asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can give the number of Indian students in England at our various educational institutions in December, 1921 and 1922?

The number of Indian students at, educational institutions in the United Kingdom at the end of 1921 was approximately 1,450. Details are given in Appendix III to the Report of the Committee on Indian Students, 1921–22, a copy of which I will send to him if he requires it. I cannot state the number at the end of 1922, but according to information supplied by the High Commissioner for India, who has charge of the Indian Student Department, it appears that the number remains substantially as before.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the expenditure on the Indian police, the average daily number of prisoners, and the gaol mortality per 1,000 for the years 1920 and 1921?

Figures for calendar years are not available, but the gross expenditure on the Indian police was for the two years, 1920–21 and 1921–22, about twelve and thirteen and a half crores of rupees respectively, the latter figure being a revised estimate. The average number of prisoners in gaol was 11,553 in 1920 and 121,705 in 1921, including the Andamans. The death-rate per thousand was 21·91 in 1920 and 19·86 in 1921.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Royal Commission upon the Public Services in India Will include in the scope of its inquiry the operation of the pension rules introduced in 1919, in accordance with which an officer of the professional services is compelled to recognise the Government's absolute right to retire him for no reason stated and without recognising any claim for compensation after 25 years' service, instead of the previously existing rule of 35 years' service or the age of 55 and whether regard will be had by the Secretary of State to the feeling of insecurity which these rules have created in the services affected, seeing that no officer is assured of any benefit from the revised pension rules, while there is a distinct possibility of the loss of five years remunerative service on the maximum pay of a post?

Pension conditions are certainly within the scope of the inquiry. But I may mention that the Government of India made it clear in 1920 that they would not exercise the right to retire any officer after 25 years' service unless his retirement were desirable in the public interest.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India from what authority the Midnapur Mining Syndicate obtained the concession to exploit the mineral resources of the Midnapur district: whether he is aware that in clearing the forests this syndicate has interfered with the primordial rights and customs of the Santhals, a forest tribe, and that the latter, having sought to defend their livelihood, came into collision with the staff employed by the syndicate,

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that several training centres in homecraft are to be closed before Whitsuntide: whether his Department are aware of the work being done in such training centres, and will he take steps to secure their continuation: and whether or not the Committee on Domestic Service, which was set up on 21st March last, have visited or propose visiting some of these centres, and when their Report is likely to be presented to the House?

I am informed by the Central Committee on Women's Training and Employment that some of their existing courses in homecraft, which are of 13 weeks' duration, will finish before Whitsuntide, and that the

I have no information about the incidents referred to, but inquiry will be made.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India how many Indian civil servants of British and Indian birth, respectively, were appointed by competitive examination, and how many selected for other consideration, during the years 1919 to 1922?

The appointments to the Indian Civil Service, made in the years 1919–1922,distributed as follows:question of the establishment of further courses in the same areas will depend upon the situation regarding unemployment among women in those areas. I have had satisfactory reports of the work being done in these centres, and the Government have made a grant towards the cost of continuing them. Owing to various unforeseen circumstances, the Committee on Domestic Service has not yet been able to meet, but I hope the first meeting will be held at an early date.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the total amount voted for national schemes to relieve unemploy- ment actually now in operation; and what number of workers are employed on such schemes at this date?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my statement in Debate on the Vote on Account of the 8th March, and to that of the 30th November in the Debate on the Address. As regards the last part, the number of workpeople directly employed is now estimated to be about 150,000. In addition, of course, a large number are employed indirectly in the -production of materials, transport, etc.

asked the Minister of Health the amount of loans sanctioned by his Department towards the cost of unemployment relief, the repayment of principal and interest on which has been spread over a period of years?

I assume that the hon. Member has in mind both loans and overdrafts the repayment of which extends beyond the financial year in which they are incurred. The amount of such loans and overdrafts, excluding renewals, which have been sanctioned by my Department is £5,710,600.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been drawn to section 37: Clause 3, of the German Act, relating to relief of soldiers injured on War service and of their dependants (National Pensions Act), 12th May, 1920; whether he is aware that the Clause recognises that a woman is prevented from following a remunerative occupation by being engaged in the care and upbringing of her children; and whether he will issue instructions to the officers of the Ministry that, in assessing dependants' pensions, any woman with children under the age of 14 shall be deemed incapable of self support?

The Clause in the German Act referred to by the hon. Member has reference to pensions for widows, not to pensions for dependants, and provides inter alia, that so long as the widow is incapacitated for work, or is prevented from working on account of the care and upbringing of children, or has attained 50 years of age, she shall receive a pension equal to one-half of that to which her husband would have been entitled in his lifetime if totally incapacitated. If this provision in the German Act is compared with the provisions of the Royal Warrant for widows, it will be apparent that the latter are considerably more generous than the German provisions. Article 11 of the Royal Warrant provides that the minimum pension to the childless widow of a private shall be half the total disablement pension for a man, increasing to two-thirds on her attaining the age of 40: while, as regards a widow with children, the higher rate is payable irrespective of age. As regards dependants other than widows, the German Act does not provide for the recognition of incapacity on the ground indicated, and generally the provisions for dependants are less generous than those of the Royal Warrant.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that Private W. Gibson, No. 47,725, late 3rd Battalion King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, who was taken to an asylum in 1919 as a result of his service in the Great War and was given a pension, barns again been taken to an asylum on 10th March last after an endeavour to earn a livelihood as a boot-and-shoe repairer, and that his mother, Mrs. Gibson, Horbury, near Wakefield, who has several times visited the local War Pensions officer, has not yet received any money; how it is the dependent mother is having to wait so long; and what, steps will he take to expedite payment of the pension?

I understand that application for a dependants' allowance was not made until the 9th April. My right hon. Friend has, however, taken steps to have the necessary inquiry into Mrs. Gibson's eligibility for an allowance dealt with urgently.

asked the Treasurer of the Household whether, if it has been decided that it is impossible to afford every appellant to the Lord Chancellor's Pensions Appeal Tribunal who desires it legal or other assistance in the presentation of appeals, this assistance can be afforded to those appellants deserving of especial consideration, such as widows and dependants of deceased men or wives and relatives of those ex-service men the nature of whose disabilities renders them themselves unfit to plead?

By the Regulations made by the Lord Chancellor under the War Pensions (Administrative Provisions) Act, 1919, it is ordered that the tribunal shall assist any appellant who, through ignorance or otherwise, is unable to make the best of his case. The tribunals are further instructed to be careful to bring out every point in favour of an appellant which may have been overlooked by him or her, and the chairmen are instructed to grant adjournments if they think that by so doing evidence may be obtained which will assist the appellant. It is the duty of the local officials of the Ministry of Pensions to advise appellants in the preparation of their cases and to inform them that, if they so desire, they may secure the assistance of a member of the War Pensions Committee or other person in connection with the appeal. After careful consideration, it is thought to be undesirable in the interests of appellants that legal or other paid assistance should be provided by the State, which might involve the necessity of professional representation on the other side and which would thus tend to destroy the informality of the present procedure of the tribunals. I refer the hon. Member to the answers given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions to the hon. Member for Middlesbrough (Mr. T. Thomson) on the 15th March and to the hon. Member for the Frome Division (Mr. Hurd) on 7th December.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the amount of British money now being paid to foreign firms in connection with work on British cemeteries in France and Belgium?

I have been asked to reply. The amount paid by the Imperial War Graves Commission within the last six months to foreign firms in connection with work on the cemeteries in France and Belgium is £37,293 8s. 1d. (2,048,870 francs).

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the majority of collectors of Income Tax in the Manchester district suffered a loss on the Schedule D and E collection last year, and that one of the chief collectors made a loss of £915 12s. as a result of the entirely inadequate sum allowed to him for remuneration and expenses; that this official collects millions of pounds a year, and yet has to carry on with a large personal overdraft at the bank entailed by this method of working; and whether, in the public interest, he will have this altered and official employment in the Inland Revenue Departments put on a proper basis?

I am having inquiry made into this matter and will communicate the result to my hon. Friend in the course of a few days.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the urgent necessity for economy, he will consider the question of the abolition of the Employment. Exchanges and of the Ministry of Labour except in so far as that Department is engaged in the distribution of unemployment benefit?

The Unemployment Insurance scheme necessitates a system of Exchanges, which are also required for other purposes connected with employment and particularly for matters connected with the employment of ex-service men. The other functions of the Ministry of Labour include conciliation and arbitration, Trade Boards and training of disabled ex-service men, etc. Whatever redistribution of the work of Government Departments may be found possible when conditions are more normal, it would not. I think, in present circumstances, be either practicable or economical to abolish the Ministry of Labour and transfer its functions to other Departments.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether among the undisposed of and deteriorating assets of the Disposal Board there is anything which could be disposed of at cheap rates in order to start in business or help in business any ex-service men seeking livelihoods?

It is the duty of the Disposal and Liquidation Commission in the public interest to realise to the best advantage the assets placed in their hands for disposal; and it is not possible to offer preferential terms to any individual buyer. Subject to this, the Commission have always been prepared to consider whether facilities can be extended to approved organisations acting in the interest of ex-service men, since in certain respects more favourable terms can be obtained by purchasers on a large scale. If my hon. Friend desires, I shall be happy to arrange for a copy of "Surplus "—the official publication of the Commission—to be sent to him.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether arrangements have been made that the Committee appointed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the conditions of service of the fighting and civil services will deal with the case of the Lytton entrants first, and that the Committee, after having considered the Lytton case, will issue an interim Report?

As my hon. and gallant Friend will be aware, it has now been decided that the question of the initial pay of Lytton entrants to the clerical class shall he considered, amongst other matters relating to the employment of ex-service men, by a special Committee consisting of an outside Chairman, nine Members of this House, and two women; and that it will he an instruction to the Committee to inquire into, and report upon, the question of initial remuneration as soon as possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer exactly what are the assets now being dealt with by the trading services of the Government; and whether there is any reason why the whole of those remaining in Government hands should not be liquidated without delay?

The term "trading services" is somewhat indefinite, and in any case an exact statement of assets could not be rendered in answer to a Parliamentary question. If the hon. Member is referring to the temporary trading services in foodstuffs and raw materials undertaken by His Majesty's Government in consequence of the War, the position is that in the case of all these services, except those relating to Colonial wool and Australian zinc concentrates, stocks have already been completely disposed of, and trading has ceased, though the liquidation accounts have not yet in all cases been completed. As regards Colonial wool, I would refer the hon. Member to the answers given to the hon. Member for Southwark Central (Mr. Gilbert) and the hon. and gallant Member for Rusholme (Captain Thorpe) on the l9th February and 27th March last respectively; as regards zinc concentrates, His Majesty's Government is contractually liable to take certain supplies from the Australian producers each year until 1930.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, having regard to the figures he recently supplied to the House concerning the cost of and the numbers employed at the physical laboratory at Teddington, which apparently has gradually become a State-supported institution, he will consider whether it should now resume its original position of being supported and run by those who profit by it?

I have been asked to reply to this question. Having regard to the fact that the work done at the National Physical Laboratory is mainly undertaken in the national interest, I do not consider that a change is desirable. As the figures already supplied to the hon. Member showed, work undertaken for outside bodies is paid for by them.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will reconsider adopting a proposal to tax War profits with a view to relieving the present distress resulting from unemployment?

Perhaps the hon. Member will await the statement of financial proposals which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is about to make.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can give the aggregate profits of the brewing companies of the United Kingdom for 1913, and for the latest year for which complete figures are available?

The following estimate has been prepared of the profits of brewery concerns, whether owned by individuals, firms or companies, for the accounting years of the concerns ended within the Income Tax years 1913–14 and 1921–22 respectively. The estimate of the 1921–22 profits is based upon the ascertained results of about one-third of the trade. The estimated profits stated represent profits as computed for the purpose of Income Tax, Schedule D, increased for 1921–22 by the addition of Excess Profits Duty (which was allowable as a deduction in computing the Income Tax profits) and reduced by the amount allowed for Income Tax purposes in respect of the wear and tear of plant and machinery. The estimated profits include any profits arising from carrying on any trade ancillary to the main business of brewing, as, for example, from the retail trade of managed houses, sale of wines and spirits, bottling, etc.Estimated profits of brewing concerns in the United Kingdom for the accounting years ended in the Income Tax years:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer with reference to the estimate of his predecessor on 19th April, 1920, that the increased Beer Duty of 30s. per barrel would produce £22,500,000 in the financial year 1920–21, and £30,000,000 in a full year, whether he can state what was the actual revenue for 1920–21, 1921–22, and 1922–23 from the extra tax as compared with the-revenue when beer was taxed 70s. per standard barrel in 1919–20?

It is not possible to furnish the information asked for by my hon. and gallant Friend since it is not practicable to make any trustworthy estimate of the quantities of beer which would have been consumed had the duty remained at 70s. per standard barrel.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of revenue derived from the tax upon beer for the year ending March, 1922, and March, 1923, respectively?

The yield of the Beer Duty in the -United Kingdom for the year ended 31st March, 1922, was £121,804,865. The amount collected in. Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the year ended 31st March, 1923, was £92,305,000, but this figure is subject to adjustment with the Irish Free State.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of revenue collected by the Customs and Excise Department for the year ending March, 1923, and the cost of such collection?

The amount of revenue collected by the Customs and Excise Department in the year ended 31st March, 1923, was-£280,318,000. The estimated cost of the Department, which includes the cost of certain non-revenue services, in the same year was £5,220,000.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, under an arrangement with the Worcester County Council, the committee of the Kidderminster infirmary and children's hospital have hitherto provided treatment for about 85 persons annually suffering from venereal diseases, and have further provided in-patient treatment for about 28 persons; whether he is aware that the closure of the in-patient department of the infirmary is now contemplated; if so, whether, seeing that such closure may necessitate the transfer to Worcester of patients who may be dangerously ill, he will state what saving in expenditure the closure of the in-patient department will bring about; and whether, in view of the risk to the patients incurred by the conveyance to Worcester, he will reconsider his decision in the matter?

I am aware of the proposals pf the Worcestershire County Council in this matter, and I am in communication with the council as to the arrangements which they propose to make for cases needing immediate inpatient treatment. The saving in expenditure due to the proposals is estimated to amount to more than£100 per annum.

asked the Minister of Health how many authorities in the West Riding of Yorkshire made returns to the Ministry of Health as to the minimum number of houses required to meet the housing needs of their areas in 1920; how many houses have been erected during the two years since the returns were made; and how many houses, are required each year to meet the natural demand of the increasing population?

159 local authorities in the West Riding of Yorkshire made returns at the end of 1919 as to the housing needs in their areas. Under the State assisted scheme 18,587 houses have been erected by local authorities and public utility societies, but information is not available as to the number erected by other agencies. No reliable statistics are available which would enable a reply to be given to the last part of the question, but from the result of the Census of 1921 it appears that the average annual increase of population between 1911 and 1921 was 13,627.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Committee being set up to report on prices of building materials will measure as between the price of articles at their production point and at the point of final delivery for use?

Under the terms of reference it will be open to the Committee to inquire into the costs of both production and distribution of building materials.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he will furnish a Return showing the present and pre-War freight rates by rail for each of the principal roofing materials used in house-building, together with the corresponding rates for transport by water?

As regards railway rates I would refer the hon. Member to my recent answer to the hon. Member for. Normanton (Mr. F. Hall), of which I am sending him a copy. I have no information with regard to the freights charged for transport by canal. As regards t he last part of the question, L am informed by the Board of Trade that the freights charged for coastwise transport have increased by approximately 60 per cent. over pre-War rates.

asked the Minister of Health what is the approximate number of slum dwellings and of houses not reasonably fit for human habitation at present in occupation in the whole of England and Wales, based on the returns which he has from certain parts of the country?

Reports received from the Medical Officers of Health of 1,665 local authorities for the year 1921, show that 18,321 houses were reported as unfit for human habitation, and 257,686 houses were found not to be in all respects reasonably fit for habitation. It is not possible to give the number of these houses actually occupied at the time the reports were made.

asked the President of the Board of Education why the Wilts local education authority have been deprived of grants on an expenditure of £415 13s. 4d. incurred in the year ended 31st March, 1920, on the preliminary training of teachers; whether the grants would have been paid if the expenditure had been incurred on the secondary-school education of the same pupils if they had not been appointed teacher can- didates; and whether he is prepared to review this decision with a view to allowing the expenditure to rank for grant?

At the date of the introduction of Deficiency Grant, a grant was payable on the expenditure of local education authorities up to £30 on the maintenance of intending teachers. The Regulations which governed this grant continued in force up to the 31st March, 1921, and consequently in assessing Deficiency Grant for the years 1919–20 and 1920–21, the Board have been unable to recognise any expenditure incurred in excess of the £30 limit. Ordinary pupils at secondary schools stand on a different footing, no expenditure grant in respect of them having been in operation prior to the introduction of the Deficiency Grant. The same procedure has been applied to all authorities alike, and my right hon. Friend cannot make an exception in favour of the Wiltshire authority.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been drawn to the closing of a number of schools at Croydon; whether he is aware that this is a repetition of a position which has arisen in other districts, and that the education and instructions of some thousands of children have thus been seriously interfered with; whether the Education Department took any steps to prevent such an occurrence; has any resort to arbitration been suggested by the Education Department; and, in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the present position in these matters of dispute between education and teaching staffs, what action does the Education Department propose to take?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I may refer my hon. Friend to the reply my right hon. Friend gave on the 12th April to the hon. Member for the Central Division of Southwark (Mr. Gilbert).

asked the President of the Board of Education the approximate number of certificated teachers in England and Wales who are at present unemployed?

I regret I do not possess the information asked for by the hon. Member. The only figure available is that showing the number of students who left the training colleges in the summer of 1922, and who were known in February last to have failed to obtain posts, namely, 627.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that licence duty is being demanded for ambulance cars used by education authorities for conveying physically and mentally defective children to and from school; and will he consider favourably that such cars be exempted from licence duty?

I have been asked to answer this question. Whether or not the vehicles referred to can properly be termed "Ambulances" is a matter of law, to be decided on the facts of the case. I am not prepared to recommend any extension of the scope of the exemption for ambulance services set out in Section 13 (4) of the Finance Act, 1920.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, seeing that his predecessor admitted, on the 1st March, 1922, that the Foreign Office had received Reports which confirmed the allegation of widespread and growing slave-trading in Abyssinia, he will say whether, since that date, any further Reports have been received from British officials or other sources; and whether any such Reports will be forwarded to the Council of the League of Nations?

The facts in regard to the capture of a dhow in the Red Sea were given to the hon. Member for Derby (Mr. C. Roberts) in answer to his question of 21st March last. In addition, two-general Reports on slave-trading and raiding have been received at the Foreign Office since 1st March, 1922. It is not intended to forward these Reports to the Council of the League of Nations, but I will lay them as a White Paper.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs those countries which, as a result of the War, have declined to recognise bonds of their own issue held by enemy subjects; and whether in all cases where this has taken place he can state the sums of money involved?

I have no official information on the subject, except in the case of China, in regard to which I gave information in my reply to a question by the hon. Member for Ashton-under-Lyne (Sir W. de Frece) on the 11th instant.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign A [fairs whether, owing to the fact that Mr. Hodgson, Chief of the British Mission at Moscow, recently refused to transmit a message from the Soviet Government. of Russia., the relations between the British Mission and the Soviet Government have practically ceased; and whether, in view of the circumstances, it is proposed to withdraw the British Mission?

I am unable at present to add anything to the reply I gave on 9th April to the hon. Member for the Scottish Universities (Sir H. Craik).

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if, under the Empire Settlement Scheme, any progress has been made with proposals to settle our emigrants in the northern territories of Australia, a State which is vulnerable to attack and is very thinly populated by white people?

No, Sir. The view of the Oversea Settlement Committee is that assistance should not be given by the Imperial Government at the Present stage for the development of tropical districts in the northern territories of Australia by settlers direct from this country. Any settlement which may take place in those districts should, in the opinion of the Committee, preferably be carried out by persons already acclimatised to the more southern districts of Australia.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the estimated expense to the nation of the proposed journey of the Administrative Committee to Australia to inquire into the working of the Overseas Settlement Act; and whether any members of this Committee will be reimbursed for their expenses in visiting San Francisco, where they are to study an experiment in land settlement?

The estimated expenses of the delegation are, approximately, £3,500. The members of the delegation will receive subsistence and travelling allowance at the usual rates while in the United States. The rates whilst in the United States are £2 a night except when sleeping berths are provided, when a deduction of one-third of this amount is made. The amount paid whilst in Australia is 25s. a night, and when on board ship an allowance of 5s. a day is made.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he will confer with his colleagues on the Oversea Settlement Committee with a view to giving the necessary authority to the various boards of guardians to financially assist families, up to five each, to the Dominions should they have applications of those desiring to migrate, permitting boards of guardians to make their own arrangements direct with the various Dominion representatives in this country?

I have already explained, in answering my hon. and gallant Friend's earlier questions, that the question of co-operating with boards of guardians in connection with migration is receiving careful consideration. I do not, however, think it would be practicable for boards of guardians to make arrangements direct with Dominion representatives in this country.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has received from Tanganyika traders protests against three new commercial taxing Ordinances, which are alleged to be unbearable in the present depressed state of trade in the territory and to threaten bankruptcy to numerous small Indian traders; whether European, as well as Indian and Arab, traders are urging the Governor either to repeal this legislation or to postpone its operation until trade recovers; whether he is aware that practically every Indian trader in Tanganyika territory has closed his business rather -than apply for a licence, and that the keeping of books in English and Swahili has been insisted upon, notwithstanding that most small Indian traders cannot even write their own language; and whether the Secretary of State will consider the advisability of suspending these Ordinances until he has had the claims of the communities affected placed before him by their representative, who is now on his way to this country'?

As I informed the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Sir R. Hamilton) on the 11th of April, representations of the nature referred to have been received. It is true that there has been a general closing of shops by the Indian section of the trading community. The local chamber of commerce has also taken exception to the Ordinances, but when submitted to it in draft, it pronounced them to be, generally speaking, fair and equitable. That they are no novelty and lay no seriously increased burden on trade is shown by the fact that in the last three years they were estimated to produce £35,000, £40,000 and £40,000; whereas the estimate for this year is £45,000. There is no Income Tax in Tanganyika territory, and the Profits Tax (4 per cent.) is not levied on annual profits below £100. The Governor may give exemption where desirable in the interests of the community. The keeping of accounts for Profits Tax purposes in English and Swahili is not compulsory but if they are not kept in either language the assessor may require translation into English. Under the Trade Licensing Ordinance the alternative keeping of accounts in English or Swahili is not compulsory until a year hence. After careful consideration, the Secretary of State has decided not to direct the suspension of the Ordinances.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of Jewish immigrants into Palestine since our occupation?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Kennington (Mr. Harrison) on the 19th of March, in which the information was given. The total is approximately 27,000.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport the number of deaths in the United Kingdom during the last 10 years caused by the opening of the doors of compartments whilst the trains are in motion; and will he give each year separately?

The number of persons killed in 1913 and each subsequent year through falling from trains is as follows:

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport if, in view of the fact that his proposals as regards Wylam Bridge, across the Tyne, have not been agreed to by the local bodies concerned, he is prepared to give a grant for a bridge on the new site suggested at the Newcastle conference of 22nd March or, alternatively, to reconsider the question of purchasing the existing bridge?

I am prepared to give careful consideration to any appli- cation made by the local authorities concerned for financial assistance towards the cost of a new highway-bridge, but I am unable to give support to the proposal for the purchase of the existing bridge.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a number of sea-going engineers are unaware, owing to signing articles on board ship, that they are entitled to claim for injury and loss caused to them by enemy submarines during the War; whether they can still claim; if so, up to what date can claims be made; and from whom can claim forms be received?

I would refer the hon.. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for the Kirkdale Division of Liverpool (Mr. Pennefather) on 19th February. The question of the' admission of belated claims is still under consideration and I am not at present in a position to answer the second, third and last parts of the question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what was the acreage under barley in England and Wales for the years 1913, 1919, and 1.922, and the average price for the respective years?

The acreage of barley in England and Wales in each of the undermentioned years with the average price per imperial quarter as ascertained under the Corn Returns Act, 1882, was as follows:

asked the President of the Board of Trade the weight and value of bacon, cheese, and butter imported from Ireland, the Dominions of the British Empire, and foreign countries, respec- tively, during the financial year 1922–23 up to the 5th April, the weight and value. of millers' offal exported overseas during the same period, and the weight and value of wheat imported as flour from the Dominions and foreign countries for the same period?

The following statement gives particulars for the 12 months ended 31st March, 1923. The figures are to be regarded as approximate only, as precise details are not available in all cases. It is not possible to furnish particulars for a period of 12 months ended 5th April.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what proportion, respectively, of the land in New Zealand is -owned by occupying owners, by non-occupying owners, and by the New Zealand Government; and what is the average rent charged for the land, if any, owned by the Government and let to tenants?

According to information contained in the New Zealand Official Year Book for 1923, the total area of the Dominion in occupation in 1922 was 43,528,337 acres, of which 19,934,522 acres were owned by the occupiers, 4,398,494 acres were leased from private persons, including natives, and the remaining 19,195,321 acres were held from the Crown under various tenures at an average rent of approximately 1s. per acre.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if, in view of the fact that the agricultural tribunal has reported in favour of the setting up of wages boards to fix agricultural labourers' wages, he will use his good offices to try and induce both the farmers and labourers concerned in the dispute in Norfolk to agree to a truce on pre-dispute conditions pending the decision of Parliament with regard to setting up wages boards?

Protracted negotiations have taken place in regard to the dispute in Norfolk, and I believe that the suggestion made by the hon. Member has been considered by both sides.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if his Department possesses any statistics in regard to any selected farms to show the average net loss or profit during the last year: and, if he does not possess such statistics, will he arrange to obtain them in the interests both of the farmers and of the agricultural labourers, since thereby the exact facts with regard to present-clay farming will be available for the public'?

The Ministry does not collect any statistics of the nature indicated, and there are great difficulties in obtaining representative information of a reliable and trustworthy character, though steps have been taken to set on foot investigations of the kind by the appointment of costings officers at some of the agricultural colleges. I would refer-the hon. and gallant Member to a Paper presented by Mr. Ruston, of the Leeds University, to the Farmers' Club on 26th March, 1923, and to Papers by Mr. Orwin, of the Institute of Research into Agricultural Economics at- Oxford.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the importation of Canadian store cattle has yet produced any appreciable effect upon the price of beef; and, if not, when he expects that this importation will begin favourably to operate for the benefit of the consumer?

Only 644 store cattle have yet been landed in this country from Canada. These cattle were landed on the 5th April. The average price of fat cattle and the wholesale price of beef rose slightly during the week ending 11th April. The effect of this importation is a matter of speculation.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps, if any, have been taken to hold public meetings in 30 villages in Kent which are ready to welcome meetings for the establishment of village clubs?

The Ministry has not itself taken any steps in the direction indicated by my hon. Friend. As indicated in the reply which I gave to him on the 21st March, the steps to be taken in the various counties for the establishment of village clubs and women's institutes are a matter for the Village Clubs Association and the National Federation of Women's Institutes. I am in communication with both these bodies and will communicate the result to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what steps the Overseas Settlement Committee are taking in relation to the maintenance of British trade interests in British West Indies as against the ever-increasing competition of the United States; and if schemes have been submitted to this Government for their consideration and support?

:I have been asked to reply. The British West Indies are in general unsuitable climatically for European settlers except in the capacity of employers of labour, and accordingly the Overseas Settlement Committee is little concerned. The question raised by my hon. and gallant Friend is one which has already engaged the attention of the imperial, Dominion and Colonial Governments concerned, those Governments are giving such assistance as is in their power by the grant of preference and otherwise, and they will no doubt always be ready to consider any further proposals which may be brought before them in this connection. A Trade Commissioner has recently been appointed to the West Indies and arrived in Trinidad a month ago, and it is hoped that he will he of assistance to British manufacturers and merchants in developing this market to the fullest extent.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware of the large increase in the number of cases of nystagmus in this country, particularly in recent years; and. what steps he is taking to deal with the matter?

As regards the numbers of cases, I would refer the hon. Member to the figures given in my reply of 26th March to the hon. Member for Abertillery (Mr. G. Barker). The whole matter is under inquiry by a Committee appointed by the Medical Research Council. A first report was issued last year and another is in course of preparation. The main remedial measure so far suggested is improvement of illumination in mines, and on this very difficult problem the Miners' Lamps Committee has been at work for five years and has published memoranda containing useful suggestions. Everything that the Department can do to stimulate improvements in lighting is being done, and I am glad to know that this important subject is more and more engaging the attention of the industry.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that three pathways have been closed to the public in St. James's Park, much to the inconvenience of pedestrians; and for what reason they have been closed and for what duration of time they are likely to be closed to the public?

The closure referred to is temporary, and is necessary in connection with the works of reconstruction of the bed of the lake and also in the interest of the safety of the public. The paths will be re-opened, it is hoped, by the middle of May.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether it is contemplated to build a second bridge over the ornamental water in St. James's Park; and, if so, what are the reasons which render such a course desirable or necessary?

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

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office, (1) whether it is possible to announce the minimum strength that will be employed at Woolwich Arsenal; whether any further substantial discharges are now contemplated:(2) whether he has been able to expedite naval and other work for Woolwich Arsenal with a view to avoiding any further redaction of personnel?

The present strength at the Woolwich factories is about 7,400, and sufficient orders have been allotted to the factories for naval and other work to avoid any substantial net reduction during the current year. It will, however, be necessary to effect certain rearrangements to suit the character of the work but as far as possible redundant men are being offered transfer as an alternative to discharge. As, however, this generally means offering semi-skilled work to skilled men, it is unlikely that many transfers can be arranged. The minimum establishment is at present put at about 6,600; but, while that figure is not expected to be operative in the current year, it is not possible to guarantee that the numbers will never in future fall below it.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the Suggestions Committee at Woolwich Arsenal has been reconstituted; whether any workmen arc now included in its personnel; and what is the extent of the awards for suggestions in relation to improvements it is now empowered to make?

The Awards Committee of the Royal Ordnance Factories was reconstituted in 1922, and now includes representatives of the workmen. The Committee may itself authorise.awards not exceeding £15 in any one case, or £200 in annual total, or may forward eases for consideration of larger.awards by higher authority. Details are posted in the factories under Ordnance Factories Circular No. 265, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member for his information.

asked the Postmaster-General, whether he has had the present agreements and arrangements with the British Broadcasting Company under consideration; whether it has been found possible to make a revision of the present working scheme, which has proved unsatisfactory to owners of wireless telegraph and telephone installation: whether it is proposed to hold a public inquiry; and at what date will it be possible to end the present unsatisfactory position?

I am in communication with the company as to certain modifications in the present arrangements and I hope to be in a position to make an announcement shortly.

asked the Postmaster-General when it is proposed to restore telegraphic communication between the island of Fetlar and the mainland of Shetland?

There is a large amount of cable repair work to he undertaken by the Post Office cable ships, and I fear that some time may elapse before telegraphic communication with the island of Fetlar can be restored. I need hardly assure the hon. Member that no avoidable delay will occur.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the article in the "Manchester Guardian" newspaper of the 12th instant, breasting important changes in the Post Office, was communicated to that newspaper by his Department?

The answer is in the negative. The statements in the article are unauthorised, and for the most part incorrect.

asked the Postmaster-General why a letter posted at Whitehaven at 10.30 a.m. on the morning of 2nd April (Easter Monday) was not postmarked until 2.15 p.m. and not despatched until 4 p.m., whilst the Scottish mails were despatched at the usual hours on this day, and the letter referred to ought to have gone on the 1.30 train out of Whitehaven; and whether, having regard to the fact that this neglect has resulted in a loss of £2 10s. to the person who posted the letter referred to, adequate compensation will be made to him?

There was only one despatch of letters from the Whitehaven post office on the 2nd of April. Due notice was given locally of the special Rank Holiday arrangements.