asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that the increased rent now demanded for the ex-service men's small holdings in Hexhamshire, Northumberland, is making the position of ex-service men there most precarious; whether he proposes to take any steps to improve the situation; and how many, if any, evictions have taken place for inability to pay rent?

I am advised that the rents at present charged for the small holdings in question are fair and reasonable, and that in no case has the rent charged to the smallholder been increased. The county council have recently advertised four 50-acre holdings, which will be available as from May next on completion of the equipment. The replies received to the advertisement confirm the council's opinion that the rents which they have fixed, with the approval of the Ministry, are not excessive. I am informed that there are no real grounds for dissatisfaction among the tenants, although some of them are suffering from the adverse effect of unfavourable seasons and shortness of capital. In reply to the last part of my hon. Friend's question, only two changes of tenancy have taken place on this estate during the three years in which the county council have administered it. One smallholder relinquished his tenancy for purely personal reasons, and the other surrendered his holding voluntarily on account of the withdrawal of capital advanced to him by his father. A third change of tenancy will take effect at May next. In this case the tenant was in arrears with his rent, and the council, after carefully considering all the circumstances, felt bound to take proceedings for the recovery of the amount owing.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he can see his way to cause a circular letter to be issued from his Department to employers in respect to the employment of ex-service men, asking that in fixing the wages rates of such men no advantage shall be taken of any compensation or pension they may be receiving for injuries received during their service in the Great War?

The policy of the Ministry has always been to discourage employers from taking compensation granted for war disablement into account in fixing wages, and is already well known. My right hon. Friend does not consider that any useful purpose would be served by adopting the hon. Member's suggestion, which, moreover, he feels would be impracticable.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in relation to ex-service men having once been granted pensions or special privileges of classification in institutions, e.g., mental hospitals, he can suggest any ready means of departure from the somewhat narrow limits of category, attributable to or worsened by war service, in order that the men may not be deprived of those privileges by any such fine distinction?

All men who have been disabled in and by war service, or who are suffering from a condition which, though not due to, has been worsened by service, are entitled to compensation from this Ministry while the effects of service remain. This is a wide and generous basis of entitlement, and my right hon. Friend would not feel himself justified in recommending any departure from this principle.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that when a man is undergoing treatment at the instance of the Ministry of Pensions, and thereby loses wages, he receives benefits up to the extent of 100 per cent. disablement, whereas when a man receives sick pay from his employer or from any other source, this must be taken into consideration in estimating the 100 per cent. disablement; and if he will take action in the matter?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for the Central Division of Edinburgh (Mr. W. Graham) on the 3rd April last, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the number of disabled men at present in receipt of disablement pensions; the number of widows in receipt, of pensions or allowances; and the number of other dependants in receipt of pensions or allowances?

Excluding officers, the approximate numbers are 745,000, 156,000 and 375,000 respectively. The corresponding figures for officers are 28,700, 9,400 and 6,600.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that in 1918 the Government appointed committees to consider and report on a revised scale of pay and pensions for the fighting services, and as a result substantial increases were granted; that it was also recommended that the present revised scales should apply to all pensioners on the rolls in view of the increased cost of living and the higher standard of comfort aimed at; that these increases were interpreted by the Treasury to apply only to those who had re-enlisted and served in the late War, thus depriving of the benefits many thousands of deserving men; and whether the Treasury will reconsider the interpretation of a regulation which is causing great disappointment to very old pensioners as a class?

My hon. and gallant Friend appears to be under some misapprehension. Pensioners of former wars are eligible for the Great War rates of disablement pension, and provision is made by the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920, for granting an increase of pension, on the ground of higher cost of living, in other cases of pre-War disablement.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many ex-service men who are entitled to pensions are at present receiving institutional treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis in sanatoria; and what is the cost per week per patient to the pensions Department?

Approximately 3,000 ex-service men are at present receiving residential treatment in institutions for tuberculosis. The average cost of treatment is £2 17s. 6d. a week for each patient, and, in addition, treatment allowances averaging £2 a week for each patient are paid by my Department.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will appoint a representative committee to consider the serious position brought about, as apart from the unfortunate men themselves, by the transfer from imperial to local sources of financial responsibility at a time when the poor rate is heavily mortgaged as a result of other post-War consequences, particularly unemployment; and, if so, whether representatives of boards of guardians will be given a right of representation to such committee as respects cases thus becoming chargeable to them?

My right hon. Friend regrets that he sees no advantage in the appointment of a committee of the kind suggested, and he is unable, therefore, to accept the suggestion.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what percentage has been paid of the £40,000 which it is intended should be paid out of the Iraq Treasury towards the cost of the High Commissioner and the British staff in 1922–23?

Fifty per cent. of the monthly cost has been and is being regularly paid.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that parcels of English newspapers consigned to Northern Ireland, forwarded viâ Dublin, have been seized and confiscated by Free State troops; and if any action has been taken by His Majesty's Government?

I am informed that certain parcels of newspapers, notably certain copies of the Manchester Edition of the "Daily Mail," have been seized at Kingstown recently, but I have no knowledge as to their destination. The matter is not one within the jurisdiction of His Majesty's Government, who have, therefore, taken no action.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that British newspapers consigned to Northern Ireland have been seized and confiscated by Free State troops; and if he will arrange in future that newspapers consigned to Northern Ireland shall not be forwarded through the Southern Irish Free State?

As regards the first part of this question, I should be glad if the hon. Member would let me have some further particulars. I will then have inquiry made. As regards the second part, I would refer him to my reply, of the 19th instant, to the hon. Member for Belfast, West Division (Mr. Lynn).

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies how many staff motor cars are maintained in Iraq at the expense of the British Treasury?

I have been asked to reply. The number of staff motor-cars at present in use by the Royal Air Force in Iraq is 12.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what are the numbers of personnel and of squadrons of the Air Forces of France and Great Britain, respectively, at the latest available date?

It is impossible for me to give the complete number of personnel of the Air Force of France, as many of the functions of the French Air Force are carried out by naval and military personnel. The only official figure that I can give the right hon. Member in this connection is 37,730 for the naval, military, and colonial air services, but I would point out to the right hon. Gentleman that these services are not accurately comparable with the Royal Air Force. I would refer the right hon. Gentleman in this connection to the explanation on this point which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Hull on 14th December. The latest figure regarding the number of French squadrons is 140 (of nine machines, on the average). The British figures are: Number of personnel, 29,306; number of squadrons, 32 (of 12 machines, on the average).

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many additional flying boats as well as seaplanes have been added to the strength of the Navy; and what number have been constructed, or are being constructed, since July, 1921?

I have been asked to reply. As far as the Navy is concerned, 14 seaplanes are serving with or are available for service in Fleet carriers. There are five flying boats under the orders of the Air Officer Commanding, Coastal Area, and five under the Air Officer Commanding, Malta, which are

detailed for co-operation with the Fleet, and which work from a shore base. With regard to modern developments in aircraft, 10 flying boats and 12 float seaplanes have been constructed since July, 1921, or are at present being constructed for service with the Navy. These numbers do not take account of 33 flying boats and amphibians of various experimental types which have been tried or put under construction since that date. A comparison between July, 1921, when the obsolescent war types were still in service, and February, 1923, when the old stock has been largely scrapped and the new and improved types are being substituted, would not be a useful or fair comparison. The period was one of transition and change-over from an older to a newer equipment, and the newer equipment was itself, moreover, largely of an experimental kind, for which it would have been bad policy to place large orders prematurely. I may add that the policy of development which is being followed has been agreed upon between the, Admiralty and the Air Ministry.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the numbers employed and wages paid at the outport establishment and at the Admiralty in July, 1914, and latest available date, together with the personnel of the Navy at each period?

The figures are as follow:

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that labourers in the Royal Victoria Yard, Deptford, are receiving but 44s. per week; whether, seeing that, under present conditions, this cannot be considered as a living wage, consideration will be given to the request of the labourers for an increase in their weekly wage when the Estimates for the year are being framed?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; the second part of the question raises a matter of controversy; the fact is that the rate is not less than the rate of wages of great numbers of men employed in commercial industry; no undertaking can be given in reply to the third part of the question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty bow many midshipmen and naval cadets entered from Dartmouth and by direct entry from the public schools in 1922; and what is the fixed proportion, if any?

During 1922, 158 naval cadets passed out of Dartmouth and 15 cadets were entered under the "Special Entry" scheme. No fixed proportion of special entries is laid down, the numbers entered being those considered necessary to meet requirements.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what was the first day on which the Finance Branch of the War Office was aware of any irregularity in the position of Messrs. McGrigors?

The 6th October last was the first date on which the War Office was aware of any doubt as to the stability of Messrs. McGrigors.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what is the cause of the delay in moving the huts from Wimbledon Common, which are preventing the conservators restoring the common for public use; and whether he will give instructions for the immediate removal of the remaining huts?

I have been asked to answer this question. The Disposal and Liquidation Commission have been arranging the sale and clearance of these huts as they were reported by the War Office as surplus to military requirements. The 17 huts now remaining have been sold and the site will be cleared by the 31st March.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will enumerate the Treaties now existing between foreign countries and ourselves?

I would refer the hon. Member to the publication entitled "British and Foreign State Papers," published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, and to the "Treaty Series" of Papers laid before Parliament since 1892. A set of each of these publications is available in the Library of the House.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the question of the enhancement of pensions of retired officers of the Civil Services in India, other than the Indian Civil Service, can be included in the scope of the inquiries to be made by the Royal Commission about to be appointed to inquire into the position, prospects, and grievances of the Indian Civil Services?

No, Sir. The terms of reference have not been finally settled, but the inquiry will be into future conditions, and it would not be practicable to review the cases of retired officers which have already been decided.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether his attention has been called to the decision of representatives of Scottish local authorities urging that, in connection with any new housing scheme which may be introduced, a higher subsidy per house will be required in Scotland than in England; if he is aware that the subsidy of £3 per house which has been mentioned is regarded as inadequate; and that while some of the larger Scottish local authorities might be prepared to accept a minimum subsidy of £6 per house that amount in the case of the smaller authorities would require to be largely increased; and whether, having regard to these facts, he will see that the position in Scotland is met by separate legislation making adequate provision for the special needs of Scotland in this matter?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the remaining portions, the policy of the Government as to subsidising new housing schemes is at present under consideration. While the conditions obtaining in Scotland as to building costs are not being overlooked, I cannot give any undertaking that there will be separate legislation for Scotland.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he is aware that in some cases where houses are built under the old subsidy scheme the builders now refuse to let such houses, preferring to hold them empty for sale; and whether he will ensure that any subsidy which is given under the coming housing proposals will only be forthcoming for houses which are built not solely for sale but for immediate occupation?

My right hon. Friend will give careful consideration to my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he has received representations from the Manchester City Council containing suggestions for the speedy erection of houses; and, if so, will he make a statement on the subject?

My right hon. Friend has been approached by the Manchester City Council, in conjunction with other local authorities, on the question of a scheme for financial assistance from the Government for the purpose of facilitating the erection of houses. The suggestions made are now forming the subject of negotiations with representatives of the local authorities and, accordingly, it would be undesirable to make any statement.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a definite statement as to when he proposes to introduce legislation to decontrol the highest rented houses on the lines of the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on the Rent Acts?

asked the Prime Minister when it is proposed to bring in legislation on the lines of the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on the Rents Act and decontrol the highest rented houses?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on Monday last in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Penistone (Mr. Pringle).

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport if his attention has been drawn to the dangerous condition of Allansford Bridge over the River Derwent, between Northumberland and County Durham, and on the central main North Road to Scotland; and if, in view of the great volume of through motor traffic over this bridge and its proximity to industrial centres where there are unemployed, he will consider making a special grant from the Road Fund for its repair?

I am acquainted with the conditions of this bridge, the arch of which is apparently sound although the spandril walls have had to be shored up. I understand that the county councils concerned have had under consideration the advisability of effecting further repairs and any application they may submit to my Department for financial assistance will receive the fullest consideration.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that in June, 1922, the Unemployment Grants Committee invited the Bromley Town Council to submit schemes for suitable work for the relief of unemployment during the present winter; that in August the Committee intimated that the unemployment in the Borough of Bromley was such as to be certifiable by the Ministry of Labour; that on the 12th July the town council submitted general proposals, and on the 2nd November detailed plans and estimates in official form; that the Unemployment Grants Committee intimated that, as the roads mentioned in the council's scheme had been classified, the scheme was under consideration for a grant from the funds of the Ministry of Transport, as the same was ineligible for assistance from the Unemployment Grants Committee; whether in December, 1922, he was prepared to issue his certificate, and the estimates had been agreed to both by the officials of the Ministry of Transport and the borough engineer; whether the scheme has received the approval of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Transport; whether he can account for the delay in giving the formal sanctions; and whether the Bromley Town Council may expect permission to proceed with these works in the near future?

I have been asked to answer this question. The Bromley Town Council have now been asked whether they are prepared to put in hand these three schemes of road improvement, with the assistance of grants from the Road Fund up to 50 per cent. of the approved estimated cost. Subject to the observance of the conditions attached to the putting in hand of works for the relief of unemployment, I know of no reason why these schemes should not be started almost immediately. The delay in dealing with this case is due to the fact that at the time when the application first reached my Department, the moneys available from the Road Fund for the assistance of unemployment schemes were fully allocated.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether the Government will consider the advisability of abolishing the existing toll gates throughout the country, which constitute an obstruction and hindrance to traffic and an onerous form of taxation to the general public, more particularly in agricultural districts; and whether the Government will take steps to examine into the present high toll charges made in many parts of the country, and where the obligation rests upon the proprietors to upkeep a certain portion of the road, see that this responsibility is properly carried out?

Powers are conferred upon highway authorities under the Highways and Bridges Act, 1891, to make agreements for the freeing from tolls of highways or bridges. In cases where highway authorities avail themselves of these powers I am prepared to consider the granting of financial assistance from the Road Fund for the improvement, where necessary, of the road or bridge in question. I do not think that an inquiry into toll charges would serve any useful purpose at the present juncture. As regards the maintenance of roads, highway authorities can, in my judgment, be relied upon to see that any obligations on the part of proprietors are fulfilled.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether, in view of the necessity of safeguarding the travelling public from accident, the Government will take steps to convene a Royal Commission to examine the necessity of eliminating the human element from error by the compulsory provision of automatic train-stops on all railways?

This matter has already been investigated by the Departmental Committee on Automatic Train Control, whose Report was published last year. The railway companies have been asked to consider what action should be taken to give effect to the Committee's recommendations, and I do not think that any further formal investigation of the subject is needed at present.

asked the Secretary for Mines if his attention has been called to the accident at a colliery belonging to the Consett Iron Company at Medomsley, Durham, whereby eight persons have lost their lives; whether the accident is reported to be the result of a stone falling out of the shaft, causing the cage to be precipitated to the bottom of the shaft; and whether this is to be a subject of public inquiry by his Department?

I am aware of this accident and greatly regret the sad loss of life. It appears to have been caused, not by a falling stone, but by a fracture of one of the rail guides. As the Cage ascended the shoes on that guide struck the broken end and the cage was arrested with such violence that the detaching hook broke and the cage fell. I shall be in a better position to decide whether to order a public inquiry when I have considered the results of further investigations which are now being made by the Deputy-Chief Inspector.

asked the Secretary for Mines when the senior inspector of metalliferous mines in West Cumberland resigned his position; who is now discharging the duties he used to perform; what members of the present inspectorate have had a practical training in hematite iron-ore mines, and where they got it; is he aware that most of the iron-ore mines in West Cumberland are to some extent at work, and that the payments by the insurance company for accidents to iron-ore workers arising out of their employment have considerably increased; and will he carry out the recommendation of the advisory committee on the metalliferous mining industry by appointing a man as inspector who has practical knowledge of the mineral to be worked?

As I have already informed the hon. Member, I regret that I cannot adopt his suggestion. The senior inspector resigned on the 30th September, 1921. The duties are now mainly performed by an inspector who assisted him for nine years, with occasional help from another inspector with experience of metalliferous mines. I cannot, at such short notice, give particulars of the training of inspectors in hematite iron-ore mines, but I will try to get this information if the hon. Member so desires. I understand that 26 out of 34 iron-ore mines in Cumberland and Furness are now working. I have no knowledge of the accident payments of insurance companies; the accidents at these mines reported to inspectors do not show any upward tendency.

asked the Secretary for Mines what amount of capital was invested in the mines of this country in June, 1914; what was the selling prices of coal in 1914; and what is the capital invested in mines now and the cost per ton of coal now selling price?

It is estimated, on the basis of information given before the Coal Industry Commission, that the capital employed in the coal industry in 1914 was £130,000,000. I have not sufficient information to enable me to make an estimate of the capital invested in mines at the present time. The average selling price of coal at the pit in 1914 was about 11s. per ton, and in November, 1922, which is the latest period for which the information is available, it was about 18s. per ton.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has received complaints from the miners in the anthracite district of South Wales regarding the serious reduction in their wages on account of the increased charge for explosives which they are called upon to pay from their piecework earnings; and whether steps have been taken by the Department to influence the explosives firm to bring down their prices, in view of the low wages now payable to the coal getters?

I am aware that the cost of explosives has been a matter of concern to the coal mining industry for some time past, and that it is of special importance in the anthracite district of South Wales owing to the amount of explosive used. The national organisation of the colliery owners has recently taken the matter up with the manufacturers. It is not a matter in which I am in a position to intervene.

asked the Home Secretary if he will consider the advisability of at once removing the disability under which the Welsh people suffer in not being able to take the oath in their own language in courts of law in their own country?

I do not see my way to initiate legislation on this subject.

asked the Home Secretary whether a licence is required for the installation and use of wireless broadcasting instruments on licensed premises?

The question whether a public music licence is required in such a case is one for the consideration of the local authority in the first instance. It involves a point of law upon which I have no authority to pronounce.

asked the Home Secretary the number of prosecutions and convictions for adulteration of food during the years 1921, 1922?

According to the annual returns of crime, for adulteration of foods, drugs, etc., there were 3,555 persons proceeded against in 1921, of whom 2,329 were convicted, while in 1922, 2,400 persons were proceeded against for offences of this kind, of whom 1,586 were convicted. The figures for 1922 are provisional only. The figures for 1921 include offences against the Beer and Spirits (Prices and Descriptions) Orders, now repealed.

asked the Home Secretary the number of cases reported of dock accidents, fatal and otherwise, in any given year from 1921 up to date?

The number of accidents reported from docks, wharves, quays, and warehouses in 1922 was 5,914, of which 95 were fatal. As the hon. Member is aware, I received yesterday a deputation from the Transport and General Workers' Union, and promised to convene a conference of some of the principal dock companies, master stevedores, and trades unions concerned, to consider the best means of preventing these accidents.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the necessity for some reduction of the rate of interest now being paid to holders of war stock in this country; and, if so, whether he can now inform the House as to his conclusions?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on the 15th February to the hon. Member for the Govan Division (Mr. Maclean).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the National Debt was held by the small investor on 1st January, 1919, and on 1st January, 1923?

The total of Government securities held by investors through the Post Office and Trustee Savings Banks upon the 1st January, 1919, and the 1st January, 1923, was £202,900,000 and £240,000,000 respectively, being about 2·8 per cent. and 3·1 per cent. of the total National Debt on those dates. On the same dates National Savings Certificates were outstanding to the amount of £208,000,000 and £349,000,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can make any statement as to the imposition of Income Tax on British shipping in foreign ports?

As the hon. and gallant Member will recall, the question of the taxation of shipping here and abroad was the subject of discussion during the Debate on last year's Finance Bill (OFFICIAL REPORT, 12th July, 1922; columns 1372–6). Since that time the situation has developed in an important direction, inasmuch as there is being set up, under the auspices of the League of Nations, an international committee, on which this country will be represented, for the primary purpose of considering the general question of double taxation. Further consideration of this difficult matter must, I think, be deferred until the committee's report is available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total sum expended on public assistance in the years 1890, 1910, and 1921, respectively, war pensions being excluded from the latter figure?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Return of Expenditure on Public Social Services presented last July (House of Commons Paper No. 139 of 1922).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the estimated income per head of the population of Great Britain, and the per capita burden of taxation in respect of Imperial taxation and in respect of local taxation, respectively?

I know of no reliable estimate of national income at the present time. The burden per head of Imperial taxation in Great Britain and Northern Ireland for the current financial year is £16 12s. The burden of local taxation in Great Britain for the financial year 1921–22 was £4 9s. 6d.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of the National Debt and the interest paid for the years 1913 to 1922, respectively?

The figures of the Dead Weight debt for the years in ques- tion and the interest thereon will be found on page 3 of the National Debt Return, House of Commons Paper No. 168 of 1922.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been called to the case of Arthur Pritchard, Coalway Lane End, Moleford, Gloucestershire, whose three sons were killed in the War, and who is in receipt of 14s. 5d. per week maintenance pension, who is also receiving 10s. per week old age pension, who is now informed that the combined amount exceeds the means limit, and his old age pension will be reduced by 6s. per week; and can he do anything to prevent this hardship to one who has made such great sacrifice for the country?

Under the law a person whose means are 14s. 5d. per week is not entitled to an old age pension at a higher rate than 4s. per week, and in calculating the means a War pension has to be taken into account. I have no power, therefore, to authorise continuance of the old age pension of 10s. per week in the case to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of conscientious objectors employed in Government Departments?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for West Leyton (Mr. Cassels) on the 30th November last.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether, in view of the fact that the citizens of Wednesbury employed on the relief work provided by the West Bromwich Board of Guardians on the Great Barr Estate, Walsall, have to walk six miles each way to and from Wednesbury, and are said to be in receipt of a higher rate of wages, he will say what is the nature of the higher rate compared with that paid to the unemployed drawn from other districts and employed on this estate?

I am sorry if the replies given to the previous questions on this subject were not clear. Persons working on this scheme have, in nearly all cases, some distance to cover between their homes and their work, whether they reside in Handsworth, Wednesbury, or Walsall, and the special rate of wages to which my hon. Friend referred is paid to all unskilled men employed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Depart-

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the present position, it is proposed to introduce legislation whereby loans made by the Treasury to the Unemployment Fund during emergency periods shall be in the nature of a free gift in order that the solvency of the Unemployment Fund may be preserved; and whether he will consider the absolute need for continuing the benefit to be paid until the end of the fourth special period to all claimants satisfying the present conditions for the receipt of unemployment benefit?

In order to preserve the contributory principle of unemployment insurance, I regard it as most

ment, as representing the Ministry of Health, (1) to what extent financial aid has been rendered to the Tipton Urban District Council during the years 1920, 1921, and 1922, respectively, for the provision of relief work for the unemployed;

(2) to what extent financial aid has been rendered to the Wednesbury Town Council for the provision of work for the unemployed for the years 1920, 1921, and 1922, respectively;

(3) to what extent financial aid has been rendered to the Darlaston Urban District Council for the provision of relief work for the unemployed during the years 1920, 1921, and 1922, respectively?

The assistance given by the Unemployment Grants Committee in respect of schemes promoted by the three local authorities referred to has been as follows:—

important that any money required by the Unemployment Fund in excess of current revenue should be borrowed on loan and should not be a free grant. The Exchequer already makes a large contribution to the Unemployment Fund, amounting in the present financial year to nearly £13,000,000. The existing debt is, of course, a serious burden, but there is no reason to regard its repayment as beyond the capacity of the unemployment insurance scheme. Proposals for a further grant of benefit will be made in the Unemployment Insurance Bill, which I am introducing to-day.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the rate at which the Government is now borrowing money; and what is the rate which it charges for loans to boards of guardians to be expended in relief of unemployment resulting from the disorganisation of industry through war and other causes of a national character?

Loans to guardians, which are generally for periods of from five to 10 years, are now made at 5 per cent. This rate is approximately that at which the Government could now borrow for loans of the same period.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether it is intended to return the whole or any part of the contributions on account of unemployment insurance paid by nurses, including sisters, and hospitals during the period of two years, in view of the fact that no benefit will accrue to the parties who made them from such payments; and, if not, why not; and what was the amount of contributions paid by or in respect of hospital nurses and sisters from 1st July, 1920, to 30th June, 1922?

I have been asked to reply. I have no power to refund these contributions. It would be a laborious undertaking to ascertain the amount of contributions paid by nurses or of the benefit drawn by them. I would point out, however, that when the proposal for the exclusion of nurses was before Parliament it was ascertained that a considerable number of nurses were drawing benefit, and, in view of this, a definite understanding was arrived at that contributions should be paid by nurses up to July, 1922.

asked the Minister of Labour how many women were actually receiving unemployment benefit on 22nd January, 1923, and on 5th February, 1923; and how many women receiving benefit at the former date had by the latter date ceased to be eligible for benefit?

The estimated numbers of women in receipt of benefit at 22nd January and 5th February were 167,500 and 160,000 respectively. I cannot state the number of women who have ceased to be eligible for benefit from any cause, but it is known that between 24th January and 5th February 851 women had exhausted the maximum benefit allowed by the Acts and 1,012 others had been refused further benefit before reaching the maximum.

asked the Minister of Labour what are the present figures for unemployment in the lace trade in Nottingham; and whether, in connection with any schemes for finding employment in France for the unemployed of this country, he will consider the possibility of negotiating for the temporary employment of some of this skilled labour in the flourishing French lace industry?

At 22nd January, the number of persons in the lace trade registered as unemployed at the Nottingham Employment Exchange was 1,452. In addition, 500 persons in that trade were claiming benefit in respect of systematic short time working. The information in my possession leads me to doubt whether it would be practicable to find employment for these workers in France;

asked the Minister of Labour how many of the unemployed men in the building trade are classified as plasterers and bricklayers, respectively?

At 22nd January there were 2,834 plasterers and 7,640 bricklayers registered as unemployed at Employment Exchanges in Great Britain.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will inquire why some 13 boilermakers have had their benefit disallowed by the Lincoln Employment Exchange arising out of two vacancies which occurred in Ilkeston?

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

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he is aware that there is no doctor living on Holy Island, Northumberland, and that in consequence the inhabitants who are insured under the National Health Insurance Act are compelled to telegraph for a doctor to the mainland at great expense to themselves; that in most cases more than a day elapses before the doctor can get to the island; and what steps he proposes to take in order to remedy this state of affairs?

A medical officer of the Ministry will be visiting Northumberland next week and he has been instructed to report on the arrangements for the medical attendance on insured persons on Holy Island. My right hon. Friend will communicate the result of this inquiry to the hon. Member.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, if he is aware that private patients very often receive priority of attention when medical practitioners have a combined practice; that many patients requesting home attendance are asked to call at the surgery; that many panels are too large to secure efficient service to insured persons; and what steps he proposes to take to improve these conditions?

The information available to the Department does not indicate that the practices to which the hon. Member refers are generally prevalent, but if he is aware of specific cases in which insurance practitioners have failed to carry out their obligations, my right hon. Friend hopes that he will report them to the local insurance committee concerned with a view to investigation and disciplinary action if the complaints are established. If an insurance committee find that inefficiency of service is due to the acceptance by the practitioner of too great a number of insured persons, they have power, after consultation with the panel committee, to reduce his list.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, if he will take steps to amend the Poor Law orders as to the tenure of office of the chief officers of Poor Law institutions, such as masters, matrons, medical officers, stewards, and chaplains, so that the guardians shall have power to dispense with the services of such officers when they decide by a resolution passed by a majority of the members of a board present at the meeting that the retention of such officers in their positions is detrimental to the administration of the establishment?

My right hon. Friend does not think it desirable to amend the Regulations as suggested. Under the existing Regulations the appointment of any of the officers mentioned can be determined with the consent of the Minister of Health if it is proved that their continuation in office would be detrimental to the administration of the institution.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether, in view of the fact that the cost and scarcity of insulin are depriving many poor sufferers from diabetes of the measure of cure which it is able to provide, he will make a special grant in aid of its more rapid and abundant production?

It is not the case that the poor only are deprived of the advantages of insulin, which cannot be made available until a supply of known efficiency, potency and safety is attained upon a manufacturing scale. Considerable progress has been made by the Medical Research Council in this direction, and the Council believe that, subject to limitation of raw material in particular districts, the successful manufacture of insulin in the near future is assured. No special Grant-in-Aid would accelerate production at this stage.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether any curriculum has been drawn up prescribing the course of training for nurses qualifying under the Nurses Registration Act, 1919; and whether any provision has been made for holding a State examination for nurses?

The General Nursing Council have submitted a draft syllabus of training and examinations and my right hon. Friend is now in communication with the Council in regard to them. Arrangements for conducting examinations, which will be held by the Council and not by the Ministry, have not yet been made.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, what was the cost of the election of the nurses' direct representatives on the General Nursing Council for England and Wales which had to be quashed; and was the cost of the second made necessary thereby?

My right hon. Friend will have inquiry made on this point, and will communicate the result to the hon. Member.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, the number of women whose deaths were attributable to childbirth in 1922?

The figures for deaths classed to pregnancy and child-bearing are at present available for only nine months of 1922. The number is 2,261, as against 2,483 for the corresponding period of 1921. The 1922 figure for deaths associated with childbirth, but attributed to other causes, is not yet available. During the full year 1921 this figure was 925, compared with 3,322 classed to pregnancy and child-bearing.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, what is the salary received by a coroner in England for carrying out duties which in Scotland are performed by procurators fiscal in addition to their work as public prosecutors?

The remuneration of a borough coroner is fixed by statute at £l 6s. 8d. for each inquisition he takes, with certain allowances for expenses. In counties, salaries are fixed by agreement between the coroners and the county councils. The amount in each case is shown in a table included in the Annual Judicial (Criminal) Statistics. I am not in a position to draw any comparison between the duties attached to the office of coroner and those discharged by procurators fiscal in Scotland.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been directed to the case of a British vessel, which recently left a South American port for Antwerp with cattle on board, as well as a general cargo; whether he is aware that foot-and-mouth disease was discovered amongst the animals during the voyage, and they were at once flung overboard, and all fittings, as well as papers relating to the shipment, were jettisoned; that on arrival at Antwerp permission to land general cargo was refused in view of the circumstances mentioned and of the resultant danger of infection being spread by reason of contamination from the dung and urine; and that the vessel then proceeded to London, where the cargo was landed; what period elapsed between the landing of the cargo in London and knowledge reaching the authorities of what had taken place during the voyage and at Antwerp; what steps were taken to minimise the risks of foot-and-mouth disease being spread in this country and contaminated commodities entering into human consumption, respectively; what steps have been taken, or it is proposed to take, to deal with the party or parties responsible; and by whom will compensation be payable to the parties who suffer financially or otherwise from the negligence disclosed?

I have been asked to reply. I can best answer the question by stating briefly the history of the occur- rence. On the 29th December last the steamship Hartington left Buenos Ayres with a cargo, which consisted mostly of grain destined for London. On 1st January, 1923, she loaded at Monte Video 250 cattle and 1,000 sheep, consigned to Antwerp. When a few days out from Monte Video, disease, which the Ministry has reason to believe to have been foot-and-mouth disease, broke out amongst the animals, which were all jettisoned. All the fittings and fodder were also thrown overboard, and the decks were cleansed so as to show no trace of animals having been carried. The vessel put in at Antwerp, but the Ministry has not definite information at present, as to the action taken by the authorities at that port. On the 7th February the vessel arrived at London. The Ministry understands that no declaration was made to the Customs Authorities in London with regard to the jettisoning of the animals. Five days later, when the vessel had almost finished discharging her cargo of foodstuffs, information with regard to the animals reached the Ministry from a private source. The feeding stuffs were immediately traced to their destination, their distribution is being held up until the Ministry is satisfied that they may safely be released, and such other steps, as were practicable, to prevent the spread of disease were immediately taken by the Ministry. With regard to the last part of the question, I cannot express any opinion as to whether parties who suffer financially, in consequence of what has occurred, in this case can recover compensation from any other parties.

asked the Attorney-General whether he will recommend legislation providing for the appointment of magistrates on the nomination of directly elected bodies or by other methods of selection than the present?

No, Sir, I am not prepared to propose any such legislation, and I should not regard such a method of appointment as the hon. Member suggests as a satisfactory means of selecting justices of the peace.

asked the Attorney-General how many advisory committees to assist in the appointment of justices of the peace have been set up; what are their constitution and duties; and by whom are their chairmen and vice-chairmen appointed?

There are 337 justices' advisory committees. In the case of a committee acting for a county or liberty, the Lord Lieutenant or Custos Rotulorum is the ex-officio chairman. In the case of a committee acting for a city or borough, except in the case of Lancashire, the chairman is appointed by the Lord Chancellor. The committees are appointed by the Lord Chancellor, and in Lancashire by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. Their duties are to report from time to time as to the need for additional magistrates, and to recommend suitable persons for appointment.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in connection with negotiations for the funding of the British debt to the United States of America, any undertaking of any description was given that preferential terms would be given to American goods which might in future become subject to a Customs duty on importation into Great Britain?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether any conditions were attached to the proposals, which the late Prime Minister made, that Britain alone should stand by France, if she were attacked by belligerent Germany; and, if so, what the conditions were?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The condition attached by His Majesty's Government in January, 1922, to their offer to guarantee France against aggression and invasion by Germany was a general settlement of political questions outstanding between France and Great Britain.

asked the First Commissioner of Works if the scaffolding which has been erected at considerable cost at the Palace of Westminster for the purpose of repairing various parts of the building has been ordered to be taken down without any work having been done, and, if so, why; and is it intended that the scaffolding be erected again within a short period, at further cost, when the necessary work is sanctioned?

The scaffolding was erected to enable portions of fractured and perished stonework to be removed and other portions not in immediate danger of collapse to be secured. This work has been carried out. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Agriculture when the twopences illegally taken from the farmers of Somerset, Dorset, Cornwall, and Devon will be returned to them?

The Government has already announced its intention not to ask Parliament to legalise the licence fee of twopence which it was decided by the House of Lords had been illegally charged on the milk distributors, and no obstacles will be placed by the Government in the way of any negotiations by farmers to obtain payment of the twopences from the licence holders who purchased their milk. The question when the twopences will be returned is a matter for negotiation between the parties.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he is aware that the County Council Association has advised the East Suffolk County Council to appoint the police to take samples of milk, where they do so under the Sale of Food and Drugs Act, for bacterial examination under the Milk (Special Designation) Order, 1922; and whether he is prepared to recommend the use of the services of a fully qualified veterinary surgeon for the purpose of collecting milk for bacterial examination?

I am informed that the County Councils Association have not advised the East Suffolk County Council to the effect suggested in the question. My right hon. Friend has issued instructions as to the taking of samples of milk for the purposes of the Milk (Special Designations) Order, 1922, and he is advised that these instructions are such as can be efficiently carried out by any careful person, and that the services of veterinary surgeons are not necessary for the purpose.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether it is the Government's intention to introduce a Bill to compel pasteurisation of all milk for human consumption?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the Western Telegraph Company has recently introduced a system of week-end telegraphic letters between Brazil and the United States of America; and whether he will represent to the company the desirability of extending the same or similar facilities to those whose interests lie in Brazil and the United Kingdom?

The Western Telegraph Company informed me that they have been considering the question of introducing a week-end letter telegram service between this country and Brazil and other South American countries, but they have been deterred from doing so owing to the relatively high charges required by the South American Governments concerned for handling such traffic. The week-end service which is being established with the United States is restricted to messages collected or delivered at the company's offices in South America, and does not apply to traffic exchange with the South American Telegraph Administrations. The company would prefer that, when they introduce a week-end service with the United Kingdom, it should be available to and from all places in South American countries-which they serve; and they are endeavour- ing to arrange suitable terms with the South American Administrations in order to admit of this.

asked the Postmaster-General if the recommendation of the Geddes Committee that the provision of £34,000 for inland wireless stations should be reduced by £30,000 has been acted upon, or whether it is proposed to proceed with any of the stations which the Geddes Committee recommend should be omitted?

The £34,000 for inland wireless stations, referred to by the hon. and gallant Member, was inserted, not in the Post Office Estimates, but in the provisional Estimates of the Office of Works, for buildings in connection with three new direction-finding stations, the erection of which, as an aid to navigation, had been proposed by a Committee representing the various Government Departments interested. The provision was reduced by £30,000 in the final Estimates, in accordance with the recommendation of the Geddes Committee. It is not proposed for the present to proceed with any of these stations.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the Government will consider the desirability of replacing the present system of overhead telephones by placing the wires underground, and so obviate the damage to property so irritating to householders now frequently arising out of the existing system, and thus provide useful work for the unemployed?

The substitution of underground for overhead plant, wherever the expense is justified, has been the policy of the Post Office for many years. Extensive works of this character are in progress in various parts of the country, and many other schemes are in course of preparation.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will take immediate steps to remedy the defective method of delivering letters on Cleator Moor, which holds up the first morning delivery each day until nearly noon, thereby dislocating the work of office staffs who have to waste their time until the letters arrive; whether he is aware that the work is done by girls, who have enormous rounds to cover; and if he will mitigate this inconvenience by a suitable addition of staff?

I will have inquiry made into the matter, and will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Postmaster-General how soon the people of the Riddire district, Glasgow, will be provided with a post office?

I am having inquiry made into this matter, and will write to the hon. Member as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Postmaster-General if his attention has been called to the serious inconvenience caused to the tradespeople and others by the early collection of letters from the sub-offices and boxes near Cinderford; and will he cause inquiries to be made and arrange for a later collection in this district to meet the wishes of the colliery owners and residents?

I have seen the correspondence on this subject which took place in 1921 between the hon. Member and my predecessor. I will have fresh inquiry made, and will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health the number of teachers who, having retired before 1st April, 1919, are now in receipt of retiring or superannuation allowance from the Scottish Education Department; the average annual amount of such allowance; and the number of such teachers in receipt of less than £75 per annum, between £75 and £100 per annum, between £100 and £150 per annum, and over £150 per annum, respectively?

The total number of teachers who, having retired before 1st April, 1919, are now in receipt of a retiring or disablement allowance from the Scottish Education Department is 1,050.

The average annual amount of such allowances awarded is as follows:

The number of such teachers in receipt of

asked the Undersecretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether, in the consideration of the sanitary officers' grant which has been promised by him when existing legislation expires, account will be taken of the fact that in Scotland a fixed annual sum is allocated for this purpose, the allocation amounting to only a few shillings in the pound, whereas in England, no matter how much is spent, the local authorities receive a grant of 50 per cent.; and whether an effort will be made to place Scotland on the same footing as England in this respect?

The total annual grant payable from the Local Taxation (Scotland) Account towards the salaries of sanitary officers is fixed by Statute at £15,000. The sums payable from this grant to the participating authorities have been stereotyped since 1916 under the Order referred to in my reply of 19th instant to the hon. Member for Dunferm-line, and, as then stated, the question whether that stereotype should be continued for a further period will require to be considered in connection with the next Expiring Laws Bill. The further question raised by the hon. Member as to the total amount of the grant could only be considered in connection with a general revision of the local taxation grants. While a larger allocation is made in aid of this branch of local expenditure from the English Local Taxation Account, the effect is correspondingly to diminish the balance available for distribution in aid of the cost of other local services.