asked the President of the Board of Trade what measure of decay in the plates of a steel ship due to rust or other causes is necessary before the Board of Trade authorities pronounce the same as unfit for use?

The amount of deterioration permissible in steel ship plates through rust or other causes before they are pronounced unfit for use, depends upon such a variety of circumstances, such as the size and proportions of the vessel, the nature of the intended voyage, whether the deterioration is local or is widespread, the position of the plates in the ship, their structural function, and their original thickness, that the Board of Trade have not found it possible to lay down any hard-and-fast rules on the subject for the guidance of their surveyors.

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to put on a scale so that adjustments can be made whether the plates are ⅝ in. or ¾ in., and in whatever position the plates may be?

No, Sir. The reasons I have given in the rather full answer show that the variety of circumstances is so great that the surveyors can do their work best without such a hard-and-fast rule.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether or not he will take steps to have a scale in which the original thickness of the plate being given, a certain amount of corrosion caused by the water or anything else will determine when that plate is put out of use? Will the right hon. Gentleman investigate that, and see whether, no matter what the position of the plate may be in the ship, if it suffers from corrosion in any way, and whether it be at the top or the bottom, is dangerous?

No, Sir. It makes all the difference where the plate is. I have gone into this matter very carefully. It is quite obvious that what is a small amount of corrosion in one case requires repair, and what is a large amount of corrosion in another case may be much less dangerous. I am sure that the existing practice of the surveyors, who are most careful in their work, is quite satisfactory.

Arising out of that—

The hon. Member had better put down further questions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the seizure of dye works in the occupied territory of Germany by the French has had any effect on the delivery of reparation dyes to this country?

His Majesty's Government have taken such action as appeared desirable to avoid interruption of delivery of reparation dyes. Satisfactory assurances have been given by the French Government, and facilities accorded on the spot by the French authorities.

Would the right hon. Gentleman kindly answer the question? Has there been any effect on the delivery of dyes to this country?

I can add this to the answer: One of our representatives visited the dye works and had every facility for identifying parcels of dyes destined for this country.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the question on the Paper? Are any dyes coming to this country or not?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is not a single works in this country which is in want of dyes at the present moment?

I believe what the hon. and gallant Gentleman has just said is substantially true; but I cannot speak as to the exact interruption that has taken place—and a great deal of interruption and delay has taken place— in the delivery of the dyes. What I thought the hon. and gallant Gentleman wished to know was whether we were taking every effective step to facilitate and to ensure delivery.

Mr. Speaker, I do not know whether I may ask another question, but the question on the paper is whether the French occupation has affected the delivery, and we have had no answer to that?

The answer I have given is clear, that is, "No.' The French have given us every facility for collecting the parcels of dyes.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the value of dyestuffs imported and produced in the United Kingdom, respectively, in 1914; and what were the corresponding figures for 1922?

As the answer to this question is somewhat long, I will, with the permission of my hon. Friend, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer supplied:

The following statement gives the desired information, so far as it is available, but in view of the fact that the trade of 1914 was affected by the War, particulars as to imports in 1918 are also included. There have been great changes in the level of prices, and the imports of 1913 included a much larger proportion of the lower valued dyes than those of 1922.

Quantities and values of dyes and dyestuffs obtained from coal tar imported into the United Kingdom during the years 1913, 1914 and 1922:

No precise data as to the production in 1913 and 1914 in the United Kingdom of dyes and dyestuffs derived from coal tar are available, but it is estimated that in 1913 it did not exceed about 50,000 cwt., and was largely from imported intermediates; the total value was probably lees than £200,000. In 1922 the total British production, which owing to the general trade depression was much below the capacity of the British makers, amounted to 180,000 cwt., and was entirely from intermediates produced in this country: the approximate value was £3,000,000. The above statement of imports does not include natural indigo and natural extracts for dyeing.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the value of British goods exported in 1922 to Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Esthonia per head of the aggregate population of these former Russian territories; and what was the corresponding figure for British exports to Soviet Russia?

A number of figures are given in the reply, and perhaps my hon. Friend will permit me to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The answer is as follows:

The values of exports, in the year 1922, of United Kingdom produce and manufacture, consigned to the countries specified, per head of the populations of those countries, were as follows. The statistics of population on which these figures are calculated are the latest returns or estimates available, the dates to which such returns or estimates relate being indicated in each case:

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the world production of beet sugar and cane sugar, respectively, in 1913 and 1922, respectively?

This answer also contains a number of figures; and, if my hon. Friend will permit me, I will have it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

Statistics compiled by the United States Department of Agriculture show the world production of cane sugar and of beet sugar as follows:

Directly comparable figures for the year 1913 are not available to me.

Is all possible being done to encourage the production of beet sugar in this country?

asked the President of the Board of Trade with reference to the so-called war bond policies, if he proposes to take any action to deal with this question, having regard to the very many policies that are lapsing and the admittedly onerous terms under which so many of them were taken out during the War, especially in view of the fact that the Industrial Assurance Act does not come into force until the 1st January, 1924?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the hardship incurred by many insured persons owing to lapsed war bond policies, he will favourably consider the appointment of a Committee of this House to inquire into the matter?

The Parmoor Committee inquired into the matter of war bond policies and made a recommendation, which is embodied in Clause 30 of the Industrial Assurance Bill which has recently passed this House. That Clause comes into force on the passing of the Act, and not on 1st January, 1924. The questions raised by the hon. Members were fully debated before the Standing Committee and on the Report stage of the Bill, and, having carefully considered that discussion, I do not think that any further action can usefully be taken, either by the appointment of a further Committee or otherwise.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that though nominally this Clause comes into effect at once, there will be no protection for these people till 1st January; does he not think that something should be done in the meantime?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the company in question—

No company has been mentioned!

—is prepared to receive applications in respect of these policies, and to consider them on their merits, and, if necessary, make a reasonable adjustment?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that what has been done has not touched the question of lapsed policies, and is he aware that on the discussion on Report there was a general feeling on both sides of the House that some further inquiry should be made; further, that the Parmoor Committee itself admitted that it had not fully investigated this question—[HON. MEMBERS: "Agreed!"]—and have the Government closed their minds entirely against doing justice to those who are suffering?

I think it is quite obvious from the length of that question that it is impossible to go over again at Question Time the whole of the Debate in Committee and on Report, when the whole position was fully considered, and the Solicitor-General explained exactly why it was practicable to follow certain suggestions made.

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

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the Report of the public control committee of the London County Council, in which it is alleged that serious smoke nuisance occurs at the Royal arsenal and the Royal dockyard, Woolwich, but that these places being Government property, are exempt from the requirements of the Public Health Act, and that the smoke arising in this way is probably the larger factor in creating fog conditions in London; and whether he can state the steps the Government proposes to take?

I have seen the report referred to, and I observe that the arsenal and dockyard are mentioned in it, but I do not find it suggested that they are the larger factor in creating fog conditions in London, and I do not think there is any foundation for such a suggestion. With regard to the last part of the question, the number of boiler houses in use in the factories has been reduced from 47 to 13, which will obviously reduce the volume of smoke, and constant attention is paid to securing the best possible consumption of fuel. The dockyard is not a manufacturing establishment, and I am not aware that any noticeable quantity of smoke comes from it.

Is it not the fact that the London County Council drew attention to the fact that they were not amenable, under the Public Health Act, and that it is this kind of property that produces smoke?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is no question of smoke at all at Woolwich: that there is great clarity of atmosphere there?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman is quite right in saying that the county council did draw attention to the fact that Government establishments do not come within their jurisdiction. I cannot go so far as to say that the smoke from the arsenal is largely responsible for the fogs in London.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he could obtain for these Government works a fuel which gives no smoke, and yet produces the same heat?

I shall be glad to have information on that point.

I will send it on.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that a number of men employed at the Deptford stores have been transferred to the stores department at Feltham, Middlesex; that upon transfer their wages have been reduced from 44s. to 41s. per week; that in one case, which is typical of many others, the workman has to pay 7s. 9d. per week in travelling to and from his work, and has to leave home in the morning at six and does not get back until seven at night; whether he will state the reason for the reduction in wages; and whether, especially in view of the extra expense devolving upon the men, he will have the question reconsidered?

When the move of the work of the Deptford depot to Feltham was in prospect, an announcement was made to the effect that such employés as preferred to undertake employment at Feltham instead of taking their discharge would be re-engaged for employment at Feltham at the rates of wages current there. I understand that Feltham is not within the engineering trade London wages area, and I understand that 41s. a week which is at present being paid to the labourers there is fair within the meaning of the Fair Wages Resolution. In accordance, however, with an undertaking given by the War Office last week to a deputation of the workmen, further inquiries are being made as to the rates prevailing amongst private employers in the Feltham district, and I will inform the hon. Member of the result.

Will the hon. Gentleman also appreciate the fact that the payment made in all kinds of transference represents the wages coming down from 44s. to 33s. 3d., and will he note that in his investigation?

I certainly appreciate it. But the hon. Gentleman will realise that the Government cannot increase wages because men come from a certain district. They were given the alternative of working at Feltham if they liked to take it. The Government cannot increase the cost of production to any extent on account of the distance men have to travel.

Is the railway fare taken at all into consideration? I hope the hon. Gentleman will appreciate the fact of wages of 33s. 3d. on transference, in view of the maintenance of a family?

Is the hon. Member aware that many contractors do pay the train fares of these workmen to and from their homes and the place or factory where they work?

We are inquiring into the case; I cannot at present go further than say that we are giving consideration to the whole case.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether any further progress has been made with the negotiations with the City Corporation as regards taking over the half of Dept ford Cattle Market now occupied by his Department and re-opening and utilizing the same as a market for live cattle from Canada; and can he make any statement on the subject?

A discussion took place at Deptford on the 30th April between representatives of the War Department and the Cattle Markets Committee of the City Corporation. The Department is at present awaiting a further communication from the Corporation, who, it is understood, are consulting their surveyor.

asked the Solicitor. General for Scotland if he is aware that there were at the end of April 611 classes in elementary schools in Glasgow each containing over 60 pupils, and that of these 45 classes were in excess of 71 pupils; and if, in view of the educational and health results from these large classes, the Scottish Education Department is prepared to take steps to remedy this, matter?

I have been asked to reply. The Scottish Education Department understand that the figures named refer to the number of children on the roll and that, in the great majority of the 611 cases, the numbers in habitual attendance do not exceed 60. Where excess does occur, it is mainly in older schools, the structure of which is such that more adequate staffing arrangements are in the meantime precluded. The Department have reason to believe that the education authority are fully alive to the position and will be ready to deal with the whole situation as soon as a favourable opportunity occurs.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that these old schools were staffed in a much more generous fashion even during the War period, and does he consider this degradation of the standard a fitting accompaniment to the present Government?

I understand that the schools referred to are schools which were recently taken over, and although they may have previously been staffed on a more generous scale, I am not sure that the standard of the teachers was as high as it is at the present time.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport when it is proposed to throw open for public use the new London-Maidstone road; whether he is aware of the advanced state of disrepair into which the old main road has been allowed to fall; and whether, in view of 'the large amount of traffic using the road, particularly during the summer months, he will make arrangements either that the completion of the new road shall be accelerated or that the old road shall be repaired forthwith?

I had the pleasure of opening the Eltham by-pass on Thursday, 17th May. Another three mile section between Farningham and Kingsdown is also open to traffic. Other sections will be opened in the near future and I hope that the whole of the new carraigeway between Sidcup and Wrotham, including; the two bypasses at Farningham and Wrotham, will be open in the autumn. Meanwhile every possible step is being taken to mitigate the inconvenience unavoidably caused to traffic by the progress of the work.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport if it has yet been decided what system of motor taxation should be adopted in future in order to insure that the tax paid will be commensurate with the damage done to roads?

As my hon. and gallant friend is aware, the question of any alteration in the present system of motor taxation stands referred to the Departmental Committee on the Taxation and Regulation of Road Vehicles for investigation and report. The Inquiry has proved extremely complicated and I am still awaiting the Report of the Committee.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say how long this inquiry has been sitting?

I could not say offhand, but I hope to have their report by July.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport if he will consider giving a higher percentage grant towards the cost of the maintenance of main roads?

The revenues of the Road Fund will not permit of any increase in the rate of grants towards the cost of the maintenance and improvement of Class I and Class II roads, and in this financial year such grants are estimated to amount to £9,000,000. These grants already absorb a very large share of the moneys available, and there are other pressing calls upon the Fund in connection with important widenings and new construction as well as the improvement of roads which are not included in Class I or Class II.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport wether his attention has been drawn to the rivalry between London motor omnibus companies traversing the same routes; and, in view of the danger to the public resulting therefrom, whether he has taken, or intends to take, any action in the matter?

I have been asked to reply. I am informed by the Commissioner that special instructions were issued some time ago to the police with a view to detecting offences arising out of this rivalry, and as a result there have been several prosecutions resulting in substantial fines being inflicted. Eleven cases are still pending. The police will continue to do all they can to prevent or detect offences of this nature. The Commissioner has also sent a circular letter to all omnibus proprietors calling attention to the danger of racing by drivers and requesting them to warn their employés that if any person is found taking part in or abetting the commission of any offence resulting from such practices proceedings will be taken.

Will the hon. Member inquire whether these drivers will be guilty of an offence who receive instructions from the directors of the Traffic Combine and omnibus companies to commit this particular offence, and, if so, will consideration be given to taking proceedings against the directors rather than against the poor men who are unable to protect themselves?

Is it not a fact that, as a general rule, there is no more careful user of the road than a motor omnibus driver?

I very much doubt whether what is suggested has happened, but I will certainly make inquiries.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he is aware that an order has been made prohibiting heavy motor coaches from using 13 roads in the Christchurch rural area, nine in the Fordingbridge rural district, three in the New Forest rural district, and two in the Ring-wood rural district, because the roads are not capable of carrying heavy traffic; whether he is aware of the serious nature of the restriction: whether the order is intended to be permanent; and whether he will take such action as will ensure that the roads referred to are made fit to carry this class of traffic forthwith?

An Order was made under the Roads Act, 1920, on the application of the County Council, after advertisement of the application and the holding of a public inquiry, at which objections were heard. The grounds mentioned in the Act for prohibiting or restricting the driving of any specified class of vehicle on any specified highway are that a vehicle of that class cannot be used on that highway without endangering the safety of the vehicle or the persons therein or of other traffic using the highway, or that the highway is unsuitable for use by a vehicle of that class. As regards the last part of the question, I may point out that none of the roads affected by the Order are included either in Class I or Class II, and that under existing conditions it is not possible to provide, nor is it reasonable to expect, that all highways' should at once be made capable of bearing heavy motor coach traffic.

Will the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that, as far as policy, it will be the policy of the Board to secure that these roads are made fit for this kind of traffic wherever this can be done?

We are doing all we can, within the limits of the funds available, to improve these roads, and there is no desire to prevent traffic going that way.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (1) whether he is aware of the length of time the Strand thoroughfare has recently been under repair, and the consequent congestion of and delay caused to traffic; and whether he can do anything to see that road repairs in the central area of London proceed with all possible despatch, in particular the area of the City of Westminster, by withholding any grants from the Road Fund;

(2) whether he is aware of the work of road repair recently being conducted at one and the same time in Holborn, St. Paul's Churchyard, Blackfriars, and the Strand, and that these are the four main arteries for traffic going east and west in central London; what steps were taken by his Department to see that more than one of these important arteries was not under repair at the same time; and, in view of these facts, what action he proposes to take in future in similar cases?

I am aware of the extensive road repairs to which my Noble and gallant Friend refers. On the general question of the co-ordination of the work of adjoining local authorities I have nothing to add to the reply which I made on the 8th instant, except that I am informed that the Metropolitan Boroughs' Standing Joint Committee is taking steps, at the request of the Westminster City Council, to promote closer consultation between the various London authorities in the matter of road repairs. Nothing which has yet occurred would, in my opinion, justify the withholding of grants from the Road Fund.

Can anything be done to encourage work on road repairs at night, and will the hon. and gallant Gentleman answer the last part of my second question as to whether his Department have taken any steps to see that more than one of these important arteries are not under repair at the same time?

As I stated in reply to a similar question on the 8th instant, we are doing all we can to bring the local authorities to act together. We have only persuasive powers and no mandatory powers. Any mandatory powers would require legislation.

Has the hon. and gallant Gentleman considered the various reports of Royal Commissions, representing the necessity of appointing a traffic authority for the whole of London as the only practical way of dealing with these traffic problems?

That raises a big question, which cannot now be discussed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he is in a position to state whether the Oversea Settlement Committee have yet been able to arrange for the maintenance and care of the wives and families of migrants to the British Dominions pending the time they are able to make a home for their dependants?

The Western Australian Land Settlement Scheme is intended to provide for a large proportion of married men with families, and includes arrangements for maintenance during the preliminary period of training. Similar arrangements are contemplated under the land settlement schemes which are now under negotiation for New South Wales and Victoria. I fear that it may be some time before these schemes are in active operation. In the meanwhile, as I informed my hon. and gallant Friend on the 10th April, the Oversea Settlement Committee are fully alive to the importance of family migration, and, together with the Oversea Governments, are carefully examining all aspects of the matter with a view to surmounting the difficulties.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the name of the official whose part-time services to the State management district council were recognised in the last annual account by the payment of an amount of £400; whether this sum was paid to him in addition to his salary in the Department to which he is attached; whether the officials of other Departments referred to in a previous account are still employed by the State management district council; and, if so, why a proportion of their salaries is not debited against the State management scheme?

As stated in the reply given to the hon. and learned Member for East Fife (Mr. Duncan Millar) on the 14th instant, the member of the council referred to in the first paragraph of the question is Sir John Sykes. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. As regards the third and fourth parts, three of the officials referred to in previous Estimates are still employed upon the work of the State management schemes, and the State management accounts are debited with their total emoluments.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he is aware that under the Indian penal code flogging may still be inflicted on Indian, but not on European prisoners; that two Commissions (the Gaol Commission and the Racial Distinction Commission) have both recommended the abolition of this punishment; and if it is proposed to act on the recommendations of the said Commissions?

The hon. and gallant Member's question is, I think based upon a misapprehension. The Indian Gaols Committee recommended the restriction, not the abolition, of corporal punishment as a punishment for gaol offences. The Racial Distinctions Committee recommended an inquiry, with a view to possible restriction, into the question of the punishment of whipping as a sentence which may be inflicted by Courts for criminal offences, and a Minority of the Committee recommended complete abolition except for juvenile offenders. In the latter case the Government of India are making the inquiry suggested by the Committee. In the former case it is proposed to adopt the Commission's recommendation and to confine corporal punishment to grave offences against prison discipline.

When is the Report of the Inquiry in India expected, and when shall we know what action the Indian Government will take?

I am afraid I do not know to what Inquiry the hon. and gallant Member refers. The Report of the Gaols Commission has already been placed in the Library last year.

The Noble Lord said that the Indian Government was prosecuting a further inquiry into the matter, and that on that inquiry would depend their action. May we know when that Report is likely to be published?

There is no question of a Report of the inquiry. It is an inquiry by the Government of India in their own administration. If the hon. and gallant Member will put a question down at a later date, I will tell him what the result of that inquiry is.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that officers of the Indian Government who are in receipt of free quarters are now assessed for Income Tax on the rental value of those quarters, and also have to pay tax on any remissions of rent made under the rule which limits an officer's rental of Government quarters to 10 per cent, of his pay; that these exactions press most hardly on officers of the Indian police, which is not an exceptionally well paid, service; that, while the value of free housing accommodation is treated as pay for the purpose of deducting Income Tax, it does not count as pay in calculation of leave salary; and whether he will take steps to remedy matters?

Under the Indian Income Tax Act, tax is ordinarily payable in respect of perquisites (including free quarters) received by an employé of Government or otherwise. Leave salaries do not purport to be based necessarily on the whole of an officer's actual emoluments, and local and compensatory allowances are not, generally speaking, taken into account for the purpose. I have no information bearing on the question of tax on remissions of rent in the circumstances referred to in the first part of the question, and should be glad to receive any particulars bearing on the point which may be within my hon. and gallant Friend's knowledge.

Can the Noble Lord say how often such a tax is levied in England?

I do not think that that arises out of the question. At any rate, I am afraid I am not sufficiently familiar with the Income Tax law in England to be able to reply without notice.

Will the Noble Lord inquire?

I do not think it affects the question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his Department is now-issuing passports to Russia; if so, how many have been issued in each of the last six months; and whether, in each case, to British subjects or to naturalised British subjects?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. To supply the figures required for a complete answer to the remainder of the question would involve immense labour and difficulty, but the total number of passports for Russia issued in the last six months is in any case very small.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can now make any statement on the negotiations with Russia since the Adjournment of the House for the holidays?

I am unable to add anything to the reply which I gave yesterday to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Ken-worthy).

Can the hon. Gentleman explain why semi-official communiqués are made to the Press?

No communication has been made to the Press from the Foreign Office.

Are we to understand that the "Times" has not, in view of the changed proprietorship, resumed its old position—that what we see in the "Times" represents the Foreign Office?

That is a question on which the hon. Member can form his own opinion as well as I can.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether, in the negotiations which are taking place with M. Krassin, the question of the 12 and 3-mile limits in regard to fishing has been considered?

I would ask my hon. Friend not to press me beyond what I have already said, that it is wiser not to give any indication at present as to what has been passing.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that the Housing Committee of the Middlesbrough Town Council still have over 3,000 applications for houses, he will give his early consent to the request of the Middlesbrough Corporation for permission to erect 180 houses required to complete an estate for which the roads and sewers have already been provided under an unfinished housing scheme sanctioned under the 1919 Housing Act?

My right hon. Friend has informed the local authority in question that, in the event of the Bill now before Parliament becoming law, he will be prepared to recognise for financial assistance the 180 houses to which the hon. Member refers. He has, however, suggested to the local authority that, with a view to obtaining more favourable prices, they should not obtain tenders for the whole of these houses at once.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Government Department for building materials has been abolished; whether any of the officials of that Department are still retained; and, if so, what are their respective duties and what cost is entailed on public funds?

The Department of the Director of Building Materials Supply has been abolished, and none of the officials of that Department is retained. The work of clearing up the accounts of that Department is being carried out by the staff of the Accountant-General's Department of the Ministry. The cost of the staff at present engaged is £1,200 a month, which amount is being gradually reduced as the work diminishes.

Which section of the noble Lord's Department is dealing with the question of the building rings, since the Department has been abolished which dealt with building materials?

A Committee has been set up, as my hon. Friend is aware, to watch that question.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that certain telephone subscribers in the eastern districts of London have not yet received the copies of the Telephone Directory published on 1st April to which they are entitled, and that on inquiries being made subscribers are informed by his Department that the western distracts are supplied first; is this statement made on his authority; if so, why do the western districts receive preferential treatment; and will he take steps to facilitate the delivery of these directories as delay is occasioned to the service by wrong numbers being given, often due to old directories being used?

Labour troubles at the Printing Works of His Majesty's Stationery Office caused general delay in the delivery of the April issue of the London Telephone Directory. The simultaneous delivery of the whole issue —nearly a quarter of a million copies—is impossible, and the practice is to send the first consignments to the larger head district offices for distribution. No distinction is made between east and west, and any statement to the effect that preferenial treatment is accorded to he western districts of London is incorrect.

Is it the fact that the labour troubles to which the right hon. Gentleman refers were due to the refusal of the contractors to pay the trade union rate of wages?

That, of course, is not part of the original question.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he proposes to lay the Report of the Broadcasting Committee before Parliament for consideration and approval; and whether, in view of the importance of the whole issue, special facilities will be given for such discussion apart from the Poet Office Estimate?

The Broadcasting Committee's Report will be laid before Parliament. The last part of the question had better be repeated when the Report is laid.

When is the Report expected?

I cannot say yet. The Committee is still sitting.

asked the Post master-General whether any progress has been made with the proposal for using the backs of postage stamps for advertisement purposes; and if he proposes to invite tenders from the public with this object?

This proposal has been abandoned for the time being.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say which is the back of a postage stamp?

asked the Post master-General whether facilities for caller letters at poste restantes in London and other large towns have recently been increased; whether any charge is made to callers who use these poste restantes; will he state briefly what the regulations are for callers' letters; and whether he has had any recent complaints that these regulations have been abused?

There has been no recent increase in facilities for the delivery of letters addressed Poste Restante. No charge is made for the delivery of such letters. The Regulations which are printed on page 24 of the Post Office Guide are intended to confine the use of the poste restante to bona fide strangers and, travellers. No recent cases of abuse of poste restante facilities have been brought to my notice.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of unemployed in the various branches of the building trades for each of the last three months and the amount paid in unemployment benefit?

The information is too detailed to give orally, and I will, with

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the name or names of the present recipient or recipients of the perpetual pension granted in 1793 to the heirs male of the body of Lord Rodney to whom the barony of Rodney shall descend?

The present recipients are Lord Rodney and Corisande Baroness Rodney.

May I ask in what circumstances part of the pension is being paid to a lady, seeing that it was limited to heirs male?

I should imagine that it is by the request of her son, the present baron. I can find out, if the hon. Member presses the question.

Do we understand that you may pass a pension off to some the consent of the hon. Member, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the statement promised:

other person if you so desire, and can the same privilege be applied to those who are in receipt of old age pensions?

As far as this pension is concerned, it is payable to the male heirs of Admiral Rodney, and, during the life of this particular male heir, he appears to have asked that a portion of the pension should be paid to his mother.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether upon payment of perpetual pensions to their present recipients deductions are made in respect of Income Tax and Super-tax?

The pensions in question are chargeable both to Income Tax and Super-tax. Appropriate deductions in respect of Income Tax are made at the time of payment, and for Super-tax purposes the pensions are aggregable with the rest of their income in the hands of the recipients.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether a perpetual pension is being paid to the heirs of the Duke of Schomberg; if so, what is the amount of the pension so paid; and in respect of what services is the pension payable?

The only portion now remaining uncommuted of the pension originally granted to the Duke of Schomberg is £360 now payable to Mr. W. S. Gosling, a member of whose family purchased this annuity in 1792. The services which led to the grant are recited in Article 1, Geo. 1, No. 78.

Is the right hon. Baronet aware that those services were recognised, not only by the grant of a pension, but also by the payment of £100,000 by this House?

I imagine this House thought the services were worth that amount.

What was the nationality of this gentleman?

This is not the time to go into history lessons.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will take early measures to withdraw the faulty coinage of the years 1920–22, in view of the many cases in which the various silver amalgams then employed have led to the discolouring, breaking up, or flaking of the pieces?

I am afraid I cannot agree with my hon. Friend as to the coins in circulation, and the cost of withdrawing recent issues would be prohibitive.

Is my right hon. Friend cognisant of the effect that this faulty coinage has on our trade with the West Coast of Africa?

I must confess I have not heard of that.

Is the right hon. Baronet not aware that this coinage was understood to represent the Coalition system under which we then lived?

I am afraid I did not grasp the question fully.

Would my right hon. Friend be surprised to hear that the estimate of the amount of trouble required to withdraw the very limited amount of the present currency applying to these years, though large, is not such as would frighten those Members of the House who are accustomed to deal with large figures?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the shortest time possible in which the proposed naval base at Singapore could be constructed?

I have been asked to reply. Pending the result of the preliminary work and additional investigations it is impossible to give a precise date.

When can we have a straight answer to a straight question?

That kind of courtesy does not deserve any answer.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any agreement has yet been reached as to the disposal of the money collected at the French customs stations on British goods entering the occupied areas of the Ruhr; and what steps he is taking to pursue the matter?

I am unable to add anything to previous answers.

Will the right hon. Baronet answer the last part of the question? Are we taking any steps to pursue the matter in view of the fact that the sum of money must be increasing every week?

We are considering the question and trying to arrive at the amount of money which is increasing every week.

Is it the intention of the French Government to keep the money until they have paid for the cost of occupation, and is that a course to which we assent?

The whole matter has not yet been decided. I do not think it can be decided until the whole question of reparations is dealt with.

Are we to understand that no Notes are passing or discussions taking place at all?

I am afraid the hon. and gallant Gentleman must address any questions to the Foreign Office.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that export prices fixed by the German Government for goods shipped to this country are higher than the prices fixed for similar goods exported to France, Holland and Belgium by a percentage more or less equivalent to the 26 per cent, duty imposed here by the German Reparation (Recovery) Act; and if he will make representations to the German Government which will have the effect of placing this country on the same footing as that of other countries?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given him on the 9th and 23rd April, to which at present I have nothing to add, except that communications on the subject are still proceeding with the German Government.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of fees which have been paid, or will be payable, to the Law Officers of the Crown, giving the amounts received and receivable by each officer separately, in connection with the recent deportations to the Irish Free State; and will he state separately the sums received and receivable in connection with the appeal to the House of Lords?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Edmonton.

Is there any truth in the rumour that, in view of the result of this advice, the Law Officers are waiving their fees, or alternatively handing them over to the people who were wrongly imprisoned?

The rumour has not yet reached me.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether arrangements can be made for a monetary advance to be paid from the lump sum due on retirement to civil servants awaiting final settlement of pension so as to alleviate the hardships that sometimes arise during the waiting period?

Arrangements are normally made on request for such advances in special cases in which delay in the final settlement would involve hardship.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if any increase in the amount of Income Tax collected during the current financial year has been estimated to accrue as the result of the reassessment for Income Tax Schedule A.

The Budget estimate of the yield of Income Tax in the current financial year was made after full consideration of all the relevant circumstances, including the re-assessment for Income Tax Schedule A.

Does that consideration include any estimate for the increase to be collected under Schedule A?

The consideration includes the fact that there would be an increase in the amount taken as a whole, though I cannot say as to any special heading.

What was the actual estimate of the increase under Schedule A?

The increase of Income Tax was estimated as a whole, and it will be so found in the Budget speech.

Does the right hon. Baronet suggest that the Treasury, in making an estimate of Income Tax, do not take into consideration the various factors that make for increase and decrease and allocate accordingly?

I have not been at the Treasury long. I think there is no doubt that they make the most careful estimates, but the figures I have at present are the total estimate arrived at of the whole of the Income Tax.

Is it not a fact that the Chancellor in his Budget speech stated he expected to realise from this re-assessment about £7,000,000, whereas all the experts have stated over and over again they anticipate he will realise about £25,000,000?

Of course, if the hon. Member tells me my right hon. Friend stated that, I must accept it, but I cannot think he said anything like it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many Commissioners of Income Tax there are at present in Great Britain or in England and Wales, as the case may be, to hear possible appeals on the hereditaments which are now the subject of reassessment for Income Tax?

The information referred to in the question is not readily available and its production would involve the expenditure of a considerable amount of time and labour. There are 651 Income Tax divisions in England and Wales and 66 in Scotland. The Income Tax Act, 1918, provides that the number of General Commissioners appointed and authorised to act for any division and the number of persons to supply vacancies respectively shall not exceed seven or be less than three, but the Commissioners of Inland Revenue may, if they think fit, authorise an increase to any number not exceeding 14 in each such case.

Did my right hon. Friend say Commissions or Commissioners?

I said divisions. There are 651 Income Tax divisions, all of which have a certain number of Commissioners.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that on the subject giving, notice of appeal against his assessment for Income Tax, Schedule A, to the Com- missioner of Taxes, the inspector of taxes sends him a form containing nine questions, including a question as to the taxpayer's considered opinion of the maximum yearly rent at which the property could be let an the assumption that he did all the repairs and the tenant paid all the usual tenant's rates; and will he give instructions to these inspectors of taxes not to usurp the functions of the Commissioners of Taxes?

The inquiry to which my horn, and gallant Friend refers was no doubt issued in pursuance of the practice under which inspectors of taxes, with the sanction of the local Commissioners of Taxes, endeavour to adjust, by agreement, assessments under all Schedules of the Income Tax Acts. This old-established practice, which has proved of great convenience to the public, in no way usurps the functions of the Commissioners of Taxes or infringes upon a. taxpayer's right to appear personally before those Commissioners in support of his appeal, if he desires to do so.

In the present circumstances would the Treasury give directions how the subject can appeal directly to the Commissioners?

I will consider whether it is possible that action may be taken.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that Income Tax assessors, in fixing the assessments for the purposes of Income Tax, Schedule Ā (Property Tax), 1923–24, have generally adopted the gross assessments fixed for poor rate purposes, but in order to arrive at the net assessments the assessors have granted a much smaller allowance in respect of repairs, etc., than that allowed in the poor rate assessments; and, as this appears to be causing much dissatisfaction, will he consider, if the gross assessments under Schedule A must be increased in accordance with the higher value of houses since the last revision, whether he can authorise larger deductions in respect of repairs to be made, as it is considered that the scale of allowances for repairs in accordance with Note II on the back of the notice of assessment is insufficient, having regard to the high cost of repairs, insurance, and other expenses necessary to maintain houses in a state to command the new rentals or annual values assessed?

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 property is let, or is worth to be let, by the year under an ordinary tenancy. On the other hand, copies of the current poor-rate valuations have been obtained as provided by law, and have been duly taken into consideration in connection with the new assessments. With regard to repairs, etc., if the hon. Member will refer to the note on the back of the Notice of Assessment to which he alludes, he will see that, apart from the flat rate deductions for repairs, the law makes provision whereby the owner can obtain allowance in respect of expenditure on repairs and maintenance on a five-year average. In the result, the owner will bear tax solely on the income which he enjoys.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give to the House, before the consideration of the Finance Bill is resumed, a statement of the financial adjustment for the year ending 31st March, 1923, between the British Treasury and the Irish Free State, showing payments and receipts on either side and amounts outstanding, if any; and if he will furnish an estimate of the sums receivable by the British Treasury from the Irish Free State and any payments to be made to the Irish Free State during the present financial year?

I will have a statement prepared as soon as possible, but it will be some time before the figures in regard to the collection and attribution of revenue for the year just closed can be ascertained.

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker, with regard to the private notice question which I sent to you this morning, and which you rule is not sufficiently urgent to be put as a. private notice question, shall I, now that Question Time is over, be in order in putting it now to the Under-Secretary, to whom I have already given notice?

I have ruled that the question was not sufficiently urgent, and the hon. and gallant Member must put it on the Paper.

May I point out that on many occasions in the Parliament which expired in 1918, your predecessor, Mr. Speaker Lowther, ruled that he could not disallow a question on the ground that it was not urgent, if the question was capable of being put before quarter to four, that the rule in regard to urgency only applied to the time after quarter to four, and that before quarter to four any hon. Member could put a question, even an oral question, without notice.

I will look into the matter again, but my impression is that the Standing Order says that two days' notice must be given. I will look into what my predecessor said, if the hon. Member will give me the reference.

I cannot give the reference at the moment, but I know for a fact that Mr. Speaker Lowther did so rule. I think the rights of Members should be consulted in these matters. Certainly on one occasion, privately, Mr. Speaker Lowther gave me that view.

I shall be glad to look into the matter, and if my present impression be wrong, I will take occasion to correct it.