asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been drawn to the protest made by the Leeds War Pensions Committee against the Ministry's policy of reducing the need pensions of aged poor persons, parents of deceased ex-service men, because they had tea with one of their children once or twice a week; whether deduction is also made from pecuniary need pension in respect of occasional gifts of old clothes, charitable grants given to supplement the pension, and sick pay: whether these deductions, if made, are in consequence of Departmental orders; and, if so, will he give instructions that the administration in respect of need pension shall be altered?

It is not the practice of the Ministry to take into account as part of the means of a claimant for a need pension casual benefits of the kind indicated in the question. A distinction has always been drawn between casual gifts and benefits, whether in cash or in kind, which are of a regular and reasonably permanent nature.

Would that apply to Sunday meals occasionally given to these old people? Will these be taken into account?

Occasional contributions would not count. If the hon. Member has any particular cast; in mind, I shall be happy to inquire into it.

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the standard of need for need pensions; whether the Regulations provide that aged poor parents having no income of their own but living with relatives, must be assumed to possess means corresponding to the value of the maintenance provided; whether it is laid down that as a general rule the value of the board and lodging provided by a relative should be assessed at from 10s. to 15s. a week; whether it is the accepted practice of the Ministry that whore a parent of a deceased ex-service man lives with a relative the Ministry is relieved of the whole or part of its liability; and whether he will have any Regulation imputing income to a person who has none withdrawn, substituting therefore a provision that the child with whom the parent is living shall only be debited with the imputed share basis?

The standard of "need" for need pensions is ordinarily 20s. where one parent is concerned, and 30s. where there are two. In assessing "need," regard is had, not only to income in the form of money, but also to benefits in kind regularly and permanently enjoyed; and the value of full board and lodging is usually assessed at from 10s. to 15s. a week. I am unable to adopt the suggestion made in the last part of the hon. Member's question, but I have already under consideration certain of the conditions at present attaching to this class of pension, and I will consider the hon. Member's suggestion.

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking into consideration the payment of unemployment benefit?

I must have notice of that question. We are bound to make some inquiry because the pension is based on need and is not a flat rate pension, which is a form less advantageous, to the poorer applicants.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he can now announce any decision as regards the curtailing of inquiries for need pensions and for carrying on such pension for a, term of two or three years?

I am glad to be able to inform the hon. and gallant Member that I am now, with the assistance of the Treasury, making arrangements which will meet the object he has in view. At present, the circumstances of pensioners in receipt of need pensions are reviewed annually, but it is my desire that pensioners should be spared all unnecessary inquiry. Arrangements are being made by which pensions of this class will, in future, be issued without annual re-investigation for from two to three years in each case, with, of course, the proviso that should the pensioner apply and show that circumstances have materially changed to his or her disadvantage, or should the fact of a material change of circumstances otherwise come to the knowledge of the Ministry in the interim, the pension will be re-investigated and a fresh award made.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his reply will give great satisfaction all over the country; and will he, if possible, make the limit three years instead of two or three years.

I will gladly consider the suggestion of my right hon. Friend. It is obvious these constant inquiries into the income of those who draw these pensions involve trouble and also add to expense. We are anxious to give these pensioners as much security as we can and I will consider the suggestion.

When a pensioner is summoned to attend by the inquiry officer are the travelling expenses of that pensioner paid?

The hon. Member had better put that question down. It does not arise out of the original question here.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that young unmarried ex-service men while in hospital for treatment are denied the right of having treatment allowances paid to their mothers; and whether he will have such Regulation withdrawn?

I shall be glad to consider the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the serious cases of hardship which have occured owing to the inability of ex-service men to have their cases reopened by the Court of Appeal, notwithstanding the production of new evidence, he will consider the desirability of introducing a Bill to amend Section 8 of the War Pensions Act, 1919, so that in such exceptional cases a rehearing may be allowed?

The Government have given full consideration to the matter and have decided that they are unable to adopt the suggestion.

Will the right hon. Gentleman allow this question to go before the Committee which he is setting up?

No, Sir. I could not agree to that.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the feeling existing amongst ex-service men's organisations that the existing constitution of the Pensions Appeal Tribunal is unsatisfactory, he is prepared to introduce legislation with the object of securing that the question of whether an ex-service man's disability was caused or aggravated by war service, should be decided by an independent tribunal of laymen, assisted by medical referees, such tribunal to be composed of equal numbers of representatives of the Ministry, war pensions committees, and ex-service men?

I am not aware of the dissatisfaction referred to; on the contrary, I have reason to believe that the tribunals, as now constituted, have the full confidence of representative ex-service organisations. Further, I am of opinion that these bodies, whose constitution is in accordance with the recommendations of a Select Committee of this House, and who are in all respects independent of my Department, are better qualified to arrive at an impartial judgment than a body constituted on the lines suggested by the hon. Member.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give me an opportunity of bringing a case before him which has not had the approval of the ex-service men's organization?

Certainly, Sir.

Is it not a fact that the Pensions Appeal Tribunal was set up with the sanction of the House, and is composed of an independent lawyer, an independent doctor, and an independent ex-service man?

The case is as stated by my right hon. Friend. I may add that the new arrangement which substitutes an independent tribunal for the tribunal of the Ministry itself, was made expressly at the wish of the ex-service men themselves, and with the approval of all parties in the House.

asked the Treasurer of the Household the number of appeals heard by the Lords Appeal Tribunal of persons residing in the Parliamentary Borough of Wednesbury during 1919, 1920, 1921, and 1922, respectively.

I regret that the records at the Central Office of the Pensions Appeal Tribunals are not kept in such a way as to enable the information asked for to be given.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of applications for pensions in respect of tuberculosis which have been rejected in the last six months on the ground that the disease was not attributable to war service; and whether he can see his way to consider, in conjunction with the Minister of Health, the formulation of a scheme for assisting the very large number of unpensioned ex-service men now suffering from tuberculosis?

During the past six months, four years after the Armistice, 1,600 first claims to pension for tuberculosis have been rejected on the ground that the disability was neither due to nor aggravated by service, and 1,100 admitted. As regards the last part of the question, I would point out that my authority is limited to cases in which the disability is due to or aggravated by war service, and I am afraid, therefore, that I am not in a position to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the late Private T. W. Gell, No. 235253, West Yorkshire Regiment, was blinded and gassed during the Great War and was awarded a total disablement pension; that he died on 24th March, 1922, from the effects of being gassed; and that he was formerly the sole support of his widowed mother, whose application for a pension has been refused; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy what appears to be a grave injustice to a widowed mother who gave her all for her country?

The refusal of pension was on the ground that the disease from which this man died was not connected with gas poisoning or with his military service. I may add that there was no record of his having been gassed.

Is it not the fact that the death certificate, after a post mortem examination, was that the man died from the effects of gas?

My information is that there was no record of his having been gassed, but I am going thoroughly into the case myself.

(1) asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that his decision that naval officers who had suffered disablement during the War and who retired under the special naval reduction scheme are not eligible for disability pension was not communicated to those officers before they had retired; what action he proposes to take in the matter;

(2) asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that the Ministry of Pensions have, decided that naval officers who received disablement during the War who have retired under the special provisions of A.F.O. 1,358/1922 are not eligible for disability pensions; and whether he will say what action, if any, it is proposed to take in view of the fact that nothing was mentioned in A.F.O. 1,358/1922 which would lead disabled officers to suppose that they were forfeiting their right to disability pension should they apply to retire under the terms of the A.F.O. quoted above?

As the answer to these questions is somewhat long and intricate, I will, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

An officer retired under the conditions of the Admiralty Orders providing special terms on reduction of establishment is not thereby rendered ineligible, as an alternative, for an award in respect of disability traceable to Great War service, subject to the terms of the Order in Council administered by the Ministry of Pensions.

If the officer prove to have been at the time of retirement permanently unfit for general service, and therefore might have been invalided, he has the option of electing the rate appropriate to an invalided officer or the terms of the Admiralty "reduction" order. I would, however, point out that the basis of the invaliding award is the service rate provided by the Admiralty Order of 22nd January, 1920, and not the scales allowed by the reduction scheme; an addition for disablement cannot be made to the latter.

If the officer after retirement claims disablement, but was not on retirement in a condition to be invalided, he is, even so, eligible for consideration under the Ministry's Regulations, but they would seldom be to his advantage.

I would point out that the Great War terminated for pension purposes in September, 1921, and the Admiralty Order quoted in Question 32 refers to retirements on reduction on or after 12th May, 1922, and, therefore, it is unlikely that an officer so retired would have a claim for Great War disability. But if my hon. and gallant Friend has any particular cases in mind, I shall be pleased to investigate them.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether recovery is still being effected of sums advanced to pensioners, on the assessment made by medical referees, by local war pension committees in the years 1918, 1919, and 1920; and, if so, will he issue instructions that no recovery shall be effected of moneys received under the then current regulations and paid to the pensioner prior to 1st April, 1922?

No steps are taken to secure repayment of recoverable advances made prior to the 1st April, 1920, where recovery had not commenced on the 31st March, 1923, but where an advance was in course of repayment at that date the recovery is continued. I would point out that these recoverable advances were all made against a written undertaking that they should be refunded from the subsequent award of pension, and I am not, therefore, prepared to adopt the suggestion in the last part of the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the question also refers to payments that have been made in mistake by the Ministry; that there is some misunderstanding in his Department regarding these cases; and will he go into the matter?

I shall be happy to go into the matter, but, on the question of recoverable advances, I could not concede what is asked. These advances could not be issued except on the distinct understanding that they are recoverable, as the hon. Member will realise.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been called to the suicide of Frederick Charles Marding, an ex-service man, as the result of depression owing to his war pension having been stopped and his being unable to obtain work; whether he is aware that at the time he rejoined the Army after the outbreak of war in 1914 Marding was in receipt of an Army pension of 17s. 6d. on account of valvular heart disease contracted during service in the Boer War; that he was invalided out after serving in the European War with a pension of 22s. 6d. a week because of his disease having been aggravated by his military service; and if he will obtain a full report on the matter, in view of the uneasiness which is felt by the total withdrawal of pensions from persons suffering in a like manner to Marding?

At the time of his re-enlistment during the Great War this man was in receipt of a temporary pen- sion of 15d. a day for a heart disability. After his discharge in 1917 he was granted disability pension at various rates in respect of the aggravation of that disability, and when this pension was discontinued last month on the ground that the effects of service during the Great War had disappeared, the remaining degree of disablement was found to be slight. An appeal against the Ministry's finding was before the tribunal at the date of the man's unfortunate death. The suicide was apparently due to depression arising from lack of employment, but I am calling for a report on this sad case.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the financial hardship imposed on prison officers who have been living apart from their families for nearly two years owing to lack of housing accommodation; and whether the hardship can be mitigated by giving effect to the Prison Commissioners Circular, dated 11th December, 1922?

Every case, when brought to notice, is carefully considered, and where the circumstances justify it action is taken, as stated in the circular mentioned, to obtain Treasury approval for special treatment.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that several special cases have already been submitted to the Treasury, and no reply has been received? Will he make some inquiry into the special cases?

I shall be much obliged if the hon. Member will give me the names of the cases to which he refers.

asked the Home Secretary what is the nature of the proposals recently laid before the Opium Advisory Committee of the League of Nations by the British delegate?

asked the Home Secretary whether he can make a statement to the House on the results so far achieved at the session of the Advisory Committee, on Opium of the League of Nations?

The British representative on the Opium Advisory Committee of the League of Nations has not yet rendered any Report upon the proposals which he has laid before that body.

Are we to understand from that answer that the Government are ignorant of the proposals which their own delegate is bringing forward at this Conference?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that two hospital officers at Durham Prison are each compelled to sleep in the prison every alternate night; and will arrangements be made to obviate the necessity of these officers spending nearly half of their time within prison walls?

The presence of a hospital officer at night is necessary in case of emergency arising. As there are only two hospital officers at the prison, they take the duty in turn. For this sleeping in, an allowance of 2s. 6d. a night is granted. Hospital officers understand that they are liable for such duties.

asked the Home Secretary whether the warrant, under which a pamphlet entitled The Secret Influences behind the European War, by C. H. Norman, was seized at Dartmoor Settlement early in 1917, directed the seizure of all copies of this pamphlet, all writings, printed matter, books, or pamphlets, manuscripts, or typewritten matter referring to the society known as the Grand Orient of France; whether the seizure took place at the request of the French Government or at a request emanating indirectly from the French Government; and what has happened to the matter seized under the warrant?

No warrant was issued, and the first part of the question does not therefore arise. Seizure was effected under Defence of the Realm Regulation 51. Action was not taken either directly or indirectly at the request of the French Government. The copies of the pamphlet were retained by the local police until 1st July, 1919, when they were destroyed.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the police authorities have prohibited a draw organised by the Ilford Independent Labour Party for the purpose of obtaining funds to build a new hall; and why lotteries of this description, usually promoted by working-class organisations of all kinds to obtain funds for objects of social improvement, are prohibited, whilst the Golden Ballot, the Stock Exchange sweepstake, and various other kinds of lotteries and draws are advertised and publicly commented upon without action being taken by the authorities?

The police are bound to intervene if a draw or sweepstake is brought to their notice which appears to contravene the Lottery Acts as interpreted by the decisions of the Courts. I am informed that the police considered this draw illegal and they had therefore no alternative but to take action in regard to it. The object for which a lottery is promoted is immaterial and the action of the police in regard to the draw in question was in no way affected by the character of the funds which might be benefited. I may point out that the Golden Ballot was held by the Court upon the prosecution of the police not to contravene the Lottery Acts: and that sweepstakes like that of the Stock Exchange, confined to members of societies or clubs and not advertised as open to the public, have never been held to be illegal by the Courts.

Can the right hon. Gentleman indicate what exactly is the difference between this form of lottery and other forms of lottery, and does he not think that these haphazard prosecutions here and there simply reduce the law of lotteries to an absurdity?

I have not enough information to give a full answer to that question, but I imagine that the difference was that one was a public lottery and the other was not, that the lottery referred to was a public lottery with tickets open to the public, and that the Stock Exchange sweepstake and others were not.

Were steps taken against the drawing of the Otley sweepstake, which was openly promoted by the Conservative Association?

I believe that steps are being taken to stop it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of looking into the whole lottery legislation, and ensuring that it shall bear equally on all classes?

It has been looked into a great deal, and I think it wants a great deal more looking into. As for ensuring any rule which will satisfy everybody, I do not feel very hopeful.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of equality of administration of the law in the Metropolitan area? Is he aware that, as a matter of fact, lotteries are taking place in some districts in the East End with the full knowledge and consent of the same police who have prosecuted these people at Ilford?

I cannot pretend to know the different circumstances under which each of these lotteries is conducted, but the police do their best to follow the Lottery Acts, which are very confusing and are not made much simpler by the decisions which the Courts have given.

Will the Home Secretary let well alone?

asked the Home Secretary how many persons have been imprisoned or detained without trial since 1st January, 1919, and the period of such detention; how many were afterwards brought before the Courts and with what result; will he also inform the House the nature of the offences or crimes which justified such imprisonment; and how many persons still remain in His Majesty's prisons who have had no opportunity of defending themselves before the appointed justices or magistrate?

I have no doubt, that the hon. Member has in mind cases in which persons have been detained under the emergency powers conferred by the Defence of the Realm Act and the Restoration of Order in Ireland Act. I have no statistics available with regard to cases which have occurred since 1st January, 1919, but I may say, in answer to the last part of the question, that prior to the 11th March, the date of the arrest of the Irish deportees, no persons were being detained in prison in this country, and no persons are now being so detained under either of those Acts.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether in future the Resolution attached to the Indemnity Bill will apply, and that people will not be imprisoned unless they are taken first before a magistrate?

I think it has already been explained that it is proposed to set up a Committee to inquire into how much, if any, of the emergency power under the Restoration of Order in Ireland Act ought to be repealed, and until that is decided I cannot give any further answer.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether the Resolution passed in another place, and to be passed here to-day, is to be inoperative, that it is just a pious Resolution?

No. I have not the Resolution before me, but I think it says in effect that no one is to be interned under suspicion unless emergency powers exist. The question which is not decided is whether or not emergency powers still exist under the Restoration of Order in Ireland Act.

asked the Home Secretary if he has been requested by the societies interested to send a circular to the magisterial benches in the country calling attention to the ineffectiveness of fines for cruelty to animals; and, if so, whether he has taken any action in this direction?

I do not think that I can usefully add anything to what I said on this point in reply to questions on 27th March by the hon. Member for the Torquay Division (Colonel Sir C. Burn).

the Home Secretary if he has received a report of the prosecution at Walsall of Job Howard Taylor, Rushall, Staffs, and his conviction, with a fine of 40s. or one month's imprisonment; whether he is aware that the accused was charged with attempting to defraud the Ministry of Pensions in claiming 8s. compensation for loss of time incurred through being medically examined in Birmingham, and of the accused's statement in evidence that he lost the following night's work in consequence; and will he have the sentence reviewed?

I had received no report, but since notice of the question was given I have obtained one. On the facts before me, I could not advise interference with the sentence.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the bench of magistrates is notoriously brassed in this district on these questions?

We do not allow here attacks on Courts of Justice.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be willing to consider a petition for the appointment of a stipendiary magistrate, if evidence be placed before him?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the allegations made by the police against Anthony George Townsend on the night of 1st May, which case was heard at the West London Police Court on 9th May and stopped by the magistrate; and whether, in the circumstances, any compensation will be paid?

I have obtained a report upon the case, and see no ground for suggesting that compensation should be paid.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will forth with withdraw the recently revised instructions to police directing that all military, naval, and Air Force officers and Cabinet Ministers are to be saluted by them?

The revised order, the purport of which is not correctly represented in the question, does not impose any new obligation on the police, and there is no reason for modifying it. I may add that sergeants and constables are required to salute a commissioned officer when addressing or addressed by him, but not otherwise.

Does not the Home Secretary believe that the time has now arrived when the dignity of the law might be better upheld if police constables who have to exercise the law over Army officers should not have to humble themselves by saluting them?

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that His Majesty's prison adjoining the Midland Railway Station at St. Albans is now vacant and that an offer to purchase the property has been made by the Midland Railway Company; if he intends to dispose of this property; and, if not, what use does he intend to make of it?

No offer to purchase the property has been made to the Prison Commissioners by the Midland Railway Company. There is no intention of disposing of the property, as the prison would be required if there was an increase in commitments to prison in the London area. Further, the Commissioners have in contemplation the use of the prison for young offenders when funds for this purpose can be found.

asked the Home Secretary what was the number of persons in Great Britain who committed suicide by gas poisoning in each of the three years 1920, 1921, and 1922?

I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table giving for England and Wales the information asked for. As regards Scotland, my hon. and gallant Friend will no doubt address a question to the Under-Secretary for Scotland.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many local education authorities in the last financial year received extra grants from the Treasury on account of their necessitous condition; the total sum so received; and the amount their education rate had to exceed before they were entitled to receive such additional State assistance?

As the accounts for last year have not yet been received, the grants payable for last year have not yet been determined. Instalments are meantime paid on account It is estimated that fifteen local authorities qualified for the grant by having rates exceeding 48d. in the £, and that the amount distributed amongst them may be adjusted at about £140,000.

In view of the small number receiving the benefit of this grant, can the right hon. Gentleman hold out any hope that the basis will be further reduced?

If the Under-Secretary for Scotland is here, may I ask does he propose to adopt a similar measure?

Following is the table:

If the hon. Gentleman had done me the honour of reading my speech on the Education Estimates—

I read it !

And had done me the honour of listening to it, he would have heard that in that speech I announced that it would be reduced from 48d. to 42d.

But my supplementary question was whether there would be a further reduction on the 42d.?

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that Miss M. Frost, a teacher at Wellesbourne Hastings Church of England elementary school, graduated with honours in English at London University and has been a sucessful teacher at Wellesbourne school for two years, and that the Board have refused to recognise her as a certificated teacher on the ground that she has not passed an examination recognised by the Board in the principles and practice of teaching; and whether, seeing that evidence of successful teaching attested by His Majesty's Inspector is of more value than any examination on paper, and that it is open to the Board to recognise Miss Frost under Schedule I, A, 1 (vi) of the Code, he will have the case of this lady reconsidered?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The recognition of this teacher as a certificated teacher on the grounds suggested would involve an important modification of the principles on which the Board's policy and practice in this respect are based. The case has been very carefully considered, but I regret that I do not see my way to apply the particular Article referred to in the way suggested.

asked the President of the Board of Education if his attention has been directed to the fact that, whereas in the school year 1919–20 there were 70,299 pupils other than free placers admitted to grant-aided secondary schools in England and Wales, the figures fell in 1920–21 to 64,180, and in 1921–22 to 55,172; whether he is aware that the cause for this is the increasing of fees by pressure of the Board coinciding with a period of rapidly falling wages and salaries: and, in view of these figures, will he consider recommending the reduction of secondary school fees to their pre-war level?

I am aware of the figures quoted by the hon. Member, but I cannot accept the conclusion which he draws from them. The rapid increase in the numbers of pupils admitted which occurred after the War was largely provided for by the expansion of existing schools. As the schools became crowded, some reduction in admissions were unavoidable, a result accentuated by the very desirable tendency of pupils to stay longer at school. Since during the years referred to the number of admissions of free place pupils was more than maintained, the restriction of admissions fell on the fee-paying pupils. Experience may show that in some schools the fees now charged are somewhat too high, but I cannot agree that the figures quoted would justify any such general reduction of fees as the hon. Member suggests.

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with the local education authorities, where these tees are excessively heavy and bear hardly upon poorer folk, to have them reduced?

I am always willing to have my attention drawn to any case of hardship, but I cannot give a general undertaking.

Is there any school that the right hon. Gentleman Knows of where the fees are excessive?

"Certainly!"

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the fall of 15,000 in these admissions is a most serious thing for the parents of the pupils, and will he take steps to see that the secondary-school accommodation is enlarged to accommodate these children?

Yes; but if we are to enter into these matters, they are rather more for debate than for question and answer; and the hon. Member knows the difficulties and arguments on the other side.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of secondary schools in respect of which his Department has written to the local education authority or to the governing body complaining of breaches of Article 20 of the Regulations through the admission of a higher percentage of free placers than had been admitted in the previous years?

The Board have communicated with 71 secondary schools with regard to compliance with Article 20 of the Regulations for secondary schools.

asked the President of the Board of Education (1) whether, in addition to the teaching of the geography of the British Isles in elementary and secondary schools, he can inform the House what steps are taken to impart a knowledge into the minds of the coming generation of the geography of those countries oversea forming the British Empire;

(2) whether, in addition to the teaching of the history of the British Isles in elementary and secondary schools, he can inform the House what steps are taken to impart a knowledge into the minds of the coming generation of the history of those countries overseas forming the British Empire?

Specific provision is made, both in the Code of Regulations for Public Elementary Schools and in the Board's volume of "Suggestions for the Consideration of Teachers in Public Elementary Schools," for the inclusion in the geography lessons of instruction in the geography of the British Dominions beyond the seas and in the history lessons of instruction in the history of the growth of the British Empire. The Secondary School Regulations require the inclusion of history and geography in the curriculum, and I am informed that in the syllabuses, in framing which a wide discretion is left to the school authorities, the importance of a knowledge of the British Empire is recognised.

Is any specific encouragement given in the study of these all-important subjects by, for instance, the issue of a certificate to those students who show special knowledge?

Who is going to write an impartial history of the development and growth of the British Empire?

Not you.

Are steps taken in the schools to instruct the children in the geography of neighbouring counties which are not within the Empire?

Really, we cannot continue these questions.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, considering that only one staff inspector of physical exercises and six inspectors of physical exercises, all of whom are women, are provided for in the Estimates for the present year; that women are not the proper persons to inspect the physical training of boys of 12 and 14 and over; and that four years ago the late President of the Board of Education stated that the question of the desirability of strengthening the Board's staff of inspectors of physical training was then under his consideration and that he considered that a certain increase was necessary, he will state what progress has been made towards the desired appointment of one man inspector for boys and one woman inspector for girls for each inspectorial division; also how many hours in each week are devoted to physical exercises in elementary and secondary schools?

As regards the first part of the question, the staff of inspectors of physical training provided for in the Estimates for 1923–24 is one man staff inspector with two men and seven women ordinary inspectors. There has, therefore, been an increase of one man inspector and two women inspectors in the last four years. While I agree that some further increase in the number of men inspectors is desirable when circumstances permit, I must not be taken as necessarily concurring in the hon. and gallant Member's estimate of the full strength required. Neither the Code nor the Regulations for secondary schools prescribe the number of hours in each week that should be devoted to physical exercises. In public elementary schools the time varies, as a rule, from one to one and a-half or two hours. In secondary schools one or two periods a week are generally given to physical exercises in addition to any time given to organised games.

Considering the importance of this subject, will the right hon. Gentleman issue orders that more time is to be given to it?

I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that I am quite alive to the importance and desirability of the subject, but I am not satisfied that we should achieve the object he and I have in common by introducing the suggested compulsion into the curriculum.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of schools in England and Wales, not in receipt of contributions from taxes or rates, which are open to inspection by the local education authority or the Board in accordance with Section 147 of the Education Act, 1921, and how many inspections of such schools were made by the Board during 1922?

The number of schools which have declared themselves open to inspection by the Board under Section 147 is 133. I have no information as to the number which are open to inspection by local education authorities. The number of inspections made by the Board during the calendar year, 1922, was six. The total number of inspections of these schools made by the Board is 100.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of students who left the training colleges

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the case of a female assistant teacher who began to teach uncertificated in 1908, took her certificate in 1914, in April, 1915, joined the Voluntary Aid Detachment, served under military regulations till June, 1919, had to find her own uniform and received £20 a year, with annual increments of £2 10s., on being demobilised received a gratuity of £28 towards the cost of civilian dress, had to wait three months in each of the years 1920, 1921, and 1922; the number of certificated and uncertificated teachers employed in elementary schools for the same years; and the number of teachers who retired on pension and on breakdown allowances for the same period, respectively?

As the answer is of a statistical character, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate the figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following are the figures:

before securing a post, entered Willesden service September, 1919, and is now receiving £52 10s. per annum (less than the teacher of the next class, junior to her, because her War service is not allowed to count); and will he, in view of the fact that the experience and discipline of War service has augmented the powers of the teacher, have inquiries made into this case?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The conditions under which War service can be recognised for the calculation of grant upon teachers' salaries are defined in the Board's Circular 1227, a copy of which I am sending the hon. Member. This Circular, which was issued after very careful consideration of all the circumstances, represents the furthest limit to which the Board have authority to go, and I regret I cannot reopen the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Education the average cost of educating pupils in England and Wales in schools maintained out of public funds, showing the proportion borne by local rates and Imperial grants, respectively?

The cost of education for each unit of average attendance in public elementary schools in England and Wales in 1923–24 is estimated at about £11 8s., of which £5 will be met from rates and £6 8s. from taxes. The cost of higher education cannot be expressed in terms of cost per pupil for reasons stated in paragraph 17 of the Memorandum on the Board of Education Estimates, 1923–24 [Cmd. 1841], a copy of which I am sending the hon. Member. The net expenditure of local education authorities on higher education is met as to 50 per cent, from rates and 50 per cent, from taxes.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware that the teachers employed by the Leyton Education Authority have received a demand for the repayment of certain sums of money paid to them as salary during 1921–22; that in one case the amount demanded is £102; that the authority has intimated that at some future date it will apply the same procedure to the salaries paid during 1922–23; that these demands have been made upon the teachers individually without submitting them to a conference with the teachers' representatives; that an agreement was entered into between the authority and the teachers in March, 1922, covering the points now involved; when the board was informed of the agreement by the authority; and will he use his good offices to bring about a conference between the authority and the representatives of the teachers?

The answers to the first, second and third parts of the question are in the affirmative. On the fourth, I have no official information. As to the fifth and sixth points, the Board were informed on the 27th February, 1922, that an agreement had been reached that the salaries from 1st April, 1922, onwards should be in accordance with the principles laid down by the Board for the recognition of expenditure in 1921–22. In the case in which the repayment asked for is £102, there appears to have been some misunderstanding into which I am inquiring. On general grounds I think it most desirable that matters in dispute between local education authorities and their teachers should be discussed in conference, but I feel some doubt whether in this matter occasion has arisen for my intervention.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of ex-service men who have qualified as teachers under the Government training scheme; how many are now unemployed: and what steps he is taking in order to find posts for those who are unemployed?

Up to the end of last session approximately 4,000 students had completed courses under the Regulations for the Training of Teachers with special aid granted by the Board under the Government training scheme. Of this number 80 recently recorded themselves as out of employment, and in the case of 250 others no information was available as to whether they were or were not employed. There are also 915 students who undertook courses at training colleges conducted by the Ministry of Labour, 585 of whom are known to be employed as teachers. I regret that it is not in my power to provide employment for those who are unemployed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the reason a large number of these ex-service teachers are unemployed is because the classes have been increased in size instead of being decreased? If he would decrease the size these men would be absorbed.

asked the Prime Minister whether any preparations are being made to withdraw the British troops from the Dardanelles?

So long as the negotiations at Lausanne continue, I am not in a position to make a statement. It is obvious that the question of the withdrawal of the Allied troops of occupation is indissolubly connected with the definite conclusion of peace.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is in communication with the French and/or German, Italian, Belgian and United States Governments with a view to discussing some settlement of the German reparations question, and, in particular, the ending of the present situation in the Ruhr; and whether he has observed that the German mark stands at lower exchange level than the Austrian krone at the date when the League of Nations intervened to prevent the financial collapse of the latter country?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and to the second in the affirmative.

Are we to understand from the answer that the Government are quiescent on this subject, and are doing nothing at all?

No.

Has the right hon. Gentleman noticed that the Austrian krone stabilised itself directly they ceased printing bank notes, and does he not think that the German mark will follow the same course?

A lot of curious things happen in Germany.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what we are doing in the matter?

The hon. Member will soon see.

If we are not quiescent, can he say what we are doing?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that British subjects who were owners of property destroyed by the Germans in Northern France during the War have been, and are, unable lo get compensation from any source, whether French, German, or British, although German nationals whose property was confiscated have been compensated by Germany; and whether the Government will give an assurance that in any modifications of reparations the interests of the above-mentioned British subjects will be safeguarded?

As regards the first part of the question, such British subjects may participate in the sum, of £5,000,000 voted for distribution on the recommendation of the Royal Commission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action. As regards the second part of the question, I fear that no modification of reparations can alter the position of British nationals respecting compensation for war damage.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the case of French factories owned by Frenchmen, they are getting full compensation, while similar factories owned by Englishmen in the same district are not getting any compensation?

I am afraid that is the case. At the present moment it may be that the French Government are providing means to enable their nationals to rebuild, but in regard to our nationals in France and Belgium they are not so treated.

The right hon. Gentleman told us that British nationals were to participate in the £5,000,000. Can he now say why it is that, after correspondence extending from two to four years, British nationals cannot get any money?

The £5,000,000 is being distributed by a Royal Commission. I do not know whether the case quoted by the hon. Member has been before that Commission, but if he tells me it has, I will inquire into it.

Then, if I send the right hon. Gentleman particulars, I understand that he will look into the matter?

Certainly.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how much of the £5,000,000 has already been distributed?

I think a large proportion, but I cannot now give the exact figure.

May I ask whether the Government propose to provide means to advance the compensation in the cases in which compensation to British nationals is due, as the French Government are doing in their own cases?

Does this sum of £5,000,000 include compensation for the death of British subjects killed by Germans in Belgium who had dependants in this country?

I am not quite sure. I cannot carry all the facts in my head. With regard to the question raised by my hon. Friend (Captain Thorpe), perhaps I may explain that, under the Treaty, claims on Germany in respect of all destroyed property in France and Belgium of our nationals are made by the French and Belgian Governments. We have no right to make a claim on Germany for them. Up to this moment the French Government have not, I think, obtained and paid over compensation in respect of the claims of our nationals in France.

I am much obliged to the right hon. Gentleman. May I further ask whether the British Government will anticipate the receipt of payment from the French Government in respect of the claims now due, which they hope will ultimately be liquidated on the money being received?

I am afraid I cannot answer that question without notice.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the question of amending the Rules of Procedure, so as to place some time limit on the speeches of hon. and right hon. Members intervening in Debates, or replying for the Government?

Before the right hon. Gentleman replies, may I ask if he is aware that during one Session the hon. and gallant Member who is putting this question spoke 434 columns of the OFFICIAL REPORT, or 118 columns more than any other Member of this House?

The hon. and gallant Member's suggestion has often been discussed, but I am afraid that no satisfactory solution has yet been found.

Is the Prime Minister aware that he and I set a good example in the brevity of our speeches?

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider at the same time the number of times hon. Members intervene?

Does the Prime Minister realise that there is no comparison to be made between his speeches and those of the hon. and gallant Member?

asked the Prime Minister the total amount paid in salaries to the members of the Government in 1922–23 as compared with the year 1913–14; what was the average amount paid to each in those years; what additional sums were paid in fees or other emoluments of office for the same periods; and whether the Government will consider the advisability of revising these salaries in view of the great need of national economy?

The total amounts paid in salaries to the members of the Government in 1922–23 and 1913–14 were £141,700 and £129,025, respectively, the average amount payable to each member being £2,673 in 1922–23 and £2,745 in 1913–14. In addition, the Law Officers' fees amounted to £26,198 in 1913–14 and £33,898 in 1921–22, the latter being the latest for which particulars are available. In the case of three Ministers, official residences, or an allowance in lieu, are provided, namely, the Prime Minister, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the First Lord of the Admiralty. With regard to the last part of the question, I do not consider that the expenditure on salaries paid to members of the Government can be regarded as excessive.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government are prepared to accept the jurisdiction of a foreign country over the internal administration and equipment of a British ship within foreign territorial waters; and what action do they propose to take, in view of the rigid enforcement of the Volstead Act over British shipping in American waters?

For the first and last parts of this question, I must refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the Bilston Division of Wolverhampton on the 5th instant. With regard to the second and third parts of the question, I am afraid that it is not possible to discuss, within the limits of a question and answer, the extent to which interference by one State with the merchant ships of another is in accordance with international law and with the practice and comity of nations. In this country, speaking generally, our interference with foreign ships is prompted only by considerations of health and safety of life.

In view of the developments which are now taking place, will an opportunity occur to discuss this matter?

It can be discussed on the Foreign Office Vote.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the impossibility of providing sufficient accommodation in the present public galleries for visiting Members of Parliament from the Dominions and the Dominion High Commissioners, whose access to the Debates of this House is of importance in promoting mutual understanding between the nations of the British Commonwealth, and also having regard to the difficulty of providing accommodation for Ministers representing some of the foreign countries, he will consider the appointment of a Select Committee of this House to report whether improved arrangements can be made to deal with the problem?

I have already had this matter under consideration, and have decided to recommend to the House that a Select Committee should be appointed to inquire into the question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman place a woman on that Committee?

I will consider that suggestion.

Will the reference to this Committee have regard to providing accommodation for Dominion pressmen, who very often wish to attend our Debates?

That raises a very much wider question. This question refers only to a very small portion of the House for a special purpose. I think the other matter referred to might be considered at another time.

Will the Prime Minister see that steps are taken to give effect to the recommendation referred to?

That depends upon Mr. Speaker, but it would be a necessary precedent to doing anything to get a report.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether any negotiations have taken place with the Czechoslovakian authorities for the drawing up of an air convention between that country and Great Britain, particularly with regard to civilian transport routes being established; and what was the result of these negotiations?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; to the second, that the negotiations are still proceeding.

Is it not a fact that a draft agreement was drawn up with Czechoslovakia in December establishing a through route from London to Prague, and why has nothing been done in the matter?

I am very anxious to arrange that this agreement should be carried through, but there are a number of complicated questions which have still to be considered.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of Inhabited House Duty paid in 1922 on houses whose rental was of the value of £20, and the total amount on houses whose value ranged from £21 to £30, inclusive?

The amount of Inhabited House Duty paid in 1921–22 on all premises of an annual value of £20 to £30 liable to the duty is estimated to be approximately £250,000. For the year 1922–23 the amount paid would not differ materially. No data are available for estimating separately the duty paid by liable premises of the exact value of £20.

In view of the information contained in that reply, and in order to allay the anxiety of numerous poor tenants, can the right hon. Gentleman make any statement as to the limit to be fixed on the rent?

If my hon. Friend is present in the House next week he will then hear all I have to say on this subject.

Would it not be cheaper in the long run to exempt all houses up to £25?

I do not think it would be cheaper.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that some landlords are informing their tenants that they intend to increase the rent of their houses to an amount equivalent to the increased assessments; and if he will state to the House whether he is prepared to insert a Clause in the Finance Bill to render illegal any such action?

I am unable to understand how the position as between landlord and tenant suggested by the hon. Member can arise, seeing that in the normal case the Property Tax assessment is itself governed by the rent actually paid under an ordinary tenancy

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that certain landlords in the East End of London are stating definitely to their tenants that they intend to put the equivalent amount of increase on the rent? Would not a statement from the right hon. Gentleman to the effect of the one he has now made possibly allay a good deal of the uneasiness now existing?