asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in connection with the entry of seed potatoes from Scotland to England and Wales, it is proposed to issue a further Order for the purpose of providing greater protection against the spread of wart disease to those districts where at present it is not known to exist; whether this would include an extensive area in Scotland; what is the attitude of the Scottish Board of Agriculture in the matter; and whether official and other representations have been made stating that such restrictions are unnecessary and would have a ruinous effect on the Scottish potato-growing industry?

I have been asked to reply. The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The exact form of the Order is at present under consideration. My right hon. Friend is in communication with my Noble Friend the Secretary for Scotland, with a view to securing the co-operation of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland in the matter. With regard to the last part, I may say that representatives of English growers have strongly pressed for a revision of the present Order.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider taking steps to establish a Government permanent marketing office for agricultural produce as in Canada?

I have been asked to reply. The question whether any Government action is necessary or desirable in connection with the marketing of agricultural produce is one which will, no doubt, be considered by the Committee on the distribution and prices of agricultural produce which has just been set up. Until their Report has been received it would be premature to take any action.

asked the Minister of Agriculture when it is the intention of the Government to remove the restrictions on civilians with regard to small holdings; and whether he will consider the advisability of doing so in those counties where the requirements of the ex-service men have been satisfied?

I have been asked to reply. The present position is that a county council or council of a county borough cannot provide and let a small holding to any person who is not an ex-service man except with the Ministry's consent. This is to ensure that a preference in the provision of small holdings is given to ex-service applicants, but in cases where there is no suitable ex-service applicant prepared to take a holding which is vacant, the Ministry consents to it being let to a civilian. My right hon. Friend is prepared to consider any definite scheme for the provision of small holdings for civilians which may be submitted by any county council which has satisfied the requirements of the ex-service applicants provided that it does not impose any further charge on the Exchequer.

asked the Minister of Agriculture when it will be possible to issue interim, or the official, Reports of the results of the demonstrations of agricultural machinery held last year at Harmston, in Lincolnshire, and of the demonstration at Tonbridge this autumn; and whether, in future, steps will be taken to issue Reports at an early date after the completion of demonstrations?

I have been asked to reply. It is hoped to issue at an early date an interim Report on the trials of drainage implements at Harmston and Tonbridge. The work at Harmston and Tonbridge also formed part of a series of trials of subsoiling implements which will be extended over some years, but a preliminary Report is now in print and will appear in the issue of the Ministry's Journal for January, 1923. With regard to the last part, arrangements will be made to issue a preliminary Report on trials of importance whenever it is not possible to issue a complete Report within a reasonable period.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he proposes to proceed with the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Bill at an early date next Session?

I have been asked to reply. The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity and value of woollen and worsted fabrics exported from Great Britain for the 11 months of each of the years 1913, 1919, and 1922?

The following statement shows the quantity and value

Period.						Woollen Tissues.		Worsted Tissues.
Eleven months ended 30th November—						Yards.	£	Yards.	£
1913	…	…	…	…	…	97,000,200	13,315,799	56,104,800	5,579,742
1919	…	…	…	…	…	118,224,800	53,904,736	29,690,200	10,550,781
						Sq. yards.		Sq. yards.
1922	…	…	…	…	…	110,004,000	22,917,399	56,513,700	10,713,549

NOTE.—From 1st January, 1920, the exports of woolen and worsted tissues have been recorded is square yards instead of linear yards as in earlier years.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value in sterling of exports during the year 1913 from the United Kingdom to Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile, respectively; the value in sterling of exports during the year 1913 from Germany to these South American countries, respectively; the value in sterling of imports during the year 1913 into the United Kingdom from Germany; and the value in sterling of exports during the year 1913 from the United Kingdom to Germany?

The following statement shows the values of exports from the United Kingdom and Germany, respectively, to each of the countries specified, in the year 1913:

Country to which exported.	United Kingdom exports of domestic produce and manufactures.	Exports from Germany.
	£	£
Brazil	12,465,000	9,820,000
Uruguay	2,916,000	1,760,000
Argentine Republic	22,641,000	13,070,000
Chile	6,011,000	4,810,000
Germany	40,677,000	—

The value of imports into the United Kingdom consigned from Germany during the year 1913 was £80,411,000.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if any attempt has been made to terminate the spelter and

No opportunity has arisen of terminating the agreements for the purchase of spelter and zinc concentrates which were entered into with an Australian company, but discussions have, taken place which may result in some modification of the contracts.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the four-page eulogy of Messrs. J. and P. Coats, Limited, which appeared in the Board of Trade Journal of 23rd November last, was paid for as an advertisement; and, if not, whether he will take steps to prevent such expenditure of public money?

The pages in question were among the advertisement pages of the Board of Trade Journal and numbered as such, and were paid for as an advertisement. Consequently the second part of the question does not arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are taken to prevent foreign eggs being sold as English eggs, either alone or mixed with those produced in England?

Under the Sale of Food Order, 1921, which remains in force under the Expiring Laws Act, 1922, no imported eggs may be sold as "fresh" or "new laid" unless the description also includes the word "imported" or words disclosing the country of origin.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a ring exists in the wholesale dried-fruit trade, which artificially restricts competition; that, in the week ending the 25th November last, the brokers were forced by dealers to withdraw from public auction the whole of their available stocks of raisins, thus stifling outside competition and keeping up prices; and whether he will adopt measures to prevent such action being taken in the, future?

The dried-fruit trade is limited and largely seasonal in character, and I understand that anticipation of increased demand has recently caused unwillingness to sell. The natural antidote to this tendency consists in the falling value of supplies unsold before Christmas, and I do not propose to interfere with the operation of the laws of supply and demand.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies why the Ordinance recently passed in the Legislative Council of the Straits Settlements to restrict the export of rubber was not sent to London for the signification of the Royal pleasure, as prescribed by the instructions under the letters patent constituting the office of Governor of the said Settlements?

The Ordinance is being sent home for the signification of His Majesty's pleasure in the ordinary way, but it was not reserved pending the signification of such pleasure, seeing that it gave effect to recommendations of the Secretary of State, and the Governor was clearly satisfied that immediate operation was necessary.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether there is any evidence in his Department tending to show whether the decline, as compared with the previous period, in the purchase of Lancashire cotton goods in India from the beginning of 1921 to the present time is primarily due to the non-co-operation boycott and political feeling against this country generally or to trade depression and fluctuations in the rupee exchange?

The appended tables show the total import of cotton piece goods into India from the United Kingdom during the period January, 1921, to September, 1922 (the latest month for which figures are available), in comparison with the total imports for earlier periods. It will be seen that the average for 1921 is 28 per cent, and that of 1922 (first nine months) 19 per cent, below that of 1920. In the production of this decline there was certainly other important factors besides the non-co-operation boycott and political feeling. The following extract from the review of the year 1921 published by the Calcutta Import Trade Association well represents, I believe, the views generally held by those engaged in the trade:

"There has been practically no active market for imported piece goods during the past year largely on account of the heavy value and quantity of high-priced goods left over from the high rupee exchange period …. This depression is still with us to-day (February, 1922) and it is not yet clear when definite relief will come. To add to the exceptional difficulties under which the piece goods import trade has been labouring a heavy enhancement of Customs Duty was made in the early part of the year …. Non-co-operation activities have also restricted the free movement of commodities and must also have forcibly prevented consumption of supplies in many districts, whilst during the last three months of the year Calcutta bazaar dealers refrained from forward purchases by an agreement now expired."

On the other hand, there has been one important factor making for a trade revival, namely, the good monsoons of last year, and this, and, in fact, the volume of imports in the period July to September this year, was greater by more than one-third than that of any similar period in the past year and a half, and almost double that of the corresponding period in 1921.It is impossible to calculate definitely to what extent the failing off in trade has been due to any one factor, but it seems clear from what is said above that the non-co-operation boycott cannot have been responsible for the loss of more than a small percentage of the trade. I believe that the comparative smallness of the decline in the volume of trade is not always realised in consequence of the fall in values.

Imports of Cotton Piece Goods into India from United Kingdom.
(Thousands of Yards.)
Monthly average for 1912	…	228,004
Monthly average for 1913	…	256,859
Monthly average for 1919	…	63,358
Monthly average for 1920	…	114,369
Monthly average for 1921	…	83,010
Monthly average for 1922*	…	93,084
*First nine months.

1921.
January	…	…	…	102,859
February	…	…	…	89,000
March	…	…	…	91,015
April	…	…	…	88,070
May	…	…	…	58,779
June	…	…	…	49,237
July	…	…	…	56,520
August	…	…	…	65,620
September	…	…	…	80,457
October	…	…	…	103,181
November	…	…	…	119,914
December	…	…	…	91,460

1922.
January	…	…	…	102,451
February	…	…	…	72,495
March	…	…	…	59,206
April	…	…	…	62,604
May	…	…	…	68,861
June	…	…	…	72,791
July	…	…	…	126,636
August	…	…	…	156,192
September	…	…	…	116,514

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has any information that the Commonwealth Government of Australia grant a subsidy of one farthing per pound on all beef exported: is any subsidy granted on exports of meat from New Zealand; if so, what is the amount of such subsidy; and is any further assistance given by either of these Governments to the export of meat by way of reduced shipping freights or by any other means?

The Commonwealth of Australia grants certain subsidies under the Meat Export Bounties Act, 1922, of which I am sending a copy to my hon. Friend. As far as I am aware, no other subsidies, direct or indirect, are given to the export of meat by cither the Commonwealth or New Zealand.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the widespread dissatisfaction existing in regard to the present system of administering the mercantile marine war-risks scheme, and that this has been expressed on behalf of all classes of the mercantile marine by its four representative associations; that general irritation and much hardship is caused by the great delays in dealing with applications sent in by seamen to the Reparation Claims Department, dated, in many cases, two years ago; and can he assure this House that, during the Recess both these matters will receive sympathetic consideration with a view to prompt administrative action?

I have received a limited number of representations to the effect mentioned in the question. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware of the widespread desire amongst officers of the British mercantile marine for the establishment of a contributory superannuation or pension scheme under Government auspices and with Government assistance; whether he has considered this matter; and with what result?

I have been asked to reply. The establishment of a contributory pension scheme for the mercantile marine has often been suggested, but the only scheme that has so far proved to be practicable is a non-contributory scheme based on the employers' contributions in respect of seamen non-insurable under the Health and Unemployment Insurance Acts. Under this scheme a limited number of small pensions are paid to officers and men of the mercantile marine.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Disposals Board have been selling castings at Grimsby at less than pig-iron prices; that towing block bottoms, which cannot now be produced for less than 37s. 6d., have been sold at 5s.; that complaints have been made on the subject by reputable firms of ironworkers who find that this action has seriously injured their trade; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I regret that in the absence of detailed information it has not been possible to trace the sales referred to in the question, but I shall be glad to make further inquiries if the hon. Member will furnish me with the details.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of claims for compensation for miner's nystagmus which were reported in each of the four preceding years; and whether he will institute a Commission of Inquiry into the causes of this disease, with the view of eliminating the industrial loss and the personal suffering consequent upon its prevalence in the mining industry?

According to statistics furnished by the Home Office, the total number of workmen in receipt of compensation for nystagmus was 6,449 during 1919; 7,028 during 1920 and 6,717 during 1921. Statistics on this point were not collected for the year 1918. At the request of my advisers an expert Committee of Inquiry into the causes of nystagmus was set up by the Medical Research Council in 1920. The first Report of the Committee was published at the beginning of this year and the Committee is still at work.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will consider the necessity for an order to be issued by his Department requiring that over-winding apparatus shall be so fixed or attached to winding engines as to come into operation before the conclusion of the wind, instead of after completion of the wind, as now generally affixed, and so as to act as a preventative of excessive speed, and also to offer some real protection and security for life and property from the provision of such apparatus?

This matter is already under consideration.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will consider the advisability of causing inquiry to be made by the divisional inspectors of mines in relation to the proper provision and equipment of sanitary arrangements in colliery winding engine houses; the provision of efficient signal indicators; and the provision of over-winding apparatus as provided by the Mines Act, 1911; and is he aware that such provisions are not in many cases being carried out in the spirit and intention of the Mines Act?

The inspection of the equipment and arrangements referred to is carried on regularly as part of the daily work of the inspectors of mines under the direction of the divisional inspectors. The results of these inspections do not bear out the suggestion in the last part of the hon. Member's question.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he will consider the advisability of appointing men of practical experience for the purpose of inspecting machinery such as winding engines and other machinery used in the raising and lowering of persons employed in or about a mine; if he will consider men who have served years of experience as winding-enginemen as being the class of men from whom such inspectors should be selected on account of their practical knowledge and experience; and whether he will take steps to at once go into this matter in the interests of safety and security?

The mines inspectorate, as at present staffed, is qualified to inspect winding machinery, and I do not consider it necessary to appoint special inspectors for the purpose.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, under the late Government, sums of public money were passed by the Admiralty and paid by the Treasury to warship building contractors additional to payments for work actually due; and, if so, will he give the names of those contractors, the amounts they received, and the grounds on which payment was made?

In a few isolated cases payments have been made, in compensation to such contractors for loss of profit and establishment charges for broken contracts. These payments are only made after it has been proved by the closest examination that they are legally due. It is not in the public interest to publish the amounts which these contractors have severally received.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that Messrs. W. T. Ward have at present at Milford Haven four battleships, namely, the "Prince of Wales," "Amphitrite," "Argonaut," and the "Minotaur," and about a dozen destroyers for breaking up, and of complaints that the highest wage paid to labourers by this firm is £2 4s. per week, whereas the district rate is from £2 10s. to £ 4s., and that boys are employed on leaving school to learn acetylene burning, commencing at a wage of 10s. per week, rising to 15s. to 20s. per week when they become efficient, and if on piece-work are paid 1s. per ton less than the rate paid to men, and that, in order to obtain cheap labour, persons without previous experience are employed driving cranes, locomotives, and other machines, to the danger of themselves and others working near; and whether he will have inquiries made into these allegations and take whatever steps are necessary to ensure compliance with the Fair Wages Clause?

The ships in question have been sold to Messrs. T. W. Ward, Limited, under a contract which contains the usual Fair Wages Clause. No complaint has been received that the conditions of this Clause are not being complied with by the firm at Milford Haven, but the allegations put forward by the hon. Member shall be inquired into.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty whether he has considered the possibility of meeting the difficulty of paying a living wage to dockyard men by some system of children's allowances supplementary to wages; whether he is aware that such a system, introduced by voluntary agreement between employers and employés, is spreading rapidly on the Continent, especially in France and Germany; that in France it already covers about 2½ million wage earners, estimated to be nearly half the wage earners of France, excluding agriculturists; that the numbers covered by the system include all State employés; and whether, in view of the importance of the subject, he will direct that full inquiries shall be made into the working of the system on the Continent?

The wages of dockyard men are not low in comparison with the wages paid in commercial industry, and the suggestion contained in my hon. Friend's question is not one which the Board is prepared to adopt.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty the number of submarines which France has now in commission, including the submarines taken over from Germany, the number building, and the tonnage of the latest types of these vessels now in construction in French Admiralty and private yards?

According to the latest information, France has 28 submarines in full commission, including nine submarines taken over from Germany. There are also 20 submarines in reserve, including one ex-German vessel and one new vessel completing. Six submarines of 1,082 tons surface displacement are building in Government yards, and six of 570 tons surface displacement in private yards.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any decision has yet been arrived at by the Army Council with regard to bars to medals awarded for service during the late War; and, if not, whether, pending such decision, he will approach the Admiralty with a view to their cancelling the Fleet Order of June, 1920, approving of the award of naval clasps?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any decision has been reached as to the clasps to be given for actions in the Great War?

No decision as to clasps has yet been reached. With regard to the last part of the first question, I am not in a position to intervene in the manner suggested.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will give the figures of expenditure incurred in the last financial year, in Britain and in France, for experiments directed to the preparation and perfecting of chemical warfare; the number of public and private laboratories in which such experiments are being made in Britain and in France with official sanction; and the number of persons employed in those experiments?

I regret I am not in a position to furnish the comparative statement required.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War the calibre and extreme range of the latest French heavy gun, and the number of those guns now constructed or in course of construction?

The latest such gun in use is believed to be the 305 millimetre (railway mounting) gun, with a range of 31,000 metres. I am not in a position to reply to the remainder of the question.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that no adjustment has yet been made in the case of the building trades operatives employed at the Enfield small arms factory and the Waltham Abbey gunpowder factory consequent on the extension of the London radius in February, 1920, although repeated applications have been made for the increase of wages due to the men as a consequence of the radius extension, and replies have been sent to the men concerned on several occasions during the past two years promising an early consideration of the matter; and whether he will now agree that the operatives concerned shall be treated in the same way as similar operatives working at Woolwich Arsenal?

Yes, Sir; the latest phase of this complicated question is that a representative of the men in question was informed a month ago that if an application was made through the proper channel for an advance equivalent to the advance in local rates due to the inclusion of Waltham and Enfield in the London building trade area, it would be favourably considered, as a temporary adjustment pending settlement of the other questions in dispute, the consideration of which is proceeding. For some reason which I do not understand, the men have not availed themselves of this opportunity.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is the total distance accomplished by any British aeroplane engaged on ore or other of the passenger air routes, and on what air line the record was made and the line on which the next best record was achieved?

The greatest total distance flown by any British aeroplane engaged on the passenger air routes is 100,393 miles by a D.H.34 aeroplane, operated by the Daimler Hire Company. The next best record is held by an aero plane belonging to the Air Ministry, type D.H. 18, which has been used by various firms, but chiefly by the Instone Air Line. This aeroplane has flown approximately 70,000 miles. While these performances of course reflect credit both on the con- structing and operating firms, I should add that the data are as yet insufficient for a definite conclusion as to the respective merits, either of types of aeroplane or of methods of operation.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can give any further information as to the sites alleged to be vacant in the possession of the Royal Air Force depot at Harlescott, Salop?

The accommodation at present vacant consists of about 12 barrack blocks situated at the south-west portion of the camp, adjacent to the railway line. These are required to meet any further increase in the strength of the Royal Air Force at Harlescott. There is also unoccupied at present a portion of the women's hostel, which is needed for conversion into airmen's married quarters as soon as funds can be made available.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether it is proposed to close down the Queen Alexandra Convalescent Camp, Saltash?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on Tuesday to the hon. Member for Bodmin (Mr. Foot).

asked the Minister of Pensions if he has received complaints from ex-service men regarding the methods adopted by medical boards respecting their examinations; whether he is aware that numbers of men who have recently appeared before these boards complain that proper examination does not take place; and whether, in view of the serious nature of these complaints, he will institute an inquiry with a view to allaying suspicion and distrust?

I have received some complaints of this nature which, I am glad to say, have proved on investigation to be without substance. Full instructions have been given to medical boards in order to ensure an adequate examination of all cases, and the work of the boards is subject to periodic inspection by officers from the headquarters of the Ministry. I am satisfied that the medical boards discharge their duties with efficiency and at the same time with every consideration for the men.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the medical boards are composed of permanent officers of the Ministry; if so, the number of officers so employed and their salaries; and, if the boards are composed of medical men drawn from panels of local practitioners, will he state the fees paid for individual examination and the total cost for 1921 for such payments?

The personnel of the medical boards of the Ministry is very largely drawn from local practitioners, who receive the following fees:

	£	s.	d.
Chairmen (for a session of 2½ hours	1	11	6
Specialists	2	2	0
Ordinary members or assessors	1	6	3

Considerable assistance is now given on this work by full-time medical officers of the Ministry, of whom some 200 are liable for this service as part of their duties. The average salaries of these officers is approximately £924 per annum. The total expenditure on payments to sessional members of the boards was, in 1921, £627,795. The corresponding figure for the current year will be more than one-third less, owing to a reduction of the sessional fees payable, and of the number of members of ordinary boards from three to two.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the establishment of an issue office in Scotland has resulted in reducing delay in paying pensions; and whether he can state the number and amount of advances made to men owing to Papers not arriving at the proper time during the three months ending 30th September, 1922, in Scotland and the Lancashire region, respectively?

The amount of advances made to pensioners during the period stated was £185 in Scotland, and in the north-western region, where exceptional conditions prevailed, £5,212. The difficulties in the latter region are being overcome.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that all pensions for men in Lancashire are awarded at Manchester, whilst all Ring Papers giving effect to these decisions are made out in London; and, seeing that the reference to London causes delay in issue, will he have new arrangements made?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Nottingham West (Mr. Hayday) on the 30th ultimo, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his Department are pursuing the practice of making weekly deductions from disabled men's pensions, as refunds of allowances granted by Local Pensions Committees during periods of treatment as long ago as 1919; and, if so, under what authority this is being done?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I am giving to-day to a similar question by the hon. Member for Middlesbrough West (Mr. T. Thomson), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Driver David Morgan Davies, No. T/37,729, Royal Army Service Corps, 5, Garden Street, Rhymney, has been deprived by the Appeals Tribunal of his pension; that the tribunal admitted that the man had suffered from malaria due to service in Salonika; and what steps he now proposes to take, seeing that the man has developed chest trouble and is totally incapacitated from following his employment?

The Pensions Appeal Tribunal having confirmed and thus made final the decision of the Ministry rejecting the claim to pension for chest trouble, I regret that that matter cannot be reopened. If, however, disablement from malaria has increased, renewed application for compensation therefor may be made through the local area office.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been drawn to a letter in the Press on the subject of American artificial limbs, signed by Mr. E. Muirhead Little; and, if this Mr. Little is a member of the Ministry Advisory Council on artificial limbs, whether his letter was written with his approval?

Mr. Muirhead Little is a member of my Advisory Council on artificial limbs, and is not a salaried officer of the Ministry. The letter referred to expresses his private and personal views and was not submitted to my Department before publication.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the Pensions Issue Office has cleared up the case of arrears of children's allowance due to the wife of Private F. Pounder, No. 32,553, Royal Army Veterinary Corps; and what is the reason for the prolonged delay in this case?

I regret the delay which has occurred in this case which has now, however, been settled.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the regional director, Ministry of Pensions, Cardiff, has awarded Private Cornelius O'Donovan, No. N/395,508, Royal Army Service Corps, a gratuity of £5 in full discharge of the Ministry s liability; and will he explain if this be the policy adopted in all cases when men are suffering less than 20 per cant, disablement?

Disablement has at no time been assessed higher than 6–14 per cent, in this case, and three separate awards of weekly allowances have been made. On a fourth assessment of slight disablement a final gratuity of £5 was granted, which is the appropriate compensation. The assessments of the Ministry have been confirmed by the Pensions Appeal Tribunal and are now final.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will reconsider the case of Mrs. Phillips, the widow of the late Private John Phillips, No. 250, Royal Marines, whose pension was stopped in July, 1921, with a view to restoring the same or making provision for her seven children, who are now dependant upon charity?

This man was discharged from the Navy in 1914 and died three years later from a disease which could not be regarded as due to service. As the right of appeal had not at that time been conceded to widows, Mrs. Phillips applied to the Special Grants Committee, who granted her a special allowance, subject to periodic review, under the Regulations then existing. In 1921 the Committee decided that in the circumstances of the case the continuance of the allowance to the widow could no longer be justified. I may add that the refusal of pension by the Ministry has recently been confirmed by the Pensions Appeal Tribunal.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will investigate the case of Mrs. E. Davies, 112, William Street, Ystrad, Rhondda; whether he is aware that Mrs. Davies is a widow, aged 59; that her only child, Private F. J. C. Davies, No. 234,661, Royal Air Force, was passed for service in September, 1918, discharged in February, 1919, on a pension of 27s. per week, went to college in October, 1919, and started as a certificated teacher under the Rhondda Education Committee, 1st September, 1921, but had to leave through illness in the afternoon of that day, and died in hospital 25th October, 1921, the death certificate stating chronic nephritis three years; that the mother has declared sole dependency upon this only boy; and that she has been denied a pension on the ground that she is not incapable of earning her living; whether this refusal is to be adhered to in spite of the fact that her doctor has certified that she is suffering from gastritis and neurasthenia; and whether he will take the necessary steps to rectify this treatment of a widowed mother?

I am making inquiries into this case and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India to what extent the recommendations for equipment, etc., submitted by the Army Departments concerned have been cut down by the Finance Department in India; and whether he is aware that the limit of safety has been passed in the matter of equipment and transport?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, I am not aware that the Commander-in-Chief has so advised the Government of India.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, considering that the Governments of the Punjab, Bengal, Madras, and Burma have already taken action in the matter, the Government of India will now issue instructions that legal assistance in bringing actions against the offending newspapers is to be given to all Government servants, both British and Indian, who have been defamed in the Indian Press?

I think it is evident from the facts stated in the question that there is no reason to suggest to the Government of India the issue of any further orders.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, with reference to his reply to Question No. 4 of the 12th instant, he will communicate to the Government of India the desirability of bringing in legislation to protect the Civil Services and the police in India from vilification by the non-co-operation Press in India similar to that lately brought in for the protection of Indian ruling chiefs and princes?

The hon. and gallant Member must be aware of the peculiar difficulties which, in practice, made it impossible for ruling chiefs to obtain redress against libels published in British India by recourse to the Law Courts. He must also be aware of the reciprocal obligations existing between British India and the native states for the prevention of sedition. The position of public servants presents no analogy. So far as attacks upon their conduct are attempts to excite disaffection against the lawfully established Government, the ordinary criminal law provides a remedy. Against personal libels they have the same means of redress as any other subject of the Crown, and the hon. and gallant Member knows that this means has been successfully employed.

asked the President of the Board of Education if the Board has advised local education authorities not to feed school children whose malnutrition is due to temporary or chronic destitution of their parents; and why, seeing that the Education Act, 1921, does not permit differentiation among the many causes of malnutrition, this action has been taken?

I find in Section 84 of the Education Act, 1921, no authority for thinking that it was the intention of Parliament that a considerable part of the burden of the relief of destitution should be shifted on to the education rate and the Vote of the Board of Education. I have seen no reason to depart from the principles of administration laid down in this respect by the late Government and my predecessor.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that, under Circular 1227, which defines military service recognised for increments under the Burnham scales, many hardships are being inflicted upon men who rendered military service; and that all service rendered by women with the forces of the Crown in any military or military-aid capacity is denied recognition for increments under the Burnham scales owing to the Board's refusal to pay grants on such increments; and whether he will take the necessary" steps to amend the terms of Circular 1227 so as to obviate these injustices to men and women who rendered service during the War?

Circular 1227, which was issued after very careful consideration of all the circumstances, represents the extent to which the Board have authority to recognise War service for the calculation of grant upon teachers' salaries; and I cannot undertake to re-open the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether it is the intention of the Board to limit the percentage of free places in secondary schools that have hitherto provided full and complete secondary education to all their pupils to 25 per cent, of the places available in such schools?

Under Article 20 of the Board's Draft Regulations for secondary schools the present percentage of free places offered must not, without the sanction of the Board, exceed the percentage awarded in the school year ending 31st July, 1922. The draft Article does not require a reduction in the percentage awarded.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport if he is aware that in 1913–14 the Government of the day sanctioned and assisted the Dingwall and Cromarty Light Railway; that the railway was started and 4½ miles of it had been laid when war broke out; that the work was then stopped and after a time the rails that were laid were taken to France; that this railway is still a necessity for the fishing and agricultural community in that part; that there is unemployment in the district; and will he take all possible steps to get the railway restarted and completed?

I am aware that this project was sanctioned and the work started before the War. During the War the permanent-way materials were required for military purposes, but, as the right hon. Member knows, the company were reimbursed for this material and for the cost of relaying. The conditions which it would be necessary to fulfil before the Government could consider the question of increasing its contribution have already been communicated to the promoters, but, so far as I am aware, the local financial support necessary before any grant could be considered is not as yet forthcoming.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he is aware that a Clause was inserted in the Midland Railway (London, Tilbury, and Southend Railway Company Purchase) Bill in July, 1912, to the effect that the company should forthwith prepare a scheme for working the traffic by electric power on the route between Fenchurch Station and Southend-on-Sea; and what extension of time has been granted to this company to carry out the obligation imposed on them by Act of Parliament when the Bill was passed into law?

I am aware of the provisions of Section 21 of the Midland Railway (London, Tilbury, and Southend Railway Purchase) Act, 1912, to which the hon. and gallant Member refers. That Section provided that the Midland Railway Company should apply to Parliament for any powers necessary to carry out an electrification scheme not later than the Session of 1914, and the period so limited was extended by an Act of 1914 to the Session of 1916, and by an Order, under the Special Acts (Extension of Time) Act, 1915, to the Session of 1917. There have been no further extensions.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether, in the interest of a large area round Winsham, Somerset, and of the numerous unemployed resident therein, he will endeavour to obtain a reconsideration of the decision given regarding the suggested halt and siding at Winsham by the London and South Western Railway officials?

The Ministry have no statutory power to intervene in this matter, which is one within the discretion of the railway company. I am, however, bringing my hon. Friend's question to the company's notice.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport if he is aware that workmen's railway fares on the Clydeside are in some cases nearly 200 per cent, above the pre-War level; that there is no proposal to reduce them below the present high level; and whether he will use his influence with the railway companies to make some concession to this section of travellers?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on the 5th instant to the hon. Member for Renfrew, Eastern Division (Mr. Nichol), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he will make representations to the railway companies in favour of a reduction in third-class railway fares and workmen's railway tickets?

The railway companies have announced that the ordinary passenger fares will be reduced on and from 1st January next, but state they cannot agree at present to any reduction in workmen's fares. I would remind the hon. Member that the Minister has now no power of directing the railway companies as to their charges, but that Sections 60 and 78 of the Railways Act, 1921, provide a means by which representations may be made to the Rates Tribunal for a reduction in such charges.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the proposal put forward by certain Metropolitan borough councils for the widening of Wandsworth Bridge; and whether the Ministry has considered the relative urgency of that work as compared with the widening of Putney Bridge?

This matter comes within the jurisdiction of the London County Council, who have, I understand, decided, after full consideration, that the widening of Putney Bridge Bridge should be given precedence to the widening of Wandsworth Bridge. I need hardly say that I attach importance to the considered opinion of the London County Council in such matters.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport if he will bring the complaints of the travelling public to the notice of the railway companies, especially those who use the Clifton Road branch of the London and North Western Railway Company in Brighouse, Yorkshire, to the effect that from Bradford to Clifton Road there is no train between 8.55 a.m. and 11.50 a.m., from Clifton Road to Bradford between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., from Bradford to Clifton Road between 5.52 p.m. and 9.17 p.m., the 9.17 p.m. being the last train, while between Bradford and Clifton Road there are no trains on Sundays, and between Clifton Road and Huddersfield there is no train between 9.8 a.m. and 12.4 p.m., nor is there a train between 2 p.m. and 4.52 p.m. nor between 6.13 p.m. and 9.35 p.m.?

The Ministry have no compulsory powers in relation to train services, but I am inviting the observations of the London and North Western Railway Company upon the hon. Member's question, and I will communicate with him on receipt of their reply.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport if he is aware that there is no railway station at Cwmcarn, Monmouthshire; that the inhabitants have been pressing the Great Western Railway Company for many years to erect a station there; that there are several thousand population residing at Cwmcarn and that there is no station within nearly two miles; and will he use his good offices with the Great Western Railway Company with a view to getting a station made there?

The Ministry of Transport has no statutory powers in this matter, which is one for the consideration of the railway company. I am, however, bringing the hon. Member's suggestion to the company's notice.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many Russian emigrants and refugees are being maintained by the British Exchequer; where such persons are at present resident and the total amount per head paid each man, woman, and child; and whether the men concerned were officers in the late Russian army or members of the Russian nobility or working classes?

No Russian refugees are being maintained by His Majesty's Government. The remainder of the question, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any information he can impart to the House as to the alleged intention of the Russian Government to remove the capital of Russia from Moscow to the Urals?

No information to this effect has reached His Majesty's Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government of the United States at Washington made representations to the British Government before the preliminary Conference of Allied Prime Ministers at Downing Street on the questions of German reparation and inter-Allied debts; and whether the United States will be directly or indirectly represented at the Brussels Conference?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, the question of the Powers to be invited to the Brussels Conference is one for the Belgian Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affaire whether he is aware that in November and December, 1916, a British Commission under the hon. Member for Central Wandsworth (Sir J. Norton-Griffiths), acting under the instructions of His Majesty's Government, and with the co-operation of the representatives of various British companies, destroyed the petrol, the wells, and the refineries of various British companies in Rumania, to prevent their falling into the hands of the enemy; that His Majesty's Minister in Rumania from time to time prior to the 3rd December, 1916, had requested the Rumanian Government to co-operate in such destruction and intimated that the Rumanian Government would be indemnified from the losses which might result from such steps; and that on 3rd December, 1916, an undertaking was given in writing from the British Minister to the Rumanian Foreign Minister that the Rumanian Government would be indemnified by the Allied countries for the losses which may result from such steps; what steps have been taken by His Majesty's Government to ascertain their liability to British companies and to honour their obligation of indemnity thereunder; and, having regard to the urgency of a settlement to many of the British companies and to the fact that it is six years since the destruction of their properties, will the Government expedite a settlement?

The answer to the first three parts of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the fourth part, the liability of His Majesty's Government is to the Rumanian Government and not to individual companies. With regard to the last part, His Majesty's Government are in communication with the Rumanian Government as to the method in which companies concerned will receive compensation.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the proposals made by the conference of Allied Prime Ministers at Paris in March, 1922, to the effect that a national home should be obtained for the Armenians of Turkey, His Majesty's Government will propose that this question be placed on the agenda of the Lausanne Conference?

As the hon. Member will have seen from the Press, this subject has already been raised by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs at Lausanne in his speech in the first commission of the Conference on the 12th instant.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received from the British Minister in Warsaw details concerning the military manœEuvres recently held in Posen, including the reports published thereon in the Polish Press; and, if so, whether the information received has been communicated to the War Office?

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

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the interest upon the 8 per cent. Treasury bills and notes of the Chinese Government has been unpaid for a year and more; whether the funds out of which the Chinese Government has expressed its willingness to pay this interest are being withheld by the desire of the Five Powers; and, if so, what is the cause of this refusal to accede to the offer of the Chinese Government?

I am aware that the Chinese Government have defaulted on these obligations, and repeated representations have been made on the subject by His Majesty's Minister at Peking. With regard to the second and third parts of the question, the Chinese Government offered in July last to secure these loans on the increased Customs revenue to be derived from the 2½ Sur-tax provided for in the China Customs Treaty signed at Washington on the 5th February, 1922– I presume these are the funds which the hon. Member has in mind. The 2½ per cent. Sur-tax will, under Article III of the Treaty, be levied "from such date, for such purpose and subject to such conditions" as may be determined by a Special Conference which is to meet in China within three months of the coming into force of the Treaty. Under this Article, it would be ultra vires for the Chinese Government to hypothecate in advance, for the service of these loans or for any other purpose, the revenues which will be derived from the Sur-tax.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government of Czechoslovakia has given notice of its intention to confiscate the estates of 37 landowners, of whom 32 are German Czecks, two Poles, and one Czeck, and to dismiss the German-speaking workmen connected with these estates; and, if such action is in violation of the rights minority Clauses of the Treaty of St. Germain, what action does the British Government intend to take in the matter?

I am aware that the Czecho-Slovak Government is empowered by law to alienate landed estates in Czecho-Slovakia which exceed a certain fixed acreage, and that this law is being enforced in certain cases. I have no exact statistics on the subject. The law in question exercises no discrimination against landowners of any particular nationality, and consequently there is nothing in the law itself that violates the Treaty rights of minorities.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether it is the custom of the Lunacy Department to endorse the detention for a period of many years of able-bodied asylum inmates who cannot be proved to be dangerous and unfit to be at large, for the sole reason that no friend or relative has been available to apply for their discharge; and whether, since it would result in a saving of the rates that some provisional arrangement should be entered into to facilitate the return of such inmates to a condition of self-supporting and self-respecting life again, steps can be taken to that effect?

The detention or discharge of patients in public asylums rests with the Visiting Committees, and no question arises of the endorsement of their decision by the Central Authority. It is not the case that asylum inmates, such as the hon. Member describes, are detained for the sole reason that they have no friends. If a patient is sufficiently recovered to be, able to look after himself, he would be discharged. On the other hand, a patient, partially recovered could only be discharged if he had friends or relatives who were able and willing to take care of him.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether his attention has been called to the fact that certain employers are compelling their workpeople to be vaccinated, giving them the alternative of dismissal; and whether the War Office has issued instructions that refusal of soldiers to be vaccinated is to be treated as misconduct?

My right hon. Friend has no information as to the first part of the question. The second part should be addressed to the Under-Secretary of State for War.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he is aware that three applications have been made to the clerk to the Doncaster and Mexborough Joint Hospital Board for details of small-pox cases treated by his Board, as allowed by Section 8 of the Vaccination Act, 1907, and that no reply has been forthcoming to these applications: and whether he will instruct the said clerk to forward the details of the cases or allow the applicant to examine the hospital register in accordance with the Act?

My right hon. Friend has no information as to the first part of the question, but he will communicate with the joint hospital board in the matter.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, why it is that private practitioners are unable to obtain Government lymph, which is the purest there is?

The obligations of the Government in this matter are limited to the supply of lymph for the purposes of public vaccination, and as at present advised my right hon. Friend does not consider it practicable to extend the supply to private practitioners.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Minister of Health, the total number of deaths occurring this year from small-pox amongst those vaccinated, and also amongst those not vaccinated, and the percentage rate of deaths to cases in each class?

The total number of deaths from small-pox occurring during the first eleven months of this year was 27. Twelve of these cases had been vaccinated, 11 were unvaccinated, three showed no evidence of vaccination and one was vaccinated during the incubation period of small-pox. The total number of eases of small-pox occurring in vaccinated persons during the 11 months was 271 and the percentage rate of deaths to cases in this class, irrespective of age, was 4·4. The total number of unvaccinated cases, including those which showed no evidence of vaccination or were vaccinated only during the incubation period of small-pox was 625, and the percentage rate of deaths to cases in this class, irrespective of age, was 2·4. In six cases no information is available as to vaccination. There were no fatal cases among vaccinated persons under 35 years of age.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether, in view of the provision of the Lunacy Act which requires that a patient in an asylum must be asked if he has any objection to the receiver who is about to be appointed under the Master for the management of his property, an arrangement can be entered into that, if the patient at an early period of his detention has not understood the bearings of the questions, a later opportunity should be afforded him to bring forward any reasonable objection he may entertain to the management of his property under the said receivership?

I have been asked to reply. The rules issued under the Lunacy Act provide that notice of the proposed appointment of a receiver shall be given to the patient. The patient sometimes objects to the proposed receiver, and such objection is always considered. It is open to the patient at any subsequent time to write to the Master raising any objection to the management of his property under such receivership. These objections are always considered and may result in the institution of further inquiries. In addition, the Master in Lunacy is empowered to request one of the Lord Chancellor's visitors to visit the patient and report. This power is frequently exercised.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that at the present time there are in Barrow-in-Furness over 10,000 men unemployed out of a total population of men, women, and children of about 74,000; that the burden of unemployment has now become so acute that the local authorities are no longer able to cope with it; and whether, since no adequate relief or assistance is obtainable from any Government Department, he will consider the advisability of special sympathetic treatment for those few boroughs where, as in the case of Barrow, there is an overwhelming amount of unemployment?

I am aware that there is acute unemployment in Barrow-in-Furness and I hope the position may be alleviated as a result of the decision to proceed with the construction of the two new battleships. The case is one in which a large measure of assistance has been given to meet the immediate need by a deferment of part of the abnormal charge. The question whether any further action should be taken as regards this and other necessitous areas has, as already been stated, been referred to the Cabinet Committee.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Minister of Health, whether he is aware that the total expenditure by the Sheffield Union Board of Guardians on Poor Law relief to the unemployed from the 26th March, 1921, to 2nd December, 1922, was £953,595, and by the Ecclesall Union Board of Guardians, Sheffield, £182,631 18s. 5d., a total of £1,136,226 18s. 5d.; that the total emergency loan debt in the Sheffield Union is at present £670,000, and in the Ecclesall Union of Sheffield, £180,000, a total of £850,000; that the total expenditure on unemployed relief in the above-mentioned unions for the week ending 2nd December, 1922, was £14,185; that this abnormal charge upon local funds is having the dual effect of holding up a revival of trade in Sheffield because of the charge upon industry, and causing great hardship to the ratepayers generally, including the unemployed themselves; and whether he will take immediate steps to alleviate the position by aid from national sources?

My right hon. Friend is aware of the expenditure of the boards of guardians referred to, and he has directed the holding of a public inquiry into the Poor Law administration of the Sheffield Union. The proposal mentioned in the last part of the question is at present under consideration by a Committee of the Cabinet. It is hoped that material benefit may result to this area from the decision to proceed with the construction of the two new battleships.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in the case of ex-service men, he can relax the rule of the Employment Exchanges that a man can only register for employment in his profession; and, if so, whether he will allow ex-service men to register also in the side lines in which they may be equally competent?

There is no such rule. Persons making use of the exchanges may apply for work in any occupation or occupations for which they possess qualification. If they are claiming benefit they must, for obvious reasons, be registered in the occupation in which they seem most likely to find employment, but this does not exclude the entry of any other employment which they would wish to have if available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the great hardship caused by refusing to pay benefit to single men living with their parents; and whether he will take the necessary steps to rectify this?

The restriction re-referred to applies only to un-covenanted benefit and is to the effect that uncovenanted benefit should not be paid to single persons residing with their relatives, unless such persons, when in employment, support themselves, and when not in employment cannot reasonably look to their relatives for support, having regard to all the circumstances. I am not aware that hardship is caused, and, in fact, local employment committees are expressly directed not to refuse benefit in cases where such deprivation would inflict real hardship.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the present state of employment in the United States of America; and if he can give the latest return of the numbers of the unemployed there?

I have been asked to reply. I am unable, unfortunately, to supply the hon. and gallant Member with precise information as to the present state of unemployment in the United States of America, since the United States Government do not publish periodical statistical returns on this subject. It would appear, however, that in September last the United States Secretary of Labour estimated that there were then 1½ million totally unemployed and an equal number of partially unemployed persons in the country; and he was of opinion that these figures indicated a return to the normal level of unemployment throughout the country. Evidence of some further improvement in the situation is afforded by returns made to the United States Bureau of Labour Statistics by representative firms, comparing the months of September and October. From these it appears that these firms employed, in the aggregate, about 3 per cent, more workers in the latter month than in the former.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the number of persons, other than British subjects, in this country who are in receipt of unemployment pay and what is the annual cost involved?

These figures are not available; but I would point out that no aliens, other than ex-service men or the British-born wives and widows of aliens, are drawing benefit unless they are entitled to it on account of contributions paid by them.

asked the Minister of Labour the decrease in the last two years in the number of persons insured against unemployment; whether he has evidence that this decrease is due to the losses by death, emigration, and retirement being in excess of the number of young persons securing employment for the first time in insured industries; and whether, if this be so, how many young people who have left school in the last two years have failed to secure employment?

There has not been, so far as I am aware, a decrease in the number of persons insured against unemployment during the last two years. The figures published in the "Labour Gazette" show an apparent decrease, but this is accounted for partly by the omission of the Irish Free State from the later figures, partly by the decisions of the High Court as to the non-insurability of certain classes of workpeople, and partly by the fact that owing to incomplete information the first estimate in 1921 was in excess of the actual figure. It is not possible to give the number of boys and girls who have failed to secure employment after leaving school during the last two years.

asked the Minister of Labour if he has issued an instruction to the Employment Exchanges that when paying unemployment pay they may enter into arrangements with boards of guardians to deduct payment for relief which the recipient of unemployment pay may have received; and whether he is aware that at an Employment Exchange in Birmingham this course has been adopted?

When relief is granted by guardians in excess of what would have been paid, had the recipient been drawing benefit, and benefit is subsequently granted for the period for which the relief was paid, Section 14 of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1922, expressly authorises the deduction from that benefit and the repayment to the guardians of the amount of the excess relief so paid. Were it not for this provision the applicant would receive in respect of the same period both the benefit and the excess relief which was granted in place of benefit. Instructions on this point have been issued to local officers of the Department.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider the grievance of the agricultural labourers who, when they are given relief work by the district council not of a definite agricultural character, become liable for unemployment insurance under a ruling given by the Minister of Labour; and whether he is aware that the relief work seldom continues sufficiently long to enable them to benefit under the insurance scheme, which entails a heavy expense both on district councils and the men concerned without benefit to either?

Contributions are payable under the Unemployment Insurance Acts in respect of every person employed in insurable work. I have no power to exclude from this statutory obligation men who are engaged on relief work which is of an insurable character, even though the employment may be of short duration.

asked the Minister of Labour whether amongst the works to be stimulated by credit grants in the interests of the unemployed he will consider the repair and restoration of the Solway viaduct, now out of use and becoming derelict, to the great inconvenience and loss of the people?

I have been asked to reply. The question of the restoration of this viaduct is one for the Caledonian Railway Company. Some time ago the railway company had the matter under consideration, but came to the conclusion that, in the circumstances then prevailing, they would not be justified in incurring the expense involved. I will, however, communicate with them again and let the hon. Gentleman know the result.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the disparity between the extent of unemployment and the measures at present proposed for its relief, he will consider whether further measures might be taken whereby employers generally would be offered inducements to expend capital on work they otherwise would not undertake, thus reducing not only the local and national expense due to unemployment, but also its deteriorating effect upon the unemployed?

I do not think anything in the nature of a general subsidy of private enterprise would help in the long run towards the solving the unemployment problem. But I would call attention to the assistance proposed by the Trade Facilities Bill now before Parliament to schemes which will provide increased employment in this country.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the delay which is taking place in the completion of contracts in the shipyards and to the unemployment caused thereby; and whether there is any provision in the Government unemployment schemes for expediting this work, and so finding employment for many men who are at present in receipt of unemployment benefit?

The delay in the completion of contracts is one aspect of the general depression in trade, which can only be cured by a revival of industry. But I would point out that the further provision proposed in the Trade Facilities Bill now before Parliament will enable assistance to be given in proper cases, where the completion of contracts is at present delayed owing to lack of capital.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he has received a communication from the town clerk of Swansea in reference to an application from the tenants of houses erected by the corporation under assisted housing schemes of the Ministry of Health; is he aware that, owing to the distress prevailing through unemployment, and also the heavy reduction in wages that has taken place since the rents were fixed under Article VII (1) (a) of the Local Authorities (Assisted Housing Schemes) Regulation, 1919, the arrears are accumulating; and whether he will consider favourably an application for a reduction of an amount within the limits of the earnings of the tenants?

An application for reduction of rents of houses erected at Swansea under the assisted housing schemes has been received and reductions have been agreed with the corporation in respect of the houses on several of the housing sites. Having regard to the prevailing rents of comparable houses in the district my right hon. Friend is unable to agree to any further reduction of rents now fixed.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, if the grant for houses built under the scheme of the late Minister of Health can be given to builders who have exceeded the Regulations and have built houses upon a more generous scale than that dictated by the late Minister of Health?

My right hon. Friend is unable to authorise the payment of the grant under Section 1 of the Housing (Additional Powers) Act, 1919, in cases where the houses do not comply with the published Regulations.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether his Department is pressing local authorities who have building sites not built upon to dispose of them?

No general instructions as to disposal of land have been issued, but local authorities have been asked to give the matter special consideration where it appears that disposal on advantageous terms could be effected.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether there are any towns in the country, and, if so, which, which have not organised to the full extent, consonant with their financial resources, the various legislative Measures enabling them to deal with the housing evils; what action the Ministry has taken in these cases; and whether, as a result, any remedial measures have been adopted?

The extent of the activities of local authorities in dealing with the housing problem in their areas has necessarily varied with the different circumstances of the authorities, but I think it will be generally agreed that local authorities have, during the last two or three years, made very great efforts to deal with this difficult problem.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case of four men who were brought before the Central Criminal Court for taking possession of a disused house in South Grove, Peckham; whether he is aware that the men with their families were homeless and unemployed; that one of the women was pregnant, and expected to give, birth to a child; that the prosecution was under old Statutes of Richard II and Henry VI; that these men have been kept in prison for a long time pending sentence at the Sessions on 5th December; and will he give consideration to the case with a view to the discharge of these men and the providing of decent accommodation for themselves and families, particularly as the whole of the men served during the War and took part in the battles of Arras, Cambrai, Ypres and Loos?

These men were bound over in £5 each and discharged at the current Sessions. I much regret that it in beyond my power to provide housing accommodation for these men and their families.

asked the First Commissioner of Works, as representing the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that the houses erected by the Renfrewshire County Council at Jenny Lind, Spiersbridge, Thornliebank, are nearing completion; that some of them have been occupied by tenants since July; that these houses have been erected with a view to the use of gas but that no supply of gas is available because the board of health refuse to recognise the cost of leading the gas mains to the houses as approved expenditure; that accordingly the occupiers have no facilities for lighting, cooking, or washing clothes, and that although the tenants are assessed for public lighting, the new streets remain unlighted; and what steps is he prepared to take to remedy this state of affairs?

My Noble Friend is aware that the position is as stated in the first part of the question. The Scottish Board of Health, in accordance with their general policy, have declined to allow the cost of providing gas mains to rank as a charge against the local authority's State-assisted housing scheme. Negotiations, however, are now in course between the Board and the local authority with a view to an arrangement being come to whereby the mains will be provided by the latter. The public lighting of the streets is also a matter for the local authority.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, if he will consider a modification of the Dentists Act, 1921, to insure that such unregistered dental practitioners and dental mechanics as had not attained the age of 23 on 28th July, 1921, but who had served in the late War shall be eligible to sit for examination, and thus ensure that ex-service men of the above categories are not driven into the ranks of the unemployed?

My right hon. Friend is not prepared to recommend the introduction of amending legislation which might be of a controversial character. But if general agreement can be secured in support of a Private Member's Bill, dealing with the matters raised by the hon. and gallant Member, he would be disposed to give it favourable consideration, subject to the inclusion of such safeguards as are necessary in the public interest.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that ex-service men were not utilised as poll clerks in the Shrewsbury Division at the recent General Election, although it was advertised that preference would be given to ex-service men; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

Such appointments rest with the returning officer, and I have no information as to the circumstances in the particular case referred to. I will, however, make inquiry and inform my Noble Friend of the result.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that at a recent vacancy for a tax collector in the Condover Division of Salop an ex-service man, though summoned to attend before the Commissioners of Taxes on the occasion of the selection of a candidate, was never interviewed; whether preference for ex-service men is the policy of His Majesty's Government in all such appointments; and whether, seeing that that policy was not carried out in this instance, he will have the matter further investigated?

I am causing inquiry to be made into the case to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, and will let him know the result in due course.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why a number of temporary Government clerks are to be dismissed to make room for the successful candidates in a recent open competitive examination; whether any saving in expenditure will be thereby effected or the reverse; whether he is aware that the bulk of these men are ex-service men; and whether he will at any rate give an assurance that married men shall be the last to be dismissed?

The hon. and gallant Member is under a misapprehension. Ex-service men are not being discharged from Government Departments to make way for successful candidates from any open competitive examination. I may, however, explain that in accordance with the recommendations of Lord Lytton's Committee, a competition, limited to ex-service men temporarily employed in Government Departments, was held last August for posts in the clerical class, and it is possible that unqualified candidates may be required to give way to ex-service men, who qualified at this competition. The Lytton Committee further recom- mended that the normal order of discharge of ex-service men temporarily employed should be (i) home service men, (ii) overseas men, and (iii) disabled men. Subject to this principle, and to the overriding consideration of efficiency, regard is had, however, wherever possible, both to the personal circumstances of the men in question and to any representations which the ex-service associations may wish to make in individual cases.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the setting up of a select committee to inquire into the position of ex-service men absorbed into the Civil Service under the terms of the Lytton Committee with a view to a review of the initial salaries granted to these men, and to securing that they shall not suffer by accepting permanent as against temporary employment?

This question was fully considered by the Lytton Committee, and I am not prepared to agree to a further inquiry. I should perhaps add that I do not accept the implication in the hon. Member's question that these men suffer by taking permanent as against temporary employment.

asked the Postmaster-General what is the total number of ex-service (Lytton) candidates who have been appointed to the General Post Office since the setting up of the Lytton Committee; how many of these men were 24 years of age and upwards and have been appointed clerical officers at the same salary as that paid to a youth of 18 years just entering the Service, i.e., £80 per annum plus bonus; and how many clerical officers under the age of 21 years, who entered the General Post Office through other channels than the special ex-service clerical class competitions, are receiving more than £80 per annum plus bonus?

I am having inquiry made and will communicate with the hon. Member later.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is proposed to remove the headquarters of the Training Department of the Ministry from Edinburgh to Glasgow on 15th January, 1923; whether, if so, he is aware that this will cause hardship to many members of the staff without any gain in public economy or efficiency; whether the work of interviewing employers and others is undertaken by a special canvassing staff not specially dependent on the location of the headquarters; and whether, having regard to these facts, he will allow the Department to remain in Edinburgh?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 12th December to a question on this subject addressed to me by the hon. and gallant Member for Leith (Captain W. Benn). I am sending him a copy. The work of the canvassing staff is immediately supervised by the Divisional Director. It is desirable that the Divisional Director should have his headquarters in the district in which most of the work is done.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that His Majesty's Treasury took executive action in reducing salaries of the temporary clerical staff in the Civil Service on the 4th August; that it resulted in reductions of of existing salaries both on the 1st September and 1st December last, and that prior to the 4th August the matter had been the subject of discussion between the official and staff sides of the pay committee of the National Whitley Council; whether agreement was reached by the committee; and, if not, was disagreement registered and reported to the National Whitley Council, and permitted to be referred to arbitration?

I am aware of the action which was taken in this matter after prolonged discussion with representatives of the staff concerned. The disagreement reached on the pay committee has been reported to the National Whitley Council. As stated in my reply to a similar question put by the hon. Member for Plaistow (Mr. W. Thorne) on the 12th December, I am not prepared to agree that the matter should now be referred to arbitration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, under the Lytton Report for the employment of ex-service men in the Civil Service, fit home-service men are being substituted for women temporary clerks who served in Government Departments during the War and who were thereby precluded from volunteering for war service; and whether, in the interests of economy in the Civil Service, the Government will consider the discretion of not permitting further substitution in Departments like the taxes branch of the Inland Revenue, where the replacement of experienced technical women clerks by men not so qualified is likely to impede the efficiency of the Department?

It is the accepted policy of His Majesty's Government to accord preference in the matter of employment in the Civil Service to ex-service men. At the present time the number of men who served overseas or who are disabled is normally more than sufficient to fill such vacancies as exist or can be effected by substitution. Where this is not the case, ex-service men who were not sent overseas are accorded preference over temporary women clerks taken on during the War. The question of the further substitution of temporary women clerks by ex-service men in the Department of Inland Revenue is at present under consideration, and in arriving at a decision full regard will be had to the need for the maintenance, of the, efficiency of the Department.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Joint Substitution Board has decided that it is not possible to justify the continued employment even of war widows and war dependants on grounds of hardship except in very exceptional cases; and whether, seeing that the recommendations of the Lytton Committee authorise heads of Departments to decide cases within their own purview, he will say for what reason is the Imperial War Graves Commission1 being compelled to dismiss elderly women with seven years' service whom they desire to retain alike on grounds of efficiency and of hardship?

In view of the fact that the retention on duties which can be discharged by men of non-service clerical staff in present circumstances either involves the discharge in their stead of ex-service employés or prevents the reallocation to fresh Departments of ex-service men discharged from their former Departments on reduction, it has been decided that such retention cannot normally be permitted on grounds of hardship even in the class of case described. It was therefore incumbent on the Joint Substitution Board to press the Imperial War Graves Commission to substitute ex-service men for their non-service clerical staff, but I understand that discharges of war widows are not in fact involved.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many members of the staff are now accommodated in the new building at Acton; and whether he has now been able, in co-operation with local or other authorities, to make provision for housing accommodation in the district for those who need it?

The Ministry's staff at Acton numbers 4,800. As regards the last part of the question, I am afraid I have nothing to add to the reply given to my hon. Friend on the 29th June last, when he was informed that schemes for the erection of a number of houses in the neighbourhood of Acton had been approved by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, but that the allotment of the houses rested with the local authorities concerned.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will take the necessary steps to see that the 29 most highly-paid persons who are not ex-service men shall be transferred or removed and their places filled by men who served the country during the War in the forces?

In my reply to the hon. Member on the 8th instant I stated that 29 of the 45 most highly-paid officials in the Ministry are ex-service men. The remaining 16 are all established civil servants of considerable experience, and it would not be in the interests of the work of the Ministry or the State to remove them from their present duties.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total amount that was paid in premiums during the War for insurance against damage by enemy aircraft under the Government scheme: how much of this has been paid out in claims; and what is being done with the balance, if any?

The net premiums received by the Government under the Aircraft Insurance Scheme amounted to £14,086,615, and the amount paid in claims was £3,046,790. The balance of the fund was paid into the Exchequer at the time.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what sum has been received from the sale of Vote-of-Credit assets from 5th April to 31st October, 1922, inclusive?

As shown in the last weekly Exchequer statement, the total Special Miscellaneous Receipts from 1st April, 1922, down to 9th December was £34,602,000. Of this approximately £30,000,000 may be taken as the Exchequer Receipt from Vote of Credit realisations during that period.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total amount which has been realised since the Armistice in respect of the sale of war stores?

Vote of Credit realisations from 1st April, 1919, to 9th December amount to approximately £1,120 millions. It is not possible to give a figure for war stores in the restricted sense separately.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether steps will be taken to alter the law whereby a pension which a widow is receiving for the loss of a son in the War shall be treated as income when making application for an old age pension?