asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty whether his inspector has now reported upon the dispute in the engineering works of the Powell Duffryn Steam Coal Company at Ystrad Mynach; and, if so, what action, if any, has been taken thereon?

Yes, Sir, and I am sending the hon. Member a letter on this subject.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in all cases where a pensioner is recommended home treatment with allowances, the recommendation is referred to a Deputy-Commissioner of Medical Services; whether he has power to veto such recommendations; whether any record is kept of the number of cases where authority to pay allowances is refused; and, if so, will he give the number of men who were recommended home treatment with allowances but did not receive allowances in the three months ending 31st March?

Certificates given by Ministry Institutions and Clinics are not referred to a Deputy-Commissioner of Medical Services, but where the examination has been conducted by an out-station medical officer his recommendation is referred to a Deputy-Commissioner. The latter never disturbs a recommendation of allowances without personally seeing the man unless the examining medical officer agrees, on reconsideration of the case, that allowances are not admissible. I regret that the figures asked for are not available as no record is kept of these decisions other than in the man's personal file.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the instructions issued in February and March last withdrawing special allowances in cases of exceptional hardship to disabled ex-service men, widows, parents, and children where a pension is not payable or where a pension previously granted has ceased to be payable were approved by the Special Grants Committee; when it is anticipated the revised regulations, under which the Special Grants Committee will act in future, will be printed; and whether copies of these will be circulated to Members of this House?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The revised regulations will shortly be printed and placed on sale, and I shall be happy to arrange for copies to be sent to any hon. Members who so desire.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, seeing that Article 1 (3) of the Royal Warrant of 1919 provides that in cases where the degree of disablement is less than 20 per cent. a gratuity or final weekly allowance may be granted to an amount not exceeding £200, he will state why a man assessed at 15 to 19 per cent., indeterminate duration, only receives £98 10s.; whether the total sum of £200 is less than the actuarial valuation of the man's disability; and whether he will issue instructions that in all cases where the assessment is 15 to 19 per cent., indeterminate duration, the sum granted as final weekly allowance, plus terminable gratuity, shall be the maximum permitted under the Royal Warrant?

I would draw the hon. Member's attention to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Nelson and Colne (Mr. A. Greenwood) on the 26th April. The hon. Member would appear to have overlooked the fact that in addition to the £98 10s. which he mentions substantial additions are made for rank and for the wife and children, within the maximum referred to. The scale of allowances payable in these cases, which was drawn up after very full consideration, affords adequate compensation for minor disabilities, and I am not prepared to amend it in the sense suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that from the award made in June, 1923, to William Stewart, 24, Douglas Street, Newtown, Wigan, the whole amount of a final weekly allowance awarded to him in 1920 has been deducted; and if, in view of the statement that such deductions were not being pressed, and that three years have elapsed since the award was made, he can have the amount deducted refunded to this man?

This man has received the full amount to which he is entitled from my Department, and I regret that no further payment can be made.

asked the Minister of Pensions the additional cost involved if the maximum income allowable to pensioners, including the old age pension, was increased from £1 to £1 10s. per week?

If 30s. were adopted as the standard of need in all cases of need pension, it is estimated that the additional annual expenditure would amount to £1,250,000.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that, for the purpose of the life certificates required by the Pensions Issue Office, the signatures of officers of the Territorial Army are not recognised (Reference 3/MA/4716); and if he can see his way to concede such signatures' recognition?

It is the practice of the Ministry to accept the signatures of officers of the Territorial Army on pensioners' life certificates; but I regret that, in the case brought to my notice by the hon. Member such a signature was refused under a misapprehension.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware of the discontent amongst ex-service men caused by the fact that where these men are awaiting a board and they are in need the war pensions committee refuse to make them any grant from the Red Cross Fund if they consider the man's disability to be less than 20 per cent.; and if he will have this matter inquired into and, where need is proved under these circumstances, grants made from this fund to these men whatever may be the degree of disablement?

The funds referred to belong to and are under the sole control of the British Red Cross Society. Their object is to assist in cases where the man has no entitlement to pension but has lodged a claim or appeal which is under consideration. My Department has no authority over this fund, although assistance is given by the local Offices of the Ministry in bringing suitable cases to the notice of the Red Cross Society as requested by that body.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, seeing that he has stated that the medical records of the War have been completed by the statistical division, he can state what duties are performed by the 149 temporary staff engaged on the preparation of the medical records of the War at an estimated expenditure for the current financial year of £13,410, as shown in the vote for medical services in his Department; whether the expenditure on the preparation of these records was £17,263 in the year 1922–23; what will be the total expenditure on the preparation of these records; and when it is anticipated that the records will be completed?

In addition to the sorting and indexing of the medical records, a large proportion of the staff has always been employed in supplying information only obtainable from these records to assist claimants to substantiate their claims as well as to enable the Ministry to verify their statements. There are also applications for information from the War Office, India Office and foreign embassies. The hon. Member will be glad to learn that the staff engaged in the War Record Section is now much reduced and is almost entirely engaged on the work of extracting, copying and forwarding information in answer to inquiries. The expenditure for the current financial year will, therefore, fall short of the amount shown in the Estimates. As I informed the hon. Member on the 12th instant, I am not in a position to state the total cost without considerable investigation.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the Civil Service establishment of any temporary employés, other than those who have passed the examinations provided for by the Lytton Committee, is at present under consideration?

So far as my Department is concerned the answer is in the negative.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury when the rate of 27s. rising to 32s. per week was fixed for unestablished paper-keepers; who the agreement was made with; and whether, in view of the conditions under which the work of paper-keeping is carried on, he will agree to receive a deputation to discuss the request of the paper-keepers employed at the Ministry of Health for improved pay and establishment?

The rate of pay of unestablished messengers, a class which includes men engaged on paper-keeping duties, is governed by an agreement, dated the 20th September, 1920, between the Treasury and the Workers' Union. A communication has just been addressed to the union as regards the matter referred to in the latter part of the question.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether it has been brought to his notice that there are taxpayers who have been guilty of Income Tax fraud, and who would be glad of an opportunity of making a full disclosure and a suitable pecuniary settlement but are deterred from doing so by the fear of criminal proceedings; and whether he proposes to do anything to meet such cases?

The question of fraud and evasion in connection with direct taxation is, of course, a matter of great importance to the Exchequer, but it is not desired that fraudulent taxpayers should be deterred by the fear of criminal proceedings from making spontaneous disclosure of their misdeeds and appropriate pecuniary restriction. The following statement explains the practice followed by the Board of Inland Revenue in the matter: Where the taxpayer takes the initiative and voluntarily discloses the fact of his past frauds and their full extent and is also prepared to facilitate investigation and to furnish full evidence (including not only the business books and records, but also private bank books), as may be required on behalf of the Board as to the amount of the correct liability, the Board will not institute criminal proceedings, but will accept a pecuniary settlement. Cases not infrequently arise in which the disclosure, though in a sense voluntary, is not made on the initiative of the taxpayer. For example, the taxpayer may have been requested to furnish accounts, or further particulars in connection with accounts already rendered, or the production of books may have been suggested. If, in such a case, the taxpayer forthwith comes forward with a full and frank disclosure of past frauds, this would be accepted by the Board as equivalent to a voluntary disclosure to the extent that the Board would not institute criminal proceedings, but would accept a pecuniary, settlement. The condition indicated above as to a full investigation and the production of evidence would apply, of course, equally to these cases. The pecuniary settlement which the Board will be prepared to accept will be determined by reference to the circumstances of the individual case, and will in no case exceed the full amount of the unassessed duties for the whole period (whether additional assessments are or are not competent) plus the pecuniary penalties for which proceedings might be taken. Due regard will be had to the taxpayer's means not only in determining the amount of the sum to be accepted in settlement, but also in fixing the date or dates for payment. Normally the Board will feel justified in accepting in cases where the disclosure is purely voluntary, i.e., made on the initiative of the taxpayer, a smaller sum by way of penalty than would be required if the disclosure had not been spontaneous, but had followed upon an inquiry by the inspector. In some cases of voluntary or quasi-voluntary disclosure it has been found that the taxpayer has in past years furnished false and fraudulent particulars in reply to inquiries which have been made by the inspector and have been treated as closed. In such cases the Board do not refuse to accept a pecuniary settlement in the event of a voluntary disclosure or quasi-voluntary disclosure following upon fresh inquiry. The previous fraudulent replies would, however, be regarded as a relevant circumstance in determining the amount to be paid by way of penalty.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that books imported from Germany by English booksellers are detained for payment of duty under the German Reparations (Recovery) Act, 1921, with consequent delay to the annoyance of customers, while books imported by individuals direct escape both delay and the payment of duty; and whether steps may be taken to relieve English booksellers of this loss and annoyance?

It is not the practice to insist on payment of Reparation levy in the case of single postal packets of printed matter addressed from Germany to private individuals in this country. But I cannot agree to extend this very limited concession to commercial importations, nor am I aware that English booksellers are prejudiced as suggested.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a large number of publications reach this country under the description of periodicals without payment of duty under the German Reparations (Recovery) Act, 1921; and whether he can inform the House of the principles which guide the officials in determining publications falling under the heading of periodicals and escaping duty and those that are liable to duty as books?

The hon. Member presumably is referring to the provisions of the German Reparation (Recovery) Order No. 1 of 1922, made by the Board of Trade under their statutory powers. Under this Order any publication in the German language which is proved to the satisfaction of the Commissioners of Customs and Excise to be a periodical publication of a German learned society or other scientific or philosophical periodical publication is exempt from the provisions of the Act. The scope of the exemption is thus restricted to clearly defined limits, and the question whether any given publication falls within these limits is one of fact.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether there is any separate record of duty paid under the German Reparations (Recovery) Act, 1921, in respect of imported books; and, if so, whether he can inform the House the proportion of receipts which represents penal duty paid by the English importer in respect of which no recovery has been made from Germany?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part of the question, I am not aware of any reason why the payments made by the British importer should not in all cases be recovered by deduction from the price paid to the German supplier in accordance with the procedure contemplated by the Act.

asked the Home Secretary the number of accidents in coal mining and other industries in 1921 and 1922, respectively; and the amount of compensation paid in the County of Durham?

I am informed by the Mines Department that the number of fatal accidents and accidents causing more than seven days' disablement under the Coal Mines Act in the County of Durham was, in 1921, 10,363, and, in 1922, 26,231; but in the former year almost all the mines were idle during a period of about three months. As regards factory accidents, I find that the figures can only be tabulated according to the inspectors' districts, and that separate figures cannot be given for Durham. I regret I have also no information as to the amount of compensation paid.

asked the Home Secretary what number of persons were committed to prison in 1922 for non-payment of fines inflicted upon them in the police courts; how many of such persons sent to prison were given time in which to pay such fines; and if he will bring to the attention of magistrates and magistrates' clerks the desirability of giving time to pay fines so as to keep our prisons more free and people from becoming prison-tainted?

16,021 persons were admitted to prison in default of payment of fines in 1922. In regard to 3,108 of these persons, there are records showing they were allowed time to pay. A circular, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy, was sent to Courts of Summary Jurisdiction in May, 1922, and I do not think any further action is called for at the present time.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to a case tried before the stipendiary magistrate in Liverpool, on 11th July, in which a firm of bakers was fined for selling a loaf of bread of the weight of 3 lbs.; under what Regulation these proceedings were taken; what is the reason for retaining this Regulation; and whether he will take steps to have it rescinded?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the speech of the President of the Board of Trade in Committee on the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill on Tuesday last.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to a ruling of the Courts under which the savings of a wife are taken possession of by the official receiver in the event of the bankruptcy of her husband; and whether, in view of the hardship thus entailed, he will consider the desirability of proposing a change in the law in this respect?

I have been asked to reply. I am aware that the Courts have held that the savings of a married woman from money allowed to her by her husband for household expenses belong to the husband, and, consequently, pass to the Trustee in the event of the bankruptcy of the husband. As at present advised, I am not prepared to recommend an alteration in the law in this respect.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will take whatever steps may be necessary to have the members of the Metropolitan and City Police forces provided with a lighter uniform and helmet to be worn during hot weather; and whether police officers within the precincts of the Houses of Parliament can be permitted to keep their helmets off when on duty?

Members of both forces are provided with unlined serge jackets for summer wear; lighter helmets have been provided for the Metropolitan Police and are on trial in the City Police. It is not considered necessary to make any further issues specially for hot weather wear. As to the men on duty at the Houses of Parliament there is no objection to those actually serving inside the buildings removing their helmets, but this does not apply to men carrying out their duties in the open air.

asked the Home Secretary how many persons suffering from accident or other sudden illness were conveyed by the hand ambulances of the Metropolitan Police to hospitals or infirmaries during the years 1920, 1921, and 1922?

This information will take a little time to collect. I will give it to the hon. Member as soon as the figures are ready.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that, owing to his Department having imposed the condition that the number of free places awarded in any particular school must not exceed the percentage awarded in 1921–22, the number of children who have been awarded junior county scholarships to enable them to attend secondary schools has, so far as the Plumstead Secondary School is concerned, been limited to 17, although there is accommodation for a larger number; that, in consequence of this rule, children of tender years in the Plumstead district have either to travel to a secondary school in another part of London or sacrifice their awards; and whether, in consequence of the danger and hardship that this involves, he will have this rule abolished or amended?

I am in communication with the London County Council on the subject, and will let the hon. Member know the result.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware of the hardship inflicted upon non-graduate teachers in secondary schools in consequence of the Regulation which deprives such teachers of the graduate scale of salaries unless engaged prior to June, 1912, although they had qualifications which satisfied local education authorities and the Board of Education that they were capable of teaching in secondary schools at the time of their appointment; and whether he will consider the advisability of making the Regulation apply only to future appointments or substituting a much later qualifying period?

The provision referred to is contained in the Burnham Report. I regret that I am unable to recognise for grant the payment of salaries on a more generous scale than is provided for in that Report.

asked the President of the Board of Trade [12th July, 1923] if he will give the figures of the quantity of each of the commodities subject to full and preferential rates of duty imported from foreign countries and British possessions, respectively, during the years 1913 and 1922?

supplied the following answer: The attached statement shows, for each class of goods subject to duty on importation in 1922, the quantities im- ported in the years 1913 and 1922, distinguishing the quantities consigned from foreign countries and from British Possessions respectively. The quantities which were admitted at preferential rates of duty, included in the consignments from British Possessions, cannot be stated separately, as the determination of any claim for admission at the reduced rates

Class of Commodity. Denomination of Quantity. 1913, Quantity. 1922, Quantity. Foreign Countries. British Possessions. Foreign Countries. British Possessions. Chicory, Raw or Kiln-dried … Cwts. 86,432 — 49,725 143 Chicory, Roasted or Ground Lbs. 141,086 8,053 288,112 — Cocoa, Raw … … … Cwts. 328,772 370,868 96,927 1,184,047 Cocoa, Husks and Shells … Cwts. 6,973 2 178 — Cocoa, Butter … … … Lbs. 2,042,780 242 2,724,205 392 Cocoa, Preparations, Sweetened or not— Not containing Spirit … Cwts. 243,223 501 117,432 1,271 Containing Spirit … … Cwts. 2,758 — 3,824 5 Coffee, not Kiln-dried, not Roasted or Ground. Cwts. 755,872 90,599 921,200 167,719 Coffee, Kiln-dried, Roasted or Ground. Lbs. 47,934 2,110 16,478 5,017 Coffee and Chicory, Roasted and Ground, Mixed. Lbs. 2,612 454 183 132 Fruit, Dried— Currants … … … Cwts. 1,301,165 1,641 962,945 80,315 Figs and Fig Cake … … Cwts. 161,220 11 210,512 25 Plums … … … Cwts. 155,148 3,400 148,551 4,783 Prunes … … … Cwts. 39,018 148 175,351 3,606 Raisins … … … Cwts. 728,665 9,485 895,041 275,279 Spirits and Strong Waters, in Casks or Bottles— Brandy … … … Pf. Galls. 1,487,115 2,912 368,578 8,240 Rum … … … Pf. Galls. 868,276 3,831,325 122 1,525,774 Other sorts, including Liqueurs. Pf. Galls. 962,916 17,236 491,434 68,208 Sugar— Refined … … … Cwts. 18,445,097 5,800 8,716,369 1,754,402 Unrefined … … … Cwts. 19,499,704 1,434,589 21,155,680 6,552,936 Glucose, Solid and Liquid … Cwts. 1,464,677 43 1,149,419 3,616 Molasses, invert Sugar, etc. Cwts. 3,125,188 136,043 2,377,554 77,866 Saccharin (including Substances of like nature or use). Ozs. 1,241,587 626 80,337 5,347 Candied or Drained Peel … Cwts. 9,586 — 278 9 Caramel, Solid or Liquid … Cwts. 25,404 — 136 1 Chutney … … … Cwts. 4 15,005 1 9,278 Confectionery— Hard … … … Cwts. 15,583 39 19,539 197 Soft … … … Cwts. 43,734 102 32,062 470 Other Sorts … … Cwts. 5,407 — 5,270 129 Fruit not liable to duty as such, preserved in sugar— ( a ) Tinned, etc., in thin syrup— Pineapples … … Cwts. 24,973 244,747 109,260 325,259 Other Sorts … … Cwts. 420,355 299 1,425,185 135,922 ( b ) Tinned, etc., in thick syrup; crystallised, prained, etc. Cwts. 24,830 307 44,525 1,476

is, in the case of goods deposited in bonded warehouses, not made at the time of import, but at the time when the goods are presented for payment of duty. The quantities charged to duty at full rates and at preferential rates respectively, during the fiscal years concerned, are stated in the annual Reports of the Commissioners of Customs and Excise:

Class of Commodity. Denomination of Quantity. 1913, Quantity. 1922, Quantity. Foreign Countries. British Possessions. Foreign Countries. British Possessions. Fruit liable to duty as such: Tinned or Bottled, etc. Cwts. 10,428 35 19,099 162 Ginger in syrup or sugar … Cwts. 2,210 49,376 5,618 40,234 Marmalade, Jams and Fruit Jellies, if not made from Fruit liable as such. Cwts. 580 801 1,413 9,878 Milk, Condensed, Sweetened, Whole. Cwts. 481,249 186 295,874 73,892 Milk, Condensed, Sweetened, Separated or Skimmed. Cwts. 720,763 9 1,244,641 5,348 Other preparations made with added Sugar, etc., for Food. Cwts. 62,709 37,914 149,038 19,273 Tea … … … … Cwts. 50,280,758 314,762,706 51,305,834 367,699,523 Wine: In Casks … … … Gallons 9,676,569 966,589 10,547,965 696,243 In Bottles: Still … … … Gallons 362,841 4,605 355,364 4,786 Sparkling … … Gallons 1,321,584 724 673,863 1,149 Tobacco: Manufactured: Cigars … … … Lbs. 1,513,928 145,381 588,734 77,845 Cigarettes … … Lbs. 293,438 20,953 29,668 95,091 Other … … … Lbs. 1,569,538 44,750 669,848 32,490 Unmanufactured … … Lbs. 160,206,782 2,159,143 172,203,135 12,653,513 Cinematograph Films: Blanks … … … Lin. ft. * * 68,029,824 20,361 Positives … … … Lin. ft. * * 19,549,611 631,067 Negatives … … … Lin. ft. * * 7,060,092 310,801 Clocks: Complete … … … Number 2,413,925† 1† 3,742,537 459 Movements, complete … Number * * 287,978 — Glasses for Clocks … Number * * 273,051 — Watches: Complete … … … Number 4,497,804† 1,410† 2,693,586 2,908 Movements, complete … Number * * 179,092 339 Watch Cases … … Number 1,185,577† 1,506† 643,195 2,299 Glasses for Watches … Number * * 8,076,675 — Motor Cars, complete: Touring Cars (including Cabs). Number 5,808† 1,012† 6,186 7,154 Commercial Vehicles … 928‡ 47‡ Motor Car Chassis: For Touring Cars, etc. … Number 7,941† 17† 5,978 999 For Commercial Vehicles … Number 1,282‡ 258‡ Motor Car Parts: Engines‡ … … … Number * * 40 — Axles‡ … … … Number 446 16 Ball Bearings‡ … … Tons 78 — Motor Cycles and Tricars, complete. Number 1,721† 7† 929 47 Engines for Motor Cycles and Tricars. Number * * 1,753 — * Not separately recorded and not liable to duty in 1913. † Not liable to duty in 1913. ‡ Commercial vehicles and chassis were exempt from duty in 1922. Separate particulars of imports of such vehicles and chassis in 1913 are not available. Class of Commodity. Denomination of Quantity. 1913, Quantity. 1922, Quantity. Foreign Countries. British Possessions. Foreign Countries. British Possessions. Musical Instruments: Organs and Pianos: Automatic, Complete: Organs … … … Number * * 43 — Pianos … … … Number * * 689 6 Automatic, Parts: Rolls, perforated … Number * * 32,988 80 Other Parts … … Cwts. * * 942 110 Not Automatic: Organs, Complete … Number 3,269† 1,688† 129 34 Parts and Fittings for Organs. Cwts. * * 627 44 Pianos, Complete … Number 24,467† 15† 15,565 14 Parts of Pianos: Keyboard Sets … Number * * 35 — Actions … … Number * * 15,361 263 Gramophones and Phonographs: Complete … … … Number * * 118,186 62 Records … … … Dozens * * 17,565 332 Stringed Musical Instruments, Complete. Number * * 58,029 114 Wood and Metal Wind, Complete. Number * * 165,502 216 Not elsewhere specified … Number 145,994† 12† 49,423 35 Spirits, Perfumed … … Liq. Galls. 39,381 477 12,004 157 Power Spirit, Unsweetened, Mixed. Pf. Galls. — — — 1,728 Sugar Articles, not for Food Cwts. 6,011 2 4,632 626 * Not separately recorded and not liable to duty in 1913. † Not liable to duty in 1913.

asked the Secretary for Mines what were the total tons of coal exported from the United Kingdom in 1913: the amount exported in 1921, 1922, and up to June, 1923; the average price

— 1913. 1921. 1922. First 6 months of 1923. All Coal Exported— Tonnage … … … … … 73,400,118 24,60,552 64,198,384 39,808,881 Average declared value per ton (f.o.b.) 13s. 10d. 34s. 10d. 22s. 7d. 25s. 4d. Coal Exported to France— Tonnage … … … … … 12,775,909 6,395,651 13,579,417 9,510,176 Average declared value per ton (f.o.b.) 12s. 8d. 34s. 10d. 23s. 2d. 24s.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will have a state-

per ton for those periods; the amount exported to France for the same periods; and the price per ton?

The figures are as follow:

ment prepared setting forth the total amount expended on land settlement in England and Wales between the date of the Armistice and the 30th June, 1923, and the amount of the advances which has been repaid during that period?

The following statement shows the total amount of money advanced from the Exchequer to meet both capital and current expenditure, incurred since the Armistice, on land settlement in England and Wales: ( a ) Advances, to 26th June, by Public Works Loan Commissioners to county councils and councils of county boroughs out of the Land Settlement Fund provided by Section 14 of the Land Settlement (Facilities) Act, 1919: £ Loans approved, £13,432,371, actually advanced 13,276,346 Borrowed locally by councils (estimated) 500,000 ( b ) Expenditure by Ministry: £ Payments to councils for losses under Section 26 of the Land Settlement (Facilities) Act, 1919 2,104,843* Farm settlements set up under the Small Holding Colonies Acts, 1916 and 1918 783,348 Ministry's Headquarters administrative expenditure (approximate) 315,000 3,203,191 Total gross expenditure to 30th June, 1923 16,979,537 Less amount of advances repaid by councils to 30th June, 1923 465,556 Net expenditure £16,513,981 * This amount is exclusive of payments amounting to £110,912 made since the Armistice in respect of losses and expenses incurred by councils in the period 1908–19.

It must be remembered that, so far as the first item is concerned (i.e., £13,276,346), the Exchequer receives a full return by way of interest payable by councils on the loans advanced by the Public Works Loan Board. These interest payments, which are not included in the above statement, had amounted to £2,006,527 by 30th June, 1923. Similarly, with regard to the Ministry's expenditure on farm settlements, it should be explained that estates have been acquired and developed, the capital cost of which amounted approximately to £763,500 as at 31st March, 1923, out of the total of £783,348 given above.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is consulting with associations of growers and with the Postmaster-General's Department, with a view to disseminating market intelligence for the benefit of both growers and consumers, as suggested by Lord Linlithgow's Committee?

I would point out to the hon. Member that the recommendation referred to was that this question of disseminating information merits investigation by the growers. If the growers' organisations will suggest a suitable scheme and submit it to the Government Departments concerned, I shall be ready to afford any assistance that lies within my power.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he is taking with a view to obtaining and publishing more comprehensive information regarding the total annual production of fruit and vegetable crops, as recommended by Lord Linlithgow's Committee?

Steps have been taken this year, in connection with the annual agricultural returns, to obtain information which will assist in enabling an estimate to be made of the total annual production of fruit. As a result, I hope it may be possible to publish some additional information, and I shall consult representative growers' associations on the subject.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the recommendation of the Departmental Committee on distribution and prices of agricultural produce, he proposes to take any steps to improve existing conditions at Covent Garden market; and whether, having regard to the general complaints as to the magnitude and incidence of the market charges there, and their alleged illegality, he will direct an inquiry to be held?

I am giving consideration to this question, but the matter is one of considerable complexity, and I cannot make any statement on the matter at present.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is his intention to introduce at the earliest possible moment legislation to implement the recommendations of Lord Linlithgow's Committee as to licensing commission salesmen?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the Report of the Departmental Committee on Distribution and Prices of Agricultural Produce, he proposes to take steps to carry out the recommendation of that Committee that commission salesmen in the wholesale fruit and vegetable market should operate under licence with clearly-defined conditions respecting commission charges and business codes?

The recommendation of Lord Linlithgow's Committee was that, failing regulatory action by salesmen themselves, representative associations of growers should bring pressure to bear in the direction of securing any necessary legislative action." There has hardly been time as yet for this matter to be considered by salesmen and growers, but I will take steps to ascertain their views on this subject.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give the average retail prices of the principal foodstuffs at the time of the agreement entered into in September, 1922, between the Dockers' Union and the employers; and the present average prices for the same commodities?

The average retail prices required by the hon. Member are as follow: Article. Average Retail Prices (per lb. unless otherwise stated). 1st September, 1922. 30th June, 1923. Beef, British— s. d. s. d. Ribs 1 6½ 1 5¾ Think Flank 11¼ 10¼ Beef, Chilled or Frozen— Ribs 10½ 10 Thin Flank 6 5½ Mutton, British— Legs 1 9 1 8½ Breast 1 0 11½ Mutton, Frozen— Legs 1 0 1 0¼ Breast 5 5 Bacon (Streaky)* 1 10¼ 1 5¼ Flour per 7 lbs. 1 5 1 3½ Bread per 4 lbs. 9¾ 9 Tea 2 3 2 6½ Sugar (granulated) 6 7¼ Milk per quart 5¾ 5½ Butter— Fresh 2 2 1 7¼ Salt 2 1 1 6¼ Cheese† 1 1¼ 1 1¼ Margarine 7 6¾ Eggs (fresh) each 2½ 1½ Potatoes per 7 lbs. 5¾ 8¾ * If this kind is seldom dealt with in a locality the Returns quote prices for another kind locally representative. † The description of cheese specified for quotation is Canadian or American, but where such cheese is seldom sold in a locality the Returns quote the price of another kind locally representative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government of Trinidad have accepted the proposals of the British Government regarding all-British cable communications; what is the attitude of the other West Indian islands; and what are the prospects of an early execution of the work?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; the general attitude of the West Indian Governments concerned is favourable to the scheme, which has been put before them, and if the proposals commend themselves to the Canadian Government it is hoped that a beginning may be made with its execution during the autumn.

Colony. Loans at the end of the financial year, 1921 and 1921–22. Population—Census 1921. European Whites. Total all Races. £ Fiji … … … … … 150,000 3,878 157,266 Kenya … … … … … 5,000,000 9,651 2,529,133 Nyasaland … … … … 306,328 1,486 1,201,983 Gold Coast … … … … 7,319,118 1,967 2,110,424 Nigeria … … … … … 13,609,209 4,000 18,707,921 Sierra Leone … … … … 2,250,000 1,760 1,541,311 Ceylon … … … … … 10,035,693* — 4,504,549 Federated Malay States … … 4,759,907 5,686 1,324,890 Hong Kong … … … … 1,860,733 12,856 542,003 Mauritius … … … … 1,273,024 — 376,935 Straits Settlement … … … 21,615,068 8,149 883,769 Barbados … … … … 561,500 10,429 156,312 British Guiana … … … 1,170,238 2,208 297,691 British Honduras … … … 136,900 — 45,317 Jamaica … … … … 3,995,214 14,476 858,118 Leeward Islands:— Antigua … … … … 115,500 — 29,767 St. Kitts-Nevis … … … 29,702 1,219 38,214 Dominica … … … … 65,000 556 37,059 Montserrat … … … … 11,100 112 12,120 Trinidad … … … … 3,205,901 — 362,780 Windward Islands:— Grenada … … … … 223,670 905 66,302 St. Lucia … … … … 155,780 — 51,505 St. Vincent … … … … 11,900 — 44,447 * Year ending 30th September, 1921.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the official recommendations to plant suitable trees along all new roads and replant trees destroyed in the widening of roads, he has made any appeal to local authorities to provide shade wherever possible along existing roads; and what, generally speaking, is the policy of his Department in the matter?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport to the Noble Lord the Member for South Battersea

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies the approximate loans of the various Crown Colonies, giving the population of white and black in each Colony?

The figures are as follow:

(Viscount Curzon) on the 10th instant. So far as my Department is concerned, as for instance in town planning schemes, it is their policy to encourage local authorities in suitable cases to provide for roadside tree planting.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total number of boxes of bacon held in stock in this country, or due to arrive, on the 31st of March, 1921, on account of the Food Department of the Board of Trade, and the purchase price to the Department of such goods per box, exclusive of any such bacon as may be under reference to the courts of arbitration?

The total number of boxes of bacon held in stock in this country, or due to arrive, on the 31st March, 1921, on account of the Food Department of the Board of Trade was 113,119. These boxes represent only a portion of the total stock for which the Department was responsible at the date mentioned, and were valued in the account for the year ended 31st March, 1921, at the amounts subsequently realised. The financial result of these operations is included in the Trading Account for 1921–22, which has been presented to the House of Commons and will be reviewed in due course by the Public Accounts Committee.

BIRTH-RATE AND INFANT MORTALITY IN THE YEAR 1922 IN THE 20 TOWNS WHERE UNEMPLOYMENT IS MOST SEVERE. Towns. Birth-rate per 1,000 living—1922. Death-rate under five years per 1,000 living—1921. Infant Mortality per 1,000 Births—1922. 0–6 months. 0–12 months. Accrington M.B. … … … … 16.0 — * 92 Barrow-in-Furness C.B. … … … 20.9 28 62 83 Dudley C.B. … … … … 25.4 34 66 85 Ebbw Vale U.D. … … … … 24.4 — * 99 Hartlepool M.B. … … … … 29.2 — * 104 Jarrow M.B. … … … … 30.1 — * 87 Middlesbrough C.B. … … … 28.0 51 73 112 Newcastle-upon-Tyne C.B. … … 24.8 41 68 92 Pembroke M.B. … … … … 16.7 — * 58 Preston C.B. … … … … 20.5 42 67 98 Redruth U.D. and Camborne U.D. … 19.3 — * 86 Rowley Regis U.D. (including Cradley Heath). 23.5 — * 94 Sheffield C.B. (including Attercliffe) … 20.7 35 63 82 South Shields C.B. … … … 26.6 40 71 95 Stockton-on-Tees M.B. … … … 25.8 — * 103 Sunderland C.B. … … … … 28.5 50 71 106 Tipton U.D. … … … … 27.3 — * 106 Tynemouth C.B. (including North Shields). 25.4 39 53 79 Wednesbury M.B. … … … … 27.0 — * 85 West Hartlepool C.B. … … … 26.5 39 73 101 * Particulars of the deaths under six months are separately available for County Boroughs and Metropolitan Boroughs only. The number of deaths under five years are separately recorded for County Boroughs and Metropolitan Boroughs alone; and rates for these areas can only at present be given for 1921.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give House a return showing the birth-rate in the

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give the House a return showing the birth-rate in the 20 towns where unemployment is most severe; and if he will state the death-rate in those towns among children up to six months of age, 12 months, and five years?

It is impossible to state with absolute accuracy in which towns unemployment is most severe, but I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT the figures asked for by the hon. Member in regard to 20 towns and urban districts which, in the view of the Ministry of Labour, may be said to be on the highest level of unemployment.

Following is the statement referred to:

10 towns of England where overcrowding is most severe; and will he give the death-rate amongst children up to six months of age, 12 months, and five years in the same towns, if possible giving figures showing the death-rate amongst infants in the most overcrowded districts of such towns?

I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table giving the figures asked for, as far as available, for the 10 boroughs or urban districts in

Towns. Birth-rate per 1,000 living—1922. Death-rate per 1,000 living under five years—1921. Infant Mortality per 1,000 Births—1922. 0–6 months. 0–12 months. Finsbury M.B. … … … … 25.2 37 62 82 Shoreditch M.B. … … … … 28.0 44 66 103 Annfield Plain U.D. … … … 24.1 — — 105 Blaydon U.D. … … … … 24.9 — — 132 Felling U.D. … … … … 26.9 — — 82 Gateshead C.B. … … … … 27.0 43 74 105 Hebburn U.D. … … … … 30.8 — — 93 Jarrow M.B. … … … … 30.1 — — 87 South Shields C.B. … … … 26.6 40 71 95 Sunderland C.B. … … … … 28.5 50 71 106 The number of deaths under five years are separately recorded for County Boroughs and Metropolitan Boroughs alone; and rates for these areas can only at present be given for 1921. Particulars of the deaths under six months are separately available for County Boroughs and Metropolitan Boroughs only.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consult the Government actuary as to the possibility of giving some surrender value in respect of the unemployment contributions of women who permanently leave their employment on marriage?

I have been asked to reply. The question whether women permanently leaving industrial employment on marriage should receive some surrender value in respect of unemployment insurance contributions previously paid by them was considered when the Bill which became the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920, was being framed. It was not then thought to be practicable to provide for the payment of surrender values in such circumstances, nor is it clear that such a provision is consistent with the general principles of unemployment insurance. It is to be remembered further that under the existing scheme a woman who left industrial employment on marriage and subsequently, owing to

England which, as far as the 1921 Census tabulation has proceeded, have been found to have the highest proportion of population living at a density of more than two persons per room. No records exist of the number of deaths for separate districts of the areas.

Following is the table referred to:

widowhood or otherwise, returns to such employment before five insurance years have elapsed, can regain full credit for her previous contributions by paying 12 further contributions. If she had received a surrender value this would, of course, not be possible. The matter will no doubt be taken into consideration again should any general amendment of the unemployment insurance scheme be proposed, but for the present I cannot undertake to put it forward.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1), whether he has evidence that London prices for milk are adopted in towns where lower prices would be economically sound; whether he will urge the National Farmers' Union and the National Federation of Dairymen's Association to adopt a system of regional prices in their future agreements;

(2) whether his attention has been called to the observations of the Depart- mental Committee on the distribution and prices of agricultural produce to the effect on the price of milk of the excessive number of small milk shops and of the excessive overlapping of delivery rounds; and whether he will conduct inquiries into the system of milk distribution prevailing in the chief foreign cities, with a view to encouraging the adoption of more economic methods in this country?

I am aware of the various questions to which attention is called in the Report of the Inter-Departmental Committee on Milk and Milk Products. A conference has recently been held at the Board of Trade at which the Scottish Office and the Ministries of Health, Agriculture and Labour were also represented, and which was attended by representatives of producers and distributors throughout Great Britain. The recommendations of the Inter-Departmental Committee were fully discussed, but I am not in a position to say what the ultimate results will be.