asked the President of the Board of Trade if, seeing that it is a Board of Trade Regulation that steamships must carry 15 bottles of port and eight bottles of brandy for a crew of 41 or over, he will see that this Regulation is strictly adhered to; and whether he will issue instructions that no clearance papers will be issued to a ship sailing from United Kingdom ports that does not comply with this Regulation?

The Regulations as to the supply of medical stores will continue to be enforced on the various classes of ships to which they apply, and I have no reason to think that further instructions are required.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can see his way to making arrangements that in Class I, Group D, of the monthly accounts of trade and navigation the Returns shall show separately the animals consigned as fat, for immediate slaughter, and animals con signed as stores for grazing?

The form of the monthly accounts for the remainder of the present year cannot conveniently be altered, but the hon. Member's proposal will be examined with a view to its adoption, if found possible, in the accounts for 1924.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of schemes approved by the Trades Facilities Committee, the amount of money already guaranteed by the Committee, and the rate of interest charged?

The hon. Member will find particulars in the quarterly statements presented to the House, of which the last was House of Commons Paper 49 of 1923. The total guaranteed out of the £50,000,000 authorised by the Acts is £22,720,000. The rates of interest guaranteed vary according to the circumstances and date of the issue, but have usually been from 5 to 5¼ per cent.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that at a recent meeting of the Incorporated National Association of British and Irish Millers a scheme was passed for the compulsory limitation of flour production, with a view to lessening supplies in order to maintain prices; and whether the Government proposes to take any action in the matter?

I have seen a report of a meeting of the Association, at which a Resolution appears to have been passed as to the desirability of organising a scheme to deal with what was stated to be the present chaos of the flour-milling trade due to excess capacity. No further steps appear to have been taken. There seems to be no occasion for any action on the part of the Government.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it was expressly stated that this production of £10,000,000 over what is roughly reckoned to be the ordinary demand must be brought in to maintain prices?

I looked at the account which I saw in the Press and I saw it expressly stated that the trade could conduct this operation, which seems very problematical, without raising prices.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that an inquiry is being held at Southampton into the death of a young seaman on the "Walmer Castle," who was lost while washing paintwork over the ship's side when at sea; whether similar cases have been brought to the notice of the Board of Trade; and if he will take steps to put a stop to this dangerous practice, which endangers the lives of seamen?

An inquiry is being held into the circumstances attending the death of a seaman on the "Briton" who lost his life while washing paintwork over the ship's side when at sea. No similar case has been brought to the notice of the Board of Trade during the past three years. I shall be glad to let the hon. Member know the result of the inquiry.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is often done in the Royal Navy, and that when proper care is taken it is not in the least dangerous?

I understand that it is a very common practice, and so far as my inquiries have gone I understand that if proper precautions are taken there is no danger. I think that that is borne out by the fact that there has been no such accident for three years.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that able seamen do object to being employed over the ship's side when the ships are at sea?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the quantities of imported, chilled, and frozen meat, respectively, now in cold storage in this country, but not including meat in the stores of ordinary retail butchers' shops?

I regret I cannot give this information.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has any further information regarding the sinking of the British India Company's steamship "Okara "; if he can now say when this ship was last inspected; if he is aware that the last record given in "Lloyd's Register" of her survey in this country is of date November, 1895; if she had since been surveyed in India or elsewhere; and, if so, when and by whom?

I am informed by the owners that the "Okara" was thoroughly overhauled and repaired in the latter half of the year 1920, the repairs occupying four months and costing £67,500. Her loadline certificate was granted by the Government of India Surveyor for four years, and expires on 26th August, 1924. Since this certificate was granted the vessel has -been periodically docked for examination, and the last docking was on 20th April, 1923, 10 days before she sailed on her last voyage, when the company's marine superintendent and superintending engineer reported that the vessel was in a thoroughly seaworthy condition.

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question on the Adjournment to-night.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of orders and the capital value thereof which have been sent away from the Tyne to foreign and other ports, in consequence of the action of the boiler-makers, since the beginning of the labour dispute connected therewith?

I regret that I am not in a position to give the information asked for. There is no obligation to report cases of this kind to the Board of Trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there are any Regulations requiring regular survey of British merchant ships plying in Indian and Eastern waters; and, if so, what those Regulations are?

The laws relating to the survey of ships in force in India, the Straits Settlements, and Hong Kong are of the same general character as those in force here. Vessels trading in Indian and Eastern waters are subject to the supervision of the surveyors of the respective Overseas Governments.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade whether all the details of the recent purchase of confiscated oil products by a British company, including the text of the resolutions of the International Oil Committee, have been communicated to the Petroleum Department of the Board of Trade; and whether he will take steps to publish these details?

On a point of Order. May I ask whether the International Oil Committee has anything to do with the Government?

I confess that I do not know what is the International Oil Committee, but I assumed that we had some responsibility.

Statements on this subject have been received from the purchasing company and from one of the firms which feel themselves aggrieved by the transaction. These statements deal with a dispute arising out of a private agreement in which His Majesty's Government cannot intervene, and it is not proposed to publish the statements.

Is it not a fact that the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, in which we own shares as a Government, also purchased cargoes of oil from this same source?

I am sure that the hon. and gallant Gentleman will appreciate that, in answer to a supplementary question, I cannot say, without notice, what has been done by a particular company.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the statement made by Mr. Leslie Pinkham, of the National Glove Company, Limited, to the effect that the present position in the fabric glove trade is probably worse than has ever been experienced before, whether he is aware that it was on the application of this gentleman, with others, that the duty under Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act was imposed on imported fabric gloves; and whether, in view of the present situation, he will take steps to have the duty abolished?

I have seen the statement referred to. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the third, in the negative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of export and import trade, between this country and Russia for the first three months of this year compared to the first three months of 1922?

The declared values of the imports into and exports from the United Kingdom, consigned from and to Russia, registered during the three months ended 31st March in each of the years 1922 and 1923 are given in the April issue of the "Monthly Trade Accounts," and are as follow:

Is it not the case that the figures have already been published for the first four months of this year, and, if so, what is the necessity of asking a question about the first three months?

( by Private Notice )asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further information with regard to the Hull trawlers "James Johnson" and "Lord Astor "; and whether they have, in fact, been released?

On the 11th May the British Agent at Moscow telegraphed that the Soviet Supreme Court had decided to release the "James Johnson" on payment of a fine of 500 gold roubles. The Soviet Note handed to Mr. Hodgson on the 12th May states that all British trawlers, including the "Lord Astor," can be considered free. His Majesty's Government have at present no further information on this subject.

May I ask if the hon. Member can tell us what happened to Dick Smith and Joe Beckett?

Were any conditions attached as to the present terms of release?

All the information which I have I have just given. I have not all the particulars, and am awaiting a further reply.

What was the decision of the Court requiring the payment of this penalty of 500 gold roubles?

( by Private Notice ) asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the present strained relations with the Soviet Government and in order to protect British nationals, he will suspend the export of coal and other materials to Russia and also issue directions with regard to existing contracts?

I cannot see my way to adopt my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion.

Is there not a danger of the same situation arising as happened in 1914, when the Germans stole our cargoes—

That question does not arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has any information as to when the steamship of 1,621 tons called "Lincoln Land," which had her name changed in Glasgow Harbour to "Strandhill," and sailed on 21st March to Bermuda with a cargo of 6,692 gallons of British plain spirit, arrived at the Bermudas and had her cargo discharged?

I am informed that the s.s. "Strandhill" has not yet arrived in Bermuda.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this is a gross case of illicit traffic in a commodity which a friendly Power desires to prevent being imported?

Did the ship actually sail from Glasgow or not?

The ship, I think, did sail from Glasgow. If the hon. Member is going to raise the question put in as supplementary, he should give notice of it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade whether he is aware that M. M'Allister, able seaman, has made a complaint to the mercantile marine office at Glasgow in connection with the treatment he received on the steamship "Strand-hill "; that this vessel was conveying alcoholic liquor to the United States, that the vessel was unseaworthy, and that it is impossible to find out who the owners of the vessel are; and whether he can take steps to protect seamen who are asked to engage on similar vessels?

Complaints have been made by four seamen belonging to the s.s. "Strandhill" of the treatment they received on board, and these complaints are being investigated. The vessel cleared for Hamilton, Bermuda, with alcohol, on 21st March. She -was inspected by a Board of Trade surveyor shortly before sailing, and was then in a seaworthy condition. The vessel is registered as a British ship, and the names of the owner and manager are on record. The necessary steps will be taken to see that the law is complied with on vessels of this class.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the names of the owners?

If notice is given. It is on the register at Lloyds.

Did the right hon. Gentleman not say that the names of the owners are known, and can he give them to hon. Members?

I think that I can. I have not got them with me, but the names are on record in the ordinary way in Lloyd's register.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the trouble in this case is that the men desire to take action against the owners and cannot obtain information as to who these persons are? Is it not the case that they have been advised by officials in the Mercantile Marine Department to take action against the owners and cannot do so?

Not only have they a right to take action against the owners if they desire to do so, but I am having this particular case investigated, and I do not understand that there will be any difficulty in ascertaining the names, because they are put on official record as soon as the ship is registered.

In the case of ships carrying on this trade, are special precautions enforced to safeguard the ship against fire?

I should require notice of that question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what number of officers and other ranks are at present in the British Army of Occupation in Germany; and what has been the total cost of this Army of Occupation since the Armistice?

The numbers are

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that, owing to discontent in the Royal Army Medical Corps, especially among the better qualified officers, many of the best have already resigned and others are prepared to send in their papers; and what steps does he propose to take to avoid such weakening of an essential arm of the Service?

I am aware that an unsettled feeling has been caused in the Army generally by uncertainty as to the future establishment and rates of pay, and by the conditions of service that have prevailed during the period of reconstruction after the War. In the case of medical officers, the attractions of the civil profession have doubtless reinforced these causes. It is hoped that the Army will now be able to return to normal settled conditions, and it is not proposed, at present, to take any special steps in regard to the Royal Army Medical Corps.

Is not some of the discontent probably due to the blocking in promotion? Has not that blocking in promotion been increased a great deal by the retention of officers after pensionable age, and will the blocking cease?

It is difficult to say from what the discontent arises. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman has any special case in mind and will let me know, I will look into it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that there has been an increasing tendency for the Royal Army Medical Corps to be again boycotted by medical men trained in English and Scottish schools; to what cause does he attribute such action; and what action will he take to meet it?

I am aware that there was a shortage of candidates at the only examination which has been held since 1914 for commissions in the Royal Army Medical Corps. This may have been due to the short notice given, and I am not aware that any boycott exists, or that any special action is necessary. It will, however, be easier to gauge the situation when the next examination, due in August, has been held.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that whereas formerly it was recognised in the pay warrant that officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps, owing to their long and expensive training and their necessarily higher age on joining, could be attracted only by special conditions, including a higher rate of pay and pension than other officers, recent changes in the warrant have tended to abolish this differentiation, and that Royal Army Medical Corps officers have not had sufficient increase in their pay to compensate for the increased cost of living since the War; and what action, if any, does he propose to take to re-establish the essential financial conditions of a sound medical service for the Army?

Officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps still enjoy special conditions as regards pay and retired pay, and I am not aware that the essential financial conditions of a sound medical service for the Army are absent to-day. My hon. and gallant Friend is aware that Army pay generally is about to come under review.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the increase in pensions of majors retired has been only 8 per cent., whereas the increase of pensions of combatant officers has been 40 per cent.?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman wishes to raise the question of the pensons of majors, I would point out that at present a major of the Royal Army Medical Corps, retired after 20 years' service, gets £396 a year, whereas a combatant major gets only £285, which is very much to the advantage of the Royal Army Medical Corps major.

Is it not a fact that that increase is only 8 per cent., whereas the combatant officer has had his pension increased by 40 per cent.?

That may be, but, still, there is a very considerable preference for the officer of the Royal Army Medical Corps.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office the numbers of the local audit staff forming part of his Department, the sum expended annually in salaries, and the average this makes per head?

The number of persons employed in the local audit offices at home and in certain branches of the War Office itself manned by the same class of civil servants is 402, and the sum expended annually in salaries is £129,423, averaging £321 18s. per head. The number employed in audit offices at home and abroad is 344, and the annual cost is £122,011, averaging per head, £357 6s.

Has the hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the fact that the figures now quoted differ materially from those given in the Debate on the Army Estimates on 22nd March?

Yes, Sir, and I am very glad that my hon. and gallant Friend has drawn my attention to the fact. The figures given during the Debate were not given by the War Office, but by an hon. Member opposite, who gave information which was quite inaccurate.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the Report of the Auditor-General with regard to the, State Printing Works at Harrow, in which it is stated that a loss of £32,839 has been incurred during nine and a half months' working; and whether this experiment in State trading will now be discontinued?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. and learned Member for Ealing (Sir H. Nield) on the 28th November last.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that although, as shown in that reply, some profit was subsequently made, the balance is a loss to the State, and does he not think it desirable that steps should be taken to stop this rather costly State experiment in State trading?

Why not sack all the Generals and Admirals?

It has been stated in this House on several occasions that the whole question of these works is to be reviewed by a Committee in June. The provisional estimates for what has gone on during the last six months show a profit, and not a loss.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the vacancies now falling due in the male non-clerical staff of the Post Office Stamps Section will, in future, be filled by ex-service men instead of by women?

Certain of the duties now performed by men in the Stamp Section of the Post Office Stores Department have long been regarded as more suitable for women than for men and are being filled by women as vacancies arise on the male staff. The Post Office holds a very high record for the employment of ex-service men.

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that women are not being employed in such positions because their labour is cheaper than that of men?

I can give that assurance; on such matters as I have mentioned the women are quicker and better than the men.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, during the War, a rent was charged for the use of trenches other than those in the first line for British troops serving in France?

Trenches for purely instructional purposes were sometimes dug on hired land, and rent and compensation for disturbance were naturally paid in such cases when necessary. Otherwise no rent or other charge was paid for any trenches, whether in the front line or elsewhere.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if the gunnery practice of Territorial artillery will only take place in alternate years: whether this is done for the sake of economy; and, if so, what is the estimated saving that will be effected?

Yes, Sir; the gunnery practice referred to takes place only in alternate years. The main reason for this is not economy in ammunition, but to enable the units concerned to secure the best opportunities for manœuvre and tactical training, which they could not do if they always went to the practice camps. The arrangement also enables us to make the best use of our available range accommodation.

asked the Solicitor-General for Scotland whether the Glasgow Police have arrested T. Hitman, on a charge of alleged sedition, under an Order from the Scottish Office?

The arrest of the individual referred to by the hon. Member on a charge of sedition was made in ordinary course on the instructions of Crown Counsel and not under any order from the Scottish Office.

asked the Undersecretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether the growing pollution of the River Nith, in Dumfriesshire, by the collieries near its source has been brought to his notice; and whether he can bring any pressure to bear that will ensure that wanton destruction of the interests of farmers and residents in the vicinity is not permitted to continue?

I am aware that the River Nith has been polluted by the effluents from collieries for some years past, but have no information that the pollution from these sources is growing. I have ascertained that Ayr County Council have investigated the position at New Cumnock and have been assured that the Colliery Company intend to take the best practicable means for preventing the pollution of the river from coal washings and are at present making inquiries in regard to the necessary plant. Dumfries County Council have, following on a recent inspection, called upon the colliery company at Kirkconnel to take the best practicable means of preventing pollution of the river by effluent from their pits. As stated in my reply to the hon. Member on 1st May, Dumfries County Council are in communication with the-other local authorities concerned. The matter is one of considerable difficulty but I am satisfied that all necessary measures are meantime being taken by Dumfries County Council.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that it is not a question of having to set up plant, but simply a question of having a few settling tanks into which to run this material? It settles then and you run off the clear water.

Surely a settling tank would come under the heading of "plant "?

A settling tank was used millions of years ago.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he will see that the Board of Agriculture reconsiders the regulation which prevents ex-soldiers who may have applied for small holdings after 1st March, 1921, having preferential treatment over civilians, always provided that up to a period not exceeding three months before the date of their application they were still in His Majesty's service?

The hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension. The instruction to which he refers is that in the selection of occupants for small holdings a preference should be given to ex-service men who applied before 1st March, 1921, over ex-service men who applied after that date. All suitable ex-service applicants are entitled to a preference over civilian applicants.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health if he can indicate what progress has been made, and whether any decision has been reached, in the matter of obtaining information as to stocks of sheep and cattle in deer forests by voluntary returns?

A provision has been inserted in the Agricultural Returns Bill, now in another place, which will enable information as to stocks of sheep and cattle in deer forests to be obtained as part of the general returns provided for by the Bill.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he is now in a position to state the result of the recent arbitration on the claim by a landlord in Kintail, Ross-shire, in respect of the compulsory substitution of sheep for deer upon his estate during the War; and, if so, what is the amount of the compensation recommended, and the expenses arising from the arbitration?

Two claims for compensation in respect of the occupancy by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland of Kintail Deer Forest under Defence of the Realm Regulation 2M, made respectively by the present and the prveious owner of the land, were referred to arbitration. The claim of the present proprietor has been repelled by the arbiter, and the claimant has been found liable to the Board in the expenses of the arbitration. The claim of the previous proprietor has been sustained to the extent of £3,732 10s., with interest at the rate of 5 per cent. per annum as from 5th May, 1920, till payment, and the Board has been found liable in the expenses of the arbitration. It is not yet possible to state the amount of the expenses arising from the arbitration.

Does the Board intend to appeal against the decision by which we have to pay that sum to the proprietor of a deer forest for allowing us to grow food?

Of the claims, one for £5,600 was reduced to £3,700, and another for £7,500 was completely repelled. I am not in a position yet to say what further action the Board will take, but they have come out with a considerable saving from this arbitration.

What does the country get in return for this £5,600 that we have to pay?

It is not £5,600, but £3,700.

What does the country get in return for the £3,700? [HON. MEMBERS: "Answer ! "]

The hon. and gallant Member had better put that question on the Paper. Perhaps he wants to know how many potatoes were grown on this land.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he is aware that an Order for the double dipping of all sheep in the Island of Skye is in force; that the outbreak of sheep scab has only occurred in the extreme north of Skye; and that there is no danger to sheep in the south and west of the island owing to the natural segregations due to the deep indentation of the sea lochs into the land; and whether he will authorise a cancellation of the instructions already given except in so far as they apply to the farms and grazings contiguous to the farms or grazings on which the outbreak took place, in view of the great trouble and expense caused by the present Order?

I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture. Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend is aware that an Order requiring the double dipping of sheep is in force in the Island of Skye and that it is the case that the southern part of Skye is free from scab. The possibility of contracting the area subject to restrictions has been carefully considered recently, but it has been decided, after consultation with the local authority, that there would be great difficulties in making a definite line of demarcation in the island. In the absence of a boundary which can be efficiently guarded at all times, my right hon. Friend is afraid that he cannot see his way to release from restrictions the southern portion of the island.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health if he is aware of the budgetary difficulties in which parish councils in Scotland are frequently placed as a result of claims for deduction on local rating being made under Section 37 of the Poor Law Act of 1845 subsequent to making up of the annual budget; and if he proposes legislation to amend or repeal the said Section of the Act?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 2nd May to a question on this subject addressed to me by the hon. Member for Central Edinburgh (Mr. W. Graham).

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that parish councils are still having considerable difficulty over this matter, and that some of them are unable to meet their own ordinary requirements because of it?

Yes, Sir. I am aware of that, but the matter is one of considerable difficulty, and it is impossible to settle it absolutely off-hand.

Is it not possible for the Government to introduce legislation to deal with a difficulty of this kind? Will not the Scottish Board of Health do something?

It is always impossible to introduce legislation until a just kind of legislation has been thought out, and consideration given to what is necessary.

May I take it that the Board of Health intend to let this sort of thing go on?

No, Sir. The hon. Member will be under a misapprehension if he assumes that from my answer. Obviously this is a difficult matter which must be considered before action is taken upon it.

Are we to understand, then, that the Scottish Board of Health is now considering this important question?

Yes, Sir. That is correct.

asked the Undersecretary to the Scottish Board of Health what progress has been made with regard to the proposed Glasgow-Edinburgh road; what is the position of the local authorities concerned; and whether there is any prospect of the scheme being shortly proceeded with?

The survey of the route has been completed by officers of the Department, and the Director-General of Roads held a further conference with representatives of the local authorities concerned on Friday, 4th May. Certain financial and engineering considerations are still under discussion, but my hon. Friend is not without hope that an arrangement may before long be reached for the co-operation of the local authorities with the Ministry of Transport in the construction of this important road.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether Scottish, local authorities, whose housing schemes under the Housing, Town Planning, etc. (Scotland) Act, 1919, were pressed forward by the Scottish Board of Health and were afterwards abandoned as a result of the decision of the Government in 1921 to curtail their housing programme, will be allowed to qualify for a share of the grant provided under the 1919 Acts, in respect of the expenses incurred by them in fees to architects and technical advisers and otherwise in connection with such schemes?

Expenditure incurred by local authorities in the preparation of schemes required to be submitted by local authorities in terms of Section 1 of the Housing, Town Planning, etc. (Scotland) Act, 1919, is regarded as capital expenditure, and the loan charges thereon, is so far as not met by the produce of a rate of four-fifths of a penny, will be defrayed by the State.

Does that cover their expenses for experts—architects and so forth?

Yes, Sir, in so far as these are not already covered by the rate.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether the Secretary for Scot land is aware of the spreading unrest among crofters in Orkney and Shetland owing to the danger of their losing their crofts on resumption of the holding by a purchaser; whether representations on the subject have been received from the Zet- land County Council; and whether he can now state whether any decision has been reached with regard to the questions involved?

My Noble Friend is aware that there is considerable anxiety among crofters in the counties mentioned on this subject. The reply to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. A decision has not yet been reached on the question whether the matter can be dealt with by legislation this Session.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the same answer was given to me three months ago?

Yes, Sir, but in a matter of difficulty such as this, it is not easy to deal immediately with all the questions arising. The hon. Member himself must realise that it is a very thorny subject which requires consideration from several points of view.

I beg to give notice that, in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the answer, I will raise this matter on the first appropriate opportunity.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether, having regard to the willingness of the Northern Lighthouse Board and of the General Post Office to co-operate in establishing wireless communication between Lerwick and the Whalsay Skerries, and the value of such communication to shipping as well as to the islands, the Secretary for Scotland would be prepared to consider means to meet the cost of its installation?

My Noble Friend is aware that application has been made by the county council to the General Post Office for the installation of a wireless service between the Skerries and Lerwick. He is considering whether any assistance by any of the Departments for which he is responsible can properly be furnished.

asked the Under secretary to the Scottish Board of Health the number of decrees for eviction that have been given at the Glasgow Sheriff Court during the past year; if he is aware that in certain cases decree has been given against persons who are genuinely out of work; and what steps he is prepared to take to protect the homes of those folk?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the grave disorder that may arise in Glasgow because of people being evicted from their homes, he is prepared to take legislative action to secure these people in their homes during the present period of crisis?

I propose to answer these questions together. The number of decrees of ejection granted in the Glasgow Sheriff Court in the year ended 30th April was 3,079. I am informed that the general rule of practice in the Glasgow Court is that decree of ejection is not granted in any case in which destitution is proved, and that in cases where the defending tenants are unemployed full advantage is taken of the discretion given by Section 5 of the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Act, 1920, to refuse decrees except where the Court considers it reasonable to grant the Order craved. I do not think that further legislative protection is required.

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that in certain cases eviction orders have been granted against persons who are genuinely out of work; that riots have actually taken place in certain parts of Glasgow; and will he answer the last part of the question as to what steps he is taking to defend people who are out of work and against whom orders are given?

I think my answer deals with those points. I am satisfied that the law on this matter is being administered in Glasgow with great sympathy and discretion. If the hon. Member has any particular cases to bring to my notice, I shall be happy to make inquiries.

At the end of Questions —

I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House in order to call attention to a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, the eviction of 3,000 tenants from their homes in Glasgow and the threatened eviction of many others—

On a point of Order. Is it within the right of an hen. Member to stop further questions upon the matter arising out of the Irish deportation?

That is a question for me to decide.

—and, further, that those evictions have led to much disorder and suffering, that the continuation of such evictions is likely to cause suffering and intense hardship, and possibly to lead to further disorder.

This is not a Motion which I can submit to the House under Standing Order No. 10. The hon. Member's own Motion shows that it is a continuing question, and not one which has just arisen.

Does not that make it worse?

That may be so, but it-does not bring it under Standing Order No. 10. It can be discussed in the ordinary way on the Motion for the Adjournment next Thursday, in so far as it does not involve criticising the action of the Court of Justice.

Are the Rules of the House so rigid that it is impossible to take up a question of this importance, in view of the terrible shortage of house accommodation all over the country?

It is a matter which can well be discussed on Thursday. All that I say is that the Motion submitted to me does not come within Standing Order No. 10.

Am I to understand that families of decent working people in Glasgow are to be thrown out of their homes and rendered homeless and that it is not a matter of urgent public importance for this House to discuss? Am I to understand that the question of people being imprisoned in Russia is more urgent and important than the question of our own folk being flung out of their own homes?

I must not be drawn into that controversy.

May I submit to you a further consideration on this point of Order? In the notice which the hon. Member has just given there is an allega- tion that great disorder has broken out in Glasgow. Does not this new fact of that disorder make the matter urgent? So long as the evictions took place without any breach of the peace, the hon. Member could draw no attention to the matter, but, in view of the disorder which has occurred and threatened further breaches of the peace, I submit that it is a matter coming within the Standing Order.

I think not. There may be disorder—I do not know—but that does not bring it within the Standing Order.

I want to press this matter. It is a terrible business. If hon. Members knew the people they would think it terrible. May I urge, in view of the fact that these folk include some who fought for your country in the Great War and represent the best type of citizen, and in view of the fact also that certain evictions are to take place tomorrow or the next day, that you allow a discussion of the matter, in order that the House may take some action to-day?

I must apply myself solely to the rule. I have given a decision on that point, and can do no more.

I would like to submit this point. While there has been this continuation, may it not be that there comes a climax to these convictions, that the climax has now been reached, and that therefore the matter is urgent?

That does not bring it within the Standing Order.

Do I understand that it will be in order to raise this matter on the Motion for the Adjournment on Thursday?

It will certainly be in order in so far as it does not criticise the action of the Court of Justice, and I will do my best to secure such an opportunity.

asked the Undersecretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he will arrange for publication of particulars of the disposal of imported Canadian cattle in the Scottish weekly market report, as is now done by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries in the weekly market report for England and Wales?

The weekly return of market prices issued by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland already includes reports of the sales of Canadian cattle landed at ports in Scotland.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman see his way to include all Canadian cattle arriving in the United Kingdom?

In the report issued by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, Scottish prices are given, and in the report for England, English prices are given.

In the English report, Scottish shipments of cattle are now included, and cannot the hon. and gallant Gentleman see his way to reciprocate by including English shipments in the Scottish report?

I think notice should be given of that question.

asked the Undersecretary to the Scottish Board of Health the number of applications received from small landholders for the revaluation of their buildings and for the fixing of their rents by the Land Court under the new arrangement recently intimated to them?

I am informed that up to the present time 51 holders have formally concurred in applications to the Land Court and that 138 others have informally indicated their desire for revaluation since the arrangement was published.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say when these applications will be considered by the Land Court?

One section of them is under consideration just now.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will authorise the Scottish Office to print on the customary lines the annual Report of the Scottish Land Court, seeing that it is of such great importance to Scotland?

My Noble Friend considers that a substantial part of the detailed material hitherto printed in the Report referred to can be reproduced in a less expensive form without inconvenience to any parties interested in the Report. He is in communication with the Treasury on the subject, and hopes that an early decision will be reached.

asked the Undersecretary to the Scottish Board of Health the amount of additional Sheriff Court fees received in Scotland under the proposals of the Blackburn Report for the years 1920, 1921, and 1922, respectively; whether it was proposed by the Blackburn Report that the additional fees should be allocated towards the "remuneration of the staffs under a rearrangement of the departments concerned; and to what purposes the additional amounts received by way of increases in the Sheriff Court fees during the years indicated have been devoted?

No increase of Sheriff Court fees took place until the financial year 1922–23. The fees received in that year, including the Commissary Office fees, show an increase of about £33,500 over the previous year. While most of this increase may be ascribed to the new scale of fees, some of it appears to be due to increase of business, but accurate statistics of this will not be available for some little time. With regard to the second part of the question, the increased fees which have been put into operation were designed to remedy the situation under which considerable deficiencies had occurred in previous years in the working of the Sheriff Courts owing to the payment of bonus and the fall in the value of money generally, as well as to cover any increase in the cost of the services which might result from the recommendations of the earlier Blackburn Report. A scheme of reorganisation of the Sheriff Court services is at present under discussion, and it is not yet passible to say how the expenditure and receipts will compare after this has been put into force. I may add that the delay which has occurred with regard to this scheme will be taken into account when reorganisation takes place.

Will the hon. and learned Gentleman undertake that the increase in the amount of fees will be applied for the purposes recommended by the Blackburn Committee, namely, towards the salaries of the staffs concerned?

I think the second part of my answer deals with that point.

asked the Prime Minister what steps the Government has taken, or is going to take, to give effect to the Resolution of the House that the present obsolete system of adjusting the burden of local and national taxation should be revised, so that immediate relief may be given to necessitous and other areas?

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Health cannot at present usefully add anything to the statement which I made on the occasion of the Debate on the Resolution referred to, and to the answer which he gave the hon. Member last Wednesday.

Before the Adjournment of the House for the Recess occur, is it not possible for the Noble Lord to say something with regard to the last part of the question and as to negotiations which have been going on with regard to necessitous areas? Can we have no reply?

When the hon. Member asked a question on that subject last Wednesday the Minister of Health said he would look into it at the earliest possible moment. I am sure my right hon. Friend will do so, but I cannot say it will be before the Recess?

Has not "the earliest possible moment "arrived yet?

asked the Prime Minister whether any information can be given as to the progress of the negotiations for peace at Lausanne?

I regret that I cannot at present add anything to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Barrow-in-Furness (Mr. D. G. Somerville) on the 2nd instant.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the amount of the life assurance benefit pay able under the £5 National War Bonds policy issued by the Prudential Assurance Company, Limited, in 1916 and following years, Form No. 787, on death of the insured occurring at the end of each of the periods of two, four, six and 10 years after the policy was taken out, also the amount of the premiums which would have been paid at the end of each of those periods under policies for eight £5 bonds at the expiration of 10 years?

I have been asked to reply. I have communicated with the Prudential Assurance Company, Limited, and as the particulars furnished involve a tabular statement, I would pro pose to circulate the information in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the statement:

I have communicated with the Prudential Assurance Company, Ltd., and the following information has been furnished by that company. The sum assured under the policies in question was for a definite number of £5 War Bonds, and the contract was arranged as an increasing assurance. Therefore the periodical increases in the sum assured were for a certain number of Bonds, fractions of Bonds being impossible. Immediately before each increase in the sum assured the premiums paid exceed the nominal amount of the Bonds assured until the next monthly premium is paid, when the sum assured increases by a certain number of Bonds. For example, after premiums of 8s. a month have been paid for two years the amount paid is £10 8s. and two £5 Bonds are assured, and when one more premium is paid the sum assured increases to four £5 Bonds.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will ascertain, for the information of Members, before the Report stage of the Industrial Assurance Bill in how many cases of lapsed or surrendered 5 per cent. War Bond policies which were issued between 1916 and 1921 did the company issuing those policies pay back 60 per cent. of the premiums paid; what is the amount of the total premiums paid on all such lapsed or surrendered policies; and what is the total sum repaid in these cases?

I have been asked to reply. The Returns made to the Board of Trade under the Assurance Companies Act, 1909, do not give the information asked for by the hon. Member, but I have communicated with the Prudential Assurance Company, Limited, and would propose to circulate the statement received in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the statement:

Owing to the large number of contracts involved in industrial assurance, the books are not kept in a form which enables the detailed information required in the question to be obtained. All War Bond and War Stock policies have a guaranteed surrender value after two years. In the case of War Bond policies the surrender value is a return of all premiums except those paid in respect of the first year. In the case of War Stock policies the surrender value is a percentage of the premiums paid, commencing at 60 per cent. after two years and increasing with the duration of the policy. It is not possible to state the number of cases in which exactly 60 per The complete information asked for is given in the following schedules:

cent, has been paid, but the total amount paid by way of cash surrender value exceeds 60 per cent. of the total premiums paid on the policies surrendered.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the fact that the outer silver veneer in the silver coinage issued by the late Government is in many cases peeling off and leaving a lead like interior exposed to view; and what steps it is proposed to take to withdraw the existing defective silver coinage from circulation and issue fresh coinage of a purer character which will be free from the defects of the recently issued coins?

The defect referred to developed after issue in a few isolated cases out of some 270 million coins struck between April, 1920, and June, 1922. it arose from difficulties in casting the alloy then used, which have now been surmounted by an alteration in the composition.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say where these defective coins can be exchanged for coins that are good?

Is it not also a fact that the outer veneer always peels off the late Government?

Is it not a fact that most people in this country have defective coins in their possession?

Ask the Attorney-General for a decision on it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the anomalies which are arising in connection with the revaluation for purposes of Property Tax and House Duty, he will arrange that an extension be allowed of the period during which appears against alleged overassessment may be lodged with the Income Tax Commissioners, and that a standard basis of assessment be laid down whereby any increases of assessment shall be limited to a percentage above the pre-War value of the actual house or houses of similar accommodation and amenities?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made last night. With regard to my hon. Friend's suggestion that there should be a standard basis of assessment, I would remind him that the primary object of the reassessment is to secure that persons in receipt of income from land and houses should pay Income Tax by reference to their actual income from that source. The varying conditions governing different classes of property in different localities preclude the possibility of laying down any standard percentage of increase which could be of general application and secure the object in view.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what basis has the reassessment of the Borough of Torquay and district been made, since no personal call or inspection of the properties has been carried out; is he aware that a reassessment of the borough has just been made by competent local people at the instance of the overseers, and their valuation is very much below the figures arrived at by the officials of the Income Tax Department; and will he appoint a Committee to inquire into and report on the whole question of local rating and suspend any further action until that Report has been received and considered?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave my hon. Friend the Member for East Surrey (Mr. Galbraith) on the 3rd May. I am sending him a copy of that reply. As regards the second part, I would point out that outside the Metropolis the rating valuation has never governed the Income Tax assessment which is arrived at upon a different statutory basis, namely, the rent at which a property is let, or is worth to be let, by the year. This legal basis has of course been applied in Torquay as elsewhere. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer to the reply which I gave on the 8th May to my hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Mr. Becker). I am sending him a copy of that reply.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that a careful valuation that is made by inspection by men who are really competent and who know the whole conditions is much more likely to be right than that of an arbitrary assessment made by people who have never examined the property?

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared now to give definite information to the House that he is prepared to appoint a Committee to go into the whole question of local taxation in all its departments?