asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will inquire of the Hungarian Government the reason for their non-admission of British debts represented by claims against; the Hungarian Government and the city of Budapest; and will he instruct our representative in Hungary to protest against the dilatory methods of the Hungarian authorities in respect of the outstanding claims lodged with them by the British administrator of Hungarian property?

As the answer is rather long, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, have it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the French action in the Ruhr is causing supplies of coke and pig-iron to be despatched from this country to Germany to the detriment of our own iron industry; that Bradford ironfounders may shortly be compelled to shut down in consequence; and if he can take any steps in the matter?

I am aware that there has been a considerable increase in the demand for coke for export, but I understand that coke manufacturers are fully alive to the necessity of meeting the inland demand.

Is it not the fact that the shortage of coke in this country just now is not so much due to the ovens not being at work, as to the fact that the coalowners can get such high prices for their raw coal that it does not pay them to make coke?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that over 1,100 tons of coal were exported from Maryport, Cumberland, last week, and the consequence of that is to produce unemployment at a quicker rate than the Labour Department with their schemes can meet it?

Obviously, I cannot answer about any specific case. There are a good many factors, I think, which contribute, and certainly one of the factors leading to an increase of prices is the increased demand.

I shall mention this matter on the Adjournment to-night.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are 2,500 ovens shut down which ought to be working, and making coke?

asked the Prime Minister whether the railway on the right bank of the Rhine which runs, or ran, through the British sphere is to be retained under British control; and whether approaches have been made to His Majesty's Government to surrender the control of the railways to the French?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The proposals for the final settlement of the transport question in the British zone, which are still the subject of negotiations, do not provide for French control of any railways in the British zone.

asked the Prime Minister what the Rhineland High Commission have decided as to the consignment of oxide of tin bought and paid for by an English firm and held up at Emmerich by the French?

His Majesty's High Commissioner at Coblenz has not yet reported with regard to this consignment.

As this has been going on for over a week now with great loss to the British importer, can any steps be taken to accelerate a settlement of this very important question?

The Government are quite aware of the seriousness of the question and we have been doing all we can to accelerate it. But it involves a good deal of difficult and intricate negotiation. I do not think any time has avoidably been lost.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware of the hindrances which are being placed upon the Yorkshire woollen and worsted trade in the Ruhr by the French administrators in that part of Germany; whether his attention has been called to the recent statement of Sir Henry Whitehead, the president of the Bradford Chamber of Commerce, to the effect which the French occupation of the Ruhr is having upon the Yorkshire woollen trade; and if he can have representations made to the French Government with a view to removing these hindrances to trade?

I have been asked to reply. I am fully aware of the difficulties of trading with occupied Germany in present circumstances. If British traders whose interests are adversely affected by the application of the existing regulations to contracts entered into before the recent occupation of the Ruhr will send particulars of their difficulties to the Board of Trade, with full details of the goods affected, steps will be taken to bring their cases to the notice of the French and Belgian authorities in the occupied areas with a view to facilities being accorded to them.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that before the occupation of the Ruhr a very good trade was gradually being resumed between the West Riding manufacturers and the South-West part of Germany and that since the occupation difficulties have been placed in the way of that trade which are making it impossible for it to be carried on?

I think difficulties are placed in the way of many trades. As regards existing contracts, which stand on a peculiar footing, we are trying to make special arrangements which will enable these contracts to be dealt with.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has any power to supervise the regulations of the associations of dyers in this country in the event of their enforcing regulations which impose a handicap on our textile manufacturers; and is he aware that the Bradford Association of Dyers, by insisting that a minimum of six pieces of cloth should be dyed to any one shade, are hindering our manufacturers, since the custom abroad is to allow a minimum of two pieces to any one shade?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The matter appears to be one for discussion between the interests concerned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that some foreign countries, acting probably with the idea of bettering their exchange position, are placing obstacles in the way of the payment by their nationals of debts to British traders by making restrictive and constantly varying regulations in regard to the transfer of money abroad; and, seeing that this is a serious handicap to the restoration of our foreign trade, whether he will, if given a specific instance, consider the propriety of making friendly representations to the country concerned on the subject?

I am well aware of the difficulties which attend the recovery of debts owing to British traders in certain European countries, difficulties which are undoubtedly enhanced in many cases by Government regulations of exchange transactions. Representations have already been made in certain cases where exceptional difficulties have been occasioned by Government measures in the foreign countries concerned, and if my hon. and gallant Friend will submit particulars of the specific case which he has in mind I will consult with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs as to what further action in this direction can usefully be taken.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that picture postcards, executed in 50 different designs, with English texts, are being supplied by German manufacturers to stationers in Great Britain at the price of 2s. 6d. per gross; that the cards bear an imprint of a London firm as publisher but no imprint of the country of origin; and whether the merchandise marks legislation promised by the Government will contain provisions to stop the importation of unmarked goods of this description?

My attention has been drawn to an offer by a German firm to supply such postcards, the importation of which, if they are correctly described in the question, is prohibited under the existing Merchandise Marks Acts. I am informed that the Commissioners of Customs and Excise are bringing the matter to the notice of Customs officers throughout the country with a view to action being taken should any attempt be made to import cards of the description in question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the total monthly exports from this country have increased or decreased since 1st November, 1922, and what are the figures of the increase or decrease?

The answer contains a table of figures; and, with my hon. Friend's permission, I will have it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state what proportion of the broadcasting or listening-in apparatus now in use in this country was made in this country?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I regret that I have no reliable information on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the Report of the Departmental Committee, which was appointed to inquire as to the method of charging for gas on a thermal basis, will be available to Members?

The Report is being printed, and will, I hope, be issued this week.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what proportion the total amount of flour imported

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

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will have inquiry made into the accommodation provided for steerage passengers in steamers plying between Glasgow, Belfast, and Dublin; and

(2) if he will have inquiry made into the service of steamers between Glasgow and the Western Isles and also into the accommodation provided for the passengers on board those steamers?

The passenger steamers referred to are surveyed once at least in every year by the Government surveyors, and cannot ply unless they are found fit in every respect, including accommodation, for the service intended. If the hon. Member will furnish me with any specific complaint about any particular ship, I will have the matter looked into. The general adequacy of a service for the needs of a particular district or trade is a matter for the shipowners and not for the Board of Trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in the case of Mr. E. F. Wise, C.B., acting Assistant Secretary at the Board of Trade, who has resigned from His Majesty's Civil Service in order to act as economic adviser in respect of foreign trade to the central union of the Soviet Russian co-operative societies (centrosoyus) and as a director of their London offices, he will say whether this gentleman has had official access to documents setting forth the claims of British subjects whose properties in Russia have been confiscated and disclosing their sources of information in that country; and whether he will be at liberty to communicate the confidential knowledge so obtained to his new employers and the Russian Soviet Government?

Mr. Wise, who was temporarily attached to the Board of Trade, has not been employed in the Russian Claims Department which deals with the claims to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. But as a member of the staff of the British Delegation at The Hague, Mr. Wise was in pos- session of information compiled by that Department. No civil servant is ever at liberty to communicate any confidential information. This is expressly prohibited by the Official Secrets Act; and I am sure my hon. and gallant Friend will agree that the standard required of the British Civil Service in this matter has always been loyally maintained.

Is the House to understand that the right hon. Gentleman approves of such appointments, and are civil servants, after they have occupied confidential positions like this one, at liberty to sell their services to the highest bidder?

Before that question is answered, may I ask whether it is not a fact that Mr. Wise has served with great distinction and helpfulness to his country not only at the Ministry of Food, but in other Departments, and has not this appointment been generally welcomed by all who desire to see an early resumption of trade between this country and Russia?

In regard to Mr. Wise's services as a civil servant, I entirely agree with what has been said by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Platting (Mr. Clynes). As far as I have known, the services of Mr. Wise have always been good services. As to the question of the hon. and gallant Member for South-Vest St. Pancras (Major Barnett), it is not for the Government either to approve or disapprove of appointments accepted by civil servants who have resigned. I would deprecate most sincerely the suggestion that any civil servant who leaves the public service, and takes up a. private appointment, is going to use confidential information for any purpose connected with it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can give any reasons why butter, cheese and sugar and other consumable articles have gone up in price; and if any notice has been taken, by the officials who make out the cost-of-living returns from time to time, about the jumps in the food prices?

I am not aware of any recent movements in the prices of butter and cheese of an unusual character at this season of the year. In the case of sugar the rise price in this country has followed the market movements in the United States where there is said to have been a considerable increase in the consumption of sugar. With regard to the second part of the question, I am informed that changes in the retail prices of butter, cheese and sugar are taken into account in the compilation, by the Ministry of Labour, of the cost of diving index number.

Do the gentlemen who compile these returns from time to time ever consult any of the wives of the working classes in any direction?

I am not sure of that, but I understand that very careful consideration was given to the original items under which the figures are fixed. The cost of these items is, I understand, collected from all over the country.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consult his own wife about this?

I always do, Sir.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, as soon as possible, consult with the Minister of Agriculture, so that we may get information as to retail prices, the lack of which is causing great inconvenience?

I will represent that to my right hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of lascars sailing on British vessels and in what capacity; and whether he can state the rate of wages paid to lascars expressed in British currency?

I will circulate a Table in the OFFICIAL REPORT giving the information for which the hon. Member asks.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total tonnage of shipping produced in British shipyards during 1913 and 1922, respectively?

According to Lloyd's Register of Shipping, the total gross tonnage of merchant vessels of 100 tons gross and upwards launched in Great Britain and Ireland in each of the years 1913 and 1922 was as follows:

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the amount of imports and exports between Mexico and Great Britain and the United States, respectively, in the years 1913, 1921, and 1922; and whether he is aware that there is a general consensus of opinion that recognition of the Government of Mexico would lead to an increase in British trade and to a diminution of unemployment in Great Britain?

As the answer involves a number of figures I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will the right hon. Gentleman confer with the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to see whether recognition cannot be given to Mexico and thus encourage trade between this country and Mexico?

As my hon. and gallant Friend knows, the whole Mexican position has been under consideration for some considerable time.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state the number of officers, of what grades, and the pay and allowances of these grades respectively, in the Department of the Director of Staff Duties now and in 1913?

The reply to this question consists of a list of titles and figures, which, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state the personnel of the Army Council and the total pay and allowances of the above, now and in 1913?

The Army Council consists of three Ministers, four military members and at present two joint secretaries. It consisted in 1913 of three Ministers and four military members. The aggregate salaries amounted to £17,500 in 1913, and are now £28,861, including the salaries of the joint secretaries, who in 1913 were not members of the Army Council.

Will the cost be reduced in the near future?

A good deal of the additional cost will be found, if the hon. Member will look at my answer, to be due to the fact that the secretaries were not members in 1913, and their pay is not included.

Have these two secretaries been added?

I should like notice of that question.

Is it not a fact that these members of the Army Council are not paid as members of the Army Council?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War how many officers employed at the War Office are in receipt of pensions (other than War pensions) and military pay; and if he will grant a Return giving their names and the amount of such pensions and pay in each case?

Two officers employed in the War Office under special conditions are at present in receipt of pay at £2 17s. 9d. and £1 18s. 9d. per day respectively in addition to retired pay of £120 per annum. Instructions were given some time ago for the retired pay to be suspended from 1st April next. In the circumstances, I hope my hon. Friend will agree that it is unnecessary to make a formal Return.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will inform the House of the number of troops now stationed in Northern Ireland, and the purposes for which they are stationed there; whether it is proposed to withdraw any of the troops; and, if so, at what date?

The number of troops at present is 10 battalions, but by the 1st April next it will be five battalions only, in each case with the proportionate ancillary units. Troops are stationed in Northern Ireland, as elsewhere in the United Kingdom, in order to occupy existing military accommodation and to discharge appropriate military functions.

Are these troops paid for by Northern Ireland, or by this country?

Northern Ireland, for military purposes, is part of this country.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Robert Harold Hammond, No. 4,684,145, enlisted in August, 1922, when his age was only 17 years and 8 months; that, prior to his attaining the age of 18 years, his widowed mother sent his birth certificate to Pontefract and applied for his release on corn-passionate grounds; that his release I as been refused, although he had work to go to and is the only breadwinner of the family; and will he state why a youth whose age is known to the Army authorities as being under 18 years of age is retained in the Army?

Yes, Sir; I am aware of the circumstances of this case. Hammond, when he enlisted, misstated his age, and the general rule in these circumstances is that the recruit is held to serve unless either he is under 17, or his discharge is specially sanctioned as a concession on grounds of extreme compassion. I am not prepared to alter the general rule, but I will inquire further into the reasons for which Hammond's discharge on compassionate grounds has been refused, and will communicate again with the hon. Member.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state the nature of the emergency which necessitates the retention in Paris of a staff directed by a major-general; and why this mission is maintained, in view of the fact that the presence of a single lieutenant-colonel in Paris previous to 1914 was considered sufficient to deal with the elaboration of plans necessitated by the imminence of a European war?

The staff referred to, directed by a major-general, forms the British Section of the Allied Military Committee of Versailles, which, under the Presidency of Marshal Foch, is responsible for keeping the Allied Council of Ambassadors in Paris informed of the progress made in execution of the military clauses of the various Peace Treaties, and for advising on measures required to carry out the terms of treaties.

In view of the fact that Paris and London are so close, is it not possible to refer these questions to London for consideration and only send over from London to Paris when an emergency arises?

I do not think that would be practicable. The work in Paris is much heavier than in London, but in spite of that fact, the French find it necessary to keep a full general in London with three officers under him.

Is it not a fact that no notice is taken of this mission in France, and would it not save expense to do away with it?

Is it not a fact that the attitude of the French Government relating to the Ruhr was taken in opposition to the wishes of our Government, and is it necessary to keep this staff in Paris, which is really backing up the French attitude?

The hon. Member is making a speech.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that for nearly three years a British firm has been looking after the British cemeteries in Arras, France, and that the contractor engaged a number of British ex-service men to do the work, who took their wives and children out with them; that the last two contracts have been given to a Belgian firm and, consequently, about 90 ex-service and married men will be discharged and will have to be sent home, which will add to the number of men out of employment in this country; if he can state the reasons why the Belgian firm has received the contracts to look after British cemeteries; and if he will take action in the matter?

The hon. Member is, I think, under some misapprehension. All the British military cemeteries in France and Belgium are cared for, not by contractors, but by British ex-service men in the direct employ of the Imperial War Graves Commission who have no intention of making any alteration in the practice. The last part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

If, however, the hon. Member is referring to contracts for the construction of cemeteries, I would point out that a British firm, who was the lowest tenderer, has just received a contract for the construction of 22 cemeteries, and I trust, therefore, that no British workmen hitherto employed on such work will be discharged.

The Imperial War Graves Commission would, however, be obliged if the hon. Member would communicate the details of any cases he may have in mind in order that inquiry may be made.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a Territorial soldier who serves 11 years and 11 months in the ranks and then is granted a commission is entitled to receive the Territorial efficiency medal on his completion of the necessary 12 years' service; and, seeing that the granting of this medal is one of the original conditions under which the man was enlisted, will he make inquiries?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I do not think that any special inquiries are necessary. The appropriate reward for long and meritorious service in the commissioned ranks of the Territorial Army is not the medal, but the Territorial decoration, towards which half of previous service in the ranks reckons as qualifying service.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will favourably consider the case of the Territorial soldier who signed the Imperial service obligation up to the end of 1915; and whether he will extend the date for the grant of the Territorial war medal to the end of 1915 in the case of those who subsequently served overseas, thus differentiating between the conscripts and the volunteers?

The Army Council do not propose to vary the conditions under which the Territorial war medal is granted. They do not think it desirable, in the matter of the grant of war medals, to distinguish between voluntary and compulsory service?

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the men who were conscripted in October, 1918, receive two medals to-day, while the men who enlisted in the Imperial Service in 1914 and served two years and ten months fighting receive only the same medal, and are entitled to no other? Is not that an injustice?

The Territorial war medal was specially instituted to recognise the freely accepted obligation for oversea service in time of peace, and I am afraid that it would not be suitable to extend it to the kind of case mentioned by the hon. and gallant Member

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware of the fact that ex-service men are more interested in getting work and meals than in receiving medals?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state the reason for the withdrawal of the Government grant from cadet corps; what was the expenditure involved and whether, in view of the educational and national value of the movement, he will reconsider the matter?

I would refer the hon. Member to my replies of a week ago. I much regret that I am not able to reconsider the decision.

Can my hon. and gallant Friend promise to give any assistance in the direction of equipment?

The grant of equipment has only been sanctioned for one year.

Can the Under-Secretary say exactly what that means? Does it mean for this year?

Yes: it means for this year, at a cost of about £10,000.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what grants from the United Services Fund for the establishment of clubs for ex-service men have been made; and how many of these clubs have since ceased to exist?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on the 19th February to the hon. Member for East Fife, to the effect that grants to these clubs are a matter for the United Services Fund and not for the, War Office. I gather, however, from pages 4 and 5 of the Report of the fund for the year ending 30th September, 1922, that during the year in question over £1,027,000 was expended in 6,455 grants to clubs and other similar objects, and that only 49 out of 3,477 clubs assisted by the fund ceased to exist.

When is that fund going to be used up and how much longer is it going to be kept back?

The hon. and gallant Member had better put that question down.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the anxiety among disabled ex-service men, temporarily employed in the Civil Service, who have not passed the examination for permanent employment; and whether, since the recruitment of boys from school into the permanent Civil Service will interfere with the possibility of continued employment for these men, he can make any statement on the present policy of the Government in the matter of Civil Service recruitment which will make the position of the disabled men clear?

No arrangements have been made for the recruitment to the clerical and departmental clerical classes of boys from school, and, as my hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware, special steps have been taken to enable disabled ex-service men, temporarily employed in a clerical capacity in Government Departments, to obtain permanent posts therein. My right hon. Friend fears that he cannot undertake to go beyond these arrangements, but I would like to point out that 26,849 disabled men, comprising 14·6 per cent. of the male permanent staff and 11 per cent. of the total permanent staff, male and female, were permanently employed in the Government service on the 1st Febru- ary. I think it would be agreed that the latter percentage compares very favourably with the 5 per cent. required of employers generally for inclusion on the King's National Roll.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he is aware that ex-service men who occupy small holdings at Parkhead, Linlithgow, are paying in some instances £4 per acre for land which was formerly valued at 30s. per acre; whether any complaints have been received with regard to the condition of the roads in the vicinity and the difficulty experienced in transport; and whether it is proposed to improve the hut accommodation at present provided for these men?

The rent paid by the former tenant under a pre-War lease was 35s. per acre. The new holders pay an average rent per acre of 23s. 1d. for land and, in addition, 31s. 2d. for repayment of loans for buildings. The Board have agreed to provide road metal for the repair of roads, but the holders have not fulfilled their undertaking to cart and spread the metal supplied. The answer to the third part of the question is in the negative.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman make some inquiry into the complaints made by these ex-service men to ascertain whether the facts are as stated, end deal with the matter when he has made inquiries?

I have already made inquiries into the facts as stated, and I do not find, for instance, any single case of a, payment of £ an acre being made by these ex-service men.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman make inquiry into the allegations made with regard to the condition of the roads in the vicinity and the difficulty of transport and the appalling conditions under which these men are living on the allotments?

I will certainly look further into the matter, but there is a quite definite statement as to the fact that the men have not carried out their side of the undertaking.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether a reply can now be given to the memorial from the County Council of Orkney with regard to the skatts payable to the Crown or the donatories of the Crown from lands in the county of Orkney?

I am informed that the request of the county council as to the period over which the existing Superior Duties are to be averaged for purposes of redemption Las been largely met by a decision of the Treasury to extend the period in the case of sales during the past and the current years from 7 to 15 years. The Government is not prepared to promise legislation to give effect to the other claims made in the memorial, which are similar to claims that have been put forward and rejected from time to time in the past.

Does the Secretary for Scotland deny the justice of this claim?

The Secretary for Scotland has considered the matter, and come to an arrangement with the Treasury whereby part of the claim is met. The Government are not prepared to promise legislation as to the other part.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman, for the benefit of the English Members, tell the House what is a "skat"?

"skat" (Norse, skattr—tax, tribute) is an incident of the udal tenure payable by udallers in respect of their lands to the earl or to the Crown in right of the bishop. It is an annual payment made in agnitionem dominii, but not a feudal burden—the udallers holding tanquam optimœ maximœ. Though not a fen-duty, it is a Charge on the estate.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health if he is aware that in a municipal burgh the registration officer is required to see that a person who has more than one qualification for the local government franchise is only registered once for such franchise in such burgh; and whether it is the intention of the Government to amend the franchise legislation so as to secure that females, who can only vote once at a Parliamentary election, will only be registered once?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, as far as concerns town council elections in any burgh, or parish council elections in a burgh comprising a single parish undivided into wards. Legislation to provide that no woman shall be registered for more than one Parliamentary constituency (apart from a university constituency) is not at present contemplated.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether, apart from females who are entitled to be registered as Parliamentary electors in respect of a university qualification, he can state the number of females in Glasgow who are registered, or qualified to be registered, in more than one Parliamentary division; whether he is aware that such females, although registered more than once, are only allowed under the present Statutes to vote once at a General Election; whether he has any information whether any females voted at the last General Election more than once; and, if so, what steps, if any, he proposes to take in the matter?

The estimated number of females referred to in the first part of the question is 11,396. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. I have no information that any females voted more than once (excluding votes in respect of university constituencies) at the last General Election. The last part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

What steps are taken to prevent voters voting twice?

That is a very large question, in which the whole of the Representation of the People Act is concerned.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether, in view of the introduc- tion of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Bill this Session, consolidating and amending the enactments relating to salmon and freshwater fisheries in England and Wales, he is prepared to introduce a similar Measure dealing with salmon and freshwater fisheries in Scotland, and giving effect to the proposals contained in that final Report of the Scottish Freshwater Fishery Committee which reported in 1919?

It is not regarded as practicable to add such a Measure to the existing programme of legislation for the present Session.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that legislation on this subject is long overdue for Scotland. Will he undertake to consult, the inspector of salmon fisheries and the Scottish Angling Association and other bodies concerned on the subject?

It is a question of consulting the Chief Whip and the Leader of the House, as it is a matter of Parliamentary time.

Why should not Scotland have differential treatment?

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health where the patrol vessels have been stationed during the month of February; the distance sailed by each; and the number of cases of illegal trawling detected during the month?

During February the five cruisers of the Fishery Board for Scotland were stationed as follows:

• "Brenda"—South-east Coast.
• "Freya."—Moray Firth.
• "Norna"—Shetland, Orkney and North Coast.
• "Minna"—West Coast (excluding Firth of Clyde).
• "Vigilant"—Firth of Clyde.

In addition, His Majesty's trawler "Exe" was engaged in the Moray Firth area. Six cases of alleged illegal fishing wore detected by the cruisers during the month. Information as to the mileage steamed by each of the cruisers is not at resent available.

Has the Secretary for Scotland appointed an inquiry into illegal trawling?

That does not arise.

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that the speed of the vessels is sufficient to enable them to catch the illegal trawlers?

Obviously their position is rather that of prevention than of cure. We desire to prevent illegal trawling rather than to catch those who have committed the crime.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he is aware that the estimate for the improvements to Eyemouth harbour has been greatly reduced; and will he, in view of the urgent necessity for improvement, consider recommending the adoption of the scheme?

No revised estimate of the scheme of improvements formulated in 1921 and then estimated to cost £195,000 has been submitted to the Fishery Board for Scotland, but if the reduction referred to by the hon. and gallant Member is due merely to falling costs of labour and material, I fear it will be insufficient to bring the cost down to such a figure as to make it a practical proposition at the present time.

Will the hon. Gentleman receive a deputation on the subject?

I shall be very glad to look into it privately with the hon. and gallant Gentleman, and we can subsequently consider the question of a deputation.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health if the Government has yet decided whether they are to carry out the recommendations of the Deer Forests Committee, which reported in November, 1921; and whether any of the suggestions for immediate action made by the committee have been adopted?

Legislation would be required to enable effect to be given to the main recommendations and sug- gestions of the Committee, and, as I stated in my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Kincardine and Western Aberdeen on the 27th February, my Noble Friend is unable to give an undertaking that legislation on the subject can be included in the programme of the present Session. The practicability of obtaining information as to stocks by voluntary returns is being examined.

Has there been any definite decision to legislate at all on the matter?

Yes, obviously one of the things asked for was the returns on the subject, and we wish to get the returns in before considering the question of legislation.

Is it not the case that six committees have reported on this subject for over 20 years, and that even now farmers are having their crops eaten up wholesale by deer?

Was not legislation promised last Session by the Secretary for Scotland, and are not the signatories to the Report gentlemen of all shades of political opinion, which shows that legislation would probably be non-contentious?

However non-contentious the legislation, it would be taking considerable risk to promise to add to the heavy programme of the present year.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether there are any education authorities in Scotland who have not carried out their obligations under Section 6 (1) (a) of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1918, to provide free secondary schools; and, if so, whether he will give the names of the authorities concerned?

I would refer the hon. Member to the third paragraph of the Department's Circular No. 20, issued on 13th January, 1920, a copy of which I am sending him. So far the Department have not found it necessary to call upon any Authority in terms of the first sentence of the third paragraph thereof. If, however, the hon. Member has in his mind any case in which such action seems to him desirable, my Noble Friend will be glad to look into the matter, if the necessary information is furnished him.

Cannot I have an explicit answer to a very straight question? Have any authorities not carried out the law laid down in the Statute?

No authority has defaulted so as to make it necessary for the Department to take action in the matter.

Have they defaulted in any way?

Is it not the case that in Glasgow proposals have been put forward to charge fees in many secondary schools which were free up to the present year?

I must ask for notice.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health, whether, for the convenience of agriculturists, he will introduce a Bill to consolidate all the Acts relating to agricultural holdings in Scotland?

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he is aware that there is a strong desire in all agricultural organisations in Scotland for an Act to consolidate the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Acts; and if he can state that a Bill with this object in view will be introduced at an early date?

My Noble Friend proposes to introduce a Bill to consolidate the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Acts in another place at an early date.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the recommendations, made by the Committee of representatives of Scottish local authorities appointed to advise with the Scottish Board of Health in regard to the amount of the State grant required to meet the annual deficit on future local building schemes, as to the necessity for the payment of a minimum subsidy of £6 per house in the case of the larger and more populous districts in Scotland, and of a larger amount in the case of the smaller burghs and districts; and whether, in view of the higher cost of building in Scotland, he is prepared to give effect to the Committee's proposals?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the latter part, my Noble Friend is arranging to receive a deputation from the committee referred to this week.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the committee in question was composed of the principal housing experts in Scotland?

A special Conference has been arranged by the Secretary for Scotland. I do not see what more can be done at present.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amounts paid by way of housing subsidies to England

As the answer is rather long, and contains a tabular statement of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the Third Report of the Committee on National Expenditure, at page 72, definitely states that only £300,000 is paid in housing subsidies to Scotland, as against £10,000,000 paid in subsidies to England, and is that in accordance with the recognised Treasury practice on the subject?

The hon. Member will see that in the figures stated.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health when a decision will be arrived at regarding the assistance which will be provided by way of Government grant to meet the deficiency arising in connection with future local building schemes in Scotland; and whether local authorities in Scotland may now proceed with building schemes on the footing that they will participate in any grant to be made available for that purpose?

With regard to the first part of the question, this matter is being considered and will be discussed with the deputation from local authorities which my Noble Friend is arranging to receive this week. In reply to the latter part of the question, it is proposed to provide in the Housing Bill that local authorities who, with the approval of the Scottish Board of Health, have undertaken building schemes before the passing of the Act shall not be prejudiced as regards any financial assistance which may be made available under the Act on account of their having acted in anticipation of the passing of the Measure.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health as some of the houses in Mid-Lanark have been occupied two years, when the rent will be fixed?

The rents at certain sites in the Middle Ward of Lanark have been adjusted between the local authority and the Scottish Board of Health. As regards other cases it is open to the local authority, if they are unable to accept the rents which the Board propose, to appeal to the Rents Tribunal by whom the rents fall to be fixed in cases of dispute. In one such case the rents have been so fixed and I understand that the local authority have under consideration the question of appealing to the Tribunal in other cases.

The houses have been occupied two years. Only one case has been settled and we have 30 building sites. When are we likely to get the rents fixed?

The answer is perfectly distinct. The local authority is considering appealing to the Rent Tribunal in certain other cases. The onus lies on the local authority.

The local authority has appealed 18 months ago and no arbitration court can be got to meet.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health if immediate steps can be taken to ensure that the houses erected by the district committee of Upper Renfrewshire at Jenny Lind, Thornliebank, many of which have been occupied for over eight months, are supplied with gas for lighting and heating?