asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action Mr. Hodgson, the British Chargé d'Affaires, took in Moscow on the death of Lenin to carry out the usual custom of expressing condolences on behalf of His Majesty's Government; and whether any message of condolence has been sent since the present Government assumed office?

Immediately on hearing of Lenin's death Mr. Hodgson telephoned to the Commissary of Foreign Affairs to inquire whether expressions of condolence would be received, and he was informed that there would be no opportunity for verbal expressions of condolence. Mr. Hodgson then left cards personally on Mr. Tchitcherin. The Corps Diplomatique sent a collective wreath, and followed the procedure suggested by the Commissary. Mr. Hodgson was present with the other foreign representatives at the lying in state before the transfer of the body to the grave, and the Mission flag was flown at half-mast till after the funeral. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

Has His Majesty's Government sent. a similar message of condolence to the Government of the Palatinate on the death of Herr Schwab?

De mortuis nil nisi bonum.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the Government have been advised of the conditions upon which the Italian Government has agreed to grant recognition to the present Russian administration; and, if so, will he state what those conditions are, particularly as regards the payment of debts, the observance of pre-revolution treaties, and the suppression of Communist propaganda?

The Secretary of State has not received a copy of the Treaty recently concluded between Russia and Italy, and until he is in possession of it, he is not in a position to add to the statement he made in his speech on 14th February.

Will the Government take steps to obtain from the Italian Government the conditions on which the recognition has been agreed to, and any other points that should be known to the House and the country?

I think that that is being done.

When shall we have the text of the Treaty?

I cannot say.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the publication by the Russian Government of official documents from the Russian Imperial archives disclosing pre-War actions and negotiations between our Russian and French Allies presumably withheld from His Majesty's Government and concealed from this House, of the existence of numerous falsifications, likewise revealed by the Russian Government, in the Russian Imperial Orange Book, which was officially circulated together with the official publications of other. Allied Governments by His Majesty's Government at the outbreak of war, and of the recent reproduction of many of these documents in the Congressional Record of the United States, His Majesty's Government will consider the advisability of placing Members of this House in a position at least as advantageous as that of members of the United States Congress for the examination of these documents, by issuing them as a White Paper, and will further consider the public advantage which would be derived from the publication of such documents as may exist in the British official records calculated to throw light upon these disclosures?

The United States Congress places material on its Record of a less official kind than that laid before Parliament by His Majesty's Government, and it is impossible to publish as a White Paper records of negotiations with which His Majesty's Government were not at the time directly concerned, and of which they have now no knowledge other than that in the possession of the public at large. In any case action could not be taken in the manner suggested without the permission of the other Governments concerned. The same consideration applies to the suggestion in the. last part of the hon. Member's question. My right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister, sees, however, the advantage of some further publication of the pre-War British records, and will consider what course might be profitably adopted.

asked the Minister of Labour if arrangements can be made for particulars to be obtained through the British representative in Russia of the wages paid and hours observed by work-people in the principal trades and industries in Russia; and whether such particulars when obtained and duly authenticated can be published for the information of the House?

Conditions in Russia, especially currency conditions, are at present too much in a state of transition, and too diverse to afford any prospect of procuring information as to wages and hours which would have any considerable value for comparative purposes.

Does not the Government think, considering their entering into arrangements with Russia, that it is advisable that the people here should know the conditions under which labour is carried on? May I press the right hon. Gentleman for an answer? On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. Am I not entitled to ask a question of that nature and get a reply? [An HON. MEMBER "What about Turkey?"]

The hon. and gallant Gentleman seems to be giving us his own view.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in view of recent events in Montenegro and of the fact. that a sum of 100,000 dinars has been placed by the Serbian Government upon the head of each of the Montenegrin leaders who continue to fight for the independence of their country, which has been repeatedly recognised and guaranteed to them by the Great Powers, His Majesty's Government will, in the interests of humanity and of peace in the Balkans, reconsider publishing the Report of Count de Salis, its late envoy to Montenegro, seeing that the author of it was intimately acquainted with Montenegro for many years before the War and was in a position to form an accurate judgment upon the sentiments of the inhabitants?

The hon. Member's suggestion is one to which His Majesty's Government would readily accede, did they feel assured that the publication of Count de Salis' report would conduce either to peace or to the enlightenment of this House regarding existing con- ditions in Montenegro. Apart, however, from the reasons originally advanced in another place against such publication there is the further consideration that the report is now four years out of date, and that since it was made elections have been held in the country, and a full report of these elections, together with an examination of the political conditions then obtaining has already been laid. I feel sure that the hon. Member will recognise that it would not help a difficult situation to publish, four years after the events, a report which deals not with the affairs and actions of this country, but with conditions in a foreign country with whom it is our earnest desire to maintain relations of mutual confidence and friendship.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the people of Montenegro are being exterminated systematically at this moment, and are being hunted and slaughtered like sheep in their mountain fortresses, and if the publication of the de Salis report, would not clear up an error of judgment committed at the settlement, is there not some other means by which His Majesty's Government could act, so as to show what is being done?

Has the hon. Gentleman been in communication with our representatives in that part of the world with regard to what has been going on quite recently, and has he seen photographs published in the Serbian papers, which are described as "pacification of Montenegro," in which the corpses of victims are displayed, and if it is obviously impossible to publish the do Salis report, will His Majesty's Government take some steps to prevent the indiscriminate extermination of Montenegrins?

The Foreign Office art acquainted with the facts as described and are keeping a close watch on the proceedings, but I do not think that the publication of the de Salis Report would in any way help the situation at the present time.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think that we might easily 'send some of our pacifist propagandists there?

Cannot we have a new report brought out regarding more recent conditions, to enable Members of this House to decide what steps we can take regarding a nation which was an ally of this nation during the War?

I will consider that.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he intends to appoint Labour Attaches to British Embassies abroad to watch Socialist movements in foreign countries?

His Majesty's Government have no intention whatever of appointing officials for the purpose indicated.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make a statement with regard to the settlement of the Jubaland question with Italy; whether the Milner or the Scialoja line has been adopted; and whether this has been settled in conjunction with the question of the Dodecanese?

So far as territorial arrangements in Jubaland are concerned, agreement was reached between Lord Milner and Signor Scialoja in April, 1920. The Milner and Scialoja lines are therefore identical. The negotiations have not yet reached a conclusion because more extensive territorial claims in Juba-land have been advanced by the Italian Government, to which His Majesty's Government do not see their way to accede. Any settlement will, of course, have to include an equitable arrangement. respecting the connected question of the ultimate status of the Dodecanese.

Is there any prospect of an immediate settlement of the question?

No. I do not think that there is any prospect of an immediate settlement.

Before any agreement for the transfer of these territories is reached, will the peoples of these countries be consulted, or will a settlement be arrived at without any reference whatever to the inhabitants?

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

Is it not advisable to come to a settlement as soon as possible, with a view to improving our relations with Italy?

I think that that is so. No time will be lost.

Will His Majesty's Government take care that any settlement arrived at will include compensation to any British subjects or British companies operating in the territory transferred from one country to another?

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

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether all objections to the Norwegian draft mining Bill on the part of the British companies working mines in Spitzbergen have been met, or whether any objections to the Bill still remain to be settled before the Bill is accepted by the British Government?

His Majesty's Government have accepted the Mining Regulations prescribed in the Spitzbergen Treaty. Before doing so, representatives of mining companies were consulted, and while every care was taken to safeguard British interests, His Majesty's Government did not, in every case, see their way to lend their support to all objections put forward.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is prepared to recommend that the life of a British passport be increased from two years to a period of five years or longer?

The answer is in the affirmative. The matter is being proceeded with on the lines indicated in the answer given to the hon. Member by my predecessor on the 21st ultimo.

May I thank the hon. Gentleman, and say that, he has the gratitude of all British travellers? Would he say when this change is to be put into practice? Can he give an approximate date?

I cannot give a date, because it is rather a long and difficult process. Foreign and Dominion Governments have to be consulted.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he can state whether the imperial Japanese navy suffered any material loss as a result of the earthquake in Japan; if so, in what respect; and whether the standard of strength of the imperial Japanese navy may be considered to have been materially affected?

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

Can I have an answer to the last part of the question—whether the standard of strength of the imperial Japanese navy may be considered to have been materially affected?

Is not the point of the earthquake situation the financial damage caused to Japan?

I am glad to say that there has been no very material damage done, but the Noble Lord will find full details in the answer which is being circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Was a single Japanese ship sunk or seriously damaged as a result of the earthquake?

That point is dealt with in the reply.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the late 1st Class Stoker George M. Thornhill, of H.M.S. "Raleigh," who lost his life in endeavouring to save the lives of his shipmates at the wreck of the "Raleigh," was, at the time of his death, making a weekly allowance of 25s. to his invalid mother and whether, in these circumstances, a pension can be granted to the mother as some compensation to her for the loss of income she has suffered through the death of her son?

This case has been most carefully investigated, and the fact that Stoker Thornhill made an allowance of 25s. a week to his mother was fully appreciated at the time her application for a pension was under consideration. The Regulations governing pensions to parents of seamen (or soldiers or airmen) whose deaths are due to the Service do not pro vide for the award of assistance when the father is alive and earning normal wages, and I regret that it has consequently not been practicable to make any award to Mrs. Thornhill.

Does my hon. Friend realise that the refusal of a pension in this case means that the mother of this very gallant seaman has been seriously penalised by the heroic action of her son?

Is it to be the policy of this Government, in any case like this, that people are to be forced into a pauperised position?

This Government and other Governments must and can operate only within the Regulations that are in force.

Can the hon. Gentleman state that this Government is going to make a promise now to change these things?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the decisions given on the 1919 and 1922 welfare requests by the petty officers and men of the Royal Navy are to be enforced, especially with, regard to the reply given to general request No. 18 of the 1919 programme?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if any decision has been arrived at to make further efforts to remove the block-ships in the Holm Sound and Water Sound, Scapa Flow?

I am glad to say that the operations for clearing the Channel in Holm Sound by the raising of the "Numidian" blockship have been successful, and the Admiralty propose to take steps at considerable public expense to prevent any repetition of the obstruction by the complete removal of the vessel from her present position. The Admiralty are not prepared to undertake any further work at the public expense in this connection when that operation has been completed.

Is the Admiralty prepared to take the unique opportunity of entering into negotiations with the firm that has a contract for raising the ex-German fleet, and see whether that firm could not remove some of these ships, which are causing much distress to the islanders?

We shall consider any practicable recommendations that are made.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the number of writer rating's who have qualified for warrant rank; the number of writer ratings who have been promoted to warrant rank since 1st January, 1920; the number of paymaster cadets entered into His Majesty's service since 1st January, 1920; and whether he will consider the equity of reducing the number of future entries of paymaster cadets and of promoting to warrant rank a corresponding number of writer ratings in lieu, having regard to the fact that by Article 1,338 of the King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions the duties of a warrant writer are defined as similar to those of a, junior accountant officer?

As the reply is somewhat long I will, with my hon. Friend's per- mission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT, but I may say now that warrant writers' duties are not entirely similar, as they have no training or experience in supply duties, victualling and catering duties, naval law and international law, whereas junior accountant officers have.

The reply is as follows:—

Fifty-five chief petty officer writers are at present qualified for warrant rank. There have been five promotions to warrant rank since 1st January, 1920, and since that date 60 paymaster cadets have been entered. The position as regard promotion to warrant rank in the writer branch compares favourably with that in other branches. All have suffered from the congestion inseparable from reduction from war to peace requirements. The flow in the writer branch will be fairly regular during the next five years, and the average number of promotions per annum due to retirements will exceed four.

The pay of a warrant writer rises from 14s. a day on promotion to 17s. A paymaster cadet on entry receives 4s. a day, on promotion to paymaster midshipman as. and on promotion to paymaster sublieutenant 10s. The number of paymaster cadets entered is based on the estimated wastage in the higher ranks. The employment of warrant writers in lieu of junior accountant officers, besides being more costly, would- not provide the requisite material for the higher ranks.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of its importance to all shipbuilding centres, he can now state whether it is the intention of the Government to carry out the policy of the last Ministry with regard to expediting the carrying out of what is known as the cruiser programme, with the object of relieving unemployment in those districts where no other form of work is of any use whatever to the skilled men concerned; whether be is aware that in Barrow 1,000 more men will within a very short time probably be discharged owing to the completion of the gun-mounting work on which they are engaged; and whether he is aware that the towns engaged in shipbuilding and steel manufacture are among those where the depression is greatest at the present moment?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if it has been decided that the policy of expediting the programme of construction of light cruisers and other craft is to 'be continued; and, if so, whether the claims of the large number of unemployed in the shipbuilding industry in Hull for a share in this programme will be considered Then contracts are allotted?

I will answer these questions together. This matter is receiving the earnest and urgent consideration of the Government, and if the hon. Members will repeat their questions next week I shall be in a position to make a definite statement on the subject,.

When considering this programme, will the hon. Gentleman take into consideration the fact that the commercial yards can tender for national ships and that the national yards cannot tender for commercial ships? Will he see that the incidence of any reduction does not fall on the Royal Dockyards?

When the consideration of this question comes on, will due regard be given to the claims of Newcastle-on-Tyne?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that employes without pension rights in His Majesty's dockyards, and particularly those of the generating staff, receive in many cases a wage-rate lower than that recognised by the trades unions for work involving similar skill in the open market; and if he will remove this discrepancy?

The various departments of the dockyards are deemed to be engaged in a common industry, and the wages of the various classes of employes are assessed on this basis. There are doubtless cases of the kind referred to by the hon. Member in which the wages of some of the employes would be improved if the rates recognised in a variety of outside industries were adopted in the dockyards, but this would not be to the advantage of the employes in general, nor suitable to the special circumstances of the dockyards.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the generating staff work, 56 hours a week, and will he take steps to remedy this evil, at the same time seeing that no loss of pay ensues on the basis of a 47 hours week?

I am not aware of the facts officially, though I am well aware of them unofficially, and they will be inquired into. The hon. and gallant Member will appreciate that in the dockyards there exists adequate and proper machinery for bringing up cases of this description for treatment.

Does the hon. Member think that his reply is consistent with the Resolution moved in this House by the Labour party'?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will consider reducing the qualifying age for marriage allowance to all ratings in His Majesty's Navy to the age of 21 and whether he will consider granting marriage allowances to all officers in His Majesty's Navy?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he can make any statement as to marriage allowance for officers for the coming year?

The age-limit rule for marriage allowance for men, which applies also to the Army and Air Force, was laid down after very careful consideration at the time of the introduction of this allowance in 1920, and I am not prepared to recommend any departure there from. As regards officers' marriage allowance. I am unable to say more than that the matter is under consideration.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the absence of this allowance presses very hardly on what may be called ranker officers?

The whole of the facts are being taken into consideration. It is thought the age limit is placed most properly.

It is not a question of the age limit, but of the marriage allowance itself.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he can now report on the results achieved in vocational training of naval ratings by the expenditure of the sum of £2,500 voted in the 1923–24 Naval Estimates under the resettlement scheme; and whether the Admiralty will establish the principle that, providing the requirements of the Service admit, all men in the last two months of their first continuous service engagements and engagements to complete time for pension will be allowed to undergo courses of vocational training to fit them for return to civil life?

The scheme of vocational training has been in force for such a, short time that no report on the results achieved can yet be made. With regard to the second part of the question, I am afraid this principle cannot be admitted, as it

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can give the figures as to the strength of the Navy in the North Sea, and the strength in the Mediterranean in 1913 and at the present time?

As the reply is in tabular form, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the great number of colonial and other visitors who will be present in London during the summer months, and the popularity of previous displays before and after the War, he will arrange for a review of the Navy on the Thames on the same lines as the last displays during the summer or autumn of this year?

The movements of the Atlantic Fleet during the summer months have not yet been decided. I can assure the hon. Member that the fact of the presence in London of a large number of visitors from the Empire overseas will not be overlooked when making out the programme.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether recruiting for boys for the Navy is still in force; whether any inducements axe offered to boys leaving elementary schools in London and Greater London; and can he state what steps his Department takes in order to recruit boys for the Navy?

Recruiting for boys for the Navy is still in force. No special steps are taken to enter London boys at the expense of boys in other parts of the country, and local educational authorities are not applied to in order to send in suitable candidates, except for special appointments such as artificer apprentices.

Will the hon. Gentleman, as an inducement to boys to enter the Navy, abolish the degrading punishment, called corporal punishment—birching and caning?

asked the Minister of Labour whether any representations have been made to him by the municipal authorities of the Merseyside with regard to a proposed scheme for a Mersey tunnel; and, if so, can any statement be made with regard thereto?

I have been asked to answer this question. A deputation was recently received, representing the local bodies. concerned. Financial and engineering details of a preliminary character were then submitted, and these are still under examination.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction which exists among ex-service men at the training institution, Preston Hall, Aylesford, Kent, in respect of the Ministry's refusal to pay a training bonus to light leather workers as promised by the medical superintendent; and, if so, will he have the matter remedied?

I have been asked to reply. Preston Hall is not under the control of the Ministry, but I understand that a number of the men who have been sent there for treatment by the Ministry have been provided by the medical superintendent with occupation in light leather work. In view of the agreement arrived at between the Ministry of Labour and representatives of the leather goods trade, my right hon. Friend is not in t position to recognise any course of instruction that can be given in this trade at Preston Hall as sufficient to qaulify for the payment of bonus. I am, however, inquiring further into the position, and will communicate later with my hon. Friend.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it is absolutely impossible to hear some of the replies to questions? When some of the Ministers stoop down towards their papers we cannot hear a word of their answers.

That is not a new phenomenon.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has now received the Report of the Trade Disputes Disqualification Committee; and, if not, what action does he propose to take to secure an early settlement of the issue referred to the Committee?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will, in view of his contemplated statement of Departmental policy regarding unemployed benefit, be able to report definitely on the long-standing remit to the Trade Dispute Disqualification Committee?

The Committee have not yet presented a Report, but they have resumed their sittings and I understand will endeavour to report at an early date. I think it advisable that I should await the report of the Committee before making any statement on the subject.

Is the Minister aware this Committee has been in being over two years and we are still awaiting their report; and can the right hon. Gentleman do anything to expedite matters?

I am aware of the fact I mentioned by the hon. Member. The next question will, I think, show the answer to the hon. Member.

Will the Minister go into this matter personally, because it is two years since the subject was remitted to the Committee, and as it is of great importance will he do everything possible to expedite the Report'?

I said in answer to a question previously, that the Committee were sitting. I have stated in answer to this question that I hope the Committee will present an early report. The matter is under consideration and it is my desire to have an early report. If I do not get an early report, it is my intention to press for it.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of meetings held by the Trade Disputes Disqualification Committee since its inception and as from August, 1923?

The number of meetings held by the Committee since its inception is 15. Six of these meetings have been held since the end of August, 1923, one as recently as Wednesday last. There was a break in the sittings of the Committee from the middle of November to the middle of February.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will remove the restrictions at present in force reducing the rate of wages for those engaged on unemployment works below the trade union rate of the district?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can now give an undertaking to the House that the proviso shall be abolished in unemployment relief schemes under direct labour whereby only 75 per cent. of the trade union or district rate of wages may be paid to so-called unskilled labour on work which is normally regarded as unskilled?

As I stated last week, this matter has received careful consideration. It has been decided to modify the existing rule. The terms of the modification will be announced in the course of the next few days.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any proposals to secure employment for, or assist in any way, the large number of masters and officers of the mercantile service at present without berths; and, if so, what his proposals are?

A number of proposals for relieving unemployment among masters and officers of the mercantile marine were put before my predecessor by representative associations. While one or two of these proposals are still under consideration, I regret to say that the remainder were found to be quite impracticable. There is, I am afraid, great difficulty in discovering any way of giving special assistance to these men, outside the general arrangements for the relief of unemployment, pending the time when the increase of shipping activities which will accompany a revival of trade gives them employment in their ordinary work.

Is it the fact that the great bulk of these officers and mates and men would be prepared to enter into a contributory unemployment insurance scheme, and will the right hon. Gentleman consider such a proposal?

Is the Minister aware that some of these officers have been compelled to take out barrel-organs on the streets, in order to keep themselves alive.?

I am not aware of those facts, nor are they indicated in the question. Any representations made on behalf of these men will receive the most careful, considerate and sympathetic attention.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make, inquiries into the numbers of agricultural labourers and stockmen thrown out of work in the Cheshire district through the slaughter of cattle on farms where they usually work; and whether he will assure himself that proper means of support and maintenance are being given to these men, who are suffering from causes over which they have no control whatever?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I have taken special steps to ascertain the position, but it is not possible to, state the precise number of agricultural workers who have for the time being lost their regular employment by reason of the slaughter of cattle in Cheshire. I understand that, as the result of special efforts which have been made by the local authorities and the farmers themselves, the great majority of the men have been able to secure temporary employment. Fortunately, the epidemic shows signs of abating, some of the farms are already being re-stocked with cattle, and there appears good reason to hope that the difficulty will disappear before very long.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the hardship under which many unemployed citizens are suffering through the insufficient amount of benefit, particularly with reference to children; and what steps he will take to have the amount increased at once?

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that many boards of guardians are now preparing their estimates of expenditure for the next financial year, he can now state the policy of the Government with regard to the further provision of unemployment benefits on the termination of the 26 weeks provided for in the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1923?

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the hardship inflicted upon individuals and the financial burden imposed upon local authorities owing to the meagre amount of assistance granted to unemployment persons through the Employment Exchanges, which amount in the case of a man to 15s. per week and, if married, for his wife 5s. per week, and less than 2d. per day for each child, he will bring in legislation to amend these allowances so as to enable the man and his dependants to be maintained in reasonable comfort and efficiency apart from the Poor Law or private charitable funds?

A comprehensive Bill is being prepared in connection with which the points raised by the hon. Members and a number of others are being carefully considered. For the moment, I cannot make a more definite statement.

asked the Minister of Labour if, having regard to the differences of description of premises occupied by Frederick Watson, Wath Brow, Cumberland, given by the investigation officer to the Umpire, which has resulted in the termination of Frederick Watson's unemployment benefit, he will appoint some competent authority to reexamine the report which the investigation officer has issued as to the accuracy of such report, and give power to call for witnesses and documents?

The Umpire is the final authority in deciding questions on claims to benefit, and when an appeal is taken to him it is for him to decide as to the value and sufficiency of the evidence submitted. I cannot interfere with his discretion in this matter, and if it is desired to challenge the accuracy of a report which has been placed before the Umpire, it is open to the parties interested to make representations to the Umpire and submit to him such other evidence as may be available.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I will draw attention to this matter on the Adjourn rent to-morrow night.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, seeing that there is at the present time acute unemployment amongst operative painters, and that it is possible at once to undertake a good deal of indoor painting, ordinarily left to the spring and summer when there is often a rush of work, he will do his utmost to encourage public authorities and private employers to proceed with indoor painting during the present winter season so as to distribute the work more equally throughout the year?

The Unemployment Grants Committee have given grants to public authorities to enable them to undertake, during the winter, indoor painting and other decorative work which ordinarily would not be carried out until the spring or summer. No form of assistance in this connection is, however, available for private employers. I agree that if work of this character could be spread throughout the year, it would be to the advantage of a number of workmen at the moment unemployed, but, as regards private employers, I do not think I can do more than call attention to the point.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of the schools, especially in the London district, sadly need painting; and is it possible for him to encourage this work to he undertaken through the London Education Committees?

I will willingly encourage all work of this character that I can encourage.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will set up a National Employment Committee to investigate and to recommend to the Government employment schemes of public utility on a scale commensurate with the present problem of unemployment?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the Prime Minister yesterday to a similar question by the hon. and gallant Member for Brighton.

asked the Minister of Labour the present number of unemployed registered in the county of London, giving details of men, women and young persons: and how they compare with the figures of a year ago?

At lth February, 1924, there were on the live registers of Employment Exchanges in the county of London, 97,580 men, 27,194 women, 4,393 boys. and 4,084 girls, as compared with 116,859 men, 29,120 women, 6,656 boys and 5,354 girls at 12th February, 1923. My hon. Friend will observe that there is a considerable reduction in each category.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in connection with the, Government's proposals for more adequate dealing with unemployment, vocational training will be provided for adults to meet the needs of those unemployed workers for whom there is no early prospect of work in their former trades?

I am not in a position to make any statement on this subject at present. I may remind the hon. Member that, apart from the building trades, there are at present very few industries in which there is any effective demand for additional skilled labour.

asked the Minister of Labour how many young persons are receiving educational training in connection with juvenile unemployment centres; how many such centres are now in existence; and whether he proposes to make provision for the continuance and extension of such educational training for unemployed workers in receipt of unemployment pay?

The number of young persons in average attendance at the juvenile unemployment centres during the week ended 13th February was 7,180, composed of 4,422 boys and 2,758 girls. The number of centres now open is 79 in the area of 37 local education authorities. The question of making provision for the continuance and extension of centres for unemployed juvenile workers is at present receiving my consideration.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the dissatisfaction felt by the dockers and other casual workers at Hull and other ports at the methods of administering the Unemployment Insurance Act, whereby half-days employed are allowed to count nothing towards the drawing of benefit for which three days have to be spent without work before anything can be drawn; that this inflicts hardship on these insured workers; that when a man has not obtained work for two days, if he obtains work for half a day following he has to start afresh with idle days before drawing anything to carry him on until he can obtain another day's work: and what steps he proposes to take to deal with this state of affairs?

The conditions to which the hon. and gallant Member refers, and which, I may say, are not quite accurately stated in the question, were the subject of consideration in Parliament last year and an amendment in the law was then made with the express object of meeting grievances alleged by dockers and other casual workers. The question whether or not any further amendment should now be proposed is among those I am considering in connection with the Unemployment Insurance Bill I propose to introduce later in the Session.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these men are still very much dissatisfied with the way the Act is administered?

I am quite aware that considerable dissatisfaction exists, and I have very little hope of taking it all away. I can only do my best.

Can the Minister tell us, having regard to the means of avoiding any further difficulties with the dockers, whether the Government are prepared to give their support to a Bill for the decasualisation of labour which will be brought before the House?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this matter also applies to miners, and that in some of the mines of which I know the men are having five half-days a week, and have worked in this way 15 or 16 weeks in the summer, and have not been entitled to a single penny of out-of-work pay?

I am aware, Mr. Speaker, of many facts of this character in more than one industry.

Are you going to remedy them? That is the point.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the continued representations of shop assistants that the Trades Boards Act should be applied to their occupation, and that their action in this regard has received the repeated endorsement of the Trades Union Congress and the National Labour party; and if he has any statement to make on the matter?

I have this matter under consideration, but I regret that I am unable to make a statement at the moment.

asked the Minister of Labour whether representations have been made to him to apply the Trade Boards Acts to the aluminium hollowware trade; and, if so, will he state if he is in a position to announce his decision on the matter?

I have received such representations, and am having inquiry made in the matter.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is intended to make any inquiry into the method by which the index figure for the cost of living is arrived at and as to whether it correctly represents the advance in the cost of living as compared with August, 1914?

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the general dissatisfaction with the cost-of-living index figure as calculated by the Labour Ministry and published monthly in the Labour Gazette; and if he will set up a committee of inquiry with the object of obtaining an index more reflective of the actual increase in the cost of living to the average working-class family?

I am aware that the official cost-of-living index figure has often been criticised from different points of view. Criticism may most properly be directed, I think, to the fact that the latest budgets of working-class expenditure, which form part of the basis of the calculations, were collected as long ago as 1904. So long as the object of the index number is as at present to show the changes in the cost of maintaining a pre-War standard, this does not materially affect the accuracy of the calculations; but I think it is essential that a new inquiry into working-class expenditure should be undertaken at the earliest opportunity. Suitable information could not, however, be obtained during the present abnormal conditions of employment, but I propose to institute an inquiry as soon as conditions become sufficiently normal.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government intend to put forward any legislation, or take any measures whatsoever, to prevent the steady increase in the cost of living; and, if so, when this action will be forthcoming?

This is a type of question that can be answered only in Debate. Increases in the cost of living are due to many causes, not all of which are within the control of Governments. His Majesty's Government will lose no opportunity to check transactions known as profiteering.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, seeing that hitherto there has been a limitation of apprentices bound to craftsmen of one in seven, with a maximum of eight to any craft in any firm, and such regulations hamper the rapid construction of houses, he is using his influence to induce the unions concerned to modify, in the public interest, these restrictions?

I cannot accept the statements in the question, but as the hon. Member is probably referring to the building trades, I may explain that the number of apprentices is much below the number permitted by the agreements between the employers' and operatives' organisations. These organisations baye assured me of their co-operation in the formulation of proposals by which the number of apprentices may be increased in accordance with the requirements of the industry, and I hope to receive these proposals in the near future.

asked the Minister of Labour if he can state the position regarding the negotiations at present proceeding with the Building Trades Union on the question of dilution?

The National Federation of Building Trade Employers and the National Federation of Building Trades Operatives have formed a Committee for the purpose of making proposals on the supply of building labour, and I understand that they hope to be in a position to formulate definite plans in the near future.

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to advise the setting up of a Royal Commission to investigate the medical service under the National Insurance Act and kindred matters?

asked the Minister of Health whether, seeing that a court of inquiry has recently estimated the value of the medical service under the National Health Insurance system, he will advise the appointment of a Royal Commission, as promised' by his predecessor, to investigate the administration of National Health Insurance?

The Government propose to advise the setting up of a Royal Commission as soon as arrangements can conveniently be made, to inquire into and make recommendations as to the whole system of National Health Insurance

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman at the same time to consider the advisability of making the reference to this Commission as wide as possible, and also the desirability of putting people on the Commission who have already some knowledge of the subject?

That will be done.

asked the Prime Minister whether, considering the heavy responsibility imposed on Ministers and the inadequacy of their salaries, he will consider the question of appointing a committee to review the whole question of Ministerial salaries with a view of increasing the amount to a sum more in accordance with present circumstances as soon as the financial conditions of the country permit of it; and further, considering that the Lord Chancellor has double the salary of the Prime Minister, so to arrange that the Prime Minister is given the higher salary of the two?

I can add nothing to my reply of 12th instant to a supplementary question on this subject by the hon. Member for Edinburgh East (Mr. Hogge).

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if it is not a fact that he gave me no reply on that occasion? Does he not remember that Mr. Speaker stopped the question?

I refer my hon. and gallant Friend, not to the. reply I gave to his question, but to my reply to the question of the hon. Member for Edinburgh East.

But may I now ask for a reply to my question?

May I refer the hon. and gallant Member to the OFFICIAL REPORT of 12th February?

asked the Prime Minister what. action the Government, proposes to take with respect to the Children, Young Persons, etc., Bill?

I have been asked to reply. This Bill is under consideration, but I regret I can hold out no hope that the Government will be able to find time during the present Session to give facilities for its progress.

asked the Prime Minister if he will state the policy of the present Government with regard. to Palestine; and how much the administration in that country has cost during the last four years and is estimated to cost us this year?

His Majesty's Government has to take over Palestinian responsibility as a going concern. It is in consultation with the High Commissioner.

asked the Prime Minister whether the recent Treaty with King Feisal will be submitted to this House for ratification; and whether His Majesty's Government will advise the non-ratification of this Treaty and the early evacuation of Iraq?

The Treaty with King Feisal, with the protocol of April, 1923, and subsidiary agreements, will he submitted to the House before ratification. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on the 19th instant to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy). As I then stated, His Majesty's Government are giving careful consideration to the question of the policy to be pursued in Iraq. I can add nothing further at this stage.

May we take it that the Government will remember—I am sure we may—that this territory is held under mandate from the League of Nations, and that the League of Nations must be consulted?