asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the anxiety of the acting teachers preparing for the certificate examination, he will at once issue the syllabus for the proposed examination in November, 1924; and whether those passing the last preliminary examination for the certificate will be eligible to sit for the examination in November, 1924?

The syllabus for the certificate examination to be held in November, 1924, will be the same as the syllabus issued for the examination which it was originally proposed to hold in November, 1923. Candidates who have passed the preliminary examination for the certificate held in December, 1922, will be eligible to sit for the certificate examination in November, 1924, if they are qualified in respect of age and previous service as uncertificated teachers.

asked the President of the Board of Education what time will De given to the local education committees for the consideration of Circular 1,297, dealing with special schools, before he issues the revised Regulations; and whether he will be prepared to take into consideration any representations made before he sends out such Regulations?

I do not anticipate that it will be possible to issue the draft of the revised Regulations relating to special schools for another month or two. The Regulations will he issued in draft. and will not be confirmed until at least 40 days have elapsed from the date of their issue. I am, of course, bound to consider any objections or representations that may be made to me on the draft.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many additional teachers would be required in public elementary schools in England and Wales if the maximum number of scholars in any class was reduced to 44?

If an absolute maximum of 44 children per class were imposed, the number of children excluded from classes which, according to the latest figures I possess, that is, those relating to the 31st March, 1921, exceed that number would be about 488,680, for whom at. the same rate and on a purely arithmetical basis 11,015 teachers would be required. On the other hand, the imposition of such a maximum would afford a strong inducement to local education authorities to economise by increasing the size of classes under 44, and I find that in classes which contain less than 44 children there is, on a similar basis, room for about 1,285,540 more children without exceeding the maximum. It is, of course, obvious that a purely arithmetical calculation is fallacious, and that apart from a detailed examination of the accommodation in schools, the number and size of classrooms, and the classification of the scholars, it is impossible to say how many additional teachers would be employed to educate children excluded from large classes or how far their employment could be avoided by increasing the size of small classes. While it is, I think, certain that the imposition of such a maximum would involve the employment of more teachers, it is not possible to say how many.

asked the Prime Minister when the Government's proposals for rating reform and the removal of the inequalities of the present system of local taxation will be laid before the House: and whether, pending the removal of these inequalities, the Government will recommend a special grant in aid of necessitous industrial areas?

I am not. yet in a position to make any statement in reply to the first part of the question. As to the second part, I am not prepared to give any undertaking, but in accordance with my promise to the deputation which I received from certain necessitous areas last Tuesday, officials of my Department have been appointed to discuss this question further with their representatives.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the growing congestion of public business in this House, he will consider the advisability of introducing for England the procedure of the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act, 1899, which provides that private legislation shall be referred to a Commission of Members of the two Houses of Parliament and obviates a Second Reading stage in this House?

I do not think that the hon. and gallant Member's proposal would facilitate business.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to allow the House of Commons to discuss the advisability and practicability of so arranging the sittings of the House and the periods of vacations as shall better enable the affairs of the nation to be conducted under conditions more in accord with modern requirements?

I am not prepared to adopt the suggestion of the hon. Member.

asked the Home Secretary if he can make arrangements for seats to be provided for the constables on duty in various parts of the House, or at least in such places as may be possible and convenient to do so?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to his question of the 7th December last.

asked the Prime Minister whether M. Venizelos has been invited to London to participate in the present discussions on peace with Turkey; whether he is the guest of His Majesty's Government; in what. capacity he is acting; and which are the Powers taking part in these discussions in addition to France, Italy, and Great Britain?

One of the points upon which no agreement had been arrived at between the Allies and Turkey, when the negotiations were suspended at Lausanne, were certain Clauses affecting the reciprocal claims of Greece upon Turkey and Turkey upon Greece, arising out of incidents during the War. M. Venizelos has been invited to London to discuss the new Clauses in this and other respects affecting Greece, which have been put forward by the Turks. In common with the other foreign delegates who are in London he is the guest of His Majesty's Government. The answer to the last part of the question is—Japan, who was one of the great Powers represented at Lausanne.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether at the Allied Conference now dealing with Near East questions any modifications of the Lausanne Treaty with Turkey, other than financial or economic, are to be entertained; and whether representatives of Armenia and Bulgaria have been invited to the Conference?

The Turkish counterproposals, which are not confined to financial and economic provisions, are being considered as a whole. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the latest information with respect to the relations existing between the Turks and the Armenians; what is the date of the latest act of reprisal, assassination, or act of violence, and by whom committed; and is there any ground for believing that any massacre or organised acts of violence are imminent?

In answer to the first part of the question, it is understood that a slight improvement has recently taken place in the relations between the Turks and their Armenian subjects. The number of the latter remaining in Turkey is now, however, comparatively small. In answer to the second part of the question, the last events of this nature regarding which His Majesty's Government have information took place after the fall of Smyrna in September, 1922. I do not, however, consider that any useful purpose would be served by discussing the responsibilities for those events at the present time. So far as His Majesty's Government are aware, the answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Governor of Tanganyika is encouraging the natives of that territory to grow coffee; and, if so, what steps, are being taken to ensure proper inspection of such plantations, with a view to keeping up the standard of the coffee and to avoid outbreaks of disease?

The growing of coffee by natives is encouraged by the Government of the territory. I have no information available as to the inspection of plantations, but that would appear to be part of the duties of the officers of the Agricultural Department, and I have no reason to suppose that the necessary supervision is not exercised.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the number of ex-first-class clerks in the Public Trustee Office who have remained provisionally assimilated to the lower clerical grade; whether these clerks are still performing-supervisory duties or work of a higher nature not proper to the lower clerical grade; whether they will receive any allowances for acting in a higher capacity; and whether the regrading of the work being performed in the Public Trustee Office is being investigated?

The total number of ex-first-class women clerks in the Public Trustee Office remaining assimilated to the lower clerical grade is 31. A small number of these are under consideration for promotion. The duties of the remainder are not superior to those appropriately assignable to the clerical class. The grading of the work of the Public Trustee Office is continually under review with a view to increased efficiency.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the reorganisation of the Public Trustee Office has yet been completed and, if so, what steps have been taken during regrading to put into operation Clause 2 of the Resolution of the House on 5th August, 1921, as to equality of opportunity for women; what branches of the Public Trustee Office previously closed to women have now been opened to them; whether women have now been excluded from any branch in which they were employed on 5th August, 1921; and what steps have been taken to ensure that women have an opportunity of training for the higher posts in the Department irrespective of those posts which involve solely supervision of staff?

The Reorganisation Report of the National Whitley Council has been applied to the Public Trustee Office, and the principle referred to in the question has been adopted as part of the Reorganisation Scheme. No branch is closed to women who have the necessary qualifications to perform the duties required. Women of proved capacity are being given an opportunity of qualifying for appointment to higher posts and will receive equal consideration with male officers in the event of vacancies occurring.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government are represented on the official side of the Civil Service National Whitley Council by any Member of the House; if so, by whom; and how many attendances have been made at meetings of the Council by such Members?

It is intended that three members of the official side of the Civil Service National Council should be Members of the House of Commons. The last two meetings of the Council took place in October and November of last year, and it was not possible for the necessary appointments to be. made in time for those meetings. The hon. Members for Hastings (Lord Eustace Percy), Moseley (Mr. Hannon) and Rushcliffe (Mr. Betterton) were in due course appointed to serve on the Council, but the hon. Members for Rushcliffe and Hastings have since felt it necessary to resign in view of their appointments as Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour and Parliamen5ary Secretary to the Board of Education respectively. My right hon. Friend is arranging for two new appointments.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the cost of the Admiralty Office is now £1,280,400, as compared with £483,500 in 1914, and that the cost is now greater than it was during the war years of 1915–17; what are the causes of this great increase of expenditure; and if it would be possible to effect large economies without impairing the efficiency of the Service?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The causes of this increase are.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether it has been decided to remove the East Midland area office to Birmingham; if he is aware that this removal, if carried out, will entail the discharge of 200 East Midland ex-service men and, further, that it would cause inconvenience to many ex-service men in receipt of pensions; and what steps will taken to prevent any attempt to reduce the personnel, increasing the delays which are now prevalent?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer I gave on the lath instant to the hon. and gallant Member for the Central Division of Nottingham (Captain Berkeley), of which I am sending him a copy. Adequate staff for the proper performance of the work will be provided in Binning-ham. I am, however, unable to accept the hon. and gallant Member's statement that delays are now prevalent.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, since the total amount received by the Exchequer from the present excise duties on cider manufactured from apples grown in this country and from chicory also grown in this country is comparatively small, he will, in view of the distressed state of agriculture, consider the reduction or remission of these excise duties?

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is unable to anticipate the Budget Statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount contributed by the Stamp Duty on foreign bonds in the financial years 1912–13 and 1913–14 when the rate was one per cent; the amount contributed in 1919–20, when the rate was also one per cent; and the amount contributed in each succeeding financial year to date after the increase of the rate to two per cent. by the Finance Act of 1920?

The rate of Stamp Duty on Marketable Securities to Bearer (other than 'those of Colonial Governments or municipalities) was raised from 20s. to 40s. per cent. as from the 1st September, 1920. The approximate receipt of duty from these securities is as follows:At the rate of 20s. per cent.—

				£
1912–13	…	…	…	825,000
1913–14	…	…	…	940,000
1918–19	…	…	…	75,000
1919–20	…	…	…	440,000
Partly at 20s. and partly at 40s. per,cent.—
1920–21	…	…	…	525,000
At the rate of 40s. per cent.—
1921–	…	…	…	650,000
1922–23(April to Sept.)	…	…	…	350,000

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the present re-assessment of houses by the Inland Revenue, the increase of 40 per cent. applies to houses which are in the occupation of owners?

The authorities vested by law with the determination of annual values of property for Income Tax purposes are the various bodies of General Commissioners of Income Tax throughout the country. The annual value of property in the occupation of the owner is defined by the Income Tax Acts to be the rack rent at which the property is worth to be let by the year. In considering the annual values of such properties for the purpose of the revaluation which is now proceeding, due regard is being given to the general effect created by the restrictions imposed by the Rent Restrictions Act, 1920. The increase of 40 per cent. to which my hon. Friend refers, is being applied only where it is fully justified by the local conditions, e.g., by the rents paid for similar properties in the same neighbourhood.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of Income Tax returned to occupiers of agricultural land under Schedules B and D during the current financial year?

I regret that statistics of Income Tax are not collected in sufficient detail to furnish the information desired by my hon. Friend.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated duty paid upon a quart of beer at 7d. a quart; and the total loss to the Exchequer involved by a reduction of the duty by d. on the quart?

I am unable to give my hon. and gallant Friend any information as to the duty paid in respect of beer of which the original gravity is not stated. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer him to the reply given by the hon. Member for South Paddington (Captain Douglas King) to the hon. Member for the Moseley Division (Mr. Hannon) on the 6th March.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total amount provided in the Estimates of 1923–4 for Iraq and Palestine, respectively?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The total amount provided in the Estimates for 1923–24 for Iraq is £6,993,000, and for Palestine £1,550,000. The latter sum includes £150,000 in respect of Transjordan.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of officers of all ranks who are in receipt of disability pensions, giving the aggregate cost of same?

The number of pensions now in payment by my Department to officers is approximately 28,500, representing an annual value of about £3,100,000.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of officers in receipt of disability pensions whose pensions were reviewed during the period from 1st February, 1922, to 1st February, 1923, stating the number which were increased, decreased, or cancelled, showing, respectively, the amount of money involved by these changes?

During the period mentioned some 30,000 pensions to officers were reviewed, after medical re-examination, as required by the Warrant. Of these, 67 per cent. remained unaltered or were increased, while 33 per cent. were decreased or terminated. The result of these changes represented a net decrease in the annual value of the awards reviewed of approximately £345,000.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Henry W. Titterton, late ordinary seaman J 78,396, was invalided from the Navy on 18th September, 1918; that he is now an inmate of the Brentwood mental hospital; and that the Ossett Board of Guardians are demanding payment for his keep from his father; and will he have the case investigated, as it is contended that his mental condition is clue to service?

This man was invalided in 1918 on account of epilepsy, which was neither due to nor aggravated by service, and since that date I can find no trace of any application by or on behalf of the man to the Ministry. If it is con- sidered that his present condition is connected with service, an application for-pension on his behalf may be lodged for consideration at the local office of the Ministry.

asked the Minister of. Pensions if he is aware that John Canadine, No. 487,842, Labour Corps, residing au 26, Blakemores Lane, Darlaston, was awarded a disability pension; that the letter intimating that such an award had been made did not reach Canadine, and it was not until some time later that Canadine learned of the award and made application accordingly; and will he make inquiry as to why the pension is now being. refused?

I have looked into this case and, while the man cannot be-exonerated from blame in neglecting to notify his change of address, I have, in view of the exceptional circumstances, authorised payment of the pension. awarded.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been called to the position of a pensioner who, having successfully appealed before the Pensions Appeal Tribunal against the award of the Ministry, is again boarded by the Ministry, and the same award made which had been previously rejected by the Pensions Appeal Tribunal; and whether, in view of the impasse thus created, he is prepared to consider the advisability of power being given to Pensions Appeal Tribunals to re-assess successful appellants or to set up a special medical board for that. purpose?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answers which. I gave on the 8th March to the hon. Member for the Exchange Division of Manchester (Sir E. Stockton), and on the 22nd March to the hon. Member for the Brightside Division of Sheffield (Mr. Ponsonby), of which I am sending him copies.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is satisfied that the £36,000 spent. by the Ministry of Agriculture for crop reporters. is an absolutely indispensable expenditure at a time when expenses on so many desirable objects have had to be abolished or curtailed?

The primary responsibility for recommending this expenditure to the Treasury rests with my right hon. Friend the Minister for Agriculture. I understand that in his opinion the agricultural statistics which are obtained through the medium of these crop reporters afford the only real measure of the dimensions of the industry, the changes in cultivation, the production of crops and the number of live stock from year to year, and that in the absence of these statistics the Government, the Members of this House, and the public would be deprived of a most valuable source of information. I am not aware of any grounds which would warrant my dissenting from this opinion. The question of agricultural statistics generally was brought by the Treasury before the Geddes Committee and was thoroughly investigated by them; and in their Report. they took no exception to the system of crop-reporting.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether special transport rates are given for the carriage of agricultural produce in any of the British Dominions and Colonies; and, if so, the amounts of the rates charged for such produce, as compared with the rates charged for the carriage of other goods?

I regret that the information desired is not available in a. readily accessible form and that the investigation necessary for the preparation of a comprehensive statement cannot be undertaken in present circumstances. I will, however, communicate with the hon. Member with a view to ascertaining how far I am in a position to assist him.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the number of ex-service men among the British residents of Kenya Colony?

I regret that I have no precise information, but from such data as exist it may be computed that out of a European population of over 8,000 about 2,500 British male residents in Kenya have had war service.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that divergent views have been expressed by licensing justices as to the necessity for obtaining a music licence when a wireless receiving set is installed on licensed premises; and what action he proposes to take to secure uniformity?

There are no steps which I can take in this matter. The decisions depend on mixed questions of law and fact, as to which I have no jurisdiction. If any applicant for a licence thinks that he has been wrongly refused and desires the decision overruled, he must have recourse to the Courts of Law, which alone can determine the point authoritatively.

asked the Home Secretary (1) on what grounds Ambrose Kenny, of Bathgate, was deported and in which part of Ireland he is interned; who is to be responsible for the maintenance of his wife and family;(2) on what grounds Patrick Hyland, of Winchburgh, was deported and in which part of Ireland he is interned, and who is to be responsible for the maintenance of his wife and family?

I have been asked to reply to these questions. Ambrose Kenny and Patrick Hyland have been interned in Ireland on the ground that they are persons suspected of acting, having acted or being about to act in a manner prejudicial to the restoration and maintenance of order in Irelad. They are at present interned in Mountjoy Prison, Dublin. The point raised in the third part of these two questions is now under consideration.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will publish the correspondence which took place between himself and the Free State Government in relation to the action taken under the Restoration of Order (Ireland) Act?

I regret that I cannot add to the very full statements on this question made by the Attorney-General and myself in recent Debates.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Advisory Committee recently appointed under Regulation 14b will carry out and act under the same procedure as that followed by the Advisory Committee which investigated the cases arising out of the Irish rebellion of 1916; and, if not, what are the objections to such procedure?

I understand that the Committee will, generally speaking, follow the procedure of the earlier Committee referred to.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Advisory Committee recently appointed under Regulation 14b, is going to sit in Great Britain or in the Irish Fred State?

The Committee proposes to sit in this country.

asked the Home Secretary if he has received direct statements of their case and claims from the deportees in Ireland; and, if so, will he place them upon the Table of the House, and also copies of any replies that he may make to the same?

I have received representations from one of these persons and his case is being referred to the Advisory Committee. I have also received a lengthy protest in general terms, signed by 32 of the deportees, in which they challenge the legality of the action taken by His Majesty's Government and decline to recognise the Advisory Committee. The answer to the last part. of the question is in the negative.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now in a position to state when the promised Land Purchase Bill for Northern Ireland will be introduced?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make any statement on this subject.

asked the Home Secretary whether the composition of the special constabulary in Northern Ireland, for the maintenance of which the House of Commons is asked to vote £1,500,000, complies in its composition of Catholics and Protestants with the Irish agreement of 30th March, 1922, submitted to the House on 30th March, 1922?

The details of the recruitment and management of the special constabulary are a matter for which the Government of Northern Ireland is entirely responsible. I understand, however, that the arrangement to which the hon. Member refers, and which, if I am correctly informed, related only to the composition of the special constabulary in certain restricted areas in the City of Belfast, has never been carried into effect inasmuch as the Advisory Committee, which was an essential feature of the arrangement dissolved in June last without having completed its functions.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether every Royal Irish Constabulary pensioner who was compelled to break up his home in Ireland will be treated as a special case under paragraphs A, B, and C of Section 8 of the Royal Irish Constabulary Revised Terms of Disbandment Act, 1922?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to a question addressed to me by the hon. and learned Member for Moss Side (Mr. Hurst) on the 21st instant. I should add that under a recent arrangement between my Noble Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies and the Home Secretary all future questions for answer after 31st March dealing with the Royal Irish Constabulary should be addressed to the Home Office.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what steps were taken by the committee entrusted to disburse the 10s. in the £ granted in connection with the failure of MacGrigor's Bank to secure evidence as to the necessitous position of individual depositors; whether they consulted the members of the committee of investigation appointed under the bankruptcy proceedings, who would have been in a position to give information on the subject; and, in view of the fact that needy individual persons will suffer as the result of the failure of the regimental funds, will he reconsider the question, in order to remove any suggestion of distinction having been made between officers and men?

The question which the committee had to decide as regards individual depositors was not whether they were necessitous, but why their accounts were kept at MacGrigor's Bank. As regards regimental funds, they had to decide whether the loss on accounts so classed involved serious hardships to individuals, whether officers or men. On this point they obtained information direct from those charged with the administration of the funds. The hon. Member will see that no question arises of any such distinction as he suggests.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the dilipidated condition of the verandah in Badajos barracks, Aldershot; whether he is aware that, owing to its dangerous condition, a special notice is exhibited to the effect that soldiers are not allowed to march in step; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made into this matter with a view to these buildings being put into a safe condition?

I am aware that this verandah is dilapidated. Money has been already provided for its early repair.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the maintenance of Aldershot Barracks is done by private contractors; whether, when tendering for this work, a schedule of the wages of the workmen to be employed on this work is submitted with the tender or after the tender has been accepted; and whether any inquiry of any kind is made, and, if so, by whom,. to ensure that the Schedule wages are being paid to the workmen employed?

As regards the first part of the question, the maintenance of barracks at Aldershot is carried out by contractors, who are required, as a condition of their contract, to comply with the Fair Wages Resolution of this House. They are not called on to submit beforehand a schedule of the wages of the-workmen to be employed, and the last part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he has now arrived at a decision with regard to the completion of the work started on the Clisham deviation, the bays of Harris Road, and the road from Amhuinsuidh to Hushinish?

Certain works have been sanctioned and are in progress on the Cleisham deviation and on the hays of Harris Roads. It has been decided that no assistance can be offered in the case of the road from Amhuinsuidh to Hushinish.

asked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been called to the position of indentured apprentices, who are compelled to pay unemployment insurance, but when knocked off work for slackness are denied benefit; and whether he will by Regulation direct benefit to be paid under such circumstances?

The question at issue, in the class of case referred to by the hon. Member, is, whether the apprentice is entitled to wages during a period of unemployment; if he is entitled to wages he cannot draw unemployment benefit. The answer to this question depends on the circumstances of the particular case, and, so far as the right to benefit is concerned, the decision is given in accordance with the provisions of the Unemployment Insurance Acts by the insurance officer, with the usual rights of appeal to a Court of Referees and the Umpire. My right hon. Friend has no power to make Regulations in the matter.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will consider the advisability of a? pointing one or two working men on the Committee inquiring into the subject of domestic servants, so as to secure the views of the parents of the class from which domestic servants are usually drawn?

There are a great many interests which might claim to be represented on this Committee, but its membership must be kept within reasonable dimensions, and for this and other reasons I came to the conclusion that on the whole it would be best that. the members should all be women. The Committee will no doubt take evidence and will thus he able to ascertain all relevant views.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can make any statement. concerning the agreement in the building trade; and whether one party can alter wages and hours of labour without giving six months' notice?

Airy right hon. Friend does not think that it is desirable that my statement on this matter should he made at this juncture. As regards the second part of the question, this is a point of interpretation of the agreement upon which it would rot be right for my right hon. Friend to express an opinion.

Year.		Number of persons employed Belowground.	Number of persons in receipt of compensation in respect of disablement due to Nystagmus.			Number of Compensation Cases per 1,000 persons employed Belowground.
			New cases.	Cases continued from New cases. previous Year.	Total.
1910	…	834,751	956	662	1,618	1·94
1911	…	849,421	1,374	1,144	2,518	2·96
1912	…	865,119	1,376	1,819	3,195	3·69
1913	…	895,857	2,401	2,149	4,550	5·09
1914	…	835,266	2,774	3,218	5,992	7·17
1915–18	…		Particulars for these years are not available.
1919	…	933,992	2,718	3,731	6,449	6·90
1920	…	973,586	2,865	4,163	7,028	7·22
1921	…	908,066	1,913	4,804	6,717	7·40
1922	…		Not yet available.

asked the Minister of Labour what proportion of the temporary women civil servants who were recruited in 1914 to 1916, who were refused permission to join the women's corps later, and were subsequently substituted by ex-service men, have been given Governments grants in aid of training for other employment or by way of gratuity; and whether home-service conscripts were eligible for such grants and gratuities?

Among the women who have received grants in aid of training from the Central Committee on Women's Training and Employment are a number who were in temporary Government service during the War, but the total number of these cannot be stated, nor can it be stated whether any of them had applied for permission to join a women's corps and been refused or dissuaded.

asked the Secretary for Mines if miners' nystagmus is increasing or decreasing in the mines per thousand miners employed since the year 1910 up to the latest in formation available: and will he give the cases per thousand underground workmen employed for each year from 1910 to the present time?

The information is given in the following table:

asked the Secretary for Mines what loss in wages to the miners was represented by the loss in December, 1922, of 7½ per cent. of the total number of manshifts, excluding manshifts lost through stoppage of the pits, which could have been worked during that month?

I have no means of ascertaining the actual loss, but an estimate based on the average earnings per shift in December in each district for all classes of workpeople would give a figure of nearly £900,000.

asked the Secretary for Mines what is the total amount allocated

District.			Statutory Allocation			Grants Allocated			Grants paid			Net credit to Districts Fund.
			£	s.	d.	£	s.	d.	£	s.	d.	£	s.	d.
1.	Fife and Clackmannan		47,959	2	9	13,808	16	6	8,675	6	9	39,283	16	0
2.	The Lothians		22,425	15	10	—			—			22,425	15	10
3.	Lanarkshire		77,983	15	2	78,735	0	0	2,075	0	0	75,908	15	2
4.	Ayrshire		18,599	16	2	15,000	0	0	12,000	0	0	6,599	16	2
5.	Northumberland		55,632	1	0	38,565	0	0	5,915	0	0	49,717	1	0
6.	Durham		140,015	5	6	—			—			140,015	5	6
7.	Cumberland		9,528	16	10	—			—			9,528	16	10
8.	Lancashire and Cheshire		89,980	18	0	—			—			89,980	18	0
9.	North Wales		12,322	9	7	4,500	0	0	1,000	0	0	11,322	9	7
10.	South Yorks		123,277	14	7	109,308	0	0	16,067	0	0	107,210	14	7
11.	West Yorks		70,855	15	8	47,708	0	0	10,678	0	0	60,177	15	8
12.	Nottinghamshire		58,843	0	0	81,935	19	11	13,302	19	11	45,540	0	1
13.	Derbyshire		65,292	16	10	72,265	8	6	22.409	18	6	42,882	18	4
14.	South Derbyshire		7,790	9	7	9,220	0	0	1,920	0	0	5,870	9	7
15.	North Staffs		27,768	3	11	50	0	0	50	0	0	27,718	3	11
16.	Cannock Chase		23,907	11	11	8,000	0	0	8,000	0	0	15,907	11	11
17.	South Staffordshire		7,059	0	0	—			—			7,059	0	0
18.	Leicestershire		10,896	5	8	3.000	0	0	—			10,896	5	8
19.	Warwickshire		22,531	8	7	22,068	8	10	7.318	8	10	15,212	19	9
20.	Shropshire		4,003	8	0	2,267	16	0	2,067	16	0	1,935	12	0
21.	Forest of Dean		4,670	9	1	4,155	0	0	3,665	0	0	1,005	9	1
22.	Somerset		5,105	19	7	5,199	0	0	1,557	0	0	3,548	19	7
23.	Bristol		1,557	12	8	550	0	0	550	0	0	1,007	12	8
24.	South Wales		200,771	1	8	107,592	10	0	60,833	6	8	139,937	15	0
25.	Kent		2,150	15	1	960	0	0	—			2,150	15	1
	Total		1,110,929	13	8	659,888	19	9	178,084	16	8	932,844	17	0

Some of the figures in the column of "grants allocated" include sums provisionally allocated in advance on account of future contributions, with the object of allowing large schemes to be commenced immediately. Allocations from the fund are made by the Miners' Welfare Committee, of which Lord Chelmsford is chairman. In allocating money for local by statute to the miners' welfare funds, the total amounts of grants paid, and the net amount credited to the district funds and still unspent; and will he accelerate the adoption of welfare schemes, so that this fund can be utilised for improving mining areas and reducing Unemployment?

The following figures show as at 28th February last (a) the sums representing that portion of the total contributions from each district which, under the Act, must be allocated for local purposes (with interest added up to 31st December), (b) the allocations made for local purposes, (c) the sums paid out and (d) the net credit remaining:purposes the Committee naturally act as a general rule upon the advice and recommendation of the district welfare committees. Actual payment of the sums allocated is made as and when it is required by the persons responsible for carrying out the scheme. There may have been some delay in the adoption of welfare schemes during the earlier period during which the fund has existed, but clearly it was desirable that the objects on which the money should be spent and the system upon which its allocation should proceed should be fully considered before allocations were actually recommended or made, and I am satisfied that the usefulness of this fund is becoming more and more generally recognised and that the interest which is now being taken in it will be reflected during the present year in a large increase in the allocations.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he will give consideration to the advisability of following the example laid down by the Secretary of State for Air in proposing to advertise prizes of £50,000 to promote and increase the efficiency of the Air Force: and whether he will, in the interests of the miners, and with a view to increasing the safety to life 'and limb, advertise prizes of £50,000 for a competition in connection with the introduction of safety appliances in mines?

Thismethod of stimulating thought in connection

Description.	1920.		1921.		1922.
	Quantity.	Value.	Quantity.	Value.	Quantity.	Value.
	Cwts.	£	Cwts.	£	Cwts.	£
Intermediate Coal Tar Products used in the Manufacture of Dyes (including Aniline Oil and Salt and Phenyl Glycine)	44,527	736,221	1,324	27,891	1	8
Finished Dyestuffs obtained from Coal Tar.	15,636	532,897	1,218	35,576	150	1,444

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the announcements on the subjects, he can state why the available supplies of cheese have fallen off; and whether there is any justification for the assertion that there will be a large increase in the price to the public?

Though I do not observe any important decrease in the recorded imports of cheese, either during the latest month for which the returns have been issued or during the with safety work in mines has not been last sight of, but there are financial and other difficulties in the way of its adoption by the Government in the case of an industry that do not arise in the case of one of His Majesty's Services. I will, however, certainly consider whether anything can usefully be done.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department. the amount and cost of the dyestuffs imported into this country from the United States of America. in the calendar years 1920, 1921, and 1922?

The following statement shows, for each of the years specified, the quantity and the declared value of the imports into the United Kingdom, registered as consigned from the United States of America, of intermediate coal tar products used in the manufacture of dyes, and of finished dyestuffs obtained from coal tar, respectively:latest three months, I am given to understand that there was a decrease in the Canadian make of cheese last season, and that the competition of other buyers for Canadian supplies had an effect. The wholesale price of cheese has risen during the last few weeks, and this rise has been reflected in an increase of one penny per lb. in the retail price. I should not care to give a definite expression of opinion as to the future course of prices, but I believe that the realisation of the fears to which the hon. Member draws attention is not anticipated.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has received a communication from the British Chemical Trade Association, which was addressed to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and passed on to him, containing proposals for the setting up of a licensing office in the Cologne area, which should be competent to deal with all consignments of British goods consigned to the United Kingdom or elsewhere overseas on British firms' account: and, if so, does he intend to endeavour to get it adopted by the Inter-Allied Rhineland High Commission?

I have I received the communication referred to. There are three licensing offices (Bad Ems, Dusseldorf and Essen) dealing with j their respective areas. To set up a fourth at Cologne dealing with British trade would add to the confusion.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the effect the growing scarcity and increased costs of materials such as coke, coal, pig iron, and steel is having upon the engineering industry owing to the quantities of these materials now being exported to Germany following the Ruhr occupation, if he will take immediate steps to relieve the present position and to

Country whence consigned.			Value of Merchandise imported into the United Kingdom.
			1921.			1922.
			All Articles.	Articles Wholly or mainly manufactured.		All Articles.
			Amount.	Amount.	Proportion of Total Imports.	Amount.
			£	£	Per cent.	£
Germany	…	…	20,514,000	18,451,000	89·9	26,524,000
United States	…	…	274,750,000	71,880,000	26·2	222,013,000
France	…	…	53,014,000	33,950,000	64·0	48,620,000
Canada	…	…	61,975,000	3,212,000	5·5	54,895,000
Australia	…	…	68,070,000	2,553,000	3·8	64,863,000
New Zealand	…	…	48,736,000	200,000	0·4	48,522,000
South Africa (Union of)	…	…	18,671,000	190,000	1·0	16,152,000
India (British)	…	…	44,308,000	6,463,000	14·6	47,681,000

The value of the consignments from Germany in 1922 includes £24,564,000 safeguard the engineering industry from this handicap?

I am aware of the situation created by the increased demands of the export trade in the I commodities mentioned, but I am satisfied that the producers are making all reasonable efforts to increase production, and I do not think that intervention by the Government would be likely in present circumstances to be advantageous.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total value of the products and manufactures, British and Irish, consigned from Germany, the United States of America, France, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India, respectively, during the years 1921 and l922; the value in each case of imports of articles wholly or mainly manufactured; and the percentage of manufactured goods to total imports in each case?

I am assuming that the words "British and Irish" in this question were inserted by inadvertence. The following statement shows the value of the merchandise imported into the United Kingdom during the years 1921 and 1922 registered as consigned from the countries specified, distinguishing, in respect of the imports during 1921, the value and proportion of articles wholly or mainly manufactured:(92·6 per cent.) in respect of articles wholly or mainly manufactured. Similar particulars for the other countries specified are not yet available for 1922.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total value of the products and manufactures, British and Irish, consigned to Germany, the United States of America, France, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India, respectively, during the years 1921 and 1922; the value in each case of exports of articles wholly or mainly manufactured; and the per-

Country to which Consigned.			Value of Merchandise (Produce and Manufacture of the United Kingdom) exported from the United Kingdom.
			1921.			1922.
			All Articles.	Articles wholly or mainly manufactured.		All Articles.
			Amount.	Amount.	Proportion of total Exports.	Amount.
			£	£	Per cent.	£
Germany	…	…	17,861,000	10,049,000	56·3	32,076,000
United States	…	…	43,989,000	36,290,000	82·5	55,022,000
France	…	…	44,260,000	28,774,000	65·0	18,310,000
Canada	…	…	19,459,000	15,258,000	78·4	25,271,000
Australia	…	…	45,637,000	43,079,000	94·4	60,457,000
New Zealand	…	…	14,889,000	12,807,000	86·4	15,868,000
South Africa (Union of)	…	…	20,859,000	27,815,000	93·2	24,515,000
India (British)	…	…	108,809,000	104,103,000	95·6	91,621,000

The value of the consignments to Germany in 1922 includes £16,914,000 (52·7 per cent.) in respect of articles wholly or mainly manufactured in the United Kingdom. Similar particulars for the other countries specified are not yet available for 1922.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many potatoes were imported from Holland between 1st May, 1922, and 1st February, 1923?

The total quantity of potatoes imported into the United Kingdom from Holland during the nine months, May, 1922, to January, 1923, was approximately 36,000 tons, of which 34,000 tons were imported in the first four months.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that a large quantity of best potatoes for table and seed purposes estimated at from 400,000 centage of manufactured goods to total exports in each case?

The following statement shows the value of the merchandise (produce and manufacture of the United Kingdom) exported from the United Kingdom during the years 1921 and 1922 and registered as consigned to the countries specified, distinguishing in respect of the exports during 1922 the value and proportion of articles wholly or mainly manufactured:to 500,000 tons, in Great Britain cannot be disposed of either for table, seed, or even cattle-feeding purposes, and, being very perishable, will be useless in about two months' time, that these potatoes are very low-priced and the cheapest foodstuff procurable; and that there is a great shortage in several European countries; and will he, through the Overseas or other Department, arrange for placing as many potatoes as possible where they are most needed, but where the usual methods of sale are meantime suspended owing to international conditions, at very reasonable prices and thus save these surplus potatoes and help farmers and farm labourers?

I am aware that there is a considerable surplus of potatoes in this country, but I understand that no definite figures are available as to the quantity. From information available, it would appear that the potato crops last year in France, Germany and Austria were also good, and I fear that there is no outstanding demand in European countries such as the hon. Member suggests. As was explained by the then Parliamentary Secretary for Overseas Trade in answer to a question by the hon. Member for the East. Division. of Fife (Mr. Millar) on the 21st February last., the Department. of Overseas Trade transmits at once to the various Departments of Agriculture and to firms likely to be interested any information which may be received as to possible outlets for British grown potatoes. Potatoes have also been included in the Export Credits Scheme.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of new capital issues in the United Kingdom for the quinquennial periods, 1908–13 and 1917–22?

According to the statistics published year by year in the "Economist," the aggregate amount of new capital applications in the United Kingdom during the five years 1909–1913 was £1,048,942,300, and during the five years 1918–1922, £3,759,644,200. There are no official returns of capital issues.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether lie can give, for the whole company-managed and company-owned railways in India for each of the years 1900–1 onwards, figures to show the cost of running the railways, the amount of interest paid on capital, the amounts paid to debenture holders and annuitants, the gross profits, the amounts distributed in dividends, and the net amount credited to the State?

Statements giving the information asked for are being prepared and on completion will be communicated to my hon. Friend.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can give separately, for each of the State railways in India, the North Western Railway, the Oudh and Rohiltchand Railway, and the Eastern Bengal State Railway, for each of the years 1900–1 onwards, the cost of running the railways, the gross profits, and the net amount credited or debited to the State after allowing for payment of interest on the capital invested in them?

I am sending my hon. Friend statements giving the information which he requires.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will consider, when nominating members to sit on the Royal Commission on the Indian Services, the selection of one member of each service whose grievances are to be inquired into, and that all services shall have equal representation, so that no particular service may Le able to unduly influence the decisions of the Commission to the prejudice of the other services; and, if this cannot be done, will he consider the appointment of a Commission whose members shall not he connected with any of the services?

I am afraid that the alternative of letting all or none of the services be represented would result either in a cumbrously large Commission or in a Commission handicapped by the absence of expert knowledge.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will give the reason for books and magazines being carried at a cheaper rate to Africa or Australia than when carried to places in this country; and whether he will reduce the home postage to the foreign rates?

As a special concession and in the interests of overseas trade the rate of postage on printed papers in the foreign and colonial service was designedly left at the pre-War level when inland rates were raised in 1921. It is now slightly lower than the inland printed paper rate on packets exceeding 1 oz. I am not however at present in a position to make any statement about reduction of inland postage rates.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will instal a public telephone at Lanivet, near Bodmin, in the county of Cornwall, having regard to the importance of that large agricultural parish and the urgent request of the parishioners that this communication should be established?

I shall be pleased to provide a public call office at the Lanivet post office as soon as the necessary arrangements can be made.

asked the Postmaster-General the cause of delay in extending the telephone system from Castle Cary to North Cadbury and neighbouring villages, in view of the fact. that the necessary number of subscribers has been guaranteed and the need for the extension has long been urged; and when will the work begin?

I am ascertaining the cause of the delay in this case and will communicate the result of my inquiries to my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of policies now in force under the Post Office Life Insurance Scheme, the amount of the annual premiums received in respect thereof, and the number of policies effected during the last annual period?

The number of contracts in force on the 31st December, 922, was 11,392. The amount of premiums received and the number of contracts effected during the year ended the 31st December, 1922, were £18,047 4s. 11d., and 241 respectively.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the consideration of the accommodation at Lydney Post Office has been under discussion for 10 years; the number of the officials of the Office of Works who have visited the office and prepared plans during this time and the cost of travelling and maintenance expenses; and what is the reason for withholding the issue of tenders for the repairs and extension of the building, especially in view of the serious nature of the many medical reports during the past decade?

As a result of the financial conditions arising out of the War, there has been some delay in carrying out the complete scheme for the reconstruction of the Lydney Post Office. A first instalment, which comprised the enlargement of the public office was, however, completed last year; and a further instalment involving an extension of the sorting office and the provision of new sanitary accommodation will, subject to Treasury sanction, be carried out this year. Meanwhile tenders have been invited for the relaying of the drains as an urgent measure. As regards the second part of his question, perhaps the hon. Member would address the Office of Works.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health the number of housing schemes adopted by local authorities in the Eastern Division of Fife; the number of houses proposed to be erected under each of these schemes; the number of houses completed and in course of completion under each scheme; and the number still to be erected?

The number of schemes submitted to the Scottish Board of Health in terms of Section 1 of the Housing, Town Planning, etc. (Scotland), Act, 1919, by local authorities in the East Fife Parliamentary Division was 14; the number of houses proposed to be erected under these schemes was 548; the number of houses completed at the present date is 282; and the number in course of completion 14, making the total of 296. These 296 houses 'represent the total number allocated to the local authorities in the division for erection with the State assistance provided for in Section 5 of the Act.

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the fact that for the last 40 years the English electors have uniformly returned a majority of Conservatives to this House, if he will consider the introduction of legislation. for the establishment of a free state for Scotland?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether it is the policy of the Department to replace the flower beds in the Royal parks, for the enjoyment of those who would otherwise have little or no opportunity for seeing flowers, as soon as conditions or opportunities permit?

I should very much like to increase the number of flower beds in the parks if funds were available, but unfortunately they are not. Perhaps I may mention that we have at different times in the past received presents of birds, trees and bulbs; and if anyone is prepared to give us any of the latter, I should like to plant them on the site adjoining Park Lane, which formerly was occupied by flowers.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether, as it is improbable that building operations will be commenced at an early date, he will withdraw the notices to quit to the tenants of the women's hostel at Eltham?

As in the case of the men's hostel at Belvedere, I am arranging for the withdrawal of the notices to quit and for an extension of the occupancy until the 31st July next.