asked the President of the Board of Trade to what extent the figures of the last monthly Returns of Trade and Navigation have been rendered unsuitable for purposes of comparison with last year's by the establishment of the Irish Free State; and whether he can provide the commercial community with a rough formula to enable them to correct the error arsising out of the alteration in the factors, and so form an estimate of the position more accurate than the published figures now permit?

I regret that I cannot at present give the full information desired. Two recent issues of the "Board of Trade Journal," copies of which I am sending to my hon. Friend, contain figures relating to the most important articles exported and imported, and I shall hope to furnish more complete information from time to time, through the same channel.

Is it not misleading to give the figures of last year, and would it not be better to discontinue giving the figures for last year, because the two things are not comparable?

No, Sir, I do not think that that would be a good plan. By giving the figures for last year it does provide some standard of comparison. I hope that when the quarterly returns are available we shall get this information practically complete.

Will the right hon. Gentleman warn the public that these figures are not complete, and are not to be taken either as advancing or retarding British trade?

That is true, but it would be very unwise to interrupt the ordinary process of issuing returns, which at any rate do give a standard of comparison, and which certainly will be absolutely equal in the future.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of distillers producing alcohol for beverage use only; the number of distillers producing alcohol for beverage and industrial uses; and the number of distillers producing alcohol for industrial purposes only?

I have been asked to reply. As far as information is available, the number of distilleries in each of the three classes is as follows:

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the number of tens of coal exported from British coalfields to Italy, Spain, Germany, France, India, Denmark, Sweden, Algeria, and Ireland; and whether he can give the number of tons of coal imported into British ports or ports in the Dominions in the years 1913 and 1922, respectively?

The answer involves a statistical table, which, with the permission of the hon. Member, I will have circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any reason for anticipating on any possible grounds whatever foreign competition with our coal trade?

The hon. Member had better see the figures given

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Messrs. A. E. and E. Becker, of Howden Clough Mills, Birstall, near Leeds, applied on 16th April last to the dyestuffs advisory licensing committee for a licence to import one ton of Diamond Black P. V. and that the licence was refused on the ground that Diamond Black P. V. was available under the Reparation arrangements; that the lowest price at which this dye could be supplied from Reparation stock was in my answer in detail and then he can put a further question if necessary.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any idea of the amount of coal we are importing into this country. Have we suffered at all in the coal trade from foreign competition?

The total amount of coal imported in 1922 was 113 tons.

Following are the statistics promised:

The following statement shows, for the years specified, the quantity of coal ( a ) exported from the United Kingdom and consigned to each of the countries named, ( b ) shipped from Great Britain to Ireland, and ( c ) imported into Great Britain and each of the Dominions:

2s. 8d. per lb., and that this price was fixed by the Board of Trade, whereas this firm could have obtained this dye under an import licence at 2s. per lb.; and whether he will take steps to enable the British dyeing industry to obtain the best dyes at the lowest price in order that it may not be handicapped in competing with the products of other countries?

The application for a licence was refused on the ground that large quantities of the dye-stuff mentioned were available in reparation stock. As regards the price charged, the ordinary procedure has been followed and the matter referred to the Price Committee, which advises the Board of Trade; but that Committee, which consists of two representatives each of the dye-users and dye-makers, has not up to the present recommended any change in the price charged for this particular dyestuff.

Is it a fact that the reparation dye has been charged at 2s. 8d. per lb., whereas the firm could have got it at 2s. per lb. by obtaining the licence?

That is true in this particular case, but that is not the whole story. Before we got the reparation supplies in any large quantities the German price was not 2s., but from 3s. 3d. to 3s. 6d., and it was only as the reparation dyes became available that the German firms began to offer them at the lower price.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the shoddy trade in this district has been bad for three years, and should not every obstacle to its improvement be removed?

As a general proposition, that is true; but it is not true that it would be for the benefit of the textile trade of this country not to support the British dye industry.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the licences are yet issued by the French authorities for the export of goods contracted for before 1st February from the occupied areas of the Ruhr; and whether any further difficulty is occurring in exporting these goods?

The issue of licences for the exportation from the Ruhr area of goods contracted for before the 1st February began on 11th June, and I am not aware of any new difficulty having arisen to prevent the export of the goods.

What will happen now to the other goods ordered since the 1st February?

That does not arise out of this question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman watching the situation?

I am watching the whole situation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any estimate of the amount of money that has been collected by the French Customs stations in the occupied districts of the Ruhr on the property of British merchants entering the Ruhr; whether any further progress has been made in the negotiations as to how this money is to be disposed of; and what steps are being taken to clear the matter up?

I have nothing to add to previous replies which have been given on this subject.

Can the right hon. Baronet hold out any hope of being able to make any reply to these questions on this very important matter?

Provided the hope is not immediate, I think yes.

(1) asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of persons who left the Clydeside during the past year for the United States of America; what was the proportion of skilled and unskilled;

(2) asked the Prime Minister if he is aware of the large number of male and female workers that are leaving this country for the United States of America; that this is taking place particularly on the Clydeside; and that among them are included a large percentage of skilled artisans; and what steps he will take to see that every person is given work in this country?

As the answer is rather long, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to have it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give a reply to the latter part of my question?

I have already stated in my answer that it is impossible for any Government to guarantee that work should be provided for every person in this country.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the big industrial centres you are losing in this way large numbers of your best skilled men, and when trade revives we shall be severely handicapped in competing with our foreign competitors?

I know that the risk from emigration is considerable, but the only practical step which the Government can take is to pursue a policy which will revive our trade.

Following is the answer referred to:

The number of men of 18 years of age and upwards who left permanent residence in Scotland in the year 1922 to take up permanent residence in the United States of America was 6,487. Of these, 4,461 described themselves as in trades classed as skilled and 452 as labourers (other than agricultural or transport workers). The corresponding total number of women was 4,625, of whom 1,076 described themselves as in domestic or hotel, etc., service, 241 as in the clothing trades and 2,108 as "wives" or "housewives." It is not possible to state how many of the emigrants from Scotland were from the Clydeside, but I may add that the port of departure was Glasgow in the case of about 5,400 of the men and 3,600 of the women. The total number of British subjects of 18 years and upwards who left permanent residence in the United Kingdom in the year 1922 to take up permanent residence in the United States of America was 41,140 as compared with 75,418 in 1913. It is impossible for any Government to guarantee that work should be provided for every person in this country. The greatest help in this direction a Government can render is to pursue a policy which will help and encourage the revival of trade, and this is the consistent aim of the Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that considerable dissatisfaction exists among officers of the Royal Army Service Corps on account of the slow promotion of junior officers; that 46 captains have held that rank since 1914; that junior officers who are redundant are not permitted to retire with the advantages given to officers of other units; and that there are complaints of the unfair working of the foreign service roster and of the selection of officers for staff and special appointments; and whether he would be prepared to investigate these complaints with a view to their removal?

I am aware that 46 officers of the Royal Army Service Corps have held the rank of Captain since 1914, but there are a number of officers in other branches of the Army in a similar position, and the average period of service for promotion to Captain is shorter in the Royal Army Service Corps than in the Cavalry, Royal Artillery, or Infantry. I am not aware that the Royal Army Service Corps is under any disadvantage in the matter of voluntary retirement, but if the so-called "axing" of officers is referred to, I would point out that this is not voluntary, and, in any case, I do not think that the fact that the Royal Army Service Corps has not had to suffer under it can legitimately be regarded as a grievance. In regard to the last part of the question, I am unable to investigate charges of unfairness to individuals unless particulars are given, but I will, of course, look into any case on being furnished with the necessary information.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will inquire into the case of an officer, Captain T. G. Morgan, M.C.; whether he is aware that this officer served throughout the whole of the War, was wounded three times, and, after serving three-and-a-half years in the Corps of Military Accountants, his commission terminated under the Geddes scheme in October, 1922, when he was replaced by an ex-Indian Government official in possession of a pension of £1,000 a year, who had no active service to his credit; and whether, in view of these facts, he will consider whether anything can be done to find this officer employment?

The inquiries I am making into this case are not yet complete. I will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend shortly.

asked the Solicitor-General for Scotland when the proposed new code for Scottish education will be placed before this House; and will it, in conformity with the terms of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1918, contain provisions compelling education authorities to submit to the Department schemes for primary, intermediate, and secondary education?

It is intended to lay the code on the Table early next month. As regards the second part of the question, I hope to make a full statement regarding the proposed new code in Committee of Supply to-morrow, and I shall do my best to answer the hon. Member then.

asked the Solicitor-General for Scotland if the Scottish Education Department have received any communications from education authorities on the draft new code issued by the Department; if so, how many accept the proposed division of the code into two and the proposed division of education into primary and secondary; and how many protest against the Department's proposal to abolish the terms primary, intermediate, and secondary, as laid down in the Education (Scotland) Act, 1918.

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, out of 37 education authorities, 15 have suggested that the two sets of regulations, which have hitherto been issued separately, should henceforward be combined in a single code; the remaining 22 are presumably sensible of the difficulties that would attend such a marked departure from existing practice. The Department now learn for the first time of the even more revolutionary proposal described in the third part of the question, but 19 of the 37 education authorities have expressed a desire that the term "Intermediate" should be used in the code.

asked the Solicitor-General for Scotland if he is aware that in the last parish council elections 87 parishes had not the requisite number of candidates nominated and that this necessitated additional expense to parish councils; and will the Government consider legislation giving the same powers of co-opting members to parish councils as are already given to town councils?

I am informed that owing to deficiencies in the number of candidates nominated at the parish council elections in November and December, 1922, it was necessary to order supplementary elections in 88 parishes. If there is any strong desire for legislation in the direction suggested, my Noble Friend is prepared to consider the matter.

asked the Solicitor General for Scotland if he is aware that the Glasgow Corporation, in order to procure land to erect houses, paid £8,000 for 20 acres of ground near Balgray, Spring burn; that this piece of ground was part of an estate which only paid rates to Glasgow Corporation of £80 per year; and will he introduce legislation to give Scottish local authorities the power to make the value of land, apart from improvements, a basis of local rating?

I understand that the facts are as stated in the question. I am not in a position to give an undertaking in the sense of the last part of the question.

asked the Solicitor-General for Scotland whether any further steps are being taken to carry into effect the recommendations of the Blackburn Committee regarding the reorganisation and remuneration of the Sheriff Courts' staffs; and whether the proposals submitted by the Sheriff clerks and procurator fiscals' associations will be given effect to in framing any new scheme?

Meetings are taking place this week between representatives of the associations concerned and officials of the Scottish Office and Treasury on the subject of the reorganisation of the Sheriff Court services, with a view to formulating if possible a scheme which will be acceptable to all the interests concerned.

Do I understand that consideration is being given to the views of the association making representations on this subject, and will the hon. and learned Gentleman give heed to the general feeling on this subject?

Any suggestions or schemes put forward by the officials will be considered at the meeting in Edinburgh this week.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he will now consult with the English Fishery Board with a view to the preparation of a Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Bill for Scotland on the lines of the Act just passed for England and Wales?

A review of the question of amending and consolidating the existing Salmon Fishery Acts is being made by the Fishery Board for Scotland and when it is completed my Noble Friend will be prepared to consider the prospects of legislation. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries would, of course, be consulted with regard to any questions in which both English and Scottish interests are concerned. I would remind the hon. Member, however, that one of the chief questions of that class, namely, the regulation of the Solway District, has already been dealt with, after conference between the English and Scottish Departments, in the Bill recently passed.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether the definition of building society under the Housing Bill will include societies in Scotland incorporated under the provisions of the Industrial and Provident Societies Act, 1893?

The terms of Clause 2 (3) ( c ) are sufficiently wide to include the societies referred to by the hon. Member, and an Amendment will be put down when the Bill is in another place to make clear that Clause 5 ( b ) also applies to them.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he is aware that the tenant of holding No. 60, Foulden Deans, Berwickshire, entered in November, 1921, that he has expended capital and labour on the holding, much of which has been lost owing to the fact that buildings promised, such as byre store, milk house, pigstyes, and coal house have not yet been completed; and will he cause inquiries to be made into the reasons for delay and consider compensating the tenant for any loss directly attributable to such delay?

I am aware that the holder accepted the tenancy with entry at Martinmas, 1921, but for reasons of his own deferred taking actual occupation until February, 1922. I am informed that he has expended capital and labour on the holding, but that any loss which he may have incurred is not due to the cause suggested in the question. The amount of loan to be given for equipment (£800) was known to him before he entered, but he has caused delay by pressing for accommodation beyond what the loan would meet, and has not yet accepted an offer of additional loan made by the Board of Agriculture in an endeavour to meet his demands. In these circumstances my Noble Friend sees no grounds for further inquiry nor for compensating the tenant.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he is now in a position to state the amount of the arbitration expenses payable by the Scottish Board of Agriculture, in addition to the £3,732 which has been awarded as compensation in respect of the compulsory substitution of sheep for deer upon a Kintail, Ross-shire, estate; whether the estate was let for grazing during the period in question; if so, at what rental and to whom it was paid; and, if the estate was not let, what profit, if any, was made from the grazing and to whom it accrued?

The amount of the expenses arising from the arbitration on the proprietor's claim for compensation in respect of the occupancy by the Board of Agriculture of this deer forest under Defence of the Realm Regulation 2M has not yet been determined. During the period of the Board's occupancy of this deer forest the land was let for grazing. The total amount collected from the grazing tenants by way of rent in respect of that period was £1,169. This amount was paid to the Board.

When did the arbitration take place? What is the reason for the delay in finding out the amount of the arbitration expenses?

The delay was in laying the case before the Arbitration Court. This question rests with that Court.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health the number of applications received from local authorities in Scotland for grants in aid of expenditure incurred in the improvement of insanitary areas, and the amounts which have now been finally allocated, giving the figures for each town which has received a grant?

Applications were received from 37 local authorities in Scotland for a grant in aid of expenditure which they proposed to incur in the improvement of insanitary areas. An allocation of grant was made to 35 of these authorities, comprising 31 burghs and four county districts. As the answer to the last part of the question is necessarily long, I propose, with the permission of the hon. and learned Member, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

Scottish Board of Health .

Statement showing amount of annual grants payable during the loan period in aid of expenditure incurred by local authorities in Scotland in the improvement of insanitary areas already allocated and intimated.

Note .—The Board hope to be in a position to increase these amounts in certain cases and are at present considering the question.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health what grants have been made in Scotland out of the £150,000 set aside for agricultural development under the Corn Production Acts (Repeal) Act, 1921; and whether he has received any complaints that certain of these grants have not been strictly in accordance with the objects which it was intended to serve when the money was voted?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to the hon. and gallant Member for Kincardine and Western Aberdeen on the 8th March last, and to the hon. and gallant Member for Aberdeen and Kincardine Central on the 12th June. As regards the second part of the question, the only suggestion that my Noble Friend has received is a representation that the grant for the maintenance of women's rural institutes should have been met from other sources.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health the total sum expended since 1916 on land settlement in Scotland under the Small Holding Colonies Acts, 1916 and 1918, the Sailors and Soldiers (Gifts for Land Settlement) Act, 1916, the Congested Districts (Scotland) Act, 1897, and the Land Settlement (Scotland) Act, 1919, showing the cost of administration of the land settlement under those Acts; and the total number of new holdings, and enlargements of holdings, to which entry has been granted to ex-service men and others since 1916?

It is not possible to give a precise answer with reference to the particular Acts mentioned, because a considerable part of the cost of administration of land services during the period mentioned is in respect of work carried out under the Small Landholders (Scotland) Act, 1911, and the expense cannot be apportioned. In the period from the 1st April, 1916, to the 31st March, 1923, the total net expenditure on land settlement under all the Acts, including the Act of 1911, amounts to £1,767,492, including £234,000 for administrative costs. In the same period 1,480 new holdings and 902 enlargements have been provided, including 1,230 new holdings and 155 enlargements for ex-service men.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health what machinery at present exists for making advances to ex-service and other fishermen for the purchase of fishing boats and nets and gear; and whether any funds are available for these purposes in the hands of the Development Commissioners?

The schemes under which ex-service fishermen could obtain assistance for such purposes from the Development Fund and from the Military Service (Civil Liabilities) Department's Fund have terminated, and no machinery now exists for the purpose of those particular schemes. The purposes mentioned in the question are included among those for which the Development Fund is available, and I understand that if application for expenditure on such purposes were made in accordance with the conditions laid down in the Development and Road Improvement Funds Act, 1909, the Development Commissioners would be open to consider it on its merits.

Do I understand the hon. and gallant Gentleman to say that applications will now be received by the Scottish Office, and sent on to the Development Commissioners from those interested in securing boats, nets and gear?

Yes, they will be considered by the Development Commissioners, if they fall within the Statutes governing their activities.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he has received the Report of the Miners' Federation and the Equine Defence League on the treatment of pit ponies, and if he is prepared to take any action on their recommendations; and if he is satisfied that this Report finally disposes of the general charges of cruelty which have been published against the miners and of the inefficiency of his inspectors?

I have received a copy of the Report of the National Equine Defence League and will consider it carefully. As regards the last part of the question, I do not think that this obviously incomplete Report professes to be of such a nature as finally to dispose of any aspect of the matter. As I stated on the 5th June, in reply to the hon. Member for Pontefract, my information based on the first-hand evidence of my inspectors is that, generally, pit ponies are not overworked and their condition is satisfactory.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman answer the last part of the question and say if the charges of cruelty against the miners have been disposed of?

I know there are still many people who are making the charge, but I cannot help thinking that these statements are exaggerated.

Is it not desirable that the hon. and gallant Gentleman should give publicity to the fact that his inspectors deprecate these suggestions being made at any time?

That is why I welcome questions like this in the House of Commons.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many tons of coal are consumed annually by the collieries of Great Britain as boiler fuel; whether he is aware that the quantity of coal thus consumed amounts, in the county of Durham, to 3 per cent, of the total output of coal as against 5·7 per cent, in Yorkshire, 8·3 per cent. in Lancashire, and 9·1 per cent, in Scotland; and how this disparity can be explained?

Sixteen and a quarter million tons of coal were consumed under colliery boilers at coal mines in Great Britain during the year 1922. The percentage of output thus consumed was 3·3 in Durham, 5·9 in the Eastern District, 9·3 in Lancashire and 9·7 in Scotland. The various reasons for this disparity are discussed in pages 50 and 51 of the Final Report of the Mining Sub-Committee of the Coal Conservation Committee (Cd. 9084). They are too numerous to be adequately set out in an answer to a question, but I may remind the Noble Lord that, apart from other considerations, allowance must be made in any such comparison for the difference in the calorific value of the coal used for steam raising in the different districts.

Do not these figures point to the possibility of great economies in Lancashire and Scotland which would enable more money to be made available for the payment of wages?

They may point to that, but they may also point to differing conditions in the pit, differences in coal, differences in depth of seams, differences in plant, and so on.

If electric power were more used, would not greater economies be possible?

I am afraid that in Lancashire, where many pits are nearly worked out, it would be impossible to put in expensive electrical plant.

Is it not the fact that in Scotland and in different parts of England it is quite fallacious to bring forward the question of the weight of material used for raising steam? Is it not the case that in Scotland so much refuse is burnt under the boilers that it cannot be taken on a coal basis? Is it not the fact that, even with the principle of carbonising, the amount of refuse used under the boilers for raising steam is such that you could not get an electrical unit at anything like the cost of the steam unit?

I think that question has already been answered.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport when the Committee that are considering the question of the alteration of the present system of taxation upon motor vehicles are likely to issue their Report; whether this Report is likely to be in the hands of Members before the House adjourns in August; and, if not, whether he can urge upon the Committee the importance of speedily coming to a decision?

The issue of the Report is dependent on the progress of the Committee's deliberations, and I am afraid I am not in a position to give any definite date by which it is likely to be available. The Committee are fully aware that their Report is desired as early as possible, and every effort will be made to expedite its publication.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman apply a little ginger to this Committee? It has been sitting many months and meeting very occasionally?

I cannot admit that. The Committee have been sitting on an average three times a fortnight for over a year. I hope the evidence is now completed, but my hon. and gallant Friend will understand that with so much evidence to consider the preparation of the Report must take some time.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether there is any evidence that an increasing number of men are failing to pass the present eyesight test on the railways, with a consequent loss of position and promotion; whether this is due to stricter testing or the demand for a higher standard; whether the increasing severity of service on the railways is putting a greater strain on eyesight; and whether he will state to what extent compensation is payable in such cases under the Workmen's Compensation Act?

The answer to the first and third parts of this question is, so far as my information goes, in the negative, and the question asked in the second part does not these circumstances arise. With regard to the fourth part, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary to the question on this subject asked on the 14th instant by the hon. Member for Stratford. I am advised that compensation would be payable in respect of failing eyesight only if the disability were caused by accident arising out of and in the course of the employment or were due to one of the industrial diseases scheduled under the Workmen's Compensation Act.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he is aware that it is apparently intended to make an arterial road through the village of Buck-land and other neighbouring villages, and that if the present plans are carried out the natural beauty of this and other villages will be completely ruined; and whether he will give further consideration to the scheme before this road is constructed according to the present plans?

The Surrey County Council's project known as the East-West Road involves the widening of a length of existing road in Buckland and the creation of a by-pass enabling traffic to avoid the rest of the village street. The adjoining village of Betchworth will be safeguarded by the same by-pass. Before approving this much-needed improvement, I satisfied myself that the county council and the other local authorities concerned had spared no effort to preserve the natural beauty of the neighbourhood, and I do not share my noble Friend's misgivings as to the effect of the scheme upon the villages.

Will not this road, as at present planned, go right through some very pretty ponds and some very pretty country, which will be entirely destroyed if the scheme is carried out?

The noble Lord is misinformed. The new road, as far as Buckland is concerned, goes through only one field, and avoids the whole village.

As I happen to live in the district, may I ask whether the hon. and gallant Gentleman could send down one of his own inspectors to make a special report on this project, in view of the fact that the road is unnecessarily wide, and will spoil the country?

I cannot admit the proposition which my hon. and gallant Friend puts to me. My inspectors did go down, and consult the local authorities, and I am quite satisfied in the matter.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the decision to make this road is the result of a conference of all the landowners along the line of route, held under the chairmanship of the Lord-Lieutenant, and that the road is only rendered necessary by the speed at which motorists proceed through this beautiful county?

What the hon. Member says is perfectly true.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that new motor omnibuses are being put on to the streets at the rate of four per day; whether he is aware that a large number of omnibuses is to be placed upon the streets both this year and next year, and of the grave congestion of traffic which is likely to result; whether steps can be taken by his Department to set up a small Committee, composed of officials of his Department and of Scotland Yard, with power to call a meeting of road surveyors and representatives of all bodies interested as requisite, in order to secure better coordination of and more speedy work upon repairs to streets in the London area and more effective regulation of work upon gas, water, and electric light mains, sewers, Post Office work, etc., and the use of improved methods and materials, such as quick-setting concrete; and whether such a Committee could also undertake the regulation of traffic on main arteries so as to prevent waste of the road by all forms of traffic and, during rush hours, obstruction by slow forms of traffic?

There is no power to limit the number of omnibuses in the Metropolis, so long as they conform with the requirements of the Commissioner of Police. The various points referred to in the latter part of the question are receiving my close attention, and, as I stated yesterday, I hope to be able to make an announcement on the subject at no distant date.

If I put this question down again this day week, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman be able to give me a more specific answer?

I do not think I can give a specific answer, but I can promise an answer before the end of the Session.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether the congested and certain other unsatisfactory conditions of London traffic have recently been considered by him; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received representations from the county and municipal authorities of London urging the necessity for legislative remedies for the present condition of the London street traffic; and whether he can hold out hopes of action to be taken in regard thereto?

I would refer to the answer which I gave yesterday to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Acton (Sir H. Brittain). I am sending a copy of this answer to both of my hon. Friends.

Having regard to the great urgency of this matter, can the hon. and gallant Gentleman specify when he will make an exact statement upon it, and an announcement of the Government's intentions in regard to legislation?

As I am referred to in the hon. and gallant Gentleman's answer, may I ask whether his answer to me yesterday was not simply and solely that he was considering the question, which is entirely unsatisfactory? Is he not aware that £20,000,000 sterling is lost in London every year through the delays and hold-ups in the City and Metropolis, and will he have action taken at once?

If the hon. Member had done me the honour of reading my answer——

I have read it.

—he would have seen that I said I hoped to be in a position to make an announcement at no distant date, while, in answer to a supplementary question put to me to-day, I have promised an answer before the end of the Session. The matter is very con-plicated. As my hon. Friends know, legislation is required, and we must first know what sort of legislation is necessary.

Do I understand that, as this statement will not be made until the end of the Session, no legislation is contemplated in the matter and no steps can be taken this Session?

That does not follow at all, but the hon. Member knows as well as I do that legislation before the Recess is absolutely impossible.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that half the main streets in London are up?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he is aware of the deleterious effect caused by the extensive use of tar upon the roads of the country when insufficiently sanded; whether he is aware that in many instances sand is not used at all, particularly in certain of the Royal parks; whether any other material can be used upon the roads which will avoid the worst effects of the tar treatment and at the same time allay the dust and waterproof the roads' crust; and, if so, whether he will exercise his influence with the highway authorities to ensure either the more extensive use of this material or the more efficient sanding when tar is employed?

The general directions and specifications relating to the tar treatment of roads, published by my Department, provide that stone chippings, crushed gravel, or other similar suitable material, shall immediately be spread on a newly tarred road surface, so as to form a compact wearing layer, and to prevent the tar from adhering to the wheels of vehicles. I understand that this is also the practice followed by His Majesty's Office of Works in the treatment of roads in the Royal parks. Surface tarring work is generally carried out on these lines, but I shall be happy to inquire into any specific cases where it is alleged that these directions have not been observed.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman inquire as to the way in which the Office of Works carried out the tar treatment of the roads in Windsor and Hyde Parks, and is there not a substance called "Spray-Mex" which is better and cheaper than tar?

I will certainly make the inquiry which the Noble Lord suggests.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that in the opinion of many experts tar is very wasteful and expensive, and that its extended use is liable to have injurious effects?

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there is a material particularly suited for this purpose, which can be obtained quite cheaply, and which dries hard like a varnish, and does not stick?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether agreement has been reached between the various authorities with regard to the proposed bridge over the River Ouse at Boothferry; and, if so, will he state whether there is the possibility of the work being commenced during the coming autumn?

I regret to say that, in spite of lengthy negotiations, agreement has not yet been reached, though I am in hopes that satisfactory terms may soon be concluded.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman do all that he can to try and speed up the negotiations, in view of the fact that in this district there is a great unemployment problem, and the prosperity of the town will be improved if this work is carried out?

I am in entire sympathy with all that the hon. Member says, but really the difficulties do not arise in my Department, but among the local authorities. We are doing all we can.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the picture postcard industry in this country has been very prejudicially affected by the long continuance of the penny rate of postage on postcards; whether he is aware that the concession which was made of allowing picture postcards to be sent on prepayment of a halfpenny if any writing on them was restricted to five words of courtesy or convention has been of little value owing to the ambiguity of the phrase "courtesy or convention," and the frequent sur- charges of the public for misinterpretations of the rule; and whether, pending the restoration of the halfpenny rate for all postcards, he will extend the halfpenny rate concession to picture postcards which have only five words written upon them excluding the date and omitting the present requirement as to words of courtesy or convention?

I beg to refer the hon. Member to my answer to a question put by the hon. Member for Lincoln (Mr. Alfred T. Davies) on the 14th instant, of which I am sending him a copy. The interpretations of the regulation in question gives rise to no special difficulties. It applies to everything sent at the printed paper postal rate, and I regret that I cannot introduce regulations applicable to picture postcards only.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that different interpretations are placed upon this phrase by different offices, and will He inform the House whether the phrase "best love, beastly weather" is an expression of courtesy or convention?

I think that that depends upon where it is used, but my hon. Friend can send his sympathy, or best wishes, or even love, without any extra charge.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can give an approximate idea of the proportional extent to which wireless is used in this country for the purpose of transmitting Press messages abroad as compared with the service by cable; and whether the use of the former system has increased to any considerable extent during the past 12 months?

I regret that I am tin able to furnish particulars of the number of Press telegrams dealt with by the cable companies, and I cannot, therefore, make the comparison asked for.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware of the very serious delay in the hearing of pensions appeals by the Irish War Pensions Appeal Tribunal; whether it is a fact that for over a year more than 1,000 cases have been on the waiting list in the Belfast area, and that cases are still coming in at a greater rate than they are being disposed of; and whether he will appoint a temporary and supplemental tribunal to deal with all cases which have been so long delayed, many of which are of an urgent nature?

I have been asked to answer this question. As a result of the establishment of the Irish Free State, it has been necessary to constitute separate appeal tribunals for Northern Ireland, and some delay, which I regret, has inevitably arisen. I am glad, however, to be able to inform the hon. Member that the necessary Orders constituting the new tribunals, and appointing the members have been issued, and I hope that they will now be able to get to work immediately and to dispose of pending cases at an early date.

Can the hon. Gentleman give us some assurance that these new tribunals will begin their operations quickly, in order to overtake these heavy arrears, and why is it that a representative of the Home Office answers this question when there is a representative of the Ministry of Pensions in his place?

With regard to the first part of the question, these tribunals are going to do their utmost to overtake the arrears immediately. With regard to the second part, this is a case for the Home Office.

asked the hon. Member for Monmouth, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether it is proposed to take any steps in the matter of the Report of the Committee on Afforestation?

It is presumed that the Report referred to is the Interim Report of the Agricultural Tribunal of Investigation (Cmd. 1842), dated 29th March last. The only reference in that Report to afforestation was as follows:

"39. Belief of rural unemployment .—We also wish to direct attention to the preparation of schemes as early as possible for relieving unemployment during the coming year. In this connection we consider … that in certain areas afforestation operations in draining, fencing and planting offer means of employment which are of public utility."

The Forestry Commissioners entirely agree, and in April last a definite scheme was submitted to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, but up to the present the Commissioners have not received authority to make the timeous and adequate preparation which is essential.

asked the hon. Member for Monmouth, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, what amount will be spent on afforestation in Scotland in the current financial year; what is the number of acres that will be planted with trees; and what is the number of unemployed who will be absorbed in the work and for what periods?

The Forestry Commissioners' Parliamentary Estimates for the current financial year include £172,070 under Sub-head E (Forestry Operations), which cover a 10,000 acres planting programme and other operations. Not less than two-fifths of the planting and expenditure will be in Scotland. The normal planting programme will not absorb any considerable number of unemployed, but, if additional funds are provided for expansion of the programme, at least 75 per cent, of the additional workers will be drawn from the unemployed. Representations have been made in the appropriate quarter.

When is some of this work likely to be put in hand?

It entirely depends when the Commissioners get the authority.

Is it the policy of the Forestry Commissioners to encourage local authorities in Scotland to proceed with schemes of afforestation?

Certainly.

asked the hon. Member for Monmouth, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether he is aware that the temporary draughtsman employed on the Assistant Commissioner's staff in Scotland at a salary of £250 a year has been replaced by a temporary draughtswoman at a weekly wage, and receiving in all £146 a year; whether the woman is doing similar work to that on which the man was engaged; and, if so, why is she receiving less remuneration?

The facts are as follow: The draughtsman was employed at the salary stated from August, 1920, to February, 1922. He was not replaced by the draughtswoman, who was employed by the Department nine months before the man was employed. Her duties are not comparable with the duties of the draughtsman.

asked the hon. Member for Monmouth as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether the staff of the Assistant Commissioner in Scotland has been reduced by 30; whether the amount allowed for forestry operations has been increased from £141,320 to £172,070; what proportion of this sum has been allocated to Scotland; and whether it is anticipated that the reduced staff will be adequate to prepare the work on which unemployed men will, or should, be employed?

Since April, 1922, the staff referred to has been reduced by 21. The Department's Parliamentary Estimates under Sub-head E (Forestry Operations) have been increased this year over last as stated. This is attributable to the fact that the estimate for this year includes expenditure on relief schemes in the spring of 1923, whereas similar expenditure was not included in the estimate for last year. It is anticipated that not less than two-fifths of the £172,070 will be expended in Scotland. Whether the reduced staff will be adequate will depend on the extent of the expansion of the programme referred to in the first Question addressed to me to day by the hon. Member.

Is it not the case that the Forestry Commissioners in September last year had an unexpended balance of £189,000?

I do not think the hon. Member's figures are very far out.

asked the Prime Minister whether the peace negotiations at Lausanne show any signs of concluding; whether that conclusion is being delayed by the French demand to be paid their debt interest in sterling instead of in francs; whether we support that contention; and whether he will sec that this issue does not involve a perpetuation of the open zone in the Near East and the consequent loss to our trade and industry?

The delay in concluding the negotiations at Lausanne is caused by the Turkish demand that the holders of the Ottoman Debt coupons shall be paid their interest in paper francs, instead of in sterling as they are entitled to require. The Allied Governments have no legal authority for agreeing to such a demand, and, by endorsing the Turkish repudiation of their obligations, to sign away the rights of the bondholders. It is hoped that the difficulty may be overcome.

Why does this question, which interests the bondholders, come in in the question of peace between the Governments of this country and Turkey?

I think it was brought in by the Turks, as a great many questions were. I am hopeful that a settlement will be reached on this point.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether there is in the Agreement with America as to the payment of our debt anything to prevent our paying part at once in gold; and whether, seeing that our currency is now based not on gold but on national credit, he will set up a committee to consider the advisability of using our gold reserves, which no longer serve any useful purpose, for the repayment of some of the debt?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider the question of reducing the Income Tax of seamen who are more than eight months in the year out of England, and who can therefore scarcely be considered to be domiciled in the country?

In the circumstances indicated, the seaman would normally be chargeable to Income Tax as a resident in this country but would not be liable to income taxation elsewhere. I see no reason for modifying the existing law and practice in the direction suggested by the hon. and gallant Member.

What would the hon. Baronet say in the case of a seaman who is eleven months of the year out of England? Will he still be charged?

If he is domiciled in the United Kingdom I should say the same thing.

It is very unfair.

In view of the fact that seamen derive no advantages because they are not domiciled in the country for 11 months out of 12, why impose Income Tax at the same rate?

I entirely differ from the hon. Member. A seaman has the protection of the British Flag. If he be married, and has a home here, his wife and family have the advantage of living here.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress with its inquiry has been made by the Departmental Committee on percentage grants; and when will its Report be issued?

I understand that the preparation of the Report is proceeding as expeditiously as possible, but that the Committee are not yet in a position to say by what date it can be issued.

This Session?

I will try, but this is a matter for the Committee, and not for me.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the amount of British Government securities held by Government Departments?

I regret that this information is not available, and could only be obtained by a good deal of industrious tabulation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Government is receiving interest on any foreign countries' relief loans; if so, which are the countries paying this interest; and if any of the countries have reduced their loans since 31st March, 1923?

Interest is being received in cash on the relief loans to Latvia, Hungary, Lithuania, Esthonia and Czecho-Slovakia, and on the reconstruction loan to Belgium. The answer to the last part is in the negative, the relief loans not being repayable before 1st January, 1925.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the contract with Messrs. Wyman for printing the "London Gazette" was made in June, 1920, for seven years; that this firm has been frequently complimented by the War Office on the accuracy of the issues; that the works have been kept open day and night, including Sundays and holidays, often solely for this publication; and that the firm, in order to prevent the discharge of men, were willing to agree to carry on their contract at a lower price than the present figure and to make the new price retrospective; and what was the reason for the discontinuance of their contract?

The contract was for seven years, with a provision for an option on either side to terminate it at the end of three years. I have no information in regard to the second part of the question. No offer has been received from the firm to carry on the contract at a lower price and to make the new price, retrospective. Only two applications have been received by the Stationery Office for employment from men at present working on the "London Gazette," and these two men have been engaged. This work is being transferred to the Harrow Printing Factory under the general policy explained to my hon. and gallant Friend on the 14th December last and the 5th June, as it is regarded as specially suitable for this factory, and the arrangements under the present contract have not been wholly satisfactory.

Is the right hon. Baronet aware of the very strong feeling in the country against any form of State trading?

My hon. Friend knows I quite recently appointed a Committee representative of all quarters of the House to deal with this very question.

Can my right hon. Friend make any statement with regard to the unsatisfactory effect of this upon employment.

I am afraid I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the river steamship companies in Iraq are reducing the number of their craft and dismissing their British employés; whether he is aware of the tendency on the part of the Government railways to kill the water transport companies in order to secure a monopoly; and whether, in view of the vulnerability of the railway, he will see that this policy is discontinued?

The Secretary of State recently received representations from one of the principal river steamship companies in Iraq regarding the conditions under which their business is carried on in that country. The company stated among other things that, as a consequence of local conditions, they had found it necessary to take steps to reduce their European staff. The Secretary of State is in communication with the Acting High Commissioner on the whole subject, and I will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend when a Report has been received.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what further steps are being taken in relation to ascertaining whether the Damage to Property (Compensation) Act, 1923, is within the constitutional rights and powers of the Irish Free State; and whether any appeal to the Privy Council in respect of this matter is contemplated?

My Noble Friend is advised that there is no room for doubt that the Act referred to is within the powers conferred on the Parliament of the Irish Free State by the Irish Free State Constitution Act, and no further steps in the matter are therefore contemplated. Any person who contends that the Act is invalid, and that his rights are therefore unaffected by it, can challenge its validity by instituting proceedings in the appropriate Court.

Is my hon. Friend aware that this raises a very important constitutional question, as this is the first time Parliament has passed retrospective legislation affecting the status of the Dominions, and has he taken the advice of the Law Officers of the Crown?

I realise that this is an important constitutional question, and my Noble Friend is replying to a question in another place the day lifter to-morrow. I have nothing to add to the reply I have given to-day. It is obviously a question which can only be determined by a Court of Law. My Noble Friend's advisers are absolutely certain they are right.

Will my hon. Friend reply to the last part of my supplementary question, whether the advice of the Law Officers has been taken, and not that of the legal advisers of any Department.

I believe it has not. The Law Officers do not make the law.

Is not the hon. Gentleman going to consult the Law Officers of the Crown on a matter of such vital importance to British citizens who have had their rights taken away by the Act of another Parliament? Will he also state what Minister of the Crown is responsible?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can state, approximately, the total original cost of arms, uniforms, munitions, and other stores, formerly belonging to the British Government, which have-been taken over either by the Southern Irish Provisional Government or by the Free State, and the total price charged to those Governments for such munitions and stores; and whether he can state, approximately, how much has actually been received from those Governments in respect of such stores and munitions?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury on the 5th June to a similar question put to him by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Burton,. to which I cannot at present add anything as regards the total amount to be recovered from the Free State Government. As regards the last part of the question, approximately £285,000 has been received from the Free State Government in respect of stores handed over to them.

When will a statement of the arrangement come to between the British Government and the Irish Free State be available?

It has nothing to do with my Department. It is purely a Treasury matter.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the net result of the sale last October of the former German plantations in Nigeria; how many of these plantations were sold out of the total, and what has become of those which were unsold; whether it is proposed to allow such German planters and merchants who were formerly established in this dependency and who might desire to return to do so; and whether an embargo is still placed upon the settlement of German subjects in Nigeria and in other British West African dependencies?

Sixty-eight lots were offered for sale by auction and 14 were sold, the total price realised being £21,950. The lots sold were one large and three small estates and a number of factories and building sites. The remaining plantations are being managed by the Government Plantations Department. Germans are prohibited from acquiring an interest in these properties for three years from the 10th October, 1922, but they may obtain permission from the Nigerian Government to enter the Cameroons for trading purposes; the embargo on the entrance of Germans into Nigeria and the other British West African dependencies has been allowed to lapse.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will give the rail freights for palm oil, palm kernels, and cotton carried over the British railways in Nigeria, the Belgian railways in the Congo, and the French lines in Dahomey?

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

The answer is as follows :

It is difficult to give comparable figures as in Nigeria and Dahomey the taper system is in force, by which the longer the haulage the less the freight per ton mile, while in the Belgian Congo, where the taper system is not in force, preferential rates are given to exports and specially high rates charged on imports. The following rates per English ton mile have been calculated, taking the franc at parity of exchange:

Palm oil and palm kernels .

Nigeria .—78s. 7d. per ton from Ilorin to Iddo (243 miles)=3·88d. per ton mile excluding terminal charges.

Belgian Congo .—49s. 2d. per ton for 243 miles=2·43d. per ton mile. It is not known whether this includes terminal charges or not.

Dahomey .—(1) Palm oil .—96s. 1d. per ton for 187 miles=6·17d. per ton mile, excluding terminal charges. (2) Palm kernels .—50s. 4d. per ton for 187 miles=3·23d. per ton mile, excluding terminal charges.

Cotton (ginned ).

Nigeria .—80s. per ton from Zaria to Iddo (617 miles)=1·56d. per ton mile. This includes terminal charges.

Belgian Congo .—49s. 2d. per ton for 243 miles=2·43d. per ton mile. It is not known whether this includes terminal charges or not.

Dahomey .—42s. 3d. per ton for 187 miles=2·71d. per ton mile. This does not include terminal charges.