asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Consortium has at any time considered the grant of loans to China for purely railway work; whether the completion of the Hukuang line, which will connect the north and south of China, and therefore tend to unification and tranquillity, has come before this body in respect to the provision of the needed funds; and whether, in view of the advantage to all railway development in China, the British Government will view sympathetically financial proposals which may bring this about?

Railway construction in China, and the completion of the Hukuang railway in particular, has been from the first one of the primary objects of the Consortium and has frequently been under discussion; its advantages are fully appreciated but conditions in China have hitherto proved an insuperable obstacle to progress. In reply to the last part of the hon. Member's question, I would refer to the answer which I gave on the 29th March to the hon. Member for Ashton-under-Lyne.

Has the Consortium functioned in any way since the War?

It is in existence. Whether it has done any business or not I cannot say.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Consortium with respect to China has, throughout its existence for the last few years, either offered any loan on any conditions to China, or been approached by China with a request to grant such a loan; whether the Consortium commands the confidence of the Chinese Government; and whether he has any information showing that the need for co-ordinating the point of view of so many countries tends to delay and lack of practical utility?

The Consortium has on several occasions during the last two years been approached by successive Chinese Governments with a view to obtaining a loan, but negotiations have up to the present led to no result. As regards the second part of the question, the presumption is in the affirmative. As regards the third part, I do not think that the utility of the Consortium has been in any way impaired by the delays which are, to some extent, necessarily involved in any form of international collaboration.

Who represents this country on the Consortium?

I cannot say without notice.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether China has at any time made default on any Government railway loans; whether he can state the guarantee for the payment of interest and principal on the Hukuang railway loan; whether the other railway lines in China, built and completed with foreign capital, are now paying; and how many miles are incomplete of the Hukuang railway already referred to?

The Chinese Government have not up to the present time defaulted on any British railway loans to China; I cannot speak for loans made by other countries. The Hukuang -Railway Loan is secured on certain provincial revenues of the Provinces of Hupei and Hunan. The present financial position of the Chinese railways is very obscure; in many eases the receipts are being seized by the local military chiefs; so far as my information goes none of the railways are now paying their way, and it has been necessary to raise funds from other sources to meet the loan obligations. About 250 miles of the Hukuang Railway still remain to be built.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can state, for the benefit of the British investor, the exact position in respect of recognition of Chinese Government bonds issued in Germany and Austria?

The Chinese Government have undertaken to recognise all Chinese Government bonds of ex-enemy issue which were held by British subjects prior to the declaration of war between China and the countries concerned. In the case of the secured ex-enemy loans. payments have been duly made. In the case of certain ex-enemy loans which were issued without adequate security, no payments have been forthcoming since the War; repeated representations have been made on behalf of British holders of these bonds to the Chinese Government, who recognise the obligation but have hitherto failed to provide the necessary funds to meet it. According to the information in my possession, the Chinese Government are refusing to pay bonds of ex-enemy issues held by ex-enemy nationals at the time of China's declaration of war irrespective of the present ownership of such bonds.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has as yet had any reply from the British representative at Moscow with regard to the arrest of British fishermen at Murmansk; whether he can indicate what steps the Government propose to take to secure their immediate release and the protection of British fishermen in these waters; whether he has any information as to where these men are; and whether they are safe and well cared for?

No report has yet been received from Moscow, and I have therefore nothing to add to the reply given on 9th April to the hon. and gallant Member for South-West Hull. The men are at Murmansk, and, according to a telegram from the master to the owners dated 3rd April, were being well treated.

How long are we going to tolerate this state of affairs? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, according to maritime law, the Soviet Government has committed an act of piracy on the high seas towards British working men?

I am sure my Noble Friend will appreciate that it is impossible for the Government to take drastic action without knowing exactly what has taken place.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider improving his Intelligence Department?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any results have been reached in the negotiations of M. Joffe, as representing the Soviet Government of Russia, in the negotiations with Japan?

The negotiations have not, so far as His Majesty's Government are aware, yet led to any result.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the actual position of the British representative at Moscow; is he the medium for commercial and diplomatic communications between the British Government and the Soviet Government; and in what respect does his position differ from that of an ordinary British Minister accredited to a friendly State?

Mr. Hodgson is British official agent at Moscow; he is the medium for commercial and political communications with the Soviet Government, but has no regular diplomatic status; his exceptional position is governed by the Trade Agreement of 16th March, 1921.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the trading agreement with Russia is still in force; if so, what is the date of its expiration if it remains in force until six months' notice is given by one party; if such notice has been given; and what is the intention of the Government as to the future of this agreement?

The trade agreement is still in force. The conditions under which notice of termination may be given are contained in Article 13, to which I would refer the hon. Member. No such notice has yet been given. As regards the last part of the question, I can only refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 9th April to the hon. Member for the Scottish Universities.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there are at present any restrictions on British shipping entering or leaving Russian ports under the control of the Soviet Government; if so, will he state generally what such restrictions are; and whether Russian vessels are allowed to enter and leave British ports on the same conditions as all other shipping?

I have been asked to answer this question. Apart from some minor difficulties experienced by British vessels at, certain Russian ports, I am not aware of any restriction imposed by the Soviet Government on British shipping. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

Does that answer imply that the treatment meted out to British shipping by the Russian Soviet Government is not much more equitable than the treatment meted out by Portugal, which is one of our Allies?

Will the hon. Gentleman compare notes with his colleague who represents the Foreign Office with regard to British shipping in the White Sea?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether due consideration will be given at the forthcoming negotiations at Lausanne to the Turkish claim against Greece for the extensive destruction of mosques, shrines, and other religious buildings in Anatolia perpetrated by the Greek Armies during the late War?

The Turkish claim against Greece for reparation is one of the outstanding questions which will come up for settlement at the forthcoming negotiations at Lausanne, and will no doubt receive full consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the Magi Commission was appointed in 1919 to carry out certain inquiries in Abyssinia, that this Commission was composed of three Abyssinian notables and two British subjects, and that these British subjects were nominated by the British Govern merit; can he say whether the Report of this Commission was submitted to His Majesty's Government; and whether it will be made available to Members of this House?

The Magi Commission consisting of representatives of His Majesty's and the Abyssinian Governments was appointed in 1918. Its chief duty was to establish the position of the frontier between Abyssinia and British territory in order that raiders from the Abyssinian side might no longer be able to plead ignorance that they were in British territory. The mission was accomplished and its Report received, but it would be misleading to publish a Report nearly four years old describing a state of affairs which has to a very large extent ceased to exist.

Is it not a fact that the Report contained the statement that gangs of slaves yoked together had been seen marching through Abyssinia?

Yes, I dare say that that is true, but as I stated in my answer we have the best reasons for hoping that this state of things has ceased to exist to a very large extent.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to a piratical attack on the Yarmouth schooner "Eddie James," which occurred off the New Jersey coast on 2nd March; whether the schooner was laden with 600 cases of liquor; whether the whole of the cargo was removed and the supercargo wounded and kidnapped by the pirates; whether any inquiry has been made into the ease; and, if so, with what result?

No information about this incident has been received at the Foreign Office.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that this case has been reported in the American newspapers?

I am perfectly aware that it has teen reported in the Press, but no information on the subject has reached the Foreign Office.

Will the hon. Gentleman obtain information from the British Embassy at Washington?

asked the under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information about the mobilisation or partial mobilisation of the Polish army; whether his attention has been drawn to the reports of the concentrations of Polish troops on the Lithuanian and Western Russia frontiers: and if he, is aware of the objects of these concentrations?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the negative, and the last part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any information to the effect that the Polish Government intends to demolish the Orthodox Cathedral at Warsaw; and whether representations have been made by His Majesty's Government to the Polish Government on the subject?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

Has the hon. Gentleman any information that this cathedral is riot going to he demolished?

I know nothing on this subject at all, except that I saw in the Press the statement to which the hon. and gallant Member has referred.

If the hon. Member finds later on that this is true, will the Government take some steps to prevent such acts of vandalism?

I think we shall have to wait until we know the facts before we consider what can be done.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government is aware that the United States Navy Appropriation Act for the financial year 1923–24 requests the President to negotiate with the British Empire, France, Italy, and Japan with a view to limiting the construction of all types of war-like aircraft, submarines, and surface vessels; whether any proposals for a Conference have yet been made; and whether His Majesty's Government welcomes the proposal of both branches of the American Parliament?

It does not appear that any such request to the President was included in the Act as finally passed. No proposals for such a Conference have been received. The remainder of the question, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any further progress has yet been made with the Portuguese Government in removing the charges which are now being made on British-owned ships entering Portuguese ports; whether he can make any statement on the subject; and if his Department will use every endeavour to get these charges altered or withdrawn as soon as possible?

His Majesty's Government are making, and will continue to make, every endeavour to obtain more equitable treatment for British shipping entering Portuguese ports. With this object in view, they have recently submitted to the Portuguese Government proposals for the conclusion of a special commercial agreement which will secure for British shipping entering Portuguese ports the fullest benefits obtainable under Portuguese legislation. The Portuguese Government have not yet replied to these proposals.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can indicate what economy would be realised by the amalgamation of the Royal Marines; on what, general terms it is proposed that it should be carried out; and what is the strength of both forces to-day?

I apologise for giving a somewhat full answer to this question.

The amalgamation, by enabling a reduction of one division to be made., will effect an economy of about 150,000 a year. The general terms of amalgamation will be as follow: The two branches of the corps will be amalgamated under the historic title of "The Royal Marines."

The Light Infantry headquarters at Gosport. will be abolished, and the Royal Marine Artillery and Royal Marine Light Infantry at Portsmouth will he united into one division at Eastney, the surplus officers and men in equal proportions from Royal Marine Artillery, Eastney, and Royal Marine Light infantry, Gosport, being transferred voluntarily as far as possible to Chatham' arid Plymouth divisions, to equalise the numbers at each of the three home ports. Each headquarters will then draft men for the ships belonging to that. port.

The officers will be combined on to one seniority list (those entered since 11)12 were originally on such a list).

The Recruit Depot at Eastney will be closed, and all recruits trained at. the Depot, Royal Marines, Deal.

The corps will be trained for their duties afloat and as infantry soldiers, but a school of land service artillery will be maintained at Eastney to train a percentage of officers and men as specialists to meet any requirements likely to arise.

Browndown ranges and camp will also be retained.

The present strength of the Corps is:

Royal Marine Artillery	☠	2,146
Royal Marine Light. Infantry	☠	6,907
Royal Marine School of Music	☠	788

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, before the amalgamation of the Royal Marine Artillery and the Royal Marine Light Infantry is definitely decided upon, the naval staff will be consulted; whether he is aware that the proposal was rejected by the Board of Admiralty in 1919; and whether he can give an assurance that, before any action is taken and before either corps loses its identity, an opportunity will be given to the House of Commons to fully discuss the matter and make its wishes known?

The amalgamation has been decided upon by the Board of Admiralty as a whole, on which the naval staff is represented. It is incorrect to state that the proposal was rejected in 1919. The question of amalgamation was taken up at that time mainly because of an alleged strong sentiment amongst the officers and men in favour of reversion to the original system of a single corps, but on further inquiry the Board decided that there was no such preponderance of sentiment, and postponed the consideration of the proposal indefinitely. The great reduction in, numbers which has necessitated the present decision was not. then in contemplation. As regards the last part of the question, the whole subject has received very careful consideration, and it is undesirable that there should be any delay in carrying out the change which has been decided upon.

May I ask how it was that, when introducing the Navy Estimates the other day, the right hon. Gentleman had not one word to say about this proposed change, and, in view of that fact, will he assure us that the House of Commons will have an opportunity of discussing this very important change before it actually comes into effect?

The matter had not been finally and absolutely decided at that moment. The House will, of course, have the usual opportunity in the course of the Session of discussing that matter, and, if necessary, of criticising the conduct of the Board of Admiralty with regard to it.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that since, according to his own statement, the change will then have been made, the House of Commons will then have no power to go back on the decision? Can we be given an opportunity to discuss the matter before the change is made? [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear!"]

The change is in process of being carried out.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can state how it is proposed to retain the distinctive character of the Royal Marine Artillery in the proposed amalgamation of the two branches of the force; whether the uniform will be retained; and whether a similar course of training in land and sea gunnery will be given to the Marines taking the places of the Royal Marine Artillery as in the past?

The uniform will in future be. the same for 'the whole corps, and in this respect regard will be paid to the traditions of both branches. In order to avoid expense, officers will, of course, be allowed to retain their present uniform for a. reasonable time. The training for all new entries will be that of infantrymen, but a proportion will subsequently be trained as specialists in Land Service Artillery.

How does the right hon. Gentleman reconcile that with his assurance to the House before Easter that the traditions would be maintained? If the blue uniform of the Royal Marine Artillery is to be abolished, how are its distinctive characteristics to be maintained?

What I said was that in the new single-corps uniform regard will be paid to the traditions of both branches.

Will the uniform be red or blue in the future? [HON. MEMBERS: "Yellow! "]

Can the right hon. Gentleman state whether the decision has been actually come to? His last answer on the subject was that it was under consideration.

Yes, Sir, the decision has been come to.

May I have an answer?

I cannot go into all the details of the uniform, as it has not yet been settled, hut both blue and red will play a part.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if the proposed amalgamation of the Royal Marines will make any difference to the pensions of the men at present serving?

It is not anticipated that amalgamation of the Royal Marine Artillery and Royal Marine Light Infantry will, in itself, entail any changes in the pensions of the men affected.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many ex-apprentices at Devonport Dockyard have now been discharged since 1st March, 1923; and for how many has alternative employment been provided?

The number of ex-apprentices who have been discharged from Devon-port Dockyard since the 1st March is 104. I regret that it has not been possible to provide alternative employment for any of these discharged workmen.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that an assurance was given by the First Lord of the Admiralty during the discussion that an attempt would be made to find employment for them, and do I understand that not one of the 104 has been given alternative employment?

Those attempts arc still being made.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, seeing that the Harper Report, in explanation of the tactics of the Battle of Jutland, which was specially prepared for the information of the public, was completed in 1919, and that this Report was approved for issue. to the public by the First Sea Lord, Lord Wester Wemyss, but on account of that officer's pending relief was left by him for issue by his successor, Earl Beatty, he will say why this Report has not yet been published?

The Report referred to was not approved for issue to the public by the Board of Admiralty while Lord Wester Wemyss was First Sea Lord, but was only completed some months after he had left the Board. By the time it was completed further information had become accessible which necessitated revision of the material. In accordance with a promise previously given, the new staff narrative and diagrams were submitted to Lord Jellicoe, whose very full comments are now being considered. I hope it may be possible to publish the complete staff narrative of the Battle of Jutland with the diagrams in a few months.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the German custom house at Emmerich, on the Rhine, is now in charge of either the French or the Belgians; whether British-owned goods either entering or leaving Germany by the Rhine, and having to pass this frontier custom house, have to pay duties to the German authorities, and, in addition, duties to the French and Belgian authorities; and if he will state what action his Department has taken in order to protect the rights of British nationals trading with Germany at the present time?

I have been asked to reply. The Custom House at Emmerich is in charge of the Franco-Belgian authorities. Goods imported into the occupied territory by way of the Rhine pay import duty to the Franco-Belgian authorities only, at Emmerich or other Rhine port, in accordance with the Regulations issued by the Franco-Belgian authorities. All goods exported from the occupied territory by the Rhine are subject to export duty, unless they are free of export licence requirement, and such export duty has to be paid only to the Franco-Belgian authorities on the issue of the export licence. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement by the President. of the Board of Trade in this House on the 28th March.

Did not the President of the Board of Trade state that, owing to the condition of affairs in the occupied territory, trade had vanished?

asked the Prime Minister if, as a consequence of conversations recently exchanged with M. Loucheur, His Majesty's Government. contemplates abandoning its present policy of friendly neutrality towards France and of assuming a policy of giving her absolute support of her action against Germany on the Ruhr?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of ex-service officers and men trained for administrative posts by the Ministry of Labour who are still unemployed: whether he is aware that persons with pensions amounting up to £1,000 a year for service in other Departments are being employed in administrative posts in Government offices with salaries up to £1,000 per year; and whether he will consider what steps his Ministry can take to have all such persons substituted by trained ex-service officers or men?

No ex-service officers and men have been trained by the Ministry of Labour specifically for administrative posts in the Civil Service. As regards the second part of the question, there are no such officers employed in the Ministry of Labour, but, if the hon. Member is referring to certain retired senior officers of His Majesty's Forces at present. employed in administrative posts in the Ministry of Pensions, I would refer him to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions to the hon. and gallant Member for Basingstoke (Sir A. Holbrook) on the 6th December last.

As the Minister responsible for dealing with unemployment, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Ministry of Pensions has discharged one regional officer, and has kept in employment two regional officers who have each a pension of £1,000 a year, and who are drawing respectively £900 and £1,000 a year as salary; and does he think that that is a proper way of carrying on public business?

I really do not know whether the hon. Gentleman's statements are correct, but I would suggest that the proper way for him to raise the issue is to ask a question of the Minister of Pensions.

But you are responsible for dealing with unemployment. Is it fair that these men—[interruption]—should draw these salaries and pensions also?

May I ask whether—

called upon Mr. Trevelyan Thomson to put the next question.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can now give the House the names of the local authorities who are not on the King's Roll; the date when the Roll was first established; and the number of appeals which have since been issued to local authorities on the matter'?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 98th March, to which I have nothing to add. The King's National Roll was established in September, 1919. During the last 311 years several appeals have been made to the local authorities; and the King's Roll National Council is now making a very special effort along the same lines.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think, having regard to the fact that it is 3½ years since this Roll was brought into force, that, it is desirable that the inhabitants of these local authorities should know of the actions of their councils, so that those interested in the affairs of ex-service men should make a change in their personnel?

The hon. Gentleman quite well knows the position. The King's Roll National Council has been set up. It is taking this matter into its most serious consideration. It has decided that it will make this further attempt along voluntary lines, and with that decision I must say I concur.

Would it not be the best and most direct appeal, and likely to have good results, if a black list. of corporations not on the King's Roll were published?

asked the Minister of Labour how many insured persons will be unable to draw unemployment benefit on account of the gap period on 12th April?

On 12th April, when the new 'Unemployment Insurance Act comes into operation, the only persons affected by the gap of a fortnight imposed by that Act will be those who have drawn precisely 22 weeks of benefit. since 2nd November last,. I have no material which would enable me to form anything like a proper estimate of that number, but I think it is not likely to le a large proportion of those unemployed.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give some estimate of what the number is likely to be of those people who will be thrown on the local rates?

I have endeavoured to get some estimate with a view to answering this question, and it has been impossible to get anything like a satisfactory figure. If the hon. Member will put himself in communication with me I will endeavour to explain to him the position as I understand it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the gap arrangement in the Unemployment Insurance Acts costs the West Ham Board of Guardians £9,000 a week?

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the commencement on 12th April of a further period of uncovenanted unemployment benefit, he will state when he will be able to communicate to the House the conditions under which this benefit will be granted, and which he undertook very carefully to reconsider?

In accordance with my undertaking I am examining these conditions very carefully, but, as the hon. Member will appreciate, the matter is one of considerable complication and difficulty, and I am not yet in a position to make any announcement.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that in many eases payment of unemployment benefit is stopped without notice; that on applying in the usual way for his weekly benefit a man is informed that there is no benefit for him, and he can get no information when he may expect to receive any further benefit; and whether, in view of the hardship caused by the withdrawal of benefit without. notice, he will issue an instruction that, as far as possible, notice shall be given, so that unemployed men may be in a position to apply to the guardians for relief before their families are reduced absolutely to destitution and hunger?

The instructions already provide. that notice shall be given to the applicant of the approaching exhaustion of benefit, or of its suspension during a "gap." In certain cases, particularly when fraud is suspected, stoppage or suspension without notice is unavoidable. If the hon. Member will give me particulars of any cases in which notice was not given when it was reasonably possible to give it, I shall be glad to inquire into them.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the dissatisfaction resulting from delay in the payment of unemployment benefit in the village of Balfron, Stirlingshire; is he aware that cases 'referred by the local Once at. Alexandria for ruling to the divisional office in Edinburgh take several weeks for decision; and will he take steps to have the payments of unemployment benefit made in Balfron without irritating and unnecessary delays?

I am having immediate inquiries made into this matter and will communicate the result to the hon. Member.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether the statement of the Secretary for Scotland, in connection with the proceedings of the Convention of Royal Burghs in Edinburgh on 3rd April, to the effect that relief for Scottish parish councils in the assistance of the able-bodied unemployed might be found in enlargement of administrative areas, is to be regarded as Government policy in this matter; whether any inquiry in such a direction has been made by the Scottish Office and, if so, with what result; and whether it is proposed to introduce legislation to give effect to such a proposal?

The terms of the passage to which the hon. Member refers make it quite clear that the suggestion as to enlargement of administrative areas was put forward for consideration by the authorities concerned, and not as a statement of Government policy. No special inquiry has been made into the subject, and it is not at present proposed to introduce legislation to give effect to the proposal.

In view of the fact that the larger area will have the effect of distributing the burden more evenly over Scotland, is it not the duty of the Scottish Office at least to make inquiry?

Though no special inquiry has been made, we are considering the matter generally, but, as the hon. Member knows, there is considerable difficulty, especially in the case of smaller authorities, who fear that they would lose their independence under this proposal.

Before any inquiry is made, will the hon. Gentleman take into consideration the experience of the Scottish authorities as to the Scottish Education Act of 1918, whereby increased administrative expenses have been caused?

Considerations of that kind make the Department very chary of the suggested new amalgamation.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will issue instructions to the managers of the Employment Exchanges to call the attention of all persons unemployed and contemplating emigration to the existence of widespread unemployment in New South Wales and other States of the Australian Commonwealth?

A general notice such as the hon. Member suggests would, I think, be misleading, as there are undoubtedly many openings for suitable settlers on the land in Australia, and also for women prepared to undertake domestic work. By arrangement with the Australian authorities, employment in Australia is assured for all applicants selected through the agency of the Employment Exchanges. This is, I think, the most satisfactory form of precaution that can be taken.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there are fully 20,000 unemployed at Sydney at present who cannot possibly get jobs?

Is it not a fact that there is no unemployment in the agricultural industry'?

I think the second supplementary question largely answers the first.

It was put on purpose for that.

The problems of employment in the towns and in the country are entirely different..

Has the right hon. Gentleman any reason to doubt that the Government of New South Wales are acquainted with the extent of unemployment, and are they not encouraging emigration from this country?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that many of the women employés at Kew now having their cases investigated by officers of his Department. have already been cross-examined as to their most intimate private affairs once, or more than once, in the course of their employment with the Ministry of Labour; that those transferred from other Departments because they were efficient workers maintaining others, had previously had their affairs investigated by substitution hoards, including ex-service men in those Departments; and whether he will undertake that the present cross-examination shall be the last imposed in cases other than those in which improvement of circumstances is likely to occur in future?

I am aware that a similar inquiry has taken place previously, but it will be realised that personal circumstances frequently change materially in a comparatively short space of The present inquiry is being made with the view to ensuring that only women who earn their own living, or have others dependent on them, are retained on the temporary staff. Although a further detailed inquiry will probably not be necessary, I consider that, in pursuance of the general policy of the Government in this matter, the circumstances of the officers concerned should be kept under scrutiny from time to time.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will give the total number of Ministers, secretaries, advisers, and other officials with a salary,' excluding bonus, of £1,000 per annum and upwards which he proposes to ask the House shall be borne on the Estimates of his Department for the current financial year; and can the reconsideration of these posts on vacancies be held to mean that in the majority of cases they will not be filled up?

The number of officials (including Ministers, and including both headquarter and provincial officers) borne on the Vote for the Ministry of Labour, who are in receipt of salaries, excluding bonus, of £21,000 per annum and upwards is 36. Of this number, three are loaned to other Departments. As regards vacancies, it is the settled practice to consider in each case whether a particular post need be filled. The number of posts must, of course, depend upon the volume and responsibility of the work which the Ministry is called upon to perform.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the names of those who are getting this salary, including bonus?

If the hon. Member. will put a question down I will endeavour to answer it.

Are these three who are loaned to other Departments on the charge of the Ministry of Labour?

Yes.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, having regard to the recommendations of the Geddes Committee and to the urgent need of public economy, he is satisfied that a reduction in the Estimates of his Department of less than £2,000,000 on a total expenditure for last year of £18,000,000 is the utmost possible?

In framing the Estimates the whole expenditure of the Ministry was most carefully reviewed in the interests of economy, and I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that every effort has been made, to secure all possible reductions.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a large amount of public money is being wasted at present in connection with the labour dispute in Norfolk by the transference of policemen from York to.Norfolk, where they are not needed?

asked the Attorney-General what is the total number of the staff employed in the King's Proctor's Department.; and what the total amount of the salaries and allowances of the Department come to?

The total number of the staff employed in the King's Proctor's Department (inclusive of the Procurator-General) is 13, and the total amount of the salaries and allowances (including bonus) is £4,983. The Procurator-General receives no salary as such, but is paid a salary as Treasury Solicitor.

Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to the statement in the Press to the effect that over £102,000 a year is charged for this Department, and that the staff numbers over 200? As I gather from his reply that statement is without foundation.

I did observe in the papers the statement referred to, and, as my right hon. and learned Friend rightly surmises from my answer, the statement is without. foundation and must have been based on some very gross mistake.

Would the large sum mentioned in the Press not include the fees of counsel?

No. It is an enormous list of salaries which have no existence.

What are the fees of counsel?

I could not say without notice.

asked the Minister of Health if he will favourably consider taking powers in his new Housing Bill whereby empty dwelling-houses may be both rated and taxed so long as they are withheld from occupation?

I have carefully considered this suggestion, but. I cannot undertake to introduce legislation for the purpose in view.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman suggest some other means whereby use may be made of unoccupied houses?

I shall have a proposal to make in the course of this Session with a view to making use of them.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the comparatively small difference in cost between the parlour and non-parlour house, he will reconsider his decision to exclude the former from subsidy and so give local authorities greater freedom in meeting their own needs?

No, Sir. As I have previously explained the policy of the Government is to give the subsidy only for the small type of house, which has not been built in any considerable numbers in the last few years, and which is the least attractive proposition to private enterprise.

Is the right hon. Gentleman of the opinion that the parlour house is being built in any considerable quantity at the present time?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a feeling of great indignation throughout the country, that the country is going to be covered by houses absolutely unfit for human beings to live in?

How does the right hon. Gentleman think that working men who are trying to do their best for their children in the matter of education are going to provide them with rooms to sit in if they are to be denied the use of parlours?

It must be remembered that the people we hope to accommodate in this type of house are now living in one or two rooms. There is a considerable misapprehension if it 'is supposed that we are going to cover the country with houses unfit. for human beings to live in.

asked the Minister of Health if the terms of reference of the Committee he is setting up to report on the prices of building materials will include the prices demanded for land; and, if so, will be give instructions to the Committee to ascertain what the rateable valve of the land was before purchase?

No, Sir. The position as regards the acquisition of land by local authorities is, in my opinion, already adequately safeguarded.

In view of the fact that during the Dr. Addison housing schemes there was a distinct attempt to exact enormous prices for land for building, does not the right hon. Gentleman think it necessary that this Committee should make a full report as to the price asked for land?

No, Sir. I do not know what prices may have been demanded for the land under the Addison schemes, but extortionate prices were not in fact obtained.

asked the Minister -of Health if he is aware that since the tax-exemption ordinance was passed in New York on 27th September, 1920, an official report states that the following progress has been made in house-building there; in 1920, houses planned 5,675, tenements planned 62, families provided for 8,588; in 1921, houses planned 14,780, tenements planned 824, families provided for 33,588; and in 1922, families provided for 114,330; and if he will endeavour to obtain through official channels a Report which will enable the House to consider the advisability or not- of introducing similar legislation in this country?

I have already obtained information about the American experience, and I propane to deal with this question of rate exemption when moving the Second Reading of the Housing Bill.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that certain landlords in West London who have recently acquired large blocks of flats on the assumption that the Rents Restriction Act would be allowed to lapse, are endeavouring to obtain increases of rent on the ground that certain minor services hitherto rendered by charwomen, porters, etc., constitute service; and whether, in view of this fact, he will deal with the matter in the forthcoming Rents Bill in order that the tenants of these premises may be protected?

I am aware of the practice to which the hon. Member refers and. I am considering whether the matter can be dealt with by means of some clearer definition of what constitutes attendance for the purposes of the Act or otherwise.

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses in Scotland which have been condemned by a medical officer of health as unfit for human habitation, but which were occupied on 31st March, and the number of such in Glasgow?

I am not in a position without calling for special returns from all local authorities to give complete and accurate figures, but according to the details furnished by the local authorities when submitting schemes in terms of Section 1 of the Housing, Town Planning, etc. (Scotland) Act, 1919, the new houses which the local authorities in Scotland considered necessary to meet the needs of their districts included 22,296 houses to replace houses then occupied which should be closed and demolished, and 13,932 houses to re-house persons who would be dispossessed by improvement and reconstruction schemes under Parts I and II of the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890. I may add that from returns received by the Scottish Board of Health from local authorities in Scotland of proceedings under the Housing Acts during the year 1922 it would appear that 7,280 houses were during that year reported as unfit for habitation. In 970 of these the defects were remedied, while Closing Orders were made in the case of 60 houses, the defects in 27 of which were subsequently remedied. In Glasgow I understand that the medical officer of health has reported that 13,195 houses at present occupied are not reasonably fit for habitation.

Arc all public authorities in Scotland included in that?

No. That is why I am unable to give the exact figures as requested by the hon. Member.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether the Secretary for Scotland leas received a request from the National Federation of Property Owners in Scotland urging that the portion of the subsidy for new houses falling on local rates in. Scotland should be imposed only on tenants and not on proprietors; whether any reply has been sent.; and whether, before such a proposal is entertained, Scottish Members of Parliament will be consulted?

The answer to the first part. of the question is in the affirma- tive, and to the second part in the negative. As regards the last part, a proposal of the nature referred to could only be given effect to by legislation.

asked the Minister of Health whether meat is imported into this country after being treated with formaldehyde or sulphurdioxide by chemical process; what amount of meat so treated was imported in 1922; and from what countries it was imported?

So far as I am aware, no meat treated by either of these processes has recently been imported into this country.

Are there any regulations to prevent. meat of this type being imported into this country?

That does not arise out of the question.

asked the Minister of Health whether he contemplates any alteration in the terms of payment to doctors on the panel lists; and whether he proposes to consult with representatives of the approved societies on the matter?

Before the expiry of the present agreement at the end of this year, both the terms of service and the remuneration of insurance practitioners will have to be reconsidered. In reply to the second part of the question, the Insurance Consultative Council have already been consulted in regard to the terms of service, and will be consulted also as to the rate of remuneration. There is no other body representative of all the approved societies, but I shall be prepared to receive representations from the principal groups before coming to a final decision.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that representatives of the medical profession have declined to meet representatives of approved societies to discuss this matter?

No, Sir.

Does the right. hon. Gentleman think that this Council represents the approved societies?

It is an elected body.

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to consult the Insurance Committees in the country who are representative of all sections?

That does not arise out of the question.

asked the Minister of Health the number of doctors on the panel list, and the approximate annual amount they receive for their services; and whether there is any limitation of the number of insured persons who may be on an individual panel list?

The total number of insurance practitioners in England and Wales according to the latest return is 12,588. The total payments to them in 1922 amounted to approximately £6,750,000. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Rochdale on the 14th March.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government will take advantage of the presence of the three West African Governors now in this country to prepare with them a joint scheme to submit to the forthcoming Imperial Economic Conference?

The Prime Minister has asked me to take this question. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies proposes to consider, in consultation with the Governors in question, what matters connected with British West Africa can usefully be discussed at the Imperial Economic Conference, and, among other subjects, possible schemes of railway extension in their Colonies.

Will my hon. Friend sec whether the Governors of other Crown Colonies could not also be summoned for the Conference, especially in view of the information that was given to the House last night that no delay need arise in Crown Colony development?

The Governor of Kenya is coming, and the Colonial Secretary of Tanganyika also. This summer a number of important officials of Crown Colonies will be here, with whom we can discuss the matter. I do not think it is practicable to summon all the Governors to come home for this special purpose.

Is there any need to wait until the Conference before these schemes are put into operation?

Not in all cases. In some eases they can go on at once.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether he is in a position to state what steps His Majesty's Government have decided to adopt in relation to this country's cooperation and assistance in the development of approved schemes within the Empire, with a view to opening up further tracts of suitable country for settlers, as also assisting towards the trade prosperity in this country;

2) when he will be in a position to inform the House of the extent of the financial support which the British Government are extending towards the Oversea Settlement Committee work and migration generally, and also the financial co-operation with the Dominion Governments for the opening up of undeveloped country?

advanced to the table to answer the Question.

Hold out your hand, naughty boy. [Laughter.]

I am unable. at present to add anything to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade yesterday.

In view of the statement made in the House yesterday, that no delay need take place in many of these development schemes, will my hon. Friend promise the House that he will impress the Chancellor of the Exchequer not to delay any decision connected with any development?

asked the Prime Minister why, in the Estimates for the present financial year, Ireland, for purposes of Imperial expenditure, has been treated as one country, whereas the island is now divided into two parts with Governments independent of each other and in different relations to this country; and is he aware of the difficulty which this method of presenting British expenditure in Ireland occasions?

If the hon. and gallant Member will refer to the Estimates he will find that separate Votes on sections of Votes are given for services in Northern Ireland or the Free State in five cases. The other Irish services are remanet services which cannot conveniently Or consistently with proper accounting be shown in two sections. I am not aware of any difficulty arising from the method of presentment.

If the hon. Gentleman will look at the Ministry of Labour Estimate he will see that there is a very great difference.

asked the Prime Minister whether any statement, will be made in the House with reference to the official visit of the Secretary of State for War to Northern Ireland; and whether, in view of the re-establishment of law and order in Northern Ireland, any communications passed between the Secretary of State and the Northern Government as to the 200 internees at Larne who have presented their Cases before that Government's Advisory Committee and, in particular, as to the junior Member for Tyrone and Fermanagh in this House, who has been interned since 23rd May, 1922?

I have been asked to reply. My Noble Friend's visit was official only in so far as it concerned the inspection of regular troops. With regard to the second part of the question. he informs me that no communication whatever on the subject passed between him and the Northern Government.

asked the Prime. Minister whether his attention has been called to the illicit importation of alcoholic liquors into the United States of America by ships flying the British flag; and whether steps will be taken to prevent such action against the law of a friendly Power?

asked the Prime Minister whether any representations have been made by the Government of the United States as to the extensive smuggling of spirituous liquor from Nassau, Bahamas, and other West Indian ports into the United States, and that the facilities afforded to smugglers in those ports render the enforcement of the prohibition laws in the United States increasingly difficult; and whether it is proposed to take any steps to prevent owners of British shipping abetting breaches of the law of a friendly State?

Representations have been made by the United States Government with regard to the export of liquor from West Indian ports, which appears subsequently to be introduced into the United States by small craft. putting off from the United States coast and manned by United States citizens. Ti is very difficult for His Majesty's Government to interfere with the legitimate export of any article from British territory, especially as action by His Majesty's Government. alone would merely drive the trade into other channels. His Majesty's Government would, however, deplore any complicity of British subjects in infringements of the law of the United States, and I am considering, in consultation with the other Departments concerned, whether any action can be taken in the sense desired by the United States Government..

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that vessels are leaving United Kingdom ports manned by British seamen who are, handed revolvers at the commencement- of the voyage and are offered fairly high wages as an inducement to undertake what. is regarded as a risk in conveying liquor from these shores to American ports?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the rising indignation in America on this subject, and whether he is aware of the address by Mr. W. J. Bryan on the question?

I am aware of the indignation, and I think the answer I have read shows that His Majesty's Government appreciate it and are trying to take action accordingly. In regard to the question of the hon. Member for Linlithgow (Mr. Shinwell) I have no information to that effect.

If information is furnished to him, will the hon. Member take action in the matter?

If the hon. Member will furnish me with information, I will certainly consider what action is necessary in consequence.

asked the Prime Minister if, on the 31st of December last, in view of the early meeting of the Allied Conference in Paris, the German Government officially informed the Allied Governments that the German State Secretary was commissioned to lay before the Paris Conference the German reparation proposals and to explain them verbally; whether the German State Secretary was in Paris during the meeting of the Allied Conference: whether he was invited to submit the proposals he was commissioned by his Government to put forward, and, if not, why and did he himself make any suggestion to the other Ministers at the Conference that Dr. Bergemann should be invited to submit the proposals either verbally or in writing?

The hon. Member will find on page 68 of Command Paper 1812 a statement as to the German overture before the Paris Conference, the action taken by the Conference thereon awl the reasons for that action. There is nothing I can add to that statement.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the evidence brought before the Royal Commission on Inland Waterways in connection with the Mid-Scotland Ship Canal and the numerous memoranda which have been exchanged between the Mid-Scotland Ship Canal National Association and various Government Departments during the last few years,, and the present condition of unemployment in Scotland, His Majesty's Government will consider the advisability of appointing a Committee to make an exhaustive examination of the scheme from the point of view of the national advantages which the construction of this canal might offer from the commercial and strategic point of view, as well as from the question of absorbing considerable section of the unemployed workers of Scotland now in receipt of Government maintenance from which no national return is received; and whether he will receive a deputation on the subject?

:I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given on the 26th, 27th and 28th March by my hon. and gallant Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport to questions on this subject by the hon. Members for Barnstaple and Linlithgow. The Government would not be prepared to consider this scheme except as a commercial undertaking. No evidence has yet been adduced to show that the canal would be likely to pay its way, and my right hon. Friend does not think that in the circumstances any useful purpose would be served by the appointment of a Committee of the nature suggested or by his receiving a deputation on the subject.

Are we to understand that the Government. are prepared to consider this Question merely from the commercial point of view, without any regard to its other advantages?

Are the Government prepared to make inquiry as to what the result would probably be from the commercial point of view?

asked the Prime Minister if he will bring in a Bill to prohibit. German boats from dumping fish on English ports and markets?

The proposal of my hon. Friend is a large one, and I am informed that it would not have the support even of all branches of the fishing industry.

Will the Government bring in any Measure or put forward any proposal to protect the fishermen?

It is very difficult to deal with the fishing industry apart from other industries.