asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the effect of the present high duty on beer, which is causing considerable loss to the growers of hops and barley; and whether, in framing the coming Budget, he could see his way to reduce this taxation, in order to assist the growers and give a stimulus to employment in agricultural districts?

My attention has been drawn to the matter mentioned by my hon. and gallant Friend. These and all other relevant considerations will be borne in mind in framing the Budget statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Debt Agreement with the United States will be submitted to the House of Commons before ratification; and if the annual sum to be paid to the United States will be annually voted by Parliament?

His Majesty's Government are negotiating conversion of existing debt into funded debt on the basis of the proposals of the Debt Commission which have received the approval of Congress. An opportunity for discussion will arise when the finance of next year is being considered, but formal ratification by Parliament is not required, in view of the powers given by the War Loan Act, 1919. As regards the second part of the question, principal and interest are both charged on the Consolidated Fund like other debt charges. Provision will have to be made annually by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Budget, but a Vote in Supply will not be required.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is his intention, in repayment of the American Debt, to take advantage in any measure of the partial moratorium clause.

I must ask the hon. and gallant Member to await the Budget statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the arrears of Income Tax and Super-tax, respectively, on 5th April, 1922, and the outstanding arrears of these amounts on 31st December, 1922?

The approximate amounts of Super-tax estimated to be due to be paid, but not paid on the 31st March, 1922, and 31st December, 1922, were £23,500,000 and £9,500,000 respectively. These figures are not comparable because the arrear at the later date includes considerable sums of duty assessed since the earlier date. I regret that comparable figures are not available, without a disproportionate expenditure of time and labour. For the same reason, I am unable to give particulars of the outstanding arrears of Income Tax at any date during the main collection of the current year's tax between the 1st December and the 31st March following. The approximate amount of Income Tax estimated to be due to be paid but not paid by the 31st March, 1922, was £95,000,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the yield per penny of the Income Tax in each of the financial years 1920–21, 1921–22, and 1922–23?

The estimated net produce of each penny of Income Tax (excluding Super-tax) for the United Kingdom is as follows:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the estimated total number of individuals with incomes above the income tax exemption limit for the year 1922–23, differentiating between the number who actually pay tax and those who are exempted by reason of personal allowances and deductions and reliefs?

The number of individuals in Great Britain and Northern Ireland with incomes above the exemption limit for the year 1922–23 is provisionally estimated at 4,750,000, divided as follows:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what quantity, if any, of textile fabrics yet remains in the posession of the Disposal Board; what policy the Board of Trade are following in connection with any unsold fabrics;

(2) if the textile fabrics sold by the Disposals Board have all been paid for; and, if not, how much is still owing?

As regards the first question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Merthyr (Mr. Wallhead) on the 29th November last. The sales are being dealt with by the Disposal and Liquidation Commission, not the Board of Trade. With regard to the second question, I presume the hon. Member refers to the block contract for the sale of surplus textiles made in September, 1921, which was dealt with in the above-mentioned reply. Under that contract, payments are by monthly and quarterly instalments, and these instalments have been duly met to date, with the exception of a sum of approximately £70,000, the payment of which is under discussion. Up to the present, approximately £1,850,000 has been received in respect of the contract.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the conditions of the sale of the aerodrome and buildings at Cramlington, Northumberland, were that all such buildings had to be taken down and removed; and whether some of these buildings purchased by the landowner are now to remain although purchased at scrap prices?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, every effort was made to dispose of these buildings over a period of two years, and they were widely advertised for sale. The Department are satisfied that the best possible price has been obtained for them, and it will be realised that, if the landowner fail to remove any buildings sold at auction, the Department is relieved of its liability for re-instating the sites.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the triennial returns from industrial and provident societies do not appear to serve any useful purpose, in view of the fact that they are out of date very quickly after they are compiled oing to the shares being withdrawable; and whether he will take steps to cancel the requirement of this Return?

Section 4 of the Industrial and Provident Societies (Amendment) Act, 1913, which requires triennial returns to be sent to the Registrar of Friendly Societies, was promoted by the Co-operative Union. The section has, for the most part, failed in its object, and when opportunity arises it will be considered whether steps should be taken for the repeal or amendment of the section.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the amount, in pounds sterling, owed by France, Jugo-Slavia, and Rumania to Great Britain?

The amounts owed to this country by the under-mentioned States as on 31st December, 1922, are as follow:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the officials in the British Museum have been given to understand that ex-service men are not to be regarded as the most suitable for warding duty in the museum; and, if so, the reason?

I am not aware of any statement made to the officials of the British Museum in the sense suggested by the hon. Member. I am informed that, apart from a certain number of police, the warding staff at the British Museum is, and has been for many years, entirely composed of ex-service men.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the percentage of ex-service men and women employed in the Registrar-General's Department?

Excluding the temporary girl punchers and women in charge of them who are employed on work which is unsuitable for men, the percentage of ex-service men in the Registrar-General's Office is 61. There are no ex-service women.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office when he proposes to distribute the £2,000,000 that came as profits from the Expeditionary Force canteens amongst ex-service men who are in need of the money?

I cannot identify the sum of £2,000,000 mentioned by the hon. Member, but I would refer him to the War Service Canteens (Disposal of Surplus) Act of 1922, which prescribed the manner in which the profits earned by the War canteen organisations were to be distributed. That distribution has been duly made.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the average cost of training an ex-service man under the Government scheme; and the number of men who have been trained who are now receiving unemployment pay?

The average cost of training an ex-service man under the Government Scheme of Industrial Training is £225. This includes besides the actual cost of training, the payment of maintenance, living-away-from-home, dependants, travelling and lodging allowances to trainees and the supply of tools where necessary at the end of training. Statistics are not available as to the number of ex-trainees now receiving unemployment benefit.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many persons who did not enter the Civil Service in the ordinary course by examination now hold appointments with salaries of £700 per annum and upwards; and will he state the appointments held by such persons and the salary in each case?

Information as to the present rank and salary of persons originally appointed without competition is not available, but particulars of such appointments made in 1921 will be found at page 13 of the Sixty sixth Report of the Civil Service Commissioners for 1922, and similar information is given for past years in previous reports.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the number of ex-first-class women clerks in those Departments where reorganisation schemes have been adopted; what is the number of supervisory posts to which these women have been promoted; and whether it is to be understood that those ex-first-class; women clerks, who were assimilated to the lower clerical grade, and who have not been appointed to supervisory posts on reorganisation, are in no case continuing to do supervisory work?

The number of women still serving in the Departments concerned, who were first-class clerks at the date of assimilation is about 208, of whom 79 have been promoted to executive or higher clerical posts. Of the remainder none are performing work superior to that appropriate to the clerical class, except possibly in a very few cases, which are still under consideration, where the duties have changed since reorganisation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether there are any vacancies for higher clerical or higher executive women in those Departments which had not a pre-War staff of permanent women; and, if so, why such vacancies were not filled by the recent competitive selection for higher clerical and higher executive women?

I am not aware of any vacancies for higher clerical or higher executive women at the present time which are not being filled either in the normal course of promotion of permanent civil servants or by appointments from the recent competition for executive and higher clerical classes. If, however, my hon. Friend can give me details of any particular cases I will have inquiry made

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, with regard to the Government Stationery Department at Hollinwood, near Oldham, he will say what number of people are employed; whether they start work at 10.30 a.m. and finish at 4 p.m.; and what is the weekly wages bill for this Department?

The number of persons employed at the Northern Area Branch of the Stationery Office at Hollinwood is 367. The branch is open from 8 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. except on Saturdays, when it closes at 1 p.m. The clerical and technical staff are in attendance either from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. or from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., whilst the warehouse staff are in attendance from 8 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. There is a half-holiday on Saturdays if the state of business permits. The weekly wages bill is £1,231.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the actual annual cost and the total number of staff employed by the Treasury in the assessment and collection of Income Tax for the financial years 1913–14 and 1921–22?

I regret that it is not possible to isolate the cost of the assessment and collection of Income Tax from that of the other duties of the Inland Revenue Department.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been directed to the large staff engaged in checking old age pensions; and whether, in the interests of economy, he will see if it is possible to reduce the numbers employed?

The number of the staff employed is constantly under review, but I cannot hold out any hope that the cost of administration can be reduced.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he has yet decided to abolish his Public Information Department, as has been done in the majority of Government offices; and, if so, whether any of the present officials of this Department will be continued in the Civil Service or retired on a pension?

It has been decided to abolish the public information branch of the Ministry of Health as from 1st April next. The whole-time officer in charge of the branch is retiring from the public service with a gratuity. The part-time officer is being absorbed in the general clerical organisation of the Ministry.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give the House any idea of when a Bill will be introduced to give effect to the decision of His Majesty's Government in November last to abolish the Ministry of Pensions?

No, Sir, it is not possible to give the indication asked for.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, the total number of sanatoria in Great Britain, with the approximate or actual accommodation; the number of cases who are waiting for sanatorium treatment; and what steps he intends to take to meet the situation?

The number of residential institutions approved by my right hon. Friend for the treatment of tuberculosis in England and Wales is 455, with a total accommodation of about 20,555 beds. On the 1st February 2,902 cases were awaiting residential treatment, but as there was a number of vacant beds on that date it is probable that many of these cases have now been admitted to institutions, and my right hon. Friend does not consider it necessary to take any special steps in the matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretry to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, the cost of the inquiry held by Mr. Cooper, clerk to the Bolton Board of Guardians, and an assistant into the administration of the Poor Law in the Poplar Union; what remuneration, gratuity, or allowances, if any, for expenses or travelling were allowed Mr. Cooper and his assistant; and out of which Vote was the money paid?

The cost of the inquiry was £304 8s. 5d., this sum being the amount paid in respect of the services and travelling expenses of the Commissioner and his assistant. The money was charged to the Vote of the Ministry of Health.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, the estimated cost of milk to the consumers due to the licences, registrations, and the large number of inspectors, as set forth in the Milk Orders now upon the Table of the House?

The Milk (Special Designations) Orders do not relate to ordinary milk, and consequently do not affect its price. As regards milk sold under the special designations re-referred to in the Orders, it is understood that the prices charged to consumers vary in different parts of the country, and it is not possible to give any general estimate of the cost. It is contemplated that no present increase of inspection staff will be required.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether under the Overseas Credit Act £8,000,000 is allocated to the South American markets; whether less than £200,000 has as yet been used, of which less than £100,000 is now outstanding; what are the special financial difficulties, if any, preventing an increase of British trade with South America and particularly with Brazil; whether he is aware of the field open for the supply of machinery; what efforts have recently been extended by the Overseas Trade Department to develop the South American market; and what success, if any, has attended them?

As regards the first part of the question, credits have been provisionally sanctioned to the amount of about £8,000,000 in respect of business for South America, and of this amount just over £200,000 has actually been taken up. I should explain that a large part of the £2,000,000 has been sanctioned within the last few weeks in respect of certain large contracts which have not yet been awarded. As regards the latter part of the question, South America normally affords a field for the sale of machinery of most classes, but economic conditions in South America are to-day such that essential orders only are being placed, and careful regard is paid to competitive prices. The Department of Overseas Trade continues to give all assistance within its powers by means of the Commercial Secretaries and Consular Officers in South America, and by the facilities offered under the Export Credits Scheme. As regards the last part of the question, British trade is showing signs of making good the decrease in comparison with its competitors which necessarily arose during the War.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Board of Trade has made any order under Part II of The Safeguarding of Industries Act, 1921, applying the provisions of that part of the Act to any goods, and, if so, to what goods, manufactured in France; whether there is in existence between this country and France any treaty, convention, or engagement with which such an order by the Board of Trade would be at variance; whether any goods, and, if so, what goods, manufactured in France are being sold or offered for sale in the United Kingdom at prices which, by reason of the depreciation in value of the franc in relation to sterling, are below the prices at which similar goods can be profitably manufactured in the United Kingdom; and whether inquiry is being made as to whether, by reason thereof, employment in any industry in the United Kingdom is being seriously affected?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. There is no commercial treaty between this country and France under which most-favoured-nation treatment can be claimed in respect of customs duties, but under a French law British imports into France are entitled to the lowest rate of duty. The effect of this legislative provision is equivalent to the most-favoured-nation clause in a commercial treaty. It would be impossible to give an answer to the third part of the question without undertaking an exhaustive inquiry into the relative cost of production both in this country and in France of the various articles which are imported.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make arrangements so that the exports of cotton piece goods may be given in terms of pounds in weight as well as in square yards, so that it will be possible at any time to estimate the proportion that exports bear to the total production?

As my hon. Friend was informed on February 15th, I am not aware of any current statistics of the total production of cotton piece goods in this country; and in these circumstances it does not appear necessary to change the existing practice with regard to statistics of exports, which is to publish in the Monthly Trade Accounts figures in terms of square yards, and in the Annual Statement of Trade particulars in terms of square yards, linear yards and hundredweights.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that orders have been placed at Krupp's Works, Essen, for the manufacture of parts of locomotives wanted for Indian and South African railways, and that delivery of these has been prevented by the French Government; will he inquire whether Beardmore's or other Clyde firms could perform such work; and how it comes that, in the midst of extraordinary unemployment in Britain, such orders are going to Switzerland and Germany?

Inquiry is being made into a number of cases of non-delivery of goods ordered from German firms in the occupied areas, but my attention has not been drawn to the contracts referred to by the hon. Member. The contracts to which the hon. Member refers are not contracts placed by the British Government.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the excess of our exports of manufactures and coal over our imports of manufactures and coal for 1913 and 1922, respectively, as regards the following markets: Europe foreign countries outside Europe, self-governing Dominions, and the rest of the British Empire?

The excess of United Kingdom exports of manufactures and coal over the imports of such commodities during 1913 in respect of the groups of countries specified reached the following amounts:—

By "manufactures" has been understood articles classed in the trade returns of the United Kingdom as "wholly or mainly manufactured."

Similar particulars are not yet available for 1922.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total liablities of all bankrupts during the year 1922 and the estimated assets?

I regret that complete figures are not yet available.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the medical examination of applicants residing in Newcastle-on-Tyne and the northern counties for war pensions is conducted at Newcastle-on-Tyne; whether the assessment is completed there; whether the papers are then forwarded to London for issue of ring papers and draft books; and, if so, why the ring paper and draft books cannot be issued at Newcastle and thus avoid the delay and cost occasioned by having to refer to London?

The issue of pensions to all parts of England and Wales is controlled from Pensions Issue Office, London, the actual payments being made through the local post office selected by the pensioner. The present arrangements are working satisfactorily, and I am not prepared to disturb them. I am not satisfied that any advantage, either in expedition or economy, would result from further decentralisation, having regard to questions of accommodation and other difficulties.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether a War Pensions Committee is given facilities for obtaining the observations of other similar bodies on suggestions for improving the regulations dealing with pensions and administration; whether sanction to this procedure has been refused by his Department; and, if so, why the practice common to all public bodies is not permitted to War Pensions Committees?

While I have no objection to one committee communicating direct with another committee on a matter concerning the administration of war pensions, I have indicated my opinion that the practice of one committee circulating a resolution to all other committees with a view to their support is not the most effective means of securing attention to a matter which the committee desire to see remedied. I would point out that the Regional Advisory Council, upon which the War Pensions Committees within each region are fully represented, has been expressly set up to provide a medium for common discussion of both policy and administration in regard to pension matters. Any resolution passed by the Regional Advisory Council, after full discussion of the matter with the local official of my Department, is required to be transmitted to me, and receives my careful consideration.

asked the Minister of Pensions to what use the Queen Alexandra's convalescent centre premises at Saltash are now to be put, seeing that they are no longer occupied as a training centre for disabled ex-service men?

The question of the future use of these premises is at present under consideration.

asked the Minister of Pensions if an applicant to the Appeal Tribunal, House of Lords, may be represented by any person, other than a solicitor, who may be interested in the case?

The Regulations made by the Lord Chancellor expressly provide that an appellant may be assisted at the hearing by counsel or solicitor or by a member of a war pensions committee or friend.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the modifications in the regulations relating to pensions of widows of men who die after seven years will raise the level of the qualification above 10s., provided under the warrant of 1918; whether the higher qualification is estimated to benefit a large number of widows; whether he can state what the new qualification for pension is to be; whether the change will necessitate the issue of a new warrant; and, if so, whether he will lay a copy upon the Table before it is brought into effect?

The modifications in present regulations and practice referred to will have the effect of enabling a large number of cases to be dealt with, in a manner that has hitherto not been possible, both under Article 11 and under Article 17 of the Warrant. The minimum limit of qualification for pension under the new Article 17 will be a disability assessment of 50 per cent., instead of 40 per cent., as under the present Article, but the amount of pension payable will be a considerable advance on the pension that could have been granted previously. A new warrant giving effect to the amendment of Article 17 referred to is now in course of issue.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of widows and children at any recent given date in respect of whom pensions were payable, and the scale or scales of weekly payments appropriate thereto?

At the end of January last there were approximately 124,000 widows of men in receipt of pension at the rates set forth in Article 11 of the Royal Warrant, and allowances under Article 12 were in payment in respect of about 325,000 children of widows.

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the cause of the delay in issuing Regulations as to pensions affecting former war pensioners who again served during the Great War; and when it is expected that the Regulations will be issued?

Regulations for the re-assessment of certain pre-War disability pensions (including former war pensions) in the cases of men who served again in the Great War are at present in draft and will be issued as soon as practicable.

asked the Undersecretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether, seeing that consideration of the proposed Forth and Clyde canal has been relegated from the Ministry of Transport to his department, steps have now been taken to ascertain the fullest possible information on the subject?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on this subject to the hon. Member for Dundee (Mr. Morel) on the 15th February, of which I am sending him a copy. As then indicated, I shall be glad to consider any reasoned estimates of the cost of the scheme and the probable revenue to be derived from the use of the canal which its supporters can bring forward.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether the Departmental Committee appointed last Session on the question of the work of the Thames Conservancy and its revenues has yet reported to his Department; and, if so, when it will be published and available for the use of Members?

The Report of this Committee has been received and will be published shortly.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he will make representations to the railway companies to consider the question of an immediate reduction in the fares now being charged to workmen and season-ticket holders in the Greater London area, in view of the great fall in wages which has taken place since the present fares were fixed, and to consider the question of giving some special consideration to young persons living in the suburbs and working in London for low wages?

The Minister has no power of directing the railway companies generally as to their charges. Sections 60 and 78 of the Railways Act, 1921, provide a means by which representations may be made to the Rates Tribunal for reduction of such charges.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport if he will consider the advisability of recom- mending the railway companies to extend the period of week-end tickets for long distance journeys and to reduce the charge made for sleeping compartments?

The Minister has no powers in respect of the matters to which the hon. Member refers. I am, however, forwarding a copy of the question to the railway companies for their consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether, in view of the increasing number of accidents, he will consider the advisability of giving the necessary instructions for mechanically-propelled vehicles with trailers attached being fitted with efficient trellis guards, or making it obligatory for a man to be in attendance with the trailer?

I am not aware of any increase in the number of accidents of the type suggested in the hon. Member's question. The Departmental Committee on the Taxation and Regulation of Road Vehicles carefully considered both the points to which he refers, and were unable to recommend either the adoption of lattice-work gates between the hauling vehicle and the trailer, or any increase in the number of attendants required under the existing law. I am sending the hon. Member copies of the paragraphs in the Committee's last report dealing with these points.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport when the case of the Caledonian and other railway companies is coming before the arbitration tribunal; and when a decision is expected to be arrived at?

I understand that the Railways Amalgamation Tribunal have asked the remaining constituent companies in the North-Western, Midland and West Scottish Group, namely, the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company, the Caledonian Railway Company and the North Staffordshire Railway Company, to submit, on or before 24th March, state- ments setting out their position and claims with regard to amalgamation. After the receipt of such statements the tribunal will be in a position to proceed with and settle a scheme of amalgamation.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is his intention in the coming financial year to provide money in order to put all buildings in the Aldershot Command in good condition: and whether he is aware that many of these buildings and barracks are in need of considerable repairs?

I am advised that the buildings in question are, generally speaking, not in need of more than normal repair and maintenance, for which funds will be duly provided in ordinary course.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Government employés in the Aldershot Command engaged on building work are paid rates of wages as agreed between the national organisations of employers and employés in the building trade; how many men are so employed; and what is the method of fixing wages and conditions of labour?

"the rates commonly recognised by employers and trade societies … in the trade in the district where the work is carried out."

I am informed that at Aldershot the commonly recognised rates in question differ somewhat at present from the national rates. The answer to the first part of the question is, therefore, in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War the cost of building repairs and maintenance as carried out by the Royal Engineers in the Aldershot Command by direct labour; what is the cost now that this work is done by contract; can he give the cost of materials charged to the Royal Engineers Department by the Ordnance Department at Aldershot; and whether such price was the current market price for such material at the time this work was done by direct labour?

I am not in a position to furnish any comparative figures which would involve the disclosure of contract prices, since these are always treated as strictly confidential, but if the hon. Member will give me some cases in point I will endeavour to afford him further information. At present I am not sure what he has in his mind. Meanwhile I can only say regarding the first part of the question that the Army Council are satisfied that the contract system is, generally speaking, more economical than the direct labour system. With regard to the last part of the question, the cost of materials is founded on Vocabulary prices, which, whilst broadly speaking representing the actual past cost to the Department of its stocks, are not necessarily identical with the current market rates at any given time, but may be either higher or lower according to the fluctuations of the market.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the disappointment felt by many men whose war service was involuntarily confined to Great Britain at the decision to award no medals for such service; and whether, having regard to their sacrifices having normally been greater than those undergone by special constables, he will-consider whether they can be awarded badges analogous to those granted to special constables?

I am aware of the considerations which can be urged, but I regret I can add nothing to the reply given to the hon. Member for the Exchange Division of Manchester (Sir E. Stockton) on 19th instant. I do not think any parallel can be drawn between service in the Army and service as a special constable. All the conditions were entirely different.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the widow of the late Private James Cliff, No. 1,605, 6th Connaught Rangers, was given a document certifying that she has £23 14s. invested in the Orphan's Fund, which sum belongs to the deceased soldier's three children, and that such document having been lost she has been refused a copy of it; will he take the necessary steps to issue a duplicate copy so that the rights of the children will be safeguarded; is he aware that an application for £5 to buy clothes for the children has been refused; and what reasons governed the decision to refuse the £5?

I regret that I have not been able to trace any information upon the matter referred to. Perhaps my hon. Friend could let me have further particulars.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether German firms have at any time tendered for the contracts given out for work in connection with British cemeteries abroad; and whether, in that case, these tenders have been considered?

One firm believed to be German tendered for the construction of a cemetery. The tender was not accepted.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War the exact amounts of the contracts given to French and Belgian firms in connection with work in British cemeteries in Northern France within the last six months; the dates of such contracts, the nature of the work to be carried out, and the exchange rate of the franc at the time when such contracts were given out; and whether, since admittedly the competition has been very close, he will ensure that in these days of unemployment the preference is given to British workers?

I am not in a position to give particulars regarding contract prices, which are invariably treated as strictly confidential. The nature of the work is the walling and like constructional work on the ground, and the preparation of the cemeteries for the erection of headstones, all of which are made in Great Britain by British labour; and the particulars of the contracts in question, other than prices, are:

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the total amount that was available for purposes of compensating officers and men discharged compulsorily or voluntarily; the total number of officers and ratings so discharged; and the total amount actually paid, respectively, to officers and ratings?

The reply is as follows:

NOTE.— ^* This does not include retired pay issued, figures for which are not yet available.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the position of gunlayers, first or second class, or range-takers, who, on being medically examined on return to the gunnery schools, are found to be suffering from defective vision, which is in many cases attributable to the protracted use of high-power lenses in sights and range-finders?

Gun-layers and range-takers who fail to pass the periodical eye-sight tests are required to relinquish the non-substantive rating of gunlayer or range-taker and the pay attached thereto. With reference to the assertion in the latter part of the question, it has not at present been definitely established that performance of the duties mentioned actually creates visual defects.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the provisions of A.F.O 1907/1922, whereby a naval rating who is allowed to proceed home from a foreign station on compassionate grounds, in the event of the death of his wife, on condition that he pays his own fare for both journeys can be cancelled, and Regulations issued that such men are to be discharged to their home depots, the vacancy thus created in the complement being filled by the Commander-in-Chief of the station in a similar manner to vacancies created by men being discharged, invalided, or time-expired?

Leave to proceed to England in such circumstances is usually given from the Mediterranean Station, but it is seldom possible to send men home from the more distant stations. Government passages are frequently available from the Mediterranean, but if the rating concerned cannot wait for a Government opportunity I am afraid he must pay his own passage. No adequate reason is seen for retaining such men on home stations at the expiration of their leave, as all ratings are expected to take their share of foreign service. With regard to the last part of the question, vacancies in the complements of ships on foreign stations, due to discharges, etc., are normally filled, not by the Com- mander-in-Chief, but in the only way usually possible, namely, by sending men out from England.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the salary paid to the General Manager of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes is £7,500 per annum, and is an increase of £2,500 per annum contemplated in the near future?

I have been asked to reply. I am informed that the Board of Management, acting within their competence under the Articles of Association, have authorised the salary indicated, and that the answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of revenue received from the 26 per cent. import tax on German goods for the calendar year 1st January to 31st December, 1922?

The net receipts under the provisions of the German Reparation (Recovery) Act, to which I assume the hon. Member refers, amounted to £6,847,000 during the year in question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that many British refugees from Luxemburg are now in such a state of penury that they are no longer able to institute the inquiries which are necessary in connection with the disputed responsibility regarding the destruction of their property in Belgium; that, unless some assistance in promoting the necessary inquiries is afforded those refugees, they run the risk of losing everything; and whether, in these circumstances, he will consider some scheme whereby some advances might be made to them to enable them to make the necessary inquiries, it being understood that subsequently the assistance thus given would be a first charge on any amounts obtained for them from the Inter-Allied Commission?

I am not aware of the accuracy of the statement of my hon. Friend, but if he has any cases to bring to my notice I should be obliged by his doing so. There is only one claim registered in the Reparation Claims Department in respect of damage to property in the Duchy of Luxemburg. I fear that the proposal in the last part of the question, is not one which can be entertained.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether, in view of the representations made by the Scottish Herring Curers' Association and of the depressed condition of the cured-herring trade, he can take any steps to accelerate the payment of outstanding enemy debts due to Scottish herring curers?

I have been asked to reply. As a result of the representations made by the British Clearing Office, a large number of claims preferred by Scottish herring curers in respect of debts paid over to the German Treuhaender during the War, which had until recently been disputed, have now been admitted by the German Clearing Office and the amounts have been paid to the claimants. All outstanding claims, either against the German Government or German debtors, are being pressed upon the German Clearing Office for early admission, but, as the claimants have been advised, in cases where there has been undue delay or the claims are contested, they should avail themselves of the remedy provided under the Treaty by referring their claims to the Anglo-German Mixed Arbitral Tribunal.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number and cost of meals provided by education authorities under the Feeding of Necessitous School Children Act during the years 1920 and 1921, respectively?

The number of meals provided by local education authorities under the Education (Provision of Meals) Acts, 1906 and 1914 (since re-enacted in Part VII. of the Education Act, 1921), and the net expenditure of authorities on that service in the financial years 1920–21 and 1921–22 were as follow:

asked the President of the Board of Education whether any grants are made by the Board to Christ's Hospital; and whether he has decided to make any independent inquiry into the circumstances attending the recent death of a boy at that school?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. After careful consideration of all the circumstances of the case, including the evidence given at the inquest, I have come to the conclusion that there is no reason to suppose that a further inquiry would elicit new information, and I do not, therefore, propose to institute one.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in cases where there are surplus teachers available for work in the juvenile unemployment centres, it is possible for any relaxation of the Regulations to be made, so as to allow the service of such teachers in these centres to be regarded as recognised service for pension purposes, thus avoiding the necessity of appointing additional outside teachers for this work?

I may refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave on the 21st February to the hon. Member for the University of Wales (Mr. Lewis), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Education, in view of the fact that the Elementary Education Acts provide that, if a boy attains the age of 14 years after the term has commenced, his parents are compelled, under threat of legal proceedings, to keep him at school until the end of the term, and in view of the fact that this provision frequently prevents a boy from taking remunerative employment at a time when his parents may wish him to do so, whether he will consider the desirability of proposing an amendment of the law in such a way as to leave it to the discretion of the boy's parents as to whether or not he stays at school during the full period of the term?

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the provisions of Section 138 (1) of the Education Act, 1921. This provision, which first appeared in the Act of 1918, is, I believe, most desirable in the interests of efficient educational organisation. I do not believe that any case could be made out on general grounds for a repeal of this provision, but even if it could, such a step would, I think, in view of the prevalence of juvenile unemployment, be most inopportune at the present time.

asked the President of the Board of Education (1) whether it is now the policy of the Board that unqualified teachers shall in future be considered suitable to undertake the education of blind children;

(2) whether he has considered the effect of the operation of Circular 1297 upon the education of blind children; whether he is aware that it is the opinion of educators of blind children that the present maximum of 15 children per teacher is too high, and that its increase to 20 would involve inevitable difficulty for these schools; whether it is the view of the Board that adequate individual attention can be given to each of 18 children in one class; and whether he will reconsider this circular with a view to preventing partly-trained blind children from becoming a charge upon the community throughout their lives?

For the reply to these two questions, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave in the House this afternoon to the hon. Member for Tottenham (Mr. Morrison), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to introduce legislation to give effect to the recommenda- tions of the Departmental Committee on Business Premises and thus remove the long-standing grievances of town tenants?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, if he will ask the local authorities in his next circular if they are interested and, if so, the amount they have advanced, by the Small Dwellings Acquisition Act of 1899?

My right hon. Friend will call the attention of local authorities to the provisions of this Act when he issues the circular in connection with the new housing proposals. Loans have been sanctioned to enable local authorities to make advances under the Act to the extent of £674,151.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether, before deciding on the provisions to be contained in the forthcoming Rent Restrictions (Amendment) Bill, he has taken the opportunity of consulting leading builders and directors of building societies as to the reasons which at present prevent the construction of middle-class houses at an economic price and ascertaining from them the most practical methods for ensuring that there shall be a sufficiency of such houses before June, 1924?

The reasons which at present are hindering the rapid construction of houses are dealt with in the Reports of the Departmental Committee on the Rent Act, and, in view of the evidence already given before that Committee, my right hon. Friend does not consider that it is necessary for him to take any further steps such as are suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether his attention has been called to the fact that contracts have been let recently by the Leeds Corporation for a number of parlour houses at £318, and of non-parlour houses at £288 each; and has he made inquiries as to the reason why similar prices should not obtain in other places?

Every effort has been made by the Department in approving contracts for houses under the Assisted Housing Scheme to secure that the lowest possible price should be obtained. The varying circumstances of different districts necessarily involve variation in prices, but prices comparable with those quoted for Leeds are, in fact, being obtained in many places.

asked the Undersecretary to the Scottish Board of Health if he is aware that the Medical Officer of Health for Glasgow has reported to the corporation of that city that there are in its area 13,139 houses occupied by 58,000 persons, which houses are not reasonably fit for human habitation, that in addition many thousands of houses in that city are almost as bad, and that the number of the new houses being erected, or which can be erected, within the slum clearances policy of the Government is only 1,000 or 2,000 per annum; and will he consider the taking of steps which would clear out within a year or so the 13,195 houses above referred to and so leave the corporation to deal with the houses coming annually into the category of slums?

I understand that the medical officer of health has reported on the lines stated in the first part of the question, but I have no information to the effect that there are many thousands of houses in the city almost as bad as those to which his report refers. The local authority has submitted proposals for the erection of 2,027 houses under the provisions of the scheme for the improvement of insanitary areas. I understand that these proposals will take about two years to carry out. The question of taking further steps is one for the local authority, who will doubtless again consider the matter when the terms are announced on which additional assistance may be made available by the Government for housing schemes.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can now take a definite step in the matter of flax production on those specially prepared samples called for by his Department and examined by the inspector of the Belfast Linen Research Association, more especially seeing the promoter of this plan undertook to visit London and fully demonstrate the great advantages of his system, which would greatly facilitate employment?

The Ministry has just received a technical report on the samples of fibre to which the hon. Member refers, and is making inquiries into the question of the probable extent of the demand for fibre of this quality. If it appears that there is a prospect of a reasonable demand for such fibre, the Ministry will be glad to consider further the methods proposed for cultivating and harvesting the flax by the new process and to discuss the details with the inventor. The hon. Member will doubtless understand that the Ministry of Agriculture could only concern itself with the processes of cultivation and harvesting of flax. The manufacturing processes involved in the production of fibre fall within the purview of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and of the Linen Industry Research Association.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the importance of the recommendations of the Committee on Agricultural Credit, arrangements will be made for the immediate publication of the evidence given before the Committee on which their recommendations are based?

The evidence received by the Committee to which the hon. Member refers was given in confidence, and, as he will readily understand, it is not possible, in these circumstances, to arrange for its publication.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what was the cost during the last financial year of carrying on the various inspectorates in relation to agriculture; and by whom the cost was borne?

The cost was £243,158, which was borne on the Ministry's Vote, with the exception of £20,000 contributed by the Cattle Pleuro-Pneumonia Account for Great Britain. During the current year the number and cost of the inspectorate have been reduced by approximately 30 per cent.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the Committee of the Cabinet has come to any conclusion as to the advisability of introducing legislation making compulsory the use of a humane killer for cattle in the slaughter of all animals intended for food?

The matter is still under the consideration of the Committee.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps are taken by the Ministry at the ports on the arrival of a ship to see that cargoes are not infected with cattle disease and that infected cargoes are not landed, and why were they omitted in respect of the s.s. "Hartington"; and how is it that a cargo can be landed in London after permission to land it has been refused in Antwerp?

Arrangements are in force for the Ministry or other authority concerned to be notified whenever any particular ship is found to be carrying ruminating animals or other cargo, e.g., hay and straw, the landing of which has been prohibited under the Diseases of Animals Acts (except by licence). No such cargo can be landed without the sanction of an officer of my Department. The circumstances relating to the s.s. "Hartington" were fully explained in a reply given yesterday to the hon. Member for Stone (Mr. Lamb). As regards the third part of the question, unless the ship's papers disclose the fact, it is inv possible to know that a cargo has been refused permission to be landed at Antwerp.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the s.s. "Hartington," of London, left Monte Video for Antwerp on 1st January, 1923, carrying 250 cattle and 1,000 sheep, as well as a general cargo, including 1,675 bales of wool, 2,890 hides, 20,746 bags of pollard, 6,610 bags of linseed, 7,731 bags of flour, 10,160 bags of middlings, 8,824 bags of oats, 1,475 tons of wheat, 475 tons of maize, and other foodstuffs for man and beast; that footh-and-mouth disease broke out on the voyage and, on the advice of the Uruguayan veterinary surgeon on board, the affected animals were thrown overboard; that the port authorities at Antwerp refused to allow any cargo to be landed on account of the risk of disease, and on 7th February the ship proceeded to London and berthed at Bellamy's Wharf, Rotherhithe, the same day; that the general cargo was then landed and dispersed to various parts of the country, though it was known from the condition of many of the bags of flour and pollard that urine and dung from the infected animals had penetrated to the general cargo space, and there was great risk of spreading infection; and that the Ministry of Agriculture took no steps till 17th February to stop this infected cargo of cattle and human food going into consumption, and then only in the case of two tons of pollard forwarded on 14th February to a consignee at East Grinstead by a letter dated 17th February, which only reached him on the night of 19th February; what is the reason of this delay; what became of the rest of the animals; and what steps are now being taken to prevent the infected general cargo being brought into contact with our flocks and herds?

I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the answer given yesterday to the hon. Member for Stone (Mr. Lamb).

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is by his direction that archæologists and topographical researchers, who have been in the habit of consulting the tithe award maps at 4, Whitehall Place, are now asked a fee of 2s. 6d. for each map that they wish to examine; and whether this imposition can be removed in the interest of historical learning?

A fee for consulting tithe maps is imposed because the custody of these maps involves considerable expense as regards staff and accommodation. The practice of waiving the usual fee in certain exceptional cases was abandoned in 1921, as it was necessary, in the interests of national economy, that all branches of the Ministry's tithe work should, as far as possible, be made self-supporting. Tithe maps were made for tithe purposes and were prepared at the expense of landowners and not of the State. The inspection fee could hardly, therefore, be waived in favour of the class to which my hon. Friend refers, unless the same privilege were extended to the numerous landowners who consult the maps for such purposes as tithe redemption. I regret, therefore, that I cannot see my way to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Wandsworth Borough Council proposes to discontinue the allotments at The Firs, Clapham Park, because the land is required for the use of pupils at the Queenswood School, Clapham Park; that these pupils have an extensive recreation ground attached to their college, and have another sports ground some 300 yards away; and whether, in view of the desirability of encouraging the allotment movement, he will make representations to the local authority with a view to their decision being reconsidered.

As a result of representations which had been received on behalf of the allotment holders, the Ministry communicated with the Wands-worth Borough Council in regard to this matter in January last. The council stated that the land is required for the use of the pupils of the school as part of the school curriculum, and as the land was so used before it was compulsorily entered on for allotments during the War, the Council, after careful consideration, were not prepared to take steps to acquire it under the Allotments Acts. I understand that the council are making inquiries as to the acquisition of alternative land.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in the interests of manufacturers of small-scale maps, he will restore the conditions contained in O. S 23 for the reproduction and utilisation of Ordnance maps by map-making firms and others; and, if not, the reasons for the continued withdrawal of these conditions?

I am afraid that I cannot contemplate the restoration of the conditions for the reproduction and utilisation of Ordnance survey maps as set forth in Form O.S. 23. The maintenance of the revised Regulations, as contained in O.S. 23A, is necessary in view of the recommendations of the Select Committees on National Expenditure of 1918 and 1922 that a greater revenue should be obtained from royalties in respect of the use of the national maps by private map-making firms.

asked the Home Secretary what number of persons under the age of 18 years have been charged with drunkenness during the years 1919, 1920, 1921, and 1922; and how many of such persons were convicted?

The only figures I can give are those of convictions after arrest in the age-groups used in the Criminal Statistics, thus: 1919, no convictions of persons under 16 years of age, 2,610 between 16 and 21; 1920, 2 under 16 and 4,063 between 16 and 21; 1921, 2 under 16 and 2,172 between 16 and 21. The figures for 1922 are not yet available.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a number of cases of pneumoconiosis have recently occurred among miners in this country, and that in certain other countries this disease is scheduled as an industrial disease for the purpose of workmen's compensation; and whether he will consider the advisability of issuing an Order extending the provisions of the Workmen's Compensation Acts to miners suffering from this disease?

The Home Office Committee, which inquired into the application of the Workmen's Compensation Act to industrial diseases, reported that there would be great difficulties in the way of bringing this disease under the Act; and, consequently, in 1918 special legislation was passed to enable the matter to be dealt with on somewhat different lines. A scheme under this Act, which is called the Workmen's Compensation (Silicosis) Act, has already been made for the ganister miners, and has been in operation four years; and I have quite recently appointed a small Committee to review the working of the scheme. I do not know whether the hon. Member is referring to any special class of miners. So far as coal miners are concerned, the evidence is that generally they are not liable to the disease. I shall be glad to consider, in consultation with my hon. Friend the Secretary for Mines, any information the hon. Member has, if he will kindly send it me.

asked the Home Secretary what is the annual cost of the inspection of factories; and by whom that cost is borne?

The total cost, inclusive of common services, may be taken under present conditions at about £180.000 per annum. It is defrayed entirely out of moneys voted by Parliament.

asked the Home Secretary how many persons were arrested for street betting during 1921 and 1922 in the C, D, and E Divisions of the Metropolitan Police; how many of the persons arrested had been once previously convicted and how many had been twice previously convicted of similar offences; and how many arrests were made by officers of the Criminal Investigation Department?

The particulars concerning persons arrested for street betting during the years 1921 and 1922 in C, D, and E Divisions of the Metropolitan Police District are as follows:

The figures with regard to previous offences refer only to persons who, on being charged, were known to have been convicted previously. Some offenders probably escape the much higher penalties for second and third offences because, when they are charged again, it is not known in the Division that they have been convicted before.

asked the Home Secretary the average annual cost per individual, including administrative charges, of maintaining convicts in the penal settlements, prsoners in ordinary gaols, persons in Bostal institutions, and in industrial schools, respectively?

I would refer the hon. Member to the Annual Report of the Prison Commissioners for 1921–1922 (Appendix 9), from which he will see that the average annual cost per inmate of prisons and Borstal institutions is as follows:

This figure, however, does not include any administrative cost at the offices of local education authorities in respect of schools under their management.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Mohr, who, having gone to Germany in 1919, are now being refused a permit to return to this country, although both have lived practically all their lives in Great Britain, have all their ties here, and though the members of their own family are British subjects; and will he reconsider the matter?

I considered this case very carefully a fortnight ago at the hon. and gallant Member's request, and I regret that I must adhere to the answer which I then sent him—that I cannot allow these persons to return to this country.

asked the Secretary for Mines how soon it is anticipated that all claims by the Inland Revenue, or against the Inland Revenue, under the coal mines levy will be settled; and if he will expedite settlements of such claims?

I cannot say when the liquidation of liabilities under the Goal Mines Control Agreement (Confirmation) Act, 1918, and the Coal Mines (Emergency) Acts, 1920 and 1921, will be completed. Every effort is being made to expedite settlements, but there are a number of cases in which claims known to be in preparation have not yet been rendered and new claims continue to be received. As the hon. and gallant Member knows, the transactions are on a very big scale, involving a total turnover of upwards of £160,000,000.

asked the Secretary for Mines if the Safety in Mines Research Board are inquiring into the question of storing vacant places in mines with waste material instead of bringing such waste material to the surface; is he aware that these vacant places are magazines for accumulations of gas and greatly endanger the safety of the mine; that they are responsible for the damage done to surface buildings, and water and gas mains, by causing surface subsidence; and, if these inquiries are being made, will he, in view of their importance, publish the results as early as possible?

No Government inquiry specially directed to the stowing of waste is in progress at the present time. This subject, in its bearing on the prevention of accidents, will no doubt be considered by the Committee on the Support of Workings in Coal Mines recently appointed on the recommendation of the Safety in Mines Research Board, and I will consider, in consultation with my expert advisers, whether there are any other inquiries on the subject which can usefully be set on foot.

asked the Secretary for Mines the average price of household coal sold at the pit head and the selling price to the consumer in the year 1913 and the prices ruling, respectively, on the 1st January, 1923?

I regret that I cannot easily obtain precisely the information asked for by the hon. Member. But he will find in Appendix A of the recent Report of my Advisory Committee a full comparative analysis of the prices of household coal in August, 1914, and August, 1922, respectively. I will send him a copy of the Report.

asked the Secretary for Mines if his attention has been called to the pit accident in the county of Durham in which a number of miners were killed by the falling of the cage to the bottom of the pit shaft; and if, in view of the fact that several appliances have been invented to prevent such accidents, he will undertake to examine and inquire into their effectiveness and issue a Regulation that the most effective shall be attached to all colliery cages?

As regards the circumstances of this serious accident, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Consett (Mr. Dunnico). A large number of cage-arresting inventions have recently been considered by the Technical Appliances Committee of the Safety in Mines Research Board, and the Report of this Committee is now being considered by the Board. The Board will shortly be in a position, I hope, to submit it to me with their recommendations. The matter will be very carefully considered.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the operation of the laundry Trade Board has caused in the country and provincial districts a reduction in staff of so much as two-thirds, and that this has deprived many hard-working girls of the opportunity of earning their living and keeping their homes together; and if he proposes to abolish these boards in such districts at an early date?

The information in my possession does not corroborate the suggestion in the question. On the contrary, the average female unemployment in the laundry trade is 5·1 as compared with a general female unemployment average of 8·2, while the average for the trade of 5·7 per cent. compares with the general average of 12·7. In these circumstances, the point raised in the last part of the question would not appear to arise.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will favourably consider the advisability of extending the period for the completion of such schemes as the River Skerne land drainage scheme, without disqualification of grants in aid, which have been delayed through bad weather, so that the work may be continued during the summer months to alleviate unemployment?

His Majesty's Government are not prepared at this, stage to reconsider their decision that no public money can be expended on drainage unemployment schemes after 31st May next. An intimation has reached me that the particular scheme to which the hon. Member refers will not be completed in its entirety by the date in question, but I suggest that it is premature even to consider an extension of the present period until, at all events, the duration of the scheme can be estimated with reasonable accuracy, in the light of the progress made between now and, say, the beginning of May.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that, in connection with a meeting held in the Queen's Hall on the 21st instant under the auspices of the National Constitutional Association, to consider the question of unemployment, cards of invitation were issued by the secretary of the Croydon Local Unemployment Committee in franked Government envelopes; whether this was done by his authority; whether the secretaries of other local employment committees issued similar invitations; and whether, in view of the fact that the meeting was of a political character, he will explain the reasons for secretaries of local employment committees taking this action at Government expense?

The meeting referred to, at which the High Commissioner for the Commonwealth of Australia was one of the principal speakers, was, I understand, non-political and was concerned with promoting oversea settlement, a matter in which I look especially for assistance from the local employment-committees. A certain number of tickets of admission were distributed to members of local employment committees in the London area, and some of the tickets were sent by post. In the circumstances I do not think this was open to objection.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether, during the discussions of the proposed Rhodesian Constitution at the Colonial Office with the delegates from Rhodesia, these gentlemen urged that they should hold their general election under a system of proportional representation; and whether it is proposed to incorporate a recommendation upon this subject in the Letters Patent?

The position with regard to this point is explained in paragraph 5 of the despatch to the High Commissioner for South Africa of 22nd December, 1921, transmitting the draft Letters Patent, which is published in Cmd. 1573.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether, after consideration of the most recent available evidence, he is of opinion that the present Constitution of Palestine is in accordance with the sentiments of the great majority of the inhabitants of that country?

That is a matter of opinion, and I do not think that I could usefully say anything on the subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the number of houses of ill-fame in Hong Kong; how many of these are set aside for the exclusive use of Europeans and Asiatics, respectively; and whether those for Europeans are only allowed to be opened at a specified distance from those for use by Asiatics?

This information is not in my possession, but I will ask the Governor for a report on the matter.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether a letter, dated 3rd January, 1918, was sent by the Governor of Pentonville prison to ex-warder J. Bennett, 66, Bride Street, Barnsbury, N., informing him that he would be taken on the pay list as a permanent officer, having resigned his position as a temporary officer?

The answer is in the affirmative. Bennett having retired from the prison service on account of ill-health was recalled to service in January, 1918, and was then paid on the scale applicable to permanent officers.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will give the names of the federations and associations which have requested the resumption of Sunday post; and if he is now prepared to accede to their request?

I have received requests for the resumption of the Sunday delivery of letters from the Oldham Master Cotton Spinners' Association, the Oldham and District Incorporated Chamber of Commerce, the East Sussex Nurserymen, Fruit Grocers' and Market Gardeners' Association (Eastbourne), and the Ring Yarn Association (Manchester). In existing financial conditions I cannot see my way to incur the expense of restoring the Sunday delivery.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that a number of houses in Tenter Ground, Spital-fields, were purchased for the purposes of a telephone exchange by His Majesty's Government some years ago; that the inhabitants were required to quit the premises; that the houses are now derelict and empty and a source of danger and annoyance to the neighbourhood on account of their condition of dirt and neglect; whether it is proposed to proceed with the building of a telephone exchange on the site; and, if not, whether he will consider if the site could be transferred to the London County Council for housing purposes?