asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any particulars have been published in regard to the Parliamentary inquiry in Denmark into the failure of the Landsmandes Bank?

So far as I am aware, no particulars have been published.

Will my hon. Friend endeavour to get particulars from the British Embassy, or inquire whether they know anything about the matter?

I will inquire.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that among the assets of the Landsmandes Bank in Denmark is a claim for a large loan made during the War to a British official, and whether full particulars will be asked for in regard to this alleged transaction?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. If my hon. and gallant Friend will furnish me with further details, I shall be happy to make inquiries.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the United States Government have been furnished with the full details of information upon which this Government acted in closing the United States consulate at Newcastle-upon-Tyne; if not, will he now supply the same; and whether he has requested the United States Government to furnish the Foreign Office with the information upon which they, after separate and distinct investigations by United States officials in this country, have formed the judgment that their ex-Consul and Vice-Consul at Newcastle were both innocent of the charges preferred against them?

The principal evidence on which His Majesty's Government relied was communicated to the United States Government on the 28th August last. The names of the persons furnishing this evidence were withheld at their request, but the United States Government were informed that His Majesty's Government were satisfied of their good faith and reliability. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment this day week.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this matter has been in abeyance for several months, causing great inconvenience and loss, and as it has reached a deadlock will he take some steps to relieve that condition?

I am aware of all the circumstances which my hon. Friend mentions, and I think I have communicated to him the difficulty of taking any further steps.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state the number of political murders and assassinations of British officials and subjects which have taken place in Egypt since that country became an independent sovereign State; the number of cases in which the assassins have been brought to justice; and what steps His Majesty's Government proposes to take to ensure that the onus of preserving law and order and protecting British nationals in Egypt should rest on the Egyptian Government and not on the British taxpayer?

Since 28th February, 1922, seven attempts have been made on the lives of British subjects in Cairo resulting in the death of two persons and the wounding of six other's. One attempt proved abortive. In no case have the criminals been brought to justice. His Majesty's Government await the enactment of an indemnity law which is a necessary step towards the withdrawal of martial law, when the sole responsibility for maintaining law and order in Egypt will rest with the Egyptian Government.

Does the figure given include the latest outrages reported in the Press?

No, it does not include those. I have not official information of them as yet.

Has there ever dawned on the Government the advisability of leaving Egypt to the Egyptians?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the report made by His Majesty's Consul-General at Mexico City that the trading situation is extremely unsatisfactory, representations could be made to the Mexican Govern- ment drawing its attention to the restrictive effect on trade of the present uncertainty regarding Mexico's fiscal policy?

I have examined the report, dated September, 1922, to which I presume the hon. Member refers. I regret that the causes of the unsatisfactory trading situation therein disclosed are not such as can be remedied by means of representations.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that a large quantity of goods despatched from Dortmund and Duisberg for England has been stopped and detained by order of the French Government, and that English firms are likely to sustain loss and also the English revenue; and whether representations are being made on this subject?

I am unaware of the precise consignment to which the hon. Members refers, but all cases which have been brought to the notice of His Majesty's Government of the alleged detention of British-owned goods by the French authorities are investigated by the British authorities in the Rhineland with a view to such action as may be possible to safeguard the interests of the British firms concerned. I may add that the French authorities have shown a desire to avoid hampering British trade, and to give favourable consideration to such cases of hardship as have arisen.

Is it not the fact that these goods are held, and have since been returned by the French Government to the consignors with the view of collecting 10 per cent. duty, and, if so, and if the British firm, for their own protection, are prepared to pay the 10 per cent. and collect it hereafter from the Germans, cannot arrangements be made by the British Government with the French Government?

I have already told the hon. Member that all the circumstances in each case are being inquired into by the British authorities on the spot, and they will make such arrangements as are possible in the interests of British trade.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Rhineland High Commission has given notice to all German Customs officials in the occupied area; whether this includes the zone now occupied by British troops; and, if so, whether this has been done with the consent of the British representative?

Notice has been given to all German Customs officials in the occupied territory; including the British zone. The British representative on the Inter-Allied Rhineland High Commission abstained from voting on this decision when the matter was discussed by the High Commission. In the British zone the German officials still continue to function.

Are we to understand that regulations and ordinances passed by the High Commission affect the British zone, although they are passed with the object of helping the French advance into the Ruhr?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state how many newspapers have been suppressed in the Ruhr district by order of the Inter-Allied Rhineland High Commission?

I regret that I have not the necessary information at my disposal.

asked how many officials of the German Government have been expelled from the Ruhr district by order of the Inter-Allied Rhineland High Commission; and in how many cases their wives and children have also been expelled?

His Majesty's Government are aware that a number of German officials, in many cases with their families, have been expelled from the Ruhr district. Such explusions have been carried out not by order of the Inter-Allied Rhineland High Commission, but by order of the French and Belgian military authorities in the Ruhr. No information is available as to the exact number of such expulsions.

further asked whether British officials participate in the work of granting export permits to persons desiring to export goods from the area occupied under the Treaty of Versailles or from the Ruhr district?

In the area occupied under the Treaty of Versailles, British officials have participated in the work of granting licences since April, 1921, and are continuing to do so. As regards the Ruhr district, British officials take no part in the grant of licences or permits.

Has the hon. Gentleman's attention been called to a semiofficial statement of the French Government, that a decision taken by the Inter-Allied High Commission which prohibits the despatch to unoccupied Germany of any goods from the Rhineland territory, completes the measures adopted for the Ruhr by the French and Belgium Governments?

I do not think that I have seen officially that communication. Perhaps the hon. Member will put a question on the Paper about it.

asked the Prime Minister whether, apart from any specific offer with regard to reparations, the German Government have made any general proposal to His Majesty's Government with the object of putting an end to the present serious deadlock in the Ruhr?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the damage done to British interests by the French occupation of the Ruhr, the British Government will invite the French and German Governments to formulate proposals for the settlement of the reparations question?

I would refer my Noble Friend to the views which I expressed in my speech in this House on the 19th February on the inadvisability of intervention by His Majesty's Government at the present stage, to which I have nothing to add.

Can the Prime Minister make any statement as to the railway accident at Duren, and can he say what force at present occupies that area?

I have no further information beyond what has appeared in the Press. Duren is in the French zone of occupation.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the present Government have taken the advice of their Law Officers on the question whether the Government of the day or Parliament are the competent authority under Part 13 of the Peace Treaty for deciding whether a country ratifies the decisions of the International Labour Conference; and what interpretation has been placed upon the term by other countries who have adhered to the Peace Treaty?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, statements have appeared in the publications of the International Labour Office which indicate that there is no uniform interpretation of the term "competent authority." The interpretation appears to be governed in each case by the requirements of the national constitution.

asked the Minister of Labour how many countries and what countries who have adhered to the Peace Treaty have adopted the Washington Eight-hours' Convention?

Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Greece, India and Roumania have ratified the Convention in question, but I am not in a position to state whether in all cases the necessary municipal legislation has yet been adopted to give effect to its provisions. In the case of Greece and Roumania, the application of the Convention may, according to its provisions, be deferred until the 1st July, 1923, and 1st July, 1924, respectively. Bulgaria's ratification is also conditional, and in the case of British India the principle of a 60-hour week was expressly allowed by the Convention itself.

May I ask why the Government does not follow the example of Czecho-Slovakia?

That has been the subject of debate in this House on previous occasions, and I would refer the hon. Member to those Debates.

Will the Government give another opportunity to this House to discuss the question?

asked the Prime Minister how many memorials have been presented to the Anglo-German Mixed Arbitral Tribunal; in how many cases decisions, other than of a formal nature, have been given; for how many days the tribunal sat during the last six months of 1922 and for approximately what number of hours; whether his attention has been drawn to the growing dissatisfaction felt by the business community at the slow progress made by the tribunal with cases pending before it, and the consequent losses inflicted by the delay on British nationals; and whether he will give the matter his personal consideration with a view to expediting the decisions of the tribunal?

As the answer is rather long, I will, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Arising out of that answer, may I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman—

Out of nothing, nothing can arise.

Following is the reply:

I am informed that the number of cases and memorials lodged with the Anglo-German Mixed Arbitral Tribunal to date is 1,726, and decisions, other than formal registered judgments, have been delivered by them in 87 cases. In addition, 199 cases have been withdrawn or settled by agreement. During the six months ending 31st December, 1922, which included the period of the Long Vacation, the tribunal sat in Court to try cases on 26 days and on three days to deliver judgments. In addition, the tribunal sat in private for discussion of decisions, questions of procedure and other interlocutory matters on some 30 days. The normal hours of the tribunal are from 10.30 a.m. to 5 p.m., but these are frequently exceeded. I am aware of the dissatisfaction referred to in the latter part of the question, but the fact is, I think, overlooked, that the work entrusted to the tribunal is of an onerous and exacting nature, and owing to the magnitude of the interests involved and to the fact that there is no appeal from their decision, it is incumbent upon them to exercise the greatest care in arriving at their decisions. I may add that the desirability of appointing additional divisions of the tribunal with a view to expediting the hearing of cases is now under consideration.

asked the Prime Minister if he will lay upon the Table of the House the terms of the Allied Note to Germany, dated Paris, 29th January, 1921, and signed by the right hon. the Member for Carnarvon Boroughs (Mr. Lloyd George) on behalf of Great Britain, in which the Allied Powers fixed the reparations bill payable by Germany at £11,300,000 gold, the payments to cover a period of 42 years as from 1st May, 1921, payable in two instalments of £100,000,000, three of £150,000,000, three of £200,000,000, three of £250,000,000, and 31 of £300,000,000?

On the 10th March, 1921, the then Chancellor of the Exchequer stated in reply to a question that the terms of the Allied Note referred to had been published in the Press and that he thought that in these circumstances the issue of a White Paper was unnecessary. I see no reason to reconsider the matter now.

May I ask whether, as a matter of fact, a bill for reparations of that amount was presented to the German Government in January, 1921?

I understand so.

Is the Prime Minister aware that the right hon. Member for Carnarvon Boroughs stated in this House, in the course of the last Debate, that no such bill was ever presented? Was not the Prime Minister present and heard that statement?

I am not prepared to charge my memory with statements made by the right hon. Member.

I am not quite clear as to whether or not this is a point of Order, but may I ask you, Mr. Speaker, whether, in view of the Prime Minister's statement, which, of course, we all know to be true, it is possible for this House to have an opportunity of expressing its disapproval of the statement, diametrically opposed to the statement just made by the Prime Minister, by the late holder of the highest office under the British Crown on a matter of vital national importance?

I wish to be under no misapprehension. I said I understood the matter was so, but I have not looked specially into it.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider himself capable of misrepresenting—[An HON. MEMBER: "Sit down!"]

Hon. Members come here for the purpose of cross-examining and criticising the present Ministry. If we were to go to ex-Ministers, we might have to go all round the House.

On a matter of this importance, will not the Prime Minister get us the accurate information whether the facts are as stated in the question? He says he believes it is so, but we want to know whether it was actually so, that this bill was presented to Germany?

If the hon. Member will put a question on the Paper to me, I will answer it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been called to a Bill passed in the French Chamber of Deputies on 6th November last, by which foreigners are not allowed to own real estate in France, Algeria, and the French Colonies, excepting on lease by licence; and, if so, what steps have been taken by the Secretary of State to call the attention of the French Government to the fact that if this Bill passes through the Senate it will create a breach of the Anglo-French Treaty of 1862?

His Majesty's Ambassador at Paris has addressed a Note on this subject to the French Government, who have promised to bring his observations and suggestions to the notice of the various Committees of the French Senate before which the Bill will come. The Anglo-French Convention of 1862 has no bearing on the holding of real estate in France and Algeria by British subjects. The hon. Member is perhaps referring to the Anglo-French Convention of 1882, which, however, only grants most-favoured nation treatment in this matter to British subjects. The Bill now before the Senate, if passed, will therefore not be a breach of either the 1862 or the 1882 Convention.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether the rights of suzerainty, protection, administration, and control over the State of Kelantan, which Siam transferred to Great Britain under the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909, are still in existence and vested in Great Britain, except so far as the same may be modified by the Agreement of 1910 between the High Commissioner for the Malay States and the Rajah of Kelantan, and the letters patent of 1911 recognising the Rajah of Kelantan as Sultan and Sovereign of the State of Kelantan; if not, to what extent, and by what means, have such rights been extinguished;

(2) whether the sovereignty of the State of Kelantan is subject to, and limited by, the rights transferred to Great Britain by the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909, or any of them, and by the Agreement of 1910 between the High Commissioner for the Malay States and the Rajah of Kelantan, or otherwise;

(3) whether, in view of the limitations to the sovereignty of the State of Kelantan, His Majesty's Government recognise the State of Kelantan as an independent sovereign State; and, if not, to what extent and for what purposes is the State of Kelantan not independent?

His Majesty's Government do not regard the Treaty and Agreement referred to, which are still in force, as derogating from the sovereignty of the Sultan of Kelantan, and His Majesty's Government recognise the State of Kelantan as an independent sovereign State.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many of the officials of all grades in all Departments of the Admiralty are in receipt of pensions in addition to pay; and will he be prepared to grant a Return showing the names and amount of pensions and pay drawn in such cases?

To obtain the information asked for would involve an expenditure of time which I am afraid it would be difficult to justify. I trust, therefore, that my hon. and gallant Friend will regard as sufficient the information given in Appendix 6 of the Navy Estimates about which I will, with his permission, circulate some explanatory notes in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

In view of the fact that there is a great number of these pensioned men still being kept on at ordinary pay, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman, having regard to the large number of officers unemployed, see what he can do to end this system of double pay?

Up to date a pension has been no disqualification for ordinary service.

Of course, it is not, but surely double pay, when there is so much unemployment, is a justification for stopping the system.

Following is the information promised:

Appendix 6 sets out in considerable detail those members of the Admiralty staff who are paid out of salary subheads and are also in receipt of remuneration in addition to their pay. It does not, however, include pensions of less than £50 a year, nor does it take into account wounds or disability pensions paid by the Ministry of Pensions, &c. The number of officials included in the list with pensions as seamen and marines is approximately 400.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Admiralty staff at Whitehall is any larger than it was at the outbreak of War; if so, why; and, if not, whether he could dispense with the unsightly huts now situated on the roof of the Admiralty arch and of the Admiralty buildings?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, but my hon. and gallant Friend may be assured that the numbers of the staff are being reduced as rapidly as the completion of the extra work resulting from the war allows. Arrangements are now being devised for the disposal of the staff occupying the temporary rooms on the roof of the Whitehall buildings, with a view to their early demolition.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, under the coming Admiralty Estimates, any contracts not hitherto awarded for naval construction will be placed after authority for the expenditure has been voted by the House of Commons; and whether, if this is so, he will expedite the consideration of the Naval Estimates so as to give employment in those districts where it is most urgently needed?

No contracts for naval construction are placed prior to the consideration of Navy Estimates by Parliament. The forthcoming Navy Estimates will be introduced next month on the earliest possible day.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that, owing to the drastic reduction in the coastguard service there will be no chance of promotion to chief officer for some time to come; and, that being so, can he see his way to allow petty officers, passed and recommended for chief officer, to serve on till the age of 55 years, seeing that if a petty officer fails to get promotion before his fiftieth year he has to retire, and in this way compensate the petty officer who does not reach the rank of chief?

I am afraid that the reduction of the establishment numbers must for some time to come have an adverse effect on promotion, but the remedy proposed would cause a block in advancement from coastguard to petty officer.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the future of the coastguard service has yet been decided; and how the matter now stands?

It has now been decided that the coastguard, apart from the very small portion of the force which carries out naval duties, shall be re-constituted as the coast watching service and removed from Admiralty administration and placed under that of the Board of Trade. The change will take effect on the 1st April next, or us shortly after that date as is possible.

Will the right hon. Gentleman indicate what will be the total reduction in numbers of the coastguard service?

As far as men are concerned, the reduction will be from 1,150 to under 70. They will have to be kept under Vote A for the present.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that a large number of engine-room artificers, fifth class, who have been training in His Majesty's Ship "Fisgard" at Portsmouth for 4½ years, have been served with one month's notice to leave; whether he can state the approximate cost to public funds of their training; and whether these young men, whose career is thus cut short, will receive any, and what, compensation?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As this question was not put down till yesterday it has not been possible in the time to prepare an estimate of cost of the training of these ratings. Each man will receive a bonus of £20 as compensation.

If it was only put down yesterday how does it come to appear on the Paper to-day?

It was only received yesterday.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many men are now employed upon the two new battleships authorised by Parliament, and how many, so far as can be stated, on contract work for these vessels; and whether these numbers are as great as he anticipated at the time that the vessels were authorised?

It is not possible, without a large amount of investigation which would take a considerable time, to obtain definite figures as to the numbers employed, but it is estimated that about 3,000 men are now employed on these contracts. This number is not so large as was anticipated, but it is increasing daily, and should soon work up to the figure already announced, namely, 4,000 to 5,000.

Has any delay taken place in connection with the battleship which is to be constructed on the North-East Coast; and is the hon. Gentleman aware that at the present time the idea prevails that the starting of the work is being delayed?

No, Sir. There is no delay. The numbers employed are not as large as we thought and hoped they would be, because the firms involved want to finish off some mercantile ship orders which they have, and there has been some difficulty in obtaining the special material required.

Is it not a fact that pattern makers, who do not need special material, and who get to work first, have not yet been started even to make the patterns for the engines?

The hon. Member had better put that question down.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if the committee recently appointed to consider the general question of accommodation in His Majesty's ships will report in time for their recommendations to be embodied in the plans of the two capital ships now building; and if the committee is also empowered to report on the state and inadequacy of the sanitary and other arrangements in naval barracks?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The answer to the second part is in the negative. These matters have been under consideration by another committee whose recommendations are being given effect to from time to time.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can make any statement as to the payment of marriage allowances in the coming financial year?

It is presumed that my hon. and gallant Friend refers to marriage allowance for naval officers. I regret that it has not been found possible to make provision for payment of this allowance in the coming financial year.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if the scheme of contributory pensions for widows and children now being considered by the Admiralty is to be worked in conjunction with the Army and Air Force or to be confined to the Royal Navy?

I am afraid I can add nothing at the present time to my reply of the 21st February.

The hon. Gentleman told me the other day that the scheme is being considered—can he say if it is being considered with the Army and Air Force, or separately as regards the Navy?

The answer which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend on 21st February was that the question was being dealt with as rapidly as circumstances permitted and that I was not in a position to make any statement on the matter then—and I am afraid I am not in a position to do so now.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any awards were made by the Admiralty in connection with the invention of the depth charge prior to the setting up of the Claims Commission or prior to those awarded in Paper 1782 of 1922 to Commander Teasdale Buckell and Mr. H. J. Taylor?

No, Sir.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the fact that Messrs. C. Burley, Limited, brick and Portland cement manufacturers, and also Messrs. Smeed, Dean, and Company, Limited, cement and brick manufacturers, both of Sittingbourne, Kent, are not paying the rates of wages and overtime conditions agreed upon by the National Joint Industrial Council for the Cement Industry; and, having regard to the fact that the firms named are Government contractors, will steps be taken to remove them from the list under the terms of the Fair Wages Clause of 1906?

A complaint was received relative to the matter referred to in the first part of the hon. Member's question. The complaint was investigated in June last, in conjunction with the War Office, and it was found that the rates of wages paid by the firms in question did not contravene the Fair Wages Clause in the Admiralty contracts.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of unemployed in the various branches of the building trade; the weekly amount paid in benefits; and the total amount paid in covenanted and un-covenanted benefits during the past 12 months?

In putting the question, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman to give the total figure if he does not give the details?

The total figure is 152,188. I will circulate the details in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Arising out of that appalling figure of unemployment in the building trade, cannot the right hon. Gentleman make representation to the Minister of Health that, in addition to his other activities, he might find time to sanction the building of more houses by local authorities?

As the hon. Member knows, this whole subject is now under discussion.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give some consideration to the necessity for reconstructing this House, with the object of finding seats for hon. Members?

That question is for the Office of Works to consider.

Following are the details referred to:

The total number of persons unemployed in the various branches of the building trade on the 22nd January, 1923, the latest date for which figures are available, was as follows:

Assuming that these workpeople draw the same average per head as unemployed workpeople generally, the weekly amount drawn by them is about £108,500. A corresponding figure for 12 months could not be obtained without very considerable labour.

It is not possible to give separate figures for covenanted and uncovenanted benefit.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of workmen who are to-day without employment in the building industry; and, in view of the need for the building of middle-class houses that can be let or sold at an economic price, he proposes to take steps to secure that work shall be found for these men by the private builders throughout the country?

At 22nd January, the number of persons in the building trades registered as unemployed at Employment Exchanges in Great Britain was 152,188, of whom 78,461 are classified as unskilled. The Government are of opinion that, if their policy is carried out, the erection of such houses will be facilitated, and, consequently, employment will be provided in the building industry.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me what is the Government's policy?

The Government's policy has been outlined already.

Is it a fact that the number of unemployed building workers has decreased this year?

I should like notice of that question?

asked the Minister of Labour the number of building-trade workers who are at present unemployed in Scotland; and what is the total sum paid weekly in unemployed benefit to them?

At 22nd January, the number of persons in the building trades registered as unemployed at Employment Exchanges in Scotland was 14,218, of whom 6,100 were classified as unskilled. Assuming that these workpeople draw the same average per head as unemployed workpeople generally, the weekly amount drawn by them is, approximately, £10,000.

asked the Minister of Labour the approximate number of men unemployed in the Greater London area at the present time in the building trades; can he give any details as to whether they comprise bricklayers, carpenters, plasterers, and other building employés; and whether the numbers have recently increased or decreased?

At 22nd January there were 37,362 men registered as unemployed in the building trade at Employment Exchanges in the Greater London area, of whom 18,601 were unskilled and 18,761 were craftsmen, including 2,724 carpenters, 1,198 bricklayers, 706 plasters, 919 plumbers, and 11,602 painters. The corresponding total at 18th December, 1922, was 34,005.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the London County Council have all the organisation and machinery to absorb this labour forthwith given the authority of the Ministry of Health to do so?

I am afraid that I cannot be responsible for the actions of the London County Council.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Unemployment Grants Committee have come to any decision on the application of the Redruth Urban District Council for a grant in relief of unemployment in that area?

The Unemployment Grants Committee have authorised grants, and the Ministry of Health have sanctioned the necessary loans in respect of the three road schemes to which I understand the hon. and gallant Member refers.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there are grave disabilities applied by local committees to unemployed men who, in the case after having proved that they were seeking employment, have been disallowed their pay, and, even when having obtained work for municipal corporations under condition of one week on and one week off, have been told that they cannot make another claim until next July; and, having regard to the hardships thus imposed, particularly upon married men, will steps be taken to put this matter in order, giving to men in such conditions their right to claim unemployment donation for the week they are idle?

The receipt of benefit is, of course, governed by statutory conditions, but subject to this the local committees have directions that benefit should not be refused to short-time workers where disallowance would involve hardship, having regard to all the circumstances. I am, however, not quite clear as to what particular class of case the hon. Member refers, and if he will give me particulars I will look into them at once.

I have already sent them in.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can see his way to amend the Regulations in regard to unemployed pay so that an unemployed person, who does not receive in wages during a week the amount he would have received if he was paid the unemployment payment, may receive the balance of the payment to which he would have been so entitled after deducting the amount earned during the week, irrespective of the number of days he may have worked during the week?

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

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men and women to whom unemployment benefit was paid in the week ending on 17th February, and the total amount paid in such benefit?

The estimated number of males and females (including a small proportion of young persons between 16 and 18) to whom unemployment benefit was paid in the week ending 17th February, 1923, was 955,000 and 177,000 respectively; the total amount paid as unemployment benefit was approximately £925,000.

asked the Minister of Labour whether paragraph (3) of Clause 4 of the Circular L.E.C. 68/7, means that the 10 weeks of uncovenanted benefit, which is to be paid only in the ratio of one in three in respect of contributions, is to be debited against the recipient and taken into account in connection with the provision of the Act relating to repayment at 60 years of age; and, if so, whether this benefit is to be regarded as covenanted benefit?

In accordance with the provisions of the Acts, all benefit received, including that referred to in the question, is taken into account in ascertaining whether there is any balance to be refunded to the contributor at the age of 60. The benefit referred to is a discretionary grant, and is therefore not covenanted.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the great hard- ship suffered under the working rules of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1922; and will he introduce new legislation on the lines that when workmen are off work they be paid so much per day for each day off work, or so much per week?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply, of which I am sending him a copy, to a similar question asked yesterday by the hon. and gallant Member for Maiden (Major Ruggles-Brise).

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if we take two workmen A and B, A may get more working days in than B, and A will get more unemployment pay than B, yet A has more wages to draw than B at his pay office?

I have already intimated, in another answer which I gave earlier in the day, that there is great difficulty about apportioning benefit in respect of days of unemployment.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Henry Stewart, 66, Avenue Road, Springburn, was offered work in Belfast by the Springburn Employment Exchange; that Stewart was unable to proceed to Belfast because he had no clothes; that the wages were insufficient to keep himself in Belfast and his wife and three children in Springburn; that his benefit was stopped, and Stewart appealed against the decision on 13th January and has had no reply; and whether immediate steps will be taken to prevent such hardships being inflicted?

I am making inquiries, and will communicate the result to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, when taking powers to amend the existing Unemployment Insurance Acts, he will have special regard to the serious financial position of many local authorities in industrial areas; and will he make such amendments as will provide against any further charges being placed on local rates on account of unemployment during the gap period of April to June next?

The contributory Unemployment Insurance scheme has been of very great assistance to local authorities by relieving them of charges which would otherwise have fallen upon them in respect of the unemployed. Proposals for a further grant of benefit will be made in the Bill which I am introducing to-day.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that, in order to find work for the unemployed, the Sheffield Corporation has obtained approval for schemes the estimated cost of which is £849,625, towards which the estimated Government grant is £155,624, and that much the larger part of the balance has ultimately to come out of the rates of the city, which for the current year are 21s. 10d. in Sheffield and 22s. 6d. in Ecclesall; and whether these facts and the further fact that the Sheffield unions have expended nearly £1,250,000 in unemployment relief were before the Government when they decided that no special consideration could be given to this necessitous area?

My right hon. Friend is aware of the circumstances prevailing at Sheffield, and the situation in this and other areas was fully considered by the Government before the decision referred to was taken.

Does that answer mean that the Government are leaving Sheffield in all its difficulties without any help at all, and is that final? Are they going to continue to make the children of Sheffield pay for the special local circumstances?

I understand that the Government have already given great help to Sheffield.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will see that unemployment pay is not continued to women and girls capable of domestic service when employment in such service is available?

Benefit is only paid to women who are normally employed otherwise than in private domestic service. Further, such women who are suitable for, and who refuse, domestic service are not granted benefit. I have for some time past been giving attention to the existing conditions as to the supply of female domestic servants and to the effect of the Unemployment Insurance Scheme in this connection.

Who decides on the interpretation of the words "if suitable for" in the right hon. gentleman's answer?

That is subject to the Minister's general over-riding powers and general responsibility. It is decided in the first instance by the local committee.

Has the Minister any authority to decide the wages and conditions of the domestic service, into which he is asked to force these women?

Is it not a fact that benefit is being paid to a number of domestic servants who are usually employed in hotels; and, if there are no vacancies in hotels, why cannot they be employed in private houses?

If they are employed in a hotel or an institution carried on for profit, they come within the ambit of the Act. That is quite true, but they are always considered first of all, if there is no institutional vacancy, for ordinary domestic service before benefit is granted.

asked the Minister of Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the special conditions operating in the lace industry, particularly as they affect auxiliary workers who attend to do one or two hours' work on several days in each week, thus disqualifying them from unemployed benefit; and whether he will consider in such cases the cumulative hours so worked being deducted, and the remaining hours to qualify for benefit or some such scheme that would give the same result?

In general, benefit is only payable in respect of days on which an applicant is wholly unemployed, and I cannot undertake to propose an extension of the limited class of cases in which this rule does not apply. In the kind of case referred to by the hon. Member, the allowance of benefit may depend upon the rule regarding the continuity of un- employment, an amendment of which I hope to propose in the Bill which I am introducing to-day.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will provide the Members of this House with such circulars and Regulations, not being of a confidential nature, as are issued by his Department for the guidance of managers of Employment Exchanges in the matter of unemployment insurance benefit?

I have already undertaken to place in the Library a copy of all the principal documents, including circulars, regulations and other memoranda, which are issued to the public or to local employment committees. I regret that I cannot go beyond this.

asked the Minister of Labour how much of the work which the railway companies promised to undertake at once for the relief of unemployment has actually been put in hand, and how many men are engaged upon it; whether the companies have given an assurance that the materials employed shall be of British design and workmanship; and, if not, whether he will ask for such assurance, in the interests of the workpeople of this country?

I have been asked to reply. The new works which, as my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour explained in the House, the railway companies had in hand, or were proposing to put in hand at an early date, are being carried out by the companies voluntarily, and I am not in a position to give the detailed information asked for in the first part of the question. I understand, however, that nearly all the schemes in immediate prospect last November have already been put in hand, or are on the point of being started, but that many of the additional schemes decided upon since then cannot actually be started for some months. The point raised in the last part of the question is one that must be left to the discretion of the companies.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any arrangement has been come to by his Department with the London County Council that youths of 16 to 18 years of age in receipt of unemployment pay must attend continuation schools for certain hours each week; will he state what the arrangement is; how many youths it applies to in the County of London; whether his Department pays any of the cost of the schools; and, if so, what is the estimated annual cost?

By arrangement with the Ministry of Labour the London County Council have set up juvenile unemployment centres for boys and girls between the ages of 14 and 18, and the number of boys and girls in attendance at these centres on 21st February was 3,429. Boys and girls drawing unemployment benefit may be required to attend a centre unless they are attending some other approved course of instruction, such as a voluntary day continuation school. The estimated cost of the London centres for three months from 12th February is £15,000, of which 75 per cent. will be borne by the Exchequer.

Is the right hon. Gentleman now prepared in the necessitous areas to defray the whole cost?

The offer made by the Government in connection with the local areas was not an ungenerous one, and I am not prepared to go further.

asked the Minister of Labour if, in view of the fact that the total payments of unemployed benefits amounted to £52,000,000 for the year 1921–22, and Poor Law relief to unemployed workpeople has been paid during the same period of a similar amount, his Department will apply this sum of over £100,000,000 for useful productive work instead of the present system of non-productive and enforced idleness?

Unemployment benefit is paid out of a fund to which employers and workpeople have contributed, and for the reasons set out in the recently-published Report of the Cabinet Unemployment Committee (of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy) I can not undertake to propose that the money should be used for purposes other than those for which it was contributed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he is aware that a certain employer in Scunthorpe has recently discharged a workman because he refused to consent to vaccination; whether the man, upon applying for unemployment benefit, has been debarred by the referee to whom his application was referred by the manager of the Employment Exchange; and whether he will take steps to see that the man does not lose his benefit because he exercised his legal right?

I have been asked to reply. In view of the decision of the Umpire in a similar case the claim of this applicant has been referred by the Insurance Officer to the Umpire, whose decision, under the statutory procedure, will be final. I will inform the hon. Member when the decision has been given. I understand that the applicant has now obtained employment.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that each of the 400 men residing in Oxford, and employed at the Ordnance Depot, Didcot, have to pay 6s. 3d. weekly for railway fares alone, in addition to other costs of transport; and whether he will make arrangements with the railway company or otherwise whereby these men may be relieved of this charge?

I have been asked to reply. I understand that the circumstances are as stated. I will communicate with the railway company, with a view to seeing whether any reduction of the present fare is practicable.

asked the Minister of Labour what progress, if any, has been made between the Government and the local authorities concerned relative to the proposed Liverpool-Manchester road; and whether, in the event of the local authorities declining to accede to the terms already laid down, he will state if the Government will proceed with the work on its own account?

I have been asked to answer this question. As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on the 21st February to the hon. Member for the Luton Division, of which I am sending him a copy. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Can the hon. Gentleman give us the approximate date on which this work is to be commenced; will it be this year, next year, some time or never?

The answer is quite simple. When the various local authorities have told us what they will subscribe and when they will put up the money, we will put up our share and the work will proceed.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the only local authority objecting to this road is Manchester?

Will the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that only British stone will be used on this road?

That question should be addressed to the local authorities.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Russian delegates at Lausanne made any offer for the reduction of naval armaments or the demilitarisation of the Black Sea; and whether he will publish its terms?

I hope that the Papers regarding the Lausanne Conference may be laid in the course of the next few days. They will contain all the proposals and speeches made by the Russian Delegation about the Straits and Black Sea, and the hon. and gallant Member will be able to judge for himself.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that a receiver has been appointed on behalf of the Government as debenture holders of Flax Cultivation, Limited; whether he is aware that already the action taken has resulted in the dismissal of 60 workpeople and that no less a number than 600 employés are in immediate danger of losing their employment; and whether he can see his way to stay further proceedings in this matter and give this company an extension of time for the repayment of the sum of money at issue, with a view to giving this industry which was started specially, during the War, an opportunity of establishing its position and thus ensuring the continuance of a new industry, the employment of a very considerable number of workpeople as well as the development of the growth of the necessary raw material, thus giving employment to a considerable number of rural workers?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the dismissal of workpeople, I understand that the stocks of straw in the company's possession have now been entirely deseeded, and that the deseeders and other employés engaged in that process, having now no duties to perform, have been dismissed. It has previously been the company's practice to transfer these employés to the process of retting and drying the flax, but these processes can only be satisfactorily carried on in dry summer weather and cannot be undertaken at this time of the year. As regards the future of the company, I am informed that the Receiver has been in constant touch with the chairman of the company, and is prepared to give careful consideration to a scheme of reconstruction which is being formulated. In answer to the last part of the question, I can assure the hon. Member that the decision of the Government to apply for the appointment of a Receiver was not taken until every possible alternative had been carefully and sympathetically examined. In this connection, I may say that the Government expressed its willingness to accept a sum of £30,000 in full settlement of debts amounting to £370,000, but even with this substantial concession no satisfactory scheme for placing the undertaking on a firm financial basis could be produced. In these circumstances my right hon. Friend regrets that he is unable to accept the suggestion that further proceedings should be stayed.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce at an early date a Measure for the purpose of effecting a reform in the present system of taxation in the urban and agricultural districts?

I am unable at present to add anything to the reference to this matter in the King's Speech.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to take steps to secure a fixed annual date for Easter?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Labour the rate of wages paid to brickmakers in Somerset and the prices demanded for bricks in that county in the years 1919 and 1922, respectively?

As the reply is somewhat lengthy, I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

According to the information in my possession, the recognised rate of wages for brickmakers on time work at Bridgwater at the beginning of 1919 appears to have been about 43s. per week of 55 hours; at the end of 1919 it was 48s. per week of 48 hours. The corresponding rates at the beginning and end of 1922 were 51s. and 40s. respectively for a week of 48 hours. I understand, however, that the majority of the workers in the brickyards at Bridgwater are engaged on piece work, but the actual earnings of men on piece work are not available. I have no information as to the wages of brickmakers in other districts of Somerset.

I understand that the prices of building bricks at Bridgwater were as follows:

asked the Prime Minister whether the proposals of the Government relating to the decontrol of houses will be made a question of confidence in the Government?

The answer to this question must depend upon the circumstances at the time. If there has been sufficient improvement in the situation to justify decontrol, the Whips would be put on.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not consider that that reply will cause even greater uncertainty than now exists with regard to this question?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at the present time, as a consequence of the present position, there is no confidence in the Government?

asked the Minister of Labour the trade union wages and hours of work of a bricklayer in 1914, in 1920, and in 1923; and the index figure rise in the cost of living for 1920 and for 1923 as compared with 1914?

As the reply to this question involves a statistical table, and is necessarily somewhat lengthy, I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The rates of wages of bricklayers vary in different localities. The usual range of the rates recognised by employers and trade unions was:

7d. to 11½d. per hour at August, 1914.

1s. 3d. to 2s. per hour at the beginning of 1920.

1s. 10d. to 2s. 4d. per hour at the end of 1920, and

1s. 3d. to 1s. 8d. per hour at February, 1923.

The recognised hours of labour in a full normal week in the summer months varied in different districts from

46½ to 56½ at August, 1914, and from

44 to 56½ at the beginning of 1920.

The normal hours in the winter months were generally less than at other periods of the year. By the end of 1920 a uniform week of 44 hours had been generally adopted and has continued in operation up to December, 1922, when, for the two winter months of December, 1922, and January, 1923, 41½ hours were generally adopted.

The average percentage increase since July, 1914, in the cost of maintaining the pre-War standard of living of working-class families, in the country as a whole, as shown by the Ministry of Labour index figure, is

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he can state if private builders are now erecting houses suitable for the middle classes; if he can generally indicate how many have been built, how many are in the course of erection, and the cost of such houses; and whether they are erected for the purposes both of sale and letting?

It is a matter of common observation that a considerable number of middle class houses are being built by private enterprise at the present time, but statistics as to the number, cost and terms of disposal of such houses are not available.

Are the builders in receipt of subsidies?

No, Sir.

In view of the grave dissatisfaction amongst the middle classes as to the prospect of sufficient houses being built, will the Noble Lord not give these statistics before the Mitcham election is over?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether, to provide houses at once for the middle classes, he will consider a scheme whereby the builder is advanced by the State 85 per cent. of the estimated cost of the house, the money to be advanced in instalments as the work proceeds and on a certificate given by the local authority surveyor, and to be repayable over a period of 20 years, the State to hold a mortgage on the building until the money has been repaid, and the builder to have the right of transferring his mortgage to the purchaser of the building?

A proposal to secure the object desired through the medium of the local authorities is being considered in connection with the Housing Bill.