asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that British gunmakers are placed in a very unfavourable position in relation to their foreign competitors owing to wholesale evasions of the provisions of the Gun Barrel Proof Act, 1868; that great numbers of finished arms are entering this country by parcels post in addition to partly finished arms imported by sea; and whether, seeing that such arms are not included in the Returns issued by the Board of Trade, he will take steps to ensure that such elements of inaccuracy should be removed from the information so necessary to British manufacturers to enable them to meet foreign competition?

I have no reason to think that any considerable importation of firearms is taking place without licence, but I shall be glad if my hon. Friend will furnish me with particulars of any instances of which he may have knowledge.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that representations have already been made to his Department on this subject and that correspondence was sent a long time ago, but there has been no reply?

I am aware of the representations, but not of the latter point. What has happened is that when representations have been made, we have asked for any evidence or any material relating to the matter, and we have never been able to get it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the total value of the trade between this country and Russia during the years 1920, 1921, and 1922; and whether he can state the amount of grain, timber, and oil received from Russia during the same periods?

The answer contains tables of figures, and, if the hon. Member will allow me, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The total values of the trade of the United Kingdom with Russia during the years 1921 and 1922 were as follows:

( a ) Total imports into the United Kingdom consigned from Russia: £ 1921 2,694,674 1922 8,176,002

( b ) Total exports from the United Kingdom consigned to Russia: United Kingdom produce and manufactures— £ 1921 2,181,007 1922 3,678,525 Foreign and Colonial merchandise— £ 1921 1,210,283 1922 1,038,473 Total exports— £ 1921 3,391,290 1922 4,716,998 The values of grain, timber, and petroleum imported into the United Kingdom, consigned from Russia, during the same years were as follows: 1921. 1922. £ £ Grain — 4,805 Timber 800,041 2,505,764 Petroleum 82,822 254,492 The classification of trade during 1920 did not distinguish separately the trade with Russia as now constituted, the particulars prepared relating to Russia, inclusive of territories now subject to other Governments.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total loss, if any, sustained on the Australian lead and zinc contracts from the 9th April, 1918, to the end of the financial year 1921–22?

I am not aware of any Australian lead contract. With regard to the Government contract for the purchase of Australian zinc concentrates, I would refer the hon. Member to pages 209 to 213 of the Accounts and Balance Sheets of Trading or Commercial Services conducted by Government Departments for the year 1921–22, House of Commons Paper, No. 92 of 1923, which contain the information asked for in the question.

Will it give the total loss sustained on this Australian contract?

It gives all the information down to date. It is quite impossible to say what will be the results of a contract, which must depend from time to time upon the price of spelter. This is the best information I can impart.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the House information similar to that given 18 months ago, when it was said the loss sustained was £500,000?

The audited accounts down to date contain the best information that the hon. Member can get.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, seeing that where a British ship is transferred or disposed of, or the services of a seaman terminated otherwise, at a port out of His Majesty's Dominions, adequate provision must be made for his maintenance and for his return home to a proper return port, and that in the case of a seaman whose service terminates similarly at a port abroad, but within His Majesty's Dominions, he is entitled to no provision of this kind, be will consider, in conjunction with legislation he has in view, the desirability of provision being made that seamen whose service terminates abroad, whether within or without His Majesty's Dominions, in the manner stated shall be entitled to maintenance passage home, and wages until arrival home at a proper return port; and whether, masters not being seamen within the terms of the Merchant Shipping Acts, he will make similar provision in their case also?

It would not be practicable to deal with this matter in legislation to give effect to an international convention, but I will bear my hon. Friend's suggestion in mind when next a general Merchant Shipping Bill is being prepared.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the excessive prices charged for tobacco by the masters of ships to members of their crews, although such tobacco is allowed out of bond duty free; whether he can state the result of the representations made on this point to shipowners and shipmasters last year; and whether it is proposed to take any action, by Regulation or otherwise, to prevent this?

Complaints were made last year that excessive prices are charged for the supply of tobacco on board ship to members of the crews, but only in one case were particulars of the alleged excessive charges given, and in that case the prices charged have been reduced. Further inquiries showed that in general seamen are able to obtain tobacco on board ship at prices considerably below the prices charged on shore. The Board of Trade have no power to regulate the prices charged for tobacco on board ship, but if the hon. Member can furnish me with particulars of any case in which excessive prices are in fact charged, I shall be pleased to go into the matter.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it fair, when these people get the tobacco duty free, that the consumer should have no advantage but should be charged more?

I think certainly the price should be cheaper in those circumstances. If the hon. Member has any case where he thinks the price charged is excessive, I will certainly go into it, but I have no statutory power.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, during the past three months, over 1,000 British seamen have been induced to break their contracts while in American waters in order to serve on American ships, whereby serious inconvenience has been caused to British shipping; will he ascertain how this was effected, having regard to the stringent immigration regulations enforced by the United States with regard to British immigrants; and what action the British Government have taken in the matter?

There has been an increase this year in the number of desertions from British ships in America, which is normally very considerable, but it is not possible to say what was the cause in each case.

Is it not the case that one of the reasons for the large number of desertions this year is the fact that an obnoxious agreement has been entered into between the shipowners and a particular organisation, to which the men seriously object, and they are clearing out in America, in consequence?

No, I do not think there is the faintest foundation for that suggestion.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take it from me—I know something about seamen, and he does not?

As the person responsible for the Mercantile Marine Department, I know something about the matter too, and I repeat the statement that I have no reason to believe there is any truth in that suggestion.

rose.

Sir Arthur Shirley Benn.

Is the right hon. Gentlemen aware if any American Governments have ever refused to carry out the requests of British Consuls to arrest and put on board sailors who are on the articles of ships and who have deserted?

I should like notice of that question.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House any reason why the desertions are taking place?

The hon. Member has given his own reason.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that seamen practically never insure their effects and are consequently liable to a serious loss in the event of shipwreck, he will consider the inauguration of a general insurance scheme whereby this risk will be universally covered by shipowners and the appropriate amount of compensation paid in all cases to officers and men in the merchant service?

What my hon. Friend suggests is in effect a compulsory compensation or indemnity scheme, and would require legislation, which I do not think it would be practicable to introduce at the present time.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the fact that the cost to the shipowners of such an insurance would be trivial if distributed over all ships?

I have often thought that there is a great deal to be said for a general scheme of insurance of this kind, but this is a very difficult time in which to introduce such a scheme.

Will the right hon. Gentleman explore the avenues of negotiation with the shipping companies before he contemplates legislation in this respect?

Before I contemplate any legislation I explore all avenues.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if it is the intention of his Department to hold a Board of Trade inquiry into the loss of the s.s. "Trevessa" at Cardiff, to which port the majority of the crew belong?

A public announcement will be made as soon as it is possible to decide at what port the inquiry into the loss of the "Trevessa" is to be held. The convenience of witnesses is always borne in mind in settling the place of inquiry.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the increasing employment in British ships of Arab seamen, as well as natives of West Africa and West Indies, many of whom, on arrival at a port in the United Kingdom, are discharged, resulting in the foundation of large and very undesirable colonies, particularly in Cardiff, Glasgow, and Liverpool; and whether he will give consideration to the desirability of these men being signed on under the regulations governing the engagement of lascars, thus ensuring their being returned to the country of their origin?

I was not aware that the employment on British ships of Arabs and other native seamen was increasing. This question, which is one of great difficulty, has been under consideration for some time, and certain steps have been taken, for instance, Arabs engaged at Aden are now signed on lascar articles, and some Colonies have passed legislation placing on the ship the obligation to repatriate native seamen engaged in the Colony. It has to be remembered that many of these natives are British subjects and some are now domiciled in this country.

What possible reason can there be for discriminating as between Arabs, and why are they not all on the same footing? Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to the very serious riot amongst the Arab community of Cardiff only last week-end resulting in several casualties?

Yes. The reason for differentiating between the Arabs is that some of them were British subjects, entitled to the rights of British subjects, and others were not.

Is it not a fact that the Arabs at Aden are British subjects?

Yes, that is true, but those are specially dealt with under an Ordinance of the Indian Government. It is a very long matter to deal with by question and answer. You have to go into the whole question of the legislation which is passed in order to deal with this matter, and you cannot deal with it by any single regulation.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there is a great deal of unemployment among white seamen in our ports, and that it is very irritating to them to see black crews being continually shipped?

Certainly, and that is why, in consultation with the Home Office, for the last two years, we have been taking every possible step to meet the case.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is the intention of the Reparation Claims Department to ask applicants to renew their claims for compensation, as it is understood that many of the original applications cannot be traced?

I am not aware of any cases where applications made to the Reparation Claims Department cannot be traced in that Department, but if the hon. Member will send me particulars of any such case I will have it looked into.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that Mrs. Rhoda Taylor, deceased, who resided at 62, Kirby Street, Mexborough, lost her life on 26th September, 1917, in very distressing circumstances as a result of a German Zeppelin air raid in that district, and that although repeated applications have been made for compensation for loss of life and expenses incurred, namely, medical attendance, funeral expenses, etc., no decision was reached until a few days ago, when the application was rejected; and will he institute inquiries into this and similar cases to ensure that all cases of real hardship shall receive sympathetic treatment?

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

Since the right hon. Gentleman is not announcing the terms of the answer, can he say if there is any possibility of this case being reconsidered?

I will read the answer. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have made inquiries with regard to Mr. Taylor's claim in respect of the death of his wife. I would point out that, under the terms of reference, the competence of the Royal Commission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action is limited to consideration of claims which come within the terms of Annex 1 of Part VIII of the Treaty of Versailles. Dependency by a claimant upon the deceased person at the date of death is a condition precedent to the foundation of a valid claim under the Annex in respect of the death of a civilian. Mr. Taylor has stated that his wife's occupation was that of housewife and that her income was nil, and, in the circumstances, the claim is one in which the Commission were unable to make any award.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that the loss in this case was a real loss and the damage to the home real damage; and since the husband had to employ some other person to whom wages had to be paid, over and above meeting the medical expenses and the expenses of the funeral, should not these facts have been considered when the claim was dealt with?

The loss of a wife, whatever the circumstances may be, is a very serious one, but the Commission are bound to act in accordance with the Regulations laid down by the Treaty of Versailles.

Are we to understand that the Commissioners are acting strictly in accordance with the amount of money at their disposal; and if so, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the situation should be changed in that respect and a much larger sum paid?

I am afraid the hon. Member must address that question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer. I have to carry out the rulings of the Commission.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of money received by this country from the Reparations Commission; what proportion has been set, aside to meet the claims of applicants who incurred losses due to damage by enemy air raids; how many individual cases have been dealt with; how many cases are still waiting to be heard; and how long does he think it will take to dispose of all outstanding claims?

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many claims for compensation for damage done as a result of enemy air raids on Goole have been received; how many have been dealt with; how many have been refused; what is the total amount of money paid up to date; and, if any claims are outstanding, the approximate date they are likely to be disposed of?

I regret that it is not possible, without detailed examination of all the records, to separate claims in respect of air raid damage from claims due to other causes arising out of the War.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in an answer given the other day it was stated that no fewer than 12,000 claims await settlement; and cannot some special measures be invoked to expedite settlements?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are many complaints from people who write to the Department and whose letters are not even acknowledged?

I do not know of any such cases; if the hon. Gentleman will give me a case of any letter which has not been acknowledged, I will certainly take charge of it. The Department cannot, of course, make any payment, except in accordance with the rulings of the Commissioners. With regard to the question of delay, I think the cases to which the hon. Member for Montrose Burghs (Mr. Sturrock) refers are outlying claims at present before the Commission. It is for the Commissioners to decide in which of these cases they will make an award of compensation, but there is no delay in bringing the facts before the Commission.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War the date of the Report of Lord Weir's Committee; and when the Army Council propose to take it into consideration?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War which recommendations of Lord Weir's Committee have been adopted and what savings will be thereby effected; and which recommendations have been rejected and what savings would have been effected if these recommendations had been accepted?

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for East Leicester (Captain A. Evans) on the 12th July.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will consider publishing or making a statement to the House concerning those parts of the Report of Lord Weir's Committee which, while not giving information on questions of national security, contain recommendations of economies in administration, especially in view of the fact that it was not considered against the public interest to publish the similar recommendations as to economy of the Geddes Committee?

No, Sir; as indicated in previous replies, it is not possible to consider issuing a statement on the Report until the Report itself has been fully considered.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman remember that he answered certain suggestions that were made on the Army Estimates by saying that they would be dealt with by the Weir Committee, and does he not think it is due to this House that those points should be made known to the House?

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that if the Report itself is not published, there will be a statement dealing with the Report?

The decisions of the Army Council will obviously be made known to this House, and ample opportunity for criticism will then arise. As to the publication of the recommendations, that is not a departmental matter, but as it was a Treasury Committee it is for the Prime Minister to decide what method he may eventually adopt.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what was the establishment of the Department of the Finance Member in June, 1914, and at the present time; and what the cost of the Department was in the year 1913–14 and in the past financial year, respectively?

The figures are as follow: Numbers employed: June, 1914 … … … 570 Now … … … … 877 Provision in Estimates: 1913–14 … … … £133,000 1922–23 … … … £330,000

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War how much the Malta defence forces cost; and what proportion of this is borne by the island authorities?

The total provision for Malta under all heads of Army Estimates, 1923–24, exclusive of pension charges, is approximately £850,000. No direct contribution towards this cost is made by the island authorities, but, as usual in such cases, the troops occupy certain Colonial lands and buildings without paying rent.

asked the Solicitor-General for Scotland the result of recent negotiations with the procurators fiscal and sheriff clerks in Scotland; and whether the Treasury and the Scottish Office are prepared to accept the scheme suggested by these officials?

asked the Solicitor-General for Scotland if any arrangement has yet been reached with regard to a revision of the pay and conditions of service of the procurators fiscal now in employment and of those to be appointed in the future?

I am not yet in a position to state the result of the recent negotiations. The negotiating committees are consulting their constituents, and I am hopeful that a settlement will shortly be reached.

Can my hon. and learned Friend indicate any date in the immediate future by which these negotiations might be completed, in view of the very great delay that has taken place?

May I ask my hon. and learned Friend whether his office made it clear to the negotiating parties that the extra fees charged were to be devoted to additional salary and bonus to the procurators fiscal?

As I understand the matter, the proposals which were discussed between the representatives of the Treasury and the Scottish Office and the executive representing the officials have not yet been laid before the associations of those officials, but I understand they will be laid before them at an early date, and I am hopeful that a settlement will be arrived at before long.

With regard to the supplementary question put by my right hon. Friend the Member for Ross and Cromarty (Mr. Macpherson), I regret that I, personally, was incorrect last week in stating that the amount of bonus paid since the fees were raised has very largely exceeded the amount gained by the Treasury as a result of the increased fees. The amount paid in bonus for the year 1922–23 does just exceed the increase of fees (£33,473), but this includes the bonus paid to procurators fiscal and their staffs (£11,930). The Sheriff Courts and Commissary Office bonus amounts to £22,553.

The amount paid in bonus since bonus was first paid very largely exceeds the revenue derived from the increase of fees. Counting Sheriff Clerk service and Commissary Office only, the bonus payments for that period are nearly four times as great as the increased yield of fees. Bonus payments amount to £129,691, and the increase of fees to £33,473. With regard to procurator-fiscal service, the bonus payments since 1917 are £66,292.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether, in view of the increased consumption of tinned fish in the Highlands of Scotland, and consequent danger to public health, he will take steps to make it possible for the local inhabitants to get a chance to purchase the freshwater fish from their local rivers and lochs, at present held privately for sport?

I have no statistics as to the consumption of tinned fish in Scotland or in any particular districts, and I do not know on what evidence the hon. Member bases his suggestion that under existing safeguards tinned fish is dangerous to public health. The sale of freshwater fish taken from rivers and lochs would seem to be a transaction in which I have no power to interfere.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware of the fact that there are certain places, and I can give him one now—Morvern, near Oban—where the rivers and lochs are, without exaggeration, full of fish, and yet people have to eat tinned salmon that comes four or five thousand miles; and is he not aware of the fact that there have been four cases of poisoning? Does he not remember that other cases of poisoning took place not long ago?

If the hon. Gentleman is referring to the case of Loch Maree—

No; that was paste.

As I say, the effect of transactions with regard to the purchase of freshwater fish is a matter over which I have no power. I do not know what steps the hon. Member suggests that I should take.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health what are the intentions of his Department with reference to the Report of the Game and Heather Burning Committee; and if he is aware that continual complaints are being made of the destruction of farmers' crops by deer and other game?

My Noble Friend has the Report of the Committee in view, but looking to the pressure upon the time of Parliament he does not see any prospect of legislation on the subject this Session. My Noble Friend has no reason to suppose that complaints are general or that serious damage is being caused by deer or other game.

Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of that answer, I beg to give notice that I will raise this question on the Motion for the Adjournment to-night.

Is it not a fact that a very large proportion of the rates are paid by the shooting tenants in Scotland, and that the rates are very largely dependent on the proper burning of heather and preservation of game in Scotland?

The hon. and gallant Member should put that question on the Paper.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether any arrangements have been made by the Scottish Board of Agriculture, in consultation with the Fife Education Authority, for the acquisition of land in Fife for the purpose of providing a farm institute and experimental farm; how far the negotiations have progressed; and what share of the expenditure will be provided by the Board of Agriculture?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. As to the second part, I should explain that a deputation of the Fife Education Authority recently discussed with the Board of Agriculture proposals for the provision of a demonstration and experimental area in that county, and I understand that the matter is at present under the consideration of the Authority. As to the third part, no application has been made to the Board for expenditure for this purpose from their funds

Is it not in the power of the Board of Agriculture to come forward and get land, and are they not prepared to do that?

Yes, Sir, but that is not the point. The question is being discussed as to whether actual purchase of a farm is the best method in which to carry out the experimental farm, or whether it would not be better to enter into some arrangement with respect to some existing farm without purchasing it outright.

Are the Board of Agriculture prepared to come forward and assist in this matter?

The matter is still under discussion, and I have no doubt the Board will take the proper steps at the proper time.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that arrangements similar to those were carried out by the late John Spier, of Newton Farm?

That is just the answer I have given to the hon. and learned Member. I have said that we were considering whether it was not possible to enter into arrangements for an existing farm rather than purchase one outright.

asked the Under Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health the procedure adopted in the preparation of joint schemes for the provision of small holdings by the Board and the Forestry Commissioners on land acquired by the Commissioners, the number and acreage of the schemes which have been adjusted, the number of holdings so far provided, and the number of these schemes which had been framed before the setting up of the Forestry Commissioners?

Under Section 3 of the Forestry Act, 1919, the Forestry Commission consult the Board before acquiring land for afforestation and again before selling land not required for afforestation. Similarly under Section 6 of the Land Settlement (Scotland) Act, 1919, the Board consult the Forestry Commission before selling land not required for small holdings. Following these consultations both Departments consider whether and in what manner joint schemes can be developed. Five joint schemes have been adjusted with an acreage of 22,497 acres. The number of holdings so far provided and occupied is, as stated in the reply which I gave on the 3rd July, 40 new holdings and 11 enlargements. Of these one new holding is on lands managed by the Commission, the remainder are on lands sold, feued or leased by the Board to the Commission. In addition five new holdings and two enlargements will be formed on lands feued by the Board to the Commission and nine new holdings will be formed on lands feued to the Board by the Commission. None of the schemes can be said to have been adjusted before the constitution of the Forestry Commission though one was under consideration before then.

asked the Under Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health if he can state whether the Scottish Office have received any representations from school management committees or other bodies in Scotland against the proposed amendment of Section 3 of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1918, as regards the powers of school management committees contained in Section 3 of the Education (Scotland) Bill; and, if so, whether he can state the names of these committees or other bodies and the special grounds of objection submitted by them?

The Department have received no representations from school management committees or other bodies in reference to Clause 3 of the Education (Scotland) Bill.

Seeing now that the Government have accepted or incorporated an Amendment dealing with this matter, will they secure information as to the views of the school management committees and the other bodies before this Bill gets a Second Reading?

Is it the intention of the Government to take this Bill after 11 o'clock at night, in view of the fact that the hon. and learned Gentleman has received intimation from all quarters of the House that there are a great many points that require very careful consideration?

Would the hon. and learned Gentleman also take into consideration the fact that the Members of this House have received a very important communication from the school management committees, which shows that this is a burning question, that ought not to be taken late at night?

I have a further question—

If it is about the Business of the House in connection with this matter, it should be taken at the end of questions.

No, Sir: what I want to know is whether, when this Bill was introduced by the Secretary for Scotland, it did not contain the very contentious Clauses now mentioned, and, whether, in view of that fact, the hon. and learned Gentleman will give us adequate time for discussion?

In answer to the first supplementary question, the Government accepted this Clause which was moved in the House of Lords by the Duke of Athol who brought it forward at the unanimous request of the education authorities in Scotland. My Noble Friend said in the House of Lords that if serious opposition manifested itself in another place—that is this House of Commons—to the Clause that the whole question would have to be reconsidered and I personally regret there should be this opposition to the Clause, but I think it is quite clear, in view of the opposition manifested in various quarters, it will not be possible for the Government to proceed with it.

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that the education authorities who have made representations in favour of this Clause, are precisely the people whose authority will be very greatly increased, while that of the school management committees will be correspondingly decreased?

In education matters, surely the education authorities represent the people of Scotland?

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that many widows who lost sons in the late War, and have been receiving pensions, are now receiving notice from the Pensions Department informing them that the amounts are to be reduced, in some cases by 4s., 5s., 7s., and more per week; and, as many of these widows are over 60 years of age and unable to find employment, thereby causing much suffering and hardship, can he, within the Regulations, continue to maintain payments, without reductions, to such persons?

The hon. Member presumably refers to the review now proceeding of certain pensions based on preWar dependence. No reductions of pension would be made in any case unless it is perfectly clear, on reinvestigation, that the current pension is in excess of the amount which should have been granted on the facts of the case. I fear that it is not possible to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion, but I may say that if in any such case the pensioner is in pecuniary need and incapable of self-support, application for an increased pension may be made on that ground, and is at once dealt with sympathetically.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has observed the increasing delays within the last few months in the answering of calls by exchanges, more especially after 7 p.m.; and what is the cause of such delays?

A close and systematic watch is kept on the speed of answer in telephone exchanges, and the records for the last six months show a general improvement in regard to both day and night services. In London, however, the speed of answer recently has been somewhat slower at night at some of the exchanges, and is the subject of investigation. If my hon. and gallant Friend will specify any particular exchange or exchanges he has in mind, I shall be pleased to have inquiry made and to acquaint him with the result.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the real cause of the delay after 7 p.m. is the language used after that hour?

asked the Postmaster-General what was the starting wage of those who were temporary sorters in the Post Office prior to the War, but who, on the termination of hostilities, successfully competed for staff appointments in the Post Office, sorter class; what number are now employed; and does the scope of the Southborough Committee embrace the question of adequacy, or otherwise, of the starting pay and present pay of the foregoing section of the sorter class?

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the hardships of some of the ex-service men who obtained appointments in the Post Office, sorter class, who have been placed on the starting wage of 30s., plus bonus, applicable to men 21 years of age; and whether he will allow their cases to be inquired into and reported on by the Southborough Committee?

asked the Postmaster-General whether, seeing that the successful candidates for staff appointments in the Post Office sorter class were started at a wage of 30s., plus bonus, and that this is not a sufficient salary for a married man, he can see his way to grant some increase?

I beg to refer the hon. Members to my reply to similar questions by the hon. and gallant Member for Dulwich (Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. Hall) and the hon. Member for Mid Bedford (Mr. Linfield) on the 12th instant.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it possible for a man to live on this miserable wage of 30s. a week?

asked the Postmaster-General whether the Post Office has purchased 800 acres of land near Rugby for a high-power wireless station as a link in the Imperial wireless chain; if so, how much public money is to be spent on the site; and whether any provision has been made for the construction of stations in the Dominions, Colonies, and India with which the Post Office will communicate?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The cost of the site, including compensation for disturbance, will be about £50,000. Provision has been made by the Governments of Australia, South Africa and Canada for the erection of stations for communication with this country, but, so far as I am aware, no definite arrangements have been made in India and New Zealand. In some at least of these cases, express provision has been or will be made for the stations to communicate with stations of the Imperial system generally. But the question with what distant stations the new Government station here shall communicate is at present a subject of negotiation.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any approximate date as to the possible opening of this station; and also what the power is likely to be?

I cannot give a date, and as to the second part of the question, I should like notice.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether this means a partnership between the State and Marconi, with a division of the traffic?

The agreement is still under negotiation. I do not think I had better attempt to state the terms that are being negotiated.

Why are 800 acres required for this station?

Because I am advised that a large site is required for the station which it is intended to erect immediately, and for possible additions.

asked the Postmaster-General the name of the company which has applied for a licence to build a high-powered wireless station in this country in connection with the Empire wireless chain; will this company have the same chances of obtaining a licence as the Marconi Company or will a certain preference be shown to the latter company owing to their having held previous licences?

The company in question is the Eastern Telegraph Company. It will have the same chances of obtaining a licence as the Marconi Company, so far as His Majesty's Government are concerned. The question of corresponding stations in India or the Dominions would be one for the Government concerned.

Is it possible for two companies at the same time to work a high-powered station?

Oh, yes.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, considering that the British Government is not responsible for the Palestine Loan and that the loan has been made without the consent of the Palestinian people, he can state how and when the £1,365,000 already advanced by the British Government is to be paid?

No loan has yet been issued, nor have advances been made by His Majesty's Government to the Government of Palestine. The sum to which the hon. and gallant Baronet refers was advanced by the Crown Agents for the Colonies, and will be repaid from the proceeds of the Palestine Loan when issued.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what railways in West Africa during the last 30 years have been built Departmentally and by private contract?

The Accra-Akwapim line in the Gold Coast is the only railway in British West Africa that was built by a contractor. I have not sufficient information to say if any of the French West African railways were built by contract.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, before any definite work is undertaken Departmentally, he will obtain an estimate of the cost signed by the Crown agents or their consulting enginers and, before executing such work, ascertain whether public contractors can undertake the same work at the same or at a lower figure with substantial guarantees for the fulfilment of the contract?

With regard to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my answer of yesterday to the hon. Member for Cardiff Central (Mr. Gould): As for the concluding portion, the question of the advisability of executing a work by contract is always considered when the work is one of any importance.

asked the hon. Member for Cheltenham, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, if he has received from the cider makers an explanation of their failure to give Members of this House, as well as the general public, any benefit from the abolition of the cider duty; and when that benefit will be received?

In reply to the hon. Member, the cider manufacturers have made a reduction in the price of cider in casks, of which the Members of the House have received a proportional benefit, the charge per half-pint glass now being 3d. As regards bottled cider, the reduction has been so slight, yielding only a fraction of a penny, that we have been unable to make use of it in the sale of single bottles.

Does that mean that the cider manufacturers make a reduction, and the Kitchen Committee does not?

What I said was that the reduction was so slight that we are unable to reduce the price.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many of the entrants to Newnham and Girton colleges (giving each separately) during each of the last three academical years commenced their education in public elementary schools; how many of the entrants during the same period had at one time or other attended rate-aided secondary schools; and what was the total number of entrants in each of those three years?

I have no information on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Education if his attention has been called to the examination papers and results of an examination for entrants to Rutlish Science School, Merton, Surrey; whether he is aware that the questions were set and me papers marked by the University of London; and, in view of the poor attainments shown by the prospective fee-paying entrants, what action does he propose to take to enforce the Board's requirements as to the educational standard to be reached by all entrants to State-aided secondary schools?

The hon. Member sent me some particulars of the examination results of candidates for admission to this school. Until the governors have settled which of the candidates they will admit it is not possible for me to say what action may be necessary.

Does the President of the Board of Education intend, in this case, to enforce the rules of the Board with regard to the standard of admission if the governors attempt to admit persons who have proved to be of too low a standard?

The hon. Member has, no doubt, seen the answer which I gave about the standard provision, and to that I adhere. I would rather not attempt to say what action I should take, in answer to a hypothetical question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government mean to provide any additional grants for the universities of Oxford and Cambridge during the current financial year; and, if so, whether a Supplementary Estimate will be introduced for the purpose?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative and to the second part in the negative.

Are we to assume that the additional grants to be made available for the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge are to be deducted from the provision already voted by Parliament for the other Universities and University Colleges upon the Treasury grants, and if this be so will my right hon. Friend undertake to reconsider the matter in view of the grave difficulties these Universities are experiencing in meeting the demands now made upon them?

I understand that there is a considerable accumulation which has not been utilised at the moment. I am hoping that such grants as we may be able to give to the Universities may be taken temporarily at all events out of that accumulation.

Is the Financial Secretary aware that this accumulation is a comparatively small sum, and it is very important that the University Grants Committee should be able to hold back a certain sum to meet unexpected contingencies which may arise in the course of the year; and does not my right hon. Friend think that it would be a very disastrous precedent if this sum were to be raided?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the serious extent to which the development of higher education in this country is being impeded by the inadequate incomes of the universities, which even prevent them from maintaining their libraries at a reasonable standard of efficiency; and whether, in view of the great national importance of improving and developing the provision of university education, he will consider the restoration of the grant for universities and colleges in England, Wales and Scotland to the figure at which it stood in the Estimates of 1921–22?

I would refer my right hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for West Newcastle on the 28th June.

asked the President of the Board of Education what action the Surrey Education Committee has taken with respect to the complaints made by the Epsom Urban District Council on the sanitary condition of West Hill Infants' Council School, Epsom; whether he is aware that the managers of the Epsom council schools have asked the education committee to provide a new school; and whether he will be prepared to sanction the erection of a new school on the site purchased by the County Council in Dorking Road, Epsom, to replace the West Hill Infants' Council School??

I have communicated with the local education authority, asking what action they propose to take with regard to the complaint made by the Epsom Urban District Council, but have not yet received a reply. I have seen a newspaper statement of the nature referred to in the second part of the question, and if an application is made for approval of a site for a new school, I shall be prepared to consider it sympathetically.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the County Council were allowed to purchase the site, and all that is required now is his consent to erect the building on it?

I was not aware of that. I will inquire into it.

I negotiated the purchase.

asked the Prime Minister what are the salaries paid to the chairman and members of the Reparation Commission; whether these appointments are regarded as whole-time appointments; and whether the salaries are subject to Income Tax?

1. The French, British, Italian and Belgian delegates to the Reparation Commission receive salaries of 100,000 francs per annum each together with allowances for official expenses of 20,000 francs each. The British, Italian and Belgian delegates also receive expatriation allowances of 20,000 francs each. The appointments are whole-time appointments.

2. The French delegate is chairman, but receives no additional remuneration in that capacity.

3. The salaries and allowances are normally payable in gold francs, but at present the British delegate is paid in sterling at the par of exchange, and other delegates in French paper francs at a fixed rate of 2 1/3 French francs for each franc of salary.

4. These rates of remuneration, which have been in force since 1st July, 1922, represent a considerable reduction upon the rates previously paid.

5. The non-French delegates enjoy privileges in regard to French taxation normally accorded to the occupants of high diplomatic posts. The British delegate is not subject to British Income Tax in respect of income received from the Reparation Commission so long as he is not ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom.

asked the Prime Minister whether any decision has been reached as to the future control of the Naval wing of the Royal Air Force?

The Sub-Committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence, who are inquiring into this question, have not yet presented their Report. Until their Report has been received and considered, I am unable to make any statement.

Does the right hon. Gentleman anticipate the Report being received and his statement being made before the House rises for the Recess?

I hope so.

If that does not turn out to be possible, can the right hon. Gentleman assure us that nothing will be done meanwhile?

I will await the Report.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has inquired further into the case of the fishermen imprisoned at Grimsby and elsewhere for non-payment of arrears of Income Tax; and what is the result of the inquiries?

I inquired into this matter before replying to the question previously put by the hon. and gallant Member. I am unable to add to the reply I then gave.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these men are being imprisoned for debt and is not that against the law?

These poor fishermen are quite able to pay. One of them is spending money in getting drunk regularly and one of them is a Super-tax payer.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the cases which I mentioned on the Finance Bill are still in existence and men are going to gaol periodically who cannot pay; and will he expedite the inquiry into those cases?

The hon. Member will receive a letter from me to-morrow morning which I have already signed with reference to those cases.

Does the right hon. Gentleman's description apply to the man who had his home sold up?

To which man does the hon. and gallant Gentleman allude? If I know the name, I can then answer the question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can give the total number of employés in the Customs and Excise for each year since 1918?

The total numbers of staff employed in the Customs and Excise Department in each year since 1918 are as follow: 1919 … … 12,204 1920 … … 12,641 1921 … … 12,547 1922* … … 11,456 1923*… … 11,509 *The figures for these years exclude staff in Ireland. The increase shown in 1923 is due to the inclusion of the new Coast Preventive Force which has taken over part of the work formerly performed by the Coastguard.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether in view of the fact that during the War the leakage of information contained in confidential documents and secret codes printed by private firms was so serious that it was found necessary to establish a Government printing works to undertake this work, he will say whether this step has been found effective in preventing such leakage?

The answer is in the negative. So far as I am aware, there has been no leakage of information from the Government printing works.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will state the financial result of the working of the Stationery Office Press at Harrow during each of the three experimental years ending June, 1923?

15th June, 1920, to 31st March, 1921: Loss—£32,839 11s. 11d. 1921 to 1922: Loss—£21,093 0s. 7d. 1922 to 1923: Profit (subject to audit)—£49,806 12s. 8d. 1st April to 30th June, 1923: Profit (estimated minimum)—£10,000.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that, in connection with the printing of matter relating to the Representation of the People Act of 1918, the State Printing Works at Hare Street tendered for a part of the work at prices similar to those tendered by private printing firms who had undertaken the remainder of the work, when it was found, in the Costing Department of the State Printing Works, that these prices gave a net profit of considerably over 50 per cent., and that, as a result of this discovery, the Stationery Office cancelled all contracts and obtained new contracts at a lower and more reasonable price; and what was the estimated saving to the State as the result of the substituted contracts?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The actual percentage of profit was 65⅔. With regard to the second part of the question, a saving of £227,000 resulted from the more advantageous tenders secured by the Stationery Office the second time the contracts were put out.

Was not this economy effected during the year in which the Government works suffered a loss of £21,000?

Was not the point of my question that when the State Printing Works examined the prices tendered by other firms in their Costing Department, it was found that the ring against the Government were making a profit of 65 per cent.?

My answer was that the profit was found to be 65 per cent.

Were not the contracts of 1918 made at a time when the labour market was in a very bad condition, all the able-bodied men being in the Army, and 18 months later was not more labour available?

I have only given the actual facts in my reply. As to the causes, I shall be glad if I am not called upon to give an answer, as there is a Treasury Committee—including several Members of this House—sitting on the question, and it will inquire as to the success or otherwise of the enterprise.

Were not the Government Departments the only people who could get paper at that time except at exorbitant prices?

That in no way accounts for the fact that private firms made a profit of 65 per cent.

asked the First Commissioner of Works how many hours per week the watchmen work at the Central Stores, Stewarts Road, Wandsworth, with the tell-tale patent recording clock; what is their rate of pay per week or per hour; and if there is any intention of further reducing their present rate of pay?

I have been asked to answer this question. I am having inquiry made into this matter, and will communicate with the hon. Member in the course of a few days.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the cut recently made in foreign motor tyres due to depreciated exchanges; and whether he will help the British motor tyre industry, which is being ruined by foreign competition solely due to depreciated exchanges, by including foreign motor tyres in the same category as other imported spare parts of motor cars which are subject to 33 1/3 per cent. import duty?

My attention has been drawn to the reduction in the price of tyres to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, but as I have previously stated, I regret that I am unable as at present advised to accept the suggestion to impose an ad valorem import duty.

Will my right hon. Friend consider the possibility of scheduling them under the Safeguarding of Industries Act, which was specially introduced to prevent vital industries from being ruined?