asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the French Government has yet ratified the Washington Convention?

The answer is in the negative.

Will the Government represent that we have waited a long time for France to ratify this Treaty, and that the delay is costing us and other nations a great deal of money?

I understand that there is a report by the Foreign Affairs Committee submitted to the Chamber, and in that event it will be passed into law shortly.

Has France shown any willingness to accept this Agreement?

Yes. That is what I have been trying to indicate.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will consider obtaining the views of those responsible for the actual supervision of the landing of travellers in this country, with a view to ascertaining whether, in the opinion of these officials, the present passport system really carries out the purpose for which it was set up, and inform the House of the result of this inquiry?

No, Sir. This question has already been carefully considered by the Departments of His Majesty's Government concerned, who are generally agreed that the present passport system is indispensable for the control of alien immigration into this country, and is otherwise of undoubted value.

Are the officials perfectly satisfied that the system prevents false passports being used and is of any assistance in preventing undesirable people coming to this country?

The whole matter is being inquired into. The question about the false passports ought to be addressed to the Home Secretary.

Is not the whole trouble not so much the passports as the visa system, which does not keep any undesirable person out, but hampers the honest citizen?

That does not here arise.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is now possible to extend the duration of a passport from two to five years?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to a similar question by the hon. Member for Acton on the 18th instant.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to a statement by the French Minister of War to the effect that the cost of maintaining the French Army in the Ruhr should be placed to the account of the Armies of Occupation; and whether His Majesty's Government is prepared to approve this decision?

I have seen a newspaper report to the effect mentioned by the hon. and gallant Member. His Majesty's Government have not at present been consulted on this proposal.

Will inquiries be made into this matter, and the French Government consulted on the subject?

I do not think that I should be prepared to consult the French Government on a newspaper report.

Is it not the fact that enormous cost is being piled up, and the French Government do not know whether our Government would approve of that cost coming out of reparation?

How can the hon. and gallant Gentleman expect me to know what the French Government know? I do not know what information the French Government have, nor do I know the total Cost that is being piled up.

Has the French Government been told that we do not approve of this cost coming out of reparation?

That is an entirely different question.

Would it not be expedient to inform the French Government whether we do or do not approve of the cost coming out of reparation?

I cannot say. At present the question only arises out of newspaper reports.

It is a statement in the French Senate.

At any rate, I am not prepared at a moment when there are discussions between the French Government and ourselves, to indicate any further the views of His Majesty's Government on the matter.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a Note has been received from the German Government protesting against acts of alleged terrorisation committed by the French forces in the invaded territory of the Ruhr, including the shooting of four men, namely, Herr Futschank, Dr. Schöne, Herr Strothman, and Herr Buschoff; whether this Note will be laid before Parliament; and what action is being taken by the British Government?

A Note has been received from the German Government protesting against alleged acts of terrorism by the French and Belgian troops of occupation, but it contains no mention of the four individuals named by the hon. and gallant Member. His Majesty's Government do not propose to lay the Note before Parliament, nor are they prepared to take any action in the matter, for which they have no responsibility whatever.

What is the objection to the Note being published?

There are a great many documents which pass between foreign Governments and this Government that cannot be published.

But is it not obviously of great importance that Members of this House, who have to take decisions on the policy in the Ruhr, should know about this document?

I do not know that it is of great importance, but the hon. and gallant Gentleman could probably obtain the information if he wanted to get it.

No. That is why I put the question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British authorities have had any communications or negotiations with Dr. Dorten or other leaders of the Separatist party in the Rhineland; if so, what has been the object and nature of such negotiations; and what is known of Dr. Dorten and his activities since the Armistice?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Dr. Dorten is the leader of one of the Rhineland Separatist parties.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs who constitutes the selection board for probationers in the Sudan political service; by whom was the recent selection of probationers for that service made; how many candidates offered themselves for the recent vacancies and how many were selected; and will he furnish a list of the selected candidates, together with ages, places of education, and particulars of military service, if any?

The President and members of the Sudan Government Selection Board, who are all members of the Sudan service, are appointed annually by the Governor-General. No recent selection of probationers has taken place, as the Board is sitting to-day for the first time this year. The remainder of the question, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the fact that an agreement has been come to between the Neideroes-terreichische Eskompte Gesellschaft and a Paris banking syndicate representing the French Schneider-Creusot group, to construct new harbour works and to engage in other projects in Austria; and if he can say if this combination of French and German capitalists will receive benefits as a result of the recent Austrian loan raised in this country?

His Majesty's Government have received information agreeing substantially with the first part of the hon. Member's question. As regards the second part, there is a prima facie presumption that commercial enterprises in Austria generally will gain indirectly from any improvement in Austrian State finances that may be produced by the loan recently subscribed in this and other countries.

Are we to understand that the British Government has guaranteed as to principle and interest a loan which is going to benefit a combination made up of Herr Hugo Stinnes, who is the direct influence here, and a French banking firm?

I do not know that the hon. Member is to understand that. If the combination is trading in Austria, I do not see how you can prevent them getting any benefit which Austria may obtain out of the loan.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is now in a position to furnish the House with information as to the alleged de jure recognition of the Russian Government by the Government of Japan?

His Majesty's Government understand that conversations are about to take place, or are actually taking place, between representatives of the two Governments at Tokio, with a view to discover some basis for their future relations. There appears to be no foundation for the report that de jure recognition has been granted.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the estimated and approximate cost of the projected graving dock at Singapore; and what is the estimated and approximate cost of the new dockyard at Singapore, with the additional fortifications, and barrack and hospital accommodation, and including cost of railway and road construction, and other incidentals?

The estimated approximate cost of the projected graving dock is about £1,000,000. The cost of a floating dock of the same size would amount to about the same figure. The figure of £400,000, which was given by my hon. and gallant Friend the Parlia- mentary Secretary on the 20th June was for a floating dock which was capable of taking one ship of the maximum size allowable under the Washington Agreement, but, for reasons of general utility, it is proposed to construct a somewhat larger graving dock which could, if required, take two vessels at a time. The total cost on Navy Votes for the next ten years of the dockyard and naval base at Singapore, with its various accessories, is at present roughly estimated at £10,500,000. The hon. and gallant Member will understand that it is not possible to give a close estimate until the details of the requirements have been fully examined and approved. There will be no additional fortifications or barrack accommodation chargeable to Navy Votes.

Are we to understand that certain expenditure on this dockyard does not come on the Navy Votes? If so, on what Votes does it come?

There is no further charge on the Navy Votes. If any additional fortifications are required, they come on the Army Votes, but I am not contemplating that there will be a very heavy expenditure.

Will the materials of this particular contract be placed in England, or go to the French-German combination mentioned in a previous question?

That does not arise here.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that erroneous statements have been made in the newspapers to the effect that the existing mercantile dock can take every ship except the "Hood," and will the right hon. Gentleman take the opportunity of contradicting them?

Yes. The existing mercantile dock could not take any of the bulged ships, and there are a great many more of them.

Before the right hon. Gentleman commits himself to two graving docks, will he say whether the question of a floating dock has been considered, as the former could be mapped out by an enemy wanting to hit them, while the floating dock could be towed away?

That has been fully considered.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the undertaking that His Majesty's ships commissioned for service on foreign stations prior to the order introducing three years' commissions would not be required to serve the full three years, but the period of service would only be lengthened in proportion to the period unexpired, has been cancelled; and why instructions have been issued that all ratings drafted before the issue of the order mentioned are to serve the full period on their respective stations?

The answer to the first part of the question is that no such undertaking was given, and to the second part, that no such instructions were issued. I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my reply of the 7th March.

Has that reply been sent out to those who are affected?

With the permission of the House I will read the reply:

The rule that men serving in ships on foreign stations are not to be absent from home for more than three years applies equally to men who were already abroad at the time the order was issued prescribing two-and-a-half years as the minimum period of ships' commissions on foreign stations.

The period of absence from home must depend largely on opportunities for passage, but the normal period of actual service on a foreign station is two-and-a-half years and a further supplementary Fleet Order is being issued in order to remove any misapprehension on the point.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what saving it is estimated will be effected by the amalgamation of the Royal Marine Artillery with the Royal Marine Light Infantry; and whether, in view of the impossibility in these highly scientific days for men to be skilled in more than one branch, and seeing that the attempt now to be made to create a corps which will be both artillery (land and sea) and infantry, particularly with a force the members of which are nearly all serving afloat, is likely to be a failure, he will reconsider the matter?

The anticipated saving will, as stated in my reply to my Noble and gallant Friend the Member for South Batter sea on 11th April, be about £50,000 per annum. As regards the latter part of the question, it is necessary to keep in mind that the long service system in the Royal Marines makes it possible to give them a wider training than is given in the Army. There is no justification for the suggestion that the Royal Marines will fail to maintain their customary high standard of efficiency.

Were any of the senior officers of the Blue Marines consulted before this change was decided upon?

Steps were, I am told, taken to consult a good many people.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the senior officers of the Blue Marines are very indignant at the proposed change, involving, as it does, the abolition of their corps?

Has this order been properly promulgated at the various places where Royal Marines are stationed?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if the pre-War pensioner of the Royal Marines, who served during the War as an officer and received the retired pay of the rank he held on demobilisation, received a War gratuity at the close of hostilities; and, if so, what was the amount awarded to the lieutenant-colonel, major, captain, and lieutenant, respectively?

Pre-War pensioners of the Royal Marines, who served during the War as officers of their corps, received War gratuity on the permanent officers' scale. For those who attained the rank of captain the scale of gratuity varied in amount according to the length of War service from £45 to £93 and for lieutenants from £40 to £88. None of the officers in question rose above captain's rank.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if the pre-War pensioner of the Royal Marines who served during hostilities as an officer and received the retired pay of the rank he held on demobilisation received his pre-War pension while serving as an officer?

These officers were permitted to draw their man's pension in addition to the pay of their rank, but without the bonus on full pay which was allowed in the case of recalled officers.

Is it a fact that seven or eight officers of the Royal Marines who have been promoted from the ranks, and who were employed in the Army, have not been treated as other Marine officers who were promoted from the ranks; and why have they been left out?

I happen to be one of the officials of the Admiralty, and am afraid that I cannot answer my hon. Friend.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that no promotions have been made to headmaster and senior master, Royal Navy, respectively, since April, 1922; if he will recommend that more promotions to these ranks be made in order to bring their numbers up to the proper proportions; and if he is aware that the maximum post-War establishment of schoolmasters includes 16 lieutenants, 51 commissioned warrant officers, 128 schoolmaster warrant officers, and that the numbers borne at present are nine lieutenants and 25 commissioned warrant officers?

Promotion in the schoolmaster branch has not been overlooked, and further promotions are under consideration. With reference to the last part of the question, the actual number of higher ranks at any time is determined by the number of appointments in which the services of schoolmasters of these ranks are required.

When are these promotions likely to occur?

I cannot say exactly, but my hon. Friend should remember that this is a comparatively new service and it requires a certain amount of time before the numbers are adjusted to the necessary grades.

Is it not the case that questions on this subject have been put for the last two years, and the same reply has always been given—that the matter is under consideration? Is it not bad policy on the part of the Navy to keep these men, whose teaching work is so important, disgruntled, and in a constant state of dissatisfaction on account of this lack of promotion?

The hon. Member is now introducing arguments.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty, in view of the institution of the cash system for issues of clothing, etc., in the Royal Navy and of the fact that supply chief petty officers may take cash when no junior accountant officers are borne ( vide Admiralty Fleet Order 2,619/22, paragraph 2 of Appendix) whether the Regulations contained in paragraph 2 of Article 1,602, King's Regulations, will be modified to permit writers to handle public money under similar conditions?

No modification of the Regulations is contemplated.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the number of naval writers passed educationally and professionally for warrant writer; whether the post-War establishment of accountant officers has yet been fixed; whether, in considering the post-War establishment of accountant officers, the numbers of writers fully qualified and recommended for warrant rank has been taken into account; and, in view of the saving in wages and increase in efficiency which would result by the employment of these experienced writers as captain's clerks of His Majesty's ships, whether arrangements for such employment will be made with a view to their ultimate promotion to warrant rank after a period of probation?

The number of writers qualified professionally and educationally for warrant rank is 50. The post-War establishment of accountant branch has not yet been fixed. Establishments of officers of all branches are based upon requirements, and it is not practicable in this or any other branch to take into account the number of candidates who may have qualified for warrant rank. Writers are occasionally employed as captain's clerks, but the Admiralty are not prepared to extend the scope of such employment with the object indicated in the latter part of this question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what are the rates of pay for chief petty officers and men and boys of lower ratings in the Navy; what emoluments other than pay is received by these ratings; and whether it is proposed to make any increase in the present rates of pay?

Full particulars of the pay of Naval ratings are published quarterly in the Navy List. (See April edition, 1923, pages 2244–2251, as regards substantive pay, and pages 2252–2255 as regards payments made in addition to wages). As regards the latter part of the question, the pay of the Services is at present under the consideration of a Committee appointed by the Government.

Are we to understand there will be no decrease in the pay?

lean-not possibly anticipate what the Committee now sitting will say on the subject.

Oh!

Is it the Estimates Committee that is referred to or another Committee?

It is a Committee called the Anderson Committee, which has been appointed to deal with these matters.

Will this Anderson Committee call evidence from the lower deck?

I am sure it will call any evidence that it considers necessary.

Will it consider the possibility of an increase of pay?

I am sure that they will consider everything in connection with the subject.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the serious condition of the 10,000 unemployed in Salford and the ill-health arising therefrom; and what steps he proposes to take to mitigate the evil and danger of this state of affairs, which has remained practically stationary during the past six months?

I am aware of the regrettable extent and duration of the unemployment in Salford. Assistance has been given to various relief schemes in the locality both through the Ministry of Transport and through the Unemployment Grants Committee, and, of course, any further schemes put forward would receive careful consideration. In addition, I understand that the Ministry of Transport are now in communication with the Lancashire County Council with a view of inaugurating in the district some substantial road works for the relief of unemployment.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the attitude of the Manchester Corporation with regard to this Liverpool-Manchester road, which would provide work for at least 2,000 or 3,000 of those now unemployed.

I am aware that with regard to the Manchester-Liverpool road some of the local authorities unfortunately have not been so willing to come forward and help the scheme as others. I still hope that the road, in some shape or form, will be constructed.

Could not some work be found for the unemployed of Salford in cleaning out the Manchester Ship Canal?

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it right that the whole cost of this road should be put on the boroughs and county of Lancashire, seeing that it will be for the benefit of the whole country? Why should not the Minister of Labour do it himself out of the Unemployment Fund?

That supplementary-question contains two rather contentious and not very accurately-phrased questions. As regards the first, if, as I think, my hon. Friend refers to the Liverpool-Manchester road, the Government proposal in this as in other cases is that one-half the cost should be borne by Government funds and the other half by the local authorities, and it is not therefore correct to say that local funds are to bear the whole cost. With respect to the question of the payment out of the Unemployment Fund I would remind my hon. Friend that that fund is an insurance fund, and the beneficiaries who have contributed to it have acquired certain vested rights which I, as trustee of the Fund, have no authority to divert to other purposes such as that suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that notices have been posted up at Brynmawr and Blaina Employment Exchanges to the effect that after 22nd June the unemployed will have to report and sign the register three times per week; that many of the unemployed live in outlying areas and have to walk from two to three miles to register; that they have been unemployed for over two years; and that their clothing and boots are in a very dilapidated condition; and will he therefore allow the unemployed to register only twice per week as hitherto?

The requirement of signature three times a week from persons living between two and four miles away is the normal requirement under the Regulations, and I do not think I should be justified in relaxing it in the cases referred to.

May I solicit the consideration of the Minister for these men, who have been unemployed for over two years?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the question of including outworkers in the unemployment insurance scheme; and, if so, with what result?

An inter-Departmental Committee was appointed by my predecessor, the right hon. Gentleman the Member for North-West Camberwell (Dr. Macnamara), to consider this matter. I have now received their Report, which recommends that no change should be made in the Unemployment Insurance scheme in this respect. I am arranging to publish the Report at an early date.

Did the Committee inquire over a wide range of outworkers in all industries contributing to this home work?

I think that is so. I read the Report with care when it was presented to me, and I think my hon. Friend will agree, when he sees it, that it is a carefully prepared and admirably considered Report. If, after the Report is printed, my hon. Friend would like to put down another question, I shall be very glad to deal with it.

Will the Report show the total number of out-workers who have been excluded from unemployment insurance?

I cannot give a statistical answer at the moment. As far as my memory serves me, one of the difficulties which the Committee found was in getting accurate statistical information, but, as far as they were able, they did get statistical information.

asked the Minister of Labour whether last week instructions were sent down to the Tyne to refuse all men who have been paid off in shipyards and ship-repairing establishments on and after 30th April any further unemployment benefit, even if they had been awarded it; why this hardship has been inflicted upon many men whose work has ceased for other reasons than the lock-out; whether he is aware of the feeling caused by the attitude of his Department; and, in view of his own statement that the Department has no authority to interfere with the procedure of the insurance officers or the court of referees, he will withdraw the instructions?

No such instructions have been issued. Certain Exchanges, contrary to the standing instructions, allowed benefit without prior reference to the insurance officer, in the case of a number of claims from workmen last employed at establishments at which a trade dispute existed at the time when their employment ceased. As soon as this omission was noticed, the claims were referred to the insurance officer, payment of benefit being suspended meanwhile. I understand that the insurance officer has now allowed benefit in most of these cases, and that in the remainder further information is being obtained. A decision in all cases will, it is hoped, be given in time for payment this week wherever benefit is allowed.

Are the cases where the benefit was not stopped being reconsidered? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are very wide complaints as to a large number of these men being refused benefit, although they had nothing to do with the lock-out?

I do not quite understand the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question. He asks whether the cases where benefit has not been stopped are being reconsidered, but if the benefit has not been stopped, there is no case for reconsideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that large numbers of cases have occurred where no benefit was given, although the men had nothing to do with the dispute in question, and will those cases be reconsidered?

I do not quite know what particular cases the hon. Gentleman has in mind, and, therefore, I cannot answer vaguely with regard to a series of hypothetical cases; but if he will send me the cases, I will have them looked into at once.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in districts so far away from the Tyne as Southwick men have been refused benefit for the same reason?

Would this be a class of cases that would come under the question of trade disputes' disqualification, which is now being considered by a special Committee?

It may or may not be; I cannot tell until I see the cases. From the way in which the supplementary questions have been framed, I should think it is very likely that the hon. Gentleman's suggestion is right, namely, that they are cases coming under Section 8 of the Act, and then there are two answers. The first is that there is machinery set up by the Act itself, as it stands at present, for dealing with cases by the Court of Referees and the Umpire; and, secondly, there is the class of cases which the Committee is now considering.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the increasing amount of unemployment in certain areas, and of the consequent added burden to the local rates, he can now state what action he proposes to take with regard to the revised formula for assisting certain necessitous areas which was submitted to him by some of the representatives of these areas several weeks ago?

I am afraid I can only say that this question is still under consideration by the Government.

In view of the unsatisfactory reply given to this question I beg to give notice that, if I have an opportunity, I shall raise the matter on the Ministry of Health Vote to-morrow.

Can the Noble Lord give some idea when some decision will be come to in this matter?

No, I do not think I can add anything to the answer already given.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the four juvenile unemployment centres at St. John's Lane, Hoxton, Pastor's College, Southwark, Old Castle Street, Stepney, and Trafalgar Square, Bow, are due to be closed on 30th June; and whether, having regard to the excellent work being done in these centres, he is prepared to announce that they will be continued for a further period?

After careful consideration the Government have decided that the grant on the 75 per cent. basis for juvenile unemployment centres, which, under existing arrangements, expires on various dates from 30th June to 21st July, shall again be made during the coming winter: the period during which the grant will be payable will run from 17th September next to 17th April, 1924. Notification is being made to the local authorities accordingly.

Are we to understand that these grants will apply to all juvenile-unemployment centres?

Certainly. The centres which comply with the conditions and which are approved by the local authorities will be available for the 75 per cent. grant.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the Report of the Committee on boy scalers, he will state what steps the Government is taking to decasualise the employment of these boys?

I am anxious that, if possible, some arrangements may be made for dealing with this problem. No such arrangements can be successfully worked without full co-operation from both employers and employed, and I have prepared a scheme for the Merseyside boy scalers which I have sent to representatives of employers and employed in that district for their consideration. I will send to the Noble Lord a copy of the scheme.

Would the right hon. Gentleman explain to the House what is a boy scaler?

If I had the information immediately at my disposal, I would gladly submit it to the House, but I have not got it.

If the right hon. Gentleman does not know what a boy scaler is, ought he not to know, and cannot he put pressure on the Merseyside employers to bring about the decasualisation of these workers??

I venture to hope that this proposed scheme for the decasualisation of this class of workers—which is a very important object—will, when it has been put before the parties, receive general approval. I cannot put it any higher than that.

Is it not extraordinary that the Minister of Labour does not know what is a boy scaler?

asked the Minister of Labour how many ex-soldiers are waiting for admission to the Government's instructional factories, and how many ex-soldiers suffering from a rate of disability of over 40 per cent, are unemployed?

The number of men on the waiting list for industrial training on 19th June was 4,806 in Great Britain and 3,769 in Ireland. Some of these will be placed in training in employers' workshops or educational institutions, and not in Government instructional factories. No figures are at present available showing the number of unemployed ex-soldiers with a disability of over 40 per cent., but King's Roll committees and local employment committees have nearly completed a classification of unemployed disabled ex-service men, which will help to provide such a figure. Generally, I may add, that recent inspections in a large number of centres show that, so far as those trained in Government instructional factories are concerned, the ratio of unemployment is much lower than—indeed, only a little over half—that of the ordinary insured population.

asked the Minister of Labour how many ex-servioe men are still on the list awaiting training; how many Government instructional factories are now open and how many he contemplates closing; and will he ensure that no factory is closed which would prove detrimental to ex-service men?

The number of men on the waiting list for industrial training on 19th June was 4,806 in Great Britain and 3,769 in Ireland. With regard to the second and third parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Stoke Newington on 20th June, of which I am sending him a copy; in any case, I have taken care that a large amount of spare accommodation shall remain, available.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that ex-service men feel it hard that they should on the one hand be put on the waiting list, and hear, on the other, that factories are being shut down? Can be satisfy us that those who are waiting are not prejudiced by the closing of the factories.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the present Government propose to continue to train ex-service men now resident in Ireland?

The question of the men in Ireland I must consider very carefully. If the right hon. Gentleman will put a question down at a later period I should be glad to answer it. I am giving the matter careful attention. In regard to the other point, I have explained many times that the reason for the waiting list existing at the same time that we are closing factories, which at first sight does seem rather incompatible, is due to the fact that there are a large number of places available in excess of those we are able to fill, the reason being that owing to the stricture in trade and the difficulties in regard to trade, it has proved impossible to put in training as large a number of people as we should have desired. It clearly would be useless to train men in industries for whom there would be no occupation after they had been trained. We act in this matter on the advice of Technical Advisory Committees who have been most helpful throughout, and it is on their advice that we keep the numbers somewhat restricted owing to the trade difficulties at the moment.

Is the right hon. Gentle man aware that men from the South of England are sent to the factory in Durham and have remained there, and some at the present time arc getting relief from the guardians in view of the fact that they cannot get work. Will he give a guarantee that before he closes any factories in the south he will take the men from the waiting list rather than send them to Durham?

I am afraid that I heard the first part of the question somewhat imperfectly. If the hon. Member will give me written notice of the question or put it down, I shall be glad to give him a full answer.

:Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Chester-le-Street Guardians have sent to him a list of men and the amount that those men are receiving who have completed their training and are now left on their hands stranded, and that those men have come from the South of England?

The hon. Member had better put that question on the Paper.

Does the number indicated in regard to Ireland refer to the whole of Ireland, or to Northern Ireland only?

The whole of Ireland.

Is any useful work being done in these instructional factories that is capable of bringing revenue to the Exchequer?

When must I put my question in regard to the men in Ireland?

This day week.

asked the Minister of Health how the grant of £135,000 made to the Medical Research Council is disposed of; can he state the chief channels of its disposal; and is £5,000 the only sum which is apportioned to cancer research?

As the answer to this question is rather long, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. [HON. MEMBEES: "Read!"]

Could the Noble Lord tell us what is the answer to the last part of the question, namely, whether £5,000 is the only sum which is apportioned to cancer research?

No, that is not quite the case, because there is a sum in respect of the allocation of radium owned by the Government, to the value of about £70,000, which is allocated to the Cancer Research Fund. I think my hon. Friend had better wait till he sees the whole answer.

In view of the great public interest in this question, could not the Noble Lord read the whole answer?

The answer is as follows:

Roughly one-third of the annual grant of £130,000 is allocated by the Medical Research Council to the payment of their research staff, and the maintenance of their central laboratories at the National Institute for Medical Research. The remainder is distributed in grants in aid of research work carried out by universities, hospitals and other centres throughout the country. In addition to the sum of £5,000 expended in grants for work directly upon cancer, radium owned by the Government to the value of over £70,000 is made available by the Council for approved research into the treatment of cancer. I would, moreover, remind my hon. Friend that the problems of cancer may be solved sooner, and perhaps only through advances in fields of medical science other than the direct study of the disease itself, and that, accordingly, advances in the knowledge of cancer are effectively promoted by the grants for research in the more primary parts of the medical sciences. I may add that the allocation for cancer work varies from year to year as the Council find useful opportunities for supplementing the work done by the Imperial Cancer Research Fund and other institutions devoted specially to this subject.

Is the Noble Lord aware that the death rate from cancer has increased, during the last 40 years, by 126 per cent., that we know as much about the cause of cancer to-day as was known 1,000 years ago, and that, until the cause is discovered—

The hon. and gallant Member is giving the information.

Would the Noble Lord inquire whether more money can be devoted to dealing with this appalling scourge?

I shall certainly be glad to do anything in this matter that my hon. Friend suggests.

Could the Noble Lord recommend a larger payment of money towards cancer research, not necessarily for studying the disease, but to plot out Europe, and get statistics for the whole Continent, showing where cancer exists and where it does not, so that the Ministry of Health might obtain knowledge, and form conclusions which might possibly assist in showing why the disease occurs?

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the action of the Unemployed Grants Committee in refusing to make grants to local authorities who purchase building or other materials from abroad is assisting trusts and combines to force up prices of materials against the public; and will he therefore withdraw Circular No. 400, of 15th May last?

The Unemployment Grants Committee do not insist on the purchase of home materials as a condition of grant where such action would be likely to have the effect suggested by the hon. Member. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Is the Noble Lord aware that the Unemployment Grants Committee refused sanction to a municipal body to purchase Belgian cement which they considered satisfactory for the work, at 9s. per ton less than they could get it from the British combine; and is not that prejudicing the construction of roads and houses and to the detriment of the local authorities?

I am perfectly aware that in putting the general question the hon. Member had a particular case in mind, but the particular case was decided by the Unemployment Grants Committee on its merits. I have answered the general question, and if the hon. Member likes to put down the particular question I will give him the merits and demerits on which the Committee decided?

Will the Noble Lord say on the particular question whether the local authority is not prejudiced by the action of the Unemployment Grants Committee in putting up the cost of cement required for houses; and will the Government compensate the local authority for the extra cost inflicted on them?

I am afraid the hon. Member is misrepresenting the particular case. I do not think this has anything to do with houses.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the continued advance in prices taking place in building materials, which threaten to absorb the whole of the subsidy for houses payable under his Housing Bill, facilities will be given for the passage into Law this Session of the Bill to deal with trusts, introduced by the hon. and gallant Member for Leith on 24th April last?

I have been asked to reply. I must ask the hon. Member to await the Report of the Departmental Committee on prices of building materials.

What are local authorities to do when the prices are rising against them? How long have they to wait?

I do not think they will have to wait very long.

When will the Report be published?

I understand that an Interim Report will be published almost immediately.

asked the Minister of Health how many houses have been approved by him under the new Bill?

The number of houses approved to date which will rank for assistance under the new Bill is 13,401.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will make inquiries into the condition of houses in the borough of Birkenhead; whether he is aware that 25 families are living In wooden huts about 20 feet by 7 feet built on old wooden under-carriages on a site at the bottom of Kingsland and Borough Roads; and whether he will press the authorities to take immediate action to deal with the conditions under which these people are compelled to live?

I am aware from the reports made by the medical officer of health of the general conditions of housing in Birkenhead. I am not aware of the particular instance mentioned in the second part of the question, but I am bringing the matter to the notice of the local authority. I may add that approximately 450 houses have been built or are building under the housing scheme authorised by the Act of 1919, and I understand that the local authority have at present under consideration the question of proceeding with a further scheme under the Bill lately before the House.

When the Noble Lord is pursuing these inquiries, will he carry them into the Wirral Peninsula, where there are over one thousand houses of that sort, to which attention has already been drawn?

I shall be glad to look into any cases brought before me.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the practice, common amongst vendors of bread, of accepting from customers the return of unused bread; and whether, seeing that this is a likely means of spreading contagion, he will consider the forbidding of it by law or by Regulation?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which was given on this subject on the 13th instant to my Noble and gallant Friend the Member for the Newark Division (Marquis of Titchfield).

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that any protracted delay in replying to the German Note is a serious matter owing to the increasingly dangerous economic situation of Germany, he will consider suggesting to the Powers in military occupation of the Ruhr that, pending a decision concerning the answer to be sent to Germany, no further measures tending to hasten the financial collapse of that country shall be taken?

My right hon. Friend does not con- sider that, in the present circumstances, the adoption of this proposal would serve any useful purpose.

What do the Government propose to do in this matter—are they going to let it drift on?

The Government are quite aware of the circumstances, and are taking what action they think right.

Have they any policy in the matter?

May we ask whether the conversations between Lord Crewe and M. Poincaré are taking the place or a written reply from the French Government?

asked the Prime Minister if, before definitely committing the country to further heavy expenditure upon aerial war machines, and in order to prevent the development of international rivalry in air armaments, His Majesty's Government will consider the advisability of addressing an invitation to all the Powers to meet in conference for the purpose of arriving at an agreement for an international limitation of aerial war-craft construction?

The League of Nations Commission for the Reduction of Armaments is now considering the whole question of the limitation of armaments, including aerial armaments, and my right hon. Friend thinks we should await the result of their deliberations before taking other steps.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that both the House of Representatives and the Senate of the United States have passed the Navy Appropriation Act, containing a proviso which advises that a Conference should, be summoned, and, as the United States does not subscribe to or take part in the League of Nations, would it not be well to consult the United States?

I must have notice of that question.

Seeing that the League of Nations Mixed Commission is considering this, will not the Government, before committing the country, wait until the League of Nations Commission has arrived at a decision?

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the dissatisfaction caused by the irregular opening and closing hours of licensed premises, he will give facilities in the Autumn Session for the passing of the Licensing Act (1921) Amendment Bill, the provisions of which would secure a uniformity of hours?

My right hon. Friend regrets he can hold out no hope that it will be possible to find time for the discussion of this Bill which deals with a subject on which he understands opinion is sharply divided.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that two whole days have been allotted to the discussion of the Scottish Estimates and only four hours were devoted to the Estimates of India, he can see his way to allotting another day to their discussion?

My right hon. Friend fully recognises the importance of further discussion on the Indian Estimates, particularly in view of the interruption of the Debate on the 14th June, and hopes that the Indian Office Vote will be asked for shortly.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Prime Minister promised us 21 days of Supply and that already one of these days has been taken?

asked the Minister of Health what are the sums held by the Ministry on behalf of approved societies on investment account and reserve values account, respectively; what rates of interest are credited to the societies on those accounts, respectively; and, approximately, what proportions of these sums are held on behalf of societies whose membership consists wholly or mainly of rural workers?

As the answer is a lengthy one, I propose to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The sums standing to the credit of approved societies in the investment account and invested by the N.D.C. at 31st December, 1922, amounted, approximately, to £35,750,000; the prescribed rate of interest to be credited to societies on such sums from 1st January, 1923, is 4½ per cent, per annum. The amount of reserve values credited to approved societies and unredeemed at 31st December, 1922, was, approximately, £56,000,000, exclusive of the additional reserve values due to be credited under the National Health Insurance Act, 1920. As the hon. Member is aware, these reserve values represent a liability to societies which has to be discharged in process of time by the operation of the Sinking Fund created by the Act of 1911 as amended by subsequent Acts. The interest credited to approved societies on reserve values is fixed by the 1911 Act at 3 per cent, per annum and is a first charge on the amounts retained out of contributions for the purpose of discharging the liabilities to approved societies in respect of reserve values. Approved societies are not organised according to occupation and it is, therefore, impossible to give the information asked for in the last part of the question.

asked the Minister of Health the number of cases of smallpox notified during the first three weeks of this month; has he any information to the effect that in parts of the country small-pox has been wrongly diagnosed as chicken-pox; can he state whether the spread of small-pox is increasing or not; and whether his Department attributes this to people refusing to be vaccinated?

The figures for the week ending 23rd June are not yet available, but the number of cases of small- pox notified during the previous three weeks was 183. This figure is subject to revision in the light of information which may subsequently be received. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the third and fourth parts, my right hon. Friend is advised that there has recently been an increase in the prevalence of this disease, and that the neglect of vaccination has undoubtedly contributed to its spread.

Is the Minister advising the local authorities to make chicken-pox also a notifiable disease generally?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Health the scale for out-relief which has been adopted by each of the two unions in Norfolk which have adopted a definite scale?

I will send the hon. Member this information.

asked the First Commissioner of Works for what purpose, if any, the oratory in the cloisters of the Palace of Westminster is used; when the furniture was put there; what country such furniture came from; and whether it has any historic association with the building?

The oratory is one of the few places available for private conferences in the House. The furniture is of British manufacture, and was specially designed for the Houses of Parliament in mid-Victorian times, except some Austrian cane-backed chairs which I am having replaced.