asked the President of the Board of Education whether per- mission has yet been given to the Leeds Education Committee to proceed with the building of a secondary school for boys at Roundhay; and, if not, whether, in the interest of education and with a view to providing work for a large number of unemployed, permission can now be given?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, but the case is still under active consideration with the local education authority.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Board of Education has caused an inquiry to be held into the occurrence of an explosion of chemicals during a lesson in May, 1922, at East Dereham High School, as a result of which one of the pupils, named Eva Foster, received permanent injury; and whether the Board will recommend the payment of a larger sum in compensation than was awarded?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I understand from a report in the Press that the pupil in question was awarded £350 damages against the county council at the Norwich Assizes. I have no authority to intervene in the matter.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of statements made by many farmers that they regret the inadequacy of the wages they are paying too farm labourers and that the reason for their inability to pay an adequate wage is the excessive rental they have contracted to pay, he will consider the advisability of establishing courts for the rapid adjustment of rents?

I have not seen any statements by farmers complaining of excessive rents and see no reason to adopt the course suggested in the latter part of the question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the standard weekly wage of farm labourers in Norfolk, Suffolk, Wiltshire, and Oxfordshire?

From such information as is at my disposal, the prevailing weekly cash wages for ordinary agricultural labourers in the counties in question are 25s. in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Oxfordshire, and 27s. in Wiltshire.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that farmers in the county of Norfolk have recently stated that they may be forced by circumstances further to reduce the wages of farm labourers below 25s. a week; and whether, having regard to the fact that married labourers earning 25s. a week are compelled in numerous instances to seek Poor Law relief, he will consider the advisability of re-establishing the Agricultural Wages Board?

I am aware that statements have been made to the effect referred to, but I do not think that the re-establishment of the Agricultural Wages Board would necessarily relieve the situation.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the amount of the minimum rate of wages actually paid to agricultural labourers in Somerset in the month of January, 1923?

I have no information as to the minimum rates of wages actually paid to agricultural labourers in Somerset in January, but I understand that a rate of 30s. per week was recommended by the National Farmers' Union as the rate to be paid up to the end of December.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if, in view of the present difficulties of the farmers, he will introduce legislation providing for a moratorium for farmers' debts to obviate the embarrassment which pressure to collect would involve?

The answer is in the negative. I would remind the hon. Member that in order to assist farmers suffering from financial stringency, the Government has announced its intention of introducing legislation for the provision of credit facilities for agriculturists.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what percentage of the population depend for their livelihood

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will introduce legislation to amend the Game Laws so as to give occupiers of agricultural land shooting rights on their own farms?

No, Sir. It is not intended to introduce legislation on this subject at the present time.

on pasture and agriculture in Great Britain, the Colonies, India, and the European countries?

The figures are as follow:

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the price of sulphate of ammonia is regulated by the quantity in the market or by the operations of a combine controlling the trade?

I understand that the majority of the producers of sulphate of ammonia agree as to the price to be charged, but this price is naturally dependent on the supply and demand, and is materially affected by the price of other fertilisers.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will give an assurance that Scottish seed potatoes sent to England can be sold and planted under identically the same Regulations as applicable to seed potatoes grown in England and Wales?

It is not proposed to make regulations concerning Scottish seed potatoes sent to England that would be more stringent than those relating to English grown seed.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is in a position to indicate, approximately, when the Report of the Agricultural Prices Committee will be published?

No, Sir. I am advised that, with the exception of one or two witnesses who may be reheard on specific points, the Committee has concluded the hearing of evidence with regard to milk and dairy produce and, as soon as the mass of essential statistical data has been assembled, co-ordinated and considered, an interim report in respect of this commodity will be issued. I hope, in due course, to receive interim reports as regards fruit, vegetables and meat, in respect of which, I gather, provisional evidence has already been heard, and, subsequently, as regards cereals and bread. The hon. and gallant Member will realise that the Committee is confronted with a task of exceptional complexity and magnitude, and one which, in the nature of things, cannot be hastened without seriously prejudicing the Committee's investigations.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many cases of bankruptcy occurred among farmers, and the total amount involved in those failures, in the years 1914, 1921, and 1922, respectively?

The figures are as follow:

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether there is any reason why the humane killer should not be used in the slaughter-houses of this country; and, if not, will he undertake to see that this measure of reform is put into force at the earliest possible moment?

The matter in question is at present under consideration by a Committee of the Cabinet.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the position with regard to the Kelham sugar beet factory; and if any arrangement has been made with the Cantley sugar beet factory?

In accordance with working arrangements which have been entered into with a view to the future amalgamation of the Kelham and Cantley sugar beet schemes, it has been arranged for both the Kelham and Cantley factories to offer contracts for beet to the limit of their respective capacities, and therefore 6,000 acres will be grown this year by farmers for Kelham, and 9,000 acres for Cantley. Although this is nearly double the area grown last year, many requests from farmers had to be refused. Alterations and improvements in the plant of the Kelham factory are contemplated which will enable it to deal efficiently with this year's crop. The Government have approved a scheme providing for the raising of the capital required for this purpose and for the complete reorganisation of the company's financial affairs, details of which are shortly to be submitted to a shareholders' meeting. In view of these arrangements, the pro- posed amalgamation of the two sugar companies is being postponed until the end of the present season, when the results of the operations of both factories will be available.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether His Majesty's Government has intimated to the South African Government that legislation will be introduced during this Session with the object of allowing South African cattle to enter Great Britain on the same terms and conditions as cattle from Canada?

His Majesty's Government have informed the Government of the Union of South Africa that if the question of removing the restrictions regarding the importation of cattle from the Union (and from the other Dominions concerned) is raised at the next Imperial Conference and a mutually satisfactory arrangement reached, legislation will be introduced to give effect to such arrangements.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the ports in Scotland at which Canadian cattle can be landed and the markets which have been approved for the sale of Canadian imported cattle?

Until the Importation of Animals Act, 1922, is brought into operation, probably in a few weeks' time, Canadian cattle cannot be landed at any port. It is expected, however, that Dundee and Glasgow will be ready for that purpose as soon as the Act comes into force, and I shall be prepared to consider approving any other ports as landing places for Canadian animals upon the receipt of proposals from the authorities of the ports concerned. With regard to markets, the Ministry is not aware that any have yet been authorised by the local authorities for the sale of Canadian cattle.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the approximate number of allotment holders on land acquired under the Cultivation of Lands Orders who will be dispossessed on 25th March next; and what steps are being taken by local authorities to provide alternative allotments?

As my hon. Friend is aware, local authorities have power to acquire for allotments land at present utilised for the purpose under the Cultivation of Lands Orders. The Ministry is aware that the great majority of such authorities have acquired or are negotiating for the acquisition of land for the purpose, but it is impossible at present to give even an approximate figure of the number of plot holders who will not be provided with land when the Ministry withdraws from D.O.R.A. land on the 25th March next. Allotment authorities are busily engaged in the work of acquisition, and I am reluctant to impose upon them additional work by calling for statistical returns.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction among allotment holders in certain parts of the country owing to increases of rents by local authorities; that in certain cases these increases have amounted to as much as 50 per cent. of the previous rent; and that land previously let for agricultural purposes at £3 per acre is being let to allotment holders at £16 per acre; and whether he proposes to take any steps in this matter?

The principal underlying the provision of allotments by local authorities is that the allotments undertaking in each area should be self-supporting and that the land should be let at the full fair rent for its use as allotments. If my hon. Friend will supply me with particulars of any cases where it is contended that local authorities are contravening the provisions of the Allotments Acts in the matter of rents chargeable by them, I will have inquiries made.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that the Australian Government pay a bounty of ¼d. per lb. on all meat exported from Australia; and what steps he proposes to recommend for the protection of British farmers?

I understand that under the Meat Export Bounties Act, 1922, the Government of the Commonwealth granted certain bounties on the export of beef and of live cattle for slaughter. These bounties are of a purely temporary character and do not apply to beef exported later than the 31st March next or to live cattle exported after the 31st December last. Under these circumstances no action is contemplated.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the promised improved regulations in connection with the shipment from this country of worn-out horses have been put into effect; and whether he can give the House the assurance that there is no suffering to-day inflicted upon these animals in transit?

Under the Export of Horses Order, 1921, which came into force on 1st January, 1922, the Ministry has enforced a very high standard of fitness in regard to horses for export, and it can no longer be said that a trade in worn-out horses exists. The provision of special fittings is required for the vessels engaged in this trade, and I am satisfied that there is to-day no suffering caused to horses in transit save such as is caused by the roughness of the sea to all animals, human as well as equine. I may mention, as indicating the effect of the new regulations, that the number of live horses exported in 1922 to Belgium, the principal country concerned, was less than half as many as in 1921, while the weight of carcases has increased by nearly 50 per cent. for the same period.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War to what purposes the accumulated balances of the Canteen Fund are being allocated at the present time; and what proportion, if any, is allocated to the United Services Fund and to ex-service men's clubs?

I would refer the hon. Member to the War Service Canteens (Disposal of Surplus) Act of 1922, which authorised the payment to the United Services Fund of sums amounting in all to about £7,200,000. These payments have been duly made. The question of grants to ex-service men's clubs is one for the United Services Fund, and any grants made by them to such clubs will be shown in their annual reports. A copy of the last report can be obtained gratis on application to the offices of the Fund at 29, Cromwell Road, S.W.7.

asked the Minister of Pensions upon what principle it was decided to transfer ex-service patients in county mental hospitals, formerly chargeable to the Ministry of Pensions, from the private (service) class to the pauper class; and whether the Ministry will undertake to reconsider the whole matter, in view of the stigma imposed upon the men and the injustice of moving the burden from the State to the locality?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Bow and Bromley (Mr. Lansbury) on the 15th February, and of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that settlement on the land in New Zealand for 20,000 soldiers only entailed a loss of £2 2s. 4d. per man; what was the loss entailed in this country by a similar land settlement; and what reasons are assignable to the discrepancy?

I regret that I have not detailed information as to the cost of the land settlement scheme in New Zealand. I am, however, making inquiries and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what has been the total capital invested in the Patrington Farm Settlement; and what is the amount of loss on the past year's trading?

The total amount of Treasury advances outstanding on the 31st March, 1922, was £63,045 in respect of expenditure on the buildings, fencing, roads, water supply, etc. In addition, farming capital had been advanced by the Treasury to the amount of £55,690 for the 2,363 acres which were being farmed at that date. The actual cash loss on farming operations during the financial year 1921–22 was £3,225, which the Ministry believes is comparable with that sustained by farmers generally in the district. After adding interest on Treasury advances for farming capital, depreciation to meet the general decline of prices, administrative expenses and overhead charges, the loss on the farm trading profit and loss account amounted to £16,094.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the discontent prevailing, he is prepared to set up a Committee of Inquiry to investigate the whole of the circumstances of the case, the conditions of service, and the initial salary of successful candidates at the special competitions for the clerical class of the Civil Service?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on the 15th instant to the hon. Member for Barnstaple (Mr. Peto) and the hon. Member for Barnsley (Mr. Potts).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the policy of the Treasury towards disabled ex-service men employed as temporary clerks in Government offices; whether it is the intention of the Treasury to discharge them all from Government employ by 1923; if so, whether length of service will be taken into account; and whether any gratuity will be awarded?

The policy of the Government in the matter of temporary employment in the Civil Service is to accord full preference to disabled ex-service men, and on 1st January last there were so employed 17,045 disabled men, comprising 37 per cent. of the temporary male staff and 25 per cent. of the total temporary staff, both male and female. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative, and parts three and four, therefore, do not appear to arise.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Treasury letter of the 12th July, 1920, ruled that where clerical officers are employed on mechanical work for a period not exceeding 12 months, writing assistants would not be introduced, and that if the employment of clerical officers in such way was considered impracticable, writing assistants would not be introduced until experience had shown this to be necessary; whether up to the present it has been found practicable to arrange the alleged mechanical work of the Tea Accounts Branch, Custom House, so that clerical officers or an equivalent temporary grade are not employed on this work for more than the first year of service; whether writing assistants are to be introduced despite disagreements between staff and official sides and without the period of trial referred to above having been given; if the introduction of 28 writing assistants will mean that temporary ex-service men will be replaced by these young girls; and why, in the face of these facts, are writing assistants to be introduced into the Tea Accounts Branch, Custom House, to the detriment of ex-service men's prospects and in contradiction to the terms of the Reconstruction Report?

I am informed that it is not practicable to arrange the mechanical work of the Tea Accounts Branch, Custom House, so that clerical officers or their equivalents are not employed on this work for more than the first year of service. It has accordingly been decided to introduce writing assistants into this branch, but their introduction will not involve the discharge of any temporary ex-service men.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if steps will be taken to remove the hardship and injustice as regards salary under which ex-service temporary clerks who may be successful in obtaining permanent appointments in the Taxes Branch of the Inland Revenue Department suffer; and will a Committee of Inquiry be set up to investigate the whole of the circumstances of the case, the conditions of service, and the initial salary of successful candidates at the special Lytton competitions for the clerical class of the Civil Service?

The initial salary of ex-service men appointed as a result of the recent limited competitions as established Tax Clerks is assessed on a basis analogous to that recommended by Lord Lytton's Committee in the case of entrants to the clerical class. As regards the latter portion of the question I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my answer of 15th February to the hon. Members for Barnsley (Mr. Potts) and Barnstaple (Mr. Peto).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total number of time-serving solders at present holding permanent positions in His Majesty's Civil Service, and also the number of hostilities men without previous service in the Government Department who have been given established positions in the Civil Service?

I regret that information on the lines asked for by the hon. Member is not available.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that ex-service men employed as temporary officers in the prisons service are engaged upon continuous night duty of 10 hours per night for 14 consecutive nights, followed by one night off duty; that under this system these men enjoy only one Sunday off in 14 weeks; and whether, in view of the strain of continuous night work, he will consider the possibility of allowing these men one night off per week and thus reduce the weekly working hours to 60, or grant some other concession which will render their duties less arduous?

No provision has been made in the current Estimates for the increased cost that would be entailed by giving one night off in seven instead of one night off in 14, as at present, but the point is one that might be considered by the Committee I have just appointed to consider the conditions of service at the prisons.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that since the 31st December last 326 clerks have been discharged from the Claims and Record Office, Kew, in the proportion of five men to one woman; and, in view of the terms of the Lytton Report, can he explain the reasons for this action?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to the hon. Member for Richmond (Mr. Becker) on Thursday last, copies of which I am sending to the hon. Member.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that emigration to New Zealand is only possible by a system of nomination in that Dominion; and if he will approach the New Zealand Government with a view to the modification of this scheme?

The system of nomination is at present regarded by the New Zealand Government as essential until conditions in the Dominion are more favourable for new settlers. The Colonial Office will keep in touch with the New Zealand authorities with a view to the formulation of schemes under the Empire Settlement Act, 1922, whenever the Government of New Zealand see their way to further co-operation under that Act.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War the number of officers of all ranks on the staff of the Aldershot Command; the total number of officers on the strength of the Aldershot Command; the total number of troops in the Aldershot Command; and the corresponding figures for 1913?

The figures are:—Staff in 1913, 26, now 34; total strength, in 1913, 25,517, now 16,725. The additional staff officers are, one command accountant, one education officer, one chief signal officer, one assistant chief signal officer, one assistant director of hygiene, one assistant director of pathology, one deputy-assistant director of ordnance services and one executive officer, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, but the three latter appointments are not real additions, since they were held by regimental officers in 1913. The present total strength will be increased by 4,000 to 5,000 as soon as troops at present temporarily detached from Aldershot for service elsewhere return to their proper station.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will reconsider his decision not to issue a medal to the men of the National Reserve who served during the late War, inasmuch as they discharged valuable duties and were kept on service around the coast doing guard duties and patrol work at most important points; whether it is possible to permit the extension of the new General Service Medal to these reservists; and whether he is aware of the strong feeling on the subject at the absence of any recognition whatever of the services they rendered?

The question of issuing a medal for the performance of general military duty at home during the Great War has been, after full examination, decided in the negative. I am aware of the considerations urged on the subject, but I am unable to hold out any prospect that the decision given will be varied. The grant of the General Service Medal would be inappropriate. That medal was not given for the Great War and is only granted in respect of participation in actual military operations.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War when it is proposed to distribute the special medals to the officers and men of the British relief force which operated in Northern Russia in 1919?

No special medal will be granted for service in North Russia after the Armistice, but the personnel concerned are eligible to receive the British War and Victory Medals. Any who have not yet received these medals should apply, in the case of officers, to the Secretary, War Office (A.G. 10), and in the case of other ranks to their regimental record office.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the free use of camp equipment may be continued to be granted to cadet units in training, provided the cost of carriage is borne by the unit concerned?

The possibility of issuing camp equipment to cadet units in training and under what conditions is now under consideration.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of officers who have been through the secretaries' course; the number qualified; and the number since appointed as secretaries to flag officers?

The secretaries' course is open to officers who have served as secretaries, as well as to officers qualifying for service as such. Fifty-three officers have completed the secretaries' course, of whom 36 had previously served as secretaries, and all have qualified. So far, 11 officers, who have been through the course, have been appointed as secretaries, nine of these as secretaries to flag officers.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether in each of the three Home Depots an officer holds an appointment as chief of police; and, if so, who are the police these officers are in charge of?

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the officers of the Regulating Branch, appointed in charge of the regulating staff at the three home ports. The officers at Portsmouth and Chatham hold the old title of Chief of Police, but steps are being taken in each of these cases to alter the title to that held by the officer at Devonport, namely, Chief of Regulating Staff.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can supply figures showing the present strength in submarines and auxiliary craft of the United States of America, France and Great Britain; and whether he has any information as to the inauguration of a new building programme by France in these armaments?

At the present time the United States of America, France and Great Britain have 104, 47 and 65 submarines respectively. France has also five submarines building, eight more have been ordered, and a further nine have been authorised by the Chamber of Deputies subject to the approval of the Senate. I understand that a new naval programme is also shortly to be submitted, but I have no details. I should be glad if my hon. and gallant Friend would put another question down as regards the auxiliary craft, specifying exactly what type of vessel he refers to.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty whether a protest has been received from the agreement men's association at Bermuda Dockyard against the new duties on imported food; and is he aware that the recent award of 14s. weekly does not adequately cover the increased cost of living?

A communication has been received from the employés referred to in the hon. Member's question, in which the employés state that the recent increase in pay does not entirely cover the increase in the price of commodities due to the new import duties. This communication was understood to be a plea for increased emoluments rather than a protest against the duties. So far as can be judged by the available figures, the increase of 14s. a week does not cover the increased cost of living. I may add that the additional wages granted are not intended entirely to cover the increased cost of living.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the recent regulation concerning the removal of the head covering of chief petty officers on certain occasions is in accordance with the Admiralty reply given to Item 57 of the 1919 welfare requests?

I do not think there is any discrepancy.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of dependants' pensions that have been increased and altered during the year 1922?

There are some 357,000 dependants' pensions now in pay- ment. Of these about 26,500 were increased or reduced during the year 1922, resulting in an average reduction of 1s. in the pensons altered.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Mrs. Emily T. Ashton, who was in receipt of a pension allowance of 10s. 2d. per week as the dependant of the late Private Arthur Jewell, No. 793, Welsh Guards, has been reduced to 5s. 2d. per week; that at a recent medical examination she was certified to be suffering from chronic asthma; that she has a daughter 15 years of age suffering from tuberculosis; that the late soldier was her adopted son, and she was partially dependent upon him pre-War; and, in view of the health circumstances, will he cause inquiry to be made so that the original allowance of 10s. 2d. may be restored?

My right hon. Friend is personally inquiring into this case and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of disability cases originally held to be attributable to war service, but which have since been certified as suffering from causes aggravated by such service?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Gower (Mr. D. Grenfell) on the 1st December last, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Arthur Goodworth Herne, 42, Lock Lane, Tharne, near Doncaster, No. 822, 1st Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment, who enlisted on 3rd February, 1905, was discharged on 3rd May, 1912, suffering from retinal detachment of the right eye, after serving seven years and 90 days, five-and-a-half years in India as acting-bandsman, and was awarded temporary pension for 21 months of 1s. 6d. a day; that subsequent application for continued pension in August, 1913, was disallowed on the ground that disability was not due to service abroad; that he enlisted on 10th February, 1916, and after serving 168 days, No. 27753, Infantry Works Company, Yorkshire Regiment, he was again discharged as unfit for service because of retinal detachment and cataracts in both eyes; that he was refused a pension on 19th October, 1916, on the ground that disability was neither due to nor aggravated by service in the Great War, and because he had not completed six months' service, although he was promoted full corporal during this latter service; that later he justified his claim for a pension by medical evidence, although it was withheld on the grounds that disability was due to service prior to the Great War, but was subsequently granted at the rate of 1s. 6d. per day on the 17th December, 1917, and later increased after various operations and treatment in institutions to 26s. 3d. per week, less 6s. per week deductions made for repayment of £39 4s. which had been paid as treatment allowance; and whether, seeing that the man is totally blind due to service in the Army, he will place him in a similar category to all other blind war pensioners?

The Pensions Appeal Tribunal, having confirmed the decision of the Ministry that this man's disability, which is of pre-War origin, was not worsened by his service during the Great War, I regret that it is not possible to bring the case within the provisions of the Great War Warrant. I am, however, looking into the question of the overpayment mentioned.

asked the Minister of Pensions if his attention has been drawn to the case of Mr. Benjamin Richards, late private, No. 352,829, Labour Corps, of 26, East Street, Blandford, a married man with one child, whose pension was reduced on the 2nd November last from £2 17s. 6d. per week to 17s. 3d. per week, notwithstanding the fact that three doctors, including the county clinic, have certified that Richards is unable to work owing to his suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis, contracted on war service on the Somme in 1916–17; and whether he will give instructions to the Pensions Committee in Dorchester to reinvestigate the case, with a view to the reinstatement of the full pension to which the disability of Richards would appear to entitle him?

This man has recently been examined by a Medical Board which assessed disablement at 50 per cent. and pension at the rate of 25s. a week has accordingly been authorised. If the man is dissatisfied with this assessment he may appeal, on the usual conditions, to a Medical Appeal Board at any time before the end of next month. I may perhaps explain that the payment of £2 17s. 6d. a week referred to was not a pension, but allowances granted during a course of treatment which prevented the man from providing for his own support and that of his family.

asked the Minister of Pensions if his attention has been drawn to the case of Sydney Charles Rolls, of Kingston, Haselbury Bryan, Sturminster Newton, late Gunner, No. 82,125, Royal Garrison Artillery, who, notwithstanding that on discharge on the 19th March, 1918, he was certified totally disabled and assessed 100 per cent. pension, namely £2 weekly, had his pension reduced to 90 per cent.; whether he is aware that Rolls was passed Al on enlistment, is suffering from head wounds, and paralysed left side with left arm useless; and whether he will give instructions for Rolls to have a fresh examination with a view to his pension being assessed in accordance with his total disablement discharge?

In this case the assessment of 90 per cent. given by a medical appeal board represented an increase on the assessment for the two previous years and is final for the period of the present award, unless the man's condition has grown worse since his examination by that board, in which case he may apply through the local area office for re-consideration of his assessment on that ground.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Mr. George Baker, 35, Orrell Lane, Bootle, Ministry of Pensions, No. 3/MB/18,015, having successfully appealed to a tribunal, no increase was made in his pre-War pension of 8d. per day; and whether, having regard to the small purchasing power of this amount, an increase will be made under The Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920?

The degree of this man's disablement being under 20 per cent. he is not eligible for any more favourable compensation under the Great War Warrant than his present pension of 8d. a day. I will, however, have the possibility of authorising an increase under the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920, considered.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been called to the case of Mr. Summerfield, of 14, Sandy Road, Seaforth, Lancashire, formerly private 7th King's Regiment, who was wounded at Festubert on 17th May, 1915, and through mistaken diagnosis was treated for kidney disease, the real cause of his disablement being a shrapnel bullet which remained in his back until November, 1921, when it was removed at his own expense; that Mr. Summerfield's request for compensation in June, 1922, has only produced an instruction from the Ministry of Pensions to proceed to hospital for a month; and that this would be disastrous to his business; and what steps he proposes to take in this matter?

I am having this case investigated and will let the hon. and gallant Member know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has decided against the request of the Scottish Regional Advisory Council of the Ministry of Pensions that the counties of Argyll, Dumbarton, and Forfar should be directly represented on the council; whether these are now the only areas in Scotland which will be without direct

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of appeals made by

representation; and, if so, what is the reason for the distinction in their case?

Regional advisory councils are representative of all sections of persons and bodies concerned or interested in the local administration of pensions within their respective regions. In order to keep the membership of a council within reasonable limits, it has been necessary in each case to limit the representation of war pensions committees to a number which will leave adequate representation to the other interests. Individual representation is not given to each war pensions committee within the region, and indeed it would be impracticable to do so. In the case of Scotland the number of representatives of war pensions committees was limited to 12, for whom, however, all the 16 committees in Scotland were invited to vote, thus ensuring full representation to the whole body of committees in the region.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he can give for each of the years 1919 to 1922, inclusive, the number of beneficiaries under the various Royal Warrants arising out of the Great War, the number of staff of all grades, the number of permanent officials of the rank of principal clerk and above, and the cost of administration?

The figures are as follow:

ex-service men at the clinic attached to the North-East Glamorgan area on the ground of deterioration; the number allowed; the number of appeals made for treatment; and the number granted with allowances?

Of the 360 claims for deterioration examined at this clinic during the past five months about 100 appeared to be well founded and were accordingly sent for examination by a medical board. During the same period, the clinic dealt with some 600 applications for treatment, of which 114 were found to be cases requiring a definite course of treatment under the Ministry of such a nature as to permit of the grant of allowances. In the remaining cases it was found that all necessary treatment could be satisfactorily obtained by occasional attendances at the clinic or from the man's panel doctor.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that the system of changing the chief area officer without notifying the committee of the change or the name of the person appointed is resented as discourteous to the committee, and that these committees have been informed that they were not permitted to forward resolutions to Members of Parliament; and what is the reason of this?

My right hon. Friend fully agrees that any change of the nature indicated in the first part of the question should be promptly communicated to committees and he is taking steps to see that the existing instructions on the point are strictly observed. There seems to be some misapprehension as regards the second part of the question; committees are quite free to communicate direct with Members of this House.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of persons, males and females, respectively, trained, certificated, and graduated for the teaching profession in England, Scotland, and Wales employed at the present time; and the attitude of the Board towards the suggestion that unemployed teachers qualified to do so have preference over employed teachers in evening class work?

The number of full-time certificated teachers in public elementary schools in England and Wales in the regular employ of local education authorities on the 31st December last, according to returns received from those authorities, was 36,379 men and 80,111 women; total 116,490. I regret I am unable to state how many of these hold university degrees. On the 31st March, 1921, about 80,500 out of 117,500 were college trained. For Scotland I must refer the hon. Member to the Scottish Office. It is for the local education authority to select the persons who by qualifications and experience are best suited to teach in the evening classes of various types. The Board would certainly not question the action of an authority which decided that, other things being equal, preference should be given to teachers who were not employed in the day time.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of young persons between the ages of 14 and 16 who are unemployed; and whether he will consider steps by which children who have reached the school-leaving age may continue at school with the right to leave whenever they obtain employment?

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that local education authorities have recently had a communication from the Ministry of Labour with reference to the desirability of opening a school for dealing with juvenile unemployed; whether, having regard to the large number of boys and girls completing their course in the elementary schools and failing to find employment, he will put into force the powers given under Section 46 ( a ) of the Education Act, 1921, to raise the compulsory age of attendance at elementary schools to 15 years, provided that at the same time there was a reservation of power to grant exemption from attendance to such boys as have obtained employment, the effect of such power being to enable boys to leave school and enter the ranks of industry freely when trade was good, and at the same time restricting the output to the labour market when trade is bad and employment scarce?

I am informed by my right hon. Friend that the number of unemployed juveniles in England and Wales between the ages of 14 and 16, registered at Employment Exchanges as totally unemployed, is estimated to have been, on the 22nd January last, 24,000 boys and 20,800 girls, or a total of 44,800. As indicated in my reply to the hon. Member for Westhoughton (Mr. Rhys Davies) on the 14th February, these figures, for various reasons, are an underestimate. I agree that where there is adequate accommodation in the schools it is most desirable that parents should be encouraged and even urged to allow their children to stay at school after the age of 14 till they obtain employment, and local education authorities have full power to take steps for this purpose. I have no authority to require local education authorities to make a byelaw raising the age of compulsory school attendance to 15, and I am not clear that, if parents are unwilling to leave their children at school, it would be advisable to have recourse to compulsion.

asked the Minister of Labour if he can make a statement on the scheme whereby boys between the ages of 16 and 18 who are out of work and in receipt of unemployment pay are compelled to attend technical schools for stated periods; and in how many towns this practice has been adopted?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend in the House on 15th February during the Debate on the Address. The number of local education authorities whose proposals for the establishment of juvenile unemployment centres have been approved is now 40, and in addition 18 proposals are under consideration. Centres have already been opened in London, Plymouth, Reading, West Hartlepool, Barrow-in-Furness, Manchester, St. Helens, Edinburgh, Leith, Aberdeen, and Dudley.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, under the new scheme whereby the Government provides Grants in Aid of day centres organised by voluntary bodies for the benefit of unemployed boys between the ages of 14 and 18, a boy can be excused attending such a centre if he can prove that he is obtaining useful instruction elsewhere?

The answer is in the affirmative. The Unemployment Insurance (Courses of Instruction) Regulations, 1921, provide that, in determining whether an insured contributor shall be required to attend an approved course of instruction, the insurance officer shall take into consideration any available evidence tending to show that the insured contributor is attending a genuine educational course other than a course of instruction approved by the Minister of Labour.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will cause an inquiry to be made as to the number of persons who are unemployed over 60 years of age?

A general inquiry into the number of persons over 60 years of age who are unemployed would be expensive, and the results would be of very doubtful value owing to the difficulty of distinguishing in the course of such an inquiry between unemployed persons of that age who are, and those who are not, capable of work or desirous of obtaining work. An investigation is, however, being made at the present time as regards a proportion of the persons in receipt of unemployment benefit, which will, among other things, show the numbers at various ages, and I will arrange to supply the hon. Member with the figures obtained from this investigation with regard to the point he mentions.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps are being taken to secure useful work for the large number of women who are at present signing the unemployment register at the Employment Exchanges?

The Employment Exchanges, with the active co-operation of the Local Employment Committees, make every effort to secure suitable employment for unemployed women workers; but, as the hon. Member is no doubt aware, almost the only occupation in which there is any considerable number of vacancies at the present time is in domestic service and particularly resident domestic service, in which the demand greatly exceeds the supply. During the month ended 8th January, the Exchanges effected 8,000 placings in domestic service, of which 2,500 were in resident service.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many underground workmen and boys and other workmen and boys employed on the surface at the collieries are at present unemployed?

I understand from my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour that, according to the unemployment books lodged at Employment Exchanges, there were 54,346 workmen and 891 boys in the coal mining industry totally unemployed at the 22nd January, 1923. The number in employment in that industry is, however, now actually greater by about 40,000 than the maximum number employed before the War. No information is available which would enable me to distinguish between underground and surface workers unemployed.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he will issue a printed list of all mines that have been closed since 31st December, 1920, the reasons for closing same, and the output at the time they were closed?

I am having a list of such mines prepared and I will, with the hon. Member's permission, send it to him as soon as it is ready. I fear that it will not be possible for me to add the other information for which he asks.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many mines are closed owing to disputes, the nature of the dispute, and the output at the time they were closed?

The returns supplied to the Mines Department containing information about stoppages of work are necessarily received some days after the dates to which they relate. So far as my present information goes, the only serious stoppages due to disputes are in Durham and South Wales. The point at issue in Durham relates to rates of wages and that in South Wales to the employment of non-unionists. The total output affected is about 60,000 tons a week.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the position of F. T. Smith, 29, Upper Norwood Street, Leckhampton, Cheltenham, who was employed at the Post Office in that town for four years during the War, and that he has been discharged on the instructions of the local manager of the Employment Exchange; is he aware that this man had two sons on active service during the War, and that the eldest son was killed in 1917, and the third son has since enlisted in the Army; and whether, seeing that these circumstances ought to qualify him for work in the postal service, where they would be glad to employ him but for the restrictions that only ex-service men shall be employed, he will cause inquiry to be made in this case so that this man may find useful employment?

I will have inquiries made and communicate the result to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that an application was received from the provost, magistrates and town council of Denny, Stirlingshire, for a certificate to the Unemployment Grants Committee that serious and exceptional unemployment exists in the burgh of Denny; that this application was refused without evidence from or consultation with the applicants; that, after protest, a further inquiry was acceded to by the Ministry of Labour, but was again negatived without evidence being taken from the applicants, and that, as a result, schemes of work projected by the town council have been abandoned; and will he say whether it is customary to conduct and decide these inquiries without taking evidence from the applicants?

The hon. Member appears to be under some misapprehension with regard to the procedure adopted in these cases. The certificate of the Minister of Labour depends solely on the amount and per- centage of unemployment in the area, and the decision is arrived at, not by means of a formal inquiry, but by ascertaining the necessary figures from the records of the Department and from any other authentic source which is available. As the figures submitted by the burgh authorities were before the Department and, in fact, were found to be substantially accurate, it did not seem necessary to ask them for further evidence; but if they wish to submit any additional figures bearing on the question at issue, I shall be glad to consider them.

asked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he has received a communication from the Wigan Union recommending that the chairman of a board of guardians shall be appointed a justice of the peace by virtue of his office for the period of his chairmanship, in view of the great importance of the work of members of Poor Law authorities and the fact that certification duties have to be performed; and, if so, the attitude of the Ministry towards such a request?

My right hon. Friend has received the communication mentioned. As stated by the Home Secretary in reply to a previous question, this matter is to be discussed by the Home Secretary, the Lord Chancellor and my right hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour the approximate number of working days lost by trade disputes during the year 1922; and the number of workpeople involved in those disputes?

The approximate number of working days lost by trade disputes in Great Britain and Northern Ireland in 1922 was 19,900,000. The number of workpeople involved in these disputes (including workpeople rendered idle at the establishments where the disputes occurred, in addition to those actually on strike or locked-out) was approximately 555,000. Disputes involving less than 10 workpeople, and those lasting less than one day are not included in these figures unless the aggregate duration (namely, the number of workpeople involved, multiplied by the number of working days) exceeds 100 days. No statistics are available as to the number of working days lost, owing to disputes, at establishments other than those directly affected by the disputes.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any negotiations have taken place, are taking place, or are in contemplation, with any private firm or syndicate in regard to the purchase of the railways in Iraq, which would involve a continuance of liability on, or payment from, the Imperial Exchequer?

His Majesty's Government have had before them certain proposals which involve the transfer of the Iraq railways to private ownership, and the guarantee by His Majesty's Government of interest on a part of the capital proposed to be issued for the improvement of the system; but they have not yet reached any decision on the question of general policy, which is a difficult matter requiring further full consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what were the civil receipts and expenditure in Iraq for the financial years 1920–21 and 1921–22, respectively?

As the reply contains a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate the answer with the votes. The latest figures of civil receipts and expenditure in Iraq for the period in question which have reached me are:

situation on 31st March, 1921, was adjusted by the amount voted by this House on 7th February, 1922, to meet the so called "civil deficit" on 31st March, 1921, the sum provided under this general head including large amounts which would otherwise have been payable by the War Office and other Departments of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the alleged bombing of native villages in Mesopotamia is authorised by his Department as a method of inducing the native population to pay taxes?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by me on the 27th November last to a question by the hon. Member for Nottingham (Captain Berkeley). As was then stated, there is no foundation for the suggestion that bomb-dropping or other offensive action by aircraft is resorted to in Iraq for the purpose of enforcing payment of taxes or in punishment of non-payment.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies the value of the import and export trade of Mesopotamia, viâ Basra, during the last two financial years?

I have already arranged to circulate with the Votes on Wednesday, in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Luton (Sir J. Hewett), a Return giving the figures for the calendar years 1919, 1920 and 1921. I trust that the hon. Member will find these figures sufficient for his purpose.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any of the Crown Colonies have taken, or are taking, powers to issue Treasury bills; and, if so, what does he propose doing?

At the suggestion of the late Secretary of State, several Colonial and Protectorate Governments have taken power by local legislation to raise money in London by means of bills on the Colonial Treasuries. My Noble Friend is advised that the issue of such bills may facilitate temporary borrowing when necessary, and he will authorise the use of these powers if occasion should arise.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the practice obtains in Rhodesia of leasing out prisoners to private persons or placing them at the disposal of officials for work on their private farms; and, if so, whether he will take steps to see that this practice is prohibited?

I am informed that though prisoners in Rhodesia may be employed by the Administration on works of public utility, they are not leased to private persons or placed at the disposal of officials for work on their private farms.

asked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies if the State of Kelantan has prohibited the export of a portion of the crop of rubber in direct violation of the leases held by certain plantation companies; and if he will take steps to remove the embargo?

Legislation has been passed by the Government of Kelantan, in common with all the Malay State Governments, to impose a varying scale of duties on crude rubber exports. The High Commissioner is being requested to ascertain from the Government of Kelantan whether such legislation is in conflict with the terms of planters' leases in that State. With regard to the last part of the question, the Secretary of State trusts that the Government of Kelantan will continue to adhere to the general policy of the Malayan Governments in this matter.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a proposal has been forwarded to the League of Nations requesting that body to submit to European countries, which had not yet offered to do so, suggestions for the immediate mutual abolition of the visa; and, if so, what reply, if any, has been received?

No such proposal has been forwarded to the League of Nations.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is prepared to make a statement of the attitude of the British Government upon the Clause in the proposed Treaty with the Turkish Government which provides that the Turkish Government shall obtain the approval of the Council of the Public Debt before granting any new concessions or renewing contracts for existing concessions irrespective of whether the concessionaires are Turkish or foreign subjects?

As will be seen from the papers regarding the Lausanne Conference, which it is hoped shortly to lay before the House, the plenipotentiaries of the inviting Powers included, among the other concessions offered to the Turkish Delegation on 3rd February and 4th February, a proposal to delete from Article 60 of the Draft Treaty the provision to which the hon. Member is referring.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether action based on Part VIII of the Treaty of Versailles, by which the French Government justifies the invasion of the Ruhr, requires the unanimous consent of the Reparation Commission; whether any vote of that Commission was taken as to the legality of the invasion; and what vote was given by the British representative?

The consent of the Reparation Commission is not required for action taken as a result of a default which it has declared on the part of Germany under Part VIII of the Treaty of Versailles. With regard to the second and third parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I have given to a similar question by the hon. and gallant Member for Leith (Captain W. Benn).

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what has been the total value of German goods imported into the United Kingdom since the passing of the German Reparation (Recovery) Act, 1921; and what sum has been paid to the Commissioners of Customs and Excise under the provisions of that Act?

The value of the imports into the United Kingdom consigned from Germany during the period from the 1st April, 1921 (the date on which the German Reparation (Recovery) Act came into force), to the 31st December, 1922 (the latest date to which figures are available), amounted to £39,014,533. The amount collected over the same period was £9,095,758.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give a statement showing the reparation payments and deliveries credited to Germany from the date of the Armistice to 31st January, 1923?

I have been furnished with a provisional estimate of the total credit to 31st December, 1922, which is 7,927 million gold marks, or £396,000,000 at 20 marks to the £. This, of course, excludes non-reparation payments, such as Clearing Office payments and Army of Occupation expenses.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether Sir William Marris, the new Governor of the United Provinces, has released all political prisoners undergoing imprisonment in the provinces except one; whether this policy was first submitted to and approved by the Viceroy and the Home Government; whether, seeing that this policy is disapproved by European opinion in general, and that the Governor and himself admitted its risks, in view of the period of recuperation and quiet growth in the province since these men were imprisoned, he will, before permitting the extension of this policy in other provinces, await the result of this experiment?

My hon. Friend's question is practically covered by the answer that I gave last Thursday to the hon. and gallant Member for Melton (Sir C. Yate). In view of the varying conditions in different provinces, it would not be practicable to request local governments to refrain from exercising their discretion in the matter of the release of prisoners until the result of the recent release of a batch of prisoners in the United Provinces is known.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what were the terms on which some 30 officers were recently recruited for the Indian Medical Service, and why these special terms had to be offered?

The terms offered in addition to the ordinary conditions of permanent service in the Indian Medical Service were a gratuity of £1,000 and free return passages for officers who may wish to leave the Service at the end of five years. A similar gratuity is admissible to Royal Army Medical Corps officers after a somewhat longer period of service. The offer was necessitated by the serious shortage of European officers in the Service, resulting from a failure in the supply of candidates since the outbreak of war.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what was the value of the import and export trade of India, respectively, for each of the years 1920–21 and 1921–22, with Great Britain and Ireland, other British possessions, France, Belgium, Italy, Germany, the United States of America, Japan, China, and Java?

The figures are as follow:—

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received representations in favour of the adoption of Regulations making it compulsory for the Ministry of Pensions, other similar bodies, and pension officers to notify clerks to guardians the amounts they pay to officers of the union in respect of the maintenance of poor persons; and whether, as there is considerable feeling among guardians on the subject, he will cause investigation to be made into the desirability of such Regulations being issued?

Representations have been received on this subject, and I understand that the Ministry of Pensions are proposing to take action in the direction desired.

asked the Prime Minister if it is the intention of the Government to introduce a Bill this Session granting the franchise to women on equal terms with men?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the Royal Irish Constabulary has now been totally disbanded for several months, he will comply with the repeated and unanimous desire of surviving subscribers to the Royal Irish Constabulary Force Fund to have that fund wound up, and duly distribute to those entitled such sums as may be considered proper; whether he is aware of the fact that in a great many instances neither a wife nor daughter exists as a dependant on claimant upon this fund, and that consequently the entire contributions paid in such cases is appropriated by the Government; and, in view of the pitiable state in which many of these ex-Royal Irish Constabulary men now are, relief can be given to them in the manner set out in the memorial which they have presented to the Prime Minister?

I have been asked to answer this question. The reply to the first part is in the negative. It is not the case, as is suggested in the question, that any subscriber is entitled to any share of this fund, the benefits of which are, on the contrary, confined to dependants of deceased subscribers, and it would not be right at this period to divert the fund from its original purpose. In reply to the second part, the fact that a subscriber may have no dependants is part of the actuarial basis on which the benefits and subscriptions are based, and the hon. Member is mistaken in thinking that in such a case the subscriptions are appropriated by the Government. In reply to the third part, I regret that it is not possible to extend to pensioned members of the Royal Irish Constabulary the same terms as Parliament has provided for disbanded members; but it is open to pensioners who are in distress owing to their having been compelled to leave Ireland to apply to the Irish Distress Committee.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that a number of persons formerly resident in Southern Ireland, who handed over shotguns and rifles to the Royal Irish Constabulary while this force was still under the control of the British Government, have failed to secure their return or to be paid compensation for their loss, although repeated applications have been made and notwithstanding the fact that they have ceased to reside in Southern Ireland and are now permanently resident in England; and what action he proposes to take in the matter so as to secure the immediate return to the owners of private property wrongfully retained?

The evacuation of the area of the Free State by the British military forces, to whose custody these arms were transferred by the Royal Irish Constabulary, necessitates fresh arrangements being made as to applications for their return in cases such as those referred to by the hon. Member. I am in communication with the War Office, and I hope to be in a position to make a definite announcement on the subject at an early date.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any information as to when the Royal Commission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action will present their interim Report; whether he is aware that there are a large number of cases of extreme distress awaiting assistance; and whether, as that is so and as no further provisional awards seem obtainable, he will urge the desirability of the early publication of this document and expedite any official action which may be taken on it?

The interim Report was published on the 5th February, and rapid progress has been made in the payment of the sums awarded.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much money has been disbursed as compensation for losses arising from the sinking of the "Lusitania" on the 7th May, 1915; and whether he is aware that Joseph Thomson, Leeds, who lost his wife and son in that disaster, along with all their property, has received no compensation?