asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has any information showing how many millions sterling have been advanced to farmers for the purchase of their holdings and which money is still owing by the principal banks of the Country; and, if so, whether he will give the approximate total?

From information furnished by the five leading Joint Stock Banks, it appears that the total debit balance outstanding on 31st August last in respect of the purchase of agricultural land in England and Wales amounted to 26¼ million sterling. I have no information as to the amount of the original loans represented by this residuary figure, or as to the total capital sums advanced from other sources.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what was the cost involved in the building of a first-class battleship in 1914; and what would be the cost involved in the building of a similar type of battleship in 1923?

The cost involved in the building of a first-class battleship in 1914 (pre-War) was approximately £2,500,000. The cost involved in the building of a similar type of battleship, corresponding to the labour and material prices now current in 1923, would be about £3,300,000. It must, however, be borne in mind that a modern capital ship embodies features found necessary in the light of war experience which involve a considerably greater tonnage, offensive and defensive armament, and consequently cost.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mr. William Murray, late private, No. 598, Gordon Highlanders, of 36, Hutcheon Street, Aberdeen, who is at present a patient in Edenhall hospital, and who has recently received a notification from the war pensions committee to the effect that his allowances in respect of his two step-children are to be stopped, and the amount previously paid to him to be recognised as having been an over- payment and to be repaid to the Ministry, and who since admission to the hospital, and up to the date of the receipt of the letter, has been in receipt of the sum of £3 0s. 6d. per week in respect of his wife and one child of his own and two stepchildren; whether he is aware that previous to admission to hospital he at all times maintained these two step-children, and that during the time of his training he received payments in respect of them; and whether he will have inquiries made into the matter?

This man's marriage took place some years after his discharge from the Army, in 1916. He did not contribute to the maintenance of his stepchildren before the latter date, and con- sequently there are no grounds on which payment of allowances in respect of them could be justified.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport when his decision as regards the future of Wylam Bridge, on the River Tyne, will be announced?

Negotiations are proceeding between the Northumberland County Council and the Ministry. The County Council are now in communication with the Bridge Trust, with a view to arriving at a satisfactory settlement.