asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will give the length of the railway which is now being built departmentally in West Africa; whether complete surveys have been made for the entire line and, if so, by whom; what is the estimated cost per mile for completing the line; what is the nature of the country to be traversed; and what is the estimated total number of cubic yards in the earthworks which will, according to anticipation, be required?

Railways are being built departmentally in Nigeria and the Gold Coast. In Nigeria the work falls into two main divisions, i.e., from Enugu to Kakuri, 426 miles estimated to cost £13,405 per mile and from Kagoro to Bukuru, approximately 48 miles, estimated to cost £10,870 per mile. The line from Enugu to Kakuri has been completely surveyed and located, subject to a further examination of sections of a total length of 61 miles through very difficult country where an attempt is being made to find a less costly and difficult route.

The line from Kagoro to Bukuru has been roughly surveyed. The Survey work is performed by experienced officers engaged specially for this purpose. The country to be traversed is very difficult. In the first 47 miles from Enugu there are 18 bridges and many culverts. In the Mada hills cuts of 50 feet will be required through solid rock. The line rises from 361 feet above sea level at the Benue River to 4,283 feet at Bukuru. Information as to the total number of cubic yards of earthworks required is not available, but for the first 49 miles from Enugu the total was 1,013,500. Approval has recently been given for the construction of a railway in the Gold Coast about 100 miles long from Huni Valley to Kade in the Central Province. The route has not been completely surveyed, but a general topographical survey of the country has been made by the staff of the Gold Coast Railway Survey Department and a reconnaissance survey of the greater part of the route has been made by an officer of the Gold Coast Railway Department. The country is largely covered by dense forests and, as the line has to cross the waterways, very cheap construction cannot be expected. The line is estimated to cost £11,380 per mile, but this is necessarily an approximate estimate. No information is available as to the amount of excavation required.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies the estimated and the actual cost per mile of the Busoga Railway, in Uganda; what is the gauge of the line; whether the track is fully ballasted throughout; what is the length of the line; and who were the contractors?

The original estimate was £180,000 for a line 54 miles long, or £3,333 per mile. It was found necessary to build a longer line than had been expected, and the revised estimate was £170,000 for a line of 62 miles, or £2,742 per mile. The cost was kept down to this figure of £170,000 which was found to admit of a larger provision for buildings than had first been contemplated. I do not know to what extent the line was completely ballasted, but I have no reason to suppose that the ballasting was inadequate for its purpose. The gauge is one metre, as for the Uganda Railway itself. Construction was departmental, under the supervision of the general manager and chief engineer of the Uganda railway, and the officer in charge of the local work was Mr. Gailey, then of the Uganda railway.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the estimated and the actual cost per mile of the Nairobi-Thika Railway in Kenya; what is the gauge of the line; whether the track is fully ballasted throughout; what is the length of the line; and who were the contractors?

The estimated cost of the Nairobi-Thika Railway (31 miles) was £60,000. This was subsequently revised at £62,770 for a distance of 31½ miles and the actual cost was £62,063, or 1,970 a mile. I regret that I do not know to what extent the line was completely ballasted, but I have no reason to suppose that the ballasting was inadequate for its purpose. The line is of metre gauge, and it was constructed by the Public Works Department of Kenya and not by contract.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any, and, if so, how many natives are settled on land in Southern Rhodesia outside the area of the native reserves; what area is so occupied; and whether the native settlers have made any claim to the ownership of the land on which they are settled?

Natives have always been allowed to live on the un-alienated lands outside the reserves, subject to the payment of a small rent, but I could not give the figures asked for without reference to Rhodesia. A few natives also own land individually. The question of the ownership of the un-alienated lands was settled by the judgment of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in 1918.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what proportion the Revenue derived from the export duties upon native produce in Nigeria and the Gold Coast has borne to the total revenue of those two dependencies since those duties were first imposed?

Export duties on produce was first imposed in Nigeria and the Gold Coast in Octbober, 1916. Since then the proportion of the revenue from export duties to the total revenue is as follows: (1) Nigeria. Percentage. 1916 1.5 1917 9.7 1918 12.2 1919 13.4 1920 12.4 1921–22 13.3 1922–23 (11 months only) 15.2 (2) Gold Coast. Percentage. 1916 1.7 1917 13 1918 10 1919 16 1920 15 1921–22 26

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it has been decided to reduce the number of district commissioners in the Island of Cyprus; and, if so, for what reason?

In view of the necessity of economy in the expenses of the administration of Cyprus, the High Commissioner had proposed to reduce the number of district commissioners in Cyprus by one, by amalgamating the district of Kyrenia with Nicosia. But, in response to the urgent representations of the Greek inhabitants, including the mayors of the three municipalities affected, who spoke feelingly of the fate to which their towns and their own authority would be reduced in the absence of a resident British Commissioner, the High Commissioner decided to abandon the proposal.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies by what power the dynamos are being driven as used by the Rutenburg Company in Palestine?

I understand that the power is oil fuel. The use of water-power has not yet started.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been called to a resolution in reference to ex-service men in mental hospitals who have been transferred In the pauper class, passed by the Association of Poor Law Unions and Parishes of London and Greater London, to the effect that, having regard to the fact that these men were accepted for military service, and to the extreme dubiety as to whether or not their mental condition is attributable to, or aggravated by, such service, the ex-service men who have been so transferred should be restored to their previous status; and whether, in view of the representative character of the association, he will reconsider the whole question of the treatment of these men, and take steps immediately to remove them all from the care of the Poor Law?

I have seen the resolution referred to. As I have already informed the hon. Member, I am not prepared to accept the suggestion that my Department should be responsible for ex-service men whose disabilities are not connected with their War service.

asked the Minister of Pensions what will be the cost of the Officers' Friend Branch at the Ministry headquarters for the current financial year; and whether, as there is an officers' friend attached to each region, it is necessary to retain this branch?

I would refer the hon. Member to page 27 of the Estimates for Civil Services (Class VI), where the estimated cost is shown as £3,576. The officers' friends attached to the regions are not able entirely to cover the whole field of the work and supplementation is, therefore, necessary in the shape of an Officers' Friend Branch at headquarters. I can assure the hon. Member that I am keeping the necessity for continuing the branch at headquarters under review, and it will be maintained no longer than is necessary.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the estimated cost of the awards division at the Ministry headquarters for the current year is £169,693; what class of awards is dealt with in this division; whether this division makes the awards for the London region; and when it is proposed to decentralise all awards to the regions?

The total of £169,693, mentioned in the hon. Member's question, includes a sum of £79,500 for the staff employed in connexion with all questions of pension to officers and their dependants and a sum of £50,500 in respect of staff employed on foreign and Colonial cases the Central Index, etc. The remainder is the cost of the headquarters awards staff, whose functions comprise the general supervision and inspection of awards work and the determining of difficult questions submitted to headquarters from the regions. I am not prepared to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion that this division should be at once abolished, but I am glad to note his interest in administrative economy and reduction of staff. Men's awards are dealt with in the London region as in the other regions.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, seeing that in the secretariat there is a secretary, two principal assistant secretaries, two assistant secretaries, one deputy-assistant secretary, six principals, five assistant principals, two staff officers, five section heads, and five higher grade clerks supervising 23 permanent and seven temporary clerks, he will consider a reduction in the number of the higher grade staff in this section, and submit to the Treasury that the economy thus effected would enable the Special Grants Committee to continue the sickness grants to widows and children, and at the same time reduce the annual charge for the Ministry?

As I informed the late hon. Member for Morpeth (Mr. Cairns) on the 19th and 26th April last in replies to which I would refer the hon. Member, the functions of the secretariat are the direction of policy under the Minister and the general supervision and control of the Ministry machine, namely, the control of the methods of work and the organisation of nearly 23,000 persons in numerous offices and institutions throughout Great Britain and Ireland. The hon. Member will readily recognise that there is a relatively small proportion of work in this office which is appropriate to subordinate staff, and while I am glad to think that I can rely on his support in the efforts which I am continually making to reduce the costs of administration by terminating the employment of surplus staff and in other possible ways, I regret that I do not see my way at present to make any reduction in the higher posts in the office in question.

asked the Minister of Pensions if the temporary salaried officials in the Ministry of Pensions receive the same treatment as permanent officials in respect of annual and sick leave; if they receive the same remuneration for similar work; and, if not, will he give the reasons?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the negative. The annual and sick leave privileges of the permanent officials are governed by Order in Council or other Regulations applicable to the Civil Service generally, and their scales of pay are ordinarily arranged to provide for the grant of annual increments over a long period of years. The rates of pay and other conditions of service of temporary officials are adapted to the temporary nature of their employment.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the economies effected by the closing of the stamp office at Southampton, he will state how the estimate is made up in detail, and also give the additional cost to the Post Office of the work it transacts in connection with all transferred stamp business, both at Southampton and at headquarters in London?

The information asked for in the first part of the question is as follows: Salaries £777 Office Rent £65

With regard to the second part of the question the work referred to is performed by the Post Office officials in conjunction with their other duties, and no part of the cost of Post Office services is specifically attributable thereto.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been drawn to the position of those men who were employed in the Royal Ordnance Department, Dublin; whether he is aware that with the birth of the Free State all these men were discharged, although they had been guaranteed employment until they reached the age of 60; and whether, in view of the fact that they cannot get similar employment in Ireland, and that if they had been kept in their employment until the specified age they would have received much greater gratuities, he will consider the possibility of granting them further assistance in view of the special circumstances?

I have been asked to reply. I think the hon. Member is under a misapprehension. The War Department had not guaranteed these men employment until the age of 60, and they were liable to be discharged whenever their services were no longer required. In point, of fact, however, as many as possible of them, including all the pre-War regularly employed men, have been given the option of transfer to other depots in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. I regret that the remainder have necessarily been discharged, as no further work was available for them. The discharged men have received the gratuities to which they were entitled by their terms of service in accordance with Section 4 of the Superannuation Act of 1887, and, whilst I have every sympathy with their position, I regret that the War Office have no power to grant them further assistance.

asked the Minister of Pensions what institutions there are in Scotland for the treatment of neurasthenia; whether facilities are available for occupational training; and how many men have been discharged from the institutions cured?

Treatment for neurasthenia is provided at Edenhall and Craigleith—at both institutions there are facilities for occupational training. The results of the treatment show that on discharge about 10 per cent. of the patients have recovered, while about 60 per cent. have materially improved.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many pensions are in issue in the city of Glasgow; and what is the cost of pension administration in that city?

I regret that the form in which the records of the Ministry are kept do not enable me to furnish the information desired by the hon. Member in respect of particular localities such as the City of Glasgow without very considerable research.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of pensioners in receipt of a pension of 50 per cent. or over on the 31st March, 1919; and the number of pensioners in receipt of a pension of 50 per cent. or over on the 31st March, 1923, for loss of vision, for loss of limbs, for loss of hearing, for gunshot wounds, for tuberculosis, and for diseases other than tuberculosis, respectively?

The answer to the first part of the question is 252,000. In March, 1923, approximately 160,800 awards of 50 per cent. or over were in payment as follows: Eye disabilities 6,600 Injury to limbs (including amputations) 58,000 Other wounds and injuries 22,800 Ear disabilities 2,800 Tuberculosis 30,300 Other diseases 40,300

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty on what date the device known as the string of mines was brought before the notice of his Department; and if he will give the name of the person responsible for the introduction of this device?

Electric contact mines (to which I understand the question to relate) has been used by the Admiralty years before the War. Their reintroduction during the War for use with nets was due to the late Admiral of the Fleet Sir A. K. Wilson, who designed special devices in connection with them. Orders for manufacture in quantities were given in April, 1915.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War the cost per student-officer per annum at the Staff College in 1914 and at the present time?

The hon. and gallant Member will find full information for the present year on pages 44 and 45 of the current Army Estimates, but I regret that similar information for 1914 is not available, as the Cost Accounting system was not then in existence.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War the number of seconded officers on or attached to the headquarters staff at Aldershot in June, 1914, on the eve of the War, and the number at the present time, and the total number of troops at Aldershot in June, 1914, and now?

The total numbers of troops in question are in 1914 20,000, now 19,000. The number of seconded officers belonging to the headquarters staff is seven in each year. Generally speaking, however, officers in the higher ranks are not in a strict sense seconded, and if the hon. and gallant Member wishes to know the number of officers employed on duty at command headquarters, they are in 1914, 24, now 30. The additional officers are: Chief Signal Officer. Assistant Chief Signal Officer. Assistant Director of Hygiene. Assistant Director of Pathology. Deputy Assistant Director of Ordnance Stores. Command Accountant. Command Ordnance Officer.

On the other hand the appointment of Staff Officer, Royal Artillery, has been abolished.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War, whether, in view of the precedent set up by the immediate publication of the Report of the Geddes Committee on Economy, he will consider the publication of those parts of the Report of Lord Weir's Committee on Establishments which relate to the possibility of effecting economies in administration, in view of the very great importance attached to such recommendations?

I would refer to the replies already given during the last few days. The Report, which is dated 8th May, was rendered to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and was forwarded to the War Office by the Treasury on 23rd June. Its recommendations are under consideration by the Army Council at the present moment, but in view of their variety I am not yet in a position to state which of them will be adopted. I regret I cannot agree that the publication of the Report of the Committee on National Expenditure constitutes a precedent which is applicable in the present case. The Government must adhere to their decision not to publish the Report, which contains information on questions of national security, the disclosure of which would be detrimental to the public interest.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War the number of fighting troops to-day, i.e., cavalry, artillery, engineers, infantry and tanks, and the corresponding figures in June, 1914; and the numbers of the administrative, i.e., Army Service Corps, Medical Corps, Dental Corps, Ordnance Corps, Pay Corps, Corps of Accountants and Educational Corps for both periods?

The following are the numbers of fighting troops, officers and other ranks, exclusive of India and Aden, on 1st June, 1923, of the arms shown, and the corresponding figures in June, 1914: Arm. 1st June, 1914. 1st June, 1923. Cavalry (including Household Cavalry) 14,228 7,986 Artillery 31,295 22,615 Engineers 10,034 7,424 Infantry (including Foot Guards) 87,125 69,657 Tanks — 3,996

The following are the numbers of administrative troops, officers and other ranks, exclusive of India and Aden, on 1st June, 1923, of the arms shown, and the corresponding figures in June, 1914. Reductions are to be anticipated in these figures in the course of the year, especially on the withdrawal of certain Royal Army Service Corps personnel at present in Constantinople and Northern Ireland: Arm. 1st June, 1914. 1st June, 1923. Royal Army Service Corps 6,391 8,512 Royal Army Medical Corps 4,490 4,326 Army Dental Corps — 148 Royal Army Ordnance Corps 2,364 3,705 Royal Army Pay Corps 579 738 Corps of Military Accountants — 834 Army Educational Corps — 325

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, with reference to the contract for preserved corned beef for the Army which was placed with Messrs. Armour and Company, he can state how many Dominion firms were invited to tender; and from how many Dominion firms tenders were received?

Tenders were invited from, amongst others, 24 British firms who between them represent 31 Dominion packers. Forms of tender were also sent to the High Commissioners of the Dominions for issue to suitable firms who were not already included on the Department's list. The response of Dominion packers to the invitations to tender was, however, disappointing, only three offers being received from them.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the salaries paid for the civilian education staff of the Royal Air Force; the number of grades employed in the respective grades; and, if any, how many are employed or stationed in Scotland?

The grades, numbers and salaries of the education officers are as follow: Educational Adviser—1 at £1,200. Assistant Educational Adviser—1 at £750–30–£900. Professor of Aeronautical Science—1 at £900–50–£1,100. Professor of English—1 at £750–25–£950. Education Officer, Grade I—3 at £750–30–£900. Education Officer, Grade II—9 at £600–20–£700. Education Officer, Grade III—36 at £275–15–£395––20–£550. Education Officer, Grade IV–7 at £200–15–£450.

Bonus is not paid. No Education Officers are serving in Scotland.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can state the most recent estimate of the Air Force strength of Italy, Belgium, Germany, and America?

As regards Italy, Germany, and the United States of America, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies which I gave on the 3rd May and the 5th July last to the hon. Member for Bethnal Green (Mr. Harris) and the hon. and gallant Member for Greenock (Sir G. Collins) respectively. As regards Belgium, the answer is: number of personnel, 155 officers, of whom 72 are pilots or observers; and 2,213 other ranks, of whom 67 are pilots or observers; number of machines, exclusive of reserve, training, and headquarters machines, 153.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that of the eight elementary schools in Ramsgate six are non-provided; that not one of these six has adequate floor space, adequate sun or light, or adequate playing ground; that three are surrounded by tenement property, with all the consequent noise; that one is adjacent to a building yard, the noise from which makes teaching impossible; that in three the sun never shines in; that all the buildings are badly heated; that on many occasions last winter, when the teachers arrived in the morning, the temperature was as low as 42 degrees; that to get some of the rooms to the necessary temperature it was necessary to keep all the windows shut till noon; that in one building the children cannot read because of the light, and instead of the ordinary text books they have had to be provided with letters 2½ inches high to prevent permanent eye trouble; that in one infants' department, until recently, the only drinking water for 200 children was in a flask with a small cup to drink from; that one of the playgrounds is on such a steep incline that the children have been forbidden to play on it; that the classes in these schools average from 50 to 60 pupils, and more in some cases; and that the attention of the Ramsgate Education Committee has been repeatedly called to these conditions without effect; and whether he will make inquiries into the facts with a view to representations being made to the local authority?

I am aware that the conditions in these schools leave a great deal to be desired, though, on my present information, I am unable to accept all the statements in the question. I am making further inquiry into the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Treasury have agreed to grant a sum of money in order to provide for the provision of additional special schools in the country?

I may refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on 9th July to a question from the hon. Member for Blackpool (Major Molloy).

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in consequence of the suspension of the teachers' certificate examination for this year, he will extend the period of temporary certification of teachers (Art. 48 ( e )) who, having failed to obtain their degree are now denied the only alternative means of qualifying?

I am not sure that I quite understand what is the difficulty referred to in the question. Persons who have been trained in a University Training Department, and have failed to obtain their certificate at the end of their course because they have failed to obtain a degree, may subsequently qualify for a certificate either by passing their degree examination or by passing the Board's final examination for the certificate. Neither of these means of qualifying will be affected by the suspension of the certificate examination for acting teachers.

asked the President of the Board of Education why the Board of Education has been trying to force the Lowestoft education authority to dismiss a number of their newly appointed teachers on the ground that they have little experience, due to the fact that these men were serving in the Army or Navy during the War; and if he will reconsider this decision and, if necessary, give them further training to enable them to have the necessary qualifications?

The Board have not pressed the authority to dismiss the particular teachers referred to, but have called their attention to the difficulty of the task which they have undertaken. The authority are faced with the problem of providing for all their schools simultaneously an almost completely new staff, and the circumstance that a large number of the assistant teachers have had no previous experience requires a specially careful selection of the head and the other assistant teachers engaged. It is indeed in the interests of the inexperienced teachers, if they are to do justice to themselves and the schools, that the other members of the staff should be qualified by attain- ments and experience to make up for their lack of experience. The teachers referred to have already passed through a training college course and no question, therefore, arises of providing a further course of training for them.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury (1) if he will issue a Return showing as at the 31st March, 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922 and 1923, respectively, the external debt of this country (in continuation of Parliamentary Paper, Cmd. 1648, of Session 1922);

(2) the amount of the debt of this country as at 31st March, 1923, distinguishing between the internal debt, fixed and floating, and the internal debt?

The approximate figures for 1923 were given on Table IV of the Financial Statement, 1923–24. As this statement is now included in the Financial Statement it is not proposed to incur the expense of continuing the separate Return.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the cause of the increases in the cost of other Consolidated Fund services in 1922–23 and in the Estimates for 1923–24 as compared with earlier years?

The increases in the cost of other Consolidated Fund services for 1922–23 and 1923–24, as compared with 1920–21 and 1921–22, are due practically entirely to the amount of interest payable by the Exchequer to the National Debt Commissioners on advances to the Unemployment Insurance Fund under the Unemployment Acts, 1921 and 1922. These payments are counterbalanced by receipts from the fund included under Miscellaneous Revenue.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether it is anticipated that the abnormal expenditure on the Mint during 1922–23 and 1923–24 is likely to continue during 1924–25?

I am afraid that I cannot anticipate next year's Estimates.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will have figures compiled estimating what would be the cost of granting old age pensions at the existing age on the scale in the Motion standing in the name of the right hon. Member for Camberwell? That, as an immediate reform, there shall be substituted for the First Schedule to the Old Age Pensions Act, 1919, the following scale of means of claimant or pensioner, namely: Where the yearly means of the claimant or pensioner as calculated under the Old Age Pensions Act, 1908, 1911, and 1919— Rate of pension per week. s. Do not exceed £52 10 Exceed— £52 but do not exceed £54 12s. 9 £54 12s. but do not exceed £57 4s. 8 £57 4s. but do not exceed £59 16s. 7 £59 16s. but do not exceed £62 8s. 6 £62 8s. but do not exceed £65 5 £65 but do not exceed £67 12s. 4 £67 12s. but do not exceed £70 4s. 3 £70 4s. but do not exceed £72 16s. 2 £72 16s. but do not exceed £75 8s. 1 £75 8s. but do not exceed No pension." —[ Dr. Macnamara. ]

The estimated population over 70 years of age in Great Britain exceeds 1,400,000 of which 860,000 are in receipt of old age pensions. There are no means of estimating closely how many of the remainder have means exceeding £52, but not exceeding £75 8s. yearly. But every 100,000 pensioners added by the proposed scale would cost the taxpayers from £2 to 2½ millions per annum.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that collectors of Income Tax frequently make application for payment of Income Tax from persons whose assessments have been discharged; whether there is any system of notifying collectors when assessments are discharged; and, if not, whether he will direct inquiries as to formulating a system which will obviate such applications being made?

A system for the regular and prompt notification to collectors of taxes of all discharges from assessments is in existence, and if in any particular case an application for payment has been made after an assessment has been discharged, it can only be due to a mistake. If my hon. Friend has any such case in mind and will be good enough to furnish me with the necessary particulars, I will gladly have the matter investigated, and communicate to him the result.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the statement of the Commissioner of Assize at Chelmsford, in sentencing a man to six months' hard labour for indecently assaulting a girl of nine years, that in his opinion the law does not provide adequate punishment in such cases; and, in view of the inadequacy of the punishment in this and similar cases, will he introduce a Bill to increase the limit of imprisonment?

Indecent assault on any female is punishable with imprisonment up to two years with hard labour. I see no reason for increasing this. If the assault amounts to a felony a term of penal servitude may be imposed.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to Mr. William Robinson, M.B.E., who retired from the police service after 45 years' service, being then senior superintendent of the Metropolitan Police; is he aware that he is receiving a pension at the pre-police-strike rate; and can he recommend that this officer receives full pension?

Mr. Robinson was granted the full pension to which he was entitled, and I regret there is no power to grant him any increase.

asked the Home Secretary whether any decision has been arrived at with regard to the pensions of police constables who retired before September, 1919, and constables and sergeants of the Royal Irish Constabulary pensioned under the Act of 1883, who have received no increase in their pensions; and whether the Government proposes to introduce an amending Act during the present Session?

If, as I presume is the case, my hon. Friend refers to the increase of pensions under the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920, I would refer him to the reply given by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to the hon. Member for Belfast South (Mr. Moles) on the 28th June.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the frequent loss of eyesight by engine-drivers and stokers; and will he consider the advisability of inserting a Clause to compensate such cases in the Employers' Liability Act?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to his previous question on this subject on the 21st June; and, as regards the first part of the question, to the statement made by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport in the reply which he gave on the 26th June to a question asked by the hon. Member for Dumfries (Dr. Chapple).

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that at the inquest held on Roland Duck, after his execution at Pentonville Prison last week, a severe wound was found on his head and a considerable quantity of congealed blood was attached to his hair; whether the coroner has made a report to him as to how this injury was sustained; and whether the man's father and mother, who attended the inquest, have asked the Home Office to order an inquiry as to the cause of this injury?

Reports received from the prison showed that when the body was taken down there was no mark on the head, but when the body was being washed, after removal to the mortuary and post-mortem examination of the neck by the medical officer, a bruise was noticed on the forehead. The body had slipped while being placed on the mortuary table and the head had struck the slab. The medical officer called the coroner's attention to the bruise. The coroner's inquisition was sent to me. He made no report, but I have now seen his notes, which show that the jury was satisfied that the bruise was caused after the execution. Before the inquest ended, the father said he was satisfied, but both parents have written since expressing dissatisfaction. They will be informed that I find no ground for further inquiry.

asked the Secretary for Mines the amount of money received by mineral royalty owners in the County of Durham, between the years 1914 and 1923, for coal royalties, and the numbers of such persons; and whether, since local rates are not paid on these royalties, he will introduce legislation to compel royalty owners to contribute to the local rates?

Information is not available in regard to royalties in Durham prior to July, 1917. The total amount paid during the period 1st July, 1917, to 30th April, 1923, is approximately £5,458,000. From the 1st April, 1921, the rental value of freehold minerals worked by the proprietor is included. As regards the last part of the question. I understand from my right hon. Friend the Minister for Health that rates in England at present are in respect of beneficial occupation, and not ownership, are levied on occupiers and not on owners, and that no alteration of the general law in its application to the rating of coal royalties is in contemplation.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he will give a statement showing the combatant strength in comparative tables of all units of all arms of the Army in India, both British and Indian, in 1913, and the correspond- ing figures when the sanctioned reductions as now contemplated have been carried out; and what troops are allotted to each province when the Field Army is mobilised?

— 1913. Present. If reductions are carried out. British Troops. Indian Troops. British Troops. Indian Troops. British Troops. Indian Troops. Fighting Services, Army:— Cavalry … … … 6,169 24,156 5,094 10,962 3,894 10,962 Infantry and Pioneers … 54,465 115,056 48,335 108,567 42,835 102,871 Artillery … … 15,205 10,139 11,446 13,902 10,645 13,902 Sappers and Miners … 198 4,734 350 7,875 345 7,780 Signals … … … 207 352 2,196 3,311 2,196 3,311 Tank Corps … … — — 1,265 — 1,265 — Air Force … … — — 1,859 2 1,859 2

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that the provisions of Section 79 of the Lunacy Act, in regard to the right of friends, as distinct from relatives, to apply for the discharge of patients, are rendered nugatory by concealment of that right, he will see that the recommendation of the Cobbe Committee as to the posting up of that section in the waiting rooms of asylums is carried out, and that, similarly, the provisions of Section 22 of the Lunacy Act shall be posted up in infirmaries in such a way as to acquaint friends and relatives with their rights under the said section?

As regards Section 79 I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Pontypool (Mr. Griffiths) on the 12th March last. As regards Section 22 I doubt if any advantage would be secured by such action as is suggested.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Board of Control has yet completed its inquiry into the number of private patients who have been seen by no magistrate, and in the absence of any prejudicial certificate have not been served by the manager of the private asylum with any notice of their right of appeal; what means have been, or will be, devised to ascertain with certitude whether a document of such legal importance has been served or not; and, in the event of its being discovered that the inmate has been defrauded of this right, what disciplinary measures will be taken?

The figures are given below. As regards the last part of the question my hon. and gallant Friend must be aware that the allotment of troops on mobilisation is secret.

The hon. Member has already been supplied with the result of the inquiry which was made by the Board of Control in regard to this matter. That inquiry shows that in only a very few institutions have the requirements of Section 8 not been fully adhered to. In these cases the Board have warned the authorities concerned and have received from them assurances that in future the requirements of the Statute will be strictly observed.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state, for the year 1913–14, and for the last three financial years, the aggregate contributions made either from Parliamentary Votes or from the rates for the services of antenatal clinics, maternity homes, infant welfare centres, the feeding of necessitous children, the supply of milk to mothers and infants and to school children, special schools, and school medical service?

No figures are available as regards maternity and child welfare services in respect of 1913–14, the year ended 31st March, 1915, being the first year in respect of which Exchequer grant was paid on these services. The total grant paid in respect of that year was £41,466 of which £33,358 was paid to local authorities (an equal amount being contributed from the rates) and £8,108 to voluntary agencies. No details are available as to the allocation of those sums between the various services. The information desired as regards the last three financial years in respect of

Service. 1919–20 expenditure met by— 1920–21 expenditure met by— 1921–22 expenditure met by— Contributions from Parliamentary Votes. Contributions from Rates.* Contributions from Parliamentary Votes. Contributions from Rates.* Contributions from Parliamentary Votes. Contributions from Rates.* £ £ £ £ £ £ Medical supervision generally (including attendance at Centres, &c) 24,134 24,134 38,047 38,047 57,296 57,296 Ante-Natal Clinics and Infant Welfare Centres— ( a ) Local Authorities (excluding medical attendance). 66,189 66,189 81,084 81,084 77,404 77,404 ( b ) Voluntary Agencies.† 51,116 — 57,294 — 51,772 — Maternity Homes and Hospitals and Infant Hospitals— ( a ) Local Authorities. 69,026 69,026 101,174 101,174 104,680 104,680 ( b ) Voluntary Agencies.† 73,463 — 94,424 — 81,695 — Milk and Food for Expectant and Nursing Mothers and children under 5 years of age. 81,824 81,824 183,619 183,619 157,330 157,330 *Not including expenditure, of comparatively insignificant amount, in respect of which grant is not available. † Contributions of Local Authorities towards the work of Voluntary Agencies, of which half is met out of the rates and half by way of Exchequer Grant, are included in the amounts entered against the Local Authorities.

As regards school children, the following information has been obtained from the Board of Education:— The total net cost, met by Parliamentary Votes and the rates, of the School Medical Service and the Provision of Meals to school children is as follows (the figures for 1922–23 are estimates made by Local Education Authorities):— Year. School Medical Service. Provision of Meals. £ £ 1913–14 … … 325,735 … … 142,857 1919–20 … … 885,695 … … 153,866 1920–21 … … 1,330,182 … … 251,751 1921–22 … … 1,370,919 … … 943,353 1922–23 … … 1,279,562 … … 357,413 As regards Special Schools, only the gross cost of this Service can be given for the years 1913–14 and 1919–20. The amounts are as follows:— £ 1913–14 … … 491,469 1919–20 … … 1,045,084 The net cost, met from Parliamentary Votes and from the rates for the years 1920–21, 1921–22 and 1922–23 is:— £ 1920–21 … … 1,293,891 1921–22 … … 1,445,425 1922–23 … … 1,431,809 (estimates).

which detailed information is available is set out in the following table. It is not possible to separate the figures further.

the Minister of Health whether he will authorise local authorities to issue ice as well as milk to poor mothers during hot summer weather, with instructions how to employ it in keeping children's milk and other food fresh?

No, Sir, my hon. Friend's suggestion does not appear to the Minister to be a practicable one.

asked the Minister of Health if he will supply particulars of the cases of small-pox and deaths from that disease in Rio de Janeiro during each of the last 10 years for which the figures are available?

The following are the particulars required by the hon. Member: Year. Cases. Deaths. 1913 625 118 1914 5,192 1,230 1915 826 258 1916 449 121 1917 1,530 418 1918 (Not available) 222 1919 (Not available) 305 1920 324* 99 1921 187* 49 1922 327† 117 * 4 weeks missing. † 3 weeks missing.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport when it is expected that the new portion of the Great Western Road avoiding Brentford and Hounslow will be completed and opened to the public; whether any portion of this new road is open for through traffic; what is the reason that such slow progress has been made with the section between Kew Bridge and Syon Lane; and will he consider the advisability of speeding up this portion of the work in view in the increasing congestion of traffic in the narrow streets of Brentford?

The portion of the new Great West Road lying between Syon Lane and Lampton—a distance of 1¾ miles—has been open to traffic since the spring. From Lampton to the Bath Road is nearly completed and will, I hope, be available for use in the early autumn. The rest of the road should be completed within 12 months save a short length at the Kew Bridge end, which will be unavoidably delayed owing to the difficulty of re-housing the tenants who will be displaced by the destruction of property.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether, in view of the great importance of the London transport problem and also of the fact that the Minister has already addressed a group of Members connected with the Government side, he will consider meeting London members of the Labour party and London Labour Members connected with the London County Council in order to explain to them the exact proposals he is putting forward with reference to this question?

As I have already explained, I hope to be in a position to make a statement to the House before the Recess. At the request of a group of Members interested in London traffic problems I recently met them to discuss the proposals contained in the evidence given on behalf of the Ministry before the Royal Commission on London Government and fully set out in the published Report. I shall be happy to meet the London Labour Members in the same way if a similar request is made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what was the amount, in value, of the total imports into the United Kingdom for the three months ending 31st May, 1923; and what was the total value of imports into the United Kingdom for the three months ending 31st May, 1922;

(2) what was the total value of the exports from the United Kingdom for the three months ending 31st May, 1923; and what was the total value of the exports from the United Kingdom for the three months ending 31st May, 1922;

(3) what was the value of British exports from the United Kingdom for the three months ended 31st May, 1923; and what was the value of the same exports for the three months ended 31st December, 1922?

The values of imports into and exports and re-exports from the United Kingdom registered during the three months ended 31st May, 1923, and during the period of 1922 were as follow: March-May, 1922. 1923. £ £ Total Imports 257,228,265 265,918,239 Exports: United Kingdom Produce and Manufactures 173,133,795 195,346,656 Foreign and Colonial Merchandise 28,318,285 33,287,568 During April and May, 1923, the imports and exports are inclusive of trade

— June, 1919. June, 1920. June, 1923. per cwt. per cwt. per cwt. Frozen beef— s. d. s. d. s. d. Fores … … … … 81 8 74 8 30 6 Hinds … … … … 119 0 112 0 53 8 Chilled Beef— Fores … … … … not quoted 32 1 Hinds … … … … 65 11

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can state the nature, quantities, and values of the exports of cocoa, palm oil, palm kernels, cotton, ground nuts, timber, and piassava

between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, on the one hand, and the Irish Free State on the other, but exclusive of the direct imports into and exports from ports of the Irish Free State in trade with countries outside the British Isles. For the remainder of the periods covered by the above statement, the figures relate to the trade of Great Britain and Ireland with the rest of the world. The value of the exports of United Kingdom produce and manufactures from the United Kingdom during the last three months of 1922 was £185,772,659.

asked the President of the Board of Trade [ on Wednesday, 11th July ] what are the present wholesale prices taken by his Departmental index in respect of Argentine frozen beef and Argentine chilled beef, and what were the prices taken in 1919 and 1920 for these two commodities, respectively?

furnished the following particulars:

For the purposes of the Board of Trade index number of wholesale prices, the London prices of Argentine chilled and frozen beef given in the Agricultural Market Report of the Ministry of Agriculture are used. The calculations of the present series of index numbers have not been extended to cover the year 1919. The following are the averages of the quotations on Wednesdays during June, as given in the Market Report:

from the Gold Coast and Nigeria, respectively, from 1900 to 1913, inclusive, and in 1920, 1921, and 1922?

The statistics for which the hon. Member has asked are given in the following tables: NIGERIA.—EXPORTS OF CERTAIN ARTICLES FOR THE YEARS 1900–1913 AND 1920–1922, INCLUSIVE. Year. Cocoa.§ Palm Oil.§ Palm Kernels.§ Cotton.§ Lint. Seed. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Cwt. £ Cwt. £ Tons. £ Cwt. £ Tons. £ 1900 … 4,042 8,622 910,160 681,296 85,624 833,630 215 453 — — 1901 … 4,113 8,181 1,135,320 813,479 114,046 948,010 68 154 — — 1902 … 6,141 11,206 1,283,340 957,637 132,556 1,274,487 110 150 — — 1903 … 5,626 10,358 1,085,140 847,955 131,898 1,094,349 2,586 7,111 — — 1904 … 10,620 18,873 1,158,940 929,170 139,788 1,278,394 10,254 14,831 431 1,134 1905 … 9,405 16,922 1,011,240 857,849 108,822 1,090,055 12,300 15,867 712 3,598 1906 … 14,464 27,054 1,145,200 1,001,647 113,347 1,193,939 24,070 41,562 3,087 9,534 1907 … 18,654 47,840 1,309,460 1,313,960 133,630 1,658,292 36,514 97,042 4,650 10,938 1908 … 27,327 50,587 1,309,200 1,154,933 136,558 1,424,595 20,485 53,316 2,496 6,059 1909 … 44,814 71,916 1,642,600 1,447,163 158,849 1,815,967 44,937 103,270 4,802 11,405 1910 … 58,636 101,150 1,537,000 1,742,234 172,997 2,450,814 22,128 78,478 2,177 5,472 1911 … 88,114 164,664 1,586,739 1,696,875 176,390 2,574,405 19,984 66,935 1,908 4,577 1912 … 67,801 130,542 1,539,883 1,654,933 184,625 2,797,411 39,043 102,932 4,058 10,030 1913 … 72,428 157,480 1,661,780 1,854,384 174,718 3,109,818 56,796 159,223 5,887 14,431 1920 … 343,100 1,237,538 1,697,120 4,677,445 207,010 5,717,981 65,147 716,733 403 55,594 1921 … 358,888 435,860 1,055,420 1,655,914 153,354 2,831,688 114,426 369,290 8,579 43,245 1922‡ … 625,440 870,529 1,752,200 2,676,241 178,723 2,809,655 58,942 271,088 2,409 10,408 ‡ Subject to slight revision. § Goods in transit from Port Novo included up to the year 1904.

NIGERIA.—EXPORTS OF CERTAIN ARTICLES FOR THE YEARS 1900–1913 AND 1920–1922, INCLUSIVE— continued. Year. Ground Nuts.§ Timber. Piassava. Mahogany.§ Ebony. Other Kinds. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Tons. £ Logs. £ Tons. £ Supl. Feet £ Tons. £ 1900 … 5,990 3704 13,250 58,374 — 1,992 9,307,628 7,013† — 2,922* 1901 … 209 1,202 4,540 12,216 — 6,493 128,622 11,229† — 3,192* 1902 … 322 1,919 12,059 33,292 — 3,696 164,630 13,235† — 2,877* 1903 … 468 2,732 15,785 56,167 — 3,822 460,446 32,028† — 3,226* 1904 … 788 5,086 — 25,851 — 1,310 — 59,133† — 3,678* 1905 … 790 6,959 — 46,094 403 1,242 — 2,384† — 4,052* 1906 … 1,661 13,486 15,734 56,942 375 791 — — — 3,210* 1907 … 1,936 17,529 17,237 62,834 323 1,048 — — — 3,070* 1908 … 1,654 14,871 22,303 77,053 199 812 — — — 5,638* 1909 … 1,615 14,503 12,744 46,372 281 1,239 — 71† — 6,168* 1910 … 995 8,733 15,198 60,191 51 167 — 217 319 3,915 1911 … 1,180 10,377 13,675 55,575 75 206 — 39 400 5,110 1912 … 2,518 18,930 15,565 78,007 37 103 — 11 331 4,292 1913 … 19,288 174,716 19,152 105,440 120 609 — 5 227 2,800 1920 … 45,409 1,119,688 9,776 139,726 15 119 — 1,640 160 3,165 1921 … 50,979 1,111,822 8,546 118,905 Nil. Nil. — 349 279 4,826 1922‡ … 23,890 480,992 11,953 172,031 32 331 — 2,668 324 5,023 * Returned as "fibre." † Returned as "lumber (native timber)." ‡ Subject to slight revision. § Goods in transit from Port Novo included up to the year 1904

GOLD COAST.—EXPORTS.—( a ) 1900–1913; ( b )1920–1922. Year. Cocoa. Palm Oil. Palm Kernels. Cotton (Raw). Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Cwts. £ Gals. £ Tons. £ Lbs. £ 1900 10,721 27,281 4,238,685 238,812 12,811 96,936 20,850 946 1901 19,603 42,837 3,146,390 178,174 12,844 89,794 2,672 33 1902 47,923 94,944 4,227,655 235,211 16,977 132,059 — — 1903 45,578 86,250 2,589,591 145,896 13,194 105,272 10,443 171 1904 102,245 200,024 2,236,730 128,752 10,967 86,586 57,661 434 1905 101,854 186,809 1,598,272 88,359 9,781 76,625 29,124 516 1906 179,505 336,269 2,143,118 125,008 9,355 80,834 92,886 1,022 1907 187,111 515,089 1,867,945 119,468 9,753 101,822 56,088 966 1908 254,874 540,821 2,255,371 129,535 8,956 77,821 51,480 1,171 1909 404,264 755,347 2,007,296 120,978 11,598 112,425 31,290 790 1910 452,616 866,571 2,044,868 161,388 14,182 185,058 11,421 263 1911 794,530 1,613,468 1,610,209 128,916 13,254 179,891 9,701 238 1912 772,933 1,642,733 1,444,432 112,885 14,628 205,364 20,395 505 1913 1,011,071 2,489,218 860,155 65,652 9,744 159,128 27,497 688 1920 2,495,460 10,056,298 947,612 114,084 7,664 222,468 25,394 1,309 1921 2,663,900 4,764,067 67,448 7,717 1,651 30,820 19,068 755 1922 3,186,100 5,840,743 210,364 20,010 3,155 46,449 5,994 200

GOLD COAST.—EXPORTS.—( a ) 1900–1913; ( b )1920–1922— continued. Year. Ground Nuts. Timber. Piassava. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Lbs. £ S. Feet £ Lbs. £ 1900 … … — — 7,443,987 67,747 — — 1901 … … — — 6,886,065 55,299 — — 1902 … … — — 2,228,618 21,896 — — 1903 … … — — 7,385,984 48,853 — — 1902 … … 1,332 7 16,012,560 54,295 — — 1905 … … — — 8,363,362 84,428 — — 1906 … … 22,949 99 7,807,151 80,018 — — 1907 … … 440,555 1,816 18,528,348 169,458 — — 1908 … … 43,259 152 19,010,493 158,312 — — 1909 … … 2,660 11 9,838,959 82,937 — — 1910 … … 2,912 12 14,933,749 148,122 — — 1911 … … 90 4 13,975,106 138,836 — — 1912 … … 5 10 s. 6 d. 23,573,891 228,748 — — 1913 … … 3,062 21 37,392,100 366,097 — — 1920 … … — — 21,628,624 342,795 711 20 1921 … … — — 1,389,123 206,512 — — 1922 … … 28,320 400 2,477,929 254,384 408 12

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give the figures of the quantity of each of the commodities subject to full and preferential rates of duty imported from foreign countries and British possessions, respectively, during the years 1913 and 1922?

I will have the figures circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT as soon as they are ready.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total amount to date of the advances under the Credit Facilities Act; and what balance still remains available?

I presume that my hon. Friend refers to the Export Credits Scheme.

£ The total amount of advances made and bills guaranteed under the Export Credits Scheme is 5,566,521 Of this total, advances have been repaid or guarantees cancelled to the amount of 2,464,947 leaving still outstanding 3,101,574 In addition, credits have been sanctioned and not yet taken up to the amount of 10,244,745 Thus, the amount actually in use or earmarked is 13,346,319 out of the £26,000,000 authorised by Parliament, leaving a balance available of 12,653,681

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been directed to the difficulties experienced by British merchants shipping goods to South and East Africa as the result of the present system of rate charging by the conference lines; and whether, seeing that the present freight adjustment method operates to the disadvantage of British exporters, who are handicapped in quoting prices by not knowing in advance what the actual freight payable on any consignment may be, any efforts have been made to rectify this handicap to British trade?

I have not received any complaints with regard to the rates referred to. But if my hon. Friend will send me particulars of the difficulties he has in mind, my Department will go into the matter with the conference lines.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can hold out prospects of an early settlement of the claims for payment in sterling put forward by British shareholders in the Szent Lorincz Slatina Nasici Railway?

Claims through the clearing office against this railway company have up to the present been contested by the Hungarian Clearing Office. The Administrator of Hungarian Property is in communication with the Hungarian Clearing Office in the endeavour to secure withdrawal of the contests and admission of the claims without further delay, but failing such admission it will be necessary to refer the matter to the Anglo-Hungarian Mixed Arbitral Tribunal for decision.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received a petition from the Manchester Corporation in favour of legislation on the lines of The Measuring Instruments Bill, 1922; and if he can see his way to accede thereto?

I have received representations from the Manchester Corporation and other bodies in favour of such legislation; but I am afraid it will not be possible for the Government to introduce a Bill this Session.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what Mr. Belcher's duties are in connection with the British Empire Exhibition; and by whom he was appointed?

Mr. Belcher's functions include supervision of the work on the grounds and roads at Wembley, the construction of the United Kingdom buildings, the carrying out of concessions and contracts, etc. He was appointed by Mr. Wintour, and the appointment was confirmed by the Executive Council.

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been called to the state of siege now existing in the Ruhr; and if he can give the House any information?

Yes. Sir, and I would refer to the general statement to be made to-day by the Prime Minister on the Ruhr and reparations questions

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the exact position, as a result of the treaty of peace, of British creditors of the Turkish Government?

The treaty of peace not having yet been signed, I regret that I cannot make any statement on this subject at present.

asked the Postmaster-General what is the sum to be received by his Department in this financial year from the Foreign Office in payment for the news bulletin despatched from the Leafield wireless station for the latter Department; and whether this sum covers the cost to the Post Office of this service?

It is not possible to state what sum will be received in the present financial year from the Foreign Office in respect of the news bulletin despatched from the Leafield station on behalf of that Department, but the total charge made during the year ended the 30th ultimo was £9,600. This sum covers the cost to the Post Office of the services rendered.