asked the Minister of Pensions if the British Legion is considered an accredited organisation by the Ministry; and if all correspondence received by the Ministry, written by the British Legion on behalf of their members, is considered official and acknowledged and dealt with accordingly?

The British Legion is regarded as a responsible organisation and, subject to the precautions against the unauthorised disclosure of confidential information which I mentioned in my reply to the hon. and gallant Member last Thursday, replies are sent direct to communications received from that body. If the hon. and gallant Member will let me have particulars of any difficulty which has come to his notice I shall be pleased to look into the matter.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will obtain from boards of guardians in England and Wales Returns showing the number of ex-service men, and wives and children of such men, chargeable to the Poor Law in institutions or on outdoor relief for the week ending 31st March, 1923?

This information could only be obtained by a special Return involving boards of guardians in considerable trouble and expense and, as at present advised, I do not think the results to be obtained would justify this expenditure.

Would the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the matter? Many boards of guardians would be only too glad to supply him with this information. It is all tabulated, and it is simply a question of putting it together. It is very important to know how many of these men are in this condition?

My information does not tally with that of my hon. Friend. But I will consider the matter.

I will undertake to get the right hon. Gentleman the figures of at least one union.

Is it not a comparatively simple matter to get information like this from the boards of guardians?

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that nearly every board of guardians keeps these figures in a card-index? It is perfectly simple to get the returns. All the extra expense would be in the right hon. Gentleman's office putting the figures together, and from what I know of the office staff, it ought not to be anything special.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he can see his way to extend the terms of reference to his Advisory Committee dealing with the seven years' limit regulation upon the issue of pensions so as to include the claims of other dependants as well as of widows, having regard to the fact that the present disqualification is one based on the time when the casualty occurred, and has no reference to the kinship of the dependant?

I regret that I do not see my way to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that the case is affected by the kinship of the dependants?

I have already replied to that question on last Thursday. The matter is being considered, but the cases of the dependants are obviously on different footings.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether in those cases where a local pensions committee consider that the appellant is not in a position to adequately put his or her own case before the appeal tribunal, and that a member of their committee or staff should accompany the claimant for that purpose, he will authorise the committee, if it sees fit, to defray the travelling expenses so incurred, as was formerly done with great advantage to the appellants in many instances?

As already stated, I am not prepared to accept this proposal. I may add that at no time has payment of travelling expenses for an appellant's friend been authorised by the Ministry as suggested in the last part of the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that before the local pensions committees came entirely under the control of the Government, many committees did provide these fares and were able to render valuable service to the appellants?

There is, of course, no objection to these expenses being paid from voluntary funds as in the past.

asked the Minister of Pensions, if the widow and children of an ex-service man are not eligible for penison or allowance if the man married his wife after his disability was incurred; and, if so, will he alter the regulations so as to permit of such payments?

The principle of the Pensions Warrant is that the State compensates the man and accepts the liabilities he was under at the date of his, injury; and, accordingly, widows of deceased men are not admitted to pension if they were married after that date. I am not prepared to recommend the removal of this restriction from the Warrant.

In cases of this kind where a contract has been entered into, it is not the proper thing for the Government to recognise an obligation of that kind?

No, Sir, most certainly not. The Government have clearly entered into no contract in the matter. It was under the proposal which the hon. Member advocates that in another country young women married old pensioners thirty or forty years after a war, and later on these women drew pensions as widows of a war which was over before they were born.

I meant the contract between the ex-service man and his wife.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the disability of Arthur Parkes, 20,144, South Staffs, 60, Ball Fields, Tipton, has been assessed at 40 per cent.; and that despite repeated efforts he is unable to work; and will he arrange for a further medical examination?

The assessment of 40 per cent. was made by a Board held in October, 1922, which comprised a medical specialist, and was confirmed by another Board held last April. If the man considers that his condition has since become worse, he may apply for an increase of pension on that ground.

asked the Minister of Pensions what steps have been taken with reference to the promised inquiry into the cause of the fire at the Pensioners Hospital, Highbury, Birmingham, on Wednesday the 13th instant?

I have appointed my right hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry to be Chairman of a Committee of Inquiry into this regrettable matter, the other members being:

"To ascertain the cause of the fire which recently took place at Highbury Hospital, and to consider whether any, and if so, what precautions are required to prevent similar accidents in future at hospital buildings for which the Ministry is responsible."

When will the Committee begin its inquiry?

I am glad to be able to reassure my right hon. Friend on that point. The Committee have already started work and have begun by going down to Birmingham. They are at Birmingham inquiring into the question at this moment.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any reassuring news as to the cases of the persons who were injured?

One of the patients is undoubtedly very ill. The news I have about him is that he is at the moment rather better. The other patients, including the orderly, are going on well—that is the latest news received by me this morning.

Pending the result of this inquiry, could not some special officer who is an expert in the matter, visit other places of a similar character, and see if the patients who are strapped down cannot be placed nearest the exits, instead of being in the centre of the building, as I understand is the case now?

That matter has already been seen to by the Ministry. I may say it is the desire of the Committee to go into the question on the spot, and see how the lessons of the fire can be applied generally.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, under Ministry of Pensions instruction No. 338, the grants to pensioned widows and children in cases of sickness have been withdrawn; what were the number of applications made under Regulation 8, Part I of the Special Grants Committee in the 12 months ending 31st March, 1923; what is the amount it is anticipated will be saved if grants under Regulation 8 are discontinued; and whether it is proposed to make any other provision for the widows and children in special cases of sickness?

As the War Pensions Committees were informed by a circular letter of the 11th instant, the Regulation referred to has been withdrawn, but provision has been made for the continuance of grants now in payment and for their renewal in suitable cases. The number of applications made to the Special Grants Committee under this Regulation during the last financial year was 1,471, of which 642 were entertained. The amount which, it is estimated, will be saved during the current financial year by the withdrawal of the Regulation is approximately £2,500. It is not proposed to make any special provision in substitution for the Regulation now withdrawn, and I may remind the hon. Member that all widows and children who could possibly by affected by the withdrawal are receiving full pension under the warrant. The provision of sickness grants was introduced into the Regulations of the Special Grants Committee as a war-time measure, and, although the power to make such grants in special cases was retained in the Regulations of the year 1920, it is felt that at the present time, when prices have fallen and pensioned widows and children are benefiting to the extent of £3,000,000 a year by the stabilisation of rates, the further continuance of this additional provision can no longer be justified.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to increase the 4s. 2d to 5s., as I can assure him many of these people have to depend on friends—not relatives—to help them to eke out an existence?

I fully appreciate the hon. Member's point, but the supplementary question he has put refers to the next question on the Paper.

Was this new Order submitted to the right hon. Gentleman's Advisory Committee before being sent out?

The matter has been fully considered with the Special Grants Committee, who are the special body for this work. These allowances are not being stopped.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the sickness grants to pensioned widows and children, permissible under Part I of the Regulations of the Special Grants Committee, Regulation 8, ceased on 14th June, and no new applications will be received; and what other privileges or benefits under the Regulations of the Special Grants Committee have been withdrawn since 1st January, 1922?

With regard to the first part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I have just given to the hon. Member for Houghton-le-Spring (Mr. Richardson). During the period mentioned in the latter part of the question the Regulations of the Special Grants Committee, which are on a temporary basis and in some degree have become obsolete, have been under general review, but it is not possible to state, in the form of a Parliamentary answer, what modifications (either by way of extension or restriction) have been made. The revised Regulations will be printed and issued as early as possible. The restrictions, I may say, are mostly of a minor character and the net saving in expenditure will be inconsiderable in comparison with the total annual expenditure of the Committee.

Does the right hon. Gentleman submit the chief Regulations to the Advisory Committee—that Advisory Committee which he tells the House is composed in the main of Members of the House?

I cannot undertake to submit everything to the Advisory Committee, because there is a Special Committee which deals with these special grants, and I have consulted directly with this Committee.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has made arrangements which will guarantee that the need pensions will never drop below 5s.; what is the number of pensioners in receipt of a need pension of 4s. 2d. per week; what is the number of need pensions that have been discontinued; and whether in these cases a pension of not less than 5s. a week will now be issued?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Ardwick (Mr. Lowth) on the 18th instant, of which I am sending him a copy. I regret that the figures for which the hon. Member asks are not readily available.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman indicate in a speech recently delivered in this House that he did not intend these need pensions to fall below 5s. a week?

The hon. Member is under a complete misapprehension. The question before the House was in regard to the flat rate pension, and the hon. Member has confused two different points.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many war pensions committees have been set up in the Irish Free State under the War Pensions Act, 1921; how many local war pensions committees there are in the Irish Free State; whether the circulars issued to the war pensions committees apply to local war pensions committees; whether the War Pensions Act of 1921 is operative in the Irish Free State; and what steps he is taking to ensure the efficient administration of pensions in the Irish Free State?

Prior to the passing of the Irish Free State (Constitution) Act, of last year, one war pensions committee for an area constituted under the War Pensions Act, 1921, had been set up in the Free State. There are 20 local war pensions committees constituted under the War Pensions Act, 1915, still in operation. As the committees of the old and of the new type have somewhat different functions, circulars and instructions directed to the one are not necessarily applicable to the other. I have taken, and shall take, all necessary steps, through the local officers of my Department, to ensure as efficient administration of pensions as is possible in view of the disturbed condition recently obtaining in some parts of the Free State area. In this matter, I am glad to say that I have the co-operation of Departments of the Free State Government.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it possible to secure not merely efficiency but uniformity?

I will certainly consider that point.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that Miss Margaret Wicks, who since her return to teaching from War service has received increments in which her period of War service has been recognised, is now required, by order of the Board, to repay £40 per annum, the increment of two years and seven months on War service: and whether he is prepared to reconsider this decision of the Board, seeing that in Scotland such War service of teachers is recognised for increments?

The hon. Member is misinformed. The Board have not ordered Miss Wicks to repay to her employers sums received by her in excess of the salary which the Board can take into account for grant. I am informed that the local education authority have required Miss Wicks to repay by convenient instalments, before the 31st March next, the sum of £20, being salary overpaid to her since the 1st January, 1923.

asked the President of the Board of Education what steps his Department are taking to secure compliance with Rule 1 ( c ) and ( d ) of the Entrance Tests published in the Appendix to the Board's Secondary School Regulations which seeks to establish that the minimum standard for fee-paying and free-place entrants shall be the same, and that in the event of a shortage of accommodation a preference may be given, as regards free-placers, to children whose parents are in most need of assistance?

Where the required number of free places has not been awarded on the alleged ground that sufficient candidates did not qualify, the Board investigate the case, and where the facts justify such action, require additional free places to be offered. The Board would also investigate any case in which there was reason to believe that fee-paying candidates were being admitted who were not fit to profit by instruction in the school. The provisions of Rule 1 ( d ) referred to by the hon. Member are permissive only, consequently the question of insisting on compliance does not arise.

asked the President of the Board of Education what steps his Department takes if the inspection of a non-grant-aided school that has declared itself open under Section 147 of the Education Act, 1921, to inspection by the Board reveals that efficient elementary education is not being provided for the pupils of elementary school age to acquaint the local education authority of the fact, so that efficient elementary education may be secured for the children concerned; have any such cases in fact occurred; and are the Board's inspectors instructed to bear the standard of efficiency of the school in mind in any visits they may pay to such schools?

Copies of reports made as the result of inspections are sent to the local education authority. The question whether any particular child is receiving efficient elementary education is one for the magistrate to determine on a prosecution under the law relating to school attendance. The Board's inspectors report on the facts relevant to the considerations, namely, the efficiency of the elementary instruction and the satisfactory registration of attendance.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the importance of having a coherent? and coordinated system of rural and agricultural education from the elementary school to the university, he will consider the advisability of abolishing the present unsatisfactory system of dual control as between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Board of Education, and put every grade of agricultural education under the control of one Department, as was the case prior to 1908?

The present arrangement, under which the Ministry of Agriculture is the Department responsible for grants to agricultural colleges and local education authorities in respect of agricultural instruction for students over 16 in farm institutes and county classes, was settled 11 years ago, after the fullest consideration, by the Prime Minister of the day and the Departments concerned. To the best of my knowledge, no serious complaints have been made against this arrangement, and I cannot agree that it has worked unsatisfactorily, I may add, that co-ordination between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Board of Education is secured by means of a permanent Interdepartmental Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been drawn to an accident to a Royal Air Force tender at Minster, on 5th June, in which the driver was seriously cut by splintered glass; whether he is aware that in the past all Royal Air Force tenders were fitted with unsplinterable glass; and, if so, why this safety precaution is now neglected?

The accident referred to is still under investigation, but I understand, from a preliminary report, that two airmen received injuries from the breaking of a. wind screen on the occasion in question. As regards the fitting of unsplinterable glass, the use of this was discontinued because of its very high cost and the rarity of the kind of accident which involves injuries, as the result of the splintering of a screen.

asked the Secretary of State for Air when it is proposed to take up the full-gauge railway line running over parts of the highway from the airship factory to the South Western goods station at Farnborough, Hants?

It is not proposed to take up this railway, the continued retention of which is considered essential for the service of the important Royal Aircraft establishment at Farnborough. Negotiations are, however, in progress with the local urban district council in regard to the carrying out of certain alterations which may meet the objections raised by that body.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the number of Army and Naval officers employed by the Air Ministry; how many of these are in receipt of a salary of £500 a year and over; how many of these are drawing Army or Navy pensions; and what is the amount of such pension in each case?

As the answer involves the quoting of a series of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the information required:

Twenty Army and Navy officers are employed by the Air Ministry; of these 14 are in receipt of a salary of £500 a year or over, and of these nine are drawing Army or Navy 'service pensions. The amount of the pension in each case is

asked the Secretary of State for Air who is the responsible head of the Works and Buildings Department of the Royal Air Force; what is the age and salary of this officer; whether he has a bonus in addition; whether he has an Army pension; if so, what is the amount of the pension paid to him; and whether it is in addition to his salary and bonus?

The officer in question is Major-General Sir Andrew M. Stuart, K.C.M.G., C.B.; his age is 61, and his salary £1,800 a year: he receives no bonus, but has an Army pension of £1,000 a year, payable in addition to salary.

Are there no other qualified persons, without Army pensions, who could be given this position?

I am satisfied that this official is best suited to carry out these duties at present.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the fact that the printing of the "London Gazette" is to be transferred to private hands, he will consider the transferring of the whole of the stationery work now being carried out by the Government, in view of the certain benefits arising from economy and rapidity of execution?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Devonport (Sir C. Kinloch-Cooke) on the 18th June.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to the decision given in the House of Lords in March last of Sutton v. Rex; whether he is ware that the Post Office telegraphists who remained at home during the War have been paid their bonus; whether the Post Office telegraphists who served with the British Expeditionary Force at the front have received a similar War bonus; and, if not, considering that the judgment was given three months ago, whether he will communicate with the Treasury with a view to obtaining and distributing the bonus?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary to the Treasury on the 19th instant to questions on this subject by the hon. Members for Huntingdon (Mr. Murchison) and the Kirkdale Division of Liverpool (Mr. Pennefather).

Cannot the hon. and gallant Gentleman supplement the answers already given so that we may know where we are?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he now sees his way to setting up the inquiry promised by his predecessor into prisons and Borstal institutions?

I have the subject under my consideration, but I see no sufficient reason for instituting such an inquiry at the present time.

Is not the inquiry promised by the right hon. Gentleman's predecessor still necessary, and do not the circumstances which led the previous Home Secretary to give favourable consideration to the question still obtain?

Does it not make all the difference to the Borstal homes, having Mr. Alec Patterson in the Home Office?

Mr. Patterson is a very excellent official. I do not know what my predecessor actually said, but my own view is that it wants a good deal more consideration before we set up an inquiry, if we set one up at all.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman's predecessor on more than one occasion offer to set up an inquiry?

I am not sure about that. I must look it up.

If it be so, have the circumstances changed so much as not to warrant it now?

Is not a case for inquiry made out with regard to persons on remand, and not convicted?

asked the Home Secretary whether all aliens recommended for deportation by the Courts are returned to their own countries; and, if not, will he give the numbers of such people recommended to be deported, and particulars of those still remaining in this country, for the years 1918–1922 inclusive?

Where an alien is recommended for deportation by a Court it is the practice, save in exceptional circumstances, to give effect to the recommendation by means of a deportation order. In some cases, however, it proves impracticable to establish the alien's nationality, and, as an alien cannot be deported to a country unless he is recognised by the authorities of that country as a national, it is not, in such cases, possible to secure his removal. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the figures for the years 1919 to 1922 of aliens recommended for deportation and of aliens deported. I have not given the figures for 1918, as the exceptional conditions of the War period would prevent any useful comparison with later years.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what happens to undesirable aliens who are recommended for deportation, but who are not deported?

I must have notice of that question. I am afraid that I could not give an answer off-hand.

Following are the figures:

In 1919 the number of aliens recommended for deportation was 555, of whom 362 were deported. In 1920, 601 aliens were recommended, of whom 420 were deported; in 1921, 479 recommended and 363 deported; in 1922, 348 recommended and 269 deported. The difference between the two figures in each year is principally accounted for by the difficulty to which I have alluded.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is prepared to issue a Return giving statistics of the penalties imposed on motorists responsible for fatal accidents?

About 2,000 fatal street accidents are attributed to mechanically propelled vehicles in each year, but it is not known how many cases give rise to charges against motorists—probably only a small proportion. The information necessary to compile such a Return could only be obtained by a detailed examination of the records of every police force in the country; and I do not think the work and expense involved would be justified by the value of the information likely to be obtained.

also asked the Home Secretary whether, having regard to the increase in the number of motor accidents in which young children lose their lives, he will consider the question of introducing further legislation with a view to increasing the penalties imposed on negligent motorists?

I have been asked to answer this question. No records are available which show separately the number of motor accidents in which young children have lost their lives. During the past few years the number of fatal road accidents in which motor vehicles have been involved has not shown any serious increase, taking into consideration the considerable increase in the number of motor vehicles on the road. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on 13th June to the hon. Member for Stockport (Mr. W. Greenwood), of which I am sending him a copy.

In view of some figures given by the Home Secretary not long ago, is it not essential that something should be done to attempt to reduce the appalling mortality which he indicated in those figures?

I do not think I can accept that phrase "appalling mortality," but I may say that the Departmental Committee of the Ministry of Transport did make certain recommendations, and if, and when, legislation is undertaken they will be duly considered.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that motor omnibuses within the Metropolitan area are persistently being driven at a speed above the limit imposed by the regulations; whether police constables are not encouraged to take any action to prevent such excesses; whether any instructions are issued to police constables in regard to the speed of motor omnibuses in this area; if so, what is the nature of such instructions; and whether he will take such action as will ensure that the regulations will be observed in future in the interests of public safety?

As far as the conditions will permit, steps are being taken to control the speed of motor omnibuses, and the necessary instructions have been given, but it is not desirable that these instructions should be published.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information that police constables are being discouraged by their own Department from taking any action against these people?

No. I thought my answer involved the opinion that I did not think they were. I have no information of that kind.

Is it not a fact that quite the most careful and best drivers on the streets are the drivers of these motor omnibuses, and can the right hon. Gentleman explain how, if the motor omnibuses are kept down to the legal speed limit of 12 miles an hour, the traffic is actually going to get through the streets?

Are the police authorities allowed to prosecute motor omnibus drivers who exceed 12 miles, or only those against whom it is wished to prefer a charge of driving to the common danger?

I should like to see that question on the Paper.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that great inconvenience is being caused by repeated delays in granting the necessary police licence to men who have qualified to act as omnibus conductors; that applicants are instructed to attend at New Scotland Yard, kept waiting for hours, and then told to return next day; that this is frequently repeated without the licence being forthcoming; and whether he will use his influence to speed up the granting of these licences to men who have been through the necessary training and qualified, that they may be enabled to commence work?

There must be some slight delay occasioned whilst the inquiries are being made as to the fitness of the applicants, but there is no avoidable delay. Every effort is made to complete the necessary inquiries as expeditiously as possible.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the applicants for these licences are advised, day after day, sometimes, to my knowledge, to return to Scotland Yard, are kept waiting for four or five hours, and are then told to come back the next day?

I have had one or two complaints of that nature. I have started inquiring into it, and I will pursue it further. The hon. Gentleman will realise that it is necessary to make careful inquiries.

Is it not a fact that the omnibus companies concerned are responsible for the fitness of these men to be conductors, and do they not look carefully into the men's records before taking them on?

The police authorities are also responsible, and they must make their own inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he has any further information about the proposed aerial transport convention between His Majesty's Government and Czechslovakia; whether arrangements have been made for a through service, London-Prague-Buda- pest; and what annual guarantee or subscription is being given by the Governments concerned?

As regards the first part of the question, the negotiations are still proceeding. As regards the second and third parts, the question of a through service, London-Prague-Budapest, and of any guarantee by the Governments concerned, will depend on the outcome of these negotiations.

When does the right hon. Gentleman think that these negotiations will come to a conclusion?

I am afraid I cannot tell the hon. and gallant Gentleman, but as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether any, and, if so, what, assistance, financial or otherwise, His Majesty s Government is giving to British competitors for the international air contest for the Schneider cup; and what financial assistance is being given by foreign Governments to their respective nationals competing in this contest?

asked the Secretary of State for Air what are the respective inducements offered by the Governments of Great Britain, America, France, and Italy to entrants in the seaplane competition for the Schneider cup, which was captured from Italy last year with a Napier-engined British machine?

As regards foreign countries, I understand that the Government of the United States of America contemplate sending three Government-owned aircraft to compete for the Cup. As to the assistance, which will be given this year by Trance and Italy, I am informed that no announcement has yet been made, but I understand that last year the French Government announced its intention to buy any aeroplane built and owned by its nationals which completed the course successfully. As regards this country, a definite step in advance has been taken this year with a view to the encouragement of British aircraft constructors, and it has been decided to offer to purchase for a sum not exceeding £3,000 the aircraft (without engine) which wins the Schneider Cup, provided it is British designed, built, and owned, and is not of a type which has previously won the race.

Could not the right hon. Gentleman see his way, at least, to offer the same inducement as the French Government, so that any machine which completes the course successfully should be purchased, or some grant made?

Before the right hon. Gentleman replies, is he aware that the cost of these machines in each case is considerably more than £3,000, and, seeing that this country and Italy have won the Cup twice, will he do his best to increase the offer, so that we may have more competitors from this country?

Does the right hon. Gentleman really think that £3,000 is likely to be sufficient to cover the expenses of any manufacturer who enters his machine under the conditions of the test, and successfully completes the course?

I regret I have no more money for this purpose this year. The three hon. Members who asked this question should remember that last year no offer to purchase was made, and in spite of that fact a British machine won. This year, I have made a great advance in offering £6,000. I am quite prepared to consider the question again at the end of the year, but at present I am afraid I can hold out no further hope.

Does my right hon. Friend recognise that both the United States and Italy are putting forward extraordinary efforts to get this Cup, and can he not hold out some hope to British manufacturers?

I am able to reassure my hon. and gallant Friend that, as far as I know, there are going to be British entrants to this race, and I very much hope that they will repeat the success of last year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to publish a White Paper setting forth the financial relations between the Imperial Parliament and the Irish Free State?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on the 29th May to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Burton (Colonel Gretton). I can assure my hon. Friend that there will be no avoidable delay in the publication of the promised statement on this subject.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman give me any idea when the information asked for is likely to be available? It has been promised for a long time.

I can add no definite information, but it will be issued as soon as possible.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the plight of thousands of loyalists, who have been driven from their homes in Southern Ireland, he will state what steps the Government intend to take to mitigate the grievances of these people?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement as to the scope and object of the Irish Grants Committee now sitting at 9, Queen Anne's Gate, and as to the nature of the relief they are prepared to afford to refugees from Southern Ireland, and to residents in Southern Ireland who have suffered in person or property owing to the disturbed nature of the country?

The machinery established by His Majesty's Government for affording assistance to loyalists who have been compelled to leave their homes in Ireland, or who are suffering on account of delay in the assessment or payment of compensation for loss or damage to person or property is the Irish Grants Committee of which my Noble Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health is Chairman. The terms of reference to the Committee are set out on page 8 of Command Paper 1,844, presented to Parliament in April last. All applications for assistance should be addressed to the Secretary, Irish Grants Committee, at 2, Queen Anne's Gate Buildings, S. W. 1.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the only thing one gets is a notice saying that these claims have been received, and nothing is done; and will the Prime Minister give the House a day for discussing this question, seeing that it is so important?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a great many refugees from the South and West of Ireland do not come to this country, but go across the border to the more peaceful six counties in the North: is he aware that no arrangements at all have been made to meet their case, and will he ask his colleague who is in charge of the Committee to consider their case?

Certainly, if evidence can be shown that the money voted by this House is not sufficient, the matter will be taken up, but as the funds voted by this House, and placed at the disposal of the Irish Grants Committee, are not yet nearly exhausted, and the Committee meets very regularly under my Noble Friend, until we have evidence to the contrary we are bound to assume it is carrying out its work.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that those applying for funds get nothing out of it?

I am very sorry to hear that. I understand my Noble Friend presides over this Committee regularly, and goes through all these cases, and is meeting them as far as he can.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these refugees, to whom I have made reference, are actually excluded from the provisions of this grant, and will he consult with the Prime Minister to see whether these refugees—honourable persons—who are seeking safety, not in this country, but in the six counties, should also be included in the grant?

I will take that up with my colleagues, but it is very difficult to start two separate Committees. It is very important that my Noble Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health, who has been doing this work now for some months, and has really got to grips with the problem, should have his finger on the problem which he has to carry on.

Will the hon. Gentleman say how he defines what is a loyalist within the terms of his answer, and whether the same facilities are given, or the same financial encouragement is given, to those who are driven out of Northern Ireland into Southern Ireland? [HON. MEMBEBS: "Oh!"]

asked the Prime Minister whether any decision has yet been come to by the Government to increase our air power?

It is hoped to make a statement on this subject next week.

asked the Prime Minister, in view of His Majesty's Government's reply to the last Note from the Soviet Government published for information on the 14th instant, whether he is now in a position to state what proposals His Majesty's Government have to make with regard to an early settlement of the just claims of our nationals who have, in many cases, lost their all through confiscation by the Soviet Government?

I have nothing to add to the replies which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member on the 30th May and 6th June.

Has the hon. Gentleman in his mind, when he talks about machinery to be set up, the very serious position, almost amounting to a scandal, in the City, of several well-known, old-established firms which are likely to suffer?

asked the Prime Minister whether any reply has been received from the French Government to the recent British Note on reparations and the occupation of the Ruhr Valley; what is the nature of the reply; and when it will be laid before Parliament?

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

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure us that the replies will be presented to the House before being published in the Press?

I have no control over publications in the Press. I cannot give that undertaking, because I may have an objection to publications in the Press, and yet they may get hold of it in Paris.

I did not mean that, but will the right hon. Gentleman assure us that, if it is to be published, it will be published as a White Paper in Parliament before it appears in the newspapers?

I will consider that point.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that before the War 70 per cent, of the business of the South of Scotland woollen manufacturers was transacted with the Continent; that at present that trade is in a depressed condition consequent on the loss of that market; and that there is much anxiety amongst employers and workers, in view of the outlook for the winter, that advantage should be taken of the opportunity offered by the last German Note to impress upon France the urgent need for a settlement between the Allies and Germany, thus tending to foster business and to decrease unemployment in the woollen trade; and whether he will bring the matter to the notice of the Allied Governments?

I am fully aware of the effect of Continental conditions upon British trade, and His Majesty's Government have this constantly in mind in their efforts to promote a final settlement of the reparations problem.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government have received reliable information that the French authorities in the Ruhr are stopping food trains from entering that district; and whether they will make representations to the French Government as to this serious state of affairs?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received any information to the effect that the blockade of the Ruhr against supplies of food from other parts of Germany for the inhabitants is now complete and absolute and that the French authorities are commandeering supplies of food sent from other countries; and, if so, whether the serious situation thus disclosed will receive the consideration of the Government with a view to making representations to the Government of France?

asked the Prime Minister if His Majesty's Government have any confirmation of the reports of interference by the French military authorities with trains conveying food supplies into the Ruhr; and whether, seeing that such interference cannot in any way be reconciled with the provisions of the Treaty of Versailles which regulates the relations of Germany with the other signatory Powers, and in view of the grave local consequences which must ensue from such interference, and the effect upon public opinion in this country, His Majesty's Government will endeavour by friendly representations to dissuade the French Government from such a policy?

The announcement has been made in the French Press of 19th June that the internal railway system in the Ruhr has been brought under the control of the French and Belgian authorities; but His Majesty's Government have no official confirmation of the reports which have appeared to the effect that the supplies of food for that district are being interfered with.

From what source did the right hon. Gentleman get this information about the real state of the matter—from the military authorities in the Cologne area?

I am afraid I cannot answer that without notice.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider consulting His Majesty's Consular officers in the Essen area?

I have no doubt the Foreign Office consult all the authorities requisite to get the information.

In view of the enormous importance of this question, and in view of the possibility of trouble, would it not be possible to make special inquiries as to how the matter stands?

I have no doubt special inquiries are being made, but I will see after Questions.

asked the Minister of Health the number of men and women vagrants accommodated by Poor Law authorities in casual tramp wards and workhouses on the night of the 31st October, 1918, and the number on the night of 16th June, 1923, together with the number of children accompanying each person?

The total number of casuals returned as relieved in England and Wales was 1,104 on 26th October, 1918, and 9,714 on the 9th June, 1923 (figures for the 16th June, 1923, are not yet available). The returns from which these figures are compiled do not distinguish the numbers of men, women and children, or the number relieved in institutions. But taking the average of the casuals relieved on the 1st January in the four years 1920 to 1923, from more detailed returns, it is found that of every 1,000 casuals, 945 are men, 50 are women, and 5 are children, and that an average of 14 in every 1,000 were relieved otherwise than in institutions.

asked the Minister of Health the number of children per 1,000 of the population of London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds who died before reaching the age of six months, 12 months, and two years, respectively, during the years ending 31st March, 1914, 1918, and 1923, and in the case of London give the figures for each borough separately?

The figures asked for are not available for years end-

asked the Prime Minister when the Imperial Conference will meet; whether it sits contemporaneously with the Economic Conference; and when will the House have an opportunity of discussing the agenda of both?

ing 31st March or in terms of rates per 1,000 of the population. I will, however, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table giving the figures for the calendar years 1913, 1917, and 1922 in the usually adopted form of rates per 1,000 births, with the exception of the 1922 death rates under six months which cannot at present be given.

Following are the figures promised:

According to present arrangements, the first meeting of the Imperial Conference will be held on 1st October. It will sit contemporaneously with the Economic Conference. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer to the reply which I gave to my Noble Friend the Member for Shrewsbury on the 14th June.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that loans for the Dominions and Dependencies are raised in London, he will place upon the agenda of the Imperial Conference a resolution recommending the placing within the Empire of all Government contracts?

It is, I think, probable that questions relating to the placing of Government contracts within the Empire will be discussed at the Imperial Economic Conference, but I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that the principle of preference in such contracts has already been affirmed at previous Conferences.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the partial publication in Europe and in America of the Minutes of the Peace Conference at Versailles and in view of the desirability of enabling the public to form accurate conclusions as to the nature of the Conference proceedings, he will consider the publication of a full Report of the Conference without further delay?

No, Sir. Indiscretions in other countries, which are to be deplored, would not condone similar action by His Majesty's Government, who cannot be a party to breaking the pledge made at the Conference that the Minutes should be regarded as confidential.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will state, in view of the fact that the rate of interest on loans borrowed by local authorities from the Public Works Loans Commissioners for the purposes of the small Dwellings (Acquisition) Act, 1899, is now 4¾ per cent., what is the rate of interest which should be charged by local authorities to borrowers, having regard to Section 1 (3) of the Act which provides that such interest shall not exceed 10s. above the rate at which the local authority can borrow from the Commissioners, and the Ministry of Health Rates of Interest Order (No. 2), 1922, made by the Ministry under Section 5 of the Housing Act, 1921, which fixes such interest at 5½ per cent.?

Section 1 (3) of the Small Dwellings Act, 1899, was repealed by the Housing Act, 1921, and the rate of interest to be charged by local authorities is now fixed by Orders made from time to time by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, with the approval of the Treasury. The present general rate is 5½ per cent., but different rates have been fixed in special cases. My right hon. Friend is considering whether a new Order, fixing a lower rate of interest, is called for at the present time.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he has information to show the average gravity of the beer sold in the financial year 1913–14, in the financial year 1922–23, and in the present financial year after the concessions authorised in the recent Budget took effect?

No information is available as to the average gravity of beer as sold, but the average gravity of the beer brewed by brewers for sale in the financial year 1913–14, in the financial year 1922–23, and in the present financial year, was as follows:

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman take steps to see that the honourable arrangement which, I understand, has been arrived at will be carried out?

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman tell us what percentage of the beer brewed was over 1042 and what percentage was under 1042 for the same period?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that papers for superannuating a Post Office employé were submitted on 11th April last; that not until the 6th June was he informed by the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury that a pension had been awarded him; and that during that time the officer has been in difficulties through not having any income; and what steps can be taken to see that, automatically, officers due for pension receive some advance of money pending final settlement?

My right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General has been asked to reply to this question. The particulars furnished by the hon. Member are not sufficient to enable him to identify the case, but if the hon. Member will give him the name of the officer affected he will be glad to make inquiries. It is the practice of the Post Office to make advances in cases where hardship is likely to be caused through delay in a final settlement.

Why has the Postmaster-General not been in his place for the last three days?

He is at Ascot!

Have his wages been stopped? If I lay off my work, my pay is stopped.

asked the Postmaster-General, in view of the prohibition of letters relating to sweepstakes and the action of the Home Secretary in opening registered and other letters on suspicion of being concerned with a sweepstake, whether he can state why an advertisement is displayed at the Western District post office of the Golden Ballot 5s. tickets?

The letters to which the hon. Member refers were stopped in the post because they were illegal. The Golden Ballot scheme has been pronounced by the Courts not to be illegal; and, having regard to the charitable nature of its appeals, I see no sufficient reason for withholding per- mission for the display in post offices of the advertisement referred to.

In view of the very subtle distinction between one form of sweepstake and another, would the hon. and gallant Gentleman make representations to the Postmaster-General that he should go on strike against the ordinance of the Home Secretary, and refuse altogether to have private correspondence with him?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the fact that both the preceding Governments accepted the recommendations of Earl Buxton's Commission that the only satisfactory method for reaching a decision upon the claim of the Chartered Company to the commercial ownership of land in Northern Rhodesia would be by a reference to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, and in view of the fact that His Majesty's Government has decided to set aside those recommendations and attempt to reach an agreement with the company, he is prepared to give an assurance that no arrangement will be agreed to which will impair the rights of the natives to any lands which they at present own or occupy?

As indicated in my reply to the hon. Member for Bedford Mid. on the 13th June, the interests of the natives in Northern Rhodesia are being carefully watched, and it is certainly the intention of His Majesty's Government to secure that they are adequately protected in any settlement with the British South Africa Company.