asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he can explain why it is that the cost for the year ended 31st July, 1922, of training a teacher at the St. Andrew's and Dundee Training Centre was £129 15s. 3d., whereas the same items at the Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Edinburgh Training Centres were £29 1s. 1d., £46 16s. 6d., and £42 13s. 9d., respectively; and if he can hold out hopes that the future expenditure at the Dundee Training Centre will be reduced?

The higher average cost of training per student at the St. Andrews and Dundee Training Centre is due to the smaller numbers at present in training there. The National Committee for the Training of Teachers, with whom financial responsibility for the centre primarily rests, are giving the matter most careful and serious consideration with a view to effecting all possible economies.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that when the Teignmouth Secondary School was opened in 1920 by the Devon County Council the fee for each term was £2 2s., and the parents of the pupils admitted agreed to keep their children at school until the age of 16, and that about 12 months ago the fee was raised to £2 10s., and it is now proposed to increase it to £3 10s.; and whether, in view of the fact that if this proposal be adopted it will have the effect of excluding children whose parents are unable to afford the increase, he will make representations to the Devon County Council on the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have no doubt that in fixing the revised fee, which is not an unusual one, the local education authority gave full consideration to all the local conditions and circumstances, and I should not be justified in asking the authority to rescind their resolution.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his Board has instructed local education authorities that teachers in technical schools, who have not been remunerated by the Burnham scale but retained on a local authority's scale, are to be deprived of the increment portion of their salaries until such teachers become entitled to increments under the scale which would have applied to them had they not been so retained on a local scale; and whether, seeing that such a proceeding would be an infringement of the Burnham Agreement, whereby it is stipulated that no scale in operation shall be reduced nor shall the salary of any individual teacher be reduced, he will cancel these instructions?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The Board have, however, informed local education authorities that they cannot recognise for Grant expenditure incurred in increasing salaries of assistant teachers in technical schools so long as those salaries are higher than the salaries recommended in the Burnham Report. The Burnham Agreement was not accepted in its entirety by my predecessor, who carefully indicated, in a letter published with the Report, which of the provisions he accepted. The stipulation referred to by the hon. Member was not accepted.

asked the Under-Secretary of Stale for India how the cost of a British battalion in India compares with that of an Indian battalion?

The approximate figures for a year are:

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what is the amount of the naval contribution made by India to the current Navy Estimates or to her own naval defence?

The contribution by India towards the cost of His Majesty's vessels employed in Indian waters amounts to £100,000 a year. In addition India maintains the Royal Indian Marine, the cost of which for the present financial year is estimated to amount to about £700,000. The Royal Indian Marine have, of course, a definite value for defence purposes in time of war.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can give the cost of the Indian Civil Service, and the number of members in the service, for each of the last 10 years?

The number of officers in the Indian Civil Service during the period in question, and the expenditure on pay and annuities, taking the value of the rupee at 1s. 4d., have been approximately as follow:

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether there are any branches of the Army in India to which Indians are not eligible; and, if so, what those branches are?

Indians are serving in all branches in the Army in India except in British Cavalry and the Tank Corps. If, however, the hon. Member is referring to officers with King's Commissions, these are posted to cavalry and infantry units and to the medical service.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that Rs. 5, or 6s. 8d., a day is all that is granted as detention allowance to an officer of the Army in India when detained anywhere on duty; and whether steps will be taken to grant such officers an allowance sufficient to cover the cost of necessary expenditure?

The amount of the allowance is as stated. Civil officers receive a similar allowance. In the absence of any recommendation from the Government of India the Secretary of State is not prepared to increase the allowance.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the assertion that engines on behalf of Indian railways are being constructed in Germany at a time when there is so much unemployment in this country; whether he will investigate the fact; and whether he will furnish the House with the quotations in this particular matter, showing why such orders were placed abroad?

Presumably the hon. Member is referring to a statement in the recent Report by a deputation of the Scottish Labour party to Germany. No orders for engines for Indian railways have been placed on the Continent in recent years, but an order for 16 locomotive boilers was placed by the Great Indian Peninsula, Railway Company in October last with a Swiss firm, whose tender was below the lowest English tender.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether His Majesty's Government has carried through, or contemplates carrying through, any loan or loans to the Irish Free State; and, if so, on what terms and under what guarantees of repayment?

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

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if his attention has been called to the difficult position in which many members of the late Royal Irish Constabulary now find themselves, in particular to the case of ex-Sergeant Joseph Phelan, who joined the force in 1862, and out of whose wages compulsory deductions were made for the establishment of a fund for widows and orphans of members; will he state what is the present position of this fund; whether the men discharged from the constabulary are now obliged to pay £1 per year into the fund; and what subsistence allowance or maintenance money is being paid such men as Phelan since their discharge from the constabulary?

As regards the present position of the Royal Irish Constabulary Fund, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies which I gave to questions on this subject by my hon. and learned Friend the Member for York (Sir J. Butcher) on the 5th December last and by my hon. Friend the Member for Belfast South (Mr. Moles) on the 16th instant. In reply to the third part of the question, only those pensioners who were subscribers to the fund, and who desire, by maintaining their subscriptions, to secure the prescribed benefits for their dependants on their death, are required to continue to make an annual contribution from their pensions. Mr. Phelan ceased to subscribe to the Constabulary Force Fund on the 30th June last, and his dependants will therefore have no claim on the fund in the event of his death; but he has been informed that, should he apply for the withdrawal of his applica- tion to cease subscribing to the fund, his case for re-instatement as a subscriber will be sympathetically considered. In reply to the last part of the question, Mr. Phelan and all other pensioners of the force are being paid the pensions to which they are entitled under the Statutes relating thereto.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that a large number of claims for compensation lodged by Southern Irish loyalists have been waiting hearing since July, 1921; whether the British Government can ascertain when these cases are likely to be heard and disposed of; and whether Sir Alexander Wood-Renton, who was appointed in the place of Lord Shaw, has commenced the hearing of cases?

Yes, Sir; I am aware that a large number of claims are awaiting hearing. As regards those arising out of damage committed prior to 11th July, 1921, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the the hon. and gallant Member for Finchley (Colonel Newman) on the 20th instant; and as regards those arising out of damage subsequent to that date, the Courts, I assume, will begin hearing them as soon as the Bill now before the Free State Parliament becomes law. In reply to the third part of the question, I understand that Sir Alexander Wood-Renton's appointment is to be gazetted to-day; but I would remind the hon. Member that, as I have previously stated, the Commission has continued its work without interruption notwithstanding the absence of a chairman.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the present constitution and numbers of the Committee for Overseas Settlement; whether he is aware that much delay and friction results from the present organisation of this body; and whether he will consider the relegation of many of the duties to a smaller body?

The Overseas Settlement Committee is an Advisory Committee appointed to advise the Secretary of State for the Colonies upon all matters relating to migration and settlement within the Empire and emigration to foreign countries. The composition of this Committee is given in full in the last Annual Report recently presented to this House (Command Paper Number 1804) of which I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy. I am not aware that delay or friction have resulted from the present organisation of the Committee, nor do I think that any advantage would be gained by relegating any of its duties to another smaller body, but I may add that the Overseas Settlement Committee has recently appointed a general purposes committee from amongst its members, thereby expediting the work. But if my hon. Friend will bring any specific complaints to my notice I shall be most glad as Chairman of the Committee to inquire into them.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps, if any, have been taken to encourage emigration to Canada?

A Passage Agreement has, with the approval of the Dominion Government, been concluded with the Government of Ontario for the assisted migration of 2,000 single men for farm work and 2,000 single women for domestic service.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give the names of the delegates who are going to Australia at the end of this month in connection with overseas settlement; and what powers have been given to them for the purpose of completing the machinery for such settlement?

The selection of the members of the proposed delegation to Australia is not yet complete, but I hope to be able to announce the names and the instructions which have been given to the members of the delegation on this day week if the hon. Member would put this question down again.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been taken in conjunction with the High Commissioner and Agents-General of the Dominion and State Governments to effect a speedy co-ordination of policies with regard to overseas settlement; and whether he will consider the means for speeding up the machinery concerned?

I am in close touch with the Dominion and State authorities on this subject, but I have nothing to add at present to my reply to the supplementary question, which my hon. Friend asked on the 20th February.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether members of armed services of the Crown who may be serving overseas at the time of expiry of their service are entitled to assistance from the Overseas Settlement Committee if they would prefer to settle overseas instead of returning home?

Under the terms of the Empire Settlement Act, 1922, it is only possible for the Overseas Settlement Committee to render assistance to "persons in the United Kingdom."

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent the Overseas Settlement Committee is seeking the co-operation of British business houses which have branch offices and/or works in Overseas Dominions?

The aim of the Overseas Settlement Committee is to stimulate primary production and development by means of settlement upon the land, and therefore does not come directly in touch with commercial or industrial undertakings overseas. I shall, however, be glad to consider any suggestions which my hon. Friend may care to submit to me as to methods in which such co-operation might be useful.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies how many persons have been emigrated from this country to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, respectively; and how many of these had assisted passages from the Home Government, from the respective overseas Governments, or from voluntary organisations, so far as the information may be available?

The total number of persons who have been granted free passages under the Government free passage scheme is:

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the late Lord Kitchener set aside by Act of Council a valuable stretch of land on the Khartoum side of the Blue Nile as Crown property; and, if so, if he will explain why part of this Crown property has been disposed of as freehold to the Sudan Plantations Syndicate, Limited?

Certain lands of a total area of about six acres near Wad Medani were expropriated by the Sudan Government in 1911 in connection with the development of irrigation in the Gezira plain. This is the only transaction of which I have any knowledge and to which the hon. Member's question may refer. I have no information as to whether this property has subsequently been disposed of by the Sudan Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies by what means and under what circumstances the Sudan Plantation Syndicate became possessed of the freehold of the Grand Hotel, Khartoum, and the surrounding land on the Blue Nile, which was part of the land set aside for Government purposes by the late Lord Kitchener?

I have no official information on the subject, but I understand that the Sudan Plantation Syndicate do not own, and never have owned, the freehold of the Grand Hotel at Khartoum, nor any land on the Blue Nile surrounding this hotel.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies how many buildings have been requisitioned in Jerusalem for the housing of Indian troops; and what is the aggregate annual rent payable in respect of such buildings?

I am informed that only one property in Jerusalem has been taken for the housing of Indian troops. The rent of this property is £E.1,250 a year.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the aggregate annual rental of the buildings in which are housed the various departments of the British administrative officers in Palestine?

The total amount paid by the Palestine Administration on account of rent of Government offices and of private residences for British and Palestinian officers is estimated at about £33,000 Egyptian for the current financial year. During the same period about £13,000 Egyptian will be recovered from the officers on account of rent of private residences.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies how many British troops, officers and men, have been killed in action or have died from wounds received in Palestine since 11th November, 1918?

War Office figures for the period in question are not available, as until the Air Ministry assumed responsibility on the 1st April, 1922, casualty returns were submitted by the Egyptian Expeditionary Force as a whole, no separate figures being given for Syria, Palestine and Egypt. The Air Ministry figure for the whole period is one airman died of wounds.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the present legislative proposals of the Colonial Office regarding the constitution for Kenya in East Africa; what are the objections to these proposals on the part of the local residents; and whether further action can be postponed till the representatives of the various interests concerned can lay their case before the Government?

My Noble Friend, the Secretary of State for the Colonies, is giving the most earnest consideration to the matter, and I regret that at the moment it is not possible for me to make any statement on the subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will lay upon the Table of the House the draft Bill for the abolition of the mui tsai system in Hong Kong?

This legislation has not been sent home in draft form, but as soon as the Ordinance is received, a copy will be laid on the Table of the House.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, during the recent census in Hong Kong, a census was taken of the number, with their ages, of the inmates of the houses of ill-fame in Hong Kong; and if he is yet in a position to give the figures?

The census records a total of 2,823 prostitutes of various nationalities in the adult population of Hong Kong. No record appears in the census of the individual ages of these women.

asked the Home Secretary whether there are any women visitors of lunatic asylums; and whether the supervision of male lunatics is conducted by women or men?

There are women visitors to lunatic asylums in cases where women are members of the Visiting Committee. The supervision of male patients is not conducted by women, but in some institutions suitable male patients are nursed by women, and this would generally be the case in the infirmary wards.

asked the Home Secretary when the Report of the Royal Commission on Greater London will be presented?

I am not in a position to give any definite forecast, but I have inquired and am informed that the Commission hope to finish their labours at an early date.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the great importance of the work of members of the Poor Law authorities and the fact that certification duties have to be performed, he will take steps to provide that the chairman of a board of guardians shall be appointed a justice of the peace, by virtue of his office, in all cases?

I would refer to the reply I gave on the 15th instant to the hon. Member for Rotherham (Major Kelley).

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been tailed to the fact that the supply of cigarettes from automatic machines has been legalised by the decision of the North London magistrate; whether the police authorities will recognise in future the legality of the use of these machines; and what has been their policy hitherto?

The decision of the magistrate at the North London Police Court is not binding on other Courts of Summary Jurisdiction, and has not therefore the effect attributed to it by the hon. Member. The question can only be authoritatively settled by the High Court, and I have suggested to the London County Council, who instituted the proceedings in this case, that steps should be taken to obtain a final decision. The local authorities are responsible for the administration of the Shops Acts in their respective areas, and I have no information as to their general practice in this matter.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the anomalies which have arisen in the Metropolitan area owing to the action of the licensing justices in fixing different permitted hours of sale in different districts; whether his attention has been called to the reports of many public meetings of protest held in the districts affected; whether he has knowledge of the fact that the subject of uniform hours of closing, namely, 11 o'clock on weekdays and 10 o'clock on Sundays, was made a test question in all the divisions of the Metropolis at the General Election, and that 73 Members representing the same have pledged themselves to support an Amendment of the Licensing Act, 1921, to make such hours statutory; and whether he will either bring in a Bill to amend the Law in these respects, or will the Government give an assurance that the Licensing Act (1921) Amendment Bill now awaiting Second Reading in this House shall be passed this Session?

I was not previously aware of all the facts stated in the question, but I know that the subject is one upon which opinion is sharply divided. The Government are not proposing to initiate legislation in this matter, and could not give the assurance asked for in the last part of the question.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the case of Minnie French, at present serving a term of three years' penal servitude to which she was sentenced at Birmingham on 2nd December, 1921; whether the prison medical officer has testified that in his opinion this prisoner is mentally deficient; and is this woman being treated as a mental and not a criminal case?

I have made inquiry and find that this woman was considered to be mentally defective when she was at Birmingham Prison immediately after her conviction. She was, however, not certified at Birmingham; but was transferred to the women's convict prison at Liverpool for further observation. The medical officer at Liverpool, who has her under his special observation, reports that, finding she responded well to ordinary treatment and that her general conduct was excellent, he did not consider her removal necessary or likely to be beneficial to her. It is, however, possible that on the completion of her sentence she may still require institutional care and this will be kept in view.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is taking steps to bring together representatives of the mine-owners and miners with a view to quick agreed legislation for the better provision of compensation for accidents in mines; and, if not, will he take such steps?

The Government is considering the question of legislation for the purpose of amending the Workmen's Compensation Act, but that Act applies to industrial workers generally, and it would not in my opinion be either practicable or desirable to attempt to deal separately with the mining industry.

asked the Home Secretary how many mounted and foot police have been employed in connection with the lock-out at Messrs. Harris Lebus, Finsbury Cabinet Works, Tottenham; what the approximate cost has been up to the present; whether the firm is paying the whole or any part of the cost; and, if not, for what reason?

The maximum number of police officers employed at any one time on patrol duties in the vicinity of these premises was 31, including four mounted men. The present number is 14, including two mounted men. None of them have been employed on private property, and no additional expense has been incurred. The last two parts of the question do not, therefore, arise.

asked the Home Secretary whether His Majesty's Government has had brought to its notice the widespread peril of Communist Sunday Schools; and whether His Majesty's Government contemplates taking any action, legislative or otherwise, with regard to these schools?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Faversham (Major Wheler) on Wednesday last.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been directed to the position of the children of unmarried parents; and whether it is proposed to proceed by legislation, with a view to ameliorating that position, during the present Session of Parliament?

I am not in a position to make any statement as to legislation on this subject.

asked the Home Secretary the number of aliens who arrived in this country during the year 1922 for the purpose of employment and residence; and, in view of the prevailing unemployment and shortage of house accommodation, whether he will at once enforce more stringent restrictions, and so materially reduce the number of alien immigrants?

1,972 aliens in possession of Ministry of Labour permits to take up definite employment were admitted to the United Kingdom in 1922. Of these, 859 were males and 1,113 females. Such permits are granted only after full consideration of the question whether suitable labour is not already available in this country. Besides the holders of these permits, residents returning and diplomats and persons on foreign Government missions, 7,928 aliens who intended to remain for some length of time in this country were allowed to land in 1922. A test analysis of the figures for certain months shows that a very large percentage of these persons cannot be regarded as permanent residents, and that few, if any, come within the common acceptance of the term "alien immigrant." This view is confirmed by the total figures of arrivals and departures for the year, the arrivals numbering 316,159 and the departures 315,761. I am advised that the existing Regulations are adequate and they are administered as stringently as is compatible with the existence of the very valuable business and tourist traffic to and from this country.

asked the Home Secretary what is the number of ex-enemy aliens now in this country; and how many were in this country on 28th February 1922?

The numbers of former enemy aliens (including British-born wives and widows) registered under the Aliens Order on the 28th February, 1922, and the 31st January, 1923, were 30,135 and 29,197, respectively.

asked the Home Secretary the number of alien immigrants who entered Great Britain in November, December and January last, respectively?

The total numbers of alien passengers given leave to land during the months of November and December, 1922, and January, 1923, respectively, were 16,791, 15,951 and 17,897, the total for the three months being 50,639. Of these, 12,060 were persons resident in the United Kingdom returning after a short absence abroad, 4,238 were in transit to other countries, 16,113 were business visitors, 13,224 were other visitors, 1,200 were diplomats or persons on foreign Government missions, 1,838 were seamen, of whom 1,681 were under contract to join foreign ships in British waters and 465 (265 males and 188 females with 12 dependants) held Ministry of Labour permits—leaving a balance of 1,501 persons (526 males, 738 females and 237 children) who did not fall under any of the foregoing categories and whose intention it was to remain either permanently or for some period exceeding six months in this country. Of these 1,501 persons, 639 arrived in November, 430 in December and 432 in January. An analysis of the particulars of the adults in the 1,501 aliens mentioned above gives the following results:

360 (174 males and 186 females) were coming to study at the universities or other educational establishments;

150 (46 males and 104 females) were persons in a dependent position coming to join relatives in the United Kingdom who were in a position to support them;

100 (34 males and 66 females) were coming on visits for a considerable time. These were mostly the British born wives of aliens or American citizens of British origin;

65 were wives joining their husbands;

55 were wives accompanying their husbands;

32 (18 males and 14 females) were coming to join religious houses or take up religious work;

27 (26 males and 1 female) were persons formerly resident here returning after a long absence. The males were nearly all Italians who had been called up for military service;

24 (14 males and 10 females) were servants of Legations or Consulates;

22 (20 males and 2 females) were coming to enter into partnerships;

20 (6 males and 14 females) were persons of independent means coming here to settle;

16 were females coming to marry British subjects;

68 (35 males and 33 females) had left the United Kingdom after a short stay;

leaving a balance of

325 (151 males and 174 females) whose reasons for coming here were too varied for tabulation, such as representatives of foreign firms, members of the Russian Trade Delegation, etc.

On careful examination of the particulars of all these persons, it appears doubtful if any of them would properly come within the common acceptance of the term "alien immigrant."

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the aggregate amount payable by the Commissioners of Inland Revenue under the Agricultural Rates Act, 1896, and the Agricultural Rates (Scotland) Act, 1896, respectively, in relief of the rates on agricultural land for the financial year 1921–22; what was the aggregate amount payable under the Tithe Rentcharge (Rates) Act, 1899, in relief of rates on tithe rentcharge attached to benefices, for that financial year; and what was the amount of the Supplementary Grant in relief of rates on agricultural land in Scotland payable for that financial year out of the Local Taxation (Scotland) Account, as provided by the Local Taxation (Scotland) Act, 1898?

Under the Finance Act, 1907, the agricultural rates grants are charged on the Consolidated Fund and ceased to be payable by the Commissioners of Inland Revenue. The issues from the Consolidated Fund in the year 1921–22 were:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the condition of the mineral water manufacturing industry and the fact that the depression is largely attributable to the Table Water Duties; and whether, in the preparation of his Budget, he will take into consideration the possibility of reducing the amount of duty?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of the 19th February to the hon. Member for the Kingswinford Division (Mr. Sitch).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, seeing that a band and some other minor forms of entertainment are found to be essential for the success of agricultural shows and the furtherance of agricultural interests, he will consider the possibility of instituting a lower scale of entertainments duty in the case of gatherings which are primarily and essentially educational?

I am unable to adopt my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the tax of 74s. per proof gallon now imposed on alcohol adversely affects many manufacturers of goods in which alcohol is used either as a constituent of the finished product or in the course of manufacture; and whether he can see his way to grant relief when alcohol is used otherwise than as alcoholic liquor?

I would refer the hon. and galant Member to the reply which I gave to my right hon. Friend the Member for Cambridge University (Mr. Rawlinson) on the 15th February.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, having had laid before his Department full information as to the holding up of about 20,000 tons of specially rolled shipbuilding material in the Ruhr valley, because of the refusal to pay increased tariff demands by the French Government on even pre-occupation contracts, he is now able to report progress in relieving those supplies which are needed immediately to prevent a great increase in the number of unemployed on Tayside and in the West of Scotland?

His Majesty's High Commissioner at Coblenz has been instructed to take such action as may be possible to secure the release of the goods. The French authorities have in such cases so far shown themselves anxious to avoid doing anything to the detriment of British trade, and as His Majesty's High Commissioner has not yet reported any result of his efforts, I prefer to await the result of his action before making any definite statement.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government of Poland has addressed a memorandum to the Allied Powers desiring that the east frontier of Poland be exactly fixed according to Article 87 of the Treaty of Versailles; and whether, in considering this matter, the rights and privileges guaranteed to the people of Eastern Galicia will be maintained?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The considerations involved in the second part are not being overlooked.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Polish military occupation of Eastern Galicia continues; and, if so, what steps are being taken to carry out the obligations imposed by Article 91 of the Treaty of St. Germain?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The question of determining the ultimate status of Eastern Galicia is at this moment under consideration by the Allied Governments.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Polish military authorities in Eastern Galicia are conscripting recruits in the Polish army; and, if so, what steps are being taken by the Powers to stop this practice?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirma- tive. The question of military service in Eastern Galicia is intimately connected with that of the status of this territory in its relation to the government of Poland, a question which, as I have already informed the hon. and gallant Member, is actually under consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to a report in the Press that at a conference of jurists recently held at the Peace Palace at The Hague the French delegates proposed that an arrangement should be made to permit a state of aerial blockade to be proclaimed against one belligerent State by another belligerent State; and can he say what is the attitude of His Majesty's Government in this matter?

The report in the Press is incorrect; no decision can be reached as to the attitude of His Majesty's Government in regard to any question arising from the International Conference on the Laws of War recently held at The Hague until the report of that Conference has been considered.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether records of trade between this country and Russia are available for the three months ending 31st January last; and what was the value of goods imported from Russia in November, December and January, and of the goods exported to Russia direct from home ports in the same period?

Statistics of the total trade of the United Kingdom with individual countries are compiled for the quarterly periods ended March, June, September and December only, and, consequently, I have no particulars in respect of the three months November, December and January last. The figures for the fourth quarter (October, Novem- ber and December) of 1922 are as follows:

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the Department have any scheme for the encouragement of sugar-beet growing in this country; and, if net, whether they will consider the desirability of such a course?

The encouragement of sugar-beet growing in this country has been the policy of successive Governments, a fact which has been demonstrated by the investment of public moneys in the Kelham sugar factory of Home Grown Sugar, Limited, and by the remission last year of the Excise Duty on sugar manufactured in this country from home-grown beet. The industry is at present represented only by the two factories at Kelham and Cantley, but the Ministry is fully alive to the advantages which would accrue from its successful establishment in this country, and would view with sympathy sound schemes which may be put forward for its further development.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what was the average cost per acre in 1922 of the management expenses of land and equipment administered by county councils and county agricultural committees under the authority of the Ministry, namely, officials' salaries, office and travelling expenses, administrative and legal charges, and other incidental outgoings?

I regret that I have no exact information regarding the calendar year 1922, but reliable estimates have been obtained in the last few weeks of the expenses being incurred by county councils in England and Wales on small holdings administration during the financial year 1922–23. These show that on the average about 20 per cent. of the rent roll, or about 9s. per acre, is being expended on administration. This expenditure, however, includes not merely "management expenses" but also legal expenses in connection with the acquisition of land and the cost of architectural staffs in respect of the erection of houses and farm buildings under the Land Settlement Scheme for ex-service men. When this special work is completed, the councils' administrative expenses, which have already been considerably reduced, will, it is expected, show a further substantial reduction.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if any agreement has yet been come to with Belgium to allow the killing of horses in this country and so stop all export of live horses for slaughter; and, if not, will he reconsider the question of a prohibitive export tax on these unfortunate animals?

A large proportion of the trade in horse flesh with Belgium now takes the form of the exportation of carcasses. During 1922, 26,000 horse carcasses were exported to Belgium whereas only 8,210 live horses were exported, of which 7,087 were declared to be of the value of £20 or over. No agreement can be made to stop entirely the slaughter of horses exported from this country. Provided the horses submitted for examination satisfy the standard imposed by the Exportation of Horses Act, their export must be allowed even though a proportion of such animals at some subsequent period are slaughtered for food. I am satisfied that the trade in worn out or decrepit horses has been stopped and it unnecessary, therefore, to have recourse to measures of the nature mentioned in the last part of the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the Regulations governing arbitration proceedings such as those which are operating in the ques- tion of the dispute between the American packing houses and the British Government; will the public be admitted; and will Press representatives be permitted to take notes?

In an arbitration between parties, the only persons entitled to be present at the proceedings are the parties themselves, their witnesses and others who are brought on their behalf. The answer to the second and third parts of the question is therefore in the negative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he is aware that a scheme for the improvement of Eyemouth Harbour has been lodged with the Scottish Fishery Board; and whether, in view of the fact that this harbour has received no assistance since the introduction of steam drifters, and is the most important fishing harbour between the Forth and the Tyne, he will recommend that the scheme be proceeded with?

It is presumed that the scheme referred to is that which was submitted in February, 1921, comprising works estimated to cost £195,000. In view of the financial stringency and other circumstances, the Fishery Board for Scotland were unable to support so costly a scheme at the time, and the conditions appear to be no more favourable now than in 1921. I may add that the hon. and gallant Member is in error in supposing that Eyemouth arbour has received no assistance since drifters were introduced.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether his attention has been called to the statement, in the Report of the Deer Forests Committee, that they have reason to believe that, since the figures in their Report were made up, the stock in the forests has been considerably reduced, and that, unless the Government desire a reversion to the state of things before the War, they consider that an annual return of stock in deer forests should be ordered at once; and, if so, whether, having regard to the probable delay involved in framing and passing legislation to give effect to the whole or the bulk of the recommendations of the Committee, he will introduce legislation at an early date to carry out the suggestions made by the Committee for immediate action, namely, the extension of deer forests to be forbidden by statute except by special sanction of the Secretary for Scotland, given after inquiry, an annual return of the stock of sheep and cattle in each deer forest to be made to the Board of Agriculture, and local committees, with independent chairmen, to classify the deer forests and determine the stock each should carry?

I am aware of the statement mentioned in the first part of the question. My noble Friend the Secretary for Scotland is unable to give an undertaking that legislation on the subject of deer forests can be included in the programme of the present Session. He is, however, examining the question of the extent to which it may be practicable to obtain information as to stocks of sheep and cattle in deer forests by voluntary returns.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health the weekly wage at present being paid to agricultural workers in the county of Fife under the wage agreements entered into last November, giving the weekly wage for each grade of worker?

There are no official statistics relating to agricultural wages in Scotland, but the following figures have been collected by the Board of Agriculture as to the weekly rates prevailing in the county of Fife:

East Fife .

First hands—27s. to 31s. with perquisites.

Second Hands—21s. to 23s.

The value of the perquisites received is estimated at 11s. per week.

West Fife .

First hands—38s. to 40s. with perquisites, though in some cases as much as 50s. was received.

Second hands—30s. to 40s.

Boys—About 20s.

Women and boys on daily wages—4s. 6d. per day.

The perquisites in West Fife are much less than in East Fife and are valued at only 3s. per week.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he has received from the Camberwell Borough Council and other borough councils a request to appoint a Committee to investigate the composition of gas supplied by various gas undertakers, and to report as to whether it is practicable to substantially reduce the amount of carbon monoxide therein, and that the Committee be asked to report as to the tests which should be made by gas undertakers from time to time to ascertain the condition of gas mains, services, consumers' fittings, and other gas apparatus; and whether he proposes to take any steps to meet the request?

I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I would, however, refer to the reply given to questions by the hon. Member for Bethnal Green (Mr. Harris) and other hon. Members on 19th February, and to the statement which I made on the Motion for the Adjournment on the 21st February.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he has received a request from the Camberwell Borough Council asking that an estimate of local government expenditure should be presented to Parliament each year at the same time as the national Budget is introduced; and what steps he proposes to take in connection therewith?

My right hon. Friend has received the request referred to. It is now the practice to include an estimate of the rate expenditure of local authorities for the previous year in the Financial Statement laid before the House by the Chancellor of the Exchequer when opening the Budget. The estimate made last year will be found on page 5 of House of Commons Paper No. 77 of 1922.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, what is the amount annually expended in England and Wales out of National Health Insurance funds in the provision of medical benefit by insurance practitioners in the provision of drugs and appliances to insured persons, respectively; and, as far as his knowledge extends, the amount similarly expended in Scotland and Ireland?

The amounts annually expended in England and Wales out of National Health Insurance funds are approximately:

(1) Provision of medical benefit (excluding drugs) by insurance practitioners, £6,520,000.

(2) Provision of drugs and appliances, £1,280,000.

The amounts similarly expended in Scotland are (1) £870,000, and (2) £160,000.

Medical benefit is not provided to insured persons in Ireland.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, when he will be in a position to state the proposals to be made to relieve the heavy financial obligations which have to be met by ex-service men who received smallholdings from the Board of Agriculture since 1919; and if he is aware that practically all these men, through no fault of their own, are in great monetary difficulties, and, if immediate action is not taken, a large number will become bankrupt?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply on this subject which I have already given to-day to the hon. and learned Member for East Fife (Mr. Millar), and of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Home Secretary if the Government will give sympathetic consideration to a proposal that disabled ex-service men should be allowed to set up kiosks, for the sale of newspapers and other small articles, at points in public thoroughfares where they would not be a hindrance to traffic, thus providing them with a decent means of livelihood and doing away with the painful sight of crippled men exposed to the inclemencies of the weather whilst peddling?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply I gave on the same subject on the 12th December last.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is prepared to reconsider claims for pensions by widows refused by appeal tribunals, where evidence is forthcoming to the effect that the appeals failed through an inexpert and ineloquent presentation of the case?

My right hon. Friend is not prepared to accept this proposal. I may add that I am informed by the President of the Pensions Appeal Tribunal that, in practice, the tribunals themselves invariably give appellants every assistance in presenting their cases to the best advantage, and that he is not aware of any appeals which have failed for the reason suggested.

ask the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Edward Lock, of Milborne St. Andrew, Dorset, aged 65, who had five sons serving in the Army and one in the Navy, three of whom were killed in action, one died of wounds, and another of consumption, contracted while in the Army, is now only in receipt of a pension of 10s. per week, and that Lock has undergone two operations and is unable to work; and whether he will investigate the circumstances of the case, with a view to the granting of a pension bearing closer relation to the loss sustained by the death of five sons caused by war service?

Since June, 1921, there has been no application to the Ministry regarding this case, but I am now having local enquiries made to ascertain whether the pensioner's circumstances are such as to permit of any increased award being granted.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he is aware that great dissatisfaction exists regarding the decisions of his Department in connection with pension claims of disabled men and widows; and, in view of this, whether he will consider the advisability of granting to these claimants the right of appeal to the House of Lords independent tribunal similar to the right of appeal granted to claimants against the Ministry of Pensions?

No, Sir, I am not aware that any great or general dissatisfaction exists, or that complaints against the decisions of the War Office have been numerous of late. Perhaps my hon. Friend will supply me with particulars.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is known if the Angora Turks have since been armed with any war material by France other than the 10,000 rifles, 2,000 horses, and 10 airplanes given in 1921?

I assume that by France the hon. and gallant Member means the French Government. On that assumption the answer is in the negative. I cannot say, however, to what extent private firms in France have exercised their trading rights.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what quantities of war stores, including transport, sold by us in Asia since the Armistice is known to have passed into the possession of the Angora Turks?

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

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can give the number of airplanes, in their different classifications, possessed by Great Britain and France in Europe or in the vicinity of the Mediterranean; and the number of trained pilots and observers on the active list and in reserve?

I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of a reply which I gave in answer to a question asked by the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) on 14th December. From this it will be seen that the British air strength in Europe was 15 squadrons, of an average strength of 12 machines, and the French, 100 squadrons, of an average strength of nine machines, and that the numbers of trained pilots and observers were 1,233 British and, according to the Projet de Loi, 3,039 French. These figures exclude on the one side Palestine and Egypt, on the other Syria, Algeria, Tunis and French Morocco.

asked the Under-secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Sergeant-Major J. Miller, Royal Air Force, No. 143,728, completed 21 years' continuous service, and on leaving the discharge centre received part payment of a month's pay to the amount of £3 10s.; that he should have received weekly payments whilst on his final month's leave; and what is the reason why no further payments due to this discharged soldier have been made?

I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I am informed that it is not the practice to make weekly payments during discharge furlough. The delay in settlement has been due to heavy pressure of work in connection with the trooping season, but the warrant officer's account has now been completely cleared and a money order for his balance forwarded to him.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, representing the Ministry of Health, whether he is aware that rates in the Crickhowell district have risen from 7s. in the pound in 1914 to over 20s. in the pound in the current year owing to the prevalence of unemployment, and that the board of guardians for the area are in debt to the extent of about £20,000; that the unemployed in the area are almost entirely workers who merely reside in the district, and whose sphere of employment is in the industrial portion of Monmouthshire; that the burden of rates is falling with exceptional and undue severity upon the agricultural ratepayers in this area; and what steps does he propose to take to relieve the situation?

My right hon. Friend is aware of the difficulties experienced by this board of guardians. They have, however, been authorised to borrow money for the purpose of defraying their current expenditure, and a sum of £10,000 has already been advanced directly to them by the Government.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the increasing number of unemployed in West Cumberland due to the stoppage of the iron and steel works through their firms' inability to secure adequate supplies of coke due to the shortage created by the shipments of British coke to France and Germany; and will he take steps to ensure that British iron and steel works should be assured of adequate supplies to keep their plants in operation before shipping coke abroad to foreign countries?

I have been asked to reply. I am aware that difficulties are being experienced at blast furnace works in West Cumberland in obtaining adequate supplies of metallurgical coke owing to the increased demand at home and from abroad. I am assured that every effort is being made by the trade associations concerned to maintain inland supplies of coke, and I am keeping in close touch with the situation.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will institute an inquiry as to the effect of the early closing of shops since the War on unemployment generally; and whether he will instruct such an investigating Committee to inquire whether, provided there was an agreed-on limitation of individual working hours, it would be possible to absorb some of the unemployed labour which now exists?

I have consulted the Ministry of Labour on this subject and have also communicated with the London County Council and with several important associations representing employers and workers in the retail trades, and I find that there is a general consensus of opinion that the early closing restrictions have had no effect, or no appreciable effect, on employment. This is easy to understand. In many areas the majority of the shops, especially the larger shops, were already accustomed before the War to close voluntarily either at the hours now fixed by law or earlier, and where shops employing assistants kept open to later hours, they did so not by employing the assistants in shifts but by working the assistants for longer hours. Further, it is agreed that if shops generally were now to keep open beyond the present closing hours and to employ additional labour for this purpose, a serious increase would be involved in working expenses which would not be met by any corresponding increase in the total volume of business. In these circumstances, I am satisfied that an inquiry such as the hon. Member suggests would not be likely to lead to any useful result.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the great increase in the use of automatic machines for the supply of cigarettes to the public after eight o'clock; whether, seeing that this shows that the restriction on the sale of tobacco caused by the early closing of shops fails to meet public convenience, he will, in view of the existing unemployment, consider the desirability of extending the hours during which tobacconists may be open, thus affording work to additional assistants; and whether he will investigate the whole subject from this point of view?

I have no information to show that there has been any great increase in the use of automatic machines, and I see no reason to suppose that smokers generally have not by now accommodated themselves to the existing restrictions. In any case, for the reasons I have just pointed out to the hon. Member, I do not think that an extension of hours would have any appreciable effect in increasing employment, and I do not see my way, therefore, to institute any inquiry at present.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the present state of unemployment in this country, he will consider the advisability of prohibiting the employment of alien waiters in hotels and restaurants?

The proposal in this question would involve legislation, and for reasons similar to those given by the Minister of Labour on the 21st instant in answer to a somewhat similar question by the hon. and gallant Member for Maidstone (Commander Bellairs), I do not think it is practicable.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that the Home Office only issues to aliens permission to enter this country when there are no available persons to fill the posts of which they are in search, he will indicate whether there are any avenues of industry which at the present time are not entirely closed to such alien immigration?

I have been asked to reply to this question. Before a permit is granted to an employer to bring into this country an alien for employment, we satisfy ourselves that there are no British subjects available suitable for the vacancy offered, or that the employer has made bonâ fide efforts to obtain British labour without success. The majority of permits issued are for aliens required for some domestic relationship with the employer. Very few permits are given to industrial workers, and only where it appears that the introduction of the alien worker will lead to the employment of additional British labour.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Departmental Committee on Unemployment Insurance has made any recommendation as to a modification of the continuity rule; and if any action is to be taken with a view to modifying the rule?

As previously stated in the House, my right hon. Friend hopes to be able to deal with the question of the "continuity" rule in the Bill which he is introducing at an early date.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that if an unemployed person who is entitled to unemployed pay works for longer than two days in any week he breaks the continuity of his claim and receives no payment or any part thereof for that week and that he must then complete six consecutive signatures before he can again receive benefit and, furthermore, seeing that in consequence thereof guardians find that unemployed persons do not in many cases seek more than two days' employment in a week, he will formulate a scheme whereby if an unemployed person does not receive in wages for work during a week the amount he would have received if he was still drawing unemployment pay the balance to which he would have been so entitled if unemployed, after deducting the amount earned during the week, shall be payable to him irrespective of the number of days he may have worked during the week?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply—of which I am sending him a copy—given on the 15th February to a similar question by the hon. and gallant Member for Rotherham (Major Kelley).

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health what were the total grants and moneys received by the Glasgow Burgh Distress Committee for the relief of unemployment and for schemes of work since the incep- tion of the committee, and what are the amounts expended by the committee for the benefit of unemployed men and women, respectively?

The total receipts of the Glasgow Burgh Distress Committee from its inception to 15th May last amounted to £239,955. Of this sum £95,989 was in respect of Parliamentary grants, including a sum of £13,500 received by the Glasgow Corporation from the Unemployment Grants Committee for work performed by the distress committee; £51,413 in respect of work performed by the unemployed; and £62,487 in respect of assessments levied to meet administrative expenses and expenses in connection with the acquisition of Palacerigg Farm Colony. The total expenditure of the distress committee amounted to £249,009, of which £187,315 was in respect of the provision of temporary work. Practically the entire expenditure was in respect of unemployed men, employment being provided for women only in the years 1909, 1910 and 1915. The average number of women employed in these years was 29 and the total expenditure on wages was £497.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, if he is aware that propaganda issued by his Department has encouraged the sale of houses by public utility societies, financed by the Ministry; that the contracts for such sales have been submitted to the Ministry and the fee for the release of individual houses agreed; that when the societies wished to obtain the deeds and repay the mortgages they are faced with a demand for a sum equivalent of the difference in price of public stocks at the time of borrowing and the current price; and that such sums represent about £20 in every £100; and will he, considering the effect of such procedure on the erection of houses, discontinue the exaction of such sums?

Arrangements have been made under which in the cases of sales of houses made by public utility societies with the approval of the Ministry the societies will only be called upon to repay the cash advanced to them.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, if he will ascertain through the local authorities and inform the House how many houses of the kinds coming within the Rent Restriction Act are now being erected by private enterprise in Great Britain?

My right hon. Friend is giving this suggestion most careful consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he is aware that the rent tribunal has raised the rents of the council houses at Holt, Norfolk, from 6s. 6d. to 7s. 6d. per week without ascertaining adequately the capacity of the tenants to pay the increase; and whether he will recommend that a public inquiry be held by the rent tribunal, at which representatives of the Holt parish council and the tenants be invited to attend, in order that a more equitable settlement may be arrived at?

The question of the proper rent to be taken for the purpose of the calculation of Exchequer subsidy in the case mentioned was referred to the independent Rents Tribunal, who gave their decision after local investigation and full consideration of all the circumstances. I am unable to adopt the suggestion made by the hon. Member in the last part of his question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, if the Bicester Rural District Council has formally requested permission to reduce the rent of each of its houses by Is. per week; whether the Ministry has yet replied definitely to the request; and what the answer was?

A request has been received from the council in the sense indicated. Local enquiries which I have caused to be made are not yet complete, as 10 different housing sites are involved, but I hope to communicate my decision to the council very shortly.

asked the Undersecretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether the position of Deputy Clerk Register has been vacant since March, 1919; and when it is the intention of the Scottish Office to fill the vacancy?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. It is not intended to fill the vacant office of Deputy Clerk Register in view of the provision made by the Act passed in 1920 for the appointment of a separate Registrar-General for Scotland to perform the greater part of the duties formerly discharged by the Deputy Clerk Registrar and of the statement then made to Parliament that it was not intended to fill the latter office, but to distribute the remaining duties among existing officials.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he is aware that the post of curator of the historical department at the Scottish Register House has been vacant since September, 1919, and that of assistant curator since May, 1916; and whether it is his intention to fill the vacancies?

The posts referred to have been vacant since October, 1919, and May, 1916, respectively. It is proposed to fill the vacancy in the curatorship. It is not proposed to fill the assistant curatorship, because the duties of this post will be re-arranged under the scheme of re-organisation referred to in the written reply which I gave on Tuesday last to the hon. and gallant Member for Leith (Captain W. Benn).

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the approximate number of civilians employed at the Admiralty on 1st January, 1914; and is he aware that this number was increased to 1,920 in August, 1914, and to 3,474 on 1st January, 1923?

The reply to the first part of the question is 1,910. The reply to the second part is in the affirmative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he will stop grants to any local authority who is proved to controvert the Fair Wage Clause, or who permits or employs contractors or sub-contractors who controvert this Fair Wage Clause?

Should my attention be drawn to the fact that a local authority, in connection with road works assisted from the Road Fund, had entered into a contract or had approved a subcontract which did not impose the Fair Wages Clauses, I should certainly inquire into the matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport the present ruling price per ton of cement and the price per ton in 1913?

The figures required by the hon. Member are not contained in any official return. An examination of the standard technical periodicals publicly available shows that the price per ton in the year 1913 of Portland cement delivered in the London area was 36s., and that the present price is 58s.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether his attention has been called to the condition of the Banbury Road due to heavy motor traffic which the road is not constructed to carry; and whether, under the circumstances, he will look into the matter and see what action he can take either to restrict the traffic or to ensure that some large contribution from the Road Fund be made for its upkeep in proper condition?

The condition of the road referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend has caused my Department considerable concern for some time past. Its bad state is due to heavy traffic connected with the disposal of war stores. This traffic has now ceased, and the question of a further contribution from Government funds towards the cost of the reinstatement of the road is under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport the amount received from motor taxation in the years 1921 and 1922 from the following areas: the city of Edinburgh, the city of Glasgow, the county of Kirkcudbright, and the county of Wigtown; and the amount of grants made by the Ministry to the said areas in the above-mentioned years for the purpose of road construction and maintenance?

As I stated in reply to a question last Session, 1 deprecate the institution of comparisons between the amount of the collections from motor taxation in any particular area and the amount allocated in grants to that area. The road fund, to which the net proceeds of motor taxation accrue, is a national fund and grants are distributed on general principles which apply equally to all parts of the country.

asked the Attorney-General if he will consider the advisability of introducing legislation to abolish the power to imprison debtors, who are almost always poor persons, under the fiction of contempt of court?

I have been asked to reply to this question. Debtors of the class to which the hon. Member refers are imprisoned only when the court is satisfied that their failure to pay is not due to lack of means. I am not satisfied that an alteration of the law would be to the benefit of the poorer classes generally.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will favourably consider a reduction of the heavy parcel-post rates, which are proving a heavy burden on many businesses?

I regret that I am not at present in a position to make a statement with regard to a reduction of parcel-post rates.

asked the Postmaster-General why the building adjoining the main post office at Shrewsbury, which was purchased about two years ago by the Government for £8,000, is still not utilised; when he proposes to put it in commission; and for what purpose?

The building adjoining the head post office at Shrewsbury was purchased for the accommodation of a new telephone exchange. It was originally intended to instal manual equipment, but it has now been decided to introduce automatic plant. This decision has involved a considerable revision of the plans in order to provide for the weight of the automatic apparatus, but it should now be possible to make an early start with the work.

asked the Postmaster-General what is the present position of work in connection with the Post Office tube from Paddington to Whitechapel; and what has been the cost to 31st December last on this project; whether he is aware that the work remaining to be done is principally the provision of electrical equipment; and if he is prepared to put this work in hand at once in view of the large number of engineers and electrical workers at present unemployed?

The running tunnel of the Post Office Railway has been completed, and the expenditure to the 31st of December, 1922, was £1,129,000. The work remaining to be done is principally the construction of the permanent way and the provision of electrical plant. The amount of labour to be employed would be comparatively small in relation to the total cost; and I do not feel justified at present in asking Parliament for the considerable funds which would be required to complete the undertaking, but I will reconsider the question before next winter.

asked the Postmaster-General if the Government will consider, in the public interest, the advisability of refusing the use of the Post Office to obviously fraudulent busi- nesses on the lines followed in some of the Dominions and already adopted in this country in regard to gambling businesses?

It is forbidden to send through the post advertisements of certain specified classes of businesses, including those relating to betting houses, to which the hon. and gallant Member no doubht refers in the last part of his question. But the Post Office has no power to interfere with the correspondence of a business not falling within these classes; and I do not think it desirable that the Post Office should be called on to decide whether a particular business is or is not fraudulent. When steps are taken by the police, or other proper authority, for the suppression of a particular business which they consider to be fraudulent, the Post Office is always prepared to afford them such assistance as it can reasonably and legally give.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the efficiency of the Middlesbrough telephone service is seriously impaired by the continuance in use of old-fashioned and worn-out plant; and how soon will it be possible to replace the same by an up-to-date automatic service?

The present equipment, although not of the most up-to-date pattern, is giving a satisfactory service and is capable of good service for some years yet. In the circumstances, I do not consider that the heavy expense of replacing it could be justified at the present time, but when the necessity for a new exchange arises the question of providing some form of automatic apparatus will be considered.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to the widespread dissatisfaction in commercial and Press circles as a result of the high rates and prolonged delays in connection with the cable services of the Empire; and whether, seeing that at present he has no power to insist on a reduction of rates and acceleration of services, he will agree to allow private enterprise to provide an efficient wireless telegraph service and so supply cheaper and improved facilities for Empire communication?

There were very heavy delays on the cables for some time after the War, owing to pressure of traffic and the closing of alternative routes, but these delays have been greatly reduced by the laying of new cables, and the companies concerned hope that, on the completion of a further new line of cables to the Far East which is now being laid, the service will be as good as before the War. Cable communication is one of the few utilities for which the charges have not only not been increased, but in some instances actually decreased, since 1914. The question of allowing private enterprises facilities for providing wireless communications within the Empire is under the consideration of the Government.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has received applications for licences to conduct wireless telegraphic services between this country, the Dominions, and India; whether he is aware that South Africa, Australia, and Canada have entered into arrangements for the erection and working of high-power wireless stations, and that they are unable to proceed with the work until permission is given for the erection of the corresponding stations in this country; whether he is aware that the delay in coming to a decision has caused considerable anxiety in the Dominions; and whether, in view of the importance of providing the Empire with adequate wireless telegraphic services, he will immediately authorise the issue of the necessary licences?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my answer to a similar question which was asked by the hon. and gallant Member for North Islington (Sir N. Moore) on the 22nd instant.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has seen a statement by the High Commissioner for Australia in the Press, on 18th January, that Australia has been patiently waiting for the permission of the Imperial Government to erect a wireless station in this country capable of giving direct communication with the stations to be erected in Australia; whether he is aware of the feeling that exists in the Dominions at the delay on the part of the Home Government in allowing the provision of adequate Empire wireless services; and whether he will arrange for the Post Office to issue the necessary licences for the construction of the stations?

I would refer the hon. Member to my answer to a similar question which was asked by the hon. and gallant Member for North Islington (Sir N. Moore) on the 22nd instant.