asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been called to the effect that the serious and continued disturbances in China are having on trade in this country, particularly in the midland counties, by intensifying unemployment; also the danger to lives and liberty of British subjects; and if he has any information up to date regarding the fate of those captured in the Tientsin-Pukow train outrage?

His Majesty's Government are aware of the interference with trade caused by the disturbed conditions obtaining in China, and as I have several times informed the House, His Majesty's Minister at Peking is now in consultation with his colleagues regarding the measures to be taken for the better protection of foreigners in the future. All the persons captured by bandits in the Tientsin-Pukow train outrage have been released.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Sir H. Mackinder, when acting as His Majesty's High Commissioner during the period in which the British military mission was established in South Russia, made reports on the persecution of the Jews?

Owing to the military situation it became impossible for Sir H. Mackinder to furnish any such report.

How was it that no reports were made when it was well known that great numbers of Jews were massacred at that time, partly by drowning in the River Dneister?

A great many reports to that effect came to us, some of which were reliable and some not, but owing to the military situation it was impossible for Sir H. Mackinder to get sufficiently accurate stories in order to furnish a report to the Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many Englishmen and Englishwomen are incarcerated in Ellis Island, New York, owing to the quota of immigrants being filled; has his attention been called to the fact that sometimes as many as 150 women and children of all nationalities and colours are placed in one room to sleep; will he make representations to the United States of America Government protesting against this prison-like treatment of English subjects; and, in the event of the continuance of this practice, will he consider taking measures of retaliation?

I cannot say exactly how many British subjects are at the moment detained at Ellis Island. The attention of His Majesty's Government has repeatedly been called to the conditions prevailing there and no opportunity has been lost of pressing the United States Government to effect an improvement. His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington recently inspected the island at the invitation of the United States Government and the result of his inspection was communicated unofficially to that Government. It would be difficult to devise suitable means of retaliation, as very few United States citizens come to this country to settle.

Can the hon. Gentleman give the House the statement made by the Ambassador with regard to the conditions at Ellis Island?

I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman means that it should be laid as a Report. If that is what he means, I will inquire what can be done.

Does the hon. Gentleman know that no improvement at all has been made, and that during the last few days English visitors to the United States, with passports and visas absolutely in order, have been subject to these indignities and kept in a cage with people from all parts of Europe?

Does the hon. Gentleman recollect that nearly six months ago I drew attention to the fact that one of my constituents, Mrs. Thompson, was taken off an Atlantic liner and subjected to grave indignities, and that this sort of thing has been going on in the last few weeks? Surely some active representations should be made to the United States in the matter?

May I ask whether, in view of the case stated, steps will be taken to intimate to industrial centres like Glasgow that people should not emigrate, as the quota of emigrants is full.

These are not emigrants.

I am quite aware of the conditions to which several hon. Members have drawn attention, but there are extreme difficulties in dealing with the subject, and all I can say is that, as far as I am aware, the United States Government are very anxious to do anything they can to alleviate the conditions. But there are very grave difficulties in the way.

rose ——

Obviously we cannot carry the matter further by question and answer.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the King's Messenger who left London on the 20th July, 1918, for Scandinavia, travelling via St. Pancras, Aberdeen, and Bergen, carried from London to Copenhagen a very large sum of money in English notes, and that the package containing those notes was handed to him at the Foreign Office; and whether he is prepared to state whose money this was, and to whom it was delivered by the British authorities at Copenhagen?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. This money was the property of the Central Prisoners of War Committee of the British Red Cross Society and Order of St. John of Jerusalem, and was transmitted at the request of the committee in the care of the King's Messenger to His Majesty Legation at Copenhagen for delivery to the representative of the committee in Denmark.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this gentleman was not a King's Messenger at all, but an Admiralty Courier, and that he was Lieutenant Waterhouse, R.N.V.R.?

I believe that the name stated by my hon. Friend is correct. Under the conditions at that time prevailing, all the messengers were under the direction of the Admiralty, and subject to Admiralty orders.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that during the whole of the War there were only six King's Messengers, that those were the only messengers who were entitled to carry the ancient badge of the silver greyhound, and that they came only from the Foreign Office?

I cannot contest the facts given by my hon. Friend, as I have not sufficient knowledge of the arrangements at that time.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is yet in a position to give any information to the House of Commons about the situation arising out of the recent Bulgarian revolution; and whether he is aware of any political activity on the part of the ex-Tsar Ferdinand?

The late Agrarian Government in Bulgaria was recently expelled by a military coup d'état and M. Stamboulisky was subsequently killed. A provisional Government has been appointed, consisting of members of each opposition party, except the Communists. All this information can be gathered from the newspapers. The answer to the second part of this question is in the negative.

Has the hon. Gentleman any information about the ex-Tsar of Bulgaria? Has he any information to show whether the ex-Tsar is or is not in any way connected with this revolution?

No; we have no information to indicate that in any way.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the British representative on the Council of the League of Nations has been or will be given instructions to raise the question of the administration of the Saar region at the meeting of the Council at the end of this month; and whether, if the French insist that the Council has not the right to send a Commission of Inquiry into the Saar region, the British representative will demand that the status of the Saar Commission and the rights and powers of the League Council in relation to it be referred to the Permanent Court of International Justice for decision?

With reference to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by me to the hon. and gallant Members for Maidstone and Leith on 18th June. With regard to the second part of the question, I cannot say what will be the attitude of the British representative in circumstances which have not yet arisen.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the Report issued by the Administrator of South-West Africa, in which he draws attention to the existence of slave trading and slave owning on a large scale in that country, and the need for more potent measures for dealing with the situation; whether, in view of British obligations under the Convention of St. Germain, the covenant of the League, and of the resolution under which the Council of the League is requested to gather together information upon slavery for the next assembly, the representative of Great Britain upon the Council of the League will be requested to bring this section of the Administrator's Report formally to the notice of his colleagues on the Council?

I have seen the passage in the Report in question which relates to the discovery by the Administration of South Western African territory in the course of last year that slavery exists among the tribe of the Okabango River. It rests with the Union Government as the mandatory authority to take the necessary action in the matter. The Report shows that the Administration only recently established connection with these people, but that instructions have been given to put a stop to the custom. In answer to the last part of the question the matter does not seem of the character contemplated by the Resolution of the Assembly referred to.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the large number of men unemployed in the Isle of Sheppey who were formerly employed at the dockyard at Sheerness and are unable to find other employment in the neighbourhood, he will arrange for a share of any work being given to Sheerness, and thus provide employment for these men?

I regret that the money provided in the Navy Estimates for dockyard wages does not permit of any addition being made to the number of men employed at Sheerness Dockyard.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty where exactly it is proposed to establish the new dockyard and graving-dock at Singapore; what size vessels the existing graving-dock at Singapore will accommodate; and whether any steps are being taken to provide an adequate floating-dock in the examination anchorage or elsewhere at Singapore?

The new dockyard and graving dock will be established in the Old Strait, the exact site being dependent upon the result of investigations now about to be made. The existing graving dock at Singapore can accommodate vessels of dimensions up to 850 feet in length, 92 feet beam and 32 feet draught. With regard to the last part of the question, the matter is still under consideration.

Could the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether the Admiralty are wedded to this policy of a graving dock as against a floating dock, whether this position in the Straits is not open to attack from the land side, and whether this matter is being considered in consultation with the War Office?

Yes; very naturally, it has been most carefully considered in consultation with everybody concerned. The Strait is much the easiest place for general defence purposes. The Admiralty are not wedded to any particular project.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will authorise the issue of a pamphlet in simple language, for posting on the notice boards of His Majesty's ships and establishments, explaining the main provisions of the Representation of the People Acts, 1818–20, with special attention to the Regulations concerning absent voters and voting by proxy?

Various Orders have been issued since 1919 which contain information concerning absent voters and voting by proxy, and these Orders were posted on the notice boards of His Majesty's ships and establishments. As the future procedure for naval voters is at present under consideration, I do not think it would be advisable to issue any further notices in the meantime.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman bear this question in mind in framing these Regulations?

Certainly; it is being borne in mind.

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman realise that a great number of naval absent voters in Devonport were unable to record their votes last time? Will he see that this sort of thing does not happen again?

I am perfectly aware of that fact, and I think that every Member of the House is aware that it is very difficult to get all voters to the poll. The difficulty is far greater in the case of naval voters, because the ships may be anywhere.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that a system has been introduced into the submarine service of rating leading stokers as acting stoker petty officers, in which acting rate they serve for three years or more and are then reverted to leading stoker on their return to general service; and whether, since such a system is not fair to the men themselves nor in the best interests of discipline, steps will be taken to allow these men to retain the acting rating of stoker petty officer on return to general service, as supernumerary to the port establishment, until such time as they are due for promotion from port rosters?

Approval was given for 30 leading stokers to be rated acting stoker petty officer while in the submarine service. This was done as a temporary measure to meet a temporary difficulty owing to the abnormal situation in the submarine service after the War. It is not intended that these leading stokers shall retain their acting rate of stoker petty officer on return to the general service. Should any individuals among these 30 ratings represent cases of hardship through their commanding officers in the customary service manner their representations will receive careful consideration.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the cost, respectively, of a graving-dock and floating-dock each capable of accommodating the largest size war vessel under the Washington Convention; what is the comparative cost of upkeep of these two types of docks for a period of 10 years; how many floating docks of this size are in British possession; and where they are now being utilised?

The cost of such a graving dock depends so much on the locality in which it is built, the range of tide, and the physical characteristics of the ground that it is impossible to state any figure of general applicability. The approximate cost of a floating dock would be £400,000. The cost of upkeep of the graving dock would be very small, while that of the floating dock would amount to about £10,000 per annum. There are at present no floating docks in British possession capable of taking a ship of the maximum size allowable under the Washington Conference, but an ex-German dock, lying in the Medway, is at present being extended, and when completed will take such ships.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman state the approximate estimated cost of the proposed graving dock at Singapore?

As that dock is not to be commenced for 18 months or two years, and the exact site is not determined, I think it is too early to give any exact estimate.

Cannot we have an estimate within a million, if we are to be committed to this policy? Surely, the Admiralty has some idea?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put a question on the Paper, I will see what I can do.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the unsettlement caused to staff and students by the uncertainty as to the policy he is going to pursue with regard to the future of juvenile unemployment centres, he will consent to their continuation for at least another 12 months?

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Government is prepared to reconsider its decision to gradually close the juvenile unemployment centres in view of the large number of children and young persons who would thereby be subjected to the demoralising influence of complete idleness?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can make any further announcement on the subject of juvenile unemployment centres; and how many will close at the end of this month if no new decision is made by the Government?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has yet received a Report on the work of the juvenile unemployment centres; and whether it is the intention of the Government, in view of the continued prevalence of unemployment amongst juveniles, to continue to give financial aid to these centres?

I have received a Report on the juvenile unemployment centres. This Report and the whole question of the continuance of the juvenile unemployment centres is under consideration, as I stated in my reply to previous questions last week. The number of centres which under present arrangements will close on 30th June is 35.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the uncertainty which exists is doing harm in regard to these centres and can he hold out any prospect of an early decision on the matter?

I am quite aware of the points put forward by the hon. Member and I realise the necessity of a speedy decision. I hope that will be achieved very shortly.

Would it not be possible to reopen these centres in the winter months?

That is one of the things which are in contemplation.

If the right hon. Gentleman decides to go on with the centres, will he, in framing the new regulations, arrange that the consent shall be given from month to month, rather than from week to week for the convenience of the authorities who have to engage teachers, thus enabling them to engage teachers on a monthly basis, as they cannot get good teachers on a weekly basis?

I will bear that in mind. The whole question of proper teaching staffs is one of the matters to be taken into consideration.

Why should the right hon. Gentleman and his Department hesitate for a moment about this matter when it is undoubtedly necessary for the welfare of the young people concerned that the juvenile unemployment centres should be continued?

As the Noble Lord is aware, the matter does not rest entirely with me. Other Departments have to be consulted.

Why should the Cabinet or the Government, or whoever is responsible, hesitate?

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the large number of unemployed young persons in Glasgow, he will, in conjunction with the Glasgow Education Authority, open special day classes for continuation education?

If, as I assume, the hon. Member is referring to the establishment of Juvenile Unemployment Centres, I may say that I have repeatedly urged the Glasgow Education Authority to establish such Centres on the usual basis of a Government grant of 75 per cent. of the cost, but the authority has not seen its way to do so.

Can the Government use any means to take away this power of refusal from a dull body such as an education authority and to compel these bodies to do what is right?

The Minister has no responsibility for local education authorities.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the cost being daily incurred by the Committee on Domestic Service now sitting in his office; from what fund that cost is met; and whether he will see if the labours of the Committee might with advantage be brought to a conclusion?

The expenses occasioned by this Committee consist of travelling expenses and other allowances of members and witnesses and the taking of a shorthand note. For a full day's hearing of evidence these expenses, as nearly as can be estimated, amount to about £15, of which £12 is borne on the Vote of the Ministry of Labour, and £3 on the Vote for Royal Commissions, etc. The Committee have so far held 10 such hearings, and have now received a considerable amount of evidence. The Chairman informed me last week that the list of oral witnesses has now been practically completed, with the exception of a small number, including several Members of Parliament, who have arranged to attend the next sitting of the Committee. This, I understand, will be the last sitting for taking evidence.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think this Committee has contributed anything to the main point, namely, the bringing together of those who are ready to offer remunerative employment, on conditions which are constantly improving, and those, on the other hand, who, seeking employment and not being able to obtain it, are falling back on the dole?

Is it not the case that the deliberations of the Committee revealed facts which have hitherto escaped notice; and in view of that fact, has its existence not been justified?

Is it not the case that the demand for this inquiry came absolutely and solely from the Government side, and why should they ask for its discontinuance?

Is it not the fact that up to the present time no statement whatever has been made by this Committee, and is it not better to wait until its findings have been drawn up and published?

Who selected the witnesses to appear; were they selected by the Chairman of the Committee?

I am not responsible for the conduct of the proceedings of the Committee. That is a matter for the Chairman. I believe, as a matter of fact, a certain number of witnesses suggested themselves to give evidence and others were selected by the Chairman after consultation with the Committee. With regard to the various questions which have been put, I do not know whether they are seriously pressed or not, but I really do not remember where the first suggestion came from. It has been under consideration in the Department for a long time, and as to the question of the results achieved I think it is desirable to await the Report of the Committee.

It has already done infinite harm.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the cost of the administration of the Unemployment Insurance Acts for juveniles for the whole country and for the County of London, separately?

A great part of the organisation for administering the Unemployment Insurance Acts is common to juveniles and adults. I regret, therefore, that figures showing the cost separately for juveniles are not available and could not be obtained without very considerable expense.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in the event of a local education authority opting to take over the administration of unemployment benefits for juveniles, under Section 107 of the Education Act, 1921, all administrative expenses, including the rent of the necessary office accommodation, will be repaid to the local education authority?

Education authorities exercising the option referred to will receive a grant for their additional administrative expenses, on the basis of a scale fixed in the manner prescribed by Section 6 of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1923. The scale will be settled after consultation with associations representative of local authorities and will, no doubt, take into account any necessary additional expenditure on premises.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any information to show how much of the improvement in employment this year is due to resumption of work in seasonal trades where idleness always occurred in winter, and how much to genuine trade recovery; and has he any information to show what was the normal difference between the winter and summer volume of employment before the War?

It is not possible to say how much of the improvement in employment this year is due to seasonal causes. The only statistics available as to the fluctuations in unemployment over a period of years before the War are those relating to certain trade unions. In the years 1900–1914 the proportion unemployed in these unions averaged 3·8 per cent. at the end of May and 3·9 per cent. at the end of June, compared with 4·8 per cent. at the end of December.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Wednesbury Employment Exchange recently threatened to stop the unemployment benefit of George Jevons, 65, Witton Lane, unless he produced a certificate that his stepson, Samuel Broadbent, was still attending school; whether this action is in accordance with the Regulations; whether the manager of the Exchange has been officially informed of the school term; and whether he will exercise his powers to prevent a continuation of this conduct?

I am having inquiry made and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Is it in order for this Exchange to threaten to take away the unemployment benefit of the father because of the non-production of some certificate; and is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the dissatisfaction aroused in connection with the policy of the Exchange?

Until I have had inquiries made, I do not know how we stand on the facts. I will have inquiries made and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as I have confirmation of the facts.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he intends to take steps in the near future to examine the working of the Whitley Councils and works committees generally, as foreshadowed in his speech at Plymouth on 28th May, 1923?

I have had prepared a Report on the Establishment and Progress of Joint Industrial Councils. This is now in the press and will shortly be published.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Government instructional factory, St. James's Mill, Norwich, is to be closed down in the course of the year; and, if so, what arrangements are proposed as regards the trainees whose course does not expire until 1924, and ex-service men of the City of Norwich and ex-service men residing in East Anglia, respectively, who are still awaiting training?

It is not proposed to close this training centre during the current year. Before any centre is closed, I satisfy myself that adequate facilities are available for completing the training of existing trainees and for providing training for men on the waiting list, and with a substantial margin of available accommodation.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise the isolation of many districts in East Anglia in which these trainees are and the extreme difficulty in the way of their attending any training centre except Norwich?

That is one of the things which is being carefully considered.

asked the Minister of Health the number of empty houses in England and Wales, at the latest date before the War for which figures are available, giving separately the numbers in rural areas, in urban district council areas, in boroughs, in county boroughs, and in London; the number of these houses which were not reasonably fit for human habitation without repair; the number which were uninhabitable; and will he state how all these figures were obtained?

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The only information available showing the number of empty houses in England and Wales is that contained in the Census returns. The following figures are taken from the Return for 1911:

These figures include houses which were vacant on Census night only through the absence of the occupier and not actually unoccupied.

Information is not available showing the number of these houses which were not reasonably fit for human habitation or which were uninhabitable.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the local brick trust in the Middlesbrough district refuses to sell bricks to local authorities for housing purposes except at prices 10 per cent. higher than those quoted to members of the master builders' federation; and what action he proposes to take in this and similar cases?

I have not previously received any information on this matter, but I am bringing it to the notice of the Committee which is sitting to inquire into the cost of building materials.

What are the methods of the Committee which the right hon. Gentleman has appointed to inquire into cases of this kind; and have they made any report to him upon any of these matters?

No, Sir. They have not made any report. As to the other part of the Supplementary Question, I should like to have notice.

asked the Minister of Health to what extent advances in the prices of building materials since the announcement of the proposed Government housing subsidies have reduced the value of such subsidies; and whether he has reason to suppose that the advances in prices are due to the concerted action of persons or firms desirous of taking undue advantage of the circumstances?

I understand that the prices of certain building materials have recently been increased. I am not able to state the precise extent by which these increases have reduced the value of the proposed subsidies, but I am advised that it is negligible. The Committee which has been appointed is inquiring into the whole matter, and will also deal with the. question as to whether these advances in prices are due to the concerted action of any persons or firms desirous of taking undue advantage of the present circumstances.

Have the Committee appointed by the Minister in fact taken any action whatever up to date?

Will the right hon. Gentleman circulate a list showing the comparative cost of materials from time to time?

I hope to be able to publish such a list later on.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that certain persons are increasing prices by 10 per cent., and are also at the same time decreasing the wages of their workpeople in the industry; and what action does he intend to take?

The question of wages in the industry is not one that concerns my Department, and the question of the increases in the prices is engaging the attention of the Committee.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state, approximately, the number of new houses which have been built and completed for occupation in each of the years 1920, 1921, and 1922 in England; and how many new houses are under construction in the same area at the present time?

During the three years in question the number of houses completed in England and Wales under State-aided housing schemes was 15,700, 86,669, and 88,976 respectively. Statistics are not available showing the total number of houses erected during the same period without State aid. On the 1st instant, 8,019 houses were in course of construction under the State-assisted scheme authorised by the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1919. In addition, schemes for over 13,000 houses have been authorised which will rank for assistance under the new Bill if it becomes law. According to a return recently obtained from certain local authorities, 14,763 houses had been completed by private builders since the end of September last, and 17,693 houses were in course of construction without State assistance.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the eviction of tenants in Glasgow for non-payment of rent, and where such non-payment is due to poverty arising from low wages, unemployment, or other causes beyond their control, the Government will undertake to pay such rents and set up local committees for the purpose of dealing with such cases?

I have been asked to reply to this question. As I stated in the Debate on the Adjournment of the House on 17th May, the general practice in the Glasgow Ejection Court is to grant a decree of ejection for non-payment of rent only in the case where the sheriffs are satisfied that the tenant is able to make some payment in respect of rent. In this connection, I would point out that the scale of relief for destitute unemployed persons which has been generally adopted by parish councils in industrial areas is designed not only to aliment the recipient and his dependants, but to enable him to meet his current rent. I cannot hold out any hope that additional assistance will be provided from public funds.

Has the attention of the hon. and learned Gentleman been called to the fact that in one district in England two families have had to be housed in a stable as the result of an eviction order, and will he take all possible steps to see that people in Scotland are not reduced to having to live in stables or byres?

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that in the Tradeston and Gorbals districts of Glasgow certain people who are of very decent character have been evicted from their homes, and have had to seek a place of refuge in the Govan poorhouse, and will he say what steps he intends to take in the matter?

Is it the case that in the Tyneside Division of England special allowances are made to unemployed persons for rent?

With regard to the question put by the hon Member for Gorbals (Mr. Buchanan), he knows that decrees of eviction are not granted in cases where destitution is proved, and, as I said in my answer, it is only where the sheriffs are satisfied that some payment can be made that a decree is granted. The hon. Member knows also that the sheriffs in Glasgow freely exercise their discretion under Section 5 of the Rent Restriction Act.

May I press for an answer to the question of the hon. Member for West Stirling (Mr. Johnston), as to whether special allowances for rent are paid in the Newcastle area in addition to unemployment relief?

There would have to be another Minister to answer that question, and it would be better to put it on the Paper.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to pages 25 to 36 of the annual Report, dated 24th May, 1923, of the County Medical Officer of Health for Surrey, in which that officer deals with the housing conditions in the county, and states that it is beyond dispute that there is a grave dearth of houses and an appalling amount of overcrowding; what steps is he taking to urge the local authorities of the county to deal with the housing situation; how many local housing authorities there are in the county; and how many have expressed their opinion that it is possible to deal with the housing problem on the lines of the Housing Bill now before Parliament?

I have received the Report of the County Medical Officer of Health for Surrey for the year 1922, and have noted his reference to housing conditions in the county. On the 27th of April last I addressed a circular to all local housing authorities calling attention to the provisions of the Housing Bill now before Parliament, and urging immediate action in anticipation of the passing of the Bill. There are 40 local housing authorities in the county. I have received no expression of opinion from these authorities, but I hope that they will avail themselves of the facilities which the Housing Bill affords.

When the right hon. Gentleman has made a detailed study of the Report, will he bring pressure to bear upon the more recalcitrant authorities to shoulder their obligations to the working classes of the community?

It will be my duty, if there are recalcitrant authorities, to put pressure upon them in whatever part of the country they are.

Will the right hon. Gentleman note that I only asked for the "more" recalcitrant authorities? I think they are all recalcitrant about his Bill.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has considered the position of the licence-holders under the Rent and Mortgage Interest Restriction Bill, whose premises, though paying a standard rent of £78 or more, are scheduled as dwelling-houses; and if he will secure to these persons the same protection under the Bill as the ordinary citizen?

The question to which the hon. Member refers was discussed yesterday by the Committee which is now considering the Rent Restriction Bill. The Committee decided to retain the Sub-clause under which licensed premises would be excluded from the provisions of the principal Act, but I expressed my willingness to consider any Amendments to the Clause which might be brought up on Report.

asked the Minister of Health how many medical men are employed at the Ministry of Health and regional headquarters on a sessional basis; and if, owing to the urgent need of economy, he will consider placing some of these on the salaried staff?

There are 54 medical men employed in the work of the regional staff on a sessional basis. There would be no economy in placing any of these on the salaried staff.

asked the Minister of Health how many retired-pay medical officers who are m receipt of pensions from the Army, etc., are employed in salaried positions in the Ministry of Health; and if he will recommend that these officers be replaced by some of the highly-experienced ex-service medical men who are not so placed?

Three medical officers of the Ministry of Health are in receipt of retired pay; two of these officers are established civil servants, and the unestablished officer possesses special qualifications in connection with venereal disease. I am unable to adopt the suggestion contained in the latter part of the hon. Member's question.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the unsatisfactory approach to the Government offices for old age pensions and the Ministry of Health in Wigan; that in the former the old people have to climb 22 steps, and in the latter 44 steps to reach the offices; that in many cases these people are exhausted when they arrive at the top, where no seats are provided for them to rest upon; and whether he will have the matter inquired into and proper provision made for these people in attending the offices?

I am not aware that any complaint has hitherto been made about the approach to the Government offices in Wigan, but I will have immediate inquiry made.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether the buildings at Gloucester Gate, Regent's Park, which were constructed as a depot for parcels sent to prisoners of war, and were temporarily assigned after the Armistice to the Army Pay Staff, have yet been vacated; and what steps are being taken to secure the removal of these unsightly erections and to restore the amenities of the park?

These hutments were vacated towards the end of last month, and the fittings are being removed for use elsewhere. The buildings will shortly be handed over to the Disposal Board, and as soon as they have been cleared, the site will be restored.

How can these buildings be handed over to the Disposal Board if the Board has already been closed down?

I think there are still some people there who will see to this matter.

Who are they? Who has taken the place of the Disposal Board?

I think they are working under the Treasury.

Are we to take it that the Disposal Board or its substitute is still in existence, and carrying on the same work?

What have these buildings been used for during the last 12 months?

I do not know, I should like notice of that question.

Why were they not handed over before?

If the hon. Gentleman will put that question on the Paper I will try and answer it.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider, when these buildings have been removed, using the ground for the purpose of tennis courts at a small charge, to repay the cost?

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that the Imperial and Foreign Corporation, Limited, or the Aircraft Disposal Company, Limited, is still in occupation of the extensive area in Regent's Park commandeered during the War by the Royal Air Force; whether his Department is still discussing with the Treasury the continuance of an occupation which was to have been finally terminated on the 12th September, 1921; and whether steps can now be taken for the eviction of the company or companies, the dismantling of the buildings, and the restoration of the occupied land to the use and enjoyment of the public?

My Department is still in consultation with the Treasury with a view to the earliest possible restoration of Regent's Park to its full use by the public, but, owing to the large financial commitments involved, I fear it is not possible as yet to give a forecast of the date when the wishes of the public, which coincide with those of myself and my Department, can be realised.

Does the First Commissioner realise that we are all getting older, and some of us would like to see the necessary work of restoring the amenities of Regent's Park carried out in our lifetime?

I entirely endorse what my hon. and gallant Friend has said.

Have these buildings been put to any useful purpose and is any rent being paid for them?

These buildings do not some within my jurisdiction at the moment, but if the hon. Member will put down a question as to the rent I will give him an answer.

May I have an answer to my question? We have been told that these buildings have been handed over to the Disposal Board, which does not exist.

The hon. Baronet must put that down as a separate question.

Is it in order to tell us that certain, things have been handed over to a Board which does not exist?

The hon. Baronet must put that question down.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to the practice of certain medical practitioners of transferring their panel patients to other doctors for a monetary consideration regardless of the wishes of the patients themselves; and whether he will take steps to prevent such a practice being pursued?

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. Under the Medical Benefit Regulations, no insured person can be transferred to any practitioner against his wishes, and his rights in this respect are in no way affected by any arrangements which doctors may make with one another for the sale of the good will of a practice.

Is it not a fact that panel patients have to give six months' notice to transfer, and that in many cases they are transferred to another practitioner against their will before the expiry of the requisite notice?

It still remains the fact that he cannot be transferred against his wish.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a large body of opinion that has strong objections to this practice, and is this one of the matters which are going to be considered by him and the special committee of the British Medical Association? Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether he proposes to make a statement to the House following this conference with that special committee?.

Those questions should be put upon the Paper.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the case of Edward Connell, of Bevington House Hostel, Bevington Bush, Liverpool, a Post Office contributor under the National Health Insurance Act, who, notwithstanding his payment of 176 weeks, contributions, has been informed that he cannot receive any benefits on the ground that no contributions have been credited to him since 2nd January; and if, in view of the fact that the contributor has been out of employment and is at present certified as unable to follow any employment through sickness, he will give the case his further consideration.

No contributions have been received in respect of Mr. Connell since the end of the year 1920, and his insurance, therefore, ceased on the 31st March, 1922, in accordance with the Regulations applying Section 13 of the National Health Insurance Act, 1918, to deposit contributors. There is no power to extend Mr. Connell's insurance beyond the period specified in the Act and Regulations.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the serious position in which the smaller hospitals have been placed in consequence of the regulations of the General Nursing Council regarding the training of nurses, which have increased the difficulty of obtaining probationers in such hospitals and are adding seriously to the financial difficulties with which they have to contend; and whether he will approach the General Nursing Council with a view to some modifications being made in their regulations in order to overcome these difficulties and enabling nurses trained in such hospitals to be qualified for registration after passing the central examination or otherwise?

I have not received representations in this sense. It is open to any hospital which is refused approval by the General Nursing Council to appeal to me, and no such appeal has been made. I see no reason for adopting the suggestion contained in the last part of the question.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the General Nursing Council has been rejecting for registration on the State Register of Nurses during the past two years nurses who had been for three years before the passing of The Nurses' Registration Act, 1919, in bona fide practice as existing nurses, on the ground that they had not had one year's training in a general hospital; that Section 3 (2) ( c ) of the Act expressly contemplated that such nurses should be admitted to the register on terms not involving training in a general hospital; that, in consequence of the acts of the council and the lapse of time, only four weeks now remain during which applications can be received under the Act, and that many nurses to whom the decision of this House of 13th June applies are not aware of the fact that they are now eligible for registration; and will he say what steps he intends to take to make the facts known to them?

I understand that 947 applications have been rejected by the General Nursing Council as ineligible for registration under the Rules hitherto in force. As regards the second part of the question, I am advised that these Rules were not inconsistent with the provisions of the Act to which the hon. Member refers. As regards the last part of the question it rests with the Council to determine what steps should be taken to advise the nursing profession of the decision of the House, but in view of the publicity given to this question by nursing and other papers I doubt whether there will be many nurses who are unaware of the effect of last week's vote.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Press has given very little publicity to the change affected by the decision of this House last Wednesday, and that there are scores of nurses who will be elegible under that decision who are ignorant of the fact that a change has been made; will he take steps to see that these girls are made acquainted with the decision?

Has the decision of the House any effect until the Department of the right hon. Gentleman or the King in Council issues an Order pursuant to the decision?

The suggestion of the last question is correct. An Order has to be issued before the decision becomes operative. In regard to the first supplementary question, I think the papers that are most likely to have the information are the nursing papers. Those who did not see the notices last week doubtless will see them this week.

Will the 900 nurses who already have been rejected have their applications made valid, so that if no further application comes from them before the 4th July the application already made will be valid under the Act?

I should say their wiser course would be to put in a fresh application.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many Members of the House have received a letter from the College of Nursing repudiating the action of the hon. Gentleman the Member for Dumfries (Dr. Chapple) in moving the Resolution he did the other night?

On that, Mr. Speaker, may I——

called upon Mr. Gilbert to put the next Question on the Paper. [ See col. 1435.]

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the desirability of providing a Government grant towards the cost of cancer research?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 4th June in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Lincoln (Mr. A. T. Davies).

asked the Minister of Health what number of women died through pregnancy or childbirth in England and Wales during the past year?

The number of deaths classed to pregnancy and childbearing in 1922 was 2,971. In the same year the number of deaths associated with childbirth but attributed to other causes was 1,051.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the district auditor has surcharged the members of the Poplar Borough Council the, sum of £17,000 in respect of illegal payment of excessive wages during the past municipal year; for what reason this surcharge was subsequently reduced to £5,000; by whose instructions and under what statutory authority was the reduction made; and whether the figure of £17,000, the amount of the original sur- charge, was subsequently found to be incorrect?

There was no reduction in the surcharge. I am aware that the auditor referred to the sum of £17,000 in his report to the council as the total amount paid by the council in wages in excess of the rates accepted from time to time in the trade union and other awards appropriate to the several grades of employés, but after hearing the arguments of the persons concerned he made a surcharge in respect of £5,000 only. The making of a surcharge is a matter solely within the auditor's jurisdiction.

May we take it that this sum of £5,000 as a surcharge will be maintained?

asked the Minister of Health whether his Department have made full investigation into the use of defrozen eggs; and whether any time limit has been fixed for the use of such eggs as food after being defrozen?

My Department have from time to time made inquiries with regard to frozen eggs, and are acquainted with the general conditions under which they are prepared and used. No time limit has been fixed for the use of such eggs or of any other food.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think, in the case of eggs that have been treated either by boric acid or by freezing, that if a cargo is taken, say, to a big bakery, where they are all used quickly, there is no harm done, but that if they are taken to a small bakery, where a man may use only half the supply at a time and take the remainder out into the air, thinking of saving it until the next day, there may be harm done? I should like to know if the Department are taking some measures to protect the public against that kind of danger.

As I stated in my answer, my Department did make some inquiries into the use of frozen eggs, but they did not find anything to warrant them in thinking legislation necessary.

Have any instructions been issued by the Ministry of Health as to how to unfreeze an egg?

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to a recent case before the magistrates at Romford when they refused the application of the local guardians to grant them permission to send two young children to one of the Dominions; what powers guardians have in order to send young children abroad; and whether, in view of this decision, he proposes to issue any fresh instructions to guardians as to the emigration of young children at the present time?

My attention has been called to this case. Guardians have power to emigrate or contribute towards the cost of emigrating a child without its parents subject to my consent and to the child formally giving its consent before justices. It has not been the practice of my Department, in the absence of special circumstances, to consent to the emigration of very young children. As at present advised, I see no ground for the issue of further instructions on this matter.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if youths sent from this country to Australia under the emigration scheme become liable to the conscription laws of the Commonwealth?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 21st March by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for the Springburn Division of Glasgow.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has received any report from the Empire Settlement Delegation from Australia?

I do not think that arises out of the question on the Paper.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the extension of the terms of reference of the Select Committee on the Betting Tax, so that they can consider the propriety of a tax on sweepstakes?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Kent County Council recently accepted a tender for foreign macadam for use at Faversham for 30s. a ton, in spite of the fact that the Clee Hill Company, which was only working 30 hours a week owing to bad trade, had tendered to supply English material of equal quality for 2s. 10d. a ton cheaper; and if, seeing that a grant is being made by the Government for the work for which this foreign material has been given a preference, he will in future have regard to the unemployment and short hours being worked in the quarrying trade, and make it a condition precedent to a grant that only British products shall be used, provided they are not dearer than foreign materials?

I have been asked to reply. I am making inquiries into the circumstances of the case referred to by my hon. Friend, and will communicate with him on the subject as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he has received a large number of complaints giving instances of loss and inconvenience to residents and visitors at Llanstephan, in Carmarthenshire, by the unsatisfactory working of the ferry service between Llanstephan and Ferryside; whether he will grant the inquiry asked for by the Llanstephan Parish Council; and, if so, will he direct that the views and statements of the residents of Llanstephan are ascertained as well as those of the lessee at Ferryside?

In reply to an inquiry on the Carmarthenshire County Council, and after an inspection by an officer of the Ministry, the county council were informed on 10th January, 1922, that the Minister of Transport would be prepared to approve of the purchase by them of the Llanstephan Ferry, under the Ferries (Acquisition by Local Authorities) Act, 1919, but that no grant towards the cost could be made from the Road Fund. So far as I am aware, no action has been taken in this direction by the county council, though I have recently received a communication from them forwarding further complaints as to the working of the ferry. I have no power, however, to impose conditions on the owner or lessee of what, I understand, is a private ferry.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether his attention has been called to the death of an 11-year-old schoolboy caused by his being fatally injured by a motor lorry at Park Road, Regent's Park, and to the fact that the jury expressed the opinion that drivers of such vehicles should always be accompanied by another man on long distances, the driver in this case having driven from Warrington, near Liverpool; and will he, in view of the danger indicated by this case, consider the issuing of regulations on the subject?

My attention has not been drawn to this accident, but I am making inquiries into it. On the general considerations raised in the latter part of the question, I may say that while I consider it very undesirable that drivers of heavy motor vehicles should be employed to drive excessive distances, or for long hours, I have no powers to make regulations on the subject.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the advisability of obtaining further powers? Is he not aware of the great physical and mental fatigue arising from such work and the great danger that ensues to the public?

A Departmental Committee of the Ministry of Transport reported in 1920, and after having taken evidence upon this very point they made no recommendation. Consequently I feel well advised in following the course indicated by that Committee on this very point.

Is there any reason to differentiate between engine drivers and motor drivers. Why should they come under a different category because they have more difficult work to do?

I am not making any differentiation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport if he will make inquiry into the condition of the roads in Stirlingshire, with the view of bringing pressure to bear on the county council to have the roads put into proper condition?

The condition of the roads in Stirlingshire has been the subject of inquiry at various times. I am informed that certain comprehensive proposals are now under the consideration of the county council, and I expect to be advised of their decision at an early date. The general improvement of the roads in the county can only be brought about as the result of a programme extending over a number of years, as financial and practical considerations, in the case of this authority, as of many others, limit the amount of improvement work which can be done in any particular year.