asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the fact that British vessels proceeding from Canada to Australia which have put in at Honolulu, in the Sandwich Islands, have been deprived of any spirituous liquor which they carried for the refreshment of their crew or passengers and have been obliged by the American authorities to continue their journey to Australia without liquor; and what action is being taken by the British Government in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part, therefore, does not arise.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that this matter has been referred to largely in the Canadian Press and that protests have been made, and how is it that our Foreign Office have not some information on the matter?

It may have been in the Press, but not officially reported.

In a case like this, which is on all fours with the American practice, surely it is advisable for the Foreign Office to inquire into the matter, and assuming that the facts are correct, may I ask whether the American Government have had their attention called to their own despatch to the Spanish Government on this matter, in which they said that, while recognising the right of that Government—

Speech!

My hon. Friend is elaborating a hypothetical question, on the assumption that the facts are correct. I have told him that I have no information on that subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the distinguished Russian scientist, Pavlov, invited to attend the Edinburgh congress on physiology, has been refused the visa to his passport by the British Consul in New York; and what is the reason or what are the reasons for such refusal?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the well-known physiologist, Professor Pavlov, has been refused a visa for England by His Britannic Majesty's Consul at New York; that the professor wished to come to this country to attend the congress of physiology at Edinburgh to which he has been invited; that he has been granted a French visa without difficulty; and what is the reason for refusing a visa to this gentleman to visit this country?

I have been asked to answer these questions. My right hon. Friend has no information as to the refusal of a visa to Professor Pavlov in New York. I understand, however, that he has already sailed from America, and no obstacle will be placed in the way of his landing in this country to attend the congress on physiology at Edinburgh.

Will the hon. Gentleman inquire what were the reasons for which the visa was refused by our Consul?

We have no information that it was refused.

Is there any general instruction to refuse visas to people who have passports issued by the present Russian Government?

Can the hon. Gentleman assure us that no interference will be exercised by his Department in the discretionary power of our officer in New York?

Each case is considered on its own merits.

In view of the extraordinary case outlined in this question, of this distinguished scientist being forbidden to enter this country, will the hon. Gentleman see his way to inform the ship in which this gentleman is leaving for France, so that he can come here and attend this conference?

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that no difficulties whatever will be placed in the way of this gentleman landing.

Can the hon. Gentleman say who instructed the agent in New York not to give a visa to this gentleman?

I have already stated that I have no information that a visa was refused.

Will the hon. Gentleman do as requested by the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy), namely, take steps to have it conveyed to Professor Pavlov that he will be admitted to this country? It is important, because the Press state that he will not come here unless he receives such an intimation.

Would that not be a most unusual thing for the Government to do?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the executions and persecutions of the Georgian people which are being carried out by the Bolshevist Government which has invaded Georgia and overthrown the democratic Government of that country; if he is aware that the Bolshevists have thrown the Georgian Catholicos Patriarch into dungeons, together with other bishops and clergy, because they refused to sign a declaration prepared by the Tcheka falsely stating that religion was free in Georgia and that the appeal sent to Genoa was a forgery; and whether, in view of the recognition of the independence of Georgia by the Allied Governments and the League of Nations, the British Government can take any action by diplomatic methods to influence the Moscow Government to stop its present action in Georgia?

Although the Secretary of State has no official confirmation, he has no reason to doubt the substantial accuracy of the facts recited in the first two parts of the question, similar reports having reached the Foreign Office from a variety of well-informed sources. But, deeply as His Majesty's Government deplore the outrages and persecution referred to by the hon. Member, the Soviet Government has unfortunately established effective control over Georgian territory, which it is forcibly incorporating in the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics, and His Majesty's Government are only too well aware of the uselessness of attempting to influence the Soviet Government by diplomatic methods when unaccompanied by pressure such as in this case they have no means of exercising.

Should the question of the recognition of the Soviet Government arise, will the British Government, in considering that matter, insist in the conditions of recognition, that the independence of these States should be recognised?

Have we any representative in Georgia, and is the hon. Gentleman aware that the present Russian Army in Georgia was invited there by the Georgian people, and that complete tranquillity reigns in that country?

In answer to the hon. Member for Colne Valley (Mr. Snowden), I think he will realise that it would be impossible for me to give at present a pledge of that description, in regard to a situation which is quite hypothetical, but if it is any satisfaction to him for me to express my personal concurrence with his view, I do so gladly.

Will the hon. Gentleman answer my question as to whether we have any representative in Georgia?

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

I think it is a very proper question, in view of the statement in the question on the Paper.

Order!

The new Coalition—Snowden and Ronald McNeill! Go over to the other side!

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether His Majesty's Ship "Glorious" is on the Admiralty list of ships to be supplied with tobacco, wine, and spirits duty free; whether this privilege has now been withdrawn; and whether he can state what are the grounds for such action?

The privilege of the supply duty free of wines, spirits, cigars, and cigarettes to His Majesty's ships is limited to seagoing ships, and the defini- tion of "seagoing ships" for this purpose is a matter of discussion from time to time between the Admiralty and the Board of Customs. In these circumstances a shipment to H.M.S. "Glorious" was recently queried locally, but has now been authorised by the Board of Customs, pending a review of the general question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what was the value of ammunition expended on gun salutes by the Royal Navy last year and what is the estimated expenditure this year; and whether, in the interests of economy and tranquillity, he will consider abolishing all gun salutes except those carried out when visiting a foreign saluting port, returning salutes by foreign warships, and saluting foreign admirals, sovereigns, and other potentates afloat?

The cost of saluting ammunition is estimated at £2,400 per annum. Apart from the salute to foreign flags, salutes are fired to British, Dominion, Colonial, Diplomatic and Consular officers, and to Indian potentates and officials. The Admiralty are not prepared to consider the abolition of these salutes. There are also the salutes to British flag officers, to Members of the Royal Family and on fixed anniversaries, such as Empire Day, King's Birthday, etc. I cannot say what fraction of the sum of £2,400 is expended on salutes of this latter class, but it cannot be the greater proportion, and I do not think it is worth while abolishing an old established custom, which is followed by all other Navies, for the sake of the small sum involved.

Would the expression "other potentates" cover retired naval commanders?

I am afraid not.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the reason for the delay in refitting His Majesty's Ship "Benbow" at Malta; and whether, seeing that the completion of the work upon the "Centurion" during this month would permit of the work on the "Benbow" being proceeded with immediately so as to prevent unemployment in Admiralty employ, he is prepared to reconsider the position?

The refit of His Majesty's Ship "Centurion" is due for completion to-day. His Majesty's Ship "Benbow" was due to be taken in hand on the 16th July, but I have no information at present as to whether the programme date has been adhered to. If any delay takes place it will be due to the exigencies of the Service and must be accepted.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the promise given in the reply to Item 12 of the 1922 Welfare General Requests, the Admiralty will render assistance in the preparation of a contributory scheme for widows' pensions, based on the principle of a graduated scale of contributions from the men and a contribution from canteen profits and canteen rebates, in order that such a scheme may be thoroughly discussed and presented to the 1924 Welfare Conference?

The Admiralty are of opinion that the preparation of a scheme for widows' pensions might suitably, in the first instance, be considered by the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust and the attention of the Trust will be drawn to my hon. and gallant Friend's question. As already stated in reply to General Request No. 12, the Admiralty will be ready to give all possible assistance.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that a number of boilermaker apprentices who have just completed their time are under notice to quit the dockyards through trade adjustment; and if he can arrange that these men get a little longer experience as men before being put out?

I am sorry that, owing to the requirements of current work, it has become necessary to adjust the numbers in the engineering department of Portsmouth Dockyard. Twenty boilermakers, on completing their apprenticeship, will therefore have to be discharged, and 28 labourers entered their place. It has recently been decided that in all such cases the ex-apprentices are to be employed for not less than one month as journeymen, and I regret that no longer extension can be allowed in the present case.

Is it possible for these men to be allowed to serve as labourers for a period should they wish to do so?

I am afraid that would raise very awkward questions in the dockyard. If they were allowed, I do not think it would be to the greater convenience of those there.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the principle laid down in the reply to Item 4 of the 1923 Welfare Requests, that the first period of 12 years' service is not pensionable service unless the engagement to complete time for pension is entered into, he will authorise the payment of the sums received from the Colonial Governments for ratings lent from the Imperial Navy to Colonial Navies as contributions to the pension funds to such of those ratings who have left the service at the expiration of their first continuous engagement?

Pension contribution is claimed in respect of all naval ratings lent under agreement to Dominion, etc., Governments. The contribution is claimed at flat rates based upon actuarial calculations which take into account all contingencies for all men, including, not only average awards of long service and disability pensions, but also an average of failures to qualify for the award of a pension of any kind, e.g., men who do not re-engage to complete time for pension. If refund of contribution were allowed in the cases of men who fail to qualify for a pension or a gratuity based on service, then the rate of contribution would necessarily have to be considerably increased. The Admiralty do not consider that the existing arrangement should be disturbed.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the amount of £114,600 in the Navy Estimates for 1922–23 for expenditure on the two oil-tank vessels under construction in His Majesty's dockyards included any provision for overhead charges additional to those provisionally reckoned in the cost accounts; the amount of this sum which has already been expended; and the total cost of the two vessels and the total loss, if any, incurred on the selling price?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The whole amount mentioned was spent. The total cost of the two vessels, as so far ascertained, including provision for interest and insurance, was £794,209. On this basis, the total loss on the two vessels was £172,709.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that at the Royal Naval College, Greenwich, a staff of 355 persons is employed in looking after 227 students; and whether he can see his way to effect economies by reducing the staff?

The numbers quoted do not give a fair idea of the facts, as on the one hand they do not allow for the reduction of staff provided for in the Estimates for 1923–24, and, on the other hand, the average number of students is normally a good deal higher than that stated. The Board have, however, already decided to appoint a Committee to inquire into the overhead charges at Greenwich, with a view to further economies being made, if possible.

Do not the figures also include the ground staff, which have nothing to do with the administration of the college?

That is so. They include gardeners.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, since the number of men in the Navy has decreased from 151,000 in 1914 to 99,500 in the present year, while the number of men employed in the Victualling Department has increased in the same period from 133 to 160 and the cost from £28,168 to £55,418, he will state the reason for this large increase in cost?

As the reply is somewhat long I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The reply is as follows:

The figures referred to by the hon. Member include, in respect of the current Estimates, the sum of £18,570 for bonus. Allowing for bonus, the slight increased average cost per head for staff during the interval is due to improvements in scales of salary for certain classes and to increments of salary granted in the ordinary course. As regards the numbers of staff for 1923–24, as compared with the numbers provided in 1914, I might remind the hon. Member that it has been stated before that Admiralty staffs before the War were, generally speaking, working under heavy pressure owing to the understaffing of the Departments. As regards the Victualling Department, the numbers of staff did not, before the War, increase directly in proportion to the increase of Fleet numbers and the reduction of staff is not expected to follow, pro rata, the reduction in Fleet numbers. Apart from this, the activities of the Victualling Department have been very largely increased owing to progressive improvements and to the higher standards of comfort provided for men of the Fleet. The work of the Department is also affected by the more varied and extended systems of messing, clothing allowances, etc., by the development of labour problems in the victualling yards and by trade difficulties in production and purchase of provisions and clothing.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty why mental and zymotic emoluments are not paid to the sick-berth staff in the hospital ships of the Royal Navy; and will he consider the advisability of making such payments, seeing that these cases are now dealt with in the hospital ship stationed in the Eastern Mediterranean?

The question of paying these allowances in hospital ships will be considered.

When will the period of consideration begin?

It has already started.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if the terms of the Treaty or the Irish Constitution Act entailed the surrender by the British Admiralty to the Irish Free State of property or freehold of the Admiralty establishments at Berehaven, Haulbowline, or Lough Swilly; and was the surrender advised or approved by the Board of Admiralty?

The Admiralty property at Berehaven was expressly reserved under the Treaty. The remaining property of the Admiralty within the territory of the Irish Free State is transferred to the Free State under Article 11 of the Free State Constitution. The Admiralty advised and assented to the facilities for naval purposes specified in the Annexe to the Treaty; the provision for the transfer of the freehold property not reserved under that annexe was agreed to by His Majesty's Government, the Board of Admiralty as such not being specifically consulted, there being no important naval interest involved.

Were the Admiral's house and the naval hospital included in the property handed over?

I think the answer is perfectly plain. What was not specifically reserved under the Treaty has been handed over.

Does that include the naval hospital and the Admiral's house?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if there are at the present time any staff of officers and men or care and maintenance parties at Berehaven, Haulbowline, or Lough Swilly; and are there any stores or other property of the Board of Admiralty at all or any of these places?

Admiralty property on Bere Island is in charge of the military. There is a caretaker for the oil fuel installation at Berehaven. The Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland are being asked to undertake the work of care and maintenance of the remaining property on the mainland at Berehaven. One signal station at Queenstown is in charge of the military. The other has been destroyed by fire. No stores or other property elsewhere in Free State territory have been retained by the Admiralty.

Are the Commissioners officers of the Irish Free State or officers of His Majesty's Government?

Who is getting the benefit of the golf course at Berehaven constructed by the Fleet?

The right hon. Gentleman says that these are in charge of the military. Does he mean British military forces, and, if so, how many British troops are still there?

Our military forces.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my question as to whether the Commissioners are officers of the Free State Government or of the British Government?

The Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland.

asked the Prime Minister whether there is statutory authority for the handing over of Irish records, the property of this nation, to the Government of the Free State by Order in Council?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The statutory authority for the Order in Council, to which the right hon. Member refers, will be found in Section 1 of the Irish Free State (Agreement) Act, 1922.

What is the authority for violating this fundamental rule of law, that no property of the nation can be parted with except by the authority of Parliament?

It was done by the express authority of Parliament, by the Statute of 31st March, 1922, which empowered the Government of the day to make an Order in Council, which was laid on the Table of the House for 21 days and expressly transferred these records to the Provisional Government.

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons, male and female, respectively, are at present unemployed in Great Britain and Northern Ireland; how many of these are juveniles; whether he has any information as to the numbers of persons partially employed or working short time; and whether he has any information as to the number of persons unemployed who are not on the live registers of the Employment Exchanges?

At 2nd July there were registered as wholly unemployed at Employment Exchanges in Great Britain and Northern Ireland 933,156 men, 35,629 boys, 228,290 women and 32,614 girls, making a total of 1,229,689. There were also 65,437 persons working systematic short time and claiming unemployment benefit for intervals of unemployment. I am unable to state the total number of persons partially employed or working short time or to give an estimate as to the number of unemployed persons who are not on the live registers of Employment Exchanges.

asked the Minister of Labour how many of the men registered as unemployed on 1st January last have found employment, respectively, in their own industries, in relief works inaugurated by the Government or local authorities, or in works commenced by the railway companies at the request of the late Prime Minister?

At 9th July the number registered at the Employment Exchanges as wholly unemployed was 296,778 less than the figure recorded on 1st January, and this reduction probably represents fairly accurately the net decrease in the total volume of unemployment during that interval. I regret, however, that the available information does not enable me to distribute the figure under the headings suggested in the hon. Member's question.

asked the Minister of Labour how many building-trade operatives were in receipt of unemploy- ment benefit in the years 1919 to 1923, respectively, in the County of Durham; and what was the amount of benefit paid?

These particulars would have to be extracted specially, and I am reluctant to incur the expense which would be involved. I hope, therefore, the hon. Member will not press for the figures.

asked the Minister of Labour if he has invited or intends to invite the Surrey Education Committee to reopen the juvenile unemployment centre at Wimbledon next September?

I have invited all education authorities for higher education, including the Surrey Education Committee, to submit proposals for reopening juvenile unemployment centres in September if unemployment among juveniles in their areas is still acute.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that at Goole registered dock workers are required to sign twice daily at the Employment Exchange in order to qualify for unemployment benefit, which is regarded as unjust and unnecessary and has caused resignations from the employment committee; whether this practice of signing twice daily is in accord with the policy of his Department; and, if so, will he consider a modification of that policy at an early date?

In order that a proper check may be kept on the unemployment of dock workers claiming unemployment benefit, it is the policy of my Department, wherever practicable, to require them to prove unemployment by attendance and signature twice daily. This procedure (which is also in operation in other ports) has been in force at Goole for about a year and, while I am aware that objection has been taken to it at meetings of the local employment committee, no sufficient evidence has been brought forward to show that the procedure is unnecessary.

Will the right hon. Gentleman do his best to bring about a conference between employers and workmen in that district on the question of registration? There is a good deal of feeling in this matter, and it is causing a great deal of unrest among the dockers.

Is it not the fact that the workmen out of employment in some places are only required to register twice a week, and, in some cases, at most once a day? If the area is small should not once a day be sufficient?

In regard to the second supplementary question, of course it is true that in some unemployment it is usual to require registration once a day or where the distance would seem to need it a certain number of times a week is allowable; but as both the hon. Gentlemen are aware employment at the docks is somewhat differently arranged, and on the plan generally of two shifts a day: that is why the double registration is necessary.

May I press my question?

As to the promotion of a conference? The whole question of the registration and the decasualisation of labour is very important; also the question of registration. I cannot promise a conference in this particular port, but the whole matter is one that is having very careful consideration.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that James Kerr, 4, North Bank Street, Clydebank, and James Doherty, 3, Hume Street, Clydebank, were locked out at the commencement of the boilermakers' dispute and resumed work at the request of the firm to assist apprentice boilermakers to finish the job, and working thereafter for a period of five weeks they were dismissed because there was no further work to give them; and if he will take steps to grant these men the benefit which has been denied them by the Clydebank Unemployment Exchange?

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

asked the Minister of Labour what steps are being taken to render more useful and effective the existing machinery of the King's Roll; whether he has any records showing the numbers of disabled men throughout the country who are on this roll in their various centres still awaiting employment; and whether he will undertake a concerted effort towards making the machinery of the King's Roll really effective for the purposes for which it was created?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply on the subject of the King's Roll given to the hon. and gallant Member for Buckingham on 9th July. If the hon. Member will repeat his question next week I hope to be able to furnish him with the information desired.

Has the list of authorities and firms who are not on the King's Roll been published yet?

The King's Roll National Council are reporting to me shortly. I shall then be in a better position to answer inquiries on this and similar matters when I have received their report.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the "British Legion Journal" for March last? I think he will find the list published there?

I have seen the publication to which the hon. and gallant Gentleman refers. But the King's Roll National Council have the matter under their careful consideration, and are reporting to me almost at once.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can make any statement as to the inquiry into the retail index figure?

I have nothing to add to my reply to questions by the hon. Members for Plaistow and Whitechapel on 4th July.

In view of the importance of the inquiry will there be a discussion in this House?

I am not quite certain to what the inquiry refers. I should think the time may, and will, come when the basis of computation will be subject to reconsideration, but the hon. and gallant Gentleman will bear in mind that the representatives on the other side of the House have themselves expressed the view that it is undesirable at present to hold such an inquiry.

Is the Minister aware that there is a strong desire that another computation should be adopted of, say, standard types of families of four, five, or six persons and compared with pre-War prices in respect of provisions?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman had better put that question down.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it has been decided to increase the fee charged for holding trade union branch meetings in Employment Exchanges from 1s. per meeting to 2s. 6d. where the branch has less than 50 members, and to 5s. where the branch has a membership exceeding 50; and, if so, whether he will state the reason for imposing this substantial increase?

The increased scale of charges referred to was introduced in August, 1921, at all Exchanges at which special accommodation for meetings was provided, and has been applied subsequently to other Exchanges as and when special accommodation was made available. Where the only accommodation available consists of the ordinary waiting rooms or clerks' rooms the previous charge of 1s. has been maintained. The increase was necessary because the charge of 1s. did not nearly cover the additional cost of heating, lighting, cleaning and attendance occasioned by a meeting.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether or no the original charge was not looked upon as merely a charge for letting and a matter of convenience for the Exchanges, to attract associations to meet at the Exchange buildings?

There was a certain amount of mutual convenience about it, but I think it will be realised by the members of the branches that the charge is exceedingly small.

In view of the dislocation of the associations and their inability to get back to suitable premises, will the right hon. Gentleman not reconsider the matter, for the annual charge is really a most considerable sum?

The charge is really a very small item; and I do not think, under all the circumstances of the case, that even the increased charges are unreasonable.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state in general terms the results of the milk-feeding experiments among Birmingham Council school children, showing the physiological value of fresh milk as an article of diet, and particularly the effect on children suffering from malnutrition of the addition to their dietary of a pint of fresh milk daily; and whether he will cause to be prepared and published a Report on the experiments for the encouragement of co-operative movements of the same kind between other educational, agricultural, and health authorities?

It would not be possible, within the limits of an answer to a question in this House, to state even in general terms the results of the experiments referred to in the first part of the question. As regards the second part, I think the question of publishing a Report on the results of these experiments is a matter for the authority responsible for the investigation. I may add that the Ministry of Health, in conjunction with the Medical Research Council, are conducting investigations into the nutritive properties of milk in the feeding of children, and the question of issuing a Report on these investigations will be considered.

Will the investigation be of the same partial and misleading kind as that which was held in reference to condensed milk?

I am not aware of any partial and misleading investigation being made.

Can any good be done in reference to milk supply until the Act of 1915 is put into operation?

That is a matter of opinion.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a pamphlet published on this subject has been sent to Members of Parliament?

asked the Minister of Health if he will consider the exemption from rates of aged miners' homes in County Durham which have been erected and are maintained almost entirely by miners' contributions.

There is no legal authority for the exemption of the houses referred to from rating, and I am afraid I could not undertake to introduce legislation for the purpose.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the complicated form in which the amendments of the existing Rent and Mortgage Interest Restrictions Act have been made, he will publish as soon as possible, for the guidance of the public, a simple statement of the chief alterations which will come into force next month?

As I stated during the discussion on the Bill now before Parliament, I propose, when that Bill has passed, to reprint the Act of 1920 with the Amendments made by the new Act.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that that will be enough in view of the uncertainty as to the meaning of some of the Clauses that have passed this House?

If the hon. Member means that I should publish my own ideas as to the meaning of each Clause, I think that that would be a very undesirable course.

asked the Minister of Health what is the total number of working-class houses that have been built by local authorities in the County of Durham in the years 1919 to 1923, respectively; and what is the number that the local authorities have applied for sanction to build?

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

Under the State Assisted Housing Scheme authorised by the Housing, Town Planning Act, 1919, local authorities in the County of Durham completed the following numbers of houses in each of the years in question: 1919 Nil. 1920 44 1921 1,591 1922 4,381 1923 (up to 1st July) 690 6,706 In addition, a further 655 houses which had been authorised were either under construction or had not been commenced on the 1st July.

The number of houses in respect of which applications have been received from local authorities in the county under the provisions of the new Housing Bill is 1,447.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received and considered a suggestion that local authorities should be encouraged to purchase land for housing purposes; that each plot might be offered free or for a nominal rent to any person, other than a speculative builder, for the purpose of building a house thereon; that the plot should remain the property of the local authority and not be transferable, and that each person given the offer of a plot should undertake to build a house within a certain time limit or forfeit the use of the land; and whether any action has or can be taken to promote house building on such lines?

I have received from time to time suggestions on the lines indicated. I see no particular advantage in the suggestion of a reduction of ground rent, which is not in fact contemplated in the Housing Bill now before Parliament. A local authority can, however, purchase land and after development lease the plots to persons intending to build houses thereon and, subject to such conditions as may be laid down, assistance may be given to the intending occupier in the shape of a lump sum contribution to the cost of the house. Further assistance by way of loan may be given under Clause 5 of the Bill.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the old Militia depot at Alnwick has been standing empty for some years; and, as several families could be housed there, will he, in view of the shortage of housing accommodation in that district, arrange with the War Office for these premises to be at once utilised for housing purposes?

I have been asked to reply. The question of the possibility of disposing of these barracks has already been taken up.

Do the Government consider that they are setting a good example to private owners of property in withholding from occupation empty property, as in the present case?

There is no question of withholding empty property, as the hon. Member would know if he had listened to the answer to the question, but obviously we could not dispose of this property until we were satisfied that it was not wanted in the public interest?

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that these buildings have been empty for a considerable time?

That is exactly why we are taking the question under review.

asked the Minister of Health for what reason he has recently refused permission to the Tottenham Urban District Council to accede to a request from their tenants urging a reduction in the rents of the council houses; and, in view of the general decrease in wages which has taken place and the difficulty of the tenants in finding other accommodation or in paying the present rents except by depriving themselves of the necessaries of life, whether he will reconsider this decision?

I am advised that the present rents are not excessive, regard being had to the prevailing rents for comparable houses in the locality, and I am unable, therefore, to agree to a reduction. It will be open to the Council, if they so desire, to have the matter referred to the rents tribunal.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the rents in many cases are 40 per cent. of the tenant's income, that the tenant is not allowed to take in lodgers and that he cannot find accommodation elsewhere?

I cannot add anything to the answer which I have given, but if there is dissatisfaction the proper course is to have the matter referred to the Rents Tribunal to take the matter into consideration.

also asked the Minister of Health whether he has any information as to any proposed reduction in the prices of light castings controlled by the National Light Castings Association, in view of the Interim Report of the Departmental Committee appointed to survey the prices of building materials, which indicated that a reduction was almost due?

The question of prices of light castings is still under the consideration of the Committee on Building Materials, who are in communication with the association concerned. I have no further information at present.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the price of pig iron has decreased by 5s. a ton since the issue of the Report?

asked the Minister of Health if he can give an estimate of the present cost of the materials in a cottage, taking the cost in September, 1920, as 100?

It is estimated that if the costs of the material in a cottage in September, 1920, be taken as 100, the present costs would be put at 58.

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses approved for construction to date under the new Bill?

The number of houses approved to date which Will rank for assistance under the new Bill is 16,215.

How many of those houses have been built by municipalities and how many by private enterprise?

I should require notice of that question.

Has the Minister figures to show which of the houses are being built for sale and which are being built for letting?

If the hon. Member chooses to put down that question, I will find out.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health if he is aware of the great housing shortage in Torrance of Campsie, Stirlingshire; that a large proportion of houses are nominally tenanted by non-residents; that young couples desirous of being married canot find suitable housing accommodation; and if he can take any steps to call the attention of the local authority to the urgency of remedying this state of affairs?

My attention had not previously been called to the question of housing accommodation in the place referred to. I am having a communication addressed to the local authority asking for their views and inquiring what action they propose to take to remedy any shortage of houses that may exist.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the widespread dissatisfaction in the medical profession with the necessity under which they are still placed of distributing trade advertisements with certificates under the National Health Insurance Act, these forms will be withdrawn without further delay?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to a series of similar questions on the 13th June.

Is it not the case that these objectionable forms are still being sent out?

I do not think that any are now being sent out from the Stationery Office, though it is possible that insurance committees still have some stocks in their hands, but new forms which do not include the advertisements are now being printed in the Stationery Office.

asked the Minister of Health, seeing that the London County Council has a medical officer in attendance at the new County Hall for the purpose of vaccinating any of the members who desire to be so treated, whether he will, in view of the increasing prevalence of small-pox in this country, consider the advisability of recommending the adoption of a similar practice in this House as a precautionary measure?

The answer is in the negative. Hon. Members who desire to be vaccinated should consult their own medical advisers or apply to the public vaccinators of the districts in which they reside.

asked the Minister of Health if any information is available to show whether there has been any increase or decrease in the number of cases of small-pox and in the number of deaths from small-pox per 1,000 of the population in the last quinquennial period as compared with 50 years ago?

No figures are available to enable a comparison to be made between the number of cases of small-pox in the last quinquennial period and in the period 1868–1872. The number of deaths from small-pox in the quinquennium 1868–72 was 48,107, whilst in 1918–22 it was 92, giving a rate per 1,000 of the population in those two periods as follows: 1868–72 .4274 1918–22 .0005

What is the right hon. Gentleman's authority for the statement which he made the other day, that there had been an increase of small-pox, with the reduction in vaccination?

My authority was the figures which I gave the hon. Member.

Do the figures which the right hon. Gentleman has just given confirm that statement?

asked the Minister of Health the percentage of births vaccinated in the period 1872 to 1881 and the number of deaths from small-pox registered during that period with the small-pox death rate per million living, and the same figures for the period of 1912 to 1921?

The particulars asked for by the hon. Member are contained in the answer given on the 16th instant to the hon. Member for South Poplar (Mr. March), except that the small-pox death rate given in that answer is the rate per 100,000 population. The rate per million living can of course be obtained by multiplying the rate given in the previous answer by 10.

Would not these figures prove that extra measures of sanitation are much more important than vaccination as a protection against small-pox?

That is a matter of opinion.

asked the Minister of Health how many deaths from small-pox occurred in the years from 1872 to 1889; what was the percentage of children vaccinated during these years; how many deaths from small-pox have occurred in the last three years; and what percentage of children have been vaccinated?

The figures asked for by the hon. Member are contained in the answer given on the 16th instant to the hon. Member for South Poplar (Mr. March), and are printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Health if, in view of the prevalence and great increase in the number of cases of small-pox, he will consider the advisability of supplying Government calf lymph to all private qualified medical practitioners who apply for it, as the material they now have to use may not be up to the recognised Government standard?

This matter has been considered from time to time, but as at present advised, I doubt whether it is practicable to take action in the direction indicated.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that an employé in a fever hospital pays for superannuation under the provisions of the Poor Law Officers Act; that if for any reason the employé is transferred to a mental hospital, even if it is controlled by the same authority, he comes under the Asylum Officers Act for superannuation purposes; that as there are no provisions in either Act for transfer value the employé loses credit for all the payments he made under the Poor Law Officers Act, although, if he were dismissed, instead of transferred, he would get his payments returned; and whether he will take action to bring these two Acts into conformity with the provisions of the Local Government and other Officers Superannuation Act, 1922?

I am aware of the difficulty to which the hon. Member refers, but I am afraid I cannot promise to introduce legislation dealing with the matter at the present time.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman some power to carry some revenue to the credit of a person so transferred without having to lose all his contributions and benefits under the Superannuation Act?

There is no such power at present. It would require further legislation.

Could not the local authority arrange with the right hon. Gentleman to meet such a set of circumstances?

I understand that when a person is transferred by direction of the Board he does transfer his benefits with him, but not if he gives notice himself.

The right hon. Gentleman will realise that if a person is discharged he would have refunded to him all the payments, but by being transferred he loses all his years of payment?

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government, either before the Recess or in an Autumn Session, to propose legislation to give effect to the recommendations of the Committee on the endowments of the Church in Scotland, presided over by Lord Haldane?

It is the intention of the Government to introduce in the forthcoming Autumn Session a Bill to deal with the property and endowments of the Church of Scotland.

asked the Prime Minister whether it has been suggested on behalf of the Dominions that, for general convenience and the stimulation of good feeling, occasional meetings of the Imperial Conference might very well be held in one or other of the Dominion capitals; and whether, in any case, he will ascertain the present point of view of the Dominions on such a policy?

The suggestion is one with which I am familiar. There is no definite arrangement by which the meetings of the Imperial Conference should invariably take place in London, and the place of meeting must be determined by the convenience of all concerned. At the forthcoming Conference, the date and place of the next meeting will be among the subjects which will come up for discussion.

Will it be brought before the Conference that there is a prospect of flying to Canada in two days, and to India in four, as a means of bringing this about?

I hope not.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the 30-inch by 31½-inch tyre and tube, Ford size, are being sold in this country at the manufacturer's price of about 40s.; whether he is aware that the cost of producing the tyre alone in this country is £2 6s. 9d.; and what measure does the Government propose to take to safeguard the manufacturers and workpeople engaged with the British tyre industry?

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether his attention has been called to the recent reduction of 10 per cent. in the cost of rubber tyres sold in this country by an important Continental manufacturing firm; whether he is aware that this reduction brings the price at which these Continental tyres are offered considerably below the cost of production in this country; what steps His Majesty's Government proposes to take to save the British tyre industry from disaster, consequent upon competition based upon exchange values favourable to the foreign producer;

(2) whether his attention has been called to the recent enormous increase in the importation of American motor tyres into this country; whether he is aware that the importation of these tyres is responsible for the unemployment of between 25,000 and 30,000 workpeople and the consequent weekly circulation in wages of between £75,000 and £90,000 in Great Britain, and that these tyres are sold retail in England at a price lower than the cost of production in this country; and whether, in view of the menace of increased unemployment in the forthcoming winter, His Majesty's Government is proposing to take any steps to safeguard this industry and to provide employment for the workpeople concerned?

This question will receive careful consideration by the Government.

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to honour the pledge given by himself or his predecessor at the Election, not to alter the fiscal system of this country in this Parliament?

Did not the Prime Minister, during the passage of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, give a definite pledge that Part II of the Act was not to be applied against French goods—the principal country engaged in the manufacture of tyres?

Is it not the first consideration of the Prime Minister to see that the people of this country get employment?

Will the right hon. Gentleman define what he means by "giving careful consideration"? Are the Government contemplating a Bill?

The hon. and gallant Member has been in this House much longer than I have.

Will the pledge of the right hon. Gentleman's predecessor that the fiscal system will not be altered in this Parliment be honoured?

I do not think that question arises here.

Can the Prime Minister state if he proposes to take action, should action be taken under Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act?

I do not think the time has come for answering that question yet.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether the air inlets and outlets, in connection with the ventilation of the House, have been corrected; and how soon the air inlets will be taken above the present Terrace level?

I must await the results of experiments, which will be carried out during the Recess, before forecasting any changes that may eventually be made in the ventilation system.