asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if there are opportunities provided by the Soviet Government for ascertaining what are the facts regarding the export of grain, the state of industry, and the present condition of the people of Russia; whether the Government is in possession of information on these points which can be published; and, if not, will steps be taken to obtain such information?

Information on these subjects is published by the Soviet Government. His Majesty's Government also receive such information from other sources, but not in a form suitable for publication.

Can we have any information as to what is going on in the interior of Russia?

The right hon. Gentleman had better put that question on the Paper.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when he will be in a position to make public the terms of the new Note to the Russian Government?

My hon. Friend is not yet in a position to make any statement on the subject.

Will the Russian Government be asked to make any reply, or, if the reply is not satisfactory, will action be taken without this House being consulted?

I think the hon. and gallant Gentleman had better wait until we get the reply.

If the letter makes a threat, will the House be consulted before the threat is implemented?

I could not say.

Has not the Prime Minister already said that the House will be consulted?

Can we be informed why the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs is not present on the one day of the week when Foreign Office questions are asked?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the diplomatic Note of protest to the Russian Government has yet been drawn up; whether it has been forwarded to Moscow for presentation to that Government; and when he will be in a position to state the terms of the Note?

My hon. Friend can as yet add nothing to the reply given to the Noble Lord the Member for South Battersea on 30th April.

Does that mean that the Note has not yet been decided on by the Cabinet?

I cannot add anything to the answer already given.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why a passport was refused in September, 1922, to Mr. Andrew Rothstein, a British subject desiring to travel to Russia?

The passport was refused because, in view of Mr. Rothstein's intimate connections with the Soviet Government and of the fact that his Russian parentage should entitle him to receive a Russian passport, it did not seem desirable to extend to him the facilities and privileges which the possession of a British passport would confer on him abroad.

Is there any precedent for a British subject, who has served in the British Army, being referred to a foreign Power for a passport?

If the gentleman is of Russian parentage and is entitled to a Russian passport, is that not good enough for him?

Are there not members of the aristocracy who are of German and Russian descent and all kinds of descent?

And members of the Labour party, too.

Yes; why not? I do not confine my remark to any particular class. This is a disgrace. It is done simply because he is only a workman's son.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is now in a position, in view of recent events, to give this House an assurance that the diplomatic privileges at present enjoyed by the Russian Trade Delegation in London will be withdrawn?

The whole question of our relations with the Soviet Government is at present under consideration, and my hon. Friend is not as yet in a position to make a statement.

Is it not a fact that quite recently a notorious Communist was arrested in Italy, and that there were found on him three Bank of England notes, two for £1,000 and one for £500, and that these notes were traced to Soviet House, London?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman cannot answer such a question without notice.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman endorse the Prime Minister's pledge that no such action as is indicated will be taken without the assent of the House?

I cannot do that.

A junior Minister does not endorse the Prime Minister's statements.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government, in considering whether they shall consent to the continued presence in London of the Russian Trade Commission, have taken into consideration the fact that the total trade between this country and Russia did not, during the year and three-quarters ending with 31st December last, reach a value of 19 millions sterling, and that this same commission represents a Government which has robbed British subjects of all their possessions in Russia and persistently refuses to make restitution to the owners?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, as the result of the joint resolution introduced by Mr. Porter in the United States House of Representatives in January last, and subsequently passed by Congress, representations have been made by the United States Government to His Majesty's Government with regard to the necessity of limiting the production of opium to the amount actually required for medicinal and scientific purposes; and, if so, what reply has been sent?

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

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the new Constitution of Rumania endangers the religious and linguistic rights of the alien minorities in that country; whether he is aware that Rumania thereby contravenes the Articles of the Minority Treaty concluded between Rumania and the principal allied and associated Powers on the 9th December, 1919; and whether, in accordance with the Articles of that Treaty, he will instruct the British representative on the Council of the League of Nations to bring to the attention of the Council the infraction, or danger of infraction, of the obligations of the Treaty?

Under Articles 22 and 24 of the new Rumanian Constitution freedom of worship and education is in principle guaranteed to religious and linguistic minorities in Rumania. The methods by which this principle shall in practice be applied is reserved for subsequent legislation, and until the nature of such legislation has been decided it would be premature to assume that the provisions of the Rumanian Minorities Treaties will not be fulfilled. The third part of the hon. Member's question does not, therefore, arise.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this question was raised at the last Council meeting in the very strongest terms by the Hungarian representatives, and that there was a very bitter debate upon it? Cannot he give the House better information?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the inhabitants of Bulgarian villages in Western Thrace have been deported to Greek islands; and whether, in view of the fact that the Greek Government signed a treaty with the Allied Powers guaranteeing freedom and security to racial minorities, His Majesty's Government will, in accordance with the terms of that treaty, instruct the British representative to raise the question of Greek administration in Western Thrace at the next Council of the League of Nations?

My hon. Friend understands that the Greek military authorities have deported a certain number of Bulgarian, Turkish and Greek villagers from the frontier villages on the ground of their proved complicity with the Bulgarian bands which have for some time been active upon the frontier, and which constitute a menace to the communications of the Greek forces in Eastern Thrace. The matter has already been referred to the Council of the League of Nations by the Bulgarian Government themselves, and was fully discussed at the last session of the Council.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman see that steps are taken to have a special and full report made on the matter?

I will ask my hon. Friend to consider that request.

asked the Prime Minister whether the decision of the Ambassadors' Conference to hand over Eastern Galicia to Poland requires the ratification of Great Britain; and, if so, when this House will have an opportunity of discussing whether that ratification should take place?

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

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what countries are represented at the Conference on Near Eastern Peace now being held at Lausanne?

My hon. Friend would refer the hon. Member to the reply which he gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) on 18th April. All the Powers invited to send delegates to the Conference have done so.

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman think that a settlement can possibly be reached if one of the Powers chiefly interested, namely, Russia, is not a consenting party?

The hon. Member had better put that question on the Paper.

Without making any reflection on the hon. and gallant Gentleman, may I ask how it is that he is attempting to answer these questions and why the Under-Secretary is not present?

My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary is fulfilling a very important engagement at one of the Embassies, and he hopes that the courtesy of the House will be extended to him in the circumstances.

I quite accept that explanation, of course.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now able to make any statement with regard to the progress of the negotiations at Lausanne?

My hon. Friend regrets that he cannot, at the present stage, add anything to the statements which are appearing daily in the Press.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman give me any information as to the attitude of France and the statement in the Press as to the military precautions to be taken in connection with Turkey?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put that question on the Paper.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further information about the Chester Concession in Turkey; and whether the Concession affects British interests in Turkey in any way?

His Majesty's Government have just received a voluminous document which is stated to comprise the whole of the Chester Concessions. As far as examination has hitherto revealed, British commercial interests in Turkey are only concerned in connection with the construction of the harbour works at Samsoun, for which a British company claims a preliminary contract concluded with the Turkish Government in 1911; and the construction of a railway extension in Iraq territory to Mosul and Suleimanieh, with mining rights along the line. The Acting British High Commissioner at Constantinople has been instructed to register an emphatic protest against the grant by the Turkish Government of rights within the borders of Iraq, and declare that the validity of any such grant could not be recognised by His Majesty's Government.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the terms of the Chester concession have already been published in an American newspaper? Is it not possible for the Government to lay the terms on the Table?

I will communicate the suggestion to the Under-Secretary.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the position in international law as to the extent of territorial waters; how many States recognise the definite three-mile limit; how many States do not recognise this limit; and what was the conclusion reached on this subject at the Barcelona Conference in March and April, 1921?

The only rule which can be said to have received general recognition as defining the extent of territorial waters is that prescribing a limit of three miles drawn from low-water mark. My hon. Friend understands, however, that a number of States have at different times claimed to exercise jurisdiction for various specific purposes over a wider limit. No conclusion was reached on this subject at the Barcelona Conference.

In view of the very great importance of this matter to us as a maritime Power, will the Government consider the calling of an international conference finally to settle this very difficult question?

Has this country at any time, with any nation, recognised any limit outside the three miles limit?

Not that I am aware of.

Did not one of the hon. and gallant Gentleman's colleagues, in answer to a question yesterday, show that in Ceylon there is a limit of 12 to 20 miles claimed by the British Government?

That is under very special conditions, as the hon. Member will see from the answer to another question to-day.

Is there any country which claims more than a three-miles limit which does not do so for very special reasons?

Have any foreign subjects been seized by the British Government for infringing this rule?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that Messrs. Nicoll and Son, iron, steel and metal merchants, of Dundee, purchased through a London house last December a large quantity of steel tubes for the Banff and Macduff District Gas Company, to be supplied by a firm at Düsseldorf; that the tubes were despatched to Duisberg on 24th January for conveyance thence by canal to the sea board; that the French military authorities stopped their despatch; that all attempts to get these goods through either viâ Rotterdam or Bremen have failed, and that serious inconvenience and loss are being increased by the delay; if definite representations have been made by His Majesty's Government in this particular case, which was notified to the Board of Trade on 21st March last, and what reply has been received; whether there is an immediate prospect of these goods being released and, if not, seeing that this case is typical, and that many tons of goods contracted for by British firms continue to be held up in the Ruhr district, what steps His Majesty's Government propose to take through international arbitration or otherwise to test the legality of French action in hampering British trade in territory over which German sovereign rights have not been abrogated by any process of international law recognised by His Majesty's Government?

Particulars of this contract were forwarded to the British High Commissioner at Coblenz with instructions to endeavour to secure the release of the goods, and a report is being called for as to the present position of the matter. As regards the action taken by His Majesty's Government relative to the hampering of British trade with the occupied territories of Germany, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by the President of the Board of Trade on the 12th April, and to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Westbury on 23rd April.

On what date was the inquiry sent out to Coblenz?

I cannot say.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if the additional appointment of an assistant superintendent at the Royal Naval Cordite Factory, Holton Heath, will in any way affect, either financially or numerically, the present technical staff of that Department?

Yes, Sir. We hope to effect some reduction in the number of the staff, but what the reduction will be has not yet been determined. The emoluments of the technical staff at the factory will not be affected.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the total number of established men employed in His Majesty's dockyards for each year since 1918.

As the reply contains many figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it would be possible to effect an economy in naval expenditure at Hong Kong by amalgamating the naval and military hospitals; and, in view of the fact that the naval hospital is very near to the reclamation being carried out in the harbour and of the very high price of land ruling in the colony, if he will consider the advisability of disposing of the site of the present naval hospital, for which a large sum of money could be obtained?

This question was carefully considered by the Board of Admiralty 12 months ago, and later came under the review of the Committee appointed by the late Government to consider the amalgamation of services common to the Navy, Army, and Air Force. The conclusion arrived at was that there would not be a sufficient margin of accommodation if amalgamation were to take place. This would especially be the case as regards officers; the military hospital at Hong Kong having only six equipped beds for officers.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman fully aware of the sum which could be obtained for the site of the present naval hospital, and that it would be sufficient to build another one and have some money in hand?

I am afraid I am unable to answer that question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty who is to continue Sir Julian Corbett's work on the naval operations in the War; and when the next volume is to be expected?

As regards the first part of the question, I hope a decision will be reached shortly. As regards the second, I understand that the next volume will be published about October.

As most of this information has already been revealed by the late First Lord, is it necessary to spend more public money on this purpose?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what number of workpeople of all grades are at present employed on the work of the new battleship on the Tyne?

The total number of workpeople employed on the vessel in question is 109. The number is affected by the lock-out of the members of the United Society of Boilermakers and Iron and Steel Shipbuilders, as work on the steel structure of the ship is in consequence at a standstill.

Does not the very small number employed now compare very unfavourably with the number employed a week or a fortnight ago?

I am not sure that I can answer that question. Of the number of 109 mentioned, 55 were engaged on machinery at Wallsend and 54 at Armstrong's, probably in the drawing office. The ship has now arrived at a stage where a great number of men could be employed if there were no labour problem.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of years able seamen are now serving before advancement to leading seamen; the number of years served by leading seamen before advancement to petty officer; the number of years served by petty officers before advancement to chief petty officer; which branches have automatic promotion; and how time served for advancement by those branches which possess automatic promotion compares with those whose advancement is by depôt roster?

The average periods served as able seaman, leading seaman and petty officer by seaman ratings advanced during the quarter ending 31st December, 1922, were 5·15, 4·13 and 7·45 years respectively. The only branch with automatic promotion, other than the obsolescent armourer branch, is the writer branch, the corresponding standard periods for which are 3, 3 and 4 years respectively.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if the committees on accommodation in His Majesty's ships and establishments and on relative rank in His Majesty's Navy are now sitting; if he can give the composition of the committees; whether it is intended to take evidence from commissioned officers, from warrant rank, and warrant officers; and if it is intended to appoint a representative of these ranks on these committees?

As the reply is somewhat long, I will, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of suicides that have occurred in all ranks during the years 1921 and 1922?

The total number of suicides in the Naval Forces for 1921 was 21, out of an average number of 123,000 persons It is regretted the figure for 1922 is not yet available.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty whether the officers and men serving in destroyer flotillas employed in Turkish waters have been paid hard-lying money; and, if not, whether, in view of the duties these flotillas have been engaged upon, authority will be given for such payment?

Payment is not being made to ratings serving in those flotillas, as the Admiralty have no reason to think that the conditions of service are such as to justify payment. The payment of hard-lying money to officers serving in torpedo boat destroyers was abolished in 1919 on the introduction of the improved rates of naval pay.

Is it not a fact that officials of the Admiralty are already well paid for performing a similar task?

That is the purport of my answer.

The hon. and gallant. Gentleman evidently cannot see the joke.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the hardship suffered by families of naval ratings and Royal Marines under 25 years of age and of the continued high cost of living, it will be possible to reduce the minimum age for payment of marriage allowance from 25 years to 21 years for the current financial year?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty whether, having regard to the great difference between the conditions of service in the Atlantic Fleet and those in the China and East Indies squadrons, the scale of foreign service leave can be increased for 21 days for each year of such service?

Although men serving in the Atlantic Fleet get 42 days' leave a year, this is to compensate them for the absence of weekend leave and other advantages which service at a home port carries with it. The grant of 10 days' drafting leave to men before proceeding abroad in effect raises the scale of foreign service leave to approximately 19 days a year, and as drafting is so arranged that all men get about the same amount of foreign, Atlantic Fleet and home harbour service, no reason is seen for altering existing arrangements.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to the remarks made by the Secretary to the United States Navy with reference to the difference in extreme elevation, and consequent difference in range, of the heavy guns of the United States fleet and the British fleet; and whether any statement can be made showing the actual facts regarding the elevation and range of the heavy guns in the two fleets?

It is understood that the maximum service elevation and range of the main armament guns of United States battleships range from 15 degrees elevation and 21,000 yards' range to 30 degrees elevation and 34,500 yards, and of British ships from 20 degrees elevation and 23,800 yards to 30 degrees elevation and 30,300 yards. I propose, with my Noble and gallant Friend's permission, to circulate fuller details in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

In view of the fact that the Japanese also intend to increase the elevation of the guns on all their capital ships, could not we enter into communication with both Governments to stop a fresh race in armaments?

We do not propose to alter the elevation, and although the Americans appropriated money for that purpose, they have, on our assurance that we are not going to do so, abandoned the idea. My hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Maidstone (Commander Bellairs) has raised an entirely different question.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman explain to us what we have to fear from the quality of the American guns?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the Serbian Government has contracted a loan of 300,000,000 francs with France for the purchase of war material to be furnished by French armament firms; and whether any arrangement has been discussed between His Majesty's Government and the Serbian Government in regard to the repayment of the Serbian debt to this country or for the payment of any interest thereon?

My hon. Friend understands that negotiations have for some time been proceeding between the French and the Serb-Croat-Slovene Government, but he has no information that a loan has actually been concluded. In regard to the second part of the hon. Member's question, the Serb-Croat-Slovene Government have been asked to deposit interest bearing Treasury bills for their debt to this country.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give an assurance that it is the considered policy of his Department to encourage the establish ment of joint industrial councils and to advise the maintenance of such councils already formed?

It is the policy of my Department to encourage the establishment of joint industrial councils in suitable cases, and to help to maintain those already formed. The experience of the working of these councils, having regard to the difficult times through which industry has been passing, has proved the great value of this form of voluntary joint machinery, by which employers' and workers' representatives meet regularly for the purpose of considering matters affecting their industries.

asked the Minister of Labour whether local authorities which receive grants from the Government Grants Committee, and are therefore obliged to employ 75 per cent. ex-service men, are allowed to include in this 75 per cent. men who served the country in wars previous to 1914?

Men who did not serve in His Majesty's Forces during the Great War cannot under the Regulations be counted in the percentage referred to by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour the terms under which he is training disabled ex-service men for setting up in shopkeeping and household repair work; and whether any provision is subsequently made for affording them that financial assistance, which is essential to their making good?

The course of training for small shopkeepers lasts three months. Part is given in an institution and part in a shop. Men are not placed in training unless local evidence shows that there is an opening in which they are likely to do well. A grant is made at the conclusion of training. The course of training for general repairs will last 12 months. The course includes rough carpentry, minor household repairs, simple accounts and elementary estimating. A grant may be made at the conclusion of training, if satisfactory.

asked the Minister of Labour the allocation by counties of the 70,000 to 80,000 disabled ex-service men who are still unemployed so that, since this condition of affairs is being dealt with by counties, there may be greater stimulation in providing the necessary work for these men?

Figures of disabled men unemployed, county by county, could not be compiled without very considerable expense, and I doubt whether they would be of much service when obtained. The King's Roll Committees now set up for cities and boroughs and the larger urban districts are setting to work to ascertain accurately the numbers and names of the disabled men unemployed in their own areas, and this is, I think, the most effective basis on which to proceed.

asked the Minister of Labour what was the result of the Ministry's scheme for the special training of ex-service men for work in the building trade?

I assume that my hon. Friend refers to the scheme for the training and employment of non-disabled ex-service men which was instituted by the late Government. I understand that, as a result of the continued depression in the building industry, it was found to be impossible to absorb more than a small proportion of the applicants for training under the scheme and that it was finally abandoned.

Is it not a fact that the real reason for the abandonment of this scheme for training ex-service men in the building trade was the opposition of the building trade unions?

Is it not the case that the attitude of the building operatives to this matter was very largely due to the fact of 100,000 building operatives being unemployed?

At that date, 1920, when application was made for 50,000 ex-service men to be absorbed into the building trade, was there not plenty of work for these men to do?

asked the Minister of Health whether he will take some action in furtherance of village settlement schemes for tuberculosis ex-service men, as recommended by the Barlow Report of 1918, by the establishment of additional settlements; and whether it is now contemplated to complete the village settlements at Papworth Hall, Cambridgeshire, and Barrowmore, in Cheshire?

I have recently discussed this question with representatives of the British Legion at a meeting at which my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions was also present. I am endeavouring to arrange for a personal visit to the settlement at Papworth, and also to that at Preston Hall, Kent, during the Whitsun Recess, and I hope to be able to arrive at a final decision on the whole question very soon afterwards.

Would the right hon. Gentleman, in making that inquiry, take into consideration also the position of this matter in Scotland, in which there are no village settlements at all?

That, I suppose, will arise on consideration of the whole matter.

asked the Minister of Labour how many strikes have occurred between co-operative societies and their workers for the year ending 31st March, 1923; and how many workers were involved?

During the year ended 31st March, 1923, 12 disputes, resulting in stoppages of work, were reported to the Ministry of Labour as having arisen between co-operative societies in Great Britain and their employés. The total number of workpeople involved in these disputes was approximately 2,640.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any knowledge of a strike at Silvertown, where the workers demanded a living wage from a co-operative society?

I have no special information on that subject, but if the hon. Member wishes to put down a question on the Paper I will get particulars.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also tell us how the numbers compare with those in regard to strikes by employés of capitalist organisations?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the increasing dissatisfaction amongst contributors to the Unemployment Insurance Fund with regard to the present regulations governing the administration of uncovenanted benefit; and can he expedite his promised reconsideration of these regulations so as to expedite the operation of any modifications which may result?

I have no evidence that there is increasing dissatisfaction with regard to the rules for the grant of uncovenanted benefit. I would refer the hon. Member to my speech on the Estimates for the Ministry of Labour on 26th April, when I explained the result of the special consideration which I have recently given to this matter, together with modifications I proposed in certain directions.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, owing to the operation of the gap period in the new insurance scheme, increasing hardship occurs, where uncovenanted benefit has also been reduced; and can he say how soon he will announce his decision, after the reconsideration which has been promised?

As I have already indicated, I did make an announcement on the Estimates, when the hon. Member had an opportunity of assisting us with any suggestions he had to make.

Has the Minister of Labour not received a large number of complaints with regard to the Regulations governing the provision of uncovenanted benefit for single persons?

I have had issues raised by question and answer, and otherwise, in the House, but the number of complaints received from the country has been—in view of the statements made in the House—somewhat surprisingly small.

Arising out of the answer to my supplementary question, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it was not my fault that I was unable to assist him in the way he suggests, as I was not successful in catching the eye of the Chair?

asked the Minister of Labour whether, considering that all but about £200,000 of the £4,214,357, the estimated cost of the Employment Exchange service, is in respect of the administration of unemployment insurance, he will now abolish the Employment Exchange service and place the latter under its proper designation of Unemployment Insurance service?

The expressions "Employment Exchange service" and "Unemployment Insurance service" are nearly, but not quite, synonymous, and I am afraid I do not see how any economy or other advantage would be gained by abolishing the former expression.

What is the good of keeping up a Government Department like the Employment Exchanges when neither workmen nor employers ever think of going to them?

As there are 1,300,000 people resorting to them every week, I should have thought there was a very good reason for keeping them up.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether he is aware that the practice of paying the sum of 14s. 6d. per diem to the Labour representatives on the unemployment advisory committees attached to the Employment Exchanges is likely to lead to the creation of a class of professional almoners; and, if so, whether he will consider the possibility of arranging that periodical changes shall be made in the composition of such representation;

(2) whether he is aware that the practice of paying fees to the Labour representatives on the unemployment advisory committees attached to the Employment Exchanges is arousing discontent amongst the class of small tradesmen who give their services free at considerable loss and inconvenience to themselves; and whether he will reconsider the necessity of continuing this practice?

The members of the local employment committees receive no fees. The only payments made to them consist of (a) actual travelling expenses at third-class rates; (b) subsistence allowance at specified rates if they have to travel more than five miles or have to be away from home more than five hours; and (c) allowance for actual wages lost or other definite loss of remunerative time, subject to a maximum of 14s. a day. These allowances appear to me to be reasonable and I am not aware of any general dissatisfaction with them. It is not practicable to change the composition of the committees periodically except so far as changes occur in the normal course, but the work is distributed among the members as far as possible. I should, perhaps, add that unemployed members are not eligible to sit on rota committees dealing with benefit in relation to which most of the work arises at present.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if, in his opinion, the principle embodied in this question does not apply to the hon. Member who put the question, as a Member of this House?

That is a matter of argument.

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree with the imputation contained in the first part of the question, which refers to the distribution of charity? There is no such thing as charity, so far as these people are concerned. They are recipients of benefit for which they have paid. Will he consider the advisability of making the hon. Member for the Moseley Division of Birmingham (Mr. Hannon) Lord High Almoner of Great Britain?

asked the Minister of Labour if any statistics have been compiled or are compilable showing the average length of time during which highly-skilled workers have been unemployed since the War; and whether his Department has considered the concentration of its efforts on providing, otherwise than by unemployment pay, against the deterioration of their ability as a result of enforced idleness?

Statistics showing the average duration of unemployment are not available, though it is known generally that in a number of cases individuals, some of them belonging to skilled trades, have been unemployed for

asked the Minister of Health the total amount of out-relief and the amount in unemployment relief paid during the week ending 7th April in the 20 unions where unemployment is greatest, and the similar sums paid during the two following weeks?

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement giving the information desired.

asked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some employers of juveniles make a practice of dismissing them when they reach the age of 16 and of replacing them by boys or girls who have just left school; and, if so, what steps does he propose to take to discourage this practice?

I have no evidence that the practice referred to is at all general, and for obvious reasons it would be difficult to deal with it by means of official action. The juvenile employment committees, however, which exist in most of the larger towns, are well qualified to take such action as is likely to be useful by way of persuasion and advice.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered the request from the Member for South-West Bethnal Green, on behalf of a number of London Members, to receive a deputation concerning the re-opening of Deptford cattle market now that the embargo on the importation of Canadian cattle has been removed; and whether, seeing the urgent importance of this question to the Metropolitan area, he is now prepared to accede to this request?

In the absence of my right hon. Friend, I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the replies which I gave on 10th and 26th April to the hon. Member for Central Southwark (Mr. Gilbert) and the right hon. Member for Deptford (Mr. Bowerman), respectively. The War Office is desirous of giving up, without delay, the eastern half of the area, which I understand is the part which was used as a cattle market. The Army Council are already in active negotiation with the landlords on the subject, and I do not think, therefore, that the reception of a deputation at present would serve any useful purpose.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that, owing to the delay in coming to a decision in this matter, much of this trade is going to other parts of the country instead of to London, and that the City of London, who are the landlords in the matter, are more interested in getting the rents of this property than in providing market facilities for the people of London?

It is quite clear that the War Office want to terminate their agreement with regard to this part of the market, but they cannot force the landlords. It can only be done by arrangement, which is being pressed forward as much as possible.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the fact that, under the Government of Ireland Act, 1920, full power is reserved to the British Parliament to legislate for Northern Ireland on all matters, including those services which by the said Act are transferred to Northern Ireland, it is in pusuance of such reservation that since the said Act and the establishment of the Parliament of Northern Ireland moneys voted by this House have been transferred or paid to the Government of Northern Ireland to defray in whole or in part the expenses of services transferred to Northern Ireland?

I have been asked to answer this question. I do not fully understand the hon. Member's question, but if his object is to ascertain what Grants-in-aid have been made by the Imperial Parliament to the revenues of Northern Ireland, I would refer him to the Estimates for the year 1922–23, Unclassified Services, numbers 7 and 8, and for the current year, Unclassified Services, number 5.

May I have an answer to the first half of my question?

If I could understand it, I should be very glad to give an answer. Perhaps the hon. Member will explain it to me outside.

On a point of Order. I am endeavouring to ascertain whether Members of this House are entitled to put questions to the Prime Minister or to the Home Secretary with reference to the conduct of proceedings in Northern Ireland, having regard to the term of the Act of 1920. On that point, I should like to have your ruling, Mr. Speaker.

I think the hon. Member had better give me notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Labour whether there has been a trade dispute in connection with His Majesty's Stationery Office; what is the nature of the dispute; whether the men displaced have been replaced by men not belonging to the appropriate trade union; and what he proposes to do in the matter?

I am glad to be able to inform the hon. Member that an agreement on the matter in dispute was reached last week with the trade union concerned.

asked the Prime Minister if he can now make a statement as to the general nature of the programme of the coming Imperial Economic Conference?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the announcement explaining the general scope of the Imperial Economic Conference which was published in the Press on the 23rd April. I cannot at present add anything to that.

asked the Prime Minister what military operations are actually in process in Iraq in the form of punitive expeditions against the Kurds; and the circumstances under which these operations have been undertaken?

No such operations are in progress. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

As the hon. Gentleman says there are no operations in progress, may we be furnished with a statement of the actual distribution at the present moment of our forces in Iraq, say, as between Mosul and Bagdad?

That question should be put on the Paper.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now announce the Government's proposals regarding agricultural rating in Scotland?

This matter is still under consideration, and I am not yet in a position to make an announcement on the subject.

Will the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the House say why the Government, when making an important announcement of policy, cannot make an announcement of policy for Scotland also to the House, instead of always keeping us waiting weeks?

It is a question of financial adjustment. There is no difference of policy to be applied to the two countries. The difference is in the matter of financial adjustment owing to the difference in the rating systems.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that local authorities in Scotland commence the new financial year on the 16th of this month, and it is desirable that they should know at as early a date as possible?

I am aware of that, and we are using every effort to have this matter looked into as soon as possible.

asked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he has received representations from Scottish parish councils pressing for the repeal of Section 37 of The Poor Law (Scotland) Act, 1845, on the ground that the deductions which are now claimed are out of all proportion to what could have been contemplated when this Act was framed; that this year some of the claims have risen to over 300 per cent.; that in such circumstances the parish councils cannot accurately estimate the amount the rates will produce; and whether the Government will take steps to repeal or amend the section on the basis of gross rental now suggested by many of the parish councils?

Representations to the effect stated in the question have been received by my Noble Friend who is considering them together with the recommendation of the Departmental Committee on Local Taxation with respect to the repeal of Section 37 of the Poor Law (Scotland) Act, 1845.

asked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he has had his attention called to the report of a case in Wellington Street, Motherwell, where, owing to fissures in the walls of a block of houses, occasioned by mining subsidences underneath the property, two schoolboys in a house adjoining that wherein a doctor was conducting a surgical operation were overcome with chloroform fumes; whether he is aware of the damage to private, co-operative, and municipal property caused by mining subsidences; and whether he will give an assurance that His Majesty's Government will during the present Session introduce a Bill to compel owners or operators of minerals to pay compensation for damage done by reason of subsidences caused by underground workings?

I have been asked to answer this question. The circumstances mentioned in the first part of the question had not previously come to the notice of the Scottish Board of Health, but my hon. and gallant Friend is making inquiries. The general question of surface damage due to mining operations is under careful consideration by the Government, but no such legislation as the hon. Member suggests will be possible during the present Session.

Is not the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware of the very great interest that is taken in this subject by the local authorities throughout the country, and cannot he do something to secure tranquillity in this respect?

Yes, Sir, there is undoubtedly great interest taken in this very important question, and the matter is being very carefully considered at the present time.

asked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health if representations have been made by the Scottish local authorities asking the Government to bring in legislation to deal with the increasing evil of the consumption of methylated spirits as a beverage; and, if so, can he inform the House what action is intended to stop this practice?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The possibility of preventing the consumption of methylated spirits as a beverage is at present engaging the attention of the Departments concerned, but the problem is one of considerable difficulty.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the American Government intend to issue orders to vessels belonging to the American fleet to assist in preventing the landing in America of cargoes of rum and spirits, etc., carried by vessels engaged in rum-running and of the fact that large quantities of liquor are being consigned by British traders to British ports in the West Indies and elsewhere, which are being trans-shipped and carried along the American coasts on board vessels flying the British flag as well as by other vessels, he will say what steps he proposes to take to prevent the possibility of an armed conflict with vessels belonging to a friendly Power?

I have no official information with regard to the alleged intention of the United States Government to use vessels of the United States navy for preventive work, but I hesitate to believe that a friendly Power would attack British ships on the high seas. If, however, British ships break United States laws within United States territorial waters, they naturally render themselves liable to any general measures of control which the United States Government may institute.

Can the Government do anything to encourage the recognition and enforcement of the laws of a friendly State by British subjects?

The British Government have every desire that their citizens should act in conformity with the laws of friendly States.

Have the Government let it be known to the Governors of the islands there that they do not look upon this traffic with favour?