asked the Minister of Pensions what is the exact present position of the 700 ex-service mental cases for which the Ministry will accept no responsibility, on the grounds that their malady was not attributable to or aggravated by War service; whether any promise was made at any time that these cases would be differently considered, and that they would be taken out of the pauper class and treated on a non-pauper basis; and, if so, what effect has been given to any such project?

The position of these men is the same in all respects as that of civilian patients. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Pensions under what authority his Department intervenes to threaten with loss of allowance the wife of an ex-service man in a mental institution who wishes, as petitioner, to have her husband out, seeing that the right of discharge was secured by Parliament in 1915 to the next-of-kin of an ex-service private patient in cases where the patient cannot be proved to be dangerous and unfit to be at large?

In cases where the responsible relative insists on the removal of a certified patient from an institution against medical advice, it is the practice to warn the relative that in the event of the man's re-admission family treatment allowances may be withheld. This is a reasonabe procedure, which is exercised under Article 6 of the Royal Warrant with the greatest discretion, and solely in the interests of the patient's treatment and prospects of recovery.

Surely the right hon. Gentleman will not say in the case of a patient being permitted out in charge of a relative, in this case the wife, and subsequently has to be re-admitted as a patient, the allowance is stopped in case of the re-admittance?

Not necessarily so. It is obvious that the treatment allowance can only be granted if the patients agree to undergo the treatment which we think necessary for them.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that after the termination of hostilities sorters in the London postal service were invited to compete for a number of vacancies for staff appointments in the Post Office sorter class; whether he is aware that, irrespective of age or of whether a man was married and had a family to provide for, the men were all started on a basis of 30s. a week plus bonus; and whether, considering that a Committee has been set up to inquire into the matter of the Lytton entrants, he will extend the terms of reference so as to include the ex-service men who competed for the appointments in the Post Office?

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will arrange to have the case of ex-service Post Office sorters included in the scope of the Southborough Committee's Inquiry?

It is the fact that a number of temporary sorters were appointed to permanent posts as the result of a limited competition held after the close of the War. Their starting pay was fixed at the rates applicable under the Standing Regulations to entrants 21 years of age and over, namely, 30s. in London and 28s. or 27s. in the provinces, plus bonus. The Southborough Committee was set up to deal only with recommendations made by the Lytton Committee, which did not deal with the starting pay of sorters; however, I have the matter under consideration at the present time.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps at once to get the Government to extend the terms of reference so that these men may be included?

No. That is now being considered departmentally.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many parents' pensions were withdrawn in the North-Western region in the six months ending 30th June, 1923; whether pensions are being terminated on the ground that, having in view the high standard of living in the parents' household at the time of enlistment, the son's contribution to the household was absorbed by the benefits received in exchange; and whether instructions have been issued by the Ministry secretariat that pensions are to be withdrawn if, in the opinion of the inquiry office, the deceased service men were well fed and well housed at the time of enlistment?

Pensions to parents based on pre-War dependence are neither withdrawn nor reduced unless it is clear that the original assessment of the profit derived by the parents from the soldier's contribution has been materially overestimated, and no instructions of the nature suggested in the third part of the question have been issued. The number of these pensions which it was found necessary to withdraw in the North-Western Region during the period mentioned is 27.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the wife of an ex-service man in receipt of a pension can claim her portion of the pension without having a deed of separation; and whether, when a wife is so separated, her portion is paid to the husband or withheld by the Pensions Department?

An allowance in respect of a wife is granted specifically to the pensioner, and is paid to him so long as his wife is living with and being maintained by him in his own home. When a separated wife has not substantiated her claim for maintenance against her husband no allowance is payable, but if it is clear that the husband is liable for the wife's maintenance under a Deed of Separation or a Maintenance Order, have discretionary power to grant an allowance payable direct to her.

In a case where the woman has not a deed of separation and is unable to live with her husband, is her portion still paid to the husband?

If the hon. Member will send me particulars I shall be glad to go into it. I am aware of the difficulty.

I have sent it twice.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the fact that the Naval and Military War Pensions, etc. (Transfer of Powers) Act, 1917, empowers the Special Grants Committee to make Regulations, and that he has no power to issue Regulations under the name of the Special Grants Committee without the approval of the Committee, he will withdraw such Regulations as have been put into operation without the approval of the Special Grants Committee?

The hon. Member has been misinformed. I have issued no new Regulations. The Regulations about to be issued were framed by the Special Grants Committee. They are for the most part a re-enactment of the old Regulations with certain modifications, of which some were proposed by the Committee themselves and the remainder were accepted by them as necessary to secure the approval required of me by Statute.

Have all the Regulations about to be issued by the right hon. Gentleman been approved by the Special Grants Committee and is he able to issue Regulations in the name of the Special Grants Committee when they have not been approved by or have been imposed upon the Committee?

Again I am afraid the hon. Member entirely misunderstands the position. The point is that the Regulations are drawn up, but they are not dependent on the approval of the Committee. The Committee draw them up, but they are dependent on my approval.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider he has a right to publish Regulations not approved by them? I can understand his position that he should have approved the Regulations, but they cannot be regarded as Regulations of the Special Grants Committee unless the Special Grants Committee approve them.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware of the difficulty experienced by many ex-service men of understanding the effect of decisions made by the Pensions Appeal Tribunal; and will he take steps to see that the decisions conveyed to the men are of such a character that when they win their appeal they may be able to understand what the exact effect of the decision is?

I assume that the hon. Member has in mind the misapprehension which has arisen in some cases as to the meaning of a decision by an Assessment Appeal Tribunal which sets aside a final award. I am glad to be able to assure him that steps have already been taken to make the position clear by incorporating an explanatory note in the forms on which these decisions are announced.

I take it, that means that steps will now be taken to make the decisions of the Tribunal plainly understood so that the men may know when they win their appeal what they have won and what the natural effect of the award will be?

It is our object, and the hon. Member's also, to make quite clear the position to the applicant so that there shall be no misunderstanding.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in the event of an appellant who has failed before the final appeals tribunal producing material new evidence which was not put before the tribunal, he will consider the advisability of granting a new hearing and, if necessary, introducing legislation for that purpose?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for West Middlesbrough on the 7th June, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Pensions what was the number of cases for the entitlement appeals tribunal outstanding in each region on the 30th June, 1923; and what is the number that have been outstanding more than three months?

As the reply contains a number of figures I am circulating it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following are the figures: Region. Appeals in hand at 30th June, 1923. Appeals in hand for over 3 months. Scotland 417 93 Northern 289 58 North Western 1,007 276 Yorkshire 551 147 Wales 394 108 West Midland 763 134 East Midland 225 59 South Western 522 136 London 1,716 424 Ulster 356 269 Ireland (South) 448 316 The large majority of these cases were in the hands of the tribunal.

also asked the Minister of Pensions what is the number of Article 9 appeals that have been outstanding over two months; and how many appeals under this Article of the Royal Warrant were received in the six months ending 30th June, 1923?

The numbers are 1,153 and 16,969 respectively.

asked the Minister of Pensions what number of cases were dealt with before the final tribunals in 1921 and 1922 for entitlement and assessment, respectively, and the number of successful cases in each year?

The number of appeals on entitlement decided by the tribunal during 1921 was 43,750, of which 11,500 were allowed. The comparative figures for 1922 are 37,350 and 9,950. The assessment tribunals, which did not commence work until June, 1922, decided 13,023 appeals up to the end of that year. Of these the assessment was increased in 2,500 cases, and lowered in 23. The final award was set aside in 2,500 cases and the appeal disallowed in 8,000 cases.

asked the Minister of Pensions if his attention has been called to cases of maladies affecting ex-service men which have been admitted by two or more medical boards under his Department, but yet rejected by the Ministry headquarters to whom they were subsequently referred, whose duty it is to appeal against awards thus given in favour of the men; and how many cases, approximately, are there where the considered judgment of two medical boards has been upset by reference to the Ministry in London?

Cases of entitlement are referred to headquarters from the region only where they present special features of difficulty. In no case is entitlement cancelled on medical grounds whether in the region or at the headquarters of the Ministry except upon the advice of a medical board (usually with a specialist on it) which has seen and examined the man.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether an ex-service man in receipt of a pension of £2 per week for the loss of both legs amputated above the knee is entitled to an additional sum for constant attendance allowance; and, if so, what amount and upon what conditions?

In a case of this nature the man would be eligible for a constant attendance allowance if the effects of his disablement are such as to make it necessary that he should have regular assistance from another person. Each case is considered in this light, and the amount of any allowance granted varies, within the maximum of 20s. a week, with the amount of attendance required.

In the case of a man who lost both legs in the War and has since married, is he entitled to the allowance on the ground that his wife is taking the place of the attendant who would otherwise have to be paid?

If the wife takes the place of the attendant, she can draw the amount, but the amount of the allowance depends on the extent of the man's loss through disability.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think a man who has lost both legs must in all cases require assistance, and should he not have the grant as a matter of course?

Is it not a fact that in all cases where a man's disability is complete on account of the loss of both legs he gets full attendance allowance?

I understand that is so. I am going into the point and trying to have a change and make grants on a more permanent basis if possible.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think the fact that a man has lost both legs means that he must require assistance?

I think that is already quite clear.

In the case of a man who lost both legs in 1917 and has not received constant attendance allowance, is he not entitled to it?

If the hon. Member sends me the case he will be helping me.

asked the Minister of Pensions what progress has been made with the preparation of the medical records of the War; what sum has been expended on these records up to 30th June, 1923; when it is anticipated that the record will be completed; and what will be the total cost of the same?

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the records of admissions to and discharges from ambulances, hospitals or clearing stations during service. These medical records have now been sorted and indexed in one register, but as the work was commenced by the War Office and completed by the statistical division of my Department as part of their general duties, I regret I am not in a position to state the cost without very considerable investigation.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether any instructions, oral or written, have been issued to medical officers in the whole-time employ of the Ministry when serving on resurvey or final award boards that they should carefully examine the casis of entitlement, and if there be any doubt refer the case to medical assessors with a special memorandum; whether, as a result of these instructions, a number of pensioners have had the entitlement altered from due to to aggravated by service; what is the number of cases where the entitlement has been changed during the two years ending 30th June, 1923; and in how many of these cases where the entitlement has been changed to aggravated by has the pension ceased on the grounds that aggravation has passed away?

In view of the importance of correctly determining the liability of the State in respect of compensation it has been necessary for the Ministry to satisfy itself as regards entitlement in all cases. Special Boards (not Resurvey Boards) are directed to satisfy themselves finally as to the correctness of entitlement because these Boards are concerned with the fixing of a final award. Review of entitlement may result in a change of entitlement in favour of the man as well as the reverse. Thus in a recent fortnight's work I find that there were 66 cases in which entitlement was changed to the advantage of the man from aggravation to attributability as compared with 45 cases in which the change was in the converse direction. In every such case the man has the right of appeal to the independent Appeal Tribunal. The records of my Department do not enable me to give the full figures asked for in the last part of the question, but they show that during the two years referred to, entitlement was corrected on the advice of medical advisers from attributability to aggravation in 18,000 cases, or 1 per cent. only of all the cases dealt with in the two years.

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the number of medical referees in the part-time employment of the Ministry; what is the number who have been superseded as the result of setting up clinics under the control of whole-time officers of the Ministry; what saving has been effected in the money disbursed as treatment allowances to men on home treatment and unable to follow any employment as the result of setting up the clinics; and what is the cost of the clinics under the control of the Ministry?

The number of part-time medical officers engaged in the work of medical examination and certification is 1,627, but a large number of these officers are employed as examining medical officers at clinics. I am unable to supply the information asked for in the second and third parts of the question. The estimated cost of clinics under the control of the Ministry for the present financial year is £193,000.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be able to give the information if I repeat the question later?

No. I do not think it is possible to decide what decision would have been given by people if they had occupied a position which they do not occupy. We cannot say what would happen in circumstances which have not occurred.

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the total number of pensioners receiving treatment for War neurosis and other shell shock conditions; and whether he is satisfied with the provision made in the different regions for the treatment of pensioners suffering from shell shock and/or neurasthenia?

The number of patients at present receiving treatment under my Department for War neurosis is about 6,900. The whole question of the treatment of this very difficult condition is kept constantly under review by my medical advisers. Full provision is made for the most modern treatment. I am glad to say that our accommodation is ample and we have no waiting list.

asked the Minister of Pensions if, when a pensioner is ordered by the Ministry's medical officers to get home treatment from his panel doctor which necessitates complete cessation from his ordinary occupation, he will in such a case grant full treatment allowance?

Treatment allowances are payable in all cases where a medical officer of the Ministry certifies that the nature of the course of treatment is such as to prevent the man from providing for his own support and that of his family.

Are we to understand that in the event of a pensioner being certified by his own medical officer that he requires home treatment, he will receive treatment allowance Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are cases where men in that position are receiving no allowance?

No. That is not the answer that I gave. The answer I gave was that where it is certified by the medical officer of the Ministry that the nature of the treatment is such as to prevent the man from providing for his own support and the support of his family, treatment allowance would then be paid.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that home treatment given by a panel doctor in many cases necessitates rest from work, and therefore there is no support for the family, and he is given no allowance?

If our medical officer certifies to that effect, he gets the treatment allowance.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many pension awards, other than those for actual disablement, have now been made permanent; whether there are any awards of over eight years' standing still subject to revision; and whether finality of fixation can at least be reached in those cases?

I am not quite clear what the hon. Member means by the term "actual disablement," but I may inform him that permanent awards of pension have been made in approximately 33,500 cases of disease and 120,500 cases of wounds and injuries. I am not aware that there is any case of eight years' standing still on conditional pension, but if there be such it probably is because the man is progressively growing worse, and it would be contrary to his interest to make a final award. It is the practice to consider every case with a view to a final award not later than four years after the first award of pension, and only those which are found to be unsuitable for a final award are still subject to revision.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give us any sort of idea as to what percentage the figures bear to the whole number of cases before him for review?

The number of pensioners is something under 800,000. The hon. and gallant Member can work it out. It is our policy to push on with final awards, but some of the final awards are being set aside by the tribunal owing to men appealing against our giving final awards.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has further considered the question of transferring the Yorkshire regional office from Leeds to Newcastle; whether, in view of the volume of work in the Yorkshire region, he will postpone the amalgamation for 12 months; whether, in the event of the transfer taking place, the travelling expenses of the permanent civil servants employed in the Yorkshire region, plus the cost of removal of furniture, etc., will be borne by the Ministry; and, if so, will the same privilege be extended to such officers of the temporary staff as may be transferred to Newcastle from Leeds?

I have given this matter the most careful consideration, and I regret that I do not see my way to accept the hon. Member's suggestion to defer the amalgamation. The removal expenses of the permanent staff and those members of the temporary staff whose special qualifications make their services essential at Newcastle-on-Tyne, will be borne by the Ministry. I should not be justified in agreeing that the removal expenses should be paid by the State in the case of staff whose transfer to another part of the Ministry is an alternative to discharge.

How soon does my right hon. Friend propose to carry out this change?

I cannot say the exact date, but in the autumn, I understand.

Before he does so, I hope he will consider any representations which may be made from the locality.

I shall be most happy to consider any representations.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider it fair to pay the expenses of, say, an officer like General Kelley, £175 a year and £1,000 service pension, and yet these poor temporary men have to pay their own expenses?

If it is considered essential in the public service that anyone should be moved, their expenses would be paid. I have dealt with the point several times.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether in the Registry at Ministry headquarters there are 13 supervisory officers and 86 clerks; and will he explain why it is necessary to have one supervisor for seven clerks?

The number of higher officers in the Central Registry has been reduced from 13 to 12. Of these, two are the chief clerk and his deputy, whose duties involve the general supervision of the other Registries throughout the Ministry, in addition to the control of the Central Registry. The duties of the remainder are not confined solely to supervision, but involve the performance of superior clerical duties also.

asked the Minister of Pensions what sum has been or will be paid in travelling expenses and subsistence allowances for the regional directors who have attended recent conferences in this House; and why the estimate for travelling expenses, headquarters staff, has been increased from £4,500 in the year 1922–23 to £7,000 for the year 1923–24?

The amount paid as travelling expenses and subsistence allowance, in respect of the regional directors' attendance at the conference on the 16th May last, was £7 10s. 11d. No additional expenses for travelling and subsistence was incurred in respect of the conference on the 3rd instant, as this conference was arranged for a date on which the regional directors would be at Ministry headquarters in connection with other matters, and their return was not delayed in consequence of their attendance at the conference. The increase in the estimate, referred to in the last part of the question, arises from the transfer from regional to headquarters expenditure of the travelling expenses of certain staff. I may point out that the provision for regional travelling expenses has been reduced from £33,000 to £27,000.

asked the Minister of Pensions what items are included under incidental expenses, B1, of the Ministry Vote; and what is the reason for the increase in the sum estimated under this heading for Ministry headquarters from £17,200 in the year 1922–23 to £82,000 for the year 1923–24?

As the answer is a long one, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is there any short explanation that can be given of the increase from £17,000 to £82,000 on this item?

I think the hon. Member had better see the reply in full.

Following is the answer:

The items for which provision is made under "incidental expenses" include, inter alia, fees to registrars of births and deaths, charges for carriage of stationery, advertisements ( e.g., publication of arrangements for the making of final awards), and payments to agents abroad for work in connection with the payment and administration of pensions of pensioners resident without Great Britain, the greater part of the provision being in respect of the latter item. The increase from £17,200 to £82,000 arises mainly in respect of these payments to agents abroad, it having become necessary to provide a large additional sum under this heading in respect of services rendered by the Post Office of the Irish Free State and a further large additional sum in respect of commission payments to other agents. A small amount was provided in this respect for the year 1922–23 in view of the delay which was being experiened in obtaining and clearing the accounts of agents abroad, but measures having been taken to expedite the rendering and clearance of such accounts, it became necessary to provide a much larger sum for the year 1923–24.

asked the Minister of Pensions what surgical or medical duties are performed by the seven principal medical officers attached to Ministry headquarters with salaries ranging from £1,300 to £1,800 a year; and whether any and, if so, how many of the 21 deputy commissioners of medical services with salaries of £725 to £1,125 a year are engaged on administrative duties?

There are now only six principal medical officers at the headquarters of the Ministry as it has been found possible to amalgamate two sections of the work and terminate the appointment of one of these officers. The duties of five of these officers and of nine of the 21 deputy commissioners at headquarters, though in general of an administrative character, are such as could only be carried out by medical men, including, as they do, the provision of treatment, control of medical staff, organisation of medical boards, provision and inspection of hospital accommodation and equipment, and many other duties calling for specialised medical knowledge. The other principal medical officer and the remaining 12 deputy commissioners at headquarters are not employed on administrative work, but are advising medically upon cases presenting special difficulty.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer which Minister is responsible for the Disposal Board; if that body is still operating; if the Treasury consent is necessary for their transactions or any of them; and if any account has been furnished to the Treasury of the properties, stores, etc., and their value handed over to the Disposal Board by the various Government Departments?

The Disposal Board ceased to exist on the 31st March last, the work previously done by that Board being thereafter carried out by the Disposal and Liquidation Commission direct. The Commission is still in operation and carries out its work under the general supervision of the Treasury, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer and myself being the responsible Ministers. As regards the last part of my hon. Friend's question, the Disposal and Liquidation Commission have a complete list of all the property under their charge, though it will be realised that as these stores and properties were scattered all over the world and were in various stages of wear and tear, it was impossible for Departments to furnish the Treasury with their value at the time of handing over, or the original cost of each item. In addition, their realised values are shown in Command Papers presented to Parliament annually, the accounts of the Department are audited by the Comptroller and Auditor-General and questions connected with them come under the annual scrutiny of the Public Accounts Committee.

Will that apply to real property buildings and other things of that kind, the value of which can be ascertained?

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to publish a detailed report with regard to the disposal of the munition factories which this Board had under its control?

I gave an undertaking about a fortnight ago that I would, personally, go into the whole question. I have not had time to do so—as hon. Members know, the Finance Bill was not out of the way until last week— but that undertaking stands, and I will go into the question as soon as I possibly can.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how recently there was an examination of the staffing at Cornwall House; what was the total staff of all grades employed at the British Clearing Office for Enemy Debts on 1st July, 1922, and on 1st July, 1923; what was the total expense borne by British claimants in respect of the work of the British Clearing Office for Enemy Debts for the 12 months ending 1st July, 1923; and when it is proposed to reduce the cost upon British claimants by means of a further reduction of staff?

The staff of the Clearing Office is under constant review. This staff, which includes the Departments for the administration of Austrian, Bulgarian and Hungarian property and the accredited representatives in Berlin, Vienna and Budapest and their respective staffs, has been reduced in the year ending 1st July, 1923, from 1,174 to 981. The cost of the staff in this period was approximately £246,000, to which must be added rent payable to the Office of Works and other expenses, bringing the total cost for the year to approximately £290,000. No effort will be spared to effect substantial further staff reductions within the present financial year, but my hon. Friend will appreciate that it would be very injurious to the interests of British creditors to reduce the staff below what is necessary for the efficient and prompt discharge of their work.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases of burglary occurred in Sheffield during 1921 and 1922, respectively; and will he also give the number in respect of which no arrests were made?

I am informed that in 1921 there were 23 burglaries recorded and no persons charged in respect of 19 of them, and in 1922 41 burglaries and no persons charged in respect of 36; but that three of the persons arrested in 1922 were undoubtedly responsible for nearly all the burglaries committed.

asked the Home Secretary why Marks Greenberg, a Russian, who was sentenced to three months' imprisonment, with hard labour, for stealing clothes on 16th May at Old Street Police Court, and who had been previously recommended three times for deportation, was not deported?

Before an alien can be deported it is necessary to establish the country to which he belongs, as I cannot send an alien compulsorily to any country of which he is not recognised as a national. In the case of Marks Greenberg it has so far proved impracticable, in spite of repeated efforts, to establish his nationality. Fresh efforts are being made during the man's present sentence.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the fact that listeners-in in the London area are to be asked to take part in an arranged crime in which descriptions of the fugitives will be broadcast with the object of ascertaining whether the public can identify them; and whether, in view of the possibility of the public nuisance created by such methods, he will consider the desirability of permitting such an innovation?

So far as I can judge at present there is no ground for apprehending serious public mischief from the competitions in question.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that certain licensing authorities have lately called on licensed holders and asked them to disclose their turnovers and profits; and whether he will inquire into the matter?

No, Sir: I have no knowledge of any facts which could form the basis of an inquiry on my part.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the sentence of two years' imprisonment passed by the presiding judge at Winchester Assizes recently upon Albert Davies, a private soldier, who was charged with masquerading in public dressed as a woman; and, in view of the fact that Davies was returning from a fancy dress ball, for which he had a pass from his commanding officer, whether he will look into this case with a view of recommending a remission of this sentence?

The offence of which Davies was convicted was not that of masquerading as a woman, but one of a much more serious character. I have no reason to suppose the sentence was excessive.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that on the day that this heavy sentence was passed on a private soldier, a colonel from Wolverhampton, who stole £12,000, was sentenced to nine months in the second division How can he explain the disparity in these sentences?

I do not see what bearing one case has upon the other.

asked the Home Secretary when the Report of the Chief Inspector of Factories for 1922 will be published?

I cannot specify the precise date, which depends largely on the printers, but I am advised, after consultation with the Stationery Office, that it should be possible to publish the Report before the end of this month.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that it is now July, 1923, and that the Report for 1922 has not been published yet?

I quite realise that, but it is a very long Report and takes a long time to compile. I will do my best to have it printed earlier another year.

Prior to the War did it not come out earlier Is it not possible to have the Report printed at an earlier date?

I will inquire. I agree that it ought to be possible to print it earlier.

Will the right hon. Gentleman postpone his salary until next year?

asked the Home Secretary how many factories and workshops have not been visited by one of His Majesty's factory inspectors for more than a year; and how many for more than two years?

The figures for 1922 were in the case of factories 34,666 and 9,009; in the case of workshops 75,474 and 33,357.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that English women police are to be sent to Cologne to look after and assist German women and girls; and if such proposal has his approval, and where the money is to be found and by whom?

I have no information on this subject apart from what I have gathered from the Press. The individuals referred to are not members of the Metropolitan Women Police.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a number of people will not be able to take their annual holidays until after the middle of September; and whether, in view of the desirability of them obtaining as much daylight as possible for their recreation, he will extend the Summer Time Act to the 7th October instead of the 16th September?

I have no power to do what is suggested. The period of Summer Time is fixed by Statute, and could only be altered by legislation.

Could not the right hon. Gentleman introduce a small Measure to extend the time?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman is aware of the difficulties.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is yet in a position to make any statement with regard to the responsibility and control of the air arm of the Royal Navy?

No, Sir; my right hon. Friend is not yet in a position to make any statement.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a fortnight ago to-day the Prime Minister said that he would be able to answer the question in a week or two? When may the question be repeated so as to secure an answer?

I will inform the Prime Minister.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that this question will be answered before the Recess?

Obviously I cannot answer that.

Has not the Prime Minister indicated that the consent of this House would be required before any definite change is made?

asked the Prime Minister whether any communications have been received from the Government of the United States of America or from the Government of Japan on the subject of the projected naval dockyard at Singapore?

The answer is in the negative.

Were the American Government or the Japanese Government informed at the Washington Conference of our intention to establish this dockyard?

asked the Prime Minister whether the promised Increase of Pension Bill for pre-War pensioners and pensioners of the Royal Irish Constabulary who retired prior to 1st April, 1919, will be introduced before the Adjournment of the House; and, if not, whether, in view of the necessitous condition of these men, he will make the Bill retrospective?

As has already been announced, there is not time to introduce this Bill before the autumn, when my right hon. Friend will consider the possibility of providing for its taking effect as originally intended from the 1st instant, so that the delay in its introduction may not penalise the beneficiaries.

Do I understand that the Bill will deal with the pre-War pensioners of the Royal Irish Constabulary as well as other old pensioners?

That is the question to which I have just read the answer.

Is it not the fact that these Royal Irish Constabulary are to be included in the Pre-War Pensions (Increase) Bill?

Can we have an assurance that these men will be included?

I think that the answer which I have given is quite plain, but if my right hon. Friend has any doubt about it, he could put down a question and the Prime Minister could make it clearer.

May I point out that the question does not ask whether the Royal Irish Constabulary are included, but that it assumes that they are?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Prime Minister answered this question the other day, and said that they would be retrospective from the 1st of July?

I have read out the answer which was given from the Prime Minister, and I do not see how it can have more than one meaning.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the widespread interest taken in the Pre-War Pensions (Increase) Bill, to be introduced by the Government during the Autumn Session, he can give any indication of the scope of the Measure; whether its provisions will extend to pensioners who do not in present circumstances come within the range of the Pre-War Pensions (Increase) Act; and can he say whether the limitation of 60 years of age will be removed.

I think it will be more convenient that this matter should be discussed as a whole when the Bill is introduced, and I hope my hon. Friend will concur in this view.

When is the Bill to be introduced?

I think and hope about the second or third day after the House reassembles.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the strong feeling prevailing in the self-governing Dominions, other than Canada, that the privilege extended to Canada of importing store cattle into this country should be extended to the other Dominions; whether the Government has under consideration the possibility of extending this concession; and whether the subject is to be included in the agenda of the Imperial Economic Conference?

I have been asked to reply, and would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on the 10th inst. to a similar question addressed to me by the hon. Member for Central Bradford.

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking steps to secure the counsel of agricultural experts in this and other matters coming before his Department?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has drawn the attention of the Postmaster-General and of the railway companies to the remarks in the Report of Lord Linlithgow's Committee with regard to telephones at rural railway stations; and, if so, if he will state with what result?

I have been in communication with the Postmaster-General's Department, and understand that the subject referred to was under discussion as recently as last month between that Department and representatives of the railway companies. The hon. and gallant Member may rest assured that the matter shall receive the fullest consideration.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has been in consultation with the Departments concerned with a view to implementing the recommendations of Lord Linlithgow's Committee to the effect that loans should be available for associations of growers desirous of erecting capital works, establishing co-operative auctions, marts, or other similar enterprises; and, if so, will he inform the House of the result of these consultations?

I am in communication with various representative bodies with a view to discussing the lines on which assistance can best be given, but I am not yet in a position to make any statement.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what was the average price of fat and store cattle for the months of January, February, March, April, and May in 1922, and the average prices for the same cattle during these months in 1923?

As the reply is in the form of a statistical statement, I propose, with the concurrence of my hon. and gallant Friend, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the statement: THE AVERAGE PRICES of first quality fat and store cattle (Shorthorns) at the markets in England and Wales at which statistics of prices are obtained in each month from January to May, 1922 and 1923, respectively, were as follows:— Fat Cattle. Store Cattle. Month. 1922. 1923. Yearlings. Two-year-olds. Three-year-olds. 1922. 1923. 1922. 1923. 1922. 1923. per stone.* per stone.* per head. per head. per head. per head. per head. per head. s. d. s. d. £ s. £ s. £ s. £ s. £ s. £ s. January … … 14 9 14 3 14 2 13 16 21 1 20 16 26 11 25 18 February … … 14 10 14 4 † 13 14 † 20 11 † 26 15 March … … 14 10 14 0 † 13 14 † 20 5 † 25 19 April … … 15 2 13 11 14 12 14 5 21 13 20 13 29 2 26 0 May … … 15 11 14 2 15 2 14 16 22 13 21 8 30 0 26 16 * Per stone (14 lbs.) estimated dressed carcase weight. † Markets for store stock were closed during the greater part of February and March, 1922 owing to foot-and-mouth disease restrictions.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that the Hampshire branch of the National Farmers' Union passed a resolution calling attention to the injustice of owners of shooting land taking advantage of the Rating Acts, which allow agricultural land, distinct from buildings, an allowance of 50 per cent. on its rateable value, and that 12 months ago a test case, which was brought by a man who sought to have the rates in his shooting included in this reduction, was successful; and if he will take action in the matter?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on the 10th May to the hon. Member for West Fulham (Sir C. Cobb) in reply to a similar question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will appoint a Select Committee to advise and report as to what, if any, further disciplinary action might with advantage be taken against Members who have been suspended on more than one occasion, in view of the fact that, under the existing procedure, a suspended Member enjoys not only freedom from attendance at the House, but also full salary during the term of his suspension?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which the Prime Minister gave on Monday last in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Peckham.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the case of Members who neglect their duties by never coming here at all, and could not we have payment by results in this House? [ Laughter. ]

Where is the joke?

Would the hon. and gallant Gentleman allow me to be the judge of results?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government can give any promise or assurance that the work for which the Welsh Church (Temporalities) Commission was appointed shall be completed by the time that the four years' extension will have expired?

I have been asked to reply. The Government are not in a position to give any promise or assurance of this nature, but the question of the continuance of the Commissioners will be taken into consideration at the proper time.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has detailed the. British representatives for the Assembly of the League of Nations; if so, who are they; whether it is proposed to send a woman representative; and whether the parties in this House other than that supporting the Government will be invited to nominate a representative or representatives?

My right hon. Friend is not yet in a position to make any announcement on this subject.

Is it intended to appoint these representatives just a few hours before they have to leave for the Conference, or are they to be given time to study the very complicated matters that are to come up this year?

I cannot add to the answer which I have given.

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect to be in a position to state when these very important delegates will be appointed?

I will convey that question to the Prime Minister. I cannot add to the answer.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the resentment shown by dock workers towards any further reduction in their standard of living and the grave social consequences involved when men engaged in an industry lose hope of improving their conditions, he will appoint a Select Committee to inquire into the conditions of labour prevailing in the ports of the United Kingdom, with special reference to the reorganisation and control which may be necessary to abolish or reduce the amount of casual labour and to provide a reasonable standard of living for those engaged in this vital national industry?

As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, certain recommendations with regard to the points to which he, refers were made by the Court of Inquiry presided over by Lord Shaw, and have since been the subject of discussion between the employers' and workers' organisations in the industry. I understand the position taken up by the employers is that they are prepared to consider the matter in relation to the general problem of dealing with unemployment in industry. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour will not lose sight of the matter, but I do not think the appointment of a Select Committee would assist towards the solution of the problem.

In view of the difficulty of the case, does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that this matter should be expedited, and that if necessary legislation should be introduced for the purpose of compelling employers to remove that difficulty?

asked the Home Secretary if he can now say if the tribunal set up under the Restoration of Order Ireland (Indemnity) Act, 1923, has yet started work; and, if so, how many claims for compensation have come before it?

I have been asked to reply. No meeting of the tribunal has yet been held. Notice has been given of a preliminary meeting on the 20th of this month, at which it is intended to consider and announce the procedure of the tribunal. It follows that no claims for compensation have yet come before it.

Is the period which has passed from the passing of the Act till the preliminary meeting of the Committee to count as time during which claims are eligible for presentation?

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that certain of these men are now out of work and on the poor-rates?

I have no information concerning the last supplementary question. To the first supplementary question, the answer is that the time for lodging claims depends upon the passing of the Act. I think the period was three months after the passing of the Act. The question of when the tribunal meets to consider claims, of course, does not affect that time at all. Once the claim is lodged the applicant is protected, even if the claim is not heard until much later.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that these men are not protected if out of work, and that the weeks are passing by before they can lodge their claims?

I do not realise anything of the kind. The question of whether or not the claim is barred depends on whether or not the claim is lodged within three months after the passing of the Act. Any claim that is lodged now, or may have been lodged at any time since the passing of the Act, is a claim which will be considered, so long as it is lodged within three months of the passing of the Act.

Is any provision made to support these people while they are waiting for the tribunal to deal with their cases?

No; I do not know of any provision to support men waiting to have their cases considered.

They have to go to the guardians, I suppose?

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that many of these persons who were deported and may be considering making applications have been waiting until they knew that the Committee was actually set up, which was only a matter of a fortnight ago, and that it depends on the first sitting to fix the procedure when the claims may be heard?

I am not aware of that, but the Committee has been set up already and its constitution has been announced. If they are waiting until the preliminary meeting, they will have ample time before the three months period elapses, as from the beginning of June.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that when an execution takes place in Pentonville prison, which is in the vicinity of a London County Council school, notices are posted upon the gates of the prison both before and after the execution, and that children on their way to school wait about hearing the subject of the notices discussed by adults; and whether, to obviate this undesirable state of things, he will consider some other method of notifying the public that a death penalty is about to be imposed, and subsequently that it has been paid?

The matter has been frequently considered and I do not see my way to modifying the existing Regulations on the subject.

Is the difficulty one of law or of administration In the latter case cannot the right hon. Gentleman establish a more humane method?

The thing has been considered more than once and it is very difficult to alter the Regulations. Obviously this is a matter which would become known to the public through the Press, apart from any other notice.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that it is not merely notification in the Press, but that children in the vicinity of that place have the matter brought to their notice, which is not desirable?

Is the Home Office under no legal obligation to post the notice?

I am not quite sure, but I will ascertain.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Lowestoft Bench decided on Monday 2nd July that the parents summoned by the local education authority for the non-attendance of their children at certain public elementary schools provided by the local education authority had a reasonable excuse for not sending their children to those schools upon the evidence given to the Court as to the qualifications and characters of teachers appointed to the schools concerned; and what action the Board propose to take, having regard to the inability of the local education authority to enforce its attendance by-laws owing to its failure to maintain an adequate and suitable staff of teachers?

I am aware of the circumstances referred to in the first part of the question. On the 17th May the Board drew the attention of the authority to the provisions of Articles 10 and 27 of the Code, which require the provision of a suitable staff of teachers in each school and in the area as a whole, and expressed their doubt whether the selection of teachers had been so made as to afford a reasonable prospect that the school staffs would in all cases prove suitable. The Board will, in due course, satisfy themselves by inspection of the schools whether they are justified in paying grant without deduction, and in the meantime they are taking steps to inform themselves as to the working of the schools.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the action of the Lowestoft Education Authority in dismissing their established teachers because of their refusal to assent to a breach of the national agreement as to the Burnham scale of salaries, which agreement has been ratified by the authority; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to uphold the sanctity of such agreements?

I am well aware of the situation which has arisen in Lowestoft, and have been doing my best to promote a settlement of the dispute. As I have repeatedly stated, the position of the Board is that they will recognise for the calculation of grant the expenditure incurred by local education authorities in paying salaries in accordance with the appropriate Burnham scales, but the payment of such salaries is not a condition of the Board's grant. It is a condition of the Board's grant that the efficiency of the schools should be maintained.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the success of the air pageant at Hendon, he will consider the advisability of giving similar exhibitions on a modified scale in big industrial centres, especially in those areas from which he expects to recruit men for the Territorial Air Force?

There have been various difficulties in the way of giving exhibitions such as my hon. Friend suggests, but the question of sending a flight of machines round the industrial centres which are thought to be the most suitable is being considered.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also arrange for some dummy attacks to be made on the big industrial centres, just to bring home to the people what they are to get in the next war?

I must ask for notice of that question.