. It has not been possible to issue them sooner, owing to the necessity for reducing expenditure.

asked the Secretary for Mines the cost of a ton of coal now and the price per ton in June, 1914; to what the increased price is due; what is the increase in price of timber, plates and other mining plant now and in June, 1914; what is the general increase in royalty rents, way-leaves, carriage and freights now and in 1914; and what is the cost in Northumberland per ton at the collieries and the price at Blyth and at the Tyne ports, f.o.b., now and in 1914?

The proceeds of coal at the pit head during the quarter ended September, 1922, averaged 18s. 2¾d. per ton disposable commercially. The corresponding figure for 1914 was between 10s. and 11s.This increase in the cost of production since 1914 is due to increases in varying degrees in all the component items.

asked the Postmaster-General what steps he is taking to prevent the dissemination of seditious literature through the Post Office; and whether he is aware that such literature is being posted in London at the present time?

I shall be obliged if the hon. Member will send me a copy of any of the documents to which he refers, together with the envelope in which it was delivered. I shall then be able to consider whether it is practicable to interfere.

asked the Postmaster-General what licences were issued by his predecessor to the Marconi Company; whether the text of such licences may be supplied to this House; whether the State has lost revenue through the operation of such licences; and whether the issue of further licences to send and receive wireless telegrams between Great Britain and other countries is contemplated?

No formal licences were issued by my predecessor to the Marconi Company, but, in accordance with a decision of the Government arrived at before his appointment, provisional permission was given for the erection of a wireless station at Ongar for the purpose of carrying on a wireless service with Switzerland, and also for the purpose of continuing wireless services with Spain and France which had previously been commenced under temporary permits. The question of the conditions under which permanent licences should be granted is still the subject of negotiation. The terms of any agreement that may be arrived at on the subject will be laid before Parliament, in accordance with the promise given by my predecessor. Although the Marconi services have withdrawn a certain amount of traffic from the Government cables, the effect on the revenue is not appreciable.

asked the Postmaster-General whether proposals for revising the conditions of service of assistant superintendents of traffic, London telephone service, have been made to the Treasury by the Post Office; whether the consideration of this revision has been outstanding for over two years; and whether he will expedite a settlement, and take steps to ensure that these men do not suffer financially as a consequence of the delay?

A claim by the staff in question is the subject of discussion by the Treasury. The long delay is due to a variety of causes, some of which have now been disposed of, and the matter will be expedited as far as possible.

asked the Postmaster-General the total amount of money held on deposit from telephone subscribers and the amount of interest received by the Department thereon?

The amount standing in the books as subscribers' deposits is about £1,500,000 and no part of it is placed on deposit at interest. It forms, in the first instance, part of the general balances of the Post Office, out of which, after providing the necessary working balance, weekly payments are made to the Exchequer on account of Post Office revenue earned and in hand. As accounts for telephone call fees (trunk and local) axe now rendered at a considerable interval after the services have been performed, it follows that the amounts in question, although standing in the books as deposits, are in fact as a general rule more than balanced by the accrued liabilities of subscribers for which accounts have not yet been rendered.

asked the Postmaster-General what arrangements, if any, have been made with the Broadcasting Company or the British Radio Apparatus Manufacturers' Association for notifying the electrical trades as to the admissibility of imported parts in wireless apparatus approved for Post Office licence; whether he is aware that leading British import houses who have hitherto sold parts to wireless manufacturers are finding the greatest difficulty in securing the information necessary to guide them in considering forward contracts; and whether he will consider the issue of a detailed statement on the subject?

The receiving apparatus which may be used under broadcast receiving licences will be limited to types submitted for the approval of the Post Office by members of the Broadcasting Company and found to conform with certain technical standards. It will be a condition during a period of two years that such apparatus must be made in this country, with the exception of certain parts which for the present are confined to batteries, accumulators and outside aerial equipment. These conditions were announced by my predecessor in this House on 27th July, but I will endeavour to secure publicity for them in the technical Press.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that, in connection with the fortnightly mail service viâ Suez to New Zealand, there is no regular connection to carry the mails from Australia to New Zealand; and whether he will endeavour to arrange such a through service or, failing that, whether he will consider arranging for a regular mail service to New Zealand viâ Vancouver as before the War?

There is no scheduled close connection between Australia and New Zealand for the mails sent viâ Suez, but the period of waiting at Sydney is as a rule short. I will communicate with the New Zealand Post Office which contracts for the steamer services between Sydney and Auckland and across the Pacific in order to ascertain whether any improvement is practicable on either route.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is now prepared to allow English firms to advertise at the same postage rates as firms doing a foreign business, thus paying ½d. for posting 2 ozs. instead of 1d.; why twice as much should be charged for posting a circular from London to Surbiton as for posting a like circular from London to Rio de Janeiro; and whether there is any hope of a reversion to Id. postage for letters at an early date?

I regret I am not at present in a position to make any statement as to the reduction of postage charges. The foreign printed paper rate was left at its present figure when inland rates were increased in 1921 as a special concession and in the interests of British trade abroad, and is in consequence lower than the inland rate for packets exceeding 1 oz.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that a large number of ex-enemy aliens are known to be anxious to settle in this country as soon as the provisions of Section 10 (1) of the Aliens Restriction (Amendment) Act, 1919, expire on the 23rd of this month, and that such an incursion of aliens will greatly aggravate the unemployment problem, the Government will introduce this Session a one-Clause Bill to extend the operation of this Sub-section for a further period?

As I stated in the answer which I gave on the 27th ultimo to a question by the hon. and learned Member for the Ealing Division (Sir H. Nield), fresh legislation in this matter is not required.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that under the Naturalisation Act of 1918 he has power to revoke naturalisation certificates on various grounds, including conviction for serious criminal offences, without regard to the date when such certificate was granted; that the naturalisation certificate granted in 1888 to Arthur Hermann Ebertein and a certificate granted to Wolf Millner in 1893 were revoked by the Home Secretary's order in November, 1918, in each case the Home Secretary was satisfied that the continuance of the certificate was not conducive to the public good; and whether, since one of these certificates had been granted 30 years before the revocation while the certificate to John Berkeley was only granted 28 years ago, he will again consider the revocation of Berkeley's certificate on the ground that its continuance is not conducive to the public good?

The hon. Member is, I think, under a misapprenhension as to the powers in this matter. The power to revoke a certificate of naturalisation on the ground of convictions involving severe penalties is limited by Section 7 (2, b) of the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act, 1914, as amended in 1918 to cases where the conviction takes place within five years of the date of the grant of the certificate. There is no power to revoke a certificate on the sole ground that its continuance is not conducive to the public good; there must be some other ground coupled with that, and in the case of the two certificates referred to in the second paragraph of the question the ground was residence out of His Majesty's Dominions for more than seven years within the meaning of Section 7 (2, d) of the Act. As regards Berkeley's case, the position remains as Stated in my answer to the hon. Member's previous question.

asked the Home Secretary how many aliens have been admitted into the United Kingdom during the last year: how many have found employment; and whether care is taken that no British workman or woman is displaced by the employment of such aliens?

During the twelve months ending 30th September, 1922, 317,486 alien passengers landed in the United Kingdom, and 314,851 embarked. Aliens are not allowed to land in the United Kingdom for the purpose of taking employment unless they hold permits issued by the Minister of Labour under Article 1 (3, b) of the, Aliens Order, 1920. Of the total number landed 912 males and 1,335 females held such permits. I understand that before permits are issued, the Minister of Labour satisfies himself that there will be no displacement of British labour.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now prepared to dispense with the war-time legislation of detail registration for travellers in British hotels?

If the hon. Member is referring to the requirements in force under the Aliens Restriction Acts, which are designed to obtain information as to the nationality of all persons staying at hotels and certain further particulars in regard to those who are aliens, I do not think this can properly be described as war-time legislation. The requirements are contained in the Aliens Order, 1920. They serve a useful purpose, in my opinion, in peace time and I lo not propose to dispense with them.

asked the Home Secretary when the Bill to deal with street trading will be introduced?

I hope to introduce the Bill next Session should an opportunity offer.

asked the Home Secretary whether he contemplates introducing legislation next Session dealing with street trading in London; and, if so, will he before drafting his Bill receive a deputation from the Federation of Costermongers' and Street Traders' Union, so they should have an opportunity to express their views to him?

I would refer to the reply given on the 5th instant. I propose to introduce the Bill next Session if an opportunity offers, and if the Federation referred to will let me know on what points they desire to see me I will consider receiving a deputation from them.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the feeling among women and other electors as to the need for legislation conferring on judges statutory power to forbid the publication in the Press of evidence in divorce and other cases of an indecent character and prejudicial to public morality; and whether he will have such a Measure prepared for adoption next Session?

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any authority to prohibit or control the publication of certain details given in newspaper reports of divorce cases and other events of an unpleasant character; and whether he has received any representations from educational and other bodies as to the bad effect on young persons of continually having these disgusting details brought to their notice in the Press?

I am aware of, and I share the feeling, that there should be more restraint in the Press reports of such cases as the hon. Member has in mind, but legislation to impose restrictions on Press publications involves many difficulties, and while I intend to give the subject my careful consideration, I regret I cannot give any promise as to legislation. The answer to the first part of question 101 is in the negative. I have no authority to control the Press in this or any other connection.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the assertions of the Commissioners of Prisons, in their Report for 1921–22, that women once committed to prison return again and again; and whether, under these circumstances, he will consider the desirability of investigating the whole matter by female experts who, in these days of sex emancipation, may have their own views as to causes and treatment?

The passage quoted from the Prison Commissioners' Report obviously related to a section only of the women prisoners. I have made inquiry, and I find that women constantly reconvicted are almost entirely of the drunken and prostitute class, and that if offences in connection with prostitution and drink are eliminated, the proportion of recidivists among women would certainly be no greater than it is among men. The problem of the best method of dealing with women convicted of such offences is an extremely difficult one, but I doubt whether an investigation of the kind suggested in the latter part of the question would be likely to serve any useful purpose.

asked the Home Secretary why the post of women inspector of His Majesty's prisons has not been filled; what were the duties attached to it; and whether he intends to make a new appointment?

This was one of the posts left vacant as a measure of economy. There are at present so many claims on the Exchequer on behalf of the prisons service that I am reluctant to ask for more money in order to fill this vacancy. The duty of the women inspector was to inspect and report on prisons where women were confined, but the position has been changed first by the appointment of a number of women magistrates to the Visiting Committees of Prisons, and secondly by the decrease in the numbers of women in custody.

asked the Home Secretary how many debtors were in gaol in 1921–22 for the non-payment of Income Tax; what was the average duration of imprisonment in such cases; whether imprisonment cancels the tax indebtedness; how much it costs to maintain each such prisoner per week; and whether the advantage to the State makes it worth while to continue such penalisation?

In 1921 there were 1,162 cases: in 1920 and 1919 the figures were 453 and 193, respectively. The figures for 1922 are not available. I have no figures as to the average length of imprisonment. The average cost of prisoners in local prisons is £1 10s. 6d. a week. The other points raised in this question are matters primarily for the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and not for my Department.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the reinstatement of an adequate number of women police with full powers for the protection of children and young persons in the streets and parks?

Provision has been made, as the hon. Member is aware, for the retention of 20 women patrols, including the proper proportion of superior officers. I am looking carefully and sympathetically into the conditions of their employment.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a deputation on the subject of women police was received by the Lord Provost's Committee of Edinburgh Town Council on 29th November; that the deputation was representative of the various co-operative women's guilds in Edinburgh and Leith, a number of women's political societies, the prevention of cruelty and national vigilance societies, medical nursing and child welfare societies, and several girls' organisations; that it was maintained that it was essential that all criminal cases concerning women and children should be investigated by women appointed to the Criminal Investigation Department; and whether, in view of the Prime Minister's recent promise to consider the matter, he can make a statement before the Prorogation of the House on the reinstatement of women police?

I must refer the hon. Member to my answer given this day to her oral question, to which I cannot at present add anything.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that many who are constantly employed in using pneumatic riveting and caulking machines have their nerves shattered; and whether he will consider placing same in the schedule of industrial diseases?

Inquiry into the effects on the nerves from the use of pneumatic tools was made by the Departmental Committee on Compensation for Industrial Diseases, but no evidence was obtained of the existence of any nervous disease so caused which incapacitates from employment. If the hon. Member can furnish me with particulars of actual instances of work-men who have been disabled by definite nervous disease attributable to the use of such machines, the matter will be further investigated.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any inquiry has been made as to the deleterious results to the health of workmen required to use pneumatic rivetting and caulking hammers; whether be is aware that considerable numbers of such workmen are forbidden on medical advice to use such tools; and whether inquiry will be instituted with a view to placing workers whose nervous systems and constitutions have been seriously affected by such tools on the list as suffering from an industrial disease?

I would refer to the reply given to-day to a similar question by the hon. Member for Wednesbury (Mr. Short).

asked the Home Secretary whether, when a Metropolitan police officer is instructed to parade to hand in his uniform on retirement, it constitutes his being on duty, and therefore entitles him to pay for that day?

If the constable does not perform police duty on the day in question, the answer is in the negative.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to allegations with regard to corruption and inefficiency in the Metropolitan Police Force; what action, if any, he has taken in reference to the alleged poisoning of General Horwood, Assistant Chief Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, and in regard to the FitzRoy case; and what steps, if any, have been taken, or are proposed, to investigate the administration of Scotland Yard?

I would refer the hon. Member to the full reply which I have just given to the question of the hon. Member for West Bromwich (Mr. F. Roberts). I would point out that as regards the case of Sir Almeric FitzRoy, the learned Chairman of the London Sessions expressly exonerated the police constables concerned from any charge of bad faith. The police are still endeavouring to trace the origin of the poisoned chocolates sent to Sir William Horwood.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is proposed to appoint a commission or committee of inquiry into the administration of the police service?

My attention has been drawn to charges of a general character which have been made in sections of the Press against the Metropolitan Police, but when I have attempted to obtain specific evidence from those who made these charges I Have failed. Such charges, supported by evidence, would at once be investigated, but in the absence of any evidence I must hold that they constitute a libel upon a body of men who deserve the confidence of the community. Specific charges against individuals stand upon a different footing, and these are invariably inquired into. In view of the public importance of the matter, I would refer to the Report of the Royal Commission which in 1908 inquired into charges of a similar character, namely, of blackmailing prostitutes, which had been made at that time against the Metropolitan Police. I am sending to the hon. Gentleman, and will have published in the OFFICIAL REPORT, some extracts from this Report and the evidence of Mr. Coote, Secretary of the National Vigilance Society, who, speaking with an unrivalled experience, was able to say that after close inquiry he had been unable to find any evidence of the charges which had been so freely made. Mr. Coote reiterated this opinion in answer to a question put to him by a representative of the Home Office as recently as 1919.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonics whether it is proposed to permit the unrestricted entry into this country of labourers from the Irish Free State who come to England to take work for which Englishmen are available; and whether similar immigrants from India and other Dominions are allowed to enter this country with equalfreedom?

I have been asked to reply to this question. British subjects, whether they come from India, the Irish Free State, or elsewhere in His Majesty's Dominions, are entitled to enter this country freely.

asked the Attorney-General the number of officials employed in the Supreme Court of Judicature in receipt of salaries of £1,000 and over per year, and the number so employed in 1913–14; and the total expenditure involved, respectively?

The number of officials employed in the Supreme Court of Judicature in receipt of salaries of £1,000 and over per year is at present 52, and the amount expended £76,200, to addition to war bonus, £11,403 9s.—a total of £87,603 9s. The corresponding number in 1913–14 was 66, and the total expenditure £96,395. Two of these officials were on a scale rising to £1,000, but had not then reached the maximum of the scale. There are now, in addition, eight officials in receipt of a remuneration of salary and bonus combined of £1,000 or over per year, involving a total expenditure of £8,497 2s. The corresponding officials in 1913–14 numbered eight, and their total salaries amounted to £6,425. Furthermore, three officials were employed in 1913–14 upon salaries amounting to £2,400 who, if they were still employed, would be in receipt of a combined remuneration in excess of £1,000 each. These officials no longer exist, and their places have not been filled. The total comparable figures are, therefore, 1913–14: 77 officials, total cost £105,220. Present day, 60 officials, total cost £96,100 11s.

asked the Attorney-General if it is intended to abolish the holding of Assizes in the borough of Derby; and, if so, is he aware of the serious inconvenience, loss of time, and injustice which would be caused to all persons in the district of Derby whose attendance is required at Assize Courts, especially as Derby, with its railway facilities, is most favourably situated?

I have nothing to add to the previous answers I have given on this subject, beyond suggesting that any representations which are proper for the consideration of the Committee should be communicated to its secretary.

asked the Attorney-Goneral whether, if any changes are recommended to be made in the places at which assizes are now held, any localities affected will have an opportunity of making representations on the subject before any definite change is put into force?

In reply to this question I would refer the gallant and hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Thirsk and Malton (Mr. Turton) on the 29th of last month.

asked the First Commissioner of Works, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, if he is aware of the widespread distress that exists in Glasgow as the result of the withdrawal of grants by the Board of Health for the supply of milk for children under five years of age and food for nursing and expectant mothers: and if it is the intention of the Government to restore the grants in order to assist local authorities to alleviate the distress and to maintain the health and save the lives of large numbers of children?

The grants made by the Scottish Board of Health in aid of the expenditure incurred by local authorities on these services have not been withdrawn, but have been substantially reduced in the current financial year. The amount of the reduced grant is sufficient for the normal requirements of the maternity service and child welfare scheme the primary purpose of which is the prevention and treatment of illness and the instruction of mothers, and not the relief of distress, which is a matter for the parish council. My Noble Friend is unable to hold out any hope that it will be possible to increase the amount voted for the current year.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government would be favourably disposed to the passage of a measure of Home Rule for Scotland?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he will publish the Report of the Inland Waterways Committee as a White Paper and circulate it to Members of the House?

The Second Interim Report of the Committee, which I presume the hon. Gentleman has in mind, has already been published as a White Paper. (Cmd.1410.)

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that farmers in Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and the Fenland areas are receiving for most varieties of potatoes, approximately, 30s. per ton, whilst the railway rates on this produce to the south, south-west, and west coast towns are, approximately, 30s. to 35s. per ton, or as much as the farmer receives; and whether he proposes to take any immediate steps to bring about a reduction of these railway rates and so relieve the industry from this excessive burden?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I am informed by the railway companies that they recently met a deputation of the English potato growers and merchants, and that after giving full and sympathetic coneideration to the representations made, and thoroughly reviewing the whole of the circumstances, they could not see their way to agree at the present to the application for special temporary concessions in the rates for potatoes from potato growing districts in England. The various trade associations have been so advised by the railway companies, but I would remind the hon. Member that it is open to traders to make application in the matter to the Rates Tribunal.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he will, at an early date, intro- duce a Bill dealing with the question of the lighting of road vehicles; and whether he will consider, when doing so, making it compulsory for a warning light to be carried by drovers in charge of cattle at night?

Legislation on the subject of lights on road vehicles 13 now under consideration. The point raised by the hon. Member will be carefully considered, but there are serious practical difficulties in requiring drovers in charge of cattle to carry warning lights at night, at any rate at the present time.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether his attention has been called to the fact that it is permissible for a carter to have charge of more than one horse and vehicle; and whether, in view of this dangerous proceeding, ha will take the necessary steps to introduce legislation to make it an offence?

So far as I am aware, the practice referred to in the first part of the question has been permissible ever since the passing of the Highway Act, 1835, except in areas where special local Acts provide to the contrary. I am not aware that any special danger arises which would justify the introduction of legislation to make the practice an offence.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the. Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the inadequate facilities for travelling from Hackney and Stoke Newington to other parts of London, especially in the mornings; whether any scheme has been put forward by the Great Eastern Railway Company and the North London Railway Company for the electrification of their lines; and, if not, whether he can urge upon those companies the need for some action to secure further facilities to the travelling public?

No specific scheme for the electrification of the line referred to has been put forward by either of the companies named. I have, however, communicated the hon. and gallant Baronet's question to both companies.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport if he is aware that, owing to depression in the dry steam-coal trade, large, numbers of coal-miners are out of employment in the, lower parts of the Swansea Valley and Neath Valley, respectively; that immediate employment is available for about 200 colliers at the anthracite collieries at Abercrave, Breconshire, only about 10 miles from the localities where so much unemployment exists; and will he immediately urge the railway companies concerned to provide workmen's trains so that a large measure of unemployment may be relieved and also to enable the collieries to be properly developed?

I am making inquiries into the matter and will communicate the result to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, whether his Department have in course of preparation legislation dealing with road lights on vehicles; and, if so, in view of the emphatic opinions recently expressed by cyclists on this question, will he consent to receive a deputation before coming to a final decision?

Legislation dealing with lights on road vehicles is under consideration. I should be prepared to receive a deputation representing the interests and views of pedal cyclists in the matter at a later date, if the hon. Member will communicate with me on the subject.

asked the Home Secretary if police regulations will be made to the effect that all bicycles should carry a red rear-light so as to avoid collision with on-coming motor cars?

I have been asked to answer this question. The point referred to by the hon. Member would require legislation, and cannot be dealt with by Regulations. Legislation dealing generally with lights on road vehicles, including the subject matter of the question, is under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether the original estimate of £10,000,000 per annum available for Road Fund grants has been expended each year since the fund was originated; and, if not, what amounts have been spent each year by the Road Board, and how much it is estimated will have been spent during the year ending 31st March next?

I am not familiar with the estimate of £10,000,000 to which the hon. Member refers. The actual payments from the Road Fund under grants and loans to highway authorities during the financial year 1921–22 amounted to £9,600,000. It is estimated that the corresponding figure for the year 1922–23 will be approximately £15,600,000.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he will represent to the Great Northern Railway Company that it is now the time to put in hand a scheme for the electrification of their suburban lines, as a means not only of creating useful work for the unemployed in the northern Metropolitan area, but also of relieving the great discomfort and inconvenience under which the large number of suburban residents in northern London at present travel to and from the City?

As stated in the reply which I gave on this subject on the 4th December to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the Finchley division (Colonel Newman), no scheme regarding the electrification of the suburban lines of the Great Northern Railway is at present before me. The question of the preparation and introduction of such a scheme is one for the consideration of the railway company, and I have brought the Noble Lord's suggestion to the company's notice.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he is aware that the Scottish railway companies propose to increase the railway rates for home timber on 1st January next; and will he use his influence to prevent this being done, as it is a matter of great consequence, to the Highlands in particular, that home products should not be penalised to the advantage of the foreign importer?

I have been in communication with the Scottish railway. companies, who inform me that the position in this matter is that they granted special rate concessions to the home trade timber associations as a temporary arrangement to apply from the period 1st September to the 31st December, 1922, and that they cannot agree to extend the arrangement beyond the latter date, but will revert to the rates previously in force.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport if he is aware that the North Eastern Railway Company has applied for an Order authorising the company, for a period of 12 months from February, 1923, to charge harbour, dock, wharf, and pier dues, and charges on ships' merchandise live stock, and passengers at Hull, which amount to double the charges in operation in December, 1913; that the charges for tipping coal and coke at Hull are to be very greatly increased; that the craneage charges at Hull are to be doubled; that the whole commercial community in Hull is protesting vigorously against these proposals; and whether he will give an undertaking that no such charges are to be put into operation before an opportunity has been given to discuss them in this House?

The application to which the bon. and gallant Member refers was made under the Harbours, Docks and Piers (Temporary Increase of Charges) Acts, 1920 to 1922, and is being dealt with under the provisions of those Acts, which require reference to the statutory Rates Advisory Committee before an Order is made. In these circumstances, I am unable to give the undertaking asked for.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether his Department has tested any meter for recording the mileage travelled by mechanically-propelled vehicles with a view to the taxation of such vehicles on the basis of use made of the highways; if so, whether such test was satisfactory; and, if not, whether he will consider the advisability of making such a test before any fresh decision is reached in regard to the basis of taxation of mechanically-propelled vehicles?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Even assuming that satisfactory mileage recorders exist, it is not considered that they could be used with advantage for taxation purposes, owing to practical and administrative difficulties. I shall be glad, however, to submit any detailed proposals which may be forwarded to me to the Departmental Committee for their consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he is aware that, although the Stretford Light Railways Order and the West Manchester Light Railways (New Lines, etc.) Order were made in 1906, no steps have yet been taken to put the work in hand; that the working population of Trafford Park having considerably increased, the road and railway are more urgently needed than ever; and whether, in view of the fact that it is 16 years since the Orders were made, he will take whatever action is possible to get the schemes commenced, thus giving an opportunity of work to many unemployed men?

I am informed that the Stretford Urban District Council, who are empowered by the Orders, to which the hon. Member refers, to construct certain light railways and a road between Stretford and Trafford Park, are desirous of proceeding with the work and are in negotiation with a view to the removal of certain difficulties which have arisen in connection with the crossing of the Bridgwater Canal. The Council state that they have reason to hope that the work may be proceeded with at an early date.

asked the Prime Minister if he> has yet received the Interim Report of the Royal Commission on London Government; and, if so, when its finding will be made public?

The Royal Commission have not made any Interim Report: the second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.