asked the Prime Minister whether any steps have been taken to set up the Imperial Economic Committee recommended by the Imperial Economic Conference?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement on this subject which I made yesterday in the course of my speech.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware of the distress and suffering in the western districts and islands of Argyll resulting from the failure of crops; if he is aware of the great urgency of getting relief work started immediately, particularly road and harbour improvements; and can he now state that arrangements will be made at once to secure the supply of potato and corn seed, so that crops may be able to be sown this year?

I am aware that there is some distress to be met in certain parts of the area mentioned owing to the cause referred to by the hon. Member. The whole situation in the Highlands and islands is receiving my close attention. Under the existing schemes for assisting in the provision of employment, the Board of Agriculture may make grants for

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the Pensions Appeal Tribunal refused to approve a final award in the case of E. S. Fox, of Somerton; whether the man, who is still ill, is unable to obtain any pension and yet cannot secure re-boarding for some months to come; and will he inquire into this case?

After the tribunal set aside the final award the man was examined by a Ministry Medical Board, but no grounds could be found for awarding any further compensation. Should Mr. Fox consider that the condition of his accepted disability has become substantially worse since the Board was held, it is open to him to apply through the local Area Office, to have his case reconsidered. approved land drainage works, and local authorities and harbour authorities may submit applications to the Unemployment Grants Committee and the Ministry of Transport. A number of grants for works in the district in question have already been approved, and I am sure that any further applications to the Unemployment Grants Committee or the Ministry of Transport will be carefully considered. The Treasury have authorized the Board of Agriculture to give assistance towards the provision of seed oats and seed potatoes in cases where such aid is required.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that throughout the country there is clearly the impression that pensions are automatically to be reduced immediately; and whether he will state, for the information of the public, what exactly are the intentions of the authorities in this respect?

I am not aware that any such general impression exists, but I am glad to have this opportunity of stating most emphatically that, if it exist, it is entirely without foundation. No automatic reduction of pensions could possibly take place except under the special provision of the Warrant, which requires that the rates of pension shall vary in accordance with the cost of living; and on this I would remind my hon. Friend that the Government have expressly stated that the rates of flat-rate pension for men, widows and dependants (which in the ordinary course would have been reduced last year) shall not in any case be reduced under this provision before April, 1926.