asked the President of the Board of Trade for what reason the Central Importing Agency was suddenly terminated; whether the Board of Trade was dissatisfied with the working of the agency; and, if so, on what grounds

The agreement with the Central Importing Agency was terminated on the 31st August, 1922, as the Board of Trade were satisfied after full consideration that it was desirable to make other arrangements. These arrangements are completely satisfactory; and I doubt whether any useful purpose would be served by going into the detailed reasons which, in the opinion of the Board, rendered a change desirable.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the value of the manufactured cocoa and chocolate exported from this country for the years 1920 and 1921?

The value of coma preparations (including chocolate confectionery) of home manufacture exported from the United Kingdom were.£1,664,403 in the year 1920 and £665,917 in the year 1921.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total ocean tonnage of steam and sailing ships of Great Britain, France, America, Italy, and Norway, respectively, December, 1921 or 1922?

The following statement shows the gross tonnage of vessels belonging to the countries specified on 30th June, 1922, as recorded by Lloyd's Register. These figures relate to steam (and motor) vessels of 100 tons gross and upwards and sailing vessels of 100 tons net and upwards. If, however, the hon. Member would like figures cons-piled showing the gross tonnage of vessels say, of over 1,600 tons gross, perhaps he would be good enough to put down a further question, and the statistics could be worked out in a few days' time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the tonnage of the merchant fleets of the United States of America, Germany, and the United Kingdom, respectively, in 1913, at the date of the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, and at the present day?

The following statement shows the gross tonnage of vessels of 100 tons and upwards belonging to the United States of America, Germany, and the United Kingdom, respectively, at 30th June in each of the years specified, as recorded by Lloyd's Register. (Similar particulars are not available for any date later than. 30th June, 1922):

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the observation of Lord Justice Scrutton in the Court of Appeal on the 11th instant as to the absence of facilities afforded by the Board to permit of the service of legal process on the Department; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy the same?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, the Law Officers have now under consideration the steps which should he taken in view of the decision.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether contracts open for the supply of agricultural implements and engineering tools ' and machinery abroad are regularly communicated to manufacturers in Great Britain; and what are the methods employed to prevent delay in the supply of such information to manufacturers?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, in order to avoid delay, full particulars of such contracts are sent by post immediately upon their receipt from abroad to all interested firms who register at the Department of Overseas Trade and pay a small fee. They are also published in the Board of Trade Journal and in the technical Press.

(whose named did not appear on. the paper) asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in connection with trade with Russia, there is in existence any sort of safe conduct regarded as effective which can be utilised by British subjects wishful to visit Russia; and, if so, the number of cases in which such safe conducts have been issued?

British subjects travelling in Russia for purposes of trade carry no safe conduct other than a British passport bearing the visa of the Russian authorities. The second part of the question therefore does not arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will lay upon the Table of this House a Return of the cases within the knowledge of the Board which would be affected by the War Charges (Validity) Bill introduced by him, with short particulars of each?

Every case in which a payment was made under any of the schemes referred to in the White Paper, Command 1843, which I recently issued would be affected by the Bill. I do not think the expense and labour involved in compiling particulars of each case would be justified.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many claims, and for what total amount, have actually been made which would be nullified by the War Charges (Validity) Bill; and of these claims how many are statute barred by existing legislation?

Seven such claims have been made, amounting to £155,000. None of them, it is thought, are barred by existing legislation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that many applicants for compensation for suffering and damage by enemy action were prevented by absence from the country and other causes from sending in.claims to the Reparation Claims Department at the proper time; whether it has yet been decided whether in such cases claims may now be made; and whether he will see that claimants are informed of their position?

Many persons have notified claims for compensation for suffering and damage by enemy action to the Reparation Claims Department after the final dates for admitting claims fixed by the Royal Commission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action, alleging absence from the country and other causes as excuse for delay. The admissibility of such claims is still under consideration by the Royal Commission of whose decision the persons concerned will be informed.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to close Knightsbridge Cavalry Barracks; and, if so, whether there is any proposal to transfer it to the Ministry of Health or to the London County Council for conversion into flats for housing purposes?

These barracks are in use and required at present, and the question of their future disposal cannot usefully he taken up.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any final decision has yet been arrived at as to the future of the experimental ground at Porton?

This ground will lie retained, and steps are being taken to acquire it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War why the yearly rent of £6 5s. due to Mr. Francis Robertson, of Belmont., Gomeldon, from August, 1917, to the present date, in respect of the light railway running over his land, has not been paid; and whether he will give instructions for immediate payment to be made?

The claim was not received till November last, but I regret that there has been some accidental delay in considering it. It has now been dealt with, and payment will he made immediately.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a subsidy of £40 per vehicle is offered for motor wagons of a certain type; whether this is payable annually and, if so, for how many years in respect of the same vehicle; what is the maximum expenditure involved; and on what Vote is it borne in the Estimates for the current year?

£40 per lorry per annum will be paid in half yearly instalments. The period of enrolment of any one vehicle will depend on its condition and on other circumstances, but it is not likely to exceed two years. The maximum annual cost of the scheme is estimated at £40,000. The sum provided this year on Head VI B is £5,000.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War the number of executions which have taken place in the British Empire as a result of decisions by courts-martial, military courts, or special tribunals between the 1st January, 1922, and the 31st March, 1923?

No such executions took place in the British Army during this period. As regards the rest of the question, there is no information in the War Office.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many of the staff at present engaged in the Nottingham region he proposes to transfer to the Birmingham region; when he hopes to effect such transfer; and whether he proposes to send some officials to any other region?

It is not possible to state at the moment how many members of the existing staff employed in the Regional Headquarters at Nottingham will be transferred to Birmingham, but I hope to be in a position to offer employment either in Birmingham or in some other part of the Ministry to every competent officer displaced at Nottingham in consequence of the amalgamation of the East and West Midlands Regions. The amalgamation will be effected gradually and transfers will follow the same course.

asked the Treasurer of the Household whether he is aware of the considerable delay taking place in the hearing of appeal cases by the House of Lords Appeal Tribunals, involving a waiting period of four to five months in some cases; and if he can take steps to expedite matters by securing the appointment of additional members to these tribunals?

The average time which elapses between the date of receipt by the Central Office of the Pensions Appeal Tribunals for England and Wales of an appeal and the date on which it is listed for hearing is as follows:

This period includes the statutory notice to which an appellant is entitled of the date fixed for the hearing. For administrative reasons it is necessary for the Central Office of the Tribunals to have at least one month's work in hand to enable arrangements to be made for Tribunals to sit at the various provincial centres and to enable the necessary accommodation to be secured. The income of cases fluctuates very largely from time to time in the various regions. Twelve Entitlement Tribunals and 20 Assessment Tribunals are now sitting, two new Assessment Tribunals having commenced to sit on 10th April.

asked the Minister of Pensions what medical category Herbert Johnson Elgie, at present a patient in Durham county asylum, was passed on enlistment in His Majesty's forces?

This man was passed as fit for service in the Royal Naval Reserve in January, 1916. At that date men enlisting in the Navy were not classified in medical categories. I may perhaps point out that it would be quite impossible always to detect by a single medical examination disabilites of the nature from which this man suffers, more especially in the early stages of the malady. The man was admitted to hospital for observation after 10 days' service at the depot, and a month later, whilst still in hospital, was discharged from the service on account of delusions, being subsequently certified insane and removed to an Asylum some three months after enlistment. As I have already stated, this case has received the fullest consideration by my medical advisers, and I am satisfied that the man's unfortunate condition is in no way related to his few days' home service.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the amount of money constituting the Royal Irish Constabulary Fund, and what is the number of subscribers to it; and, seeing that it is the general wish of the subscribers that the fund should be wound up and that this course would be advantageous both to the Government and to the subscribers, if he will take steps to bring this about as soon as possible?

I have been asked to reply to this question. On the 30th June, 1922, the latest date for which detailed figures are available, the value of the investments standing to the credit of the benefit branch of the Constabulary Force Fund, to which I assume my hon. Friend is referring, amounted according to the valuation of the National Debt Office to the sum of £229,675, while on that date the subscribers to the fund numbered 97 officers and 3,985 men of other ranks, all of whom are now pensioners. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer to the reply given on 19th February last by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies to a question by the hon. Member for Belfast South (Mr. Moles).

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies how many of 1,319 awards in respect of damage done by either the forces of the Crown or other persons in Ireland gazetted for payment, amounting to £1,606,616, have been paid to date by the Free State Government; what is the total sum disbursed; and of this sum what refund has been made by the British Government to the Free State Government under the agreement recently arrived at?

In reply to the first and second parts of the question, I have nothing at present to add to the figures given in the Paper presented to Parliament on the 9th instant, from which it will be seen that none of these awards had been paid on that date. In reply to the third part of the question, the Free State Government has not yet presented their claim to the British Government for a refund of the due proportion of the sum paid in respect of awards by the Compensation (Ireland) Commission.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is now in a position to indicate the nature of the proposals discussed with Dr. W. J. Black, the Deputy Minister for Immigration for Canada?

As a result of discussions with Dr. W. J. Black (the Deputy Minister of Immigration for Canada), agreements were signed on the 11th inst. by the Secretary of State for the Colonies and the High Commissioner for Canada providing for

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the steps taken by the Secretary for Chinese Affairs to satisfy himself that no girl under the age of 19 years is allowed to enter the brothels of Hong Kong; what is the nature of the evidence of age produced to this official; and what evidence does the girl herself take to the brothel-keeper to show that the Secretary of Chinese Affairs has given the girl permission to enter a brothel?

According to the Governor's report, where doubt exists as to a girl's age, the Committee of the Po Leung Kuk is consulted and if doubt still remains permission is refused. The statement of the girl herself is not accepted as evidence of age. Brothels are visited to check the ages of the inmates and cases of unregistered girls or girls apparently under 19 years of age are reported. As regards the last part of the question, I have no information, but I will ask the Governor for a report.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether British patrols upon the Abyssinian border have captured men raiding for slaves in certain districts of Kenya Colony; whether the rifles of these raiders have been confiscated; and whether the Abyssinian Government stamp has frequently been found on the rifles?

My right hon. Friend is unable to confirm these allegations, but will make inquiry of the officer administering the Government of Kenya on the subject..

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make any statement as to the position in Tanganyika in connection with the new taxes on and regulations for traders?

I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member for Sevenoaks (Sir T. Bennett) yesterday.

asked the Home Secretary whether the recent revision of police pay and the reported likelihood of further revision has in any way affected the recruiting of the police forces in this country either in respect of numbers or type; and whether, considering the increased duties now being thrown on police forces generally, he can state whether, in the opinion of the police authorities generally, the value of the police as an effective force is likely to be affected by an extension of the policy of economy?

As a measure of economy, recruiting for the police has been almost wholly suspended for a year; but I do not think that the "cuts" which were made in March, 1922, and are to he continued in the current financial year, will be found to have prejudicially affected the number or quality of the candidates for appointment. As to the attitude of the local police authorities, the measures taken have, I believe, had their entire assent.

asked the Home Secretary whether the police can now announce what will be the traffic regulations for the football cup tie final at the Wembley Stadium on the 28th April?

Owing to the disappointingly slow progress made in preparing the approaches to the ground; the issue of the necessary traffic regulations has been unavoidably delayed. They will be issued as soon as possible. The Commissioner of Police regrets the inconvenience occasioned by the delay, which, as will be seen, has been due to causes entirely beyond his control.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is intended to introduce legislation to give effect to any provisions of the Economy (Miscellaneous) Provisions Bill other than those included in the Fees (Increase) Bill?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on the 20th February last. In addition to the Bills mentioned therein the provisions of the Economy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill relating to the consolidation of police forces will be introduced in the form of a separate Bill. Certain other provisions of the Economy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill will now be incorporated in other Bills.

asked the Prime Minister the general line of the Government proposals with respect to the renewal or modification of the Rent Restrictions Act?

I am afraid that I cannot make any general statement, in anticipation of the introduction of the Bill.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is yet in a position to announce the constitution of the proposed Committee to inquire into building prices; and whether similar power will be given to this Committee, as is allowed in Canada under the Combines Investigation Act, to summon witnesses and to compel the production of books and papers in all cases where there are suspicions that unreasonable prices are being tusked by the manufacturers of building materials?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to announce the constitution of that Committee, as it is not yet completed. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Tottenham North (Mr. It. Morrison) on the 28th ultimo.

asked the Minister of Health how many housing schemes were sanctioned by the late Government under the housing schemes; how many schemes were suspended owing to the economy decision; how many houses were declared to be needed; how many were sanctioned; and how many have been actually erected?

The total number of houses which will be provided is 176,000, included in over 4,500 schemes. In addition, 39,181 houses have been provided under the builders' subsidy scheme. The total number of houses completed on the 1st instant was 198,183. It is not possible to state how many additional schemes would have been proceeded with if the previous assisted scheme had been continued. According to the survey made by local authorities in 1919, the gross estimate of the number of houses required to meet the shortage due to overcrowding was 506,700. In view of the difficulty of obtaining reliable estimates, however, it must not be taken that I regard this as representing the effective demand for houses.

asked the Minister of Health if columns 6, 7, and 8 of Appendix IV of the majority Report of the Royal Commission on the Local Government of Greater London are based on a uniform valuation for assessment of all the areas concerned; and, if not, whether he will have prepared for the benefit and guidance, of the large number of local authorities and the great population concerned, a similar table showing the effect of the proposed equalisation scheme if applied to the proposed area for equalisation on the basis of uniform valuation for assessment purposes?

The calculations referred to by the hon. Member are based upon the valuations shown in the local valuation lists. It would be impracticable, without a special valuation, to adopt the course suggested in the last part of the question.

asked the Minister of Health if he will furnish a list of the districts in which the public vaccinator is paid by salary, the amount of the salary in each case, and the number of vaccinations performed by each such public vaccinator during the latest year for which the figures are available?

I will furnish the hon. Member with a statement giving the information which he desires.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether any steps have been taken to inquire into cases of piracy against British and Canadian schooners on the high seas of New Jersey and Long Island coasts; whether any such cases have been established by reliable evidence; and what action it is proposed to taken the matter?

I must refer the hon. Member to the replies which I gave him on the 11th and 12th inst. We have no' information as to the occurrence of any incident of this kind beyond what has appeared in the Press. The matter does not appear to call for any action.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much Income Tax, Schedule A and B, and Super-tax has been paid or foregone during the last year owing to farming losses?

I regret that the information for which my hon. and gallant Friend asks is not available.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what are the functions and duties of the agricultural assessor attached to the agricultural tribunal of investigation; whether he is considered to be a member of that tribunal; and, if not, whether he was authorised to affix his signature, as a member, to the interim Report?

I have been asked to reply. The agricultural assessor was appointed to advise the members of the tribunal from time to time on any technical matter relating to agriculture on which they might desire to have his opinion. I am informed that they invited the assessor to sign the Report as expressing his concurrence in the recommendations, but I would point out to the hon. Member that the assessor has expressly signed the Report as assessor, and not as a member of the tribunal.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether his Department have urged the railway companies to afford special treatment to agriculture by immediately reducing all rates affecting agriculture, as suggested in the interim Report issued by the agricultural tribunal?

I have addressed no representation to the railway companies that they should accord special treatment to any particular interests, but I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the announcement made on the 12th instant in regard to the recommendations of the agricultural tribunal, which included an intimation of the Government's view that the railway companies are in a position to reduce charges, but that the remedy lies in the hands of the industry itself, which can make application to the Railway Rates Tribunal established by Parliament for determining railway charges. I understand that the railway companies are meeting agricultural interests this week.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give the number of quarries, lead, and tin mines that have been closed since the War and arc now closed; and the number of people that were employed at them?

The number of mines producing lead that have been closed since the War and are still closed is 52, and the number of persons employed in them 1,000; the corresponding figures for mines producing tin are 55 and 3,282 respectively. Similar particulars for quarries are not available, but 5,208 quarries employing 67,489 persons were working in 1922 as compared with 3,837 quarries employing 40,790 persons in 1918.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Miss Lamb, of Broxburn, was refused unemployment benefit, on the ground that she declined to accept domestic service in Edinburgh; that the young lady has been employed as a shop assistant for some years, and therefore was not competent to undertake the work offered; and whether, in view of the circumstances, payment will now be made?

I am making inquiries locally, and will communicate the result to the hon. Member.

(who had not handed in his name at the table) asked the Minister of Labour the proportion of the sum voted by Parliament last autumn towards relief work for the unemployed which has now been actually expended; and whether he will consider employing the balance as soon as possible, since it is now more urgently needed than it may be during the summer months, when there will be increased opportunities of obtaining work?

It is not possible at the moment to state the sum actually expended on relief work, but my right hon. Friend indicated to the House on the 8th March, during the Debate on the Vote on Account, the amounts which had then been allocated from the sums set aside by the Government in November, 1922, for assisting local authorities during the winter 1922–23. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that local authorities are proceeding with approved schemes with all possible rapidity, and any further schemes which are submitted by them will receive the prompt and sympathetic consideration of the grant-making Departments.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether a recent inspection of the elementary schools of England has been made; and, if so, how many have been reported as defective structurally and insanitary and how many as unfit for further use as elementary schools, respectively?

The inspection of public elementary schools is always in progress though the staff available for the work is limited. The information furnished by the inspector's reports has not been summarised in a way which would enable me to give the particulars asked for, but all serious cases are discussed with the local education authority in relation to their plans for the provision of school accommodation in the district, in order that, when the conditions require immediate action, what is necessary shall be done. Since 1914 there has been so much difficulty in building that many school buildings are now below the standard desirable, but every endeavour is made to secure that schools which are actually insanitary or otherwise unfit for use are either improved or replaced.

asked the First Commissioner of Works if he is aware that in Richmond Park there are no public lavatories; and if, owing to the very large numbers of people who visit this park, he will take steps to see that this state of affairs is remedied?

I will consider the possibility of adopting the hon. Member's suggestion, though I fear it is impossible, on account of the expenditure involved.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is prepared to reconsider the reinstitution of the penny rate for postage of letters and one-half-penny rate for postcards?

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in order to meet the wishes of the commercial community, he will make provision for the transmission of letters not exceeding ½ oz. in weight at a penny rate of postage; whether he will give some increased facilities for communication on halfpenny postcards and whether he will substitute for the existing charge for parcel postage a scale of charges based upon the weight of the article transmitted, but starting at ½ lb. instead of 2 lbs.?

The reductions in postal charges which it is proposed to effect this year were announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Budget Speech yesterday. I regret it is not practicable at present to return to 1d. postage or id. postcards.

asked the Postmaster-General when he proposes abolishing spark stations of high-power coming under the Post Office

So long as spark reception is generally employed by ships, and is in harmony with the International Radiotelegraph Regulations, it is not practicable to abolish that system at the Post Office coast stations. These stations, however, are not high-power stations. The power varies from 1½ to 5 kilowatts, with the exception of a station of 10 kilowatts in South-west Ireland.

asked the Postmaster-General what is the esitmated capital cost of the new high-power wireless station which he proposes to erect; and whether any estimate has been prepared of the actual revenue and expenditure of the station?

The power of the station has not yet been finally determined, and I am therefore unable at present to state the capital cost. The estimates of annual revenue and expenditure will depend to a large extent upon this and other factors which have not yet been decided on.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he-can give an undertaking that no proceedings will be taken against amateur constructors of wireless receiving sets pending future Regulations on the subject and when may these be expected?

No proceedings will be taken in such cases until have made an announcement as to the conditions under which persons who make their own receiving sets can obtain licences. I hope to make such an announcement at a very early date.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will consider the advisability of recommending to the Government legislation against the abuse of reaction?

Reaction on the broadcasting wave-lengths during broadcasting hours is specifically forbidden in all receiving licences which are now being issued. Further legislation on this point is not necessary.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the present hours fixed by the Regulations during which printed-paper packets prepaid one halfpenny may be posted for despatch on the day of posting causes great inconvenience to traders throughout the country; and whether he can see his way to extending the hours for the posting of such packets?

To meet representations received from various quarters, my predecessor decided to extend the latest time for posting halfpenny packets for the night mails from 3.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. generally. In some places it has teen found possible to fix the hour a little later. I could not sanction any further extension of time without relinquishing administrative benefits and substantial savings.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the estimated cost of establishing a telephone at Abbey St. Bathans has been variously stated as £67, £57, £53 and 220; how were the figures arrived at in each case; and what are the details of the estimate now put forward?

These estimates, made over a period of three years, varied partly because of changes in price levels and partly because of an error in estimating the length of new pole work required. A special concession was finally made in view of the fact that a length of derelict line in the neighbourhood could be taken down and re-erected to provide a circuit for the call office.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will consider the bringing into use on the telephone system of a substitute word for nine or for five, in order to obviate confusion from similarity of sounds?

I beg to refer the hon. Member to the answer—which still holds good—to a. similar question given to him on the 26th July last.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the only public telephone in Cholsey, Berkshire, is placed in the post office without a cabinet, and whether, in view of the inconvenience of a telephone without privacy, he will arrange for the erection of a cabinet?

I am making inquiry in the matter, and will let the hon. Member know the result.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that there is dissatisfaction with the system of postal delivery in the landward district of Coldstream-on-Tweed; that letters are not received in time for replies to be despatched the same day; and will he endeavour to improve the service and so assist the agricultural industry?

I will have inquiry made, and will write to the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Postmaster-General the amount of the emoluments paid to the sub-postmaster of the Westminster Bridge Road town sub-office; and whether, having regard to the recommendation of the Select Committee appointed by the House of Commons in 1912, he will convert this town sub-office into a branch office?

The emoluments at this office, excluding bonus, are about £495 a year. I am not prepared to alter the status of the office at present.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the mails, carrying bills of lading from London to Shanghai, are frequently delivered after the arrival by slower cargo boats carrying the goods, and thus making it necessary for the goods to be stored at considerable expense in godowns pending the arrival of the bills of lading; and whether he will inquire into the matter with a view to remedying the complaint?

It has been arranged for an additional mail for Shanghai to be sent overland, for conveyance from Suez by the fast steamers of the Holt Line. Since this arrangement was introduced early last month, I understand that the inconvenience mentioned by the hon. Member has ceased.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the local authority at Bathgate have, an behalf of the trading community, requested postal facilities for the Bridgend district of that town, which is a considerable distance away; and whether he will consider establishing a sub-office or in some other way meet the needs of the district?

I understand that the centre of Bridgend is not more than 600 yards from the Bathgate head post office. It. would be contrary to practice to establish a new sub-post office within so short a distance of a head post office. The present facilities appear to meet the reasonable requirements of the neighbourhood.