asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that before the War the Montenegrin Government obtained a 5 per cent. loan mainly provided by British capital, on which loan the interest was regularly paid by the Montenegrin Government; whether the Jugo-Slav Government since the forcible annexation of Montenegro has assumed any responsibility in regard to this loan and paid any interest; and whether, see- ing that the Serbian Government has received certain reparation sums from the Central States on behalf of Montenegro and in view of the fact that the loan was obtained from British capital, he will cause representations to be made to Belgrade on this subject, in order to produce a satisfactory arrangement to be arrived at in regard thereto?

The answer to the first part of this question is in the affirmative In regard to the second and third parts, His Majesty's Minister at Belgrade has been in communication with the Serb-Croat-Slovene Government in regard to the assumption of responsibility for the Montenegrin loan since the incorporation of Montenegro in the Serb-Croat-Slovene Kingdom, and supplementary budget estimates were recently passed in which provision was made for the service of the current coupons. The question of arrears of interest is still under discussion.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that at the council meeting of the League of Nations held this month the statement was made that the information upon slavery which had been collected by the council from States members of the League was not adequate to provide the basis of a sufficiently complete report; and whether, seeing that it is common knowledge that His Majesty's Government possesses considerable information upon slavery in certain African territories, His Majesty's Government will be prepared to assist the League in the task of attempting to secure the abolition of slavery in all its forms by placing at the disposal of the council portions of the information it possesses upon conditions which will ensure that the efforts of the League to secure the abolition of slavery will not be rendered abortive?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In reply to the second part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on the 25th of June.

also asked the Under-Secretary of State, for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that there are in this country at the present time several ex-British Consuls and Vice-Consuls who have occupied official positions in Abyssinia: and whether, in pursuance of our national obligations to do all in our power to put an end to slavery in Africa in all its forms, His Majesty's Government is prepared to suggest to the League of Nations the advisability of inviting these gentlemen to give evidence before the Commission which will consider the question of slavery in September next?

His Majesty's Government have always fulfilled, and will continue to fulfil, their obligations in relation to slavery and the slave trade, but these do not include any obligation to interfere in the internal affairs of Abyssinia, which is an independent and friendly State; nor are His Majesty's Government prepared to make suggestions to the League of Nations of the nature indicated in the question.

Is it not the case that we did undertake to use our influence as well as our authority in such cases?

I think that if the hon. Member will go into the documents in which our obligations are embodied, he will find that my answer is strictly accurate.

Is it not possible for the Foreign Office to take some action through the League of Nations?

That, if I may say so, would be the same question in other words.

Is it not the case that application has been made for this information, and, if that be so, will not the hon. Gentleman consider affording it in as ample a manner as possible?

If the hon. and gallant Member will refer to the answer I have just given to the question on the Paper, he will see that that question has been already answered more than once.

Have we not constantly, on previous occasions, used our influence with sovereign nations?

That may or may not be the case, but it does not alter the facts of the present case.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, seeing that in Consular Reports and the Report of the Maji Commission referring to slavery to Abyssinia there is evidence that many of the slaves in the slave gangs brought into Abyssinia were raided from British territory forming part of the Colony of Kenya, he will say what steps, if any, have been taken by His Majesty's Government to secure the liberty and restoration of these slaves to British territory?

I regret that I am unable to answer this inquiry unless the hon. Member can refer me to the specific reports and passages in reports which he has in mind.

May I refer the hon. Gentleman to the Report of he Maji Commission, which undoubtedly does contain statements as to slaves being raided from British territory into Abyssinia?

Perhaps the hon. Member will, as I have said in my answer, refer me to the passages in the Reports.

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the passage which has been quoted from that Report in the pages of the "Times."

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that under American law English women married to Americans are regarded as aliens, he can state whether any other countries adopt a similar policy with respect to alien women marrying their nationals; and whether he will see if there is any possibility of arriving at an agreement internationally?

The law of nearly all foreign countries is in accordance with English law in holding that the wife takes the nationality of her husband. It would not be possible, within the limits of a reply to a question, to state the actual provisions of the law of each country, but information on the subject has been communicated by the Foreign Office to the Joint Committee on the nationality of married women, the substance of which I shall be happy to supply to the hon. Member should he desire it. For reasons given to the Committee, I do not think there is any present possibility of arriving at an international agreement on this question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the American Government has made concessions in the direction of carrying wine in British ships operating between Eastern American ports and the Mediterranean?

I understand that Regulations either have been, or will shortly be, promulgated providing that liquor allowances to foreign ships in United States waters will be based on the requirements of the laws of the country in whose trade vessels are operating, as well as on the laws of the country of registry.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if the lands, buildings, and fortifications, formerly the property of the British Government, at Berehaven, Haulbowline, and Lough Swilly have been transferred as the property of the Irish Free State; and will he say what working arrangements have been made for the use of these lands, buildings, and fortifications for the purposes of the Royal Navy?

As far as the Admiralty is concerned, the reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, except for Berehaven, which is expressly reserved under the Treaty. I understand that the Army fortifications at Haulbowline and Lough Swilly are similarly reserved. Under Section 7 ( b ) of the Treaty, the Government of the Irish Free State will afford, in time of war, such harbour and other facilities as the British Government may require for purposes of defence.

Are there any care-taking parties or any stores in occupation on the part of the Navy in any of these places now?

I should require notice of that question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the decision promulgated in Admiralty Fleet Order, No. 1,703, Item No. 1, regarding the institution of port welfare committees at the three naval ports, he will consider the committees which at present meet monthly under the name of the lower deck joint committee, which consist of representatives of lower deck benefit societies and kindred institutions as coming within the meaning set out in Admiralty Fleet Order, No. 3,657/20; and whether he will issue instructions accordingly.

If the request in the hon. and gallant Member's question be that port welfare committees under another name should be recognised by the Admiralty, the Admiralty can only reiterate their decision of the recent Fleet Order of the 26th June, quoted in the preamble of the question, that as a matter of policy this course is not desirable.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Government of the Straits Settlements have made any offer to contribute towards the cost of the proposed naval base at Singapore by purchasing, at the expense of the Colony, the land required for the site or otherwise?

Yes, Sir. I am much pleased to be able to inform the House that my Noble Friend the Secretary of State has received a message from the Governor of the Straits Settlements that, with the concurrence of the unofficial members of the Executive and Legislative Councils of the Colony, the site selected both for the naval base and for the aerodrome will be acquired by the Govern- ment of the Colony and handed over as a free gift. A message has been sent to Sir Laurence Guillemard expressing His Majesty's Government's warm appreciation of this generous and patriotic decision on the part of the Colony.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say what is the extent of the site that has been granted?

I should have to have notice of that question.

What proportion will the value of this site bear in relation to the total cost of the dock?

At any rate, it is a very generous and welcome gift.

Do not look a gift horse in the mouth!

May I have an answer to my question?

The hon. and gallant Member should put it down.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the publication of the Returns of the number of courts-martial held and summary punishments inflicted on seamen in the Royal Navy has been in abeyance since the commencement of the late War; and will the Admiralty now resume their publication and have the Returns brought up to date?

Publication will be resumed beginning with the year 1922. It is not possible to compile the Return for the years 1914–21.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the naval pensions shown with Greenwich Hospital pensions, on page 2369 of the Navy List, are paid from Greenwich Hospital funds; and, if not, will he state from what source the money for these pensions is obtained?

The naval pensions referred to are not paid from Greenwich Hospital funds, but from Navy Vote. 13, Sub-head F.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any war vessels of any kind are now being constructed for foreign Powers in private dockyards in Great Britain; if so, how many; and is there any International Treaty that prohibits such construction?

There is no International Treaty prohibiting the construction of war vessels, though the Washington Treaty prescribes certain limits as to tonnage and armament. With the exception of a coastal motor boat being built for Siam, no war vessel is under construction for any foreign Government at the present moment.

asked the Minister of Labour what sums have been expended in relief of unemployment in Great Britain, including unemployment insurance, provision of work, as well as other forms of relief, by the central Government and by local authorities, respectively, during the period 1st January, 1919, to 30th June, 1923, and during the last financial year?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 10th July, to the hon. Member for Wellingborough (Mr. Shakespeare), in which all the information available is set out.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Mr. R. Drinkwater, of Ulverston-in Furness, has been refused unemployment benefit, although he has 32 stamps on his card, and that the reason given by the Exchange officials is that the man in question is only a part-time worker; whether he will state by what authority a person is debarred from benefit after having been forced to pay contributions; whether he has further considered the hardships suffered by part-time workers in connection with unemployment insurance; and, if so, what action he proposes to take?

I am having inquiry made in the matter, and will let the hon. Member know the result as soon as possible.

With regard to the latter part of the question, has the right hon. Gentleman gone further into the question of part-time workers?

We considered the matter somewhat fully at the time where the Insurance Act was passed, as my hon. Friend knows. I am not able to carry the matter any further.

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to give consideration to it, in view of the growth of the number of these cases that are attributable to their being part-time workers?

I do not quite accept the suggestion as to the growth of the number of cases. The number of part-time workers given in the figures every week has, within limits, remained very stable. The problem is a difficult one, as my hon. Friend knows, but I do not think it has increased in difficulty. I do not think I can undertake to proceed any further at present.

The right hon. Gentleman will realize that while there is some stamp credit there is some case of hardship. It is not as if it was uncovenanted.

I will keep that in mind.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that in a number of cases men not engaged in a trade dispute, who have been stopped working under exactly similar conditions, have received different treatment as regards the payment of unemployed benefit, members of the same gang of workers who were employed on the same job in some cases being refused benefit, and in other cases being granted it; and, in view of the feeling of resentment caused by this difference of treatment, whether he will do all in his power to expedite the Report of the Committee which is considering the amendment of the Unemployed Insurance Acts, whereby the innocent victims of a trade dispute may not be deprived of the unemployed benefit for which they have contributed?

If the hon. Member will give me particulars, I shall be glad to make inquiry into any cases where it is suggested that the decisions on benefit are different although the circumstances are precisely similar. I am informed that the Committee which is considering the working of the Trade Disputes Clause have fully in mind the desirability of reporting as soon as possible.

In view of the similarity of the replies in the past few months, is it possible to vary the nature of the replies in the early future?

The hon. Member is aware I am not permitted.

asked the Minister of Labour how many appeals arising from the withholding of unemployment benefit, on the ground that unemployment is due to the present boilermakers' dispute, have been submitted to the court of referees and the umpire; and how many of these appeals have been allowed?

About 6,000 cases arising out of the boilermakers' dispute have so far been the subject of appeal to courts of referees. In about 250 cases the courts have recommended that benefit should be allowed, and in the remainder that benefit should be disallowed. About 355 cases have up to the present been referred to the umpire, who has decided in 84 cases that benefit should be allowed, while 271 cases are still under consideration by him. Some of their appeals were "test cases," so that the number of individual workpeople whose claims were in effect covered by the decisions was larger than the totals stated.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the large number of men in the shipbuilding industry who are now unemployed as a consequence of the dispute between the shipbuilders and the boilermakers and who are not receiving any unemployed benefit, although they are in no way responsible for their present condition of unemployment; whether, in view of the result of the present law in the present and in similar disputes whereby men are denied the benefit that they have been compelled to pay for, he will introduce legislation at an early date to enable workmen who are prevented from working by a trade dispute for which they have no responsibility to receive benefit as ordinary unemployed workmen; and whether it is proposed to reimburse Poor Law guardians for relief given to workmen and their families who are unemployed in circumstances such as those named and also trade unions who pay unemployed benefit?

I am aware that under the provisions of Section 8 (1) of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920, considerable numbers of unemployed workmen in the shipbuilding trades other than boilermakers have had their claims to unemployment benefit disallowed, in consequence of the boilermakers' dispute. No change could be made without legislation, and I cannot consider the question of legislation until I have received the Report of the Committee which, as the hon. Member is doubtless aware, is at present examining the possibility of amending Section 8 (1). This Committee, which contains representatives both of employers and employed persons, is actively engaged in examining the problem, and will hold another meeting on the 17th of this month. I have no funds out of which to reimburse Poor Law guardians or trade unions for relief or benefit paid to persons disqualified for Unemployment Insurance benefit in the circumstances mentioned.

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree with the statement in the question that the boilermakers are in no way responsible for the present condition of unemployment?

Will the Noble Lord again read the question before he puts that supplementary?

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that men who were receiving compensation benefit at the date of the boilermakers' stoppage and who have since ceased to receive compensation have been refused unemployment benefit on the ground that they are involved in the dispute; and that men who were receiving sick benefit at the beginning of the stoppage are not so penalised; and why unemployment benefit should be paid in the one case and not in the other?

There is no discrimination merely on the ground that in one set of cases compensation is being drawn and in other cases sickness benefit. In accordance with the terms of the Act, the question to be decided is whether the person claiming benefit has lost employment owing to the stoppage of work due to the trade dispute, and the answer to this question must depend on all the circumstances of the particular case.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that last week an additional 7,000 boys and girls in the Glasgow area left school and are now in search of employment; and whether he will take steps to provide employment or continuation education centres to prevent the evils that accompany enforced idleness?

I understand that approximately 7,000 boys and girls left the elementary schools in the area of the Glasgow Education Authority at the end of the last summer term. Every effort will be made through the Emplyoment Exchanges to provide employment for those who require it. As regards the last part of the question, if, as I assume, the hon. Members refers to juvenile unemployment centres, I may say that I have written to the Glasgow Education Authority, among others, inviting them to open centres from 17th September, on the usual basis of a Government grant of 75 per cent. of the cost.

Will the Minister consider, not this hide-bound juvenile centre, but a system which is going to embrace adolescence, because that is, as he must know, the most important stage of the child's mind?

Is not the most effective method of dealing with this large number of unemployed children to raise the school age?

That is a question that ought to be addressed to the President of the Board of Education.

Would the right hon. Gentleman use his influence?

asked the Minister of Labour if the conditions under which the Government will pay 75 per cent. of the cost of juvenile unemployment centres from 17th September next will be the same as those in force at present; and if a local authority continuing a centre already in operation can rely on receiving grant from that date?

I anticipate that the conditions under which the Government grant of 75 per cent. of the cost of juvenile unemployment centres will be paid from the 17th September next to 17th April, 1924, will be substantially the same as those previously in force; they will be issued to authorities as soon as possible. Speaking generally, an authority which has had an approved scheme in the past may rely on receiving approval of an application for a scheme during next winter, provided that the scheme continues to comply with the conditions of the grant and that unemployment among juveniles in the area of the authority is still acute.

Could it not be introduced now?

I have already announced that the Government are not prepared to go beyond the arrangement already made, namely, to recognise the scheme in the middle of September.

Could the right hon. Gentleman notify local authorities of the terms of the answer he has just given so that they may be acquainted with the position?

The local authorities are watching the matter closely and the publicity given to this answer will probably be sufficient.

asked the Minister of Labour if, in view of the fact that there is no systematic register of aliens in this country, he will state what steps are taken by the Employment Exchanges to ascertain whether aliens are quffalified to receive unemployment benefit?

The only cases where the nationality of the applicant affects a claim to benefit are those where the applicant is a former enemy alien or an alien who has not been resident in this country since 1st January, 1911, and is applying for uncovenanted benefit. In such cases uncovenanted benefit is not payable. On the form of application for uncovenanted benefit the applicant has to state whether or not he is a British subject and in all cases of doubt inquiry is made. I have no reason to suppose that there is any great difficulty in ascertaining the necessary facts in particular cases.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a man in receipt of unemployment pay was stopped 3s. 10d. on account of his doing an evening's work for which he received 3s.; and whether steps can be taken to see that in such cases the persons should not suffer deductions in excess of the amount of money earned?

I am not aware of the particular case referred to, but Section 7 (2) ( a ) of the Unemployment Insurance Act provides expressly that, save in certain cases of subsidiary occupations, benefit cannot be paid for any day on which the claimant is following any occupation from which he derives any remuneration or profit.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman see that if this continues it is going to put a premium on dishonesty?

We have discussed this a great many times. The question of payment in respect of broken time is one of the most difficult problems in connection with the whole administration of the Unemployment Insurance Fund. I have considered it over and over again, and at present, in view of the very recent consideration given to it in the last Unemployment Act, I cannot carry the matter any further.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman see that the effect of his answer will be that these men will not take work?

asked the Minister of Health whether he is now in a position to reply to the request for assistance based on the revised formula submitted to his Department some time ago by the representatives of necessitous areas; and, if not, whether, in view of the increasing cost of out-relief in certain districts, due to the continued growth of local unemployment, he will be able to do so before the House adjourns for the autumn?

I hope to be in a position to announce the decision of the Government on this question some time before the Adjournment.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health if he will state, with reference to a Circular letter issued by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, dated 8th December, 1922, explaining that the land drainage scheme would not be applicable to the Outer Hebrides, but other proposals for the alleviation of distress and unemployment were under consideration, what the Government intends doing in view of the fact that, generally speaking, nothing so far had been done for the alleviation of distress and unemployment in these islands?

I cannot accept the suggestion that nothing so far has been done for the alleviation of distress and unemployment in the Outer Hebrides since December last. Advances to the amount of over £5,000 have been made through the Board of Agriculture from the Vote for Relief of Unemployment towards the cost of special road works in Lewis and Harris, of which two were mentioned in my reply to the hon. Member's unstarred question on the 26th March. The Unemployment Grants Committee have recently issued to local authorities generally two Circulars relating to works for the relief of unemployment in the winter of 1923–4, of which I am sending copies to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will submit a Return to the House showing the total number of staff reductions in his Department from 1st January, 1923, to 30th June, 1923, and the percentage of ex-service men among them?

The staff of the Ministry of Labour (exclusive of branch managers—who are paid by fees—and industrial staff) totalled 16,535 on the 1st January, 1923, and 15,104 on the 1st July, a reduction of 1,431. Between the same dates the number of ex-service men employed in the Department has been reduced by 1,277, representing rather more than 89 per cent. of the total reduction. The number of ex-service men, however, still employed is 85.5 per cent. of the total male employés.

Is there issued any Regulation governing the dismissal of these men with regard to obtaining other employment, taking seniority into consideration?

There are already rules laid down by the various Government inquiries which have sat on the subject, and we carry out absolutely the recommendations of those Committees.

asked the First Commissioner of Works what is the total number of staff employed by his Department at the present time, together with

The figures for 1st July, 1923, are not yet available.

The above statement does not include temporary staff at regimental pay and record offices and unit and command offices under the War Office and Air Ministry, respectively, nor branch managers of the Labour Ministry who are paid by fees.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed persons in France on the 31st March for the years 1921, 1922, and 1923?

So far as I am aware, there are no complete figures issued by the French Government or available from the total annual amount paid in salaries and wages; and what were the comparative figures for the year 1913?

The professional, administrative and clerical staff of the Department ( i.e., excluding all industrial staff and other manual workers) number 1,786 at present, and cost in salary and wages approximately £580,000 per annum. In 1913 the number was 655 and the cost approximately £148,000.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many temporary employés were serving in Government Departments on 1st July, 1921, 1922, and 1923, respectively; and, of the total number in each year, how many were ex-service men, non-service men, and women?

If the hon. Member agree, I propose to circulate the reply in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

any other source showing the total number of unemployed persons in France. So far as out-of-work donation is concerned, the numbers of persons in receipt of donation were as follow: March, 1921 81,526 March, 1922 7,915 March, 1923 2,571 But the French donation scheme is not so wide in its application as the provisions of our Unemployment Insurance Acts. In many branches of French industry there is an actual shortage of labour and, as I have informed the House, I have been able, with the co-operation of the French Government, to offer facilities to expert mechanics in this country to take up work in France.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why there is such a large decrease in 1922 and 1923?

Because, I assume, the industrial conditions in France very rapidly improved.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that the comparative absence of unemployment in France is due to the system of peasant proprietorship?

asked the Minister of Health if he has received a complaint against the sanitary inspector of the Basford Rural District Council failing to give certificates regarding defective property in the district; and will he inquire into such complaints with a view to a change of policy?

If the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars of the case referred to, I will have inquiries made.

I will do so. I have done so to the Parliamentary Secretary before.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received a communication from the Tilbury Urban District Council protesting against the decision of the Ministry to demand an increase of rent of State-assisted houses built for the working classes in the area of that local authority; and whether, in view of the poverty of the people living in those houses, he can see his way clear to reconsider his decision in this connection?

It has not been found possible to reach an agreement regarding the rents of the houses built by the Tilbury Urban District Council under the Assisted Housing Scheme, and the question has, therefore, been referred for decision to the independent tribunal constituted under the Regulations.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that 90 per cent. of the men living in Tilbury are casual workers in receipt of not more than £2 a week in wages on the average, and how can they be expected to pay 17s. 10d. a week rent for their homes?

No doubt that consideration will be taken into account by the tribunal when they come to consider the case.

Is it a fact that in cases like the one under discussion the Ministry refers them to the local authority, whereas the local authority has no power, except with the sanction of the Department, to make any reduction?

If the local authority and the Minister do not agree, the case goes to an independent tribunal for final decision.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that the shortage of houses will still be acute at the end of this year, he proposes to continue in force the relaxed bye-laws of the Ministry of Health with regard to wooden houses beyond that date; and whether, in the meantime, local authorities are authorised in over-riding the bye-laws of the Ministry of Health?

Section 25 of the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1919, which enabled local authorities during a limited period to consent to the erection and use of buildings notwithstanding the provisions of building bye-laws, is at present in force till 31st December, 1923. Provision has been made in the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill, now before the House, to extend the operation of the Section for another year. As the hon. and gallant Member will see, a person aggrieved by the neglect or refusal of a local authority to give a consent under the Section has a right of appeal to the Minister of Health.

Many of the people affected have not the facilities for appealing. They do not know of it. Could not the right hon. Gentleman issue a circular to the local authorities reminding them of their duty?

No, I do not think there is any occasion to issue a circular to the local authorities reminding them of their duty. I have no doubt the hon. and gallant Member will acquaint them with the fact that they have the right of appeal.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that, at several housing conferences of representatives of local authorities held in the North of England last week, it was definitely stated that the Ministry of Health intended to make the payment of the subsidy from the State anthorised by the new Bill conditional upon the local authority contributing, out of its rates, towards the cost of the houses, both in the case of those provided by the local authority itself and in the case of those houses provided by the private builder, and in view of the uncertainty created in the minds of certain local authorities on this point, he will state whether the £6 grant by the State to the local authority will be made dependent upon the local authority contributing, out of the local rates, to the cost of such houses, whether provided by itself or by private builders, even in those cases where it can secure their provision without any further charge upon public funds than the £6 State subsidy provided in the Housing Bill?

asked the Minister of Health whether it is his intention to withhold State subsidies from housing schemes put forward by private enterprise unless some liability is also imposed on local rates in respect of the same schemes; and whether, in such case, he will indicate the extent of the less per house which is expected to be borne by the rates when the full State contribution is paid?

There is no authority for the statement that the grant by the State of £6 per house for 20 years will be dependent on the local authority making a contribution out of the local rates. Where the local authority with my approval themselves erect houses complying with the Bill, the Government grant will in all cases be £6 for 20 years. Where the local authority grant assistance to private enterprise, the Government grant will be £6 for 20 years if the total assistance so granted is equal to or greater than the equivalent of this annual payment. If the total assistance granted to private enterprise is less than the equivalent of £6 for 20 years, the Government contribution, in accordance with the latter part of the proviso to Clause 1 of the Bill, will be the equivalent of the total assistance actually granted.

How soon does the right hon. Gentleman's Department propose to notify the local authorities as to the conditions on which grants will be made so that there may be no misapprehension on the point?

We have already notified them as to the provisions in the Bill, and I do not think it is advisable to notify them again until the Bill has passed through all its stages and become law.

asked the Minister of Health the average price per acre of land purchased for housing schemes and the average rateable value per acre of the same land prior to acquisition?

The average price per acre of land acquired under the State-assisted Schemes authorised by the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1919, was £177. I have no information as to the average rateable value per acre of the land prior to its acquisition.

Would the right hon. Gentleman not consider that 20 years' purchase based on the assessment rent would be a fair price to pay for land acquired for that purpose?

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that local authorities are able to obtain loans for housing purposes at 4¾ per cent. or less, and that the present rate at which they are authorised to intending borrowers under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts, namely, 5½ per cent., tends to limit the number of possible house purchasers under the Act, he will issue an order permitting loans to be granted at 5 per cent.?

The present general rate is 5½ per cent., but lower rates have been fixed in special cases, and I am prepared to consider any case where the local authority are of opinion that 5 per cent. is an adequate rate for their area.

asked the Minister of Health if, in view of the adoption of the Housing Bill, he will consider the desirability of issuing a weekly announcement of houses sanctioned under the Measure, specifying in each case the agency by which they are to be constructed?

I shall be glad to furnish the House from time to time with particulars of progress of the scheme and with figures of houses completed, but I do not think that it is necessary to issue weekly statements such as the hon. Member suggests.

asked the Minister of Health whether, with regard to the list of prices of materials issued by the Building Materials Prices Committee, he can state the quotations, respectively, for Fletton and stock bricks per 1,000; whether he is aware that since the issue of those figures prices have risen materially, notably in the cost of Fletton bricks, by as much as 9s. per 1,000, and that there is a serious shortage of these bricks in the South of England; and what steps he proposes to take, in view of the need for achieving success with his housing programme, to deal with the matter?

The question of brick prices is engaging the attention of the Committee on Building Materials Prices, who will report further on this subject at an early date. The last published price for Fletton and best and second-hand stock bricks, delivered in London was £2 13s. 3d., and £4 2s. and £3 17s. per 1,000. From the published market rates it does not appear that any increase in the price of Fletton bricks, delivered to King's Cross, has been recorded for some considerable time. It is known that there is a great demand for Fletton bricks in the South of England, and that the manufacturers are making great efforts to meet it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are no stocks of Fletton bricks in the South of England, and that makers are holding up supplies so that they may charge very much increased prices?

I am not aware that they are holding up supplies.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that within the next few days bricks are going up by 5s. per 1,000, though wages are going down by 3s. a week?

I have not the intimate knowledge of the intentions of manufacturers which appears to be possessed by the hon. Gentleman.

Your Department ought to know.

Has not the output of bricks increased enormously during the last four months, and is not that a reason for asking manufacturers to decrease their prices?

I believe that it is a fact the output has increased very much, and no doubt that will be taken into account by the Committee.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether there are any empty, houses on the Well Hall estate, near Woolwich; and whether they are being offered for sale or are they also available for letting?

There are at the present time six empty houses on this estate. One of these has been sold, for two others offers have been received as a result of which sales will be effected shortly, and as regards the remaining three, which have only fallen vacant during the last three weeks, many offers have been received and are being considered by my Department. Such houses as become vacant are not being offered for letting, but are being sold, and it is found that there is a ready market for them.

Is there any truth in the allegation, made in the public Press, that these houses are being kept vacant by the action of the Office of Works, owing to the stipulation that they are to be sold and not to be let?

I did not notice what appeared in the public Press, but the facts are as I have stated.

Are the Government showing a good example to private owners when they insist on the houses being sold instead of being let?

The Government have got to do the best they can with the taxpayers' property. Whether a man buys a house or rents it the result is the same so far as accommodating people with houses is concerned.

If the houses are held for sale they cannot be occupied, so that that answer cannot be correct.

The answer is correct. The houses are only held for a reasonable time to see whether there are any buyers, and in every case there is a large number of buyers. If it should appear that there are no buyers, obviously we should let them.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman understand that if the Government are introducing a Bill to deal with the shortage of houses, the Government ought themselves to set an example and not keep the houses vacant looking from buyers as distinct from tenants?

That is as broad as it is long. Houses can only be occupied by a certain number of people, whether they are sold or let. We prefer to sell houses rather than to let them.

asked the Minister of Health whether he approved of the advertisement of the Stapleford Rural District Council for a highway surveyor and sanitary inspector at a salary of £175 per annum inclusive, £50 as highway surveyor and £125 as sanitary inspector; whether he has intimated to the rural district council that in his view a whole-time official should be appointed; if so, whether £125 per annum is held to be an adequate salary for the responsible duties of a sanitary inspector; whether the officer appointed was a member of the Stapleford Rural District Council, and if he holds the qualifications prescribed by the Sanitary Officers Order, 1922; and whether he has sanctioned the appointment?

The advertisement was issued without my knowledge or approval. On learning of it I expressed the view that the two offices combined would at least require the services of one whole-time officer. The Council, however, appointed an unqualified, part-time officer who was a member of the council, and I therefore have declined to approve the appointment.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Brook Fever Hospital at Shooters Hill is about, to be permanently closed; and whether he can state the reason for this course?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I understand that, owing to the reduction in the number of cases of infectious disease in London, further admissions to this hospital are being stopped for the present, but the hospital will be re-opened as soon as it is needed.

asked the Prime Minister whether there is any fund from which some public recognition of the gallantry displayed by the officers and men of the s.s. "Trevessa" could be made?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer to the answer given yesterday by the President of the Board of Trade to the hon. and gallant Member for Battersea South

Is there any way in which publicly, officially, some recognition could be given to these gallant men?

The Board of Trade have power to give recognition, but my right hon. Friend announced yesterday that he thought it advisable to await the Report of the inquiry which he has instituted into the whole question before the Board of Trade takes action.

Assuming that the facts are as we suppose they are, will the Board of Trade take some action in the matter?

asked the Prime Minister whether any instructions have been given to prohibit the holding of no-more-war demonstrations at the end of this month?

I have been asked to reply. If the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars of what he has in mind I shall be obliged. No instructions have been issued by my Department.

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask the Prime Minister whether he would accept an invitation to address one of these demonstrations?

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that practically the whole of the iron ore mines in West Cumberland have been closed down, and that most of the blast furnaces in the same area have been damped down; and whether, seeing that this serious slump in the iron and steel trade is to a large extent attributable to the present position of affairs in the Ruhr Valley and having regard to the fact that this present slump comes after a previous one lasting over two years, any immediate action can be taken by the Government to safeguard the interests of our staple industries?

I have been asked to reply. I am aware that a number of iron ore mines have been recently closed down, and several blast furnaces damped down, on the North West Coast. The situation in the Ruhr is receiving constant attention by the Government, and I understand that the Prime Minister hopes to make a statement on the subject to-morrow.

asked the Minister of Health if he is satisfied with the manner in which the Vaccination Acts are being administered; and, if not, if he is prepared, in view of the present serious epidemic of small-pox, to take steps to enforce rigid compliance with them?

The responsibility for the administration of the Vaccination Acts rests with the Boards of Guardians and their vaccination officers. I am not satisfied that the Acts are being proporly administered in all districts, and am considering what steps can be taken to secure improvement in this respect.

asked the Minister of Health if he will consider the transference of the administration of vaccination to the general sanitary administration under the sanitary authorities?

This question has been under consideration, but I could not undertake to introduce the necessary legislation during the present Session.

asked the Minister of Health the result of his consultation with the Minister of Agriculture with a view to the adoption of the recommendations of the Departmental Committee for the imposition of a legal minimum standard of quality applicable to whole-milk cheese, cream, and milk powder?

I understand that my right hon. Friend is examining the situation with a view to determining whether it is practicable to give effect to the recommendations of the Departmental Committee in regard to whole-milk cheese and cream. As regards milk powder, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on this subject on the 4th instant.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that Florence Hall, detained ostensibly under Section 24 of the Lunacy Act, 1890, in Guildford infirmary, is at present well enough to be employed in the work of that institution; and, having regard to the fact that her sister and brother-in-law have on more than one occasion applied for her discharge and are able and willing to give her every attention and a comfortable home, he will take steps to secure her transference to their care?

I am advised that this patient's mental condition and habits are such as to necessitate constant supervision, and that she is unfit for discharge from institutional care.

Will the right hon. Gentleman have inquiries made into the case, as I am informed that the facts are as I have stated?

I think that the hon. Member put questions to me about this case before. I have had inquiries made, and the result is as I have stated.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has any information relating to the management of the Leicester municipal farm; whether he is aware of the serious financial loss which will have to be borne by the local ratepayers; and whether, in view of the grave charges of neglect and lack of adequate control made against the Farms Committee of the Leicester City Council and the bailiff of the farm, he will immediately appoint a Departmental Committee to inquire into the whole administration of the farm and locate those responsible?

I have no special information on this matter and no power to take the action suggested by the hon. and gallant Member, as the matter is one which is entirely within the control of the town council. I will, however, send a copy of the hon. and gallant Member's question to the local authority and ask for their observations.

I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment at an early date.

asked the Attorney-General if he will give the number of cases in which costs on the County Court scale only were allowed on judgments signed in the High Court during the year 1922?

I am informed that the information asked for is not available.

asked the Attorney-General if he will have included in the Annual Return, Judicial Statistics, High Court of Justice, Proceedings in District Registries, during the year 1923, columns showing, respectively, the number of cases entered which could have been entered in the County Court and the number of cases where, on judgment being signed, costs on the County Court scale were allowed?

The question as to what should be included in the Annual Return of Judicial Statistics has recently formed the subject of a careful inquiry by an expert Committee, who did not recommend that the statistics should afford the information asked for by the hon. Member. The information would be most costly and laborious to collect, and if it were, as the hon. Member suggests, restricted to the case of proceedings in district registries, it would be incomplete and misleading.

asked the Attorney-General whether the provisions of the County Courts Act, 1919, 9 and 10 Geo. V, c. 73, s. 11, are having the effect of causing cases to be entered in the County Court instead of the High Court?

There has been, since the passing of the Act of 1919, a very large increase in the number of cases for larger amounts commenced in the County Court. This increase is due to many causes and it is impossible to say how much is due to the passing of the Ad of 1919.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will explain why, after four years, only four war cemeteries in Palestine out of 34 have been constructionally completed and only about 1,300 headstones erected out of some 12,000; and whether it is possible to have the work accelerated.

Work in Palestine has been delayed owing to the necessity for consultation between Dominion representatives and their Governments on certain proposals for joint commemoration; and also owing to difficulties in settling the designs most suitable to local circumstances. Although there are altogether 34 cemeteries in Syria and Palestine recorded as containing British war graves, some 16 of these contain less than 20 graves each.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that a circular has been issued by the chief area officer for West Ham notifying that, in future, all claims for travelling expenses or subsistence allowance in connection with out-patients' treatment must be lodged in his office monthly or on completion of the hospital card, whichever is the earlier, that no payments in respect of travelling or subsistence allowances will be made on the 4th of July, but as from that date payment in respect of those claims will be made the following week; for example, claims for fares incurred up to Wednesday, the 4th of July, will, after scrutiny, be paid on Wednesday, the 11th of July, and the next claim should be lodged on the first Wednesday in August or when the hospital card has nine attendances marked thereon; whether he is aware that many of the men affected have to travel long distances, frequently at considerable expense, for hospital treatment; whether the circular is issued with his authority and whether it is national or local in character; and if he will consider the advisability of withdrawing it and thus obviate this financial hardship on the men concerned?

The procedure referred to was unauthorised and has now been cancelled. My right hon. Friend is obliged to the hon. Member for calling attention to the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, since the transfer of the coastguard service to the Board of Trade, 201 station officers are employed at £2 19s. per week and 137 at £2 8s. 8d. per week; what is the reason for the difference; and whether he can state how many men in charge of stations draw station officers' pay, and how many do not?

180 Board of Trade coastguard stations are under the charge of station officers, with pay commencing at £2 19s. 5d. a week; and 129 are under senior coastguards, with pay commencing at £2 8s. 8d. a week. The work at the latter stations is not of sufficient importance to justify the appointment of station officers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action his Department has taken, or proposes to take, on the recommendations of the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee regarding the rules for saving life at sea?

The report of the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee on life-saving appliances has been accepted in principle by the Board of Trade. Draft amended rules are now being prepared by the Department, and will be placed before the Committee as soon as they are ready. After the rules are made, and before they come into operation, they will be laid before Parliament, in accordance with the Merchant Shipping Acts.

Does the Noble Lord expect that there will be great delay in placing these rules before the Committee?

I do not think so.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what proportion of airmen are burnt to death in aeroplane accidents as against violent death by defective engines, steering, or frame construction; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure an automatic detachment of petrol tanks and protection from fire in any case of enforced landing?