asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the books of the National Waste Products, Limited, have as yet been deposited with the Disposal and Liquidation Commission in accordance with the instructions issued; and, if not, the reason for the delay in compliance?

Yes, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can give the merchant tonnage launched in Germany during the past 12 months and the value in pounds sterling; the number and tonnage of the first-class liners launched in Germany during the past three years for the Atlantic trade and the value in pounds sterling; how many modern liners, and the tonnage, have been launched in Germany during the past three years for trading upon other foreign routes; and the value of such liners in pounds sterling?

The latest figures in my possession regarding vessels built in Germany relate to the calendar year 1922. During that year 685 vessels of 742,100 tons gross were completed, as compared with 397 vessels of 450,900 tons in 1921 and 330 vessels of 327,700 tons gross in 1920. I regret that I am unable to state the values of those vessels or the numbers of liners built for various trade routes.

Cannot my right hon. Friend get the information asked for?

No, I do not think I can. I have made inquiry as to the information available. I do not think I can get it. I do not know from whom I could ascertain what was the price at which different contracts were placed.

Is it not possible to arrive at the value according to the prices which obtained in this country?

Yes, but that is not what my hon. and gallant Friend asked for. If he puts it to me what is the value of 740,000 tons at the average price of British tonnage at that time, I might work out a rough calculation for him, but that is not what he asked.

Is it not the fact that the Germans were able to build much more cheaply than the prices which ruled in this country at that time?

Yes, that is so.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is his intention to introduce at an early date the Measuring Instruments Bill, 1922?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. and learned Member for Moss Side on the 12th instant, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there have been cases of British-born subjects of ex-enemy parentage who served in the Allied forces in the War, but who have had their property subjected to charges under the Treaty of Peace orders?

The answer to this question is in the negative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the prolonged delay in meeting the reparation claims of British firms whose property was destroyed in Smyrna in the early days of the War is not only causing considerable personal hardship, but is also hindering the recovery of British trade there and elsewhere; and will he take steps to expedite a settlement in these cases?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Smyrna claims in question are included among the property claims upon the examination of which the Royal Commission is engaged, and which will be dealt with in their Report on Property Claims. Everything possible is being done to expedite consideration of these claims.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman do something more to render payment possible in view of the fact that this damage was done in 1915 and a payment on account of promise some months ago?

I do not know, in human affairs, what is possible beyond "the utmost possible."

I have always found that officials are willing to do everything possible.

They are already doing everything possible. I think the hon. and gallant Gentleman must be singularly fortunate in having to deal with officials who are doing everything possible.

also asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in order to relieve the anxieties of many widows in straitened circumstances, he will ask the Royal Commission on Reparation Claims to give an early ruling as to what are the exceptional conditions under which belated claims will be accepted for consideration, and particularly whether ignorance of the rights they possessed will be accepted as a valid reason for delay in submitting their claims?

Every step is being taken to expedite the work of the Royal Commission, but each belated claim must be dealt with on its merits, and I do not think a satisfactory result would be reached by the course suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the Prime Minister whether the draft reply of His Majesty's Government to the German note on reparations is being sent to the Governments of all the Allied and Associated Powers; and, if not, to which Governments it is not being sent?

The draft reply has been submitted to the Belgian, French, Italian and Japanese Governments. It has also been communicated to the United States Government for their information.

Why have the other Allied Governments—Serbia, Rumania, Portugal, and so on—been left out? Are they not interested?

asked the Prime Minister if he has any information regarding the possible formation of a Rhineland Republic at a very early date; and what attitude he proposes to adopt in such an eventuality?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will explain the discrepancy between the present figure of the claims of British nationals against the Turkish Government, i e ., £40,000,000, and the figure of £23,000,000 given by the then Parliamentary Secretary to the Department of Overseas Trade on 21st February, 1921, to Mr. A. Baldwin Raper?

I have been asked to reply. The second figure referred to relates to claims by British nationals in respect of damage in Turkish territory during the Great War, while the first figure includes also the estimated damage caused to British nationals by Kemalist operations and the Smyrna fire.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information as to the large credits in sterling, estimated at many millions, held by Germany in this country, out of which she is purchasing any raw materials not locally obtainable which she requires to keep her industries in full operation; whether he is aware that, owing to these large credits in British currency, she is able to outbid our Allies, France and Belgium, in securing raw materials urgently needed by French and Belgian manufacturers; and whether any representations have been made to Germany as to utilising any of these large credits in this country for the payment of reparations?

So far as I am aware, the German Government has no such credits in this country. Any credits granted in the ordinary course of commerce to private persons would be for the purchase of commodities, and could not be diverted to the payment of reparations by the German Government.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that, during the War, all British citizens had to mobilise their foreign credits and securities in order to lend them to the British Government? Why should not the same course now be insisted upon in Germany, whose citizens notoriously have enormous credits abroad?

May I ask whether Germany has not recently sent a large amount of gold to this country?

When?

About two or three months ago.

I have no information as to that. In reply to the supplementary question of the hon. and gallant Member for South Kensington (Sir W. Davison), that is a matter for Germany. It was we in this country who mobilised the resources of our nationals in our own interests. We cannot compel the Germans to mobilise any credits there may be here and, if I may say so to my hon. Friend, I am not one who would desire to see German credits sent over here for the purpose he has suggested.

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that, as Germany owes us large sums of money, sums belonging to German nationals might very well be used for liquidation of our debt?

These are matters of opinion.

Is it not the case that, under the Treaty of Versailles, there was a lien in our favour on any such credits in this country; and it was by the action of the late Government that the lien was released?

I think any question arising out of the Treaty of Versailles should be put on the Paper, so that the Foreign Office may see it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that large quantities of Australian and other wool have recently been purchased in this country by Germany and paid for in British currency; and whether he can give particulars of the number of bales so purchased and the price paid?

I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the figures given in the British Trade Returns as to exports of wool consigned to Germany during the first half of the current year.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in the case of the City Life Assurance Company, 6, Paul Street, Finsbury, E.C., which recently went into voluntary liquidation, he can state the nature of the company's liabilities and the assets, respectively; and what action, if any, has been taken to safeguard the interests of policy holders?

The liquidation was compulsory, not voluntary, and the Official Receiver is acting as provisional liquidator. Until the directors' statement of affairs has been filed it is not possible to furnish information regarding the company's assets and liabilities. In the meantime an offer has been received from another insurance company to take over the liability under certain of the policies which were issued by the City Life Assurance Company, and that offer is receiving the consideration of the Official Receiver.

I regret that I am not in a position to give the detailed particulars asked for in the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the great soreness both on the part of France and of Belgium at being continually over-bidden by Germany owing to her large British credits?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the German people were only able to buy this wool because English exporters were prepared to sell it?

Following are the figures referred to:

What action is the Department taking to safeguard policy holders? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that policy holders have paid anything up to over £100 and have no guarantee that their interests are safeguarded?

Is it a fact that a well-known company has already taken over a large number of these policies with a view to mitigating the loss which unfortunately so many have suffered?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I called the attention of the House to the fraudulent business methods of this company during the Insurance Debates, and that the hon. Member for West Woolwich (Sir K. Wood) also warned the House and the country of the financial difficulties of this company?

Questions about a company which is in course of liquidation had better be put on the Paper. The answer to the first two supplementary questions is contained in the answer I have given.

The right hon. Gentleman ought to be able to tell us whether his Department is taking any interest in the matter and whether policy holders are to be safeguarded particularly under the provisions of the Industrial Insurance Act.

If the hon. Member will read the answerߞߞ

I have heard it.

Then he will have heard the action which has been taken. There has been a compulsory winding-up order; the Official Receiver is acting as provisional liquidator; an offer has already been made by an insurance company to take over policies, and that is being considered by the liquidator.

This question has had five minutes by itself. Further questions would be most unfair to other hon. Members; they should be put down.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the unsatisfactory type of compass carried in ships' lifeboats; whether any instructions relating to boats' compasses are issued by his Department; and, having regard to the fact that the crew of the"Trevessa"found these compasses in both lifeboats useless, he will now consider the advisability of issuing instructions regarding suitable equipment for ships' lifeboats both as to its care and use?

I have no reason to think that the type of compass carried in ships' lifeboats is unsatisfactory, and am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of the Board of Trade instructions on the subject. The statement as to the compasses of the"Trevessa's"boats will be investigated at the Board of Trade Inquiry. It is the duty of the Board's surveyors, when inspecting a ship's lifeboats, to inspect their equipment also. When an inspection was last made of all the life-saving appliances of the"Trevessa"they were found to be in accordance with the Board of Trade instructions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, having regard to the fact that the manning of the mercantile marine by efficient navigating officers is of primary importance to this country and an obligation resting on his Department, he will lay before the House, for the information of its Members, the statutory requirements of the Board of Trade relating to the training of apprentices; and whether, in view of the clause contained in apprentices' articles of indenture, namely, that the said apprentices shall be taught the duties of a seaman, he is satisfied that such training is being efficiently carried out?

There are no statutory requirements of the Board of Trade relating to the training of apprentices. As far as I can judge, the efficiency of the training varies considerably. In some cases complaints have been made that it is not satisfactory. In others it is admitted to be thorough and efficient. The indenture is a contract, and the Board of Trade has no power to intervene.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think the training of apprentices should be on the owners, rather than on the masters of ships?

I am not sure what my Noble Friend means by that. Under contracts of apprenticeship, instruction is to be given by the master. The chairman of directors cannot go to sea to instruct apprentices.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the condition of the main road leading from Trawsfynydd, County of Merioneth, to the artillery camp at Rhiwgoch; and whether, in view of the fact that its unsatisfactory condition is due to the extraordinary traffic to and from the camp, steps will be taken by the War Office authorities to contribute to the cost of putting and maintaining the road in proper repair?

The hon. Member had already called my attention to this matter, and I had informed him that I would make inquiries and let him know the result as soon as possible. A report has since been obtained from the local military authorities, and the matter will be considered in consultation with the Ministry of Transport.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if, in view of the unpopularity of the Army Medical Service at the present time, he will recommend that young medical men shall be invited to serve three, five or seven years, with a gratuity at the end of service, so as to maintain a steady flow of young men into the service?

It is already open to Army medical officers to retire with gratuity after 8½ years' service. I do not think the shortening of this period is desirable, or administratively practicable, having regard for instance to the requirements of the Army in India.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is a Command Order that troops in the Aldershot Command must wear steel helmets during training; and, if so, whether, considering that this order entails very considerable physical discomfort to the troops, he will consider recommending the discontinuance of this order?

The Command Order lays down that helmets will be worn for field training when ordered. Discretion is given to the unit commander to cancel the use of helmets on long or hot days. For obvious reasons helmets must be used for range practices. I am not prepared to recommend that the order should be varied. The military authorities are fully alive to the neces- sity of securing the comfort of the troops by all legitimate means, and it would be no kindness to the soldier not to train him to carry the equipment designed for his protection on active service.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that during the recent hot spell troops marched for over 20 miles with steel helmets on their heads?

It is left to the unit commander. Obviously, in this hot weather, light apparel would be more comfortable than military uniform, but it is necessary that the troops, within due limits, should be trained under conditions of active service.

On active service troops never wear steel helmets.

That is a matter of argument.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he can make any statement regarding the re-establishment of a garrison in Edinburgh Castle, so much desired by Scottish public opinion?

Arrangements have been made, and will come in to force at once, for the stationing in Edinburgh Castle of a detachment 31 strong. This detachment will find the Castle guard and the guard at Holyrood Palace. The detachment will be relieved once a week instead of every other day, and in addition once a month the battalion at Bedford Barracks will march with the relieving detachment to the Castle with band and pipers, and the band will play on the Esplanade while the guard is being mounted. In addition, there are at the Castle about 30 other soldiers employed at the Command Headquarters. I trust that these arrangements, to which much consideration has been given, will prove acceptable to Scottish public opinion. It is impossible to do more without both interfering with the training of the battalion at Redford and putting the Castle garrison into unfit quarters.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman remember that the Scottish motto still remains Nemo me impune lacessit?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if, in view of the continued daily decline in the value of German marks, he will reconsider the decision to continue to pay British soldiers of the Rhine Army in marks and will now introduce payment in sterling?

I cannot accede to the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion that we should pay in sterling. But, in view of the further rapid fluctuation in the value of the mark, the question of making some change, in order to safeguard the soldier's interests, is now under active consideration, and I hope to be in a position to announce a decision next week.

How often is the mark revalued for the purpose of payment?

Once a week.

Could it not be done once a day?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the British forces in Iraq have been in action during the present year in that country; if so, under what circumstances; and whether any casualties were sustained?

I have been asked to reply. One of the air expeditions mentioned in the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Bow and Bromley on the 12th April, 1923, took place in January of this year. Since then operations have been undertaken for the purpose of re-occupying certain districts in which hostile elements had established themselves and were interfering with the administration of the country. The casualties were: officers, none; British other ranks, one killed, seven wounded; Indian other ranks, nine wounded.

Did these operations include tax collecting expeditions which we have been sending out lately?

No, there have been no tax collecting operations. This information is for the most part restricted to operations undertaken in Kurdistan.

asked the Solicitor-General for Scotland if he is aware that there is almost unanimous opposition to the new Code of Regulations for Scottish schools placed upon the Table of this House on 6th July; and what steps does he propose to take to get the approval or otherwise of this House to these Regulations?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. I have taken the usual step to obtain the approval of the House by laying the Code on the Table.

Is the Solicitor-General aware that under the section, under which the Regulations are placed upon the Table, there is no method of protesting unless we get the consent of the Government to discuss the Regulations? [HON. MEMBERS:"NO!"] Is he aware that a promise was given in this House on the 18th instant by the Under-Secretary for the Scottish Board of Health that in due course the House would have an opportunity of showing its approval or disapproval of the Regulations?

My hon. Friend will remember that a very large part of the discussion on the Scottish Estimates was taken up by the question of the code. He is also aware that there is very great pressure on Parliamentary time. I will consider the point which he raises and give him an answer within the next day or two.

Does the Government propose to impose this code on Scotland, in spite of the fact that almost the whole of the Scottish representatives have condemned it?

Is it not the case that almost every education authority and every school management committee in the country have condemned it?

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the code, as we now have it, was not in existence when the Scottish Estimates were under discussion, and that there was only the draft code?

The date of the Scottish Estimates was selected at the instance of the Opposition. I demur entirely to the view that educational opinion in Scotland is strongly against the new code. Within the last few days I have only received a circular from one education authority in Scotland on the subject.

Which one was that?

The City of Glasgow. But I will consider whether an opportunity can be given to discuss the matter, which was very fully debated on the Estimates.

Is the decision of the Government likely to be reviewed if a sufficient number of education authorities in Scotland communicate their views?

Is it not a fact that a Scottish Education Bill came from the House of Lords the other day, and in view of the fact that Scottish opinion was strongly against it the Government pledged themselves to drop the obnoxious clauses? Is it not also a fact that every single Scottish representative from every corner of Scotland is opposed to this proposal?

It is the duty of the Scottish Education Department to administer education in Scotland, after going very carefully and fully into the whole matter. With regard to the Clauses in the Bill to which my right hon. Friend refers, opinion in Scotland is very much divided upon the matter.

asked the Solicitor-General for Scotland if he is aware that John McPeake, who was born and brought up in Glasgow, was recently arrested there and charged with the theft of an armoured car from the Irish Free State Government; that the charge of theft was departed from, or dropped, owing to the failure of the military witnesses of the Irish Free State to give evidence; that John McPeake was thereupon discharged, but immediately rearrested in Glasgow without any fresh charge being preferred against him and transferred to Ireland; and that he is now held in custody by the Free State authorities without being brought to trial; will he state on whose authority the arrest was made; if any charge has now been made; and, if so, what charge?

John McPeake was arrested by the Glasgow police on the 21st June on a charge of intimidation. While he was being detained on this charge, information was received that he was wanted by the Irish Free State authorities on a charge of theft of an armoured car and machine gun at Cork in December last. In view of the greater seriousness of the Irish charge, the Scottish charge was dropped, and McPeake was on 26th June handed over to an Irish escort in pursuance of a warrant granted by an Irish magistrate and endorsed in Glasgow in accordance with the ordinary statutory procedure. McPeake has not returned to Glasgow and has not been rearrested there. I am not aware as to the course of the proceedings against McPeake in the Irish Free State.

Cannot these matters be dealt with in a constitutional way? Can the hon. Gentleman account for the fact that a younger brother of this man who went over to Ireland to try to obtain some information about his brother has been arrested and is held there, although he is a British subject?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that McPeake, after being charged, was released, on the charge being dismissed, and was then rearrested by the Irish authorities and is now detained in Ireland? Will he have inquiries made into this imprisonment of British subjects in Ireland?

Is the Solicitor-General aware that this man McPeake, although the charge has not been made openly against him, is in danger of death, and, while conforming to the Regulations of the Free State, is it not essential that we should safeguard the interests of a British subject so far as the law is concerned?

So far as the Scottish Office is concerned, the procedure followed in this case is perfectly regular.

Is it competent for the Free State authorities, having received a prisoner on a certain charge, afterwards, when that charge had been dismissed, to rearrest him on another charge? Is not this case subject to the rule relating to extradition that, if the charge on which extradition is granted is withdrawn, the person who has been charged should be returned to the jurisdiction from which he has been taken?

That does not in the least arise out of the answer to the main question.

Are we to understand that the warrants issued by courts in Ireland are recognised by courts in this country, and in that case is there any reciprocity of arrangement by which warrants issued in this country for the arrest of people in Ireland are to be recognised by courts in Ireland?

The hon. Member had better put that question on the Paper.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health how many miners in Scotland at present incapacitated for work owing to injuries received in the course of their employment are in receipt of parish relief on account of their being so incapacitated?

I regret that the information asked for is not available. It could only be obtained by calling for special returns from parish councils, and under present circumstances my Noble Friend does not feel justified in adding to the already heavy pressure of work falling upon these authorities.

Are not the returns for accidents already available so that there is no question of not being able to obtain the materials necessary to give information asked for?

No. It would be necessary to have special returns made.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he is aware of the condition of the crops in the crofting counties of Scotland owing to the cold and wet weather during the summer; whether the Board of Agriculture have at their disposal adequate funds to carry out their obligations under the Congested Districts (Scotland) Act, 1897, and The Small Landholders (Scotland) Act, 1911, towards smallholders in the event of the failure of the harvest; and whether fresh consideration will be given by the Board of Agriculture to schemes for the construction of roads which are much needed by the agricultural communities in Caithness and Sutherland, and would go far towards relief of the distress and unemployment which a bad harvest would cause?

I am aware that the weather so far has not been favourable to agricultural crops in the crofting counties and other parts of Scotland. I am informed, however, that at the present time there is no justification for assuming that the harvest will be a failure in the crofting counties. As regards the second part of the question, I would remind the hon. and gallant Member that the Board of Agriculture's Grants under the Acts of 1897 and 1911 are not made, generally speaking, for the relief of distress due to bad harvests or other temporary causes. No part of the Board's funds has, therefore, been specifically earmarked for the relief of distress in the contingency mentioned. For the purpose of assisting agriculture, the Board have power under the Acts of 1897 and 1911 to make grants towards the cost of constructing roads, and in the present year they have offered to the County Council of Caithness the sum of £4,520 in aid of the construction of seven roads. This offer has been accepted. For the reasons which I have indicated, the last part of the question is a hypothetical one, and I can give no undertaking that the counties mentioned will receive special consideration in the present year in the absence of very exceptional circumstances.

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that it was never suggested that those funds should be used for the relief of distress, but that they should be used to provide seed, according to the provisions of the Act mentioned, if the harvest should fail?

The harvest, as I pointed out to my hon. Friend, has not yet proved a failure, and it is not anticipated that it will.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health, whether he is aware that the crofters on the Symbister and Busta estates in Shetland have, owing to the bondholders on the estates foreclosing, been warned by an Edinburgh company holding the bonds that unless they purchase their crofts at 25 years' purchase they may be evicted; whether the Secretary for Scotland will take action to assist the crofters to retain their holdings; and when legislation will be introduced to amend the existing law on the matter?

I understand that some communication has been received by crofters on these estates, but I am not aware of its terms. I would remind the hon. Member, however, that a crofter can only be removed from his holding in the event of breach of the Statutory conditions or of resumption being authorised by the Land Court for a reasonable purpose on the application of the landlord. If such an application should be made with regard to any holding by a purchaser who has no other landed estate and intends to reside personally on the holding, his proposed occupation would be deemed a reasonable purpose, and my Noble Friend would have no power to interfere or to assist the present tenant to retain his holding. It does not appear, however, that that situation has arisen, and it may not arise. My Noble Friend regrets that he cannot at present give any undertaking with regard to the introduction of legislation on this subject.

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that at the present time very serious discontent exists in Shetland over this matter, and will he represent to his Noble Friend the necessity of introducing legislation to amend the existing law at an early date? If such legislation cannot be introduced this Session, will he do so next Session?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the condition of the crops in the crofting counties of Scotland, owing to the cold and wet summer, renders these counties liable to distress and unemployment in the winter; whether his attention has been drawn to the Interim Report of the Agricultural Tribunal of Investigation (Cmd. 1842), dated 29th March, 1923, Section 39, headed Relief of Rural Unemployment; and whether, in view of the importance of an extension this winter of the operations of the Forestry Commissioners in these crofting counties, he will sanction at an early date the scheme submitted to him in April last by the Forestry Commissioners?

The question of the expenditure to be incurred next winter on special unemployment works in urban and rural areas, and the proportion of this expenditure to be devoted to forestry schemes is now under consideration by a Committee of the Cabinet.

Is there to be no reply to the scheme submitted by the Forestry Commissioners in April last until the Cabinet Committee has reported?

On behalf of the Cabinet Committee I have communicated with the Chairman of the Forestry Commission.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether, in view of the fact that special permission was granted by members of the Licensing Court to each of the hotels and public houses at Selkirk for the three days, 14th, 15th, and 16th June, extending the hours of sale from 9 to 10 p.m., notwithstanding that the police reported against the granting of the applications in respect that they were not authorised by Section 40 of the Licensing (Scotland) Act, 1903, and as no public or special entertainment was taking place within the licensed premises within the meaning of the Act, he will institute an inquiry into the matter with a view to maintaining proper police administration within the burgh?

As my hon. and learned Friend is aware, the grant of special permissions is a matter in the discretion of members of Licensing Courts, and no question of police administration appears to be involved. If, however, my hon. and learned Friend will supply me with the information on which his question is based, my Noble Friend will consider whether any inquiry can usefully be undertaken.

Is it not a fact that, in granting special permission of this character, the police are consulted, and their opinion is taken; and when their opinion is flouted, should not the Scottish Office interfere?

The granting of special permission is a matter within the discretion of the licensing authorities, but if my hon. and learned Friend will supply me with the information on which the question is based, my noble Friend will see if inquiry can usefully be made.

I will certainly do that.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether any representative of the Scottish local authorities has been appointed to the Committee on Supplies of Building Materials; and, if not, whether, in view of the special interest which the local authorities have at present in the question of building and of the need that they should be kept closely informed as to the national situation as regards building materials, he will add such a representative to the Committee?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the Interim Report of the Committee from which he will see that they propose to publish tables at monthly intervals indicating the current prices of building materials. By this means local authorities will be kept informed as to the situation and no addition to the personnel of the Committee appears to be necessary.

Can the learned and hon. Gentleman state what reason there is why a representative of the Scottish local authorities should not be placed on this Committee, seeing that they are the parties principally concerned in the question of building?

The hon. Member is repeating the question.

asked the Secretary for Mines the amount realised during the year ended 31st March, 1923, by the disposal of the Government buildings and plant previously utilised in the Government oil-boring schemes, the amount due at that date for charges raised for interest on Exchequer advances and administrative expenses, and the total loss on the undertaking as at that date?

The approximate amount realised during the year ended 31st March, 1923, by the disposal of Government buildings and plant utilised in the Government oil-boring experiments was £25,000. The amount reserved for interest on Exchequer advances and on administrative charges amounted on 31st March, 1923, to £104,903. The total loss on the undertaking at that date, including such interest, was, approximately, £678,000.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he has yet considered the question of amending Section 77 of the Coal Mines Regulation Act in reference to pit-head baths; if not, will he consider the question as early as possible in the light of his recent experiences when visiting collieries where pit-head baths have been established; and will he assure the House that legislation will be introduced at an early date to make provision of baths compulsory at all new collieries?

I am not at present in a position to add anything to the reply that I gave on the 12th June to the hon. Member for Cannock (Mr. W. M. Adamson), but the hon. Gentle- man may rest assured that the desirability of the further extension of the provision of pit-head bathe will not be lost sight of.

Is not the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that 1923 values have made the 1911 Act in regard to pit-head baths obsolete? Is he not aware that there is a growing demand throughout the whole coalfield for pit-head baths and that it is the duty of his Department to cultivate that demand?

The hon. Member had better make that speech later on.

Arising out of that reply—

The hon. Member had better await the Debate this afternoon.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he has now considered the question of taking over a disused mine for experimental purposes with safety appliances; and, if so, to what conclusion has he come?

Yes, Sir. I have consulted the Safety in Mines Research Board and agree with their opinion that such appliances should, where necessary, be tested under actual working conditions at a working colliery, and not at a disused mine.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that boys of 14 years of age are employed in the coal mines of this country not only during the day but during the night also; that these boys in some areas commence their duties between midnight and three o'clock in the morning; and whether he is prepared to consider the advisability of so amending the law as to prevent the continuance of a system that is inimical to the physical and mental welfare of these children?

I am aware that boys of 14 may legally be employed at night in coal mines below ground provided that an interval of ordinarily 15 hours and in no case less than 13 hours separates two periods of work. I have received no representations that the law ought to be amended. I will certainly give them my most careful consideration if they are made to me.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he has under consideration the recommendations embodied in the Second Interim Report of the Inland Waterways, of which the present Minister of Health was chairman, and which was presented to His Majesty's Government on the 28th May, 1921: whether he has examined the proposals for the improvement of inland navigation embodied in that Report; and whether, in view of the menace of increased unemployment during the forthcoming winter, His Majesty's Government will take measures to proceed with canal improvement as a promising means of providing work for considerable numbers of people?

The Report referred to has been carefully considered, and its recommendations will be borne in mind in connection with any proposals for assistance to unemployment works. The Nottingham Corporation have, with the assistance of a grant from the Unemployment Grants Committee, recently undertaken considerable works on the Trent Navigation, which was particularly mentioned in the Report as suitable for development.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether the Committee on the Taxation of Motor Vehicles, which was originally intended to report in time for the Budget, is likely now to issue its Report in 1923; and what are the reasons for the delay?

I certainly hope that the Departmental Committee on the Taxation of Motor Vehicles will be able to report fully before the end of this calendar year. The delay in issuing their Report is due to the complexity and difficulty of the problems which they have to consider. I am satisfied that the Committee have pursued their inquiries with all possible dispatch.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport if he can say when he pro poses to introduce a Bill to enact the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on the Regulation of Road Vehicles; and whether he is aware of the many anomalies arising from the present state of the law?

I hope that an early opportunity will present itself of introducing a Road Vehicles Bill, giving effect to many of the recommendations contained in the Second Interim Report of the Departmental Committee. I am fully aware of the anomalies referred to in the last part of the question.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether the Bill will be introduced in the present Session of Parliament?

As the hon. and gallant Gentleman knows, a Traffic Bill for London is under consideration, and that it is more difficult to drive a tandem than it is to drive a single horse.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether it is the intention of the Government to further consider the grouping of the railways with a view to abolishing some of the anomalies which still exist, namely, the running of branch lines in between and sometimes over the lines of the larger groups; whether he will call a conference of the five groups with a view to exchanging such branches so as to make more workable and complete the grouping already arranged; whether he is aware that the Sirhowy Branch of the London, Midland and Scottish Railway, in Monmouthshire, occupies such anomalous position; and will he take steps to rectify these matters?

Under Section 18 of the Railways Act, 1921, the Minister of Transport may confirm agreements for the purchase, lease or working by one railway company of any part of the system of another railway company. It is for the railway companies to consider, after the grouping required by the Act has been carried out, and sufficient experience has been gained of its working, whether, in view of the position to which the hon. Member refers, they should put forward proposals under this section.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that some of these groups are depending on the Ministry of Transport to call them together to discuss these matters—I had that from one of the groups last week—and will he do that as long as it is the desire of some of these groups?

I may say that it is a new aspect of the question to me. I rather thought that it would coma from the companies, but, in view of what the hon. Member has said, without making any promise, I will go into the matter.

Do not some of these instances affect very important industrial parts of the country, and, in view of the fact that they are the only remaining means of competition existing between the companies, should they not be preserved?

I will consider all these points.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the reduction of the price of petrol from 4s. 3½d. a gallon three years ago to 1s. 8½d. at the present time, and in view of the further reduction in the price of tyres, he can now see his way to reduce the taxi-cab fares in London?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave him on 26th April last. I am afraid that, having regard to all the circumstances, my right hon. Friend cannot at present recommend a reduction of fares.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the price of petrol is now only 1½d. higher than it was in 1914, and is he also aware that in Paris new taxi-cabs have been put on and that the fare for a mile is only 3½d., the equivalent of Frs. 1.15, and cannot he see his way to bring about a reduction of 2d. a mile at least in this country?

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that a very large proportion of the drivers themselves are in favour of this reduction?

In regard to the second question, I may mention that no representations have been received from any of the owner-drivers themselves in the sense indicated by my hon. Friend. In reply to my hon. and gallant Friend, I would like to point out that there has been a drop in the price of petrol of only 3 ½d. a gallon, and that equals a drop of only one-sixth or one-seventh of a penny per mile on a basis of 20 miles to the gallon.

Has there not been a drop in the last two years from 4s. 3½d. to 1s. 8½d.?

That was the substance of the reply given the other day, to which I have referred my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Home Secretary if, in view of the lack of the observance of the regulations relating to the use of efficient silencers on motor vehicles, he will take steps to have these Regulations more effectively carried out?

I have been asked to answer this question. I have no powers in connection with the enforcement of the regulations referred to. The enforcement of the law is a matter for the individual police authorities.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware of the very strong desire that all Members of this House who drive motor cars should have their silencers increased to double the ordinary strength, so as to secure a larger measure of safety to the public from their tendency to scorching?

On a point of Order. Is an hon. Member entitled to ask a question on behalf of another hon. Member on the first round?

No. That has escaped my notice.

Might I ask my question No. 75, seeing that I should, in the ordinary course, have had the opportunity of doing so?

Yes.

asked the Post master-General if he will consider whether the telegraph office at Lords can be reopened, anyhow for the more popular matches?

The number of telegrams forwarded from the telegraph office at Lords last year, even on the occasion of the most popular matches, was very small and not nearly sufficient to cover working expenses, and I do not think that any substantial public inconvenience can have been caused by the withdrawal of the office. Several telephones are installed.

asked the Postmaster-General what payment is made to the Government by the cable companies for the licence to conduct cable telegraph services?

Licences to land cables for the purpose of conducting cable telegraph services are granted at a charge of £1 a year per cable, and in addition the companies pay for the wires leased by them in this country and appropriate rates for the use of the Inland Telegraph service where messages are transmitted over Post Office lines.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to deal with wireless companies on the same lines?

I will deal with that question when it arises.

asked the Postmaster-General how many and what companies have applied for licences to conduct wireless telegraph services?

Only two companies—namely, the Marconi Company and the Eastern Telegraph Company—have recently applied for licences for the erection of wireless stations in this country for the purpose of conducting wireless telegraph services.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that under the contract between the Post Office and the Press Association, whereby the latter body are licensed to work and maintain telegraph wires and apparatus, telegraphists employed are paid much lower wages than the telegraphists in the Post Office or employed by the ordinary Press in doing similar work; whether the contract in question contains the Fair Wage Clause; and, if not, will he state the reason why?

The Press Association are not contractors to the Post Office, but merely hold a licence empowering them to rent private telegraph wires for the purpose of distributing news to the Provincial Press. I have no control over the wages paid to their skilled telegraphists, but I am informed they are not below the agreed trade rates.

asked the Post master-General whether he is aware that a large percentage of the mistakes made by telephone operators is due to the similarity in sound of the numerals 9 and 5, and also owing to the fact that the names of the exchanges, such as Paddington and Kensington, are often confused for the same reason; if he will consider whether, in the first instance, some system of re-arranging the numerals can be devised in order to obviate the confusion; and whether, in the second instance, the names of the exchanges which are liable to be confused can be altered?

Recent observations showed that 8.6 per cent. only of wrong connections were due to phonetic similarity between the numbers 5 and 9. The matter has been investigated from time to time, but it would be impracticable to eliminate either numeral entirely from the switchboard, and no alternative has yet been discovered which would be likely to meet with general public acceptance. Great care is taken in the choice of names for exchanges, but in an area such as London, served by 100 exchanges, it is difficult to find names wholly dissimilar in sound. Very little difficulty appears to arise in connection with the names Paddington and Kensington, and as they so correctly describe the areas they serve I do not propose to introduce any change.

Will the right hon. Gentleman allow me to render him a monthly return, showing how often Paddington and Kensington are confused on my telephone?

I should be very glad to have the information.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that three out of five calls on my telephone are wrong through the confusion of the names of these exchanges, Paddington and Kensington?

The figures given by me are the result of very careful checking, and they show 8 per cent. not three out of five as the hon. Member says.

Does the right hon. Gentleman approve of the innovation which has just been made, namely, the repetition of recurring numerals in telephone calls, and does he think it quicker to say"six o o eight"than"six double o eight"as was previously done?

asked the Prime Minister when it is proposed to introduce a Bill to reform the House of Lords?

I am not in a position to make any statement on this subject.