asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is prepared to extend to taxi-cabs the facilities at present granted to private and hired motorcars in Hyde Park?

I have given careful consideration to this question, and propose to make the concession to which the hon. Member refers, on the understanding that plying for hire shall in no circumstances be permitted.

asked the Secretary for Mines (1) if he is aware that the wagons used for coal traffic in Durham and Northumberland are owned and controlled by the railway companies; and what is the amount of running costs or freightage tolls charged per ton per mile inclusive of the wagon hire to the colliery companies in the aforesaid coal areas;(2) if he is aware that in the main the wagons used for the coal traffic in South Wales are either owned privately or by the colliery companies; and what is the average cost per ton per mile, either of the privately owned or colliery ownership of the wagon hire only;(3) what are the average running costs or tolls charged by the railway companies in the South Wales area for the freightage alone of coal traffic worked out per ton per mile?

I have been asked to answer these questions. I am aware of the facts stated by my hon. and gallant Friend, but find that the detailed information for which he asks is not in the possession of the Government

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the serious damage caused to the main roads by heavy motor traffic and of the cost of keeping such roads in good condition, regulations can be made restricting the loads of heavy motor lorries to not more than five tons, and that all motor lorries should be provided either with solid or pneumatic rubber tyres; and whether increased licence duties can be enforced to secure a more adequate payment towards the heavy wear and tear caused by such vehicles?

The maximum axle weights of heavy motor lorries remain to-day as they were fixed 20 years ago, and on the heaviest type of lorry the total weight an two axles cannot legally exceed 12 tons. In view of the various uses to which they are put, it would not be practicable to make a regulation that all motor lorries should be provided either with resilient or pneumatic rubber tyres. Encouragement is given to the use of resilient or pneumatic tyres by fixing higher maximum speeds for vehicles so equipped. The question of any possible changes in the scale of taxation is now under consideration by the Departmental Committee. Any alteration in the licence duties would require legislation.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that, owing to the recent railway strike and the consequent diversion of heavy traffic over many county roads, much damage has been done and much heavier expenses must now be met by county councils for repairs and renewals; and whether, in these exceptional circumstances, he is prepared to make a special grant towards such costs?

My attention has been drawn by the County Council of Kesteven (Lincolnshire), to damage alleged to have been caused to their roads by the diversion of traffic during the railway strike, but I have no evidence that any general increase in highway expenditure is to be anticipated on this account. While I am always prepared to consider exceptional cases of hardship, to whatever cause they may be due, I cannot undertake to make special grants on the grounds suggested in the question. I might point out that the Road Fund will in any case contribute its share of the approved expenditure on Class I and Class II roads.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received a communication from the ratepayers' association of Rhos-on-Sea with reference to the unsatisfactory nature of the services on the Llandudno and Colwyn Bay Electric Railway; whether he has caused an inquiry to be made into the matter; and with what result?

The representations referred to were duly received by my predecessor, and I am sending the hon. Member a copy of a communication which I sent to the ratepayers' association on the 16th February.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the unnecessary duplication that occurs owing to the Ministry making the county councils the intermediary in respect of roads other than main roads; and whether he can see his way for the future to communicate directly with the local council or councils concerned?

Direct communication is always maintained between my Department and the district councils. I am not prepared, however, to depart from the present procedure by which use is made of the county councils in the administration of the grants towards the maintenance and improvement of all Class I and Class II roads in their areas.

asked the Minister of Transport how many men are employed on the work of constructing the Kingston bye-pass road; and when it is anticipated the road will be open for traffic?

This road is being constructed by the Surrey County Council. I am informed that for the week ending 21st February, about 300 men were employed upon the work. The period for completion stated in the contract is two years, so that the road should be available for traffic at the end of the year 1925.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the advantages to be gained from bulk generation of electrical power near the sources of coal supply, and the distribution of such power over a wide area of the Kingdom; and whether the Government propose to take any action towards initiating a scheme or schemes for this purpose?

In considering technical schemes for various electricity districts, the Electricity Commissioners have the advantages referred to fully in mind, and the schemes approved by them provide for bulk generation in a limited number of well-placed stations and for the inter-connection of such stations.

asked the Minister of Transport what are the difficulties standing in the way of the construction of the proposed Liverpool to Manchester road?

The difficulty is that of obtaining the requisite financial assistance from the numerous local authorities concerned. I propose, however, to reopen negotiations.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, at an early date, he will make a statement to the House as to the Government's policy with reference to the development of transport facilities on inland waterways and canals?

The Government is prepared to give assistance, through the Unemployment Grants Committee, to practicable schemes for the improvement of canals, and I have made special inquiries to ascertain what progress can be made with the most promising of these schemes. I shall be very glad to discuss with the hon. Member any particular proposals which he may have in mind.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in any legislation having for its object the regulation of London traffic, he will consider the desirability of making it an offence for fast-running and other vehicles to pass tramcars whilst passengers are alighting or entering them, thereby assisting to materially reduce the number of street accidents?

As I explained in reply to a somewhat similar question asked last Wednesday by the hon. Member for Bristol East (Mr. Baker), I am not convinced that such legislation is desirable, but the matter would be one for consideration by any traffic authority.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, if he proposes to introduce an entirely new Bill to deal with London traffic, he will consider the giving the power to control traffic to an authority directly responsible to the ratepayers, with adequate power to carry out improvements and raise the moneys necessary for that purpose?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given yesterday by the Prime Minister to the hon. and gallant Member for the New Forest (Colonel Ashley).

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is prepared to introduce emergency Regulations for the traffic problem of London during the period which must intervene before the passing of a Traffic Bill?

I regret that I have not the necessary powers to introduce emergency Regulations, but I hope to introduce a Traffic Bill at an early date.

asked what progress has been made towards the setting up of an electricity authority for London and district; and whether publication of that scheme in its final form could be expedited, seeing that the delay in passing a scheme is likely to prejudice the work of the new authority owing to the activities of various power companies?

Since 1st July last, when the decision of the Court of Appeal was given on questions arising out of the London Order, the Commissioners have been in continuous negotiation with the principal parties concerned and have revised the scheme, which they hope to publish within the next month with a view to holding the public Inquiry thereo in May.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the special and exceptional circumstances placed before his Department last week by a deputation from the local authorities affected, he can now see his way to make a grant towards the construction of the main arterial coast road from Middlesbrough to Saltburn on the terms granted to other authorities similarly placed?

The grants made to these authorities towards the construction of the new road from Middlesbrough to Saltburn are on the same terms as those accepted by other authorities similarly placed. Should the local authorities desire to extend the scope of the work, I hope it may prove possible to give further assistance at the same rate.

asked the Secretary for Mines the nature of the inquiry he proposes to hold in regard to the conditions existing in the iron-ore mines in West Cumberland; who is to hold the proposed inquiry; will the Cumberland Iron-ore Miners' and Kindred Trades' Association be consulted in connection therewith; will the inquiry embrace the effects of high rates, royalty rents, and railway charges, and their relation to the recent closing down of iron-ore mines in West Cumberland; and, if not, why these matters are not to be included?

I have not stated that I propose to hold any formal inquiry into the iron-ore mining industry of West Cumberland. The reply which I gave to my hon. Friend's question on February 20th, was to the effect that I proposed to make further inquiries of my own before coming to any decision as to whether a formal inquiry should be held.

asked the Secretary for Mines if his attention has been called to the death of an iron-ore miner named Wilkinson, and to the fact that the doctor has certified that this man died from miner's phthisis; that deceased was last employed as a miner on machine work at Florence Mine, Egremont, and previously worked on machines at Sir John's Mine, Bigrigg; and, having regard to the anxiety of men who are now compelled by social pressure to work under conditions similar to those which brought about the death of Wilkinson, will he take immediate steps to provide an effective remedy against the spread of this disease?

I am obliged to my hon. Friend for calling my attention to this case. The whole question of the effects of dusts on miners is under renewed inquiry by my Health Advisory Committee, and I will bring this case before them.

asked the Secretary for Mines if his attention has been called to the fact that Wilson Mitchell, employed at Longlands iron-ore mine, Cleator, has died from the effects of an accident he met with at that mine 10 days ago; that the man's injuries were caused through one of the supports of the gantry, over which he had to wheel metal, giving way; and that the support referred to was in an advanced state of decomposition; and if there is any hope of any practical inspection being made of the plant employed on and under these mines so that regard may be had to the safety of the lives and limbs of the workers?

The facts are as stated by my hon. Friend. Practical inspection of iron-ore mines, with a view to safeguarding the lives and limbs of the workers, is already made by His Majesty's Inspectors of Mines; but the periodical examination of timber supports of this kind is, of course, the responsibility of the management of the mine. In this case I am informed that the decay of the timber could only have been discovered by the removal of the rails, sleepers and staging laid on it. The divisional inspector has the matter under investigation.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he will state the result of the competition for the most suitable electric locomotive for supplanting horse haulage in mines; and whether the sum of £1,000 placed at the disposal of the Mines Department by Sir Charles Markham has been paid to the successful competitor?

Under the conditions of entry competitors are allowed until the 31st of March to submit their designs, and a further period of six months is allowed to competitors whose designs are selected for test to build and deliver their completed locomotives. The judging is not, therefore, likely to take place before the latter part of the year.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether it is his intention to authorise the appointment of a larger number of inspectors to supervise and inspect the conditions under which horses are employed underground?

I am meeting this week a deputation who will make representations on the question of the treatment of horses underground, and I think I had better hear what they have to put before me before expressing any opinion on this matter.

asked the Secretary for Mines if it is intended to prosecute the manager of Jawcraig colliery for failing to observe regulations relating to workings under moss?

Yes, Sir. I gave directions on 18th February that the Lord Advocate should be asked to institute proceedings.

asked the Secretary for Mines the reasons for the delay in issuing the Report of the Inquiry into the Maltby disaster; and when such Report will be issued?

This Report was published yesterday. I am informed that the printing of the plans illustrating the Report has delayed its publication.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that in some coal mines, or districts thereof, men are working, or have worked, in a temperature of from 80 to 100 degrees; that instances are known of men having discarded all their clothing except boots and socks; will he therefore fix a standard not to exceed 70 to 75 degrees; and also provide for the keeping of a daily record of the temperature of each district in the official book signed by each deputy in charge?

I am aware that high temperatures, though rarely, if ever, as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit, are met with in the workings of some mines; and that if the air is very moist as well as hot the workers sometimes strip to minimise the discomforts of working. A Research Committee on the Control of Atmospheric Conditions in Deep and Hot Mines has been at work for some time, and has made valuable contributions towards the solution of this difficult and increasingly important problem. I am seeking the advice of that Committee as to the necessity and practicability of fixing temperature or humidity limits for mine working.

asked the Secretary for Mines what are the safest known methods in use in the various coal-mining countries of the world for the purpose of withdrawing timber from the gob; and will he take the necessary measures to secure their use in all the coal mines of this country?

My Department has made no special investigation into the practice in other countries in withdrawing timber from the waste, but in this country the use of a safety contrivance is already required by law, and a variety of safety contrivances are in use for the purpose.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Deep Pit Colliery Company, Bristol, stated on Friday, 22nd February, that they had increased the price of coal to the consumers in the immediate neighbourhood by 2s. per ton on account of the dockers' strike; and whether he will take action with regard to this case?

I have been asked to reply. I have no information on this subject, but if my hon. Friend will give me particulars, I will have inquiry made.

RECRUITS.
Year.	Marks of Vaccination.	Proportion per 1000 having		No Record.
		Marks of Small Pox.	Marks neither of Vaccination nor of Small Pox.
1909	949·0	·4	50·6	—
1910	942·8	·4	56·8	—
1911	927·0	·4	72·6	—
1912 to 30th September, 1920.		Information not available.
1st October, 1920 to 30th September, 1921	884·6	·4	109·4	5·6
1st October, 1921 to 30th September, 1922	893·3	1·0	105·7	—

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the very inadequate accommodation available for the squadron of Yorkshire Hussars that have their headquarters in Middlesbrough; whether he has seen the reports made by various inspecting officers condemning that accommodation; has he been made acquainted with the similar view of the North Riding Territorial Association; and whether he can hold out any hope of any improvement of accommodation in view of the impossibility of maintaining, under present circumstances, the efficient training of this squadron?

I am aware of the inadequacy of these premises, and a scheme has been approved for the provision of additional accommodation. The County Association were duly notified on 24th January last.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will submit a return giving the following particulars in respect of the vaccinal condition of recruits found fit for service for each year since 1908, namely, proportion per thousand having marks of vaccination, having marks of small-pox and having neither marks of vaccination nor marks of small-pox, respectively?

The particulars, as far as they are available, are as follow:

asked the President of the Board of Education if the Circular issued by the War Office last year and sent to clerks to local education authorities outlining a scheme for the enlistment into the Regular Army of boys of 14 and 15 years of age for a period of 15 years is receiving his support; and, if not, will he take steps to withdraw the same?

I presume that my hon. Friend refers to a Circular Letter issued by the Army Council last August, notifying the arrangements for examination of boys desirous of enlisting into the Regular Army for training as tradesmen. The matter is not in my province.

asked the Secretary of State for War what price is being paid for the Deptford market by the War Office; how much of this market does he propose to use for War Office purposes; does he propose to let or sell the unused section of the market; and, if he proposes to let, when and where can traders make application for a lease?

asked (1) the Financial Secretary to the War Office if, with respect to the re-opening of the Deptford cattle market, he is now in a position to state the total acreage of the market and the acreage required by the War Office; and whether he is now prepared to accede to the public demand for the release of one-third to one-half of the acreage for the legitimate purposes for which the market was founded;(2) the Minister of Labour if he has received a resolution from the London County Council embodying the re-opening of the Deptford cattle market as part of their relief scheme for absorbing the unemployed; and if he will examine the proposal from the point of view of employment, directly and indirectly, which is estimated to reach several thousands?

The purchase price is not yet arranged. The total area of the market is 27 acres, but I am not yet in a position to say whether all of it will be required for military purposes. I would, however, refer to my reply of the 19th instant, to the effect that on completion of the purchase I would give my best consideration to the question of releasing a part of the market. I am informed that the Ministry of Labour have not yet received any representations from the London County Council on the subject.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is prepared to take steps to meet the demand for a foreign cattle landing for the purpose of securing a fresh meat supply for London; and if he will also consider the demand for the re-opening of the Deptford Cattle Market?

The Ministry's function in connection with the provision of landing places for animals consists in satisfying itself that adequate arrangements are made to comply with the regulations under the Diseases of Animals Acts to prevent the introduction of disease from abroad. I may say, however, that the Ministry will put no obstacles in the way of the re-establishment of a landing place at Deptford if a satisfactory scheme is brought forward.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many miles have been flown under the present subsidy arrangements by companies operating in connection with civil aviation; what amount has each such company received for the miles flown by its machines; whether any company has received the full subsidy notwithstanding that the number of miles stipulated by the Ministry has not been flown; whether it is the rule of the Ministry to pay a pro rata amount should the full number of miles stipulated not have been flown; and, if so, why has the general rule been varied in a particular case or cases?

The aggregate distance flown on subsidy-earning flights from 1st October, 1922, when the present system of subsidy was adopted, up to the 31st January last, was 888,621 miles, and the total amounts paid to each company to the same date were:

• British Marine Air Navigation Co., Ltd., £3,846 3s. 4d.
• Daimler Hire, Ltd., £69,807 13s. 8d.
• Handley Page Transport, Ltd., £26,927 12s. 9d.
• Instone Air Line, Ltd., £39,775 3s. 9d.

The answer to the third part of the question is in the negative, but in two cases subsidy payments have been suspended since the beginning of January last. As regards the fourth pail, the system of payment is that the Air Ministry issues each fortnight a sum equal to one-twenty-sixth of the total subsidy for a yearly period or one-thirteenth of that for a half-yearly period and makes at the end of the period in question the necessary adjustment to secure that the total amount paid is proportionate to the actual mileage flown. As regards the last part of the question, I am not aware of any variation from the general rule, but if the hon. Member will supply me with any information of which he may be in possession I will have full inquiry made.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what were the numbers of persons killed or injured by the action of enemy aircraft in this country during the Great War; what was the number of aircraft available for home defence at the time of the Armistice; what is the number now available; and what proportion of these were designed and constructed subsequent to 1919?

The answer to the first part of the question is, 1,413 killed and 3,407 injured. The first line strength of the squadrons allotted to home defence at the time of the Armistice was 348 aeroplanes; the corresponding figure at the present time is 76 aeroplanes. The machines at present in use are drawn almost entirely from the very extensive stocks which had been accumulated at the date of the Armistice and which have since been largely re-conditioned. Considerable orders for machines of new design have, however, recently been placed.

asked the Minister of Labour when the King's Roll County Committee for Buckinghamshire is going to be set up?

Hitherto King's Roll Committees have, in general, been set up only in the larger municipal areas. There seems, as a rule, to be no advantage in setting up such committees for county areas, but if there is an effective local demand for such a committee in any particular case, we shall be prepared to consider the matter.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in the interests of ex-service men, he proposes to continue the labours of the Southborough Committee; and, if so, what its new composition will be?

Yes, Sir, the necessary arrangements for the reconstitution of the Committee are now in hand, and an announcement on the subject will be made at an early date.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the serious condition of the workpeople on the Clyde engaged in the manufacture of sugar-milling machinery; whether he is aware that contracts which would result in an expenditure of £200,000 in wages in the Glasgow area cannot be completed in view of the uncertainty of the future policy of His Majesty's Government in relation to the stabilisation of the existing preference on sugar produced and manufactured in the Dominions and Dependencies of the Crown; and whether, in view of these considerations, he will give an assurance that the preference now given to sugar produced within the Empire will be continued for a period of not less than 10 years?

As regards the first part of the question, from the information that I have been able to obtain so far it appears that with one or two exceptions firms in the Glasgow area specialising in sugar-milling machinery are doing a normal trade; some indeed are working a night shift. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. I am not in a position to make any statement as to the last part of the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the approximate cash value, based on last year's trade returns, of all the preferences given by the Dominions to British-manufactured goods?

The approximate difference, based on last year's trade returns, between the Preferential Duties on the produce and manufactures of Great Britain, and the duties on similar goods of foreign origin, charged by Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, is nearly £12,000,000.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the Report on scientific property prepared by the League of Nation's Committee on intellectual co-operation that has been communicated to the council and other delegates to the assembly for consideration at the next annual session in 1924, in which Report recommendations are made at, in connection with all discoveries hereafter, all the uses and commercial benefits that may follow upon the practical development by others of such discoveries shall be subject to payment of profit or royalty to the author not only for his life but to his heirs for 50 years after his death; and whether, in view of the fact that no patent can be granted in this or in any other country for any invention which seeks to cover a principle and thus create a monopoly in a discovery unless it is embodied in new and practical means or methods for employing the principle, instructions will be given to our representatives upon the Council of the League not to approve this Report, as such proposals will be not only detrimental to the development of British industries but contrary to all patent laws of the British Empire?

The Report in question is under consideration by the Departments concerned, and I shall not be in a position to state the views of the Government until their reports have been received.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, seeing that the Board was advised in the year 1909 that a company can comply with Section 26 (3) of the Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1908, by filing the same statement in the form of a balance sheet year after year, and that the then President of the Board in 1919 admitted that it was a serious blemish in the law which, with several other points, would require attention at an early date, he will say whether the Board now proposes to introduce a Bill dealing with these matters?

The matter to which the hon. Member has drawn attention has been noted for consideration in the event of legislation being introduced to amend the Companies Acts, but it will not be possible to introduce such legislation at present.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity of glass bottles and jars, sheet glass, and plate glass that was imported into this country for the years 1913, 1920, 1921, 1922 and 1923; and will he give the figures of exports for the same years and the countries to which they were exported?

For the years 1913, 1920, 1921 and 1922 the desired particulars will be found in the Annual Statement of the Trade of the United Kingdom with Foreign Countries and British Possessions for the year 1922.The references are as follow:

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the criticisms on the Marine Department of his Board, more especially with regard to the circumstances attending the loss of the British s.s. "El Kahira" in 1922; whether he is aware that this ship left port unequipped with wireless and also with the boats' falls not in proper condition; and whether any increased efficiency in respect of the work of his Department has been introduced as a result of the inquiry into the disappearance of the vessel concerned?

I am aware of the circumstances of the El Kahira case, and appropriate action has been taken in the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many applications to the Reparation Claims Department have been scheduled as belated because the forms filled up and sent in by applicants long before the final date for the receipt of such applications were not received by the Department; whether the Department will accept a sworn statement that such forms were sent in; and is he aware that in every case, owing to postal shortcomings or organisation defects in his own Department, the decision is always given against the sender?

As to the first part of the question, 74 cases have been traced. As to the second and third parts, the decision in each case is that of the Royal Commission and not of the Reparation Claims Department. The Board of Trade do not interfere with the Royal Commission decisions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will reconsider the case of the son of Mr. Brand, 15, Powed Court, Richmond, who is penalised for life through injuries received during an air raid during the War and has only received £215 in all; and can a further grant be made to provide for this unfortunate boy?

The sums paid were those recommended by the Royal Commission, after careful consideration. The award is final, and I am afraid that it cannot be reconsidered.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the traffic in worn-out horses; how many have been exported from this country during the last six months; and what steps he is taking to prevent this traffic?

I should explain that there is no traffic in worn-out horses because the Ministry insists on a very high standard of fitness in all horses for export, and no horse is passed for shipment unless it is in every sense fit to travel and to work. I intend to do everything in my power to maintain in full vigour the stringent regulations which have been in force during the past three years, and have effectively removed any undesirable features from this trade. 10,918 horses were shipped from Great Britain to the Continent during the six months from August, 1923, to January, 1924. A considerable number of the animals are of high value, but owing to the high price of other meat on the Continent, horse fleshers are able to pay high prices for quite good class horses to be slaughtered for human food. I have no power to prevent butchers purchasing such horses after their arrival on the Continent, but, so far as I can ascertain, many of these horses are slaughtered in public abattoirs by humane methods. The last part of the question does not therefore arise.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is satisfied with the methods of disinfecting men employed in the slaughter and disposal of animals affected by foot-and-mouth disease; what are the processes employed to carry out such disinfection; and whether in any case he has been able to employ disciplined, rather than casual, labour, and so insist upon thorough disinfection before the men employed are turned loose among the community?

I am satisfied that the methods of disinfecting men employed in the slaughter of animals affected with foot-and-mouth disease are as effective as it is practicable to make them in the conditions under which the slaughter and disposal of animals must be carried out. The men wear overalls supplied by the Ministry, and before leaving the premises they discard these overalls and are required to disinfect their boots, hands, knives, etc. With regard to the last part of the question, the Ministry was able on one occasion during the War to employ soldiers in connection with a severe outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease at Bath, but I do not think it would be practicable, under present conditions, to obtain soldiers quickly enough to dispose of the carcases effectively. I am informed, moreover, that as Colonial meat is now supplied to troops, no slaughtering of cattle is carried out by the Army Service Corps, and, consequently, the number of butchers available would be very few.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the recommendations of the Fife education authority and of the large agricultural population in the county, the Scottish Board of Agriculture is prepared to sanction and finance a scheme for the provision of an agricultural institute and experimental farm for the County of Fife?

I understand that a proposal by the Fife education authority for the acquisition of an experimental farm has been discussed with the Scottish Board of Agriculture. At present I am not in a position to say whether funds can be made available for the purpose, but the matter is having my consideration.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the proposed legis- lation with regard to the establishment of agricultural wages boards will apply to Scotland?

Hitherto there has been a consensus of opinion amongst those concerned in Scotland in favour of collective negotiation for fixing agricultural wages and conditions of service. Before reaching a decision on the point mentioned by the hon. Member, I propose to take such steps as I can to ascertain whether there has been any change of opinion in Scotland on this matter.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that great inconvenience has been caused by the method of rate collection prescribed under the Agricultural Rates Act of last Session, whereby a tenant of agricultural subjects is compelled to pay rates on half the assessed annual value of his holding and is entitled thereafter to reclaim one-half of the amount so paid from his landlord; and whether he will take steps to simplify this procedure?

Since the passing of the Agricultural Rates Act, 1923, only one communication appears to have been received objecting to the arrangement under which tenants of farms deduct from their rents one-half of the rates levied on them. Under the scheme of the Act for equalising the basis of rating for owners and occupiers of agricultural subjects—there was difficulty in avoiding a deduction of the kind, but as stated in reply to a question in this House on the 18th ultimo it is hoped to give further consideration to the point in connection with any general measure of rating reform.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether legislation has been drafted to deal with the difficulty which has arisen from action taken under Section 19 of the Small Landholders (Scotland) Act, 1911; whether he is yet in a position to make an announcement with regard to the introduction of such legislation; and whether it will include a provision to cover the cases in which resumption orders have been granted by the Land Court but will not become effective until Whit Sunday?

I have had under consideration several proposals for dealing with this matter, and shall be glad to confer with the hon. and gallant Member and other hon. Members specially interested in the question before I reach a decision on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is taking any special steps to provide further work at Woolwich Arsenal in order to alleviate the unemployment in the district?

Every effort is being made to keep industrial staffs in the ordnance factories in regular employment. No special steps have been taken to anticipate orders which would normally be given in future years, since to do so would inevitably result in discharges on a larger scale in due course.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the fact that a large number of men, whose ages range from 57 years and upwards, have been refused unemployment insurance benefit in consequence of their age and the assumption that they will not again be engaged in an insurable trade or calling; and whether, in view of the fact that local unemployment Committees have recommended benefit in these cases with a full knowledge of the local circumstances, he will support the view of these Committees and authorise a review of all such cases?

I am looking into certain cases of this description which were brought to the notice of the Department by my hon. Friend. I will let him know the result as quickly as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that under the Workmen's Compensation Act the rate of compensation payable to a workman can in no case exceed his earnings at the time of the accident, notwith- standing that the value of money may largely depreciate, he will in any future legislation take this factor into account?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The possibility of making some permanent provision for the adjustment of compensation according to the rise and fall in the cost of living was, I understand, considered by the Holman-Gregory Committee, but the Committee did not see their way to put forward any general scheme. They did, however, recommend that provision should be made to enable the injured workman to benefit by any substantial rise which may take place after the accident in the rate of wages applicable to his class of employment, and the hon. Member will find that this recommendation is given effect to in Section 15 of the amending Act of last Session.

asked the Prime Minister how, in view of the fact that the wages of the agricultural labourer will not enable him to pay 9s. a week in rent, he proposes to deal with the housing question in rural areas?

I have been asked to reply to the hon. Member's question and would suggest that he should reserve his point until my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health is in a position to make a detailed statement on the Government's proposals which are at present still under consideration.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the numerous evictions which have taken place owing to landlords requiring the possession of property for reasons for which the last Rent Act gives possession of premises; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure that where such possession is obtained the premises will be occupied by the persons for whom they were stated to be required?

My right hon. Friend is aware of the position created by the Rent Act of last year. As regards the latter part of my hon. Friend's ques- tion, I would point out that the Act does not empower the Minister to take any steps himself, but it empowers the Court to require the landlord to pay compensation to the tenant for loss or damage sustained if possession of a house is obtained by misrepresentation, and to direct that the house in question shall not be decontrolled.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can see his way to grant to private builders who, having commenced to build houses with the approval of their local authority, but before their local authority's scheme has received the approval of the Ministry, complete such houses in all respects in accordance with such scheme as subsequently approved by the Ministry, the same financial assistance to which such private builders would have been entitled had they postponed commencing such houses until after the Ministry had signified its approval of the scheme?

In cases in which my right hon. Friend is satisfied that builders, on the faith of assurances given by or on behalf of local authorities, have proceeded with building in anticipation of the approval of the local authorities' scheme for assisting private enterprise, the equivalent of the Government grant under the Act will be paid in respect of houses which would otherwise be eligible for assistance.

asked the Minister of Health if he will make it a condition binding upon local authorities, public utility societies, and private builders, that, where public money is granted by way of subsidies under the Housing Act, 1923, not less than the district trade union rate of wages shall be paid to all workers engaged in the building of such houses?

My hon. Friend's suggestion will be considered in connection with the Government's housing proposals.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is prepared to take action to secure the carrying into effect of the recommendation of the Royal Commission on Housing in Scotland that a complete survey of rural cottages should be undertaken; and whether he will call for a report from the local public health officers as to the condition and sanitation of the cottages occupied by agricultural and rural workers in their respective areas and as to the number of additional houses required?

The recommendations of the Royal Commission on Housing are before the Government in their consideration of housing policy, but I am not yet in a position to state what action will be taken on the particular recommendation referred to in the question.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health if his attention has been called to the lack of sanitary facilities in the village of Cowie, Stirlingshire; if he is aware that the infantile death rate is nine per thousand higher than the county of Stirling, and that the coal company which owns the houses has proposed a scheme of sanitary provision which will take from seven to ten years to complete; and what steps does he propose to take to ensure that the people of Cowie shall be immediately provided with the elementary decencies of civilised life?

I understand that the sanitary arrangements in the village of Cowie are not in accordance with modern standards. The infantile death-rate for 1923 in the village was 67 per thousand as compared with 73 per thousand in the county. In 1922 the corresponding rates were 130 and 92.9. As regards the sanitation scheme proposed by the coal company which owns the houses, I am informed that it is substantially as stated by my hon. Friend. The district committee, however, on 8th February resolved to serve on the owners a requisition under Section 41 of the Housing and Town Planning, etc. (Scotland) Act, 1919, requiring them to provide water-closets for the houses wherever reasonably practicable, and remitted to Cowie Scavenging Committee with powers to allow a period of two years for their provision. As the local authority is exercising its statutory powers in the matter it is not proposed to intervene. I might add, however, that any question of what is reasonably practicable under Section 41 of the above-mentioned Act would fall to be decided by the Courts.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, pending the passing of a new Housing Act, he proposes to press for a supplementary grant from the Exchequer to meet the extra charge imposed on local authorities in Scotland by the higher cost of building in Scotland as compared with England in carrying out the provisions of the Housing Act, 1923?

The housing policy of the Government is at present under consideration and regard will be had to any circumstances peculiar to Scotland. I do not propose meantime to ask for a supplementary grant for the purpose referred to by the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary for Scotland the number of houses in Scotland in course of construction and the number still to be commenced under the Addison-Munro schemes; and whether it is intended to extend the period of building in Scotland so as to secure the completion of the full quota of Scottish houses under these schemes?

As at 31st January last the number of houses in Scotland in course of construction under the Addison-Munro scheme was 2,918 and the number still to be commenced was 1,381. The Scottish Board of Health have power to extend the date for the completion of houses under this scheme, and they will be prepared to do so where satisfied that local or general circumstances have prevented the completion of any particular scheme by the stipulated date, namely, 19th August, 1924.

asked the Minister of Health if he will give the number of old age pensioners now in receipt of Poor Law relief?

The latest date for which figures are available is the 1st January, 1923. On that date 30,602 old age pensioners were receiving Poor Law relief in England and Wales. Of this number 6,539 were in receipt of medical relief only.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is a prepared to introduce legislation to extend to persons who are so deaf as to be unable to perform any work in which hearing is essential the advantage of receiving the old age pension at the age of 50, which by Section 1 of the Blind Persons Act, 1920, was conferred upon the blind in similar circumstances?

I have great sympathy with the position of these afflicted persons, but I am unable to hold out any prospect of our being able to provide for them in the manner suggested. It must not be overlooked that there are other disabilities in respect of which a similar claim could be put forward.

asked the Minister of Health what was the cause of the increase in expenditure on vaccination by Poor Law authorities in England and Wales during the year 1920–21, as compared with the previous year, the respective figures being £174,927 and £124,018?

The increase in expenditure on vaccination by Poor Law authorities during the year 1920–21, as compared with the previous year, was mainly due to the increase in the number of births, and the consequent increase in the number of children vaccinated by public vaccinators during 1920 as compared with 1919.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can supply information comparing the death rate and the infant death rate in Poplar during the last 10 years with those in other similar areas in London and elsewhere?

The information desired by the hon. Member is given in the table below:

asked the Attorney-General whether the Committee, under the chairmanship of Mr. Justice Tomlin, appointed in 1919 by the Lord Chancellor, Viscount Birkenhead, to inquire into and report upon the establishment and organisation of the Principal Probate Registry and to make such recommendations in respect thereof as the Committee shall think fit, has reported; and, if so, when; and, in the latter case, whether he proposes that the Report shall be published for the information of this House?

The Committee reported on the 30th November, 1921, and copies of their Report were furnished to all those immediately interested. I shall be glad to furnish a copy of the Report to the hon. Member or to any other Member of the House who desires to possess it, but I do not consider that the nature of the Report

—	1913–1914.		1922–1923.
	Gross cost per annum.	Net cost per annum, i.e, deducting value of labour and incidental receipts.	Gross cost per annum.	Net cost per annum, i.e., deducting value of labour and incidental receipts.
	£	£	£	£
Local prisoners	35	27	77	55
Convict prisoners	47	28	110	79
Borstal inmates	46	29	114	85
Prisoners in preventive detention	78	60	167	142
	£		£
Reformatory and Industrial School inmates.	29		65

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of men and women in England and Wales who were permitted to use the prison cells, not as prisoners, but because of destitution for the years 1920, 1921, 1922 and 1923?

The answer as regards prisons is, none. I understand that shelter is sometimes given to destitute persons at police stations, but no figures are available as to this.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what amount

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can state for the years 1913–14 and 1922–23 the cost per head in local prisons, convict prisons, Borstal institutions, preventive detention prisons, reformatories and industrial schools?

The particulars are as follow:Table indicating the comparative cost per head of local prisoners, convict prisoners, Borstal inmates, prisoners in preventive detention, and boys and girls in reformatory and industrial schools, in 1913–14 and 1922–23.of money has been received from the Peruvian Government as compensation for British subjects who were induced to emigrate to Peru in 1920; whether the amount received has been expended; whether any further payments are promised; and, in view of the distress still existing amongst many of the returned emigrants, whether he will make representations to the Peruvian Government to fulfil their obligations in this matter?

I have been asked to reply. Compensation to the extent of £2,500 has been received from the Peruvian Government, and has been distributed amongst returned emigrants. A further £1,200 has been promised by the Peruvian Government in final settlement of all claims. As a result oi representations which have been made to the Peruvian Government, it is understood that a resolution authorising the remittance of this sum has been signed by the President. In the light of present information, it is not proposed to make further representations to the Peruvian Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the reasons for continuing the present passport system; and whether he can hold out any hope of an early restoration of peace-time conditions in the interests of the travelling public?

The main reasons for continuing the present system are:1. That British subjects travelling abroad are, by the regulations of practically all foreign governments, required on entering their territories to be in possession of a passport, which is the only official document that can be furnished to them establishing their nationality and identity.

TAXATION PER HEAD.
—		1913 or 1913–14 (actual).							1923 or 1923–4 (estimated).
		In currency.			In Sterling at par.			Exchange Rate=£.	In Currency.			In Sterling at par.			Exchange Rate=£1.
United Kingdom	…	£3	11	0	£3	11	0	—	£15	18	0H	£15	18	0	—
France	…	Fcs. 84.5			£3	7	0	Fcs. 25.22	Fcs. 522.7A			£6	18	2	Fcs. 75.68
United States* (Federal).	…	$6.8			£1	7	11	$4.86⅔	⅔30.0			£6	14	10	⅔4.45
Italy	…	Lire 53.8			£2	2	8	Lire 25.22	Lire 327.7C			£3	6	11	Lire 98
Germany* (Reich)	…	Mks 31.3			£1	10	8	Mks. 20.43	Mks. 81.34D			£4	1	4	Mks. 20
Canada*:—
Dominion	…	$16.60			£3	8	2	$4.86⅔	$36.80C			£7	19	8	$4.61
Australia:—
Commonwealth	…	£3	8	1	£3	8	1	—	£8	1	9	£8	1	9	—
States	…	£1	5	11	£1	5	11	—	£3	4	2F	£3	4	2	—
South Africa:—
Union	…	£1	9	0	£1	9	0	—	£3	9	11C	£3	9	11	—
Provinces	…	£0	4	9	£0	4	9	—	£0	11	9G	£0	11	9	—
New Zealand	…	£6	3	0	£6	3	0	—	£12	5	3C	£12	5	3	—
* It will be observed that the figures for the U.S., Canada and Germany show the expenditure of the Central Government only. They do not include the expenditure of the States for which information is not available.
A.—Actual.		C.—1922–3, actual.							D.—1924–5, Gold Marks.
F.—1921–2, actual.		G.—1922–3, estimated.							H.—Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the taxation per head, in sterling, as near as can be ascertained of Great Britain, France, the United States of America, Italy, Germany, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand, in the year preceding the War and the latest available date?

The following statement gives the information desired as far as it is available:

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has any control over the administration or Board of Management of the British Empire Exhibition; and whether any Naval or Air Force officer is on that board?

As I explained in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for the North Division of Salford (Mr. Tillett) on Thursday, 14th February, the British Empire Exhibition is not organised by the Government, and consequently I am not in control of its administration or of the Board of Management. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the estimated cost would be of granting free railway passes to Members of Parliament between London and their constituencies?

As has already been announced, the question of free travelling facilities for Members is now under the consideration of the Prime Minister. The estimated cost must, of course, depend on the precise scope of such facilities.

Year.		Customs.	Excise.	Total.
		£	£	£
1920–21	…	29,369,828	1,074,686	30,444,514
1921–22	…	35,947,068	813,257	36,760,325
1922–23:
Collected*	…	39,376,393	812,104	40,188,497
Attributable†	…	37,676,395	793,950	38,470,345
Nine months to 31st December, 1923	…	29,198,589	783,231	29,981,820
* Includes amounts collected in Great Britain and Northern Ireland only.
† Net Revenue due to Great Britain and Northern Ireland (i.e., credited to the Imperial Exchequer) after adjustment with the Irish Free State.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give for each of the last six months the sales and repayments of National Savings Certificates; whether, since the last alteration in the terms of these certificates, the repayments are exceeding the sales; and whether he will consider the advisability of making these terms again attractive to the small investor?

The figures are as follow:—

		Issues (purchase price).	Repayments (exclusive of interest).
		£	£
August, 1923	…	3,374,000	2,622,000
September, 1923	…	15,048,000	2,584,000
October, 1923	…	1,390,000	2,814,000
November, 1923	…	1,552,000	2,731,000
December, 1923	…	1,526,000	2,427,000
January, 1924	…	2,281,000	2,747,000

The yield on certificates held for 10 years is £4 2s. 9d. per cent. free of Income Tax, and is, in my opinion, fully as high as the conditions of to-day justify. The slight excess of repayments over new scales since 1st October is natural after the very exceptional subscriptions in September before the change in the rate of interest.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the yield of the sugar duty for the years 1920, 1921 and 1922, and for the nine months ending December, 1923?

The yield on the duty of sugar (including molasses, glucose and saccharine) for the financial years 1920–21, 1921–22, 1922–23, and the nine months ended 31st December, 1923, is as follows:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Committee appointed by the Treasury about May, 1922, under the chairmanship of Lord Meston, to inquire into the method of making Exchequer grants to local authorities, have completed their investigations and have made any Report; whether such Report, with or without the evidence taken by the Committee, will be made public; and what, if any, action it is proposed to take as an outcome of the inquiry?

In view of the appointment of three members of the Committee to positions in the Government, which will make it impossible for them to give the time necessary to complete their inquiry, I understand that the Committee are considering the question of submitting a Report of their progress to date. What action will be taken on such a Report is a matter to be settled later.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the cause of the delay in issuing the Return relating to expenditure on public social services under certain Acts of Parliament and its possible overlapping, ordered by this House on 21st January to be printed?

I regret that Departmental pressure has been the cause of the delay in issuing the Return. I understand, however, that the Return was made available to Members this morning.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the approved custom in Government offices for the dismissal of temporary clerks when there is need of reduction through diminution of duties; and what is the exact preference given to length of service in the Department, service in His Majesty's Forces, and disablement as a result of the War?

I beg to refer to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Barrow-in-Furness (Mr. D. Somerville) on the 21st February.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will consider the possibility of allowing those women who are now being discharged from the Civil Service after seven years' service to reap the benefit of the gratuity Clauses of the Superannuation Act of 1887, which applied to pre-War temporary staffs, in view of the fact that men who served in Army Pay Corps offices at home during the War received gratuities after far shorter service, and had no greater restrictions or risks attached to their employment than the women?

I fear that I cannot agree to this proposal, as it would involve preferential treatment for women clerks. It was decided in 1921, as regards temporary clerks generally, that temporary service rendered by War entrants was not to reckon for civil gratuity, and no such gratuities have accordingly been awarded to male or female civilian clerks in respect of war service as such whether in Army pay offices or in other offices.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what periodical publications are produced by civil servants and published officially by or for His Majesty's Government; and whether the persons employed in editing and writing such publications are qualified journalists and members of the Institute of Journalists or the National Union of Journalists?

The periodical publications produced by civil servants and published officially by or for His Majesty's Government are too numerous to specify in answer to a Parliamentary question. I am sending a printed list to the hon. and gallant Member. The preparation of the publications is, in the main, undertaken by civil servants in conjunction with other duties. It is probable that in a few instances only are the officers employed members of either of the bodies mentioned in the second part of the question.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that all women temporary staff in the issue office who were classified as being solely dependent on their earnings and in the third category of efficiency, i.e., of above average ability, have now been discharged; that men of lower clerical efficiency without dependants and without disabilities which prevent them from returning to their pre-War trades are still retained; and whether he will take this into consideration when reviewing the position of the remaining women of above average ability who have dependants to support?

All women in the third of the four categories of efficiency, except war widows and dependants and ex-service women, have received notice, but the requirements of the work have necessitated an extension of notice in approximately 300 cases. The answers to the second and third parts of the question are in the affirmative.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction existing among women's societies generally at the recent discharges of women from his Department, classified as above average efficiency, and being solely dependent on their earnings, while men of lower efficiency were retained; whether he is aware that many of the women discharged had lost the breadwinners of their family owing to the War and others their fiancés; and what steps he proposes to take in the case of those women now under notice who are of equal efficiency and are classified as having dependants to support mainly as a result of the War?

The matters referred to in the question are receiving my full consideration, and I have arranged to receive a deputation from an association representing the women's view. I will communicate my decision to the hon. Member in due course, but it will not be possible to retain the women now under notice after the circumstances which led to the temporary extension of their notices have ceased to operate.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will inform the House the number of acting clerks that have been promoted to substantive rank since 1st January, 1924; and, of this number, how many were ex-service men?

No promotion is involved in the allocation between substantive and acting ranks of permanent civil servants appointed to posts under the regrading schemes, to which I assume the hon. Member's question has reference. The consideration of this matter is not yet completed, and the figures I can give do not, therefore, show the final aspect of the case. The principles under which the allocations are being made have been agreed by the Departmental Whitley Council. Twenty-five appointments have been made substantive and nineteen acting. One of the former and seven of the latter are ex-service men.

asked the Minister of Pensions when it is intended to remove the buildings from Burton Court, Chelsea, and restore this valuable open space?

By arrangement with the Commissioners of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, the buildings at Burton Court now occupied by the Ministry of Pensions will be vacated by the 1st July, 1925.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will cause consideration to be given to the financial circumstances of any pensioner who is called upon to make any refund and, in straitened cases, to suspend the refund deductions while such conditions obtain?

It is already the practice of the Ministry where serious hardship is represented, to consider the case sympathetically with a view to reducing the rate of, or in certain cases waiving, recovery of overissues of pension.