asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the action of the Norwegian Government in fining the skipper of the Grimsby trawler "Quercia" 3,000 kroner and confiscating the vessel with her catch, valued at £12,000 to £15,000, for the alleged offence of trawling within territorial waters; and whether His Majesty's Government is taking any steps to obtain some mitigation of this severe sentence?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. His Majesty's Government cannot see that any useful purpose would be served by intervention in a case under appeal; nor, in view of the fact that the charge of fishing in territorial waters has not apparently been seriously contested, and the maximum penalty of 5,000 kroner not inflicted, do they feel that such intervention would be justifiable.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this alleged offence was committed at night on a very badly-lighted coast and that the matter is in dispute? Even if the man is guilty, are they justified, in addition to imposing this very serious fine, in confiscating the ship and thereby ruining the owner?

As the hon. Member knows, this question is the subject of appeal.

Are the Government watching this case? If they can, are they prepared to intervene?

Does the hon. Gentleman say that the maximum fine is 5,000 kroner? Is that in addition to confiscating the trawler?

I cannot answer that question without notice. But the maximum fine is 5,000 kroner.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a reply has been received from the Russian Government to the Note from His Majesty's Government of 29th May; if so, what is the nature of the reply; and when both the Note and the reply will be laid before Parliament?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Russian Note, together with the reply of His Majesty's Government, will be laid before Parliament in the course of this afternoon.

Have we got any further forward in settling outstanding questions with Russia, such as the question of British debts and so on? Are we to have the promised conference to settle these matters?

There is nothing in the question out of which that can arise.

Is it a fact, as stated in the "Daily Herald," that the Foreign Secretary advised the rejection of the Russian Note?

That is not in the question.

I have seen the statement referred to by my hon. Friend. It is an entire invention. The course taken by the Government was taken on the advice of my Noble Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and the suggestion by the newspaper that there was any difference of opinion between the Foreign Secretary and the Prime Minister, or any other member of the Government, is without a shadow of foundation.

How is it that the Russian reply was published in the newspapers before it was laid before Parliament?

I am sorry to say I cannot explain that. It has happened before. It has not been done on our part. I believe M. Krassin repudiates having himself sanctioned the publication. I cannot say more than that.

I apologise. I am sorry that I asked the question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the status of M. Krassin, the head of the Russian Trade Delegation in this country, is such as to give him legal immunity in the case of proceedings in a British Court?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the judgment of the Court of Appeal on 16th December, 1921, in the case of Fenton Textile Association, Limited, versus Leonid Krassin, the Russian Socialistic Federative Soviet Republic, and the All-Russian Co-operative Society, Limited.

I have not all the facts of that case in mind, but does not that relate to the case itself and not to the individual? Cannot the hon. Gentleman say whether M. Krassin himself would be subject to an action for libel if he circulated a libel on a British subject?

If my hon. Friend will refer to the case I have quoted, it will not be beyond the resources of his powers to find an answer to that question.

Does, this Gentleman enjoy what is called diplomatic immunity?

On reference to the case I have quoted, my hon. and gallant Friend will find the answer.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) what is the present position of the Smyrna-Aidin Railway Company in regard to that company's claims for compensation for damages, seizure of revenue, etc., during the period that their line and properties were occupied by the Turks; whether due provision has been made for the just settlement of these claims in the Treaty of Lausanne; whether he can assure the stockholders in this company, numbering several thousands, many of whom are of limited means and have received no dividend since 1914, that there has been no change of attitude on the part of His Majesty's Government:

(2) whether, in view of the letter which on 27th March last was addressed by the Foreign Office to the various concessionary companies, including the Smyrna-Aidin Company, intimating that the Turkish Government were prepared to negotiate privately the separate claims of the various companies, and stating that His Majesty's Government considered this procedure desirable, he will state whether Clauses safeguarding the rights of the concessionary companies to compensation would be reinserted in the Peace Treaty in the event of their not receiving satisfactory treatment in their private negotiations with the Turkish Government?

A representative of the Smyrna-Aidin Railway Company has left for Angora to institute negotiations with the Turkish Government with a view to arrive at an agreement regarding the company's concession rights and claims for compensation. Discussion is also proceeding at Lausanne on the general question of safeguarding in the Treaty the rights of concession holders in Turkey, including those of the Smyrna-Aidin Railway Company, in the event of the failure of the private negotiations at Angora. There has been no change of attitude on the part of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affaire whether His Majesty's representative at Lausanne have countenanced a proposal that, in return for the complete waiving of Turkish reparation claims against Greece (for the post-Armistice period), the claims of the concessionary companies (for the pre-Armistice period) should cease to receive the support of His Majesty's Government; and whether he will give an assurance that the claims of the Smyrna-Aidin Company, which have been audited and certified by a leading firm of London accountants, will not be included in any such bargain?

His Majesty's Government have given and will continue to give support to any just claims of the concessionary companies, including the Smyrna-Aidin Railway Company; it must, however, be borne in mind that a great number of inter-related questions are under discussion, on the settlement of which the conclusion of peace depends, and it is therefore not possible at the present stage of negotiations to give any pledge as to the manner in which it may be decided to deal with any one of these questions.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the disturbed condition of affairs in China, which is imperilling both trade and missionary work in that country; whether the Government is making any representations to China on the subject; and whether the desirability of making any offer of good offices towards remedying the evils complained of will be considered?

I can add nothing at present to the answer given on the 11th instant on this subject. I may add that I have heard this morning that all the foreigners captured by the brigands have been released.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a Committee has now been constituted to investigate the utilisation of the Boxer Indemnity Funds; and whether, in that case, he will state its composition?

Legislation will be necessary in order to give effect to the intention of His Majesty's Government to devote the British share of the Boxer Indemnity to purposes of mutual benefit to British and Chinese interests. It is not proposed to proceed with the actual appointment of the Committee until it is known when the necessary Bill, which is now being drafted, can be introduced. Its introduction will take place at the earliest opportunity.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if an agreement has been negotiated with representatives of the ex-Emir of Bokhara in accordance with which part of Bokharan territory would, under certain circumstances, be temporarily handed over to Great Britain?

No agreement of any sort has been negotiated by any person acting on behalf of His Majesty's Government with any representative of the ex-Amir of Bokhara.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when His Majesty's Minister at Athens will receive instructions to return to his post?

I am not in a position to make any statement on the subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the continued anxiety of those interested in the trade of Newcastle-on-Tyne to have the United States Consulate reopened; whether he is aware that a unanimous resolution to that effect has been passed by the city council; and whether he can re-open negotiations with the United States Government so as to arrive at a satisfactory solution?

The Secretary of State has received the resolution referred to and is not only aware of, but sympathises with, the sentiments which have inspired it. His Majesty's Government are fully prepared to re-open negotiations on this subject as soon as the United States Government show any sign of desiring to resume them. But at present I can add nothing to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on 12th March.

In view of the answer which has just been given and because of the injury which is continued to be done to the town of Newcastle-on-Tyne through the absence of this Consulate, I will, on the first convenient opportunity, raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been called to the reported overthrow of the Bulgarian Government by a military revolutionary party; and has he any information whether orders have been given to the Bulgarian Army to mobilise?

The answer to the first part of this question is in the affirmative. In regard to the second part of the question, I am awaiting a report from His Majesty's Minister at Sofia which is on its way.

Has the hon. Gentleman had his attention drawn to the statement in the Press that the Bulgarian army is already mobilised? Is that not causing a good deal of unrest?

I have seen the statement, but there has been no official information received on the subject.

Will the hon. Gentleman call for a report from His Majesty's Minister at Sofia?

Certainly not. A matter of this sort will be reported in due course.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is to be understood that the apprentices completing their time during August next, or any portion of them (mainly shipwrights), will be discharged from the various yards, more particularly Devonport, where large discharges of ex-apprentices have already taken place in the constructive department?

No decision has been taken regarding any discharges of apprentices in August next, and at the present moment it is not possible to say whether the circumstances at that time will or will not necessitate the discharge of some workmen on completion of their apprenticeship.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can say what arrangements, if any, are made for the alternative employment of rangetakers and higher gunnery ratings of the Royal Navy who, by reason of damage to their eyes through constant use of high-power telescopes, are not up to the standard required for those higher non-substantive ratings, but possess normal vision suitable for normal conditions of service?

Rangetakers and gunlayers who fail to maintain the standard of eyesight necessary for the non-substantive rating which they hold are eligible for the non-substantive rating of gunners' mate, if suitable and recommended; otherwise they are employed in the non-substantive rate of seaman gunner for which they are already qualified.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, with reference to the statement contained in paragraph 42 of Fleet Order 1358 (1922), relative to reduction of age for compulsory retirement of warrant officers of branches not mentioned in paragraph 37, whether he can state if a decision has been arrived at with regard to warrant instructors in cookery?

The question of reducing the age for compulsory retirement in the various warrant officer branches which were not affected by the scheme for the reduction of the lists (Admiralty Fleet Order 1358/22), including warrant instructors in cookery, is now under consideration.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that, unless the age limit for such retirements be reduced, there will be no promotions to warrant rank in these cases for a very long time?

That question ought to be handed in, as it seems to be written.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will give an assurance that the system of compulsory discharges of naval ratings will not again be adopted, and that the form of engagement signed by ratings and their commanding officers will be regarded as binding on the Admiralty as well as the men, subject to existing regulations which provide for discharge for misconduct, unsuitability, etc.?

I am afraid I cannot give the absolute assurance which my hon. Friend suggests, but, as stated by the First Lord on the 12th March in the Debate on Navy Estimates, it is hoped that we have now reached the limit of possible reduction, and that another such period as that through which the Navy has just passed will not recur.

Does not the hon. and gallant Gentleman recognise that this is a breach of contract on the part of the Admiralty, and, if that is the case, will he not reconsider his answer to my question?

I would reconsider it if it were a breach of contract, but it is not.

That is a matter of opinion.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the numbers of cases of men who served throughout the War with a previous naval record who, since the Armistice, have developed insanity not attributable to, or aggravated by, the War; whether, in these cases, any service pension due to each man concerned is appropriated for his upkeep in the asylum; and whether he will inform the House what allocation in each of these cases from any State source whatever the widow usually receives?

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

Following is the reply:

Men invalided for insanity not attributable to or aggravated by the Service are entitled to pensions, only provided they have 10 years' service in the case of continuous service seamen, or 14 years in the case of marines and other ratings.

Since the 30th September, 1921, the number of pensions so granted is 18, approximately, out of about 42 cases of men invalided for non - attributable insanity.

Naval ratings so discharged for insanity and granted pensions are admitted to the Royal Naval Hospital, Great Yarmouth, and under the Regulations the pension is appropriated towards the cost of their maintenance. The wife (or children) may, however, receive money allowances from the funds of Greenwich Hospital ranging from 3s. to 5s. a week, or, where the pension exceeds 2s. a day, a sum equal to the difference between the rate of pension and 2s. a day, subject to a minimum allowance of 5s. a week.

I understand from the Ministry of Pensions that during the period between the Armistice and 30th September, 1921, they have only had two naval cases of non-attributable insanity in which there were dependants. In one case the board of guardians claimed the whole of the pension, and the wife received no grant from the State. In the other the guardians claimed 12s. a week, and the balance of the pension (8s. 2d.) was paid to the man's mother.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Committee presided over by Sir Alan Garrett Anderson will take evidence in relation to their inquiry from officers and men of the Royal Navy; and, if so, whether the officers and ratings selected to give evidence will be appointed by the same procedure as was adopted for appointing witnesses to appear before the 1922 Welfare Committee?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the late Financial Secretary to the Treasury on the 16th May, and also to my reply of the 30th May to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for North Portsmouth (Sir B. Falle).

asked the Minister of Labour whether the letter from Sir William H. Purchase (Chairman, National Appointments Committee) that appeared in the "Times" of 4th June was issued with his approval; and whether, since there are 7,000 ex-officers and men of similar standing unemployed, whose misfortunes are entirely due to their War service, he will make representations to the Treasury that the appointments of officers in receipt of service pensions of £500 a year and upwards in the Ministry of Pensions and other branches of the Civil Service should be terminated, and the vacancies allotted to ex-service men who are not in receipt of service pensions?

The letter from Sir William Purchase, in the "Times" of the 4th June, appealing to employers to give assistance in the placing of the ex-officers still on the register of the Appointments Branch, was issued after Sir William had consulted with me. I am glad to say offers of vacant posts have resulted from the letter. The statement that there are approximately 7,000 ex-officers and men of similar standing unemployed is, I am sorry to say, correct. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury on the 4th instant to the hon. Member for Bow and Bromley (Mr. Lansbury).

asked the Minister of Labour, in view of the fact that 50 per cent. of the ex-trainees in the electrical industry are at present unemployed, owing to the inability of employers to find improver vacancies, whether the Ministry is prepared to allow the trainees at present unplaced to complete their three years' training in Government instructional factories?

At least 72 per cent. of the men trained in the electrical industry are known to be employed at the trade. A period of experience in an employer's workshop is necessary to complete the course of training, and I fear the suggestion contained in the question would not be a satisfactory alternative. Every effort is being made to obtain improvership vacancies by a canvassing staff specially appointed for the purpose and by other means.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a very large percentage of these men who are but of work have been waiting for improverships for twelve months, and that under these conditions they are rapidly forgetting what they learned?

I am quite alive to the difficulty, but we really must, as I have said on more than one occasion in this House, look to improved trade conditions for the real solution. At the same time, as a temporary measure, I have instituted at the Ministry, in connection with the Government instructional factories, refresher courses for men who have been for some considerable time unable to obtain improvership vacancies, and these refresher courses, on the whole, are working satisfactorily.

May I take it that men who have been endeavouring to obtain improverships for over 12 months will now have employment obtained for them?

I cannot give any definite undertaking of that kind. I am doing my best, by means of the machinery of refresher courses and in other ways, to deal with this difficulty, but I cannot give a definite pledge quite on the lines suggested.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that three workmen, Messrs. Morris Friel, John Garvie, and Hugh McLaughlin, employed by Messrs. John Brown and Company, Limited, were suspended by their employers and had their insurance books withheld for two days, and although unemployed for six days were refused unemployment benefit; that if they had demanded their books they would have been disqualified from benefit on the ground that they had voluntarily left their employment; and will he inquire into this case?

The Unemployment Insurance Act, 1923, passed last April, enables me for the future to antedate claims in circumstances such as those described, but these claims arose before that Act came into operation, and I have no power to antedate them. The men would not, in fact, have been disqualified for benefit on account of demanding their unemployment books after suspension by the employer. Alternatively, they would have been allowed to make a claim without lodging their books, subject to being able to give a good explanation for not being in possession of their books.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in many cases the Exchanges have refused to register people unless they can produce their books?

I explained in the last part of my answer what the alternatives are.

asked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been called to the case of Mr. Robert Welsh, of 3, Plant Street, Dennistoun, Glasgow, who was unemployed and in receipt of 33s. in all per week from the Employment Exchange and Glasgow Parish Council, and who, in consequence of the fact that he took a job for the evenings in a picture house for which he received 15s. a week, was deprived of unemployment benefit and parish relief with the result that his income was reduced from 33s. a week to 15s. a week; and will he take steps to prevent this man being put in a worse position financially on account of his taking such work in the evening?

My attention had not been called to this case, but on the facts stated the disallowance of unemployment benefit would appear to be in accordance with the requirements of the Unemployment Insurance Acts, which I have no power to alter. The question of parish relief is not one for my Department.

In view of the absurd position in which men are placed by this provision, will the Minister introduce legislation in order to correct this defect in the Unemployment Act?

I am not prepared to say that off-hand. The burdens of the Ministry of Labour are fairly heavy already without taking on the responsibility for the administration of the Poor Law.

asked the Minister of Labour the total amount of unemployment in the North-East Coast area for each of the last three fortnights for which the figures are available?

The number of persons on the live registers of Employment Exchanges in the North-East Coast area on 4th June, 1923, was 104,866. The figures on 21st May and 7th May were 101,838 and 101,683, respectively.

In view of these serious figures, showing an increase in unemployment in this district, will the right hon. Gentleman represent to the Prime Minister the desirability of appointing a special committee, as he has done in Nottingham, where the percentage of unemployment is not so great.

I think that that question is one which would probably be better addressed to the Prime Minister.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the increase in unemployment in this area is due to the fact that there is a lock-out in the shipbuilding industry, and will he use his good offices to bring that to a speedy termination?

I do not quite accept the statement of facts put forward by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the crew of the "Marvale," the wrecked Canadian Pacific liner, only received wages up to the day when the vessel went on the rocks; and that they were 15 days on the voyage home on the "Melita," for which they received no pay; and whether he proposes to allow these men to claim unemployment benefit from the date of shipwreck until such time as they are able to obtain other employment?

Under Section 8 (3) of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920, an insured contributor is disqualified for unemployment benefit, subject to the provisions of the Act, while he is resident whether temporarily or permanently outside the United Kingdom. It seems possible that I may have power under Section 39 of the Act to make a Special Order for the purpose of dealing with cases such as those mentioned in the question. I am considering the matter, but at present I have no authority to allow any period spent outside the United Kingdom to count for benefit.

Having regard to the serious hardship to which these men have been exposed, will the right hon. Gentleman treat this matter sympathetically?

I certainly appreciate the difficulty and endeavour to treat all cases of this kind with sympathy. I am pressing the consideration of the matter on, but it is a legal question, and I have to take legal advice. There shall, however, be no undue delay in the matter.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the distress at Barrow-in-Furness and the facilities which exist for carrying out in the immediate vicinity of the town a considerable scheme of reafforestation, he will consider whether such work comes within the scope of the Committee contributing unemployment grants; and whether, in that case, this body will consider a formal application on the subject if submitted to it?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I beg to refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to his question on the 16th ultimo, and to the answer which the Financial Secretary to the Treasury gave to his question on the 4th instant. The position as far as the Forestry Commissioners are concerned remains unchanged.

Every avenue to bring work to Barrow having been explored, and this being a method of creating employment, can the hon. Gentleman not give it his sympathetic attention and do something in the matter?

It is all a question of funds. If the expenditure is authorised, the Commissioners will be very glad to explore any scheme that may be offered.

Can the hon. Gentleman inform me what method could be adopted to raise funds?

I can only suggest that the hon. Member should communicate with the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

asked the Minister of Labour which of the following countries, Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Holland, and Belgium, has the most unemployment at the present time?

No statistics are available giving the total number of persons unemployed in the countries referred to. In Great Britain and Northern Ireland 10·7 per cent. of the workpeople insured under the Unemployment Insurance Acts were out of employment on 21st May. Figures for certain other countries are given monthly in the "Ministry of Labour Gazette," a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member. Owing to the different nature of the returns on which these figures are based, no comparison can properly be made between the percentages for the various countries.

Which of those countries is doing the most for its unemployed?

I know of no country which is shouldering such a big burden in respect of unemployment as this country.

Is it not a fact that France is importing labour from this country because there is no unemployment in France?

Is it not a fact that there is no other country than this that requires so much provision for unemployment?

I am sorry to say the burden of unemployment is undoubtedly very great, but my previous answer remains good, that I know no country where such large efforts are being made to deal with it. With regard to unemployment in France, the supplementary question is substantially correct, that is to say, labour is being imported into France and, as I have already informed the House, I have been able to make arrangements for some 30 or 40 skilled artisans from this country to go to France under conditions which were arranged beforehand.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Middlesbrough Corporation, which has obtained the sanction of the Unemployed Grant Committee for considerable road and other public works, will be disqualified from receiving these grants because they have accepted a tender for a satisfactory foreign cement at 46s. per ton, instead of placing their orders with the British Cement Trust at 57s. per ton; and are they at liberty to continue to make similar purchases in the future without jeopardising the receipt of payment from the Unemployed Grants Committee?

Discretionary power has been given to the Unemployment Grants Committee to award grant in cases where they are satisfied that there are special grounds for obtaining supplies from abroad. The particular case mentioned by the hon. Member is being considered by the Committee.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that fresh supplies have to be got by the corporation this month, and that it is necessary to know whether they are at liberty to buy abroad on the same terms and conditions as before?

They had better apply to the Unemployment Grants Committee.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that unemployed men living at Fleckney have to tramp nine miles in order to register at the Employment Exchange at Leicester, and that those living at Kibworth have to tramp six miles in order to register at Market Harborough; that on 15th December, 1920, the Minister of Labour admitted that great hardship was involved and promised to take immediate action, and that the hardship still remains; and whether he will take immediate action to remedy such a state of affairs?

A temporary employment office was set up in December, 1920, at Fleckney, but was closed in January, 1922, when the number of persons attending had fallen to 18. Subsequently applicants for benefit from Fleckney had to attend once a week at Leicester, but on 14th May last arrangements were made to deal with them by post. The distance from The Bank, Kibworth, to the Market Square, Market Harborough, being just under six miles, Kibworth applicants are required to attend once weekly in accordance with the procedure applying to residents between four and six miles from the nearest office. I am constantly receiving requests for increased employment office facilities in various districts, many of which have stronger claims than Kibworth, and I am afraid the expenditure would not be warranted under existing circumstances.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has taken action with regard to the strike between the Co-operative Wholesale Society and its employés who are members of the Distributive Workers' Union, in view of the fact that 60,000 employés in co-operative retail shops have been instructed to refuse to handle the products of the co-operative wholesale factories; and will he ascertain the reason for the failure to avoid this strike?

The negotiations which have been proceeding between representatives of the Trade Union Congress General Council and the directors of the Co-operative Wholesale Society are to be resumed on Friday next. In the circumstances, I do not think it desirable to make any further statement on the matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to ascertain how this industrial dispute has cropped up in an institution which is not run for personal profit?

Private enterprise!

The hon. Member can form his own opinion.

He does.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the backs of medical certificates issued in connection with National Health Insurance are used to advertise articles of diet sold by a certain company; and, in view of the undesirability that medical men should be compelled to distribute certificates bearing what may easily be misconstrued by patients as being their doctor's recommendation of particular foods or drinks, will he exclude advertisements of this type?

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that an advertisement in large type, recommending a certain firm's butter and tea, has been printed on the back of medical certificates to be used by doctors under the National Health Insurance Act; and, in view of the fact that the medical practitioners concerned object strongly to acting as advertisement distributing agents, will he take steps to prevent any further issue of these certificate forms?

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received objections from the Medical Practitioners' Union against the printing of advertisements on the reverse side of medical certificates issued for national health insurance purposes; and if he is prepared to withdraw the same owing to the objections of patients and the medical profession?

asked the Minister of Health if he has sanctioned the printing of trade advertisements on the back of medical certificates required to be issued by doctors under the National Insurance Acts; whether he is aware that in certain areas certificates, urging the recipients to buy Maypole tea and butter, have already been supplied to practitioners; that great indignation exists in the medical profession on the matter, and that many doctors have declared their intention to refuse to use such certificates; and whether he will immediately cancel the order for printing any further supplies of these documents?

asked the Minister of Health if he is willing to substitute for the advertisements now appearing on the back of National Health Insurance medical certificates recommending certain butter and other foods purveyed by private firms a statement on the Government's behalf of the advantages of health insurance?

The considerations which led the Government to sanction the printing of advertisements on the back of this form were explained by my hon. Friend the Paymaster-General in reply to the right hon. Member for Derby on the 16th May. Representations have been received that the advertisement of foods is open to objections, and I will consult the Stationery Office as to the possibility of securing other advertisements without loss of revenue when the present contract terminates, if there should then still be room for advertisements on the form.

Will the profits of the advertisement go to the insured person, who has to pay the money, or to the State?

To the State.

Has the right hon. Gentleman himself seen the certificate with the advertisement thereon and does he appreciate the fact that a medical certificate issued by a doctor to a patient is a document of a very personal and intimate character, as indeed is shown by the fact that his own Department prints the word "Confidential" across it, and in these circumstances does not he realise that any kind of advertisement on a document of that sort in the hands of a patient of the less educated sort is taken as a personal recommendation from the doctor, and does he not appreciate that that places the doctor in a very undignified and unfair position?

That is a long supplementary question.

Is it the case that the sum obtained at the Stationery Office for this advertisement on millions of forms is £135 a year, and does the right hon. Gentleman think that sum is adequate compensation for the disagreeable incident of the advertisement?

Will the right hon. Gentleman arrange for samples to be sent out with these certificates?

The sum named by my right hon. Friend is correct. It is only £135. I have said I recognise that objections are taken, and I will try to have it altered as soon as the contract is ended.

May I ask the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to adopt a scheme of State Socialism?

The hon. Member asked that question the other day.

asked the Minister of Health what revenue is expected to be derived in a year by utilising the back of the medical certificates, granted in connection with the National Health Insurance, for advertising purposes; particularly what revenue is derived from the advertising on the back of the special intermediate certificates form med. 40b (revised); and whether he has had any expressions of disapproval of this practice from the medical profession?

The revenue from advertisements on the various medical certificates is estimated at £405 per annum (including £270 per annum from form med. 40b) and this sum is one of a large number of items of receipts from advertisements on Government publications (other than the Telephone Directory) which it is hoped will amount to about £30,000 for the current financial year. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

We have just been told £135 was the amount from this advertisement. Which is the correct figure?

I think the question is a different one. Form 40b, which the hon. and gallant Gentleman asked about, brings in £270 per annum.

How much does the patent food advertisement bring in?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman must ask me another question. I cannot carry particulars of patent foods in my head.

In view of the fact that nothing has been paid for the advertisement on the Census paper, does the right hon. Gentleman guarantee that this small amount will be paid to the Government?

I think this small amount will be paid.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the complaint of English medical men in that Wales, Scotland, and Ireland insist upon having only men of their own nationality in their regions whereas in England many of the more lucrative appointments are held by other than Englishmen; and whether he will see that all doctors appointed by the Ministry of Health for England shall be English?

No general complaint of the nature referred to in the hon. Member's question has reached the Ministry of Health.

Is it not a fact that the most lucrative posts all over the world are held by Scotsmen?

asked the Minister of Health whether he intends to renew the National Health Insurance (Prolongation of Insurance) Act for the year 1924?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that there are thousands of large empty houses in London, more especially in the Mayfair district; and whether, in view of the so-called housing shortage, he can find some means of turning to account these unoccupied premises, either by facilitating their conversion into flats or otherwise?

I am aware that there are many houses in London the conversion of which into flats would be of material assistance towards meeting the housing shortage, and I have included a provision in Clause 5 of the Housing Bill which I hope will assist in this direction.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received representations from the London County Council that some of these empty houses should be subject to rates and should not be held off the market?

I am not aware of them.

asked the Minister of Health if he proposes to institute an inquiry into the incidence of the cost of repairs in the case of the tenants of colliery companies' houses, as suggested by the Onslow Committee, before the Committee stage of the Rent and Mortgage Interest Restrictions Bill is proceeded with?

I have been asked to reply. I have inquired very carefully into the manner in which the Miners' Wages Agreement of 1921 applies in the case of colliery-owned houses, and am satisfied that the principles upon which these items are dealt with in the wages ascertainment accounts are not unfavourable to the tenants. When houses are let at their full rack rent, both the rents and the expenses of repairs, etc., are entirely excluded from the wages ascertainment accounts, and so no question arises. Where houses are provided free or at less than their rack rent, the difference between the Schedule A gross assessment and the rent received is included in the accounts as a charge against the industry, but the cost of repairs is not admissible as a further charge. Any increase in rent, therefore, which is charged to the tenants, reduces pro tanto the amount charged against the industry.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state the result of his communications with the Ledbury rural district council regarding the proposed appointment of a sanitary inspector at a salary of £150 per annum; and whether the advertisement for this post was approved by him before it was published?

The council have received applications from a large number of qualified and experienced candidates, and will have no difficulty in suitably filling the post. In the circumstances, I propose to approve the appointment, in the hope that the salary may prove adequate to retain the services of a satisfactory official.

asked the Minister of Health whether the form of application for assisted milk supply used by the Hertfordshire County Council is in use by other authorities with the consent of the Ministry of Health?

The answer is in the affirmative.

also asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, in the form of application for assisted milk supply used by the Hertfordshire County Council, applicants are required to supply birth certificates in respect of children under three years of age for whom assistance is asked; that the application must also be accompanied by a medical certificate stating that the applicant is by reason of ill-health in need of extra milk; that the form includes such inquisitorial questions as the name and address of the husband's employer, together with his ticket number and the name of the foreman under whom he works; that the amount of milk supplied to mothers and babies in the Letchworth area has fallen from 6,660 pints for mothers and 5,901 pints for children in 1920 to 112 pints for mothers and 280 pints for children in 1922; and that this has been accompanied by an increase in infant mortality from 43 per 1,000 in 1920 to 63 per 1,000 in 1922; and whether, in view of these facts, he will take steps to remove the restrictions referred to?

I am aware of the procedure of the Hertfordshire County Council in the matter of the assisted milk supply, which is generally in accordance with the conditions necessarily laid down by my Department to avoid lax administation. I have no recent information as to the amount of milk supplied in the Letchworth area, but I have instructed one of my medical officers to investigate the matters referred to in the question.

Arising out of the obvious results which accrue from this inquisitorial form used by the Ministry and local authorities, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to remove those grievances which are alleged in the question and which amount to a scandal?

The question connects the rise in the rate of infant mortality with the decrease in the amount of milk supplied. Before I can take any action in the matter, I must first of all make an enquiry to see whether the one is really the result of the other.

What has the name of the father's employer and the ticket number, or the name of the foreman, to do with the milk supply of the child?

It is obvious that I cannot allow milk to be supplied ad lib to anyone who comes to ask for it. It is supplied free. I must have inquiries made to see that it is not abused.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make enquiries as to what has happened at Letchworth and also as to what is happening in these districts where the poor women and children who are in need of milk get it and the consequent diminution in the death rate amongst the children?

That sounds like a very large inquiry.

Why is a medical certificate needed for children under three years of age and not over three?

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to an expression of opinion by the medical officer of health for Chesterfield that the outbreak of disease in Clown, Bolsover, Ilkeston and other places in Derbyshire, of recent date, which has been notified as one of small-pox, is not due to that complaint, seeing that its effects have none of the usual characteristics of face disfigurement and that no death has occurred in consequence; and will he institute further inquiry with a view to a correct and definite diagnosis being reached?

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to certain statements which appear in the annual report of the medical officer of health of Chesterfield for the year 1922. If so, I may point out that in that report the medical officer acknowledges that his view is shared by only a very small minority. As regards the second part of the question, I may say that when similar statements were made last year an expert Committee was appointed by my predecessor to examine certain patients in Chesterfield and elsewhere who had been notified as suffering from small-pox. This Committee arrived at the conclusion that the disease was in fact small-pox of a mild type, a conclusion which is supported by subsequent investigations undertaken by medical officers of my Department.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that skimmed dried milk is now being sold in this country with no sufficient indication that it is unfit for children as is required in the case of condensed milk; and whether he will enlarge the Regulations under the Milk and Dairies Act of 1922 to cover this development?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As I informed my hon. Friend, the Member for the Stone Division, on the 31st May, I am considering Regulations to provide for the proper labelling of dried milks.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the Regulations are likely to be in operation?

The Regulations are in draft, and I expect to be able to consider them very soon.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is intended to proceed with the War Charges (Validity) Bill.

Yes, Sir, the Government certainly intend that this Bill shall be passed in the present Session.

asked the Prime Minister when an announcement as to the revision of pensions of pre-War pensioners may be expected; and whether such increase will apply to pensioners of the late Royal Irish Constabulary?

The Government hope to be able to make an early announcement on the general question and on the position with regard to Royal Irish Constabulary pensioners.

asked the Prime Minister whether any of the actual perpetrators of the bomb outrages in Egypt have been arrested; how many members of the Egyptian Nationalist party are now in prison on suspicion of being concerned with those outrages; how many of them are now in prison without any explanation having been given for their arrest; and if, in view of the long period for which some of these persons have already been detained, His Majesty's Government will recommend to the High Commissioner the advisability of expediting the trials of these persons and ensure their being brought before the Egyptian Courts?

I cannot with propriety comment on the guilt or innocence of any of the 14 prisoners now on trial, nor can I indicate the political allegiance of the other 53 persons under detention on the 2nd June on suspicion of complicity in the murder conspiracy. I know of no prisoners for whose arrest explanation has not been given. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to him on the 16th May and to my reply to the hon. Member for Ilkeston on the 7th June.

Will not the Government consider whether the continued detention in prison uncharged and untried of a number of notable Egyptians under suspicion is not contrary to our highest traditions, repugnant to national justice, and calculated to stimulate hostility, not only in Egypt but throughout the East?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that last week in the Hull County Court Mr. G. W. Dewland, an ex-service man, one of the 310,000 holders of lapsed 5 per cent. War Bond policies, secured judgment against the Prudential Assurance Company for the refund of all premiums paid on account of fraudulent misrepresentation, the Government will now reconsider their refusal to give the holders of lapsed War Bond policies the benefit of the protection of the Industrial Assurance Bill or, failing that, grant an inquiry into the circumstances attending the issue of these 5 per cent. War Bond policies?

As the answer is a long one, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

I have seen a report of the case. "The Director of Public Prosecutions informs me that his attention also has been called to a report of the case." The inclusion of lapsed policies in Section 3 of the Industrial Assurance Act would not enable the Commissioner to deal with cases of alleged misrepresentation, as his powers under that Section are limited to revising the conditions as to lapse and surrender contained in the policy. The Prudential Assurance Company is issuing a public notice of its willingness to continue to deal with cases of hardship arising from the lapse of War Bond policies before they have been in force two years, and the case which has been referred to shows that if there has been misrepresentation the person aggrieved can apply successfully to the ordinary courts for redress. In the circumstances the Government is still of opinion that no good purpose would be served by the suggested inquiry.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to a recent prosecution at Bow Street at the instance of the Holborn Borough Council affecting the sale of cream cheese, and the declaration of the magistrate that in the interests of the consumer standards of quality should be fixed for cheeses of all kinds; and whether he will take steps in this direction, as recommended by the Linlithgow Committee on Agricultural Produce?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I will confer with my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Agriculture, who is, I understand, considering the suggestion that a minimum standard of fat-content should be prescribed for cheese with other recommendations of the Linlithgow Committee.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the inconvenience and injury to the value of property caused by the large number of gipsy encampments in the neighbourhoods of Wimborne and Cranborne, in the county of Dorset; and whether he will introduce legislation conferring upon local authorities the power to deal effectually with the matter?

I have received a representation from the District Council on this subject, but I cannot at present give any undertaking that the Government will introduce legislation dealing with the matter.

asked the Minister of Health in how many cases the recent increases in assessments will have the effect of placing dwelling-houses beyond the limit within which they enjoy the immunities provided by The Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Act, 1920?

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. An increase in assessment does not affect the position of a house as regards the Rents Act. A house is either within or without the scope of that Act according to the amount of its standard rent or standard rateable value, and these figures are the rent or rateable value in 1914 or when the house was first let.

asked the Minister of Health what steps are being taken by the Ministry of Health to introduce into this country the Spahlinger treatment of tuberculosis?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply on this subject which I gave on the 21st March to my hon. Friend the Member for the Withington Division. I regret that owing to supplies of the complete serum and vaccine not being available the opportunity for a further trial of this method of treatment in this country has not yet arisen.

asked the Minister of Health whether, when the promised investigation into the Crawley and Ifield water supply is being held, facilities will be granted to any members of the public who desire to make representations on the matter; and whether the investigation will include an examination of the sanitary conditions of any public conveniences during the hours when the water supply is cut off?

If the objections which have been made to the company's application are not withdrawn, a public local inquiry will be held, at which objecting parties can attend and state their views. Any investigations which are necessary will be made into the sanitary conditions.

asked the hon. Member for North-East Leeds, as representing the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, the total amount of money administered by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners; and what is the establishment retained to administer it and the total annual cost thereof?

With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following are the statistics supplied:

The revenue carried to the Common Fund of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners in the last financial year (to 31st October, 1922) was £2,296,000, being as to £1,364,000 from rental of estates and as to £932,000 from dividends and interest. In addition, the Commissioners administer on behalf of Benefices and for other Ecclesiastical purposes revenues from Trust Funds under General and Special Acts of Parliament and Orders in Council amounting to about £770,000 per annum. The Commissioners' authorised official establishment for all their functions (which include much more than the administration of these estates and revenues) consists of a Secretary, officers and clerks numbering 124. The official establishment expenses (including incidental expenses as well as salaries, pensions, etc.) amounted last year to £78,700. The Commissioners also employ land agents, solicitors and architects.

asked the President of the Boarl of Education why no woman was appointed among the representatives of the Board of Education as the forthcoming Imperial Conference on education?

The delegates appointed by the Board of Education are the Board's principal administrative officers and their librarian and information officer. Some of the Board's principal women officers will, I hope, attend during the discussions of the Conference.

Is there any reason why on a subject like education women should not be fully qualified?

There is no reason at all, but the Board is represented by its principal officers, and those principal officers are men.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will take steps to reduce the staff employed at the Board, seeing that the number of employés has risen from 970 in 1913–14 to about 1,347 in the present year, and the cost from £200,000 odd to over £430,000?

The staff of the Board of Education is kept under constant review, and reductions are made from time to time as opportunity offers. The figures quoted by my hon. Friend are those shown under Sub-head A (1) (Administration) of the Board's Vote for the financial years 1913–14 and 1923–24, respectively. For the purpose of obtaining a true comparison between the two years there should be added to the number 970 for 1913–14 165 persons, for whom provision was made but whose numbers were not shown in the Estimates for that year, making a total of 1,135. The numbers for 1923–24 show, therefore, an increase over those for 1913–14 of 212, of which 174 is attributable to the additional work involved by administration of the School Teachers (Superannuation) Acts, and the remainder, namely, 38, to general increase of the work during the last 10 years.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the necessity of reducing the staff, seeing that a great part of the work has been transferred to the local authorities, with a consequent enormous increase in the cost of local administration?

I can assure my right hon. Friend that I am always considering that. The staff has been reduced during the last 12 months.

Is it not a fact that there are fewer pupils in the schools at the present time?

Is it not a fact that the work of the Board has very largely increased of recent years, owing to the fact that new Departments of work have been undertaken by the Board, that the staff of the Board is now at its minimum and worked as hard and even harder than it ought to be—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"]—and that the total cost does not, as far as I recollect, amount to more than 1 per cent. of the total expenditure of the Board?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many women during 1921, 1922 and the present year employed in Government Departments were discharged or compelled to resign owing to their marriage after entering the Service?

I regret that the information requested is not available.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the Government's policy in this matter?

The whole question of resignation on marriage is a rather difficult one. The hon. Gentleman asked for figures. If he wants full details of the terms and will put a question on the Paper I shall be glad to give him the information.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of American cotton used by Great Britain, Europe, the United States of America, Japan, and Mexico since 1st August, 1922; and the percentage these amounts show to the quantity used in 1913–14 by the same countries?

As the answer involves a table of figures, perhaps my hon. Friend will allow me to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the noble Lord aware that from 1st August the United States are prohibited from selling American cotton under the Liverpool standard?

Following is the answer:

The following statement gives, from the United States Trade Accounts, the exports from that country to various countries up to February last, but these quantities do not necessarily agree with the quantities used in the respective