asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of persons employed by the Reparation Claims Department and the approximate total annual amount of salaries and wages?

The number of persons employed on the work of the Reparation Claims Department at the present time is 165, at a total annual cost in salaries and wages, of (approximately) £36,000. Included in these figures are persons employed overseas.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of persons employed by the Clearing Office (Enemy Debts) in London and elsewhere; the approximate total annual amount of salaries and wages; and how long it will be before the work of this Department is cleared up?

The number of persons employed by the Clearing Office (Enemy Debts)—which includes the Clearing Office (Germany), and the Departments for the Administration of Austrian, Hungarian and Bulgarian property; and the representatives of those Departments in Berlin, Vienna and Budapest, and their staffs—is 1,006. The annual cost of their salaries and wages is approximately £231,000. It is impossible to state the approximate life of these different Departments, as it will be largely dependent upon external circumstances beyond their control, but the staffs are subject to continual reduction as circumstances permit.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the rule as to retirement applicable to permanent officers of the Civil Service extends to temporary officers employed in the Ministries of Labour and Pensions and whether those temporary or permanent officers who are receiving Service pensions up to £1,000 per annum for service in other Departments, and are now drawing salaries in whole-time posts up to £1,000 per annum, will be able to have their present service added to pensionable service on the completion of their present engagements?

Temporary officers of the Civil Service are discharged when their services are no longer required. They are not subject to the age limits prescribed by Order in Council for the permanent Civil Service, but to such limits as may be laid down for particular cases or classes of cases. Service in respect of which pension has already, been awarded, and is now being issued, cannot be aggregated with present service for pension purposes, even if such service is pensionable.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that in the Pensions Ministry the regional officer for Yorkshire is being discharged and two other regional officers are receiving pensions of £900 and £1,000 a year and also salary for performing the duties of regional officer, and in view of the fact that there are thousands of men out of work capable of doing this work, will he discharge the pensioners?

I am afraid, if the facts are as stated by the hon. Member, it would seem to he a matter more for the Ministry of Pensions than for myself, but if there are any such cases it will be interesting to have them.

You are the watchdog of the Treasury.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the personnel of the Committee he has appointed to watch the operations of trusts, the number of times it has met, what it has done, and what powers it possesses?

The composition of the Committee is not yet completed, but I hope to be in a position to make an announcement very shortly. With regard to the latter part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Tottenham North (Mr. R. C. Morrison) on the 28th ultimo.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that so far back as 1918 a Committee was appointed, and unanimously recommended that certain action should be taken? Has not the right hon. Gentleman had time since 1918 to appoint a, Committee?

I am sorry, but I have not been in a position to appoint a Committee.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can inform the House of the amount of tongues imported from abroad ready packed in tins or jars in 1922, the amount of tongues imported unpacked for packing in tins or jars in this country in 1922, and the amount of tongues of the latter class which are preserved or smoked in the country of production before export, and which are exported fresh and in cold storage, respectively?

I regret that I am not in possession of the information desired by the hon. Member.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the latest figures for advances made under the Exports Credits Scheme; and the total value of amounts guaranteed in connection with the export of goods to the British Empire and other countries?

The total advances made under the Export Credits Scheme amount to £1,752,150. Guarantees have been given to the total amount of £2,759,422, of which £315,122 is in respect of goods exported to the British Empire.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of motor tyres and component parts imported into this country during the 12 months ended 31st December, 1922; and whether, in view of the grave unemployment existing in the motor-tyre industry in this country, he will consider whether this is a case where a duty might be imposed?

The value of pneumatic tyres and tubes for motor-cars and motor-cycles into this country during the year 1922 amounted to £4,049,570. As regards the second part of the question, I am unable to anticipate the Budget statement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the increased remuneration granted to the Central Importing Agency, or any part of it, is given on account of bad debts; and, if so, what is the amount of such debts?

No part of the increased remuneration granted to the Central Importing Agency was on account of any bad debts which the agency may have incurred.

Is it not the fact that there were bad debts? Are we to understand that it was merely a coincidence that the remuneration has been increased, and that bad debts have been incurred?

Yes, Sir. It is only a coincidence. The original arrangement made by the Treasury and the Board of Trade proved insufficient to provide adequate remuneration for the services performed by the agency. The subsequent raising of the rate of remuneration had no connection with the fact that the agency had incurred bad debts.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say what the bad debts were?

Not without notice, nor is it relevant to the question, because the Government are not liable.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the total value credited to German reparations arising out of the importation of dyes and dyestuffs into the United Kingdom; the amount realised by sales; the value at cost of present stock and the total amount of profit realised to date on this account?

It is estimated that the amount to be credited to the German Reparation Account to date in respect of dyes and dyestuffs is approximately £950,000. The amount realised from sales is approximately £1,043,000. The realisable value of stocks on hand is estimated at £110,000. The amount of profit realised to 31st March, 1922, was £137,000. Accounts for the last financial year will not be available for some months.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is in a position to indicate what arrangements, if any, his Department, in conjunction or otherwise with the Oversea Settlement Committee, have made to extend credit facilities for the purchase of materials necessary for the opening up and development of new areas suitable for settlers overseas?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) when he will be in a position to inform the House under what financial scheme the British Government will co-operate with the various overseas Governments for the financing of railway undertakings necessary for the development of country suitable for settlers;

(2) if he, is now in a position to inform the House of the nature of his financial suggestion which he has submitted to the Cabinet for approval in relation to this country's financial assistance towards Empire development schemes?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any new financial proposals to submit to this House in connection with the expressed intention of His Majesty's Government to co-operate with the Dominion Governments in approved railway settlement schemes?

I would ask my hon. Friends to await the statement which will be made to-night.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state what steps the Oversea Settlement Committee are taking with a view to providing sustenance for the wives and children of approved settlers proceeding overseas until they are in a position to rejoin their husbands and is he aware that there are many married men who are precluded from taking advantage of the overseas settlement scheme owing to their inability to support their wives and families in the first instance?

I have been asked to answer this question. The Oversea Settlement Committee attach the utmost importance to family migration and they are aware that many married men are at present precluded from proceeding overseas owing to the difficulty of providing for the maintenance of their families, whilst they themselves are being trained as land settlers. The question of how best to provide at reasonable cost for the maintenance of families during the period in question is a difficult one, but I am giving this particular aspect of the question my special consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what steps have been taken to form county associations in connection with the Oversea Settlement Committee under the group system?

My hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware, from the statements which have appeared in the Press, that a Migration Committee for Devon and Cornwall has been formed by the local authorities in those counties. Negotiations are at. present in progress with the Lord Lieutenant of Kent with a view to the formation of a Migration Committee in that county. It is intended to form one or two County Migration Committees experimentally before deciding whether it is desirable to form such Committees generally throughout the United Kingdom.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of bankruptcies registered in the agricultural industry for each year from 1914 to 1922, inclusive?

As this answer contains a table of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the total amount paid to the Controller of the Clearing House in respect of realisations of the property in the United Kingdom of former enemy nationals; the estimated value of assets still available for realisation; and in what way these sums have been allocated?

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

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Hungarian authorities have admitted through the British Clearing Office the liability for the amount claimed by British subjects with respect to pre-War Hungarian Government debts apportioned by the Reparation Commission as from 1st July, 1919, between the successor States of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire; and, if they have not, will he press the Hungarian authorities to expedite the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As soon as the Reparation Commission gave their final decision last month, the Administrator of Hungarian Property communicated with the Hungarian Clearing Office on the subject, and instructed the representative of the Department in Budapest to urge the Hungarian authorities to admit the claims of British nationals in accordance with the Reparation Commission's decision.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that the delay is reasonable, and, if not, will he press upon the Hungarian authorities to bring the matter to a conclusion at the earliest possible moment?

I have pressed the matter upon the Hungarian Government, but the hon. Gentleman will realise that it was only last month that the Reparation Commission gave their decision. But I am pressing the Hungarian Government.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the Reparation Commission were very dilatory even in giving their decision last month?

The Hungarian Government could not assent to the verdict of the Reparation Commission till it reported.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the position with regard to goods bought by British subjects in Britain from German firms in occupied German territory for which licences have been granted by the Allies; is Berlin continuing to refund the reparation duty of 26 per cent. as hitherto; if Berlin is not so continuing, will the British Government or the Allies make good such failure; and, otherwise, by what means does he propose to prevent the interchange of trade between Britain and the occupied German territory coming to a standstill?

It is not possible within the limits of an answer to a question to give a full statement of the Regulations affecting exports from German territory, and I am, therefore, sending my hon. Friend a copy of a notice on the subject which is being issued to traders. As regards the second part of the question no case has been brought to my notice in which reimbursement of the reparation levy has been refused by the German Government. His Majesty's Government are in constant communication with the German Government on the one hand and the French and Belgian Governments on the other with a view to facilitating trade between this country and occupied Germany so far as possible.

Have there during the past month been any exports from occupied Germany to this country?

Oh, yes Sir. If the hon. Member will look at the statement I made on the Consolidated Fund Bill he will see that I said there had been considerable trade with Germany. He will see that I gave figures.

From the occupied area only I mean.

The figures I gave related to trade with Germany generally. The trade with the occupied area must have been very small. I have already explained the difficulties that stood in the way, and the manner in which these have been eased by the action of the French and Belgian authorities. But our nationals are unable to take effective advantage of these concessions, because the German Government are refusing to allow their nationals to take advantage of them.

Are we to understand that the British Government view with grave disfavour any attempt to put these obstacles in the way of British trade and is the Department of the right hon. Gentleman prepared to press that point of view on the German Government?

Yes, we have already taken steps to bring that view of the position to the notice of the German Government. We have again recently urged the German Government to withdraw its opposition.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether there has been export of goods from occupied Germany within the past month?

There has been some exportation, but very small; and due to the fact that although the French Government have stated that they are merely charging in the occupied territory the same duties as were previously charged, and that the licences were the same, the German Government have forbidden their nationals to trade under those regulations.

If I put a question down, will the right hon. Gentleman give us the figures of the actual export for the last month from the occupied territory

I doubt if I could get figures, but they are extremely small, and for the reasons I have stated, and until the German Government withdraw the obstacles they are putting in the way, they will, I fear, continue small.

asked the 'Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that British-owned coal destined to British factories in unoccupied Germany has been seized by the Franco-Belgian authorities when passing through territory occupied by them; that, under date of 6th March, the British High Commissioner stated in a letter to the British firm that such material would be liable to a 10 per cent. ad valorem tax; and, if so, what steps are being taken so that the interests of British trade and British nationals should receive fair treatment at the hands of the Franco-Belgian authorities?

I have been asked to reply. I am aware that difficulties occurred at the period referred to, but since that date definite assurances have been received that British coal destined for unoccupied German territory will not be interfered with, and that no duty will be levied on such coal, which is admitted for transit on a licence issued by the German authorities.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question, namely, what steps are being taken to secure the interests of British traders in the occupied territories?

The step that was taken in connection with this particular trade was to get the concession to which I have referred in the answer.

The question asks what steps have been taken so that the interests of British trade should receive fair treatment?

It is hardly possible to give the whole of the account in answer to a question, but I made a statement, as the hon. and gallant Gentleman will remember, on the Consolidated Fund Bill, and His Majesty's Government are still pressing the German Government to make the necessary concessions.

In the meantime, is it correct to say that trade is paralysed?

In the meantime it would be correct to say that the German Government is making trade impossible.

Is the right boa Gentleman aware that in the statement he made on the Consolidated Fund Bill ho said there had been no falling off in this trade, whereas he now says it has been almost lost?

I made no such statement. I said that the aggregate trade for which returns were available between the whole of Germany and England did not show any marked falling off. That was in the aggregate, but of course there is practically no trade going on between the occupied territory and Germany, for the reasons which I have stated.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the question of the disposal of the money collected by the French Customs posts in the Ruhr district on British goods entering the occupied territory has yet been settled; and, if so, in what way it has been settled?

The answer is in the negative.

is this matter being pursued with the French Government?

It is being very carefully considered.

asked the Prime Minister whether the policy of His Majesty's Government is in complete accord with the policy of the United States Government so far as the possibility and desirability of intervention in the Ruhr question is concerned?

His Majesty's Government hale no indication that the United States Government do not share their view that intervention in this question would serve no useful purpose at the moment.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state the number of completed cemeteries in Belgium and France and the total approximate number of graves on which stones have now been fixed, and give any estimate of the number of cemeteries and graves which have yet to be completed in these countries?

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

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it was the custom to allow the near relatives of any soldier buried in France or Germany to have free the wooden cross or other simple memorial erected on the original graves when they were rearranged; whether this practice has recently been stopped and, if so, will he state why; and will he consider as to continuing the old method of allowing the soldiers' relatives to obtain these simple memorials of the original graves?

Applications for the return of wooden crosses received up till 17th October last will be complied with. This date was finally fixed after several extensions of time. It has not been possible to make provision in the Estimates this year for continuing this practice, but arrangements have been made to allow relatives to obtain delivery in the cemeteries on production of written authority, which can he obtained (together with the names of agents willing to act) on application to the Secretary, Imperial War Graves Commission, 82, Baker Street, W.1.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his Department still retains the use of Deptford Cattle Market; if he will state for what period of years it is held from the City Corporation, and on what terms; whether his Department has been approached as to releasing the buildings at once, so that they can be used again for a market; and if his Department can now give up use of the buildings without inconvenience to the Service?

This area is still retained on a lease at £10,000 a year expiring on 31st August, 1926, unless determined before at six months' notice. The Department has recently been approached in the matter by the borough councils of Greenwich and Deptford. As indicated in my predecessor's reply of 11th December to the hon. Member for Deptford, it had already been decided to negotiate with the landlords with a view to surrendering about half the area. A reply from the landlords is now awaited. The rest of the area, comprising approximately its western half, is still required.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he will consider the advisability of making the punishment for illegal trawling the cancellation of the master's certificate?

I have been asked to reply. AB ill dealing with illegal trawling, the Illegal Trawling (Scotland) Penalties Bill, is now before the House, and if it is read a Second time, the question whether illegal trawling should he punished by the cancellation or suspension of the skipper's certificate could be considered on the Committee stage. I can only say at this stage that the question is one which will require very careful consideration, having regard to the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Acts, relating to the suspension and cancellation of certificates.

Will the right hon Gentleman give facilities for that Bill in order that this question can be discussed?

Is this a Government Bill?

I am sorry that I cannot answer that question without notice.

May I ask the Patronage Secretary if it is a Government Bill?

I am told that it is not.

Will the Government be responsible for giving facilities?

I cannot answer that question without notice.

May I put this question to the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health, Scotland?

That question ought to be put down on the Paper.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether schemes for the adequate provision of all forms of intermediate and secondary education without payment of fees have been submitted by all education authorities in Scotland to the Scottish Education Department and approved by the Department, as laid down by Section 6 (1) (a) of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1918: and, if not, in how many cases the Statute has net been complied with?

In view of the postponement of the operation of Section 14 (1) of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1918, the Department have not pressed for final schemes: but every education authority in Scotland has furnished for its district a statement of educational arrangements, which the Department have accepted provisionally as complying with the requirements of the Act. As previously stated, my Noble Friend will be glad to receive particulars of any case into which the hon. and gallant Member wishes inquiry to be made.

Can the hon. and gallant Member say if the Act is being carried out?

It is being carried out. If my hon. and gallant Friend knows of cases where it is not being carried out, I ask for his co-operation in dealing with them.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether it is proposed to introduce a separate Dousing Bill for Scotland?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health on whose authority the decision recently issued by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, to the effect that they would not proceed to the formation of small holdings on any raided lands, was taken; whether he is aware that such decision is regarded by landlords as a form of insurance against the formation of small holdings on their estates; and whether, seeing that land raiders, like all other offenders, are amenable to punishment by the ordinary Courts of Justice and not to an unauthorised tribunal such as the Board of Agriculture, he is prepared to have this decision annulled?

The effect of the Board's decision, which carries out an instruction issued and announced in the Press by the then Secretary for Scotland in December, 1921, and confirmed by the present Secretary for Scotland some months ago, is not correctly stated in the question. The instruction does not preclude the formation of small holdings on land which has been raided after the removal of the raiders, but it does require the persons who have taken part, in such raids to be removed from the Board's lists of approved applicants. The reply to the second part of the question is in the negative. My Noble Friend is not prepared to annul the decision, which is in the interests of law-abiding applicants for small holdings.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give the total amount advanced by the Government of this country for the three months ending 31st March in respect of damage to property in the Irish Free State ascertained to be due to the British military action prior to 11th July, 1921; and will he say what sum has been paid as compensation for a like period by the Government of the Irish Free State for damage to property ascertained to be due to Irish military action in the territory of the present Irish Free State under the agreement recently arrived at between the Governments of the two countries?

No refund has yet been made under the agreement referred to by the hon. and gallant Member, and I am not yet aware of the sum paid by the Free State Government in respect of the period mentioned. In this connection, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the Memorandum on Compensation which was laid before Parliament last night.

Would the hon. Gentleman let the House know what is the actual amount of cash advanced as compensation by the Government up to date?

After all, it is only 10 days ago that the period was closed. The Commission has to report on the collective value of the claims outstanding and the amount paid, and then the refund is paid. The time has not yet elapsed for getting all these figures, and if the hon. and gallant Member will put down another question in about 10 days' time the figures will then be available.

asked the Home Secretary whether any of the persons deported to Ireland under the Restoration of Order in Ireland Act have been released; whether any have been brought to trial; and how many of these persons have been allowed to appeal against their deportation?

The answer to the first part of the question is one; to the second, none. It is open to them all to make representations for the consideration of the Advisory Committee, but, so far, only three have done so.

May I ask who the lucky person was, and why he was released?

I think I had bettor not mention the name in public, but I do not mind telling the hon. and gallant Member. As there is a good deal of prejudice in certain quarters, I think it would be better not to mention names.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why he was released? Was it because a mistake had been made?

He was released partly on the ground of health and partly because he had given an undertaking not to engage in any further hostilities against the Irish Free State Government.

asked the Home Secretary how many times the Advisory Committee, appointed under the Restoration of Order in Ireland Act, have met: how many deportees have been before the Committee; and, if any, with what result?

The Committee have not yet met, as it is only within the past week that any representations for their consideration have been received. I am in communication with the Committee with a view to the early consideration of these representations.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many were deported who have made application to go before the Committee?

I have just said, in answer to another question, that there were three. I believe that some others made applications, and then withdrew them.

What is the reason for the delay in the meeting of the Committee?

There is no delay. The only reason for their not meeting is that there were no cases for them to deal with.

With regard to the remainder of these prisoners, is it contemplated that they should remain in a state of indefinite confinement?

That does not now arise.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether a foreign motor-car either landed or assembled ill the Irish Free State would, on importation to Great Britain, pay a duty of 22 per cent., while the same car landed or assembled in Great Britain pays a duty of 33⅓ per cent.; and will a like preference be given to British cars imported into the Irish Free State?

A foreign motor-car landed in the Irish Free State and then imported into Great Britain would be subject to the full duty of 33⅓ per cent. A motor-car made of foreign manufactured parts and assembled in the Irish Free State would, on importation into Great Britain, be subject to the preferential rate of duty of approximately 22 per cent. provided that not less than 25 per cent. of its value is the result of labour in the Irish Free State. I understand that a similar preference will be given to British cars imported into the Irish Free State.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if his attention has been drawn to the judgments delivered in the House of Lords on the 22nd March in the matter of the appeal of the Government of Kelantan v. the Duff Development Company, Limited; and whether, in view of the terms of these judgments, the Secretary of State will take the necessary steps to make the award of the arbitrator and the judgments of the courts effective?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the question, the Secretary of State has on more than one occasion caused the Duff Development Company to be informed that he could not contemplate advising the Sultan of Kelantan to refuse payment of a just debt, and that he would not refuse to use his influence with His Highness towards ensuring the payment of damages so far as funds might be available in the event of an award finally being given against the Government of Kelantan; but that it would be impossible for the Secretary of State to advise His Highness to borrow money which he could not repay, or on which he could not meet the debt charges without imposing crushing and oppressive taxation on the people of his State. He has now caused the Company to be informed of the steps which he is prepared to take.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the control which has since 1909 been not only exercisable, but, in fact, exercised, over the operations of the Government of Kelantan by the Colonial Office, and as the breach of contract on the part of that State, established by the award of the arbitrator and the judgments of the courts, has arisen in connection with the construction of a railway which is not its property, and in the construction of which it had no share, the Secretary of State will protect the Government of Kelantan by taking steps to see that the parties in fact responsible for such breach of contract indemnify the Government of Kelantan and the parties injured by such breach against the consequences of such breach?

I am not aware of any parties who can be made liable to indemnify the Government of Kelantan or the persons alleged to have been injured by tile breach of contract referred to.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies which of the British Dominions and/or provincial Governments within those Dominions impose duties analogous to the United Kingdom Legacy Duty, but payable in respect of assets belonging to the estate of a deceased person who was domiciled in the British Isles?

While I should not feel justified in having an exhaustive analysis made of the various Death Duty systems at present in force in the British Possessions, I believe that the majority, if not all, of the Possessions which impose any Death Duties at all impose a duty on property which is situated within their respective territories regardless of the domicile of the deceased owner. Such a duty corresponds in principle with the British Estate Duty, which is a territorial duty, but does not correspond with the British Legacy Duty, which is dependent on the domicile of the deceased owner.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Quebec Succession Duty Act, 1914, puts a double duty upon the receivers of the estates of deceased persons who are domiciled in the British Isles?

I am quite aware of that.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman take steps to bring representations before the authorities to have that, disability removed?

I believe that is being continually done.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will state the native population, the amount spent on native education, and the amount per head so spent in each of the following Colonies in 1922–23: Gambia, Gold Coast, Sierra Leone (Protectorate), Nigeria, Nyassaland, Northern Rhodesia, Tanganyika, Kenya, Zanzibar, Uganda, Sudan, Somaliland, Mauritius, Seychelles, Jamaica, and Ceylon?

With the hon. and gallant Member's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement giving the information so far as it is available. The Sudan is not administered under the Colonial Office, but under the Foreign Office.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any and, if so, what steps are being taken to balance the Kenya Budget for the year 1923–24?

The Estimates for 1923, as received from the Colony, showed a balance of £27,634 of revenue over expenditure. After allowing for certain adjustments on examination of the Estimates in the Colonial Office, the expected surplus is somewhat reduced, but it is not likely to fall much below £20,000.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any date has yet been fixed for the summoning of the constituent assembly of Iraq?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 6th March to the hon. Member for Chippenham, to which I have nothing to add.

Are steps being taken to call this assembly together?

No. I replied on the 6th March that as the question of the northern frontier of Iraq remains unsettled in the Turkish negotiations it is not possible to fix a date.

Do not the Government regard themselves as under some pledge to hold such an election; and does this reply mean that it will be postponed for a year?

We hope the Turkish negotiations will be resumed and settled very shortly, but until you know whom you are entitled to elect and for what constituencies you are going to elect the Assembly, you cannot hold an election.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that two definite dates have been fixed for the summoning of this Assembly and on both occasions the pledge has been broken?

If it is possible to elect a King, why cannot you call a meeting of the constituent Assembly?

asked the Home Secretary how many off-licences there were in London in 1922 and how many of these were tied to brewers; and how many off-licences there were in the provinces in 1922 and how many of these were tied to brewers?

The number of premises with Justice' off-licences in London (County and City) on 1st January, 1922, was 2,156; the number in the provinces was 19,952. I have no information as to the number which are tied to brewers.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, though off-licences were originally granted for the convenience of the public, there has been a great increase in the number of these licences tied to brewers, especially in London, and that as a result only the beer and stout is sold in which the owner, as distinct from the tenant, is interested; and whether facilities can be given for a private Bill to prevent further off-licences becoming tied and to facilitate the liberation of off-licences which are already tied?

The statement made in the first part of the question has not previously been brought to my notice, and I have no information on the subject. I doubt whether the Leader of the House would find it possible to comply with the request contained in the second part of the question.

Would the right hon. Gentleman be able to get information if I put a question down in, say, a week's time?

I am not quite sure, but if the hon. and gallant Gentleman will see me, I will let him know in a day or two whether it is possible to get any further information.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of people usually engaged in the various branches of the building trades who are at present unemployed and the amount paid to them in unemployment benefit in the last week for which figures are obtainable?

I have no later information than that given in my reply to the hon. Member for Barrow-in-Furness (Mr. D. Somerville) on 14th March, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

In view of these large figures, will the right bon Gentleman make representations to the Prime Minister that he should expedite the introduction and passage of the Housing Bill, so that these people who are unemployed in the building trade may be engaged on useful work without delay?

asked the Minister of Labour if he can give an estimate of the persons now drawing unemployment relief; of the numbers unemployed but not drawing insured benefits; of the numbers employed on relief works; and of the numbers working short time?

At 30th March the number of persons in receipt of unemployment benefit was about 935,000.

As regards the number unemployed and not in receipt of benefit, I can only give figures in respect of persons registered at Employment Exchanges At 30th March the number of such persons was about 295,000, of whom about 54,000 were persons who had exhausted benefit the remainder include claimants serving the waiting week, those whose claims are not yet authorised, and persons not belonging to insured trades.

The number of persons directly employed on relief schemes and on works assisted under the Trade Facilities Act at 24th March, as reported to the Ministry of Labour, was 148,709. In addition, employment was provided in ancillary occupations as a result of these works, for, probably, at least 60,000 or 70,000 more.

As regards the number working short time I am unable to give a total figure, but the number at 26th March working systematic short time in such a manner as to qualify them for unemployment benefit was 55;001.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is yet able to make any statement as to the handing over of the British pavilion at the Rio de Janeiro Exhibition to the Government of Brazil?

I have now had an opportunity of discussing this matter with His Majesty's Ambassador at Rio. When the exhibition closes, the pavilion will be, reconditioned, and formally handed over to the Brazilian Government, and every effort will be made to make the ceremony worthy of the occasion.

May I ask who will undertake this ceremony, and does the hon. and gallant Gentleman realise that the British trading community, both in this country and in Brazil, attach very great importance to this ceremony, and do not think it would be suitable for the British Ambassador to hand over the building?

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there is a very strong feeling in Rio among leading Brazilians that some person of importance should perform the ceremony?

I am as anxious as my hon. and gallant Friends to do everything possible to encourage trade with Brazil and to meet the wishes of the Brazilian Government, but I have

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury (1) what is the total amount of grants from the Development Fund to the Village Clubs Association;

rose—

I am afraid we cannot now debate the matter.

rose —

We have already given a long time to this question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the maximum and minimum amounts of advances from Ways and Means in the years 1920, 1921, 1921–22, 1922–23, and the interest, if any, paid to the Bank of England and to other Government Departments?

With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate the figures in the Orneua REPORT.

The total amount of grants actually paid from the Development Fund to the Village Clubs Association up to the 31st March, 1923, was £16,978. I am aware that the Development Commissioners indicated that they were prepared to recommend a grant of a certain amount to the Association in respect of the year beginning the 1st October, 1922, on condition that expenditure upon the Headquarters of the Association was restricted, but I am informed that, in the opinion of the Commissioners, such curtailment need not involve a restriction of the operations of the Association. Conditions as to the reduction of Headquarters expenditure have been made in the case of other organisations. I understand that the work of establishing and organising women's institutes was carried out as part of the normal duties of the Food Production Department with certain outside assistance. The expenditure from October, 1917, to November, 1919, when the National Federation of Women's Institutes took over the work, was approximately as follows:

	£
Salaries and travelling expenses	7,742
Grants to National Federation of Women's Institutes from Food Production Department Funds	1,900
Indirect expenditure, i.e., services rendered and expenses borne by other Departments —Office of Works, Stationery Office, Post Office, etc. (Estimate)	3,871
	£13,513

Arising out of the, middle portion of that answer, in view of the very small sum that is involved and the very great service which these village clubs perform to the residents, cannot the Development Commissioners see their way to increase the grant this year?

There is correspondence going on at present about it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is in a position to make, any statement as to the alleged revolution in Rumania?

Notice of this question only reached me after I came to the House. I have not seen the report referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend. I have no information of any sort to confirm it, and nothing to lead me to believe that it is likely to be correct.