asked the President of the Board of Trade what number of blast furnaces are in danger of damping down through shortage of coke; if he is taking steps to prevent the ever-increasing price of coke; and if he will state the selling price of coke in October last and at the end of February last?

I am not aware that any blast furraces in this country are in danger of damping down through shortage of coke. The average prices of metallurgical coke last October and at the end of February were 26s. and 37s. 6d. respectively at ovens for home requirements, and 29s. and 70s. respectively, f.o.b., for export. I am satisfied that coke manufacturers are making every effort to supply inland needs at reasonable prices.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that the furnaces in the districts of Lanarkshire which have not their own coking ovens are to-day suffering from the fact that they cannot get coke, or, when they do get it, it is at a price which puts them outside any contract that may arise?

I am not aware that there is any danger of their damping down.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman take steps to inform himself that there is that danger?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the estimated saving of £10,000,000 per annum to the railway companies due to the reduction in the price of the coal consumed in railway traffic; and whether he contemplates any legislation calculated to relieve the coal industry of its crushing burden of freight cost to an extent commensurate with the reduction in the price of coal?

I have been asked to reply. In regard to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I am to-day giving to the Noble Lord the Member for Nottingham South. As to the second part, I would remind the hon. Member that, under Sections 60 and 78 of the Railways Act, 1921, coal trade organisations and other bodies of traders may apply to the Railway Rates Tribunal for reduction of railway charges, and the tribunal may make such modification as they deem just. I see no reason to propose amending legislation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, even with the very limited conditions of inquiry into the cost of the distribution of coal, it was agreed that both the producers and the consumers suffer considerably owing to the cost of distribution? Do not the hon. Gentleman and the Prime Minister think that it is time there was a full inquiry into the cost of distribution in the coal industry, with a view to doing justice to the consumer?

The remedy is in the hands of the miners' organisation. If they will apply to the Railway Rates Tribunal and put their case they will surely get some reduction if their case is as strong as the hon. Member represents.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many paper-mills are shut down in England and Scotland through foreign competition, and how many men are unemployed from this cause?

I have been asked to reply. I regret that I have no information as to the number of paper mills shut down at the present time. Among the 61,000 workpeople insured against unemployment in the paper-making and staining trades, the total number registered as unemployed at 26th February was 4,528 or 7·4 per cent. It is not possible to say in how many of these cases the lack of employment was due to foreign competition.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health if he can state the amount expended in the provision of poor relief to destitute able-bodied persons out of employment in Scotland under the Poor Law Emergency Provisions (Scotland) Act, 1921, and the amount borrowed by parish councils in Scotland for that purpose on the security of the assessments?

The amount expended in Scotland up to 3rd instant in the provision of poor relief to destitute able-bodied persons out of employment was approximately £1,933,000. The amount borrowed by parish councils for that purpose on the security of the assessments is £1,573,600.

Is it intended to continue this form of relief?

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is now able to state the date on which the Sale of Bread Bill will be introduced; and whether he will arrange for the provisions of the Bill to be applicable to Scotland?

I am unable at present to make any statement on this matter. The present Sale of Food Order remains in force, however, until next December.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that his predecessor, in reply to a deputation of representatives of seafarers which approached him last year on the subject of crews' quarters, promised to inspect certain vessels personally; and whether he proposes to undertake this task himself in view of the change in office and in pursuance of the promise then made?

Yes, Sir; I am aware of the promise made by my predecessor, and I hope to inspect some ships as soon as I can find the necessary time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state how many cases have up to the present time been disposed of by the Anglo-German mixed arbitral tribunal and how many cases are still waiting to be disposed of; whether he will take steps to accelerate the hearing of these outstanding cases; and whether it is possible to set up a second tribunal to help in dealing with them?

The number of cases lodged with the Tribunal from the date of its establishment down to the 15th instant was 1775. During the same period the Tribunal made 97 awards and 215 cases were withdrawn or settled by agreement, leaving 1,463 to be dealt with. I understand that the Tribunal has under consideration certain steps which it is hoped will accelerate the hearing of outstanding cases, and I am in communication with the Treasury as to the establishment of an additional division of the Tribunal.

In view of the very large number of cases and the importance to the persons concerned of getting a decision will the right hon. Gentleman take every step in his power to accelerate these hearings?

Yes, Sir; I am satisfied that if it be possible to get another section of the Tribunal established that shall be done, and I shall do everything in my power to help that.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Ambassadors' Conference has come to a decision as to the future status of Eastern Galicia; if so, what is that decision; whether the decision is provisional or final; if it is provisional in what respect it is so, whether in regard to duration, to acceptance by the people affected, or to ratification by the Powers; and whether an opportunity will be given to the House for discussion before the decision is finally ratified?

The Ambassadors' Conference have reached a decision as to the future status of East Galicia the text of which will be published shortly. This decision, which assigns Eastern Galicia to Poland subject to certain conditions, is final and was reached with the approval of His Majesty's Government and of the other Governments represented at the Conference. The subject could, I think, be raised on the Consolidated Fund Bill.

Does not the fact that the Treaty of Versailles was laid before this House entitle this House also to pronounce on a decision arising out of it?

Not at all.

Is it understood that we have any responsibility for guaranteeing this new frontier for Poland.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are over 500,000 British citizens of Ukrainian stock in the Dominion of Canada, where there is great dismay at the decision, and is he aware that these people are looking to this country to protect the interests of of their nationals in Europe?

I am aware of that, but the decision has been taken after all these facts have been taken into consideration.

May I press for an answer to my first question, and may I ask whether any definite instructions on this point were sent to His Majesty's representative in Paris at the Ambassadors' Conference?

Yes, our representative carried out the instructions of the Government which were given to him. As regards our responsibility, it is the same as regards other parts of the Treaty of Versailles.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House, or inform the House in some way, what are the conditions subject to which the decision has been arrived at?

The conditions are that Poland, which has been in occupation of the country for three or four years, has recognised that the ethnographical conditions make autonomy necessary in that region.

Have the principles of self-determination been applied in connection with this question, and have the people there had a chance of determining on which side they should go?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any decision has yet been come to concerning the American Army on the Rhine?

The answer is in the negative. Negotiations are still proceeding in Paris.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is proposed to initiate legislation as a result of the recent Report of the Departmental Committee affecting the gas industry of this country?

I am in communication with the representatives of the gas industry in regard to the recommendations of the Committee, and I hope it may be possible to give effect to the Report without legislation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the number of war-surplus Army lorries brought into this country during the last four years, and how many were of foreign manufacture; whether the number and value of all such lorries were included in the Board of Trade returns as imports; and whether lorries entering through ports in possession of Government Departments were included in the returns?

I am informed that, in the case of British Army lorries returned from abroad to this country, whether after sale abroad to private persons or as Army stores, such lorries were excluded from the official record of imports, and I am, therefore, unable to give the number of lorries so returned to this country. Lorries of foreign manufacture, disposed of by the military authorities of other countries, and subsequently shipped to this country, have been included in the official record of motor vehicles imported. But it would not be possible to furnish a separate statement of their number and value.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the 605 surplus motor lorries, sold at home by the Disposal Board since April, 1922, included 462 Thornycroft lorries, which had been lying at Cologne and were sold by the Disposal Board to the Slough Lorries Disposal Company, Limited, about October last; whether the price realised by the Disposal Board for the sale of these lorries was, approximately, £70 per lorry or less; whether the Slough Lorries Disposal Company was formed immediately before this sale with a share capital of only £1,000, of which £460 was paid up; whether the Disposal Board ever offered the lorries to the original manufacturers on the same terms; and, if not, why the Disposal Board preferred to sell to a new company with a paid-up capital of £460?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The 462 Thornycroft lorries were not sold to the Slough Lorries Disposal Company, Limited, and therefore the third and fifth parts of the question do not arise. With regard to the second part of the question, it is not considered desirable in the public interest to furnish information as to prices realised, and as to the fourth part of the question, the manufacturers of the lorries were given full opportunity of tendering, and, in fact, tendered a lower sum than that accepted.

Why does the hon. Gentleman not consider it advisable to give information as to the prices realised? Have not the Slough company, by agreement, to return to the taxpayer a certain portion of the profits made on their purchase of these lorries, and if we do not know the prices realised, how can we know whether or not any of the profits has been returned?

I think the right hon. Gentleman will see that it is more a subject for debate whether it is in the public interest to give the information suggested. As to the right hon. Gentleman's second point, I will make inquiries.

asked the Chan cellor of the Exchequer whether the amount of £60,000 payable to the Government by the Slough Trading Company, Limited, under the profit-sharing clause in the agreement for the sale of the War surplus mechanical transport, was payable in respect of the gross sales by the company of mechanical vehicles in excess of £5,000,000, and, if it was not payable in respect of gross sales, what deductions were made from the gross sales in calculating the amount of £60,000; whether the Government have a share in the profits of the sale of spare parts and supplies which were valued in July, 1918, at £6,750,000, or is the profit-sharing arrangement confined to vehicles sold by the company; whether the Government have received any sum previously under the profit-sharing arrangement; and what further sums will become due to the Government under it?

The amount payable to the Government under the profit-sharing clause of the contract is calculated on the gross realisations from the sale of the mechanical transport vehicles. The profit-sharing arrangement is confined to vehicles sold to the company. No payment has been received under the profit-sharing arrangement, but payment of the sum due to date is expected in a few days. I regret that it is not at present possible to forecast what amount will become due to the Government in respect of profit-sharing on future sales.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any decision has been arrived at with regard to the suggestion that the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, should be moved to the Royal Military College, Sandhurst?

The answer is in the negative. The matter is before Lord Haldane's Committee on the entry and early training of officers.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say when the decision is expected, as a somewhat similar reply was given to me as far back as last July?

I have no information on that point.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is intended to amalgamate the Royal Field and Royal Garrison Artillery?

The proposal is now under consideration, but questions of considerable diversity and difficulty are concerned, which necessitate study before a definite decision can be arrived at.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if free vouchers for railway journeys can be supplied to boys serving in the Army and stationed a considerable distance from their homes, so that whilst on furlough such a home visit may be possible; and if he is aware that the pay and ration allowance for 26 days' leave to a boy stationed at Edinburgh only amounts to £3 8s. 8d., and that if his home is in London the fare is £3 16s. 4d.?

It is regretted that free vouchers for these boys cannot be sanctioned. The boys are eligible for the existing concessions granted by the railway, i.e., a return ticket at the cost of a single fare plus one-third. With regard to the last part of the question, the pay and ration allowance come to £3 9s. 4d. and the fare is £3 5s. 4d.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War when it is intended to proceed with the erection of the building required for the proposed new school for cadets in Blandford; and whether he will make such arrangements as will ensure, so far as possible, the employment of labour from Blandford and district upon the said buildings?

This work will, I hope, be started early in the new financial year. In regard to the latter part of the question, it would not be desirable to make the employment of local labour a condition of contract, but I am aware of the economic and other advantages of such labour, and they will be borne in mind, and I may add it is the policy of the War Office to impress upon contractors the desirability of employing local labour as far as possible.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether it is the intention to continue to employ women on pin-money wages in the regimental institutes and canteens at Aldershot, and as superintendents and travelling inspectors?

The wages of women employed in regimental institutes and canteens are not paid from public funds or fixed by the War Office. I have no information to show that they are other than fair wages. If the hon. Member has any such information, and will communicate it to me, I shall be happy to consider it.

Will the hon. Gentleman impress upon those responsible for the canteens the desirability of employing ex-service men, instead of women?

That recommendation has been urged by the War Office since the time the right hon. Gentleman was in office.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether an undertaking was recently given that tenders would be accepted for the supply of fresh meat in Army contracts; and, if so, can he explain why tenders for the supply of meat at Devizes and Trowbridge for the period 1st April to 30th June are confined to frozen meat?

An undertaking was given by my predecessor on 9th January last, after the current contracts to 30th June were entered into, that, on their expiration, offers for fresh as well as frozen meat would be invited, and this will be given effect to in the contracts for the second half of the present year. It is regretted that it was overlooked that at a few stations, among which are included Trowbridge and Devizes, where the consumption is comparatively trifling, the current contracts expired on 31st March, and at some of these stations fresh contracts have been entered into on the existing basis up to 30th June without tenders for fresh meat being invited. Instructions have now been issued that alternative offers for fresh and frozen meat are in all future cases to be obtained at home stations.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the limited number of aircraft to be maintained in this country for the purpose of repelling aerial invasion, he can state what steps, if any, are being taken by means of experiment and training in the creation of a second line of defence to air attack by means of anti-aircraft guns, searchlights, or any other means?

One Regular and two Territorial Air Defence brigades are in course of formation. Training and experiment are dealt with by the School of Anti-Aircraft Defence and the Searchlight Experimental Establishment, both of which are located at Biggin Hill, Kent. The question of anti-aircraft defence is under consideration by a joint War Office and Air Ministry Committee.

Does not the hon. and gallant Gentleman think that the money spent on this unit would be much better put into the Air Force?

Does not the hon. Gentleman think that his own Department should come under the control of the Air Ministry?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government look with favour on the proposed round-the-world voyage of the ss. "British Trade," with showrooms and samples of British goods, and now fitting out at Hull; if so, will he let this be known officially to the organisers; if he is aware that no Government money is asked for or expected, but that manufacturers and merchants are hesitating to participate in the venture until they have assurances of Government approval; and if this approval cannot be expressed, will he state the reasons?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave on the 13th March to a similar question addressed to my right hon. Friend, the President of the Board of Trade, by my hon. Friend the Member for the East Division of Hull.

Yes; but may I ask the hon. and gallant Gentleman, seeing that this answer was absolutely non-committal, whether the Government take any interest at all in this venture, and if so will they inform themselves of it, and see if they can support it—at least morally?

I have nothing to add to the answer which I have given.

May I press the President of the Board of Trade on this question; is he aware that this venture has been entered into by a number of ex-officers, and that it is paid for—

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he is aware that at night in the Firth of Forth there are frequently a dozen trawlers working the inshore spawning grounds, and that the offenders are boats held on the instalment system from the Fishery Board for Scotland; and whether he will take steps to alter the system of subsidising illegal fishing?

My Noble Friend is satisfied by the information which he has obtained from the Fishery Board that, owing to the close patrol which is maintained in the area referred to, illegal trawling on the scale suggested is quite out of the question. The law will be enforced, where necessary, against vessels which are being purchased from the Fishery Board on the instalment system, in the same way as in the case of any other vessels.

Is not the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that illegal trawling is taking place all round the coast of Scotland, and will he see to it that an inquiry, as was promised, is instituted at once?

I have myself inquired into this particular case, and I am satisfied that there is no foundation for the allegation that illegal trawling is taking place on this scale. As a matter of fact, on the night in regard to which the accusation was made, the cruiser "Brenda" was lying with covered lights in that area, and reported that no such trawling had taken place at all, and on inquiry it was found that a fisherman had said he had heard it from a pilot, but when the pilot was asked he said he had not given any such information.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this illegal trawling goes on continuously, and will he himself visit the district, so that he may see it going on with his own eyes?

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman tell us now whether the Secretary for Scotland is going to have an inquiry into this illegal trawling which is taking place all round Scotland?

Obviously, if it should be true that illegal trawling was taking place on the scale alleged, it would be possible to bring specific instances before this House, instead of general allegations such as we have heard this afternoon, and if such specific cases are brought forward, my Noble Friend will be most delighted to look into them.

Can I have an answer to my question as to whether the Secretary for Scotland will have an inquiry into the illegal trawling which is taking place?

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will put that question down. The present question applies only to one specific case.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health how many persons below the age of 18 years were convicted of any offence in Glasgow during the year 1922; how many were sentenced to terms of imprisonment; how many were sent to institutions of any kind for detainment; and how many have been placed on probation?

Information with regard to persons below the age of 18 is not available, but in Glasgow in 1922, 2,404 persons under 16, and 5.853 persons between 16 and 21, were convicted of offences. 78 persons under 16 were sent to reformatory or industrial schools, and 26 persons between 16 and 21 were sent to Borstal institutions. 214 persons under 16, and 176 persons between 16 and 21, were placed on probation. Considerable research would be necessary to ascertain how many persons of these ages were sentenced to imprisonment, but the total number of persons of all ages who were sentenced in Glasgow in 1922 to be imprisoned was 1,504.

asked the Under Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health how many persons during the past two years in Glasgow have been placed on probation; and how may have again been convicted of a crime during that period?

The information for the year 1922 is not yet available. In 1920, 850 persons were placed on probation in Glasgow, and of these none were dealt with for fresh offences during the period of probation. In 1921, the number of persons placed on probation in Glasgow was 792, of whom six were dealt with for fresh offences during the period of probation.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health the cost per week of keeping a prisoner in any one of His Majesty's prisons in Glasgow?

In 1922 the cost per week of keeping a prisoner in Barlinnie Prison was £1 0s. 1d., and in Duke Street Prison £1 5s. 6d.

Is that merely the cost of food, or does it include expenses of administration in addition?

It is the answer to the question which the hon. Member put on the Paper. If he requires a differential statement, I shall be glad if he will give me notice of it.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether the Government intend to reintroduce the Employment of Children Act (1903) Amendment (Scotland) Bill, as amended and approved in last Parliament by the Scottish Grand Committee; and whether, in view of the fact that this is an agreed Measure, early facilities will be given?

There is no much prospect of time being found for the Bill in question at present, and in the circumstances its early introduction is not contemplated. If, however, an assurance were forthcoming that the Bill would be treated as an agreed Measure, my Noble Friend would be prepared to consider the matter further.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he is aware that the ex-service men smallholders at Linlithgow are experiencing much difficulty owing to the lack of water facilities on their holdings; that they deny entering into a contract with his Department regarding the spreading of road metal on the roads in the vicinity, but merely agreed to patch certain parts in their spare time; and whether he will personally investigate their complaints or cause further inquiries to be made?

My Noble Friend is informed that there is a shortage of water only when the windmill pump fails to function in continued calm weather. The Board of Agriculture are willing to provide means to overcome this difficulty if the holders will undertake maintenance and management. He is not aware of the reason why the men at present decline to cart and spread road metal supplied free by the Board, but he is informed that they originally gave a verbal undertaking to do so where required, and that a supply of metal was so dealt with in 1921. Further inquiries are being made by the Board into the complaints.

Is it desirable, in the interests of these ex-service men who are now located on these small holdings, to impose further burdens in the way indicated by the Department? Is it not desirable that these men should be relieved of such burdens, in order that they may make a comfortable living on these small holdings?

I would point out to the hon. Member that the arrangement as to the supply of road metal was defined in 1921, and that it is, therefore, not an additional burden.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health under whose instructions Mr. George Ramage, of Bo'ness, was sent to an asylum; and whether, seeing that this man was only detained a few weeks and that he was not insane, but merely suffering from the effects of insomnia, and that Mr. Ramage has suffered financially since his release owing to the difficulty of obtaining employment because of the stigma arising from his detention, he will cause further inquiries to be made?

Mr. Ramage was removed to an asylum at the instance of the inspector of poor under the provisions of the Lunacy Acts, and his subsequent detention was duly authorised by order of the Sheriff. The procedure throughout appears to have been regular. I should be glad to go into the matter further with my hon. Friend, but I think he will agree that it is inadvisbale, if it can be avoided, to discuss medical cases on the Floor of the House.

Am I to understand from that answer that the hon. and gallant Gentleman is prepared to go into the allegations made by this man and into the question of compensation for wrongful detention in an asylum?

I am prepared to go into the question of detention, but compensation is a different question and I can give no undertaking on the matter just now. It comes under certain legal conditions which cannot be dispensed with.

In the event of it being proved that wrongful detention took place, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the question of compensation?

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether any representations have been made to him regarding the progressive depreciation of fishing in the River Nith in Dumfriesshire; and whether he proposes to take any action in the interest of Scottish fisheries similar to that taken by his English colleagues in the interest of fisheries in England?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. My Noble Friend is aware, how- ever, that there are complaints of serious pollution of the Nith and information regarding such pollution is at present being collected by the Fishery Board and the Board of Health.

Is the Department taking any steps to make itself acquainted with the facts?

The reply is contained in the latter part of the question. W are obtaining information on the subject at present.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health what is the total amount allocated in grants to Scottish local authorities for the treatment of venereal disease in the last six months of 1922; what is the amount of grants allocated to the same authorities for child-welfare schemes in the same period; what was the total expenditure of the Glasgow Corporation on venereal disease treatment for the last six months of 1922; and the amount expended on child welfare?

I regret that I cannot give the information in the precise form asked for. As regards the first two parts of the question, the Board's estimate for 1922–23 provides for grant amounting to £65,000 in respect of treatment of venereal disease and £120,000 in respect of maternity service and child welfare schemes. As regards the third and fourth parts of the question, I am informed that the Corporation of Glasgow state that their expenditure in the six months ended 30th November last was £15,955 on venereal disease treatment and £18,215 on child welfare.

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman think the victims of a disease contracted through the folly of the diseased person are morally entitled to the same consideration from the State as the innocent victims of poverty, and if he does not, will he see that distribution by the State of grants is made in a way which will enable the innocent victims to obtain better treatment?

The hon. Member can discuss that on the Estimates.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether, in view of the heavy drop in the wages of agricultural workers in Scotland during the past year, and the absence of any satisfactory machinery for the adjustment of a fair minimum wage, he is prepared to introduce legislation on the subject?

I would remind the hon. and learned Member that the Farm Servants' Union have stated that they do not desire any action to be taken by the Board of Agriculture in connection with the provisions of Section 4 (1) of the Corn Production Acts (Repeal) Act, 1921. My Noble Friend is not prepared to introduce further legislation on the subject.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that extreme hardship has been suffered by many agricultural labourers in Scotland, and that they have not equal bargaining power with the employer in the matter of wages?

The hon. Member is arguing the question.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he can confirm the information contained in a Press communiqué, issued by the Fishery Board for Scotland, that 250,000 barrels of British-cured herrings are to be purchased through Arcos by the Bolshevist Government in Russia; if so, if he is aware what price will be paid for the herrings; and what length of credit will be required?

The information contained in the communiqué was obtained from the British Commercial Mission at Moscow through the Department of Overseas Trade. No information is available as regards the last two parts of the question.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman have inquiries made in regard to the last two parts?

Inquiries are properly a matter for those who have these herrings to dispose of. It is not a matter for a Government Department but for those engaged in the trade.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the serious delay caused in house building by the failure of the Government to introduce their Housing Bill, he will make known before the Recess the terms on which they propose State assistance shall be given to local authorities in the future, so that they may at once proceed with their schemes?

I have been asked to reply. The result of my negotiations with representatives of local authorities is an agreement for subsidy of £6 per house per annum for 20 years for an A III house. Legislation enabling the grant to be made will be introduced as soon as possible after the Easter Recess, and, in the meantime, a local authority proceeding to build with my authority would in due course participate in the proposed grant. There is therefore no reason for delay in proceeding with their schemes.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that any legislation will be necessary to prevent an artificial increase in prices as a result of the policy decided upon?

I hope not, but that is a matter that will have to be very carefully watched.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, with all respect, in view of the alterations which have taken place in the past in his Department in regard to policy, whether the policy he has announced is the settled policy of the Government, so that local authorities may go ahead without any risk of there being alterations by subsequent Government decision?

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the claim of Scotland to an additional subsidy, having regard to the peculiar difficulties of building there?

Does the right hon. Gentleman remember that the Prime Minister on Friday said, in answer to the agricultural deputation, that agriculture, like every other industry, must be self-supporting?

In reply to the hon. Member for West Middlesbrough (Mr. T. Thomson) I may say that it is, of course, the settled policy of the Government or I should not have announced it. The question as to what is to be done in regard to Scotland is still under consideration.

Will there be any variation, up or down, in regard to the £6 subsidy per house?

No, it is a flat rate.

Does the answer given by the right hon. Gentleman to the question of the hon. Member for West Middlesbrough (Mr. T. Thomson) imply that schemes undertaken by local authorities will receive the £6 per head subsidy, even if building was started prior to the right hon. Gentleman taking office.

No, Sir. That is not what I said. I said that if they now proceed to build houses with my authority, they will rank for the subsidy, provided, of course, that the Housing Bill is carried.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not see that—

The hon. Member had better put down a question.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health, if he is aware that the grant of £15,000,000 provided for subsidies to private builders under the Housing (Additional Powers) Act, 1919, was allocated in the Goschen proportions, which means eleven-eightieths to Scotland; if under this allocation there is still £750,000 due to Scotland; and in what form this sum will be paid?

I am aware that the amount originally provided for subsidies to private builders was apportioned on the Goschen basis. This amount, however, was the maximum against which claims might be made in respect of houses completed within the prescribed time limit. The amount was not fully exhausted in either Scotland or England —though the scheme was taken up to a proportionately greater extent in England. There can be no question, therefore, of a balance being due to Scotland, but, as stated in the reply which was given to the hon. Member on the 6th instant on behalf of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the situation under the private builders' subsidy was taken into account in fixing the limit to the number of houses to be built in Scotland under the local authorities housing schemes.

Is the substance of that reply that Scotland has not got its eleven-eightieths of that sum?

That is the substance of the reply.

Are we not legally entitled to get it?

No, Sir.

Mr. Wheatley.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman say why we cannot get that proportion?

I do not know if I should be in order in going back after another hon. Member has been called, but, if that hon. Member will excuse my going back, I would say that that, of course, refers to sums due to Scotland under the municipal housing schemes.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health, if he is aware that syndicates have been formed in Glasgow for the purpose of buying up blocks of shops in which shopkeepers have built up valuable businesses, and then intimating to each shopkeeper on the expiry of his lease that he must purchase his shop at a price far beyond its former value or give up possession of it, thus leaving him with the alternative of sacrificing the goodwill of his business of handing over a sum equal, perhaps, to more than half the value of the goodwill to the speculator in property; and whether he will consider bringing shops within the scope of the new Rents Restrictions Bill which the Government are expected to introduce at an early date?

I have no information as to the circumstances referred to in the first part of the question. As regards the latter part, it is not proposed to bring shops within the scope of the Bill.

In the event of my being able to furnish the hon. and gallant Gentleman with information as to the acuracy of the statement made here, will he consider the protection of these men from landlordism, as he proposes to protect tenants in dwelling houses?

If the hon. Member can also furnish me with information showing that none of these shopkeepers raised their prices from pre-War during the period since the declaration of War in 1914, I shall be very glad to consider it.

Is not the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this block of buildings, from the entrance to the Caledonian Railway in Union Street, terminating at the entrance in Gordon Street, was recently bought by a syndicate, and that fabulous prices have been asked for these buildings?

The hon. Member is giving the information.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health how far the recommendations of the Royal Housing Commission, Scotland, relating to housing in rural areas have been carried into effect; and what steps, if any, have been taken to secure the provision of proper and sanitary housing accommodation for farm workers?

I am unable to state to what extent local authorities and private individuals have given effect to the recommendations of the Commission in regard to rural housing, including accommodation for farm workers. So far as action by the State is concerned, provision was made in the Housing and Town Planning, etc. (Scotland), Act, 1919, to increase the powers of local authorities in regard, for example, to the provision of water supply and sanitary conveniences, the repair of defective houses and the control over the erection of new houses. The provisions of the Act empowering local authorities to grant loans to owners for the improve- merit of existing houses and requirng them to prepare housing schemes applied to the authorities of county as well as of urban areas. A number of houses has also been provided for farm workers under the private builders subsidy-scheme.

Is the Department, as recommended by the Royal Commission, going to undertake a complete survey of cottages in Scotland and see that steps are taken by the health officers to see that they are kept in a proper state?

Local authorities have been given very extensive powers. There are some 31 recommendations by the Royal Commission on Housing which we have put into effect so far as we have been able to do so.

Has a survey of these cottages as yet been completed?

I am unable to answer that question without notice.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that the new wing of the Aldershot depot of the Navy, Army, and Air Force Institute is only partially occupied with equipment and local produce; and whether it is intended that this building, which cost much money to erect three years ago, should become derelict?

No, Sir; I have no information on this subject. The building was not erected out of public money; and the use to which it is put is a matter for the Board of Management of the Institutes, in which I am afraid I cannot intervene.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, seeing that the provision in the Estimates for 1923–24, namely, £1,206,200, does not represent the full amount allowed under the Empire Settlement Act, his Department is withholding grants on grounds of economy or because the organisation is not yet sufficiently developed for more money to be used?

The amount provided in the Estimates for 1923–24 represents the anticipated expenditure at the time the Estimates were drawn up in respect of schemes under the Empire Settlement Act which have already been agreed upon or are likely to mature during the financial year. Should additional expenditure become necessary, further provision will be made by means of a Supplementary Estimate. The hon. Member is, of course, aware that the expenditure of His Majesty's Government under the Act cannot exceed the amount which the Dominion Governments and other organisations are prepared to contribute.

When does the hon. Gentleman hope to reach the £3,000,000 limit which was voted by the House?

When the equivalent amount is put up by the overseas Governments.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what sums have been appropriated in the Budgets of the various overseas Dominions for use in connection with overseas settlement during the coming financial year?

The Dominion Budgets for the coming financial year are not yet available.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the net emigration from this country of British subjects to the Crown Colonies and Protectorates during 1913 and 1922, respectively?

I have been asked to reply. As nearly as can be ascertained the net emigration from the United Kingdom to the Crown Colonies (exclusive of Ceylon) in 1913 was 1,461. For 1922 there was an excess of immigrants over emigrants of 231. Ceylon is excluded because the figures have hot been compiled separately from those for India.

Would it be possible for the hon. Gentleman to take any steps which would tend to ensure that the British capital exported during the same period would go to the British emigrants to establish them in their new homes?

That hardly arises out of the question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his Department have made any official communication to the Board of Education as to the distinctive use of the expressions, Dominions and Colonies, with a view to the elimination of the use of the word Colonies in schools throughout the United Kingdom in other than its accurate sense; and, if not, whether they will consider the advisability of doing so at once?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; as to the second, I will bring the Noble Lord's suggestion to the notice of my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Education.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has any information to the effect that large sums of money have been raised by the Palestine Government on the security of a loan which has not yet been authorised, but which is contemplated in the event of the British Parliament ratifying the agreement to take over the Palestine Mandate?

The Government of Palestine have, with the authority of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, received advances amounting in all to £1,365,000 from the Crown Agents for the Colonies on the understanding that the advances will be repaid when a Palestine loan is floated. This procedure is in accordance with the usual Colonial Office practice when it is found necessary to finance expenditure in anticipation of the issue of a loan. With regard to the last part of the question, there is no question of any further ratification of the Palestine Mandate by Parliament, the Mandate having been accepted by His Majesty in April, 1920, and the terms of the Mandate having been approved by the Council of the League of Nations in July last.

Is there any immediate chance of this loan being issued?

I think so.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether representatives of the Crown Colonies have been invited to attend the forthcoming Imperial Economic Conference;

(2) whether opportunity will be given to Parliament to consider in advance the agenda for the forthcoming Imperial Economic Conference; and whether suggestions for such agenda will be accepted from others than members of His Majesty's Imperial and Dominion Governments?

I hope that the list of subjects to be included in the agenda for the Imperial Economic Conference will be settled, in consultation with the Governments of the Dominions and India, in time to allow of their being announced, and considered by the interests concerned in the various parts of the Empire, before the Conference meets.

The President of the Board of Trade has already intimated on behalf of His Majesty's Government that when the arrangements for the Conference have been definitely settled, it is his intention to take steps to consult the representatives of commerce and industry in this country.

It is contemplated that the Conference should include representation of the Colonies and Protectorates, but the form of representation has not yet been settled.

Is the right hon. Gentleman in a position to indicate the date when the Conference will be held?

I am not able to name a date; but we are in communication with the Dominion Governments and India.

The Prime Minister said that consultations were going on with the representatives of commerce and industry. Can he say what precautions are being taken to see that the interests of the consumer are also watched?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the resolutions now being passed by public authorities all over the country in favour of a comprehensive inquiry into the incidence of local taxation, he will consider the desirability of taking steps to meet what is a very general desire?

The whole subject of local taxation is, as stated in the King's Speech, under consideration, but I am not at present able to make any further statement upon it.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government proposes to introduce a Rating Bill during the present Session; and, if so, will he extend the scope of the Bill so as to make mining royalties and ground rents liable to local rates?

I am not at present in a. position to make any statement as to the introduction of the proposed Bill or as to its contents.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can report any developments in the situation between this country and Turkey; and what steps he proposes to make peace and avoid hostilities between England and Turkey?

The Turkish counter proposals are to be examined by the Allied experts whose first meeting takes place in London to-morrow. It would be premature to make any further statement on this matter at present.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now state the result of the representations made by the Government as to the position of British traders in the Rhineland; in particular, whether the suggestion of the British Chamber of Commerce in Cologne has been adopted; and whether he can give an assurance that effective action has been taken to relieve British traders from the difficulties and losses under which they are at present labouring?

His Majesty's Government continue in constant communication with the French and Belgian Governments. While those Governments have not as yet accepted the suggestion of the Cologne Chamber of Commerce, I am confident that so far as the French and Belgian Governments are concerned, arrangements for dealing with the difficulties of British traders, as satisfactory as possible in what is admittedly an abnormal situation, are being made.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what was the reply to the inquiry made by the Foreign Office last week in consequence of my question?

Yes. We have been in constant communication with the French and Belgian Governments, and with our representative on the Rhine, and I am sure, from those communications, that everything possible is being done.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state a specific case in which the position of the British trader, who is doubly taxed and harassed, has been improved?

Yes. In many cases where contracts have been entered into, they are taking all steps to make conditions as easy as possible.

asked he Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the German balances held in the United Kingdom exceed 100 millions sterling or 150 millions sterling for the whole British Empire; and whether he has information showing that the total aggregate of German credit balances held abroad in all countries exceeds 200 millions sterling?

His Majesty's Government have no information which would enable them to criticise these estimates.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it reasonable to ask the bankers what the figures are, so that we may have some accurate information?

It is extremely difficult to get even an approximate figure.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give the names of the persons who receive annuities included in the lump sums of £18,000. and £23,666 13s. 4d. referred to in the Finance Accounts for the year ending 31st March, 1922; and the sums paid to each such individual annually?

As is stated in the Finance Accounts, the sums in question are paid under the 1 Edward VII, C. 4, and 10 Edward VII, 1 Geo. V, C. 28, respectively to the trustees appointed therein for the benefit of the daughters of his late Majesty King Edward VII and His present Majesty's younger children. The Trustees are required by the Acts to hold the sums paid to them in trust for all or any one or more of the beneficiaries in such shares, at such times, in such manner and subject to such conditions as His present Majesty by order, countersigned by the two first-named trustees, may appoint.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the question on the paper?

I think that the answer does answer the question. The Act of Parliament sets aside the specific sum. Parliament, by that Act, waived any right to make further inquiries into the allocation of the total sum, and deliberately provided that the apportionment should be left to His Majesty's discretion.

Supposing that members of this particular family die, does the total sum remain to be paid to the remaining members of this family?

No. If the hon. Member will look at the Act, he will see that those cases are provided for.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what persons, if any, are now employed in the Cabinet Secretariat; and what duties such persons perform respectively?

One secretary, one principal assistant secretary, one assistant secretary, one temporary administrative assistant, one accountant, one shorthand-writer and a clerical staff of 22 are at present employed in the Cabinet Secretariat. This staff will be reduced by six (one accountant and five clerks) on 31st March, 1923. The secretary records the decisions reached by the Cabinet and undertakes all other secretarial duties of the Cabinet. Together with his assistants, he also provides the secretarial staff for a number of Standing and ad hoc Committees of both the Committee of Imperial Defence and the Cabinet. The distribution and custody of all Cabinet, Committee of Imperial Defence and Sub-Committee papers and archives, and the clerical service of the office, is also carried out by this staff.

If they are dismissed, will they have all the benefits of emigration, of which we hear so much talk from the other side of the House?

Is it a fact that these officials who have gone from the Cabinet Secretariat have been simply transferred to other Government offices?

No; that is not correct.

How many of the 24 charwomen are dealt with?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of ex-civil servants in receipt of pensions, giving average age at retirement, average pension paid, the lowest pension and the highest pension per annum paid at date, and the total annual cost; the number of persons in the Civil Service in receipt of full salaries or wages who arc also in receipt of pensions from the Government, giving average amount and average age; and the number of Members of Parliament in the present House of Commons who are in receipt of pensions from the Government, because of military, naval, civil services, and as ex-Cabinet Ministers, showing the totals of each kind separately?

The number of persons in receipt of Civil Service pensions last autumn was 30,670. Pensions are awarded upon retirement at the age of 60 or upwards or at earlier ages in cases of ill-health or abolition of office, but I am not in a position to state the average age of existing pensioners at retirement. The average pension paid is approximately £135. The highest is £2,000 per annum; the lowest (for short service followed by service pensioned from other funds) is believed to be 10s. 5d. per annum. The total annual cost is about £4,200,000. Complete information as to the number of persons employed in the Civil Service who are also in receipt of pensions could not be supplied without undue clerical labour, but the hon. Member will find particulars as regards individual cases in the footnotes to the various Estimates. The information asked for by the hon. Member in the final part of the question is being collected, and will, when available, be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will the hon. Gentleman reply to the portion of the question about ex-Cabinet Ministers?

I cannot say without information whether they are included in this.

Do any of these civil servants suffer reductions in pensions as in the case of old age pensioners because of their small private income?

Will the hon. Gentleman reply to the last part of my question?

I understood the hon Member to say that he would circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will the hon. Gentleman answer my question?

It seems to me to be an argumentative question, and perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will put it down.

asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, by the Statute of 1753, under which the British Museum was established and constituted, it was provided that the museum and the collections therein contained should remain and be preserved for public use to all posterity, and should be vested in trustees upon this trust and confidence that a free access to the museum and the collections therein contained should be given to all studious and curious persons under such regulations for inspecting and consulting these collections as the trustees or a majority of them should determine; whether there is any precedent for overriding a trust of this character, created for the benefit of the public, and for depriving the public of their statutory right to free access to the museum in order to obtain a small pecuniary gain for the Treasury; and whether the trustees of the British Museum have expressed any desire to be permitted to violate their trust?

The general purport of the Act of 1753 is as stated. There can be no question that Parliament has full power to amend by Statute, if it thinks fit, the provisions of any existing Statute and the conditions of public trusts. As regards the last part of the question, the trustees, having protested against the imposition of fees in April, 1922, and again in February, 1923, finally gave the Treasury an undertaking that they "agreed … to impose admission fees if legislation is passed for the purpose, and they are asked by the Treasury to do so," and in return for this assurance the Treasury abated by £5,000 their demand for economies in 1923–24. If the anticipated receipts are not secured, it is possible that the question of expenditure may have to be reconsidered, the net total of the British Museum Vote having risen from £202,508 in 1913–14 to £350,055 in 1921–22, and standing in the Estimates for 1923–24 at £291,816 (excluding the fees now in question).

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman answer the second part of the question as to whether there is any precedent for overriding a trust of this kind created for the benefit of the public, and depriving the public of their statutory rights of free access to museums in order to gain a small pecuniary benefit?