asked the Minister of Pensions if he will make provision whereby disabled ex-service men who have been struck off the pensions list, but whose disability has since recurred, should be afforded an opportunity of reexamination by a medical board?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on the 14th instant to the hon. Member for Rugby and the hon. Member for Tottenham, North, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware of the case of Mrs. E. Dickin, 51, Spring Gardens, Ilkeston, whose pension has been reduced from 14s. to 12s. per week on the assumption of an error in assessment: and whether, in view of the fact that the recipient of the pension is a widow with three children living on an income of 39s. per week, he will cause inquiries to be made and instructions issued for this Practice to cease?

Under the new arrangements which I have made for complaint the case will be thoroughly reinvestigated.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether a man who has lost both legs below the knees as a result of war service, and who, through crawling, has now contracted fluid in both knees and, as a consequence is rendered as helpless as a man with both legs off above the knees, is thereby entitled to be granted the maximum constant attendance of £1 per week?

The amount of constant attendance allowance in a case of this nature would depend on medical advice. If, after examination, one of my medical officers reported that the man required an attendant to be constantly at hand throughout the day the maximum allowance of 20s. a week would be granted. If a man's condition were found to be as stated in the question, I have no doubt that the examining medical officer would recommend an allowance at the maximum rate.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his predecessor laid it down in this House that a man who had lost both legs by War service was entitled to the maximum attendance allowance for total incapacity?

I have not looked at the answer of my predecessor, but I can assure my hon. Friend that the statement made in my answer to the latter part of his question shall be carried into effect.

If I send my right. hon. Friend the particulars, will he consider them sympathetically?

Every consideration will be given.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether an ex-soldier attending at a limb-fitting centre is entitled to his expenses if so attending; and whether, when such attendance entails an absence of several days, the allowance in respect of loss of remunerative time can be assessed at a more equitable rate than that of treatment allowance only, which may fall far short of the actual loss to the patient?

Men attending a limb-fitting centre are entitled to repayment of their travelling expenses, and, in addition, either to treatment allowances or to compensation for loss of remunerative time on the usual scales. Normally, attendance is not required for more than one day in a week, and in such cases the pensioner receives his pension, together with a payment in respect of remunerative time lost.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it takes several days for a man to attend a centre, that he has to be away two or three nights, and then has to get back again, that in winter travelling is very difficult, and that it seems hard that a man should lose the amount of money paid to any one who works for him while he is away?

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider such cases, as the circumstances are different from those of ordinary cases?

I will certainly consider the point raised by the hon. Member. The answer I have given is based on the information I have in the Department.

May I send particulars of the case to the right hon. Gentleman?

Certainly.

asked the Minister of Pensions, if, when dealing with revision of the scale of pensions in the case of Army-pensioner ranker officers, he will also undertake to consider the position in this respect. of those officers who, having served for various periods before the War as soldiers or non-commissioned officers in the Regular Army without having qualified for service pensions, rejoined the Army on the outbreak of War and were subsequently awarded commissions, thus, in several cases, completing 21 years' service in all?

I have been asked to reply. The class of case to which I understand the hon. and gallant Member to refer was provided for by the Royal Warrant for Pay, &c., published as Army Order No. 446 of 1920, of which I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a copy. Under the provisions of that warrant a soldier who has served in the Regular Army and on promotion to a temporary commission had not 21 years' service, is allowed to add his service as a temporary officer to his service in the ranks, so as to complete the necessary period for pension, namely, 21 years.

Seeing that there is a large number of new Members of the House, will the hon. and gallant Member send a copy of that warrant to them, so that they will be acquainted with it when similar cases came up?

I will send a copy to any hon. Member who applies for it.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will favourably consider the revision of the Regulations which prevent on the death of husband or wife the transfer of the deceased's pension to the surviving parent?

This matter is bound up with other questions affecting the general scheme of pensions for parents and dependants, which is at present receiving my personal consideration.

Has the right hon. Gentleman the power to alter the Regulations, without altering the Royal Warrant?

I understand I have no power to make the change suggested, but the matter will be given the most sympathetic consideration possible.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been called to the decision of the New Zealand Government to grant war pensions in all cases in which there is a reasonable presumption that the physical or mental condition which has resulted in disablement was caused or aggravated by employment as a member of the forces; and whether he will frame his proposed regulations on a similar basis?

I am aware of the provisions of the New Zealand legislation which I gather that my hon. Friend has in mind, though the effect of that legislation is not quite as stated in his question. The provisions referred to will not be lost sight of in the consideration which is now being given to the general question.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that John Webb, No. 61819, Machine Gun Corps, of The Cottage, Battery Lane, Portishead, Somerset, an ex-soldier with 10 years' service, who has suffered from frozen feet, jaundice, malaria, and a wounded foot, and has been pronounced a constitutional wreck and fit for nothing by the medical board, has been refused any pension; and whether he will have the case further inquired into with a view to securing for this man the pension his service and wounds deserve?

I am arranging for this man to be examined by a medical board at an early date, and will communicate the result to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has given instructions for the withdrawal of Circulars 356 and 363; and, if not, whether Members of Parliament can he supplied with copies?

I have issued instructions modifying the procedure to which my hon. Friend refers, and I am sending him copies of Circulars issued to war pensions committees which explain the present position.

Does that answer refer to the position, qualified in the, way the Minister has indicated, or to the position prior to the issue of the modification?

It will cover both positions.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has now considered the question of affording to pensioners skilled legal assistance in the presentation of their cases before the tribunals and elsewhere; and whether he will take steps to ascertain, through the Law Officers of the Crown or otherwise, whether any effective and practical scheme can be devised whereby such skilled legal assistance could be provided voluntarily by members of both branches of the legal profession?

As the hon. Member is aware, the procedure of the tribunals is entirely determined by the Lord Chancellor, and I can only suggest that he should address his question to my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the need pensions of smallholders in the Highlands are partly based upon an estimate of income from the holding, and that, owing to the failure of the harvest last year, there will, in many cases, be no income at all from these holdings; and whether he will make special arrangements for the immediate consideration of those cases in which a review of these need pensions is claimed, so that decisions can be accelerated and adjustments made during the existing period of hardship?

Need pensions are open to reconsideration at any time, on application by the pensioner through the local office of the Ministry, and should the circumstances be found to have materially changed for the worse during the currency of an award, the pension would be increased. I am taking steps to ensure that applications from these pensioners are dealt with promptly and sympathetically.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that information is given to those concerned that they can have their pensions reviewed, in view of the fact that there is so much distress in the Highlands?

I believe intimation has already gone to the officer affected to take such steps as are necessary.

Will the Minister consider the issue of instructions that in the assessment of the incomes of dependants, who are occupants of crofts and small holdings, the incomes shall not be reckoned at more than the rents of the holdings, as in the case of Parliamentary assessments?

I regret I cannot give an answer on that point to-day. If the hon. Member will place the question on the Paper, I will get him the information required.

asked the Minister of Pensions what proportion of final awards made during the past 12 months has been assessed at disability nil?

The percentage of final award made during the past 12 months in which disablement was assessed at nil is loss than four.

asked the Minister of Pensions approximately the number of widows and children who are at present receiving pensions from his Department; and whether the numbers show an increase or decrease compared with the figures 12 months ago?

The approximate number of widows of deceased officers and men now in receipt of pension is 161,000, as compared with 165,500 a year ago. The number of children of deceased officers and men for whom pensions or allowances are in payment is 323,000, as compared to 343,000 a year ago. The reduction is almost entirely due to re-marriages, deaths, and, in the case of children, to their attaining the age of 16.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether any hospitals are still maintained by his Department for pensioners or for treatment; will he state how many there are and where they are situated, and the number of men for which they are available; and if men occupying or attending such hospitals have any reductions made from their full pensions?

There are at present 33 ministry hospitals with accommodation for about 7,800 in-patients. I will send the hon. Member a list of them. When a man is admitted for in-patient treatment his pension is withdrawn, and in lieu of it, treatment allowances are granted.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will consider the desirability of granting full disability pensions to all those with war disability during the period of their unemployment in view of the fact that there are large numbers of disabled ex-service men now receiving Poor Law relief who are thus maintained at the expense of the ratepayers of the particular locality in which they happen to live, instead of at the expense of the whole community on whose behalf they have suffered?

I have no authority to adopt this suggestion, which is entirely inconsistent with the principle on which disablement pensions are required to be awarded.

asked the Minister of Pensions the sum estimated to have been saved by the reduction of dependants' pensions; what was the method adopted in the investigation; whether the individual pensioner whose case was under consideration was summoned to appear before the tribunal or had any opportunity to state reasons why the pension should not be reduced; and whether the pre-war employers of the deceased soldier were asked to produce their wages books before the reassessment was made?

It will not be possible to make the estimate desired by my hon. Friend until we see the effect of the extended arrangements for dealing with complaints which have recently been brought into operation. Inquiry officers have from the first been instructed to report fully the grounds of objection made by pensioners, and these were fully considered by the Ministry. It is and has been the practice to verify the soldier's pre-enlistment earnings, and where necessary by obtaining a certificate from the employers. In cases of doubt the earnings would be verified by the inquiry officer.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in many cases where dependants' pensions have been reduced no one has asked any question regarding the circumstances in which they were placed, and consequently no opportunity has been given of making any statement on the matter.

I was not aware of that fact, but, if the hon. Member will supply the information, it shall certainly be considered.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that a considerable number of ex-service men engaged as temporary civil servants under the Ministry in Edinburgh have received notice of dismissal as at 31st March; and, if so, does he propose allowing these notices to take effect at that date?

Owing to a decrease in the volume of work to be performed, the retention of the full staff now engaged cannot be justified after the 31st March. I have, however, arranged to discuss the question of the redundants with a representative of the men concernd to-morrow morning, and I will communicate my decision to the hon. Member in due course.

Will the same information be supplied to other hon. Members in whose constituencies there are ex-service men in the same position?

If any hon. Member applies for the answer, I will certainly give it to him.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that instructions were issued by his predecessors to the effect that disabled ex-service men were to be the last to be discharged from temporary positions in the Civil Service; that a number of these men have received notification that their services are to be dispensed with; and whether he will take steps to see that not only these men, but also all ex-service men who served in the theatres of war, are retained until the whole of the non-service temporary officers have been discharged.

I am aware that the standing instructions, based on the recommendations of the Lytton Committee, give preference for retention, subject to the overriding consideration of efficiency, to disabled ex-service men, and I regret that it has therefore been necessary to include some of these men amongst those declared redundant. As I informed the hon. Member for East Edinburgh on the 14th instant, the possibility of finding further employment for them is being explored. None would, however, be competent to replace any of the remaining non-service temporary officials who now number only 11, of whom three are under notice.

Provided these disabled ex-service men are competent to carry out the duties, will the Minister see that they are not discharged while non-service men are retained?

Can the Minister give any idea of the numbers who are being discharged while "conchies" are being kept?

In regard to the latter point, I do not think there is any foundation in the suggestion that "conchies" are being kept.

They are.

On the other question, it would be impossible for me to give any definite information to-day, but the matter will be considered.

asked the Minister of Pensions if it is his intention to be responsible for some 600 ex-service men who are suffering from mental trouble, who are, at the moment, under the care of the guardians?

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to those ex-service men for whose maintenance the responsibility of my Department came to an end on the 30th September, 1922, under the expressed terms of Article 7 (2) of the Royal Warrant. The Government have decided to meet the charge for the maintenance from the 1st April next of these men by means of a special Exchequer Grant, which will not, however, fall on the Vote of my Department. I understand that Parliament will be asked to make the necessary provision in the Votes of the Board of Control for England and Wales and General Board of Control for Scotland.

Will the grant in aid be made direct to the guardians?

No. As the latter part of the answer implies, that will not be so.

Is it not a fact that the asylums are not under the control of the guardians, but under the control of the counties?

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Mr. John Perkins, aged 46, formerly No. 52,012, ex-Private, Durham Light Infantry, was admitted to Storthes Hall asylum, Kirkburton, near Huddersfield, Yorkshire, on the 13th August, 1917, and became chargeable to the Minister of Pensions as a war-service patient; and whether, seeing that the Ministry no longer accepts responsibility for his maintenance since the Pensions Appeal Tribunal decided that Perkins' insanity was neither due to nor aggravated by war service, and that the Pensions Ministry accepted responsibility for maintenance over five years, he will have inquiries made into the actual cause of disability in this case?

I have not yet been able to complete my inquiries into this case, but I hope shortly to be in a position to communicate the result to my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Pensions the total number of ex-service pensioners of the Welsh region who are receiving treatment and are maintained under the regulations who were inmates of public mental institutions in December, 1923; what number, if any, are in these public institutions who are treated as pauper lunatics; and will he take steps to provide an institution in Wales to deal with this class of ex-service men apart and separate from the Poor Law institutions?

There are 380 such cases, all of whom are classified as service patients, and are thus on the legal footing of private patients, and in no sense within the ambit of the Poor Law. It would not be practicable to establish a separate institution for them, among other reasons, because experience has shown that in the majority of eases the relatives would not agree to transfers which, by removing the patient a long distance from his home, would render frequent visits impossible.

Is the Minister aware that repeated applications having been made, a promise was given of a separate institution for the Welsh region at the request of a majority of the relatives of the men?

Are these men still in the same institution as they were in during the time of the right hon. Gentleman's predecessor and myself?

With regard to the first supplementary question, I do not think I can give any further information to-day beyond that contained in my reply, and I am not aware of the information suggested by the hon. and gallant Member; it is not in my possession, at any rate, and I cannot refer to it to-day. With regard to the other point, what has been indicated is substantially correct.

Is the Minister not aware that twice during the last three months this matter has been sent up to headquarters and a promise made to deal with it?

I will look into the point.

In view of the fact that these men are still in the same building, does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that the Prime Minister's statement that they are not now interned was most misleading?

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware of the conditions under which his Departmental staff work in the General Post Office buildings, Spring Gardens, Manchester, of the lack of proper office accommodation, the delay and inconvenience caused to pensioners, and the public generally obliged to visit the premises on business; whether he is aware that those desirous of interviewing officials are placed behind barbed wire entanglements; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this state of affairs?

There has been difficulty in obtaining suitable accommodation for the Ministry's staff in Manchester, and my attention has been drawn to deficiencies in the accommodation provided in the area office premises, which will be remedied as far as possible. The barbed wire referred to by the hon. Member is placed at the top of high partitions separating the Ministry's office from the Post Office, to prevent unauthorised entrance. I am in communication with my right hon. Friend the First Commissioner of Works with a view to obtaining better accommodation as quickly as possible.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the provision of better accommodation for females, such as widows, who have delicate interviews with officials? Is not something necessary that is different from the present arrangement, under which interviews take place in front of the general staff of the Department?

That point shall certainly be considered. I hope that we shall come to adequate arrangements with my right hon. Friend the First Commissioner of Works.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether a large reduction of the medical staff of the Ministry is in contemplation; if so, on whose recommendation will such reduction be made; and whether he will consider withholding such reduction until the proposed Departmental Committee has considered the same and reported?

Owing to the inevitable reduction of the work of my Department, there is necessarily a corresponding decrease in the medical staff required. I am not contemplating any special reductions in the medical staff.

asked the Minister of Pensions what reduction of staff, if any, has taken place at the headquarters of the Ministry in London from 1st July to 31st December, 1923; and what was the total number of staff employed at that date?

The staff of the headquarters branches in London, including Pension Issue Office, was reduced during the half year ended 31st December, 1923, by 811. The total number employed on that date was 6,126.

How many of these were temporary ex-service men?

I am afraid I cannot answer that question now, but I will be pleased to supply the information.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of medical men employed at the Ministry headquarters in all grades in December, 1923; how many of them are over 60 years of age; and how many of them were engaged actually in the various theatres of war on active service?

The number of medical men employed at Ministry headquarters on 31st December last in all grades was 31, of whom three are over 60 years of age. 29 of these officers served during the War, 23 of them having served overseas.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the small percentage of male officials at the Ministry of Pensions who are not ex-service men were prevented from serving in His Majesty's forces during the War by reason of age or disability, or if any were excused service on the ground of their conscientious objections to such services?

The officials referred to were either over age or medically rejected for enlistment or were exempted from military service by Committees appointed by the War Cabinet to review exemptions granted by Government Departments. There are no conscientious objectors amongst them.

May I ask whether, in view of the strong feeling on this subject among ex-service men and their dependants, the right hon. Gentleman will give an undertaking that he intends to continue the policy of his predecessor, and that is, rigidly to exclude from his office all conscientious objectors?

Before an answer is given, will the right hon. Gentleman take into account that several conscientious objectors have been sent to this House by the electorate? [HON MEMBERS: Shame!]

The Minister has said that there are none in his Department.

Perhaps I did not make my question quite clear. I asked the right hon. Gentleman whether it would be possible for him to make an announcement that the policy at present in force was going to be continued. Do I understand you rule that out of Order, Sir?

That has nothing to do with the question on the Paper. I think that notice should be given of a question on policy.

I will give notice for Monday.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of staff employed by his Department at the Issue Office at Acton, together with the number employed by any other Department in the same building; and how those numbers, respectively, compare with the number of employés at the Pensions Issue Office a year ago?

The number of staff now employed by my Department in the Acton premises is 3,498, as compared with 4,802 in February, 1923. I have no information as to the staff employed by other Departments at Acton.

Is it fully occupied?

That I cannot say.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the excessive speed at which many cars are driven along the Thames Embankment during the evening; and whether, having regard to the grave danger to workpeople crossing the road in order to board the tramcars, he will advise the Commissioner of Police to institute some form of control opposite to the Temple station?

The Commissioner of Police informs me that his attention has been called to the fast driving of cars along the Embankment. Controls have been worked from time to time, and a number of offenders have been detected and prosecuted. The Commissioner will not hesitate to extend the working of these controls if they fail to check the abuse.

Can the hon. Gentleman inform whether any of the cars stopped were proceeding towards Battersea?

Does the hon. Gentleman know that some motorists cannot see the refuges that are in the road?

I must have notice of those questions.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the great discrepancy between the amounts of pensions received by pre-War police pensioners and those who have retired since or during the War; and what steps he intends to take in the matter?

I regret that I can add nothing to the reply given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on Tuesday to questions on this subject put by the hon. Member for the Eastern Division of Birkenhead (Mr. Graham White) and the hon. Baronet the Member for Chester (Sir C. Cayzer).

But is the hon. Gentleman pressing the Treasury to consider this matter favourably?

If the hon. and gallant Member will refer to the reply given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, I think he will find that that point has been answered there.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Prison Commissioners have reported that, in carrying out their arrangements for educational work in prisons, they have been prevented by financial reasons from undertaking educational work of any kind in two of His Majesty's prisons and whether he will see that provision is made in the forthcoming Estimates for such classes as the Commissioners consider desirable?

I will see that the possibility of finding funds for the further development of educational work in prisons is thoroughly examined in connection with the Estimates for the ensuing year, but I am not confident that very much more can be done in that direction at present, in view of the pressure of many competing claims.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the amount of unpaid educational work now being carried on in prisons and Borstal institutions by the help of voluntary teachers; whether he is aware that this is hampered by the lack of any financial assistance towards the cost of travelling expenses in the case of a number of teachers who are glad to offer their services without pay for this work; and whether the Government will now assist the work of the Prison Commissioners by making provision for the payment of such expenses where the prison authorities consider it desirable?

I can assure the hon. Member that the value of the voluntary assistance which the Prison Commissioners are receiving in this way is fully recognised, and I hope that the Estimates for the ensuing financial year will make adequate provision for meeting such expenses as are referred to in the question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of aliens permitted to enter this country during the six months ending the 31st January, 1924; from what countries they originate; and is it proposed, in view of the large amount of unemployment existing in this country, to make the Regulations permitting aliens to land more drastic?

I ask leave to give the figures up to the end of last year. They are most conveniently dealt with for periods of not less than a Quarter. For the last six months of the year 1923, 184,228 aliens were given leave to land in this country. They came from all the countries of the world. All but a very small number came on temporary visits for purposes of business or pleasure; and, as I indicated in my answer to the hon. Member for Kingston-upon-Thames (Mr. Penny) last Monday, there is no reason to think that they added to the unemployment in this country. I may add that the outflow of aliens in the same period, namely 200,238, was larger than the inflow.

May I ask whether the policy of the Government will be continued, and no aliens allowed to land in this country who are likely to take away work from our own people?

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the number of maid servants that have been brought over here by Gentlemen on the opposite benches? [HON. MEMBERS: "Withdraw!"]

The hon. Member ought not to make allegations in the form of a supplementary question. With regard to the supplementary question on policy, when an Under-Secretary is answering, it is only fair to put on the Paper larger questions on the policy of the Department.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department what contribution Guernsey has offered to the Imperial Exchequer; and what is the amount of pensions and dependant allowances paid by the Imperial Government in that island?

The States of Guernsey, by a Resolution passed on the 6th instant, have offered the sum of £220,000 as a lump sum contribution to the Exchequer. I am informed by the Ministry of Pensions that the amount of pensions and allowances disbursed by them in the island (including Alderney and Sark) for the current financial year is in round figures £55,000.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department what contribution Jersey has offered to the Imperial Exchequer; and what is the amount of pensions and dependant allowances disbursed by the Imperial Government in that island?

The States of Jersey, on the 1st December last, passed a Resolution declining to make an annual contribution to the Exchequer. I am informed by the Ministry of Pensions that the amount of pensions and allowances disbursed by them in the island for the current financial year is in round figures £46,000.

Does the hon. Member think nothing can be done to bring more pressure to bear upon Jersey to help the Imperial Exchequer, when we are spending so much money in the Channel Islands in the form of pensions?

Is the hon. Member aware that the people of Jersey are exempt by law from service, and that they nevertheless sent 17½ per cent. of their population to the War under the promise of the Home Government—not the Imperial Government—that their pay and pensions should be paid?

The hon. and gallant Member should give notice of that question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the police regulations provide for any appeal against adverse reports on probationers, or if probationers refused full admission to the constabulary have any opportunity of being heard before adverse reports are ratified?

Under the Police Regulations, the services of a constable may be dispensed with at any time while he is on probation if the chief officer of police considers that he is not fitted for the duties of his office, or is not likely to become an efficient and well conducted constable. This course may be taken independently of any specific offence against discipline, and the procedure laid down with regard to disciplinary cases will not apply.

In prima facie cases of injustice, am I to understand from the hon. Gentleman's answer there is no redress whatever, no appeal, and no inquiry possible on the part of the Department or anyone else?

Is the Department now considering the adoption of the principle of establishing appeal tribunals, to which men, who feel they may have been victimised, or have grievances in the service, may appeal from the Chief Constable?

I shall require notice of those two supplementary questions.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that Stanley Crutchley, aged 14, of 20, Ezard Street, Higher Openshaw, Manchester, was, on the 3rd February, 1920, sentenced by the Manchester magistrates to three years' detention in an industrial school for his first crime of stealing a £5 note; that later he escaped from the home and upon re-arrest was sentenced to a, further term of two years' detention; that his father, who is a, workman with four people dependent on his earnings, was also ordered to contribute the sum of 5s. per week for five years out of his weekly income of £2 8s.; and whether, in view of the fact that this was the boy s first offence, and of the great hardship imposed upon the parents, he will consider the advisability of securing some remission of the sentence?

This case was carefully considered last August, and it was decided to review the circumstances after the boy had received a few months' further training. I am in communication with the managers of the school, as well as with my hon. Friend, in regard to the case.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that men on the unemployment dole are going to gaol periodically for arrears, and cannot he modify the Regulations and so prevent the creation of gaolbirds?

Will the hon. Gentleman advise the magistrates in the Manchester district as to the necessity of using the probationary system for first offenders of this description?

I am in entire sympathy with the views of the two hon. Gentlemen, but, with regard to this particular case, if my hon. Friend will assure me that there is employment for this boy, I will give favourable consideration to the question of his release.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that a person convicted by a court of summary jurisdiction who has a right to appeal from such conviction to a Court of Quarter Sessions is required to enter into a recognisance, with or without a surety or sureties, in a sum up to £80 before he can proceed with such appeal; and whether, seeing that this precludes many poor persons from exercising their right of appeal, he will take steps to remedy this hardship?

I recognise that the obligation to give security for the costs of an appeal before the appeal can be entered must often have the effect of preventing persons who have been convicted at Petty Sessions from appealing to Quarter Sessions, but I am advised that to abolish this requirement of the law would be likely to lead to graver evil than the present law involves.

Is it not inflicting a hardship upon the poor to continue this requirement of security? I should have thought it would appeal to a Labour Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the requisitioning of His Majesty's Government, on or about the 30th July, 1914, of the battleships which were in course of construction in this country for account of Turkey, without the return to that country of the sum of about £5,000,000 paid by Turkey on account thereof, gave rise to a campaign of reprisal against British subjects resident in Turkey by the Turkish Government, though still a neutral State, seizing and requisitioning on an extensive scale the property of British nationals; and whether, seeing that the said £5,000,000 then remained a sum legally attachable by British nationals having claims against the Turkish Government in respect of seizures and requisitioning of property and that British nationals were only deprived of this right to attach against the £5,000,000 by the subsequent action of His Majesty's Government, after war had been declared against Turkey, in seizing this sum without taking into consideration the claims of British nationals which had arisen as a counter-charge thereon, steps will now be taken to compensate such British nationals?

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. Turkey possessed certain claims on His Majesty's Government arising out of the requisitioning of the battleships. The Turkish declaration of war prevented the assessment and payment of these claims to Turkey, and, in accordance with international law, transferred the Turkish claim to His Majesty's Government. There was never any sum belonging to Turkey legally attachable by British nationals. The claims of British nationals against Turkey will be considered by the Inter-Allied Commission to be appointed under the provisions of the Convention relating to the Assessment and Reparation of Damage suffered in Turkey, which was signed at Paris on 23rd November, 1923 (Cmd. Paper 2028).

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I ask him if he will do all he can for the British citizens who have suffered very severely in Constantinople, and who look to the British Government to see that their claims are put forward in the near future? They have waited five years.

I am sure everyone will feel sympathy with these people, and steps will be taken to ensure that their claims are considered.

If these reprisals were taken before war was declared, why should the claims of British nationals be left to an international committee?

I do not gather that that was so.

What is the amount of claims by British nationals?

May I, with your permission, Sir, withdraw this question, as, obviously, there is a mistake in the text?

had given notice of the following question:—

I have not received the answer.

I did not hear the reason given for not answering question No. 47.

I understand that by some mischance the Minister has not received the answer.

My information was that it was to be answered by the Treasury.

May I put it down again?

(by Private Notice) asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can now make a statement as to the policy of the Government in regard to the acceleration of the construction of cruisers and other vessels?

On a point of Order. I have had this question down every week this Session, the last occasion being yesterday, and I was asked to put it down again next Tuesday.

May I submit that it is absolutely immaterial to the House whether hon. Members have certain questions down, because, on a question of public interest, we want the information as soon as possible?

I think that if the hon. Member for Barrow (Mr. D. G. Somerville) will consult his Front Bench, he will find that I made every effort to get in touch with him this morning, in order to give him the opportunity of raising this matter, having regard to the fact that he has shown so much interest in it.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary tell us what decision has been taken with regard to the submarine depot ship, the minelayers, and the other items of the programme which I submitted to the House a month ago?

No decision has yet been arrived at with regard to those items.

Are we to understand that these boats are actually needed urgently for the defence of the country? Would it not be better to use the money in something more productive?

Before the hon. Gentleman replies, would he inform the House whether or not this decision is to be taken as a great moral gesture to the world?

Arising out of the answer to my supplementary question, are we to understand that no decision has yet been taken against the building of the other items in that programme, but that they are still under consideration?

The right hon. Gentleman may understand that the matter is still under consideration.

May I ask if a cruiser is going to be put down at Devonport?

Are we to understand that this decision is final, and that the House is to have no opportunity of discussing it? Does the hon. Gentleman intend to allow the House to have any voice in this question?

Is it proposed to start these cruisers without asking the House for the money first?

Apart from the statement which the hon. Gentleman has just made in regard to the dockyards, is it proposed that any of that work should come to the Tyne?

With regard to the original reply, which is unsatisfactory, is it not the fact that the original programme was eight, whereas only five are going to be built, and, if so, how is Barrow going to get a cruiser in competition?

In view of the urgency of the unemployment situation, may I ask if the hon. Gentleman proposes to submit a token Vote to the House in the immediate future, without waiting for the introduction of the Navy Estimates?

I do not think that that will be necessary. The tenders will be invited at once.

Will the hon. Gentleman take into account that when these cruisers are laid down, if they are laid down, it will lead to the laying down of further cruisers in foreign countries, and by that means lead to a possible catastrophe, which will create more unemployment than ever?

Will the hon. Gentleman clearly give us a decision that these tenders will not be accepted until the approval of the House of Commons has been given?

In answer to the question of the hon. Member for Huddersfield (Mr. Hudson), it should be understood that these are largely replacements, and not additions to our naval armaments. The other matter will arise in the ordinary way on the Estimates.

I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment, of the House for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, "the decision of the Government to lay down five new cruisers."

Divide!

The hon. Member has the necessary number of supporters, and accordingly the discussion will take place at a quarter past eight.

Divide!

If an hon. Member obtain the requisite number of supporters, there is no question of a Division.

asked the Prime Minister when a statement may be expected detailing the plans of the Government in regard to unemployment: and, if the plans of the Government are not yet matured, what temporary steps he proposes to take to alleviate the distress prevailing in the industrial areas?

The Government are not yet in a position to make a detailed statement on their plans in regard to unemployment. The temporary steps which it is proposed to take have been announced from time to time in this House.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at the Election, in a manifesto by the Labour party, signed by the Prime Minister and himself, the statement was made that the Labour party was the only party which had an effective remedy for unemployment?

We are confident that events will prove the accuracy of that statement.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us a date when a statement will be made?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the danger to the country arising from recurrent unemployment, the Government proposes to make an inquiry into the underlying causes and possible prevention of extensive unemployment?

I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by a special enquiry of the kind suggested at this juncture.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the strikes during the past month, he is at once prepared to introduce legislation similar to that adopted by the Labour Government of the Australian Commonwealth in the Conciliation and Arbitration. Acts to ensure on the one hand fair conditions for the workers and on the other hand to secure that those in other trades shall not have their living jeopardised by a dispute in which they have no direct interest?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to similar questions by the hon. Member for St. George's (Mr. Erskine) and the hon. Member for Kingston-on-Thames (Mr. Penny) on the 14th instant, to which I have nothing to add.

May I ask whether the Prime Minister can direct that an independent Committee be set up to inquire into the best method of avoiding strikes?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that large numbers of electors in the county constituencies are unable to vote owing to the distance of polling stations from their homes; and whether he would consider the advisability of introducing legislation providing for mobile polling stations by transport where necessary?

I am aware that many electors in county constituencies live a considerable distance from their polling places, but I doubt whether it is practicable to introduce legislation such as is suggested. Under the existing law, the county council appoint the polling districts and places, and the Secretary of State, if a representation is made to him by a local authority, or not less than 30 electors of a constituency, that the polling facilities are inadequate, has power to direct any necessary amendment to be made.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he intends at as early a date as possible to introduce a Bill having for its object the codification of the law of compensation for injury to workmen, in accordance with the promise of his predecessor, in view of the confusion existing owing to several Acts of Parliament dealing with this question?

I appreciate the importance of securing the consolidation of the Workmen's Compensation Acts, and the promise given by the late Home Secretary will be carried out as soon as practicable. I cannot, however, say at present when it will be possible to introduce the necessary Bill.

Can the hon. Member say whether he will be able to introduce a Bill this Session?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can see his way now to reduce the price of taxicab fares in London, or whether, as has already been successfully done in Paris, he will authorise a smaller type of taxicab to be put on at cheaper rates?

I regret that the Home Secretary cannot see his way to reduce taxi-cab fares at present. The Commissioner has no information about the smaller type of cabs referred to, unless the reference is to motor-cycles with side cars, which it is not considered desirable to license in London. If taxi-cabs of a smaller type than that existing are presented for licensing, the question of their fitness for the purpose will be considered.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the same prices are charged to-day with petrol at under 2s. a gallon as were charged when petrol was 4s. 6d. a gallon, and would not there be far fewer taxis lying idle if lower prices were charged?

Why does the hon. Gentleman propose to refuse licences for motor-cycles and side-cars? Is he aware that this type of vehicle is in great use in Birmingham and is of great convenience here and other centres?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a large number of Ford taxis are now plying in the streets of Paris, while they are not allowed in England?

I must ask for notice of these supplementary questions.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, with regard to the letter received from the private secretary to the Secretary of State for the Home Department on 14th February, 1924, with reference to the case of Guardsman John Carpenter, stating that the Secretary of State was in communication with the military authorities in case they might be able to throw further light on the matter, he will state whether there have been any such communications with the military authorities; and, if so, with what authorities and on what dates and what was the nature of such communications?

May I draw attention to the fact, Mr. Speaker, before this question is put that the name of a civil servant is mentioned. Is it in order to interpolate a Minister concerning an action done by a civil servant and, instead of referring to the Department, to refer to the individual?