asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government has now given consideration, as promised on 6th December last, to the question of introducing a Bill providing for the sale of bread by weight; and whether it is proposed to introduce such a Bill this Session?

It is not expected that there will be any opportunity to introduce a Sale of Bread Bill this Session, but it is intended that the Expiring Laws Bill should provide for the continuance of the relevant parts of the Sale of Food Order, until the 31st December, 1924.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Committee that was investigating the British thermal value in gas supply have yet reported upon the thermal value of different coals used in the manufacture of gas?

The hon. Member is, I think, under a misapprehension. The Board of Trade Committee which he presumably has in mind was appointed "to inquire and report as to the method of charging for gas on a thermal basis," and their report does not deal with the larger problem to which he refers. That problem is essentially one for the Fuel Research Board established by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and is one of the matters which is under their consideration.

Is the President of the Board of Trade not aware that on the day when I put this question referring to the thermal value of coal I got a definite promise, as contained in the OFFICIAL REPORT, that the Committee would deal with the subject, and why has this not been done?

I do not think the hon. Member got a definite promise of that kind. I said, speaking from memory, that so far as it is relevant the Committee would no doubt take it into consideration. That Committee was dealing with the special question of charging for gas by therms, and they reported that the whole of this intricate matter is being dealt with.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that on the same day when I raised the question of the disadvantage to the small gasworks in not being able to buy a certain kind of coal, I pointed out that the people using the gas would be required to pay more than the consumers under big companies, and it was in relation to some adjustment of this matter that he promised that the Committee should inquire?

I said no doubt the Committee would consider the activities which were relevant to the discussion, but I do not think that that matter was relevant.

Where does the irrelevancy come in, seeing that they were dealing with the question of thermal values all the time?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the carbon-monoxide content in gas necessary to give heat required for domestic heating and cooking?

The hon. Member's question does not seem to be one to which a precise answer can be given. The problem is one of practicability and cost rather than of physical necessity.

In relation to the questions which were put last week as to the claim now made for a non-carbon-monoxide gas, will he right hon. Gentleman give from the analysis of the gas supplied to consumers the carbon-monoxide content, and give the heat content of the gas minus this carbon-monoxide content?

No doubt that is very relevant, but it is not the question which the hon. Member has put down on the Paper.

You do not understand it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the new Clause in the proposed Commercial Treaty with Czechaslovakia specifically provides that the Safeguarding of Industries Act will not be used against Czechaslovakian goods; and whether the delay of two years since the beginning of negotiations for the Treaty is due to obstacles arising from the Safeguarding of Industries Act?

I regret that I cannot yet give information as to the purport of the new Clause which has provisionally been agreed upon. The delay in the conclusion of the Treaty is due to a number of causes, some of which are still under discussion.

May we take it that the Safeguarding of Industries Act will not be repealed by a Treaty without reference to the House?

The hon. and gallant Member may take it that nothing unconstitutional will be done. If anything is done under any Treaty it will be done in accordance with the law.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the number of seamen and their ratings who have left British vessels at North American and Canadian ports since the beginning of March; and how many vessels have returned without the full complement of men?

I am forwarding the hon. Member a statement showing the number of seamen and their ratings who have left British vessels at North American and Canadian ports since the beginning of March, but I am not in a position to furnish the information asked for in the latter part of his question.

Is it not within the knowledge of the Board of Trade that a very large number of seamen have left British ships at ports abroad, and is the right hon. Gentleman not in a position to state how many ships have returned without their full complements of men? Are these statistics not often compiled by the right hon. Gentleman's Department?

In order to get the statistics asked for it would entail going through every single agreement of every ship which has left the port. I think that would be very expensive and very unnecessary.

Is there not danger to the travelling public when these American liners leave without full complements of men?

I am not prepared to give an answer to a purely hypothetical question.

What is the reason why so many British seamen are leaving British ships? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are many complaints about the manner in which they are recruited and dealt with after recruitment?

That question does not arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Committee which has been formed to assist in framing the detailed agenda of the Imperial Economic Conference is intended to represent British industry as a whole; and, if so, whether a seat on that Committee is being reserved for the representative of the greatest British producing industry, namely, agriculture?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is yet in a position to state the steps he is taking to acquaint himself with British financial, industrial, and commercial opinion on the subjects to be discussed at the forthcoming Imperial Economic Conference?

The gentlemen who occupy the position of President of the following organisations, the Association of British Chambers of Commerce, the British Bankers' Association, the Chamber of Shipping and the Federation of British Industries, have agreed to assist me as expert advisers on commercial questions arising in connection with the forthcoming Imperial Economic Con- ference. As regards agriculture, I have been in consultation with the Minister of Agriculture, and I understand that he proposes to confer with representatives of this important industry.

Will there be any representative of the consumers at this Conference?

These gentlemen are expert advisers on any technical and commercial matters. I think that the hon. and gallant Gentleman may trust the Government to represent the consumers.

Will the Merchandise Marks Bill be discussed at this Conference?

I think that probably the very full discuss/ion which is being given to that Measure may exhaust its possibilities.

Does the President of the Board of Trade propose to give any representation to business interests not connected with the Chambers of Commerce?

I think in getting together a small advisory body of this kind it is necessary to have it small and thoroughly representative. By selecting the four bodies which I have named I think the House will agree that I have taken the four most prominent representative bodies that exist.

Has the right hon. Gentleman not heard of the Co-operative movement?

I have, but I still adhere to the statement which I have made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the total value of the imports from Russia to Great Britain during the past year and the total value of the exports from Great Britain to Russia during the same period and what was the value of the exports and imports between Russia and the United States of America during the same period?

The declared value of imports into the United Kingdom, registered as consigned from Russia, amounted in 1922 to £8,176,000, and the exports of United Kingdom produce and manufactures and of foreign and colonial merchandise consigned to Russia, to £3,679,000 and £1,038,000 respectively. Imports into the United States of America from Russia amounted to $964,000 and exports from the United States to Russia to $29,895,000 during the same year.

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain how it is that the trade between Russia and the United States appears to be more considerable than the trade between this country and Russia, notwithstanding the fact that there is no trade agreement between America and Russia?

I think everyone knows that certain commodities are largely bought from the United States, but, generally speaking, I think that the Russian Government buy where it suits them best.

Would the figures include food and medicines sent to the famine areas?

Certainly; they include food, and a very large quantity of other things as well.

Is is not a fact that the trade agreement is quite unnecessary?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the crew of the "Marvale," the wrecked Canadian Pacific liner, were only paid wages up to the day the vessel went on the rocks; that the crew have lost all their effects; and that they have complained of treatment received on the passage home on the "Melita"; and whether he will take steps to compel the company to compensate the men for the loss sustained by them, and will make inquiry as to the treatment of the men from the date of the vessel's sinking until their return home to the United Kingdom?

Under the present law the right to wages terminates on the loss of the vessel, and there is no power to require owners to pay compensation for lost effects. No complaint has been received as to the treatment of the crew on the passage home, but if the hon. Member will be good enough to forward the complaint to me, I will have it investigated.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that certain applicants for reparation payments allege that claims were lodged by them in December, 1919, and later, the receipt of which was never acknowledged by the Reparation Claims Department; that these applicants are now informed on making a second application that the time for lodging claims has expired; and what action they must take to establish their claims?

The Reparation Claims Department did not exist till January, 1920. If applicants can furnish proof of previous applications to other Departments, I will have them submitted to the Royal Commission, the authority which alone has competence in all matters relating to the distribution of the £5,000,000 provided for making ex gratia awards to civilian sufferers from enemy action. If the hon. and gallant Member will mention the name of any claimant he has in mind, I will have inquiries made as to the position of the claim.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware of the many hard cases of British subjects injured by enemy action and widows of British seamen who lost their lives at sea during the submarine campaign who have not received any reparation or only a very small payment on account; whether the £5,000,000 granted by the Government on account of reparations has all been expended or allotted; and whether he will consider making a further grant on account in order to relieve these many serious cases?

£1,800,000 has been distributed under the First Report of the Royal Commission. The payments represent the full sum awarded in each case by the Royal Commission, and are not payments on account. The Board have no authority to make grants otherwise than in accordance with the recommendation of the Commission. The Royal Commission are now engaged in examining other claims, and as soon as their Second Report has been completed, it will be laid before Parliament.

In cases where partial claims have been satisfied, are their any funds available for further payments to those who have received partial compensation?

No, the only sum available is the £5,000,000 which was voted by the House, which, it was agreed, should be distributed in accordance with the recommendations of the Royal Commission. They dealt with one class of case and made their final awards on them. They are now proceeding with other cases. I do not anticipate that there will be any sums left over to go back to cases which have already been dealt with.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are many scores of cases where the applicants are informed the £5,000,000 is already allocated and they will have to wait for a further grant, and will the Government consider making further grants in view of the distress of these people?

I do not think that there ought to be any misunderstanding about the position. There is this sum of £5,000,000, and that is in the discretion of the Commission. The Prime Minister said some time ago he did not think it would be possible to increase that amount. The discretion rests with the Commissioners.

asked the Under-secretary of State for War for how long the recruiting regulation requiring intending recruits to promise to be vaccinated if accepted as soldiers was suspended from January, 1916; for what reason it was suspended; whether its suspension led to any increase of smallpox in the Army; and, if not, for what reason was it reintroduced into the recruiting regulations?

The regulation was suspended, in anticipation of the introduction of compulsory service, until January, 1919, when recruiting reopened for normal engagements. Its suspension was followed by an increase in smallpox in the Army in the later years of the War.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that Scottish troops have no full-dress uniform, he will arrange for one battalion of Scots Guards to be stationed at Edinburgh so as to satisfy national pride?

I regret that it would not be administratively practicable to have a battalion of the Scots Guards constantly quartered at Edinburgh.

May I ask my hon. and gallant Friend is he not aware that the High Commissioner represents the King on every important occasion in Scotland; is he also aware that during the last visit of the High Commissioner he was escorted by men of the Highland Light Infantry without full dress, and that this was regarded as an insult to His Majesty?

From the general point of view, I only base myself on administrative possibilities. It is obvious, as there are only two battalions of Scots Guards that it is not possible for them to be in Edinburgh, and to do duty at London and Windsor without sacrificing training facilities which they now enjoy.

Would it not be possible for men of the Highland Regiments quartered in Edinburgh to have the full dress of their regiment? Surely Scotland ought to be treated with some courtesy and respect in this matter?

asked the Under-secretary of State for War whether the Young Men's Christian Association establishments in the Cologne area were selling intoxicating liquors in competition with the Army canteens; whether this was the reason for closing them; and whether, during the War and since, intoxicating liquors were sold in their establishments in this country and elsewhere?

I am not aware of any sales of liquor by the Young Men's Christian Association, either at Cologne or elsewhere, but if the hon. Member can give me any information I shall be glad to look into it. The closing of the establishments within barrack precincts at Cologne did not turn on any question of such sales.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he has received appeals to restart the welfare work which for some time was carried on among boys employed in the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich; whether he has given consideration to these appeals; and whether, seeing that the cost of about £400 per year involved in carrying on the work was small in proportion to its educational and civic value, he will consent to its being restarted?

Representations in this connection have been received. The question of continuing the development of welfare work for boys in Woolwich Arsenal has been under consideration, and the appointment of welfare supervisor will, I hope, be reconstituted at an early date.

asked the Under-secretary of State for War, seeing that £318,800 has been allocated for pensions to officials employed under the Navy and Army Canteens Board, whether the terms of service included a promise of pensions; and if such pensions have actually been paid what was the length of service for those who have received them?

Out of the total sum indicated, £100,000 was reserved by the late Navy and Army Canteen Board for the purpose of setting up a superannuation fund and was shown accordingly in their accounts. No details, however, have yet been worked out by the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes, and I understand that no promises of superannuation benefits have yet been given to individuals. The balance of about £218,000 is not for superannuation purposes, but for the capitalised value of wound, disability, and death pensions to canteen personnel who were killed and disabled through service during the late War. The terms of engagement of these men included a right to disability benefits under the same conditions as soldiers, payable out of canteen funds.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will give further attention to the case of Miss Daisy Murray, who volunteered for service in the Watford munitions factory and who, in consequence of being put to the dangerous occupation of powder-making, is now a physical wreck and permanently disabled; and will he state the reasons for the repudiation of all responsibility for her present destitute condition by his Department, having regard to the facts that it was a War Department factory in which she was entered and in the service of the War Department that she sustained the injuries from the effects of which she continues to suffer?

I have been asked to answer the question. This claim has already been the subject of the most careful investigation, including a medical examination in March last by a specialist who is eminent as an authority on T.N.T. poisoning. The result of this examination confirmed the medical evidence which the Disposal and Liquidation Commission had previously obtained in the case, and which indicated that the claimant's condition was not the result of her occupation. In these circumstances her claim, to compensation under the Workmen's Compensation Act cannot be admitted.

Are we to understand from this answer that all further responsibility with respect to this unfortunate girl is repudiated by all the Government Departments? Is there no possibility of this case being re-considered in view of its gravity?

The medical evidence I have is quite conclusive that the unfortunate condition of this girl has nothing to do with her employment in the public service, but if the hon. Gentleman can give me any reason for re-opening the case and can prove in any way the girl is suffering from poisoning or anything of the kind sustained in the Government service, I will reconsider it.

I will see that the right hon. Gentleman has the information.

asked the Solicitor-General for Scotland whether it is intended to abolish intermediate schools in Scotland; and, if not, whether he can state what will be the effect of the new code on them?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The Department are of opinion that the draft Regulations now under consideration make full provision for the development of the instruction hitherto given in schools of the kind referred to.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health what is approximately the number of farmers in Scotland who will benefit from the relief from local taxation to be provided by the Agricultural Rates Bill; and what will be the average amount of relief afforded annually to each farmer under the Bill if it passes into law?

The number of occupiers of farms in Scotland is estimated approximately at 65,000, and on the basis of the current rates the average annual relief per farm under the provisions of the Agricultural Rates Bill may be put at about £7 10s. The amount of relief to the farmer will depend upon whether he is a tenant or an occupying owner and on the rating position in the particular parish in which the farm is situated.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health why Scottish troops had to leave the barracks in Edinburgh Castle; and whether this was due to any action on the part of the Scottish Office?

I understand that the troops in question have been moved to Redford as a temporary measure, but that the whole question of the quartering of troops in Edinburgh is under consideration. The reply to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Is it not the fact that these soldiers were turned out of the barracks at Edinburgh Castle on account of the war memorial which is under construction, and which was recommended by the Scottish Office?

The answer I have already given is the answer to the question which the hon. and gallant Member asked, namely, whether this was due to any action on the part of the Scottish Office. I have replied most definitely that it was not so due.

Will the Scottish Office approach the War Office, with a view to having once again a Scottish regiment, or a detachment of a Scottish regiment, in Edinburgh Castle, where they have been for centuries?

Obviously, the War Office is a United Kingdom Department, and can be approached directly by hon. Members interested.

Has the Scottish Office no interest in the historic castle of Edinburgh?

That question does not arise out of the answer which has been given.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health if he is aware that in the Bay of Ness, at the Island of Lewis, the breakwater was partially broken down during the War and, not having been repaired, increases the danger to the fishermen in normal weather and makes access to the harbour in stormy weather impossible; and will he give orders to have the breakwater repaired immediately?

Although some additional injury was suffered by this breakwater during the War, its damaged condition is of much longer standing. The circumstances of the breakwater and harbour were fully investigated 20 years ago, and it was decided by the Government then in office that the expenditure involved in repairing them was so large, and out of proportion to the advantage to be gained, that no further action should be taken. The position was reviewed in 1920 by the Government then in office, and it was decided that no expenditure upon the repair of the breakwater would be justified. Looking to other calls on the funds of the Board of Agriculture and the Fishery Board, my Noble Friend is not prepared to authorise the offer to the harbour trustees of any grant towards expenditure on repairs.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that for many a year the people of this Port of Ness were very comfortable and fairly well off, but that, as a result of this breakwater having been broken down, they are now practically faced with destitution; and also will he bear in mind—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"]—if it were an Irish question you would all pay attention. I want the hon. and gallant Gentleman to bear in mind that the people in this place were one of the most valuable assets that the British Empire had in policing the North Sea during the Great War. Will he answer some of that?

The hon. Member should put it down.

I think we should have an answer. I do not think it is very fair—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order, order!"] Mr. Speaker will tell me if I am not in order.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he is aware that the fishermen in the Island of Lewis are being deprived of their means of livelihood by the trawlers, which are taking not only fish but also destroying the spawn in the fish beds; and will he take steps to see that those in default will be deprived of fishing rights?

I am aware of the complaints of illegal trawling which have been made by the Lewis fishermen. Every effort is being made by the Fishery Board to detect and prevent illegal trawling, and, in present circumstances, my Noble Friend does not propose that the existing penalties should be supplemented in the manner suggested in the second part of the question.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he is aware that during the War the fishermen of Scotland in some cases lost their fishing boats, and in others boats were damaged; and what steps he proposes to take to refund the losses sustained by these men?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. During the years following the Armistice, ex-service fishermen who had suffered such losses had opportunities of making application for assistance under schemes financed from the Development Fund and from the funds at the disposal of the Military Service (Civil Liabilities) Department. In the case of losses resulting from enemy action fishermen were entitled to lodge their claims with the Reparation Claims Department for registration. On such claims forwarded by Scottish fishermen through the Fishery Board payments have been made in 112 cases. My Noble Friend does not see his way to take any steps to supplement the assistance which has been rendered from the sources mentioned.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware of the fact that in and around the Island of Lewis the vast majority of the fishermen were away all the time at the War, that during that period their fishing boats were destroyed, and that now, when they have come home, they have no fishing boats, and, therefore, have no means of earning their livelihood? Surely, you will make him give an answer to the question? [HON MEMBERS: "Order, order!"] This is a question affecting Scotland. I do not care what hon. Members say; something has got to be done.

May I ask whether the funds to which the hon. and gallant Gentleman has referred are still available for these fishermen?

I should require notice as to exactly what funds are still available. The Civil Liabilities Fund, of course, is not now available, but some of the Development Fund schemes are. As to the Reparation schemes, if we get the support of hon. Members opposite we may have considerable funds available.

rose ——

also rose ——

The hon. Member must please remember that he must not remain standing when I rise. Perhaps he will put his question with regard to details down on the Paper.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health how much of the £150,000 set aside for the purposes of agricultural education and research in Scotland by the Corn Production Act Repeal Act has been spent or allocated, and in what manner the money has been dealt with?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Kincardine and Western Aberdeen (Lieut.-Colonel A. Murray) on 8th March last. The following additional sums have since been allocated from the sum of £150,000:

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health the amount of the annual deficiency on occupiers' rates at present borne by the ratepayers in Scotland in respect of the relief given to occupiers of agricultural subjects under the provisions of the Agricultural Rates, Congested Districts, and Burgh Land Tax Relief (Scotland) Act, 1896; and whether it is intended, under the provisions of the new Agricultural Rates Bill, to continue this existing burden on the shoulders of the Scottish ratepayers?

A recent estimate of the annual reduction in the produce of the rates on agricultural occupiers corresponding to the ⅝ths relief on the rating basis given under the Act of 1896 puts the amount, on the basis of current rates, at approximately £700,000, while the relative grant, which is computed on the basis of the rates levied in 1896, is approximately £180,000. It is not proposed, in the new Agricultural Rates Bill, to give any further grant in respect of that deficiency.

So that there will be still a deficiency of something like £500,000 a year left on the shoulders of the ratepayers?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health what is the amount of the local rates payable in respect of agricultural lands and heritages in Scotland during the last completed year, giving separately the county rates and the parish rates?

On the basis of the average rates levied by county councils and parish councils in 1920–21, it is estimated that the amount of local rates payable in respect of agricultural lands and heritages in that year was

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health if he is aware that many poorhouses in Scotland are not nearly occupied owing to old age pensions and other reasons; that in some counties one poorhouse could house all applicants, whilst there are often three or four poorhouses fully staffed incurring extra costs to the ratepayers; and whether he is prepared, in the interests of economy, to take steps to alter the present position?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 8th May to the question on this subject addressed to me by the hon. and learned Member for East Fife. I may add that the Scottish Board of Health are at present considering the possibility of closing some of the smaller Scottish poorhouses.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether, having regard to the assurances recently given that the Government's programme on land settlement in the Highlands would be accelerated, he will reconsider at an early date the applications for small holdings and enlargements made by certain ex-service men in the village of Reay, Caithness?

I am informed that in October, 1921, the applicants in question were given an opportunity of applying for holdings recently formed by the Board of Agriculture in the neighbourhood. They refused and thereby forfeited their claim to consideration as first preference ex-service men. In these circum- stances it is not proposed to reconsider the applications as suggested in the question.

Is the hon. And gallant Member aware that the holdings which these men refused have not been a success, and that the Government have had to agree to a re-valuation of them and to bring the rents down? Are these men to be penalised because they had the shrewdness to perceive, and the honesty to admit, that they could not fulfil the terms of the contract which they were offered by the Board of Agriculture?

The re-valuation of these small holdings is not exceptional in any way. It would be very unjust to the men who had the courage to take them that they should be penalised in respect of the other men.

But why should these men be penalised because they refused the terms laid down by the Board of Agriculture?

The hon. and gallant Member is under some misapprehension. These men have not been penalised. The Government made them an offer of small holdings, which they refused. There is no penalisation on one side or the other.

Have they not now been placed at the bottom of the list? Is not that a penalty?

Have not these small holdings had to be re-valued? Is it not the case that because these men refused to take them on the exorbitant terms laid down by the Board, their names have now been placed at the bottom of the list?

That is an entire misconception. These men were offered small holdings and they refused them. As long as others remained willing to take the holdings on these terms, obviously it is common sense to satisfy the men who want them before the men who do not want them.

Was there any ex-service men in that locality who took any small holding before it was re-valued?

Certainly, ex-service men in the locality did take the small holdings before they were re-valued.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether, having regard to the assurances recently given that the Government's programme on land settlement in the Highlands would be accelerated, he will reconsider at an early date the applications of certain crofters in Strath-halladale for the enlargement of their holdings, according to a scheme prepared by the Board of Agriculture in 1916; and whether he is aware that the majority of crofts in this strath are at present too small to be self supporting?

My Noble Friend recognises that the crofts in question might with advantage be enlarged, although it appears to be going too far to describe them as too small to be self-supporting. It is not practicable, however, to reconsider the matter because the land desired by the applicants for enlargements is at present occupied by six small tenants whose average rents only amount to about £28.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that these applications date back to 1915 and that in 1916 there was a scheme set on foot by the Board of Agriculture under winch five new holdings would have been created and some enlargements would have been given? Cannot this scheme be now revived and put into operation?

Where would the advantage come in of taking land from one set of smallholders and giving it to another set? Surely that is an unreasonable suggestion.

But obviously under this particular scheme in 1916 there would have been five new small holdings as well as some enlargements.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether, having regard to the assurances recently given that the Government's programme in the Highlands would be accelerated, he will reconsider at an early date the application of the small holders at Little Torboll, in the parish of Dornoch, Sutherland, for enlargements to their holdings which are now too small to be self-supporting?

My Noble Friend regrets that he cannot undertake to reconsider the demand of these applicants in view of the fact that they are not ex-service men and that the land they apply for could only be made available at very heavy cost.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that these three ex-service men had four sons serving in the War and that these sons wish to live on the holdings with their parents and share in the enlargements, application for which was made in 1915?

Here again the hon. Member is under a misapprehension. These men are not ex-service men. [HON. MEMBERS: "Their sons are!"]

I beg to give notice that, in consequence of the unsatisfactory reply which I have received, I will, with permission, draw attention to this question on the Motion for Adjournment on Thursday night.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health how many applications for holdings have been received from ex-service men by the Scottish Board of Agriculture since the Armistice in November, 1918; and how many of those men have since received holdings?

Since the date mentioned, the total numbers of applications received by the Board of Agriculture from ex-service men for new holdings and enlargements, respectively, are 7,114 and 281. These figures include, however, cases in which applications are ineffective owing to withdrawal, unsuitability of the applicants, or other causes. During the same period ex-service men have been settled in 1,304 new holdings and 164 enlargements.

That is to say, 6,000 people who have applied for holdings during the last four years, relying on the promise of the Government, have not got their holdings?

That is correct, Sir; they have not, so far, got them.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health how many applications have been received from among ex-service men in the county of Linlithgow for small holdings; and how many have been granted?

The Board of Agriculture have received 70 applications from ex-service men in the county of West Lothian. Ten of these applicants have been settled in holdings.

Why has the process been so slow, and does the hon. and gallant Gentleman propose to accelerate it?

I think it would take too long by process of question and answer to give an account of the details of the process of land settlement in Scotland.

Cannot the hon. and gallant Gentleman say why, when 70 applications have been made by ex-service men, only 10 have been granted?

There are many causes for that. For instance, very great protection has recently been given to tenants. Even if we buy land, it is a difficult matter to dispossess tenants, and there are other reasons I cannot discuss at the moment.

asked the Secretary for Mines what has been accomplished under the welfare levy of 1d. per ton on coal for the social improvement of miners' conditions?

The total sum collected under the provisions of the Act, and received by way of interest on the fund's investments up to 31st May last, was £2,146,798, of which approximately £972,000 has so far been allocated by the Miners' Welfare Committee to local purposes. Of these 192 are outdoor recreation schemes, such as sports ground, parks, etc., and 176 are miners' clubs, institutes, or village halls. Other local schemes so far sanctioned include convalescent homes, hospital, ambulance and nursing services and pithead baths. From the central or reserved one-fifth part of the fund, allocations amounting in all to about £60,000 have so far been made towards research work in connection with the health and safety of miners. The hon. Member will find further details of the administration of the fund in the Report of the Miners' Welfare Committee for the years 1921 and 1922, which is about to be published by the Stationery Office.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware of the very great difficulty experienced by the district committees in getting the central committee to make a grant more rapid than at present, and will he accelerate the grant?

I do not want to interfere, if I have the power, with the work of the central committee, which is going very smoothly. There are undoubtedly some delays, but in all cases they have been got over. It is well to go slowly rather than make a mistake.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman inquire into the causes of this very large balance being retained, in view of the urgent need for more liberal expenditure?

It is a mistake to go too quickly. One must be sure of going the right way.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been drawn to the statement contained in the Report of the Medical Officer of Health for the Cannock urban district urging the necessity for pit-head baths being established; whether he has been in communication with the local authority and the mine owners on the matter; and what steps does he propose to take in the matter?

I have seen the statement referred to, but under the law as it stands at present I have no power to secure the carrying out of the recommendation contained it in. On the general question of extending the installation of pit-head baths, by an amendment of the law or otherwise, the right hon. Gentleman will remember that conferences were held last year by my predecessor with representatives of the Mining Association and Miners' Federation, and that he, while recognising that the time was not suitable for reforms imposing expenditure on the industry, expressed his strong opinion that further consideration of the question should not be deferred longer than was necessary to enable conditions in the industry to reach a reasonable degree of stability. I share this view, and the right hon. Gentleman may rest assured that the matter will not be lost sight of.

Does not the hon. and gallant Gentleman think it time the law was made compulsory for the provision of pit-head baths, seeing that this is about the only country where they are not imposed, and is he aware that there is a growing demand on the part of miners for them?

I am glad to think there is a growing demand, and I hope it is gradually being met. Certainly we are very much behind other countries. Anything I can do to encourage them I certainly will.

Nationalise the mines!

asked the Secretary for Mines if the terms of reference to the Royal Commission on Subsidences enable the Commission to deal with the question of reducing or preventing subsidence by stowing and packing; and, if not, will he see that the terms of reference are so amended as to include this object, in view of the number of accidents in mines due to the falls of roof and sides?

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

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether the Government has any intention of introducing, this Session, a Bill to give effect to all or any of the recommendations of the Committee of Inquiry into the question of lights on road vehicles; and, if so, how soon?

I am afraid that the state of Parliamentary business will not permit of the introduction during this Session of a Bill dealing with lights on road vehicles.

Is there any intention of introducing a Measure in the Autumn Session, if there be one?

That I could not say.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport what part of the special allocation from the Road Fund of £1,250,000 will be payable to local authorities in Scotland; what class of work will qualify for participation in the allocation; when it is proposed to commence this work; and how will the allocation be made between the different authorities?

No part of the £1,250,000 will be available for local authorities in Scotland, but a separate special provision of £250,000 has been made for that country. That provision will be available for grants to any kind of road improvement, including improvement of surface, and I am in consultation with the Secretary for Scotland as to the best method of allocation, so that the commencement of work may be expedited.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether the Ministry of Transport look with favour upon the continuation of road repairs in the central area of London by night and day; and, if so, whether they have taken any steps, directly or indirectly, to bring this about?

The heavy additional expense of conducting road repairs continuously day and night, as is sometimes done in the centre of London, can only be justified in exceptional circumstances, and I am not prepared to express an opinion in general terms as to the advisability of extending that method. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman make representations to the local authorities whether they will be prepared to work the men seven or eight-hour shifts, so as to facilitate the work?

I will consider that.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether any steps have so far been taken or, if not, whether they can be taken, in conjunction with the Air Ministry, to compile an aerial photographic record of the traffic conditions on the main arteries of traffic and at the various local points in the Metropolitan police area during the various hours of the day?

The answer is in the negative. I may add that records of traffic conditions on the main arteries of traffic have been secured by my Department by means of the census taken on all Class I roads in August last, the results of which will shortly be published. It is hoped to repeat this census at regular intervals. In addition, the Metropolitan police authorities collect similar statistics in their area at annual intervals. I am of opinion that this method gives more precise results, at less expense, than would be obtained by the means suggested in my Noble Friend's question.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that in the ordinary course of their training the Air Force have secured photographs of traffic which might be of the greatest possible use to the Department?

I will certainly confer with my right hon. Friend, but as at present advised I think the census is the best way of getting at the real conditions.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the possibility of taking aerial photographs of "scorchers" who are tearing up the roads?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is in a position to make any statement on the progress of the peace negotiations at Lausanne?

No, Sir; my right hon. Friend must adhere for the present to the reply given to my hon Friend the Member for Barrow-in-Furness on the 2nd of May.

Will that statement be made in this House not later than in another place?

asked the Prime Minister upon what date the late Government decided to establish a new naval base at Singapore and at what date did the present Government decide to confirm that policy?

In June, 1921, the Government of the day decided that the naval base at Singapore should be developed to meet the needs of a modern Fleet. This policy was re-affirmed in February, 1923.

and

rose ——

We are very slow with Questions to-day.

asked the Prime Minister when the decision will be taken as to the allocation of a sufficient air force to the Navy so as to secure its war efficiency?

As has frequently been stated in this House the Sub-Committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence is inquiring into this question, but I am not yet in a position to state when they will report.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the claims of Lady Cowans, widow of the late Quartermaster-General, to a pension or gratuity in recognition of the distinguished services rendered by her late husband to the State?

Lady Cowans is in receipt of the pension to which she is entitled under Army Regulations. She has also been offered, but has declined, a Civil List pension.

Is it not a fact that Sir John Cowans during his life received no special pecuniary recognition for his extraordinary services to the country——

The hon. Member is reading his question.

Cannot the Government consider the desirability of giving Lady Cowans a grant, in view of the fact that her husband was the only member of the Army Council during the whole of the Great War; that he was responsible for the entire feeding of the British Army in every theatre of war, and will they also recollect the fact that other distinguished generals, who got large grants from State, did not, in the opinion of many, do nearly as much for their country?

rose ——

The question on the Paper has been answered.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the large number of cases of men and their dependants who are not able to establish entitlement to pension payment by the State, he will consider the desirability of establishing a charitable compassionate fund, under which, with due supervision, assistance could be given to meet the urgency requirements of the people concerned?

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring only to cases of ex-service men and their dependants who are not able to establish claims for pension under the Royal Warrants. It is not considered desirable to set up a compassionate fund for such cases.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will be prepared to give two days for discussion of the Scottish Estimates during the present Session?

As the hon. and learned Member is aware, this is not a matter which rests with the Government but one for arrangement through the usual channels.

Is it not open to the Government to give us 23 Supply days, and have they not announced that we are only to have 21 days? In that case will the Government put down a Motion to give us two additional days?

Will the Government give us two days in view of the fact that last year we were not able to discuss a great number of Scottish questions?

I do not think it is possible to give an extra day, owing to the condition of public business. Of course, I will pass on to the Prime Minister what the hon. Members have said, but I can hold out no hope.

In view of the fact that the Government are trying to undermine the education system of Scotland, is it not possible to give an extra day?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the increase of unemployment in Nottingham; and whether he proposes to take any steps to remedy the distressed condition of Nottingham's staple industry, namely, the lace trade?

The Prime Minister is aware of the condition of the lace industry, and after consultation with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has decided that, having regard to all the circumstances, the most practical course is to set up a small Committee to inquire into the causes of the serious unemployment in this industry and to report what steps can be taken to improve the position.

Is the Government prepared to set up a Committee to deal with every industry that is suffering?

Are not the circumstances prevailing in the lace industry quite exceptional, and not generally applicable to any industry?

When will the hon. Gentleman be able to give us the terms of reference of the Committee?

Will the shoddy trade, which has been very bad for some years, be included?

That does not arise out of the question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the earnings of steamers of the United States Shipping Board line are subject to the same rates of Income Tax as the earnings of other foreign steamers which are privately owned?

The question of the application of the Income Tax law of this country to profits earned by steamers of the United States Shipping Board has not yet actually arisen. The general question of the liability to British taxation of the trading concerns of Dominion and foreign Governments will be discussed at the forthcoming Economic Conference.