asked the Postmaster-General what further offices he contemplates reducing in status, naming the towns and stating the consideration which govern the policy of his Department in this respect?

I beg to refer my hon. Friend to my reply to his question No. 126 of the 19th February.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will, with regard to the price paid by the Government for the system of the National Telephone Company, give the detailed figures of the official valuation made after the transfer?

There has been no official valuation of the plant purchased from the National Telephone Company since the transfer. The amount awarded by the Railway and Canal Commissioners was £12,500,000.

asked the Postmaster-General if his attention has been called to the grave dissatisfaction which exists amongst the staff in the Norwich post office; if he is aware that a number of female telegraphists have been removed from their telegraph duties and allocated to the telephone department, and that these telegraphists have been placed under the supervision of a telephonist, thus being placed under the charge of one lower in seniority, rank, status, and pay than themselves, whilst telegraph supervisors remain redundant in the telegraph department; and will he inquire into this particular case and similar cases in all parts of the country where unskilled Post Office servants are being placed in authority over higher grade servants?

Owing to shrinkage of telegraph work, it has been necessary to find alternative employment for some of the Norwich female telegraph staff. Such employment was fortunately available in the phonogram room, where the officers in question come under the supervision of the telephone supervising staff. I do not see that the arrangement, which is of a purely temporary nature, gives reasonable cause for complaint. The supervising staff in the phonogram room are fully qualified for the duties which they have to perform, and I cannot accept the implication at the end of the question.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will take steps in the near or immediate future to convert the Beckenham Post Office from a sub-office to a main office; and whether he is aware that very considerable inconvenience to the residents in this important area results from the present inadequate arrangements?

The conversion of Beckenham Post Office to a head office would not affect the facilities afforded to the public, and I see no reason for making the change, which would involve increased expense. If the hon. Member will indicate the nature of the inconvenience complained of by the residents, I will have inquiry made to see if any remedy is called for.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has received representations from the borough council regarding the inadequate postal facilities at present existing in the business portion of Deptford, that no post office is open on Sundays, and wireless licences are only obtainable outside the borough; and whether he will consider the desirability of establishing a district post office for Deptford at some point between the Broadway and New Cross Gate?

I received such representations together with a request for the establishment of a branch post office for Deptford a few days ago. I am making inquiries, and will communicate with the hon. Member and the borough council as soon as these are complete.

asked the Postmaster-General what cost was incurred in sending the Bombay parcels mail overland owing to his failure to provide for its despatch, and to accord adequate protection against threats and violence?

The additional cost involved in the overland conveyance of the Indian parcel mails to which the hon. and gallant Member refers will be about £170.

asked the Postmaster-General whether a site has yet been obtained for a new central post office for Tottenham?

I am sorry to say that, in spite of continued search, nothing suitable either by way of premises or a building site has yet been found, but I will see that the inquiries are actively pursued.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the residents of Hullavington have to go to a smaller village three miles away for money orders, licences, and to deposit savings in the Post Office Savings Bank; and, in view of the hardship on the residents of that village, can he see his way to grant the full postal facilities to Hullavington for which the parish council have repeatedly made application?

I am sorry to say that the amount of business likely to be transacted at the Hullavington Post Office falls far short of the minimum which would justify the initial and recurrent expenditure involved in the provision of the facilities to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is prepared to reconsider the existing arrangement with the North of Scotland Steamship Company for the carriage of letters and parcels between Aberdeen and Shetland, with a view to securing a more frequent and improved service; and whether he is prepared to negotiate with the company a mail contract to this end?

I will look into this matter, and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the frequent interruptions in the cable services in the Orkney and Shetland Islands owing to damaged cables, the long delays that are ordinarily incurred before repairs can be undertaken, and the great loss, inconvenience, and hardship suffered in consequence by the inhabitants, he is prepared to consider an extended use of wireless telegraphy particularly for communication with outlying islands; and if he will consider whether a beginning of this policy might be made in certain localities in conjunction with the assistance of other Departments of State such as the Scottish Fishery Board, the Scottish Board of Health, and the Northern lighthouses Commissioners?

The question of replacing the present system of cable communication in the Orkney and Shetland Islands by wireless telegraphy has recently been carefully considered, but it is found that the expense which would be involved would, in present circumstances, not be justified. The matter will, however, be reconsidered as and when the renewal of the inter-island cables becomes necessary. The Scottish Board of Health has already approached the Post Office regarding the provision of wireless services to certain of the outlying islands, and has been informed that estimates of cost in particular localities will be furnished if there is a reasonable prospect of the loss which would be incurred in working the stations being met by the other Departments interested.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that serious inconvenience is caused to the people of Middlesbrough owing to the fact that no telegrams can be despatched after 10 a.m. on Sundays, unless the sender is prepared to pay the cost of a trunk call to Newcastle-upon-Tyne; and, in view of the size and importance of the county borough of Middlesbrough and the district its post office serves, will he arrange for a better telegraphic service on Sundays in the coming financial year?

The hours during which the Middlesbrough office is now open for the despatch of telegrams on Sundays, namely, 9 to 10.30 a.m., are similar to those in force at most head post offices throughout the country. The number of telegrams telephoned to New castle-on-Tyne on Sundays outside those hours averages two only, and about one telegram per month is handed in at the sorting office between 3 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. on payment of a late fee of 1s. From this it would appear that there is no public need for exceptional hours of attendance at the public counter.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will take steps to secure that the city of Oxford, a place of 60,000 souls, with an exceptionally large correspondence, should be granted a postal delivery later than four o'clock in the afternoon, and particularly should have a Saturday evening delivery, the interval between the last post on Saturday and the first post on Monday being now 40 hours?

The last of the four postal deliveries at Oxford is made at Approximately the same time as at provincial towns generally, including the very largest; and I can find no sufficient reason for treating Oxford exceptionally by granting a later delivery either throughout the week or on Saturdays.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the complaints made by merchants in Hull regarding the constant delays in postal deliveries, both in Hull itself and in other cities, to which Hull letters are sent; that parcels posted at Hull at 6.15 p.m. on one day are sometimes not delivered in London until 8.45 a.m. two days later; and that these delays are proving a hairier to trade expansion in Hull and surrounding towns; and what steps he intends to take in the matter?

I am not aware of any general complaint as to delay of postal packets posted at Hull for other towns; the arrangements are, however, being examined in detail to see whether any improvement is practicable. Individual cases of delay will be investigated if the envelopes are supplied to the postmaster of Hull. In connection with a recent re-arrangement of the postal services at Hull, there has been some delay in the commencement of the morning delivery. The delivery is now, however, in normal circumstances being commenced at approximately the proper time, and, as explained in my reply of the 21st of February to the hon. and gallant Member for North-West Kingston-upon-Hull (Lieut.-Colonel L. Ward), I hope some further improvements will very shortly be possible.

asked the Postmaster-General if he has now been able to effect improvements in the postal deliveries in Hull; and, if so, what improvements?

The review of the services to which I referred in my reply of the 25th February to the hon. Member has not yet been completed.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will seek powers to compel institutions training candidates for the postal services to refund the fees paid for such training when such candidates do not satisfy the physical requirements of his Department?

The attendance of candidates for admission to the Post Office service at private training institutions, and the fees paid by them, are matters of private arrangement between the parties concerned, and I cannot see my way to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the Postmaster-General when he proposes to commence the building of the new post office in Macclesfield?

Provision for building a new post office at Macclesfield is included in the draft Revenue Buildings Estimates, which will be placed before the House this summer. Building work cannot, of course, be begun until Parliamentary sanction is received.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the fact that the ex-service temporary clerk in the Post Office is called upon to place a 2d. stamp on the receipt for his weekly wages, and that this practice was recommended to be abolished by the issue of a Treasury Circular, and has consequently become obsolete in many other Government Departments, he will forthwith take steps to have the system abolished?

There are special difficulties attending any modification of this system in the Post Office; but the matter is receiving active attention, and I am hopeful that it will be possible to arrive at some solution in the near future.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has received any representations from the Jedburgh Town Council on the urgent need for the construction of a new post office; and, whether, seeing that the need for such a post office has been recognised for many years past, that the present premises are utterly unsuitable for every purpose connected with postal work, that the Government already possesses an excellent site for a new post office, that the building of new premises would give employment to a large number of the unemployed in the town, he will make a point of including in the Estimates for this year provision for the new post office?

I have received representations in the sense suggested. The necessity for a new post office at Jedburgh is fully recognised; but in view of the present financial situation, and of the large, number of competing claims, I have been reluctantly obliged to postpone a start on the new building until the financial year 1925–26.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that a non-service publicity officer is being retained in his Department contrary to the provisions of the Lytton Report; whether he is aware that this officer was appointed without reference to the Joint Substitution Board and in direct, contravention of the Treasury instructions of September, 1920; and whether he will now consider the matter of his replacement by a duly qualified ex-service man?

In view of the special qualifications required for the post in question, it was decided, with the concurrence of the Treasury, to appoint a man who had been engaged on similar work in another Government Department, and the officer in question took up his duties in May, 1921. Having regard to the experience which he possesses of the work required of him, it would not be in the public interest to replace him as suggested.

asked the Secretary of State for War on what grounds the case of Lieutenant C. H. Glendinning was transferred to the India Office for inquiry; and if he will grant an impartial inquiry into the case?

This case has been referred to the India Office, and to the Government of India, for inquiry, because the incidents complained of took place in India, and the Army Council require information from the Indian Government before dealing with the case. When this has been received, the Army Council will be in a position to investigate the case in accordance with the procedure laid down in Section 42 of the Army Act for dealing with the complaint of any officer who considers himself wronged.

asked the Secretary of State for War by what date it is likely to be decided whether the War Office houses at Norton, Worcester, are required for public purposes; and whether, in the event of their not being so required, he will take steps to ensure that the best offer to buy or rent be accepted immediately and will rescind the conditions at present insisted on by his Department?

With regard to the first part of the question, I can only say at present that I hope a decision will be given very shortly. With regard to the second part, every effort will be made to obtain an acceptable offer as soon as possible, and the houses will be disposed of when such an offer has been received.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the lack of married quarters for troops stationed in Edinburgh and Dunbar, and to the consequent hardship inflicted on women married on the strength whose husbands have recently been moved to these places from Colchester; and whether he will consider taking the steps necessary to get matters improved?

I am fully alive to the shortage of married quarters referred to, a state of affairs which is, I regret to say, not peculiar to Edinburgh and Dunbar. The question of married quarters is continually under review, but no lodgings are at present obtainable near the barracks in question, and in the present financial stringency I regret that I cannot give an undertaking to build at these two stations in the immediate future.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will reconsider the case relating to the late Private W. T. Pickford, No, 393,877, who was killed at the Bedford barracks on 6th October, 1922, by a corporal on guard; whether he is aware that the deceased soldier used to allow his father, who is a widower and has been out of work a long time, 5s. per week; and will he get an allowance made to the father?

This case has been already most carefully considered, and an inquiry officer of the Ministry of Pensions has interviewed Mr. Pickford, Senior, on behalf of the Army Council. Mr. Pickford was unable to produce any evidence whatever in support of the suggestion that he had been in receipt of money from his late son, and, in the circumstances, I regret that I am not in a position to make him an allowance from public funds.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if his attention has been drawn to the fire which occurred recently at 25, Orchardhead Road, Rosyth, resulting in the death of a woman, aged 77, and rendering three families homeless; if he is aware that the continued occupation of these houses is deprecated from a public health point of view by the Dunfermline Town Council; and does he intend to take any steps to have them replaced by new houses?

I am aware of the fire which occurred at 25, Orchardhead Road, Rosyth, Admiralty Bungalow City East, and much regret the loss of life which resulted. I am informed that the tenants of Nos. 27, 29 and 31 who removed their furniture and effects on the outbreak of the fire were rehoused in other Admiralty accommodation on the same day. The question of replacing the houses in the Bungalow Cities by permanent houses has been under consideration from time to time. It has been decided to demolish the West Village as houses become vacant, and the East Village will also be removed as soon as circumstances permit of accommodation being provided in the new garden city.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action the Government proposes to take regarding the decree issued by the French Government prohibiting the export of fresh vegetables from France until 1st May; to what cause he ascribes such order; and, if in view of the resulting rise in the cost of living, he will open up negotiations with other countries in order to make up the difference?

As regards the first and third parts of the question, I am not aware of any action which His Majesty's Government could usefully take in the matter. As regards the second part, I have no information. The prohibition is not absolute, and it has been notified that certain vegetables will be allowed to be exported on payment of an export duty of 10 per cent. ad valorem.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that recent legislation by the French Chamber contemplates a restriction of imports; and can he state what imports are likely to be affected?

I understand that the measure to which the hon. Member refers is still before the French Legislature, and has not yet been enacted. It proposes to authorise the French Government to prohibit provisionally by Decree the importation into France of foreign goods of any description. I have no information as to the way in which these powers, if accorded, are likely to be exercised.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give a list of the goods and produce imported into Great Britain from Germany in the years 1922 and 1923 of classes which were not made or produced in Great Britain, with the approximate quantities and values?

Official import returns are not compiled in such a manner nor in such detail as to enable me to prepare a list of the kind desired.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that with wheat at 40s. per quarter the actual cost of the wheat per loaf is 3¾d.; and whether he will consider what steps can be taken to reduce the retail price of bread?

Taking British wheat at 40s. per imperial quarter, and yielding 90 loaves to the sack (280 lbs.) of flour, the cost of the wheat per 4 lb. loaf is somewhat mare than 4½. I will consider the possibility of action in the direction suggested by my hon. Friend, but the matter is one of considerable difficulty.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will set up a Standing Committee, composed of persons of established reputation in industry, such persons not being prominently identified with any political party, together with representatives of the Board, to inquire into and report upon the allegations frequently made that rises in retail prices of various foodstuffs are not due to shortage of supply, but either to control of markets by groups of traders interested in raising prices or in maintaining them at high levels not justified by the nature of supplies or by profiteering amongst retailers?

I will consider the suggestion made by the hon. Member, but I would point out that legislation would be necessary to give such a Committee power to require information to be furnished to them fey the parties concerned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the proposals submitted to the Minister of Labour for the relief of the unemployment existing among captains and officers of the merchant service fey the Mercantile Marine Service Association included a suggestion that the Board of Trade be empowered to increase their complement of ships' surveyors; and, bearing in mind the recent inquiry into the loss of the "El Kahira," wherein an official of the Marine Department was severely censured, will he take steps to increase the personnel of marine surveyors from the ranks of the unemployed captains and officers and so ensure that British ships are properly surveyed and so found seaworthy?

While I have every sympathy with unemployed merchant service officers, I do not think this unemployment should be relieved by increasing the number of Board of Trade surveyors beyond the number necessary for statutory work to be done.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make arrangements for the tug boat at Ramsgate harbour to be kept with full steam up at times of north-east gales, with a view to preventing delay in towing the local lifeboat out to sea in the event of a ship in the vicinity being in distress?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I have examined the arrangements at Ramsgate, and find that the tug is kept so that she is ready to proceed to sea as soon as the lifeboat is manned. On the information before me, I do not consider that the suggestion made by the hon. Member would secure a more speedy start, but I am going into the question further.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government of Mauritius have intimated their intention to give certain preferences on British manufactures in return for the concessions agreed upon at the recent Imperial Conference on Empire-grown sugar?

Following upon the conclusions of the Imperial Economic Conference, the Council of Government in Mauritius agreed to give preferential treatment to all imports not affecting essential foodstuffs and being products of the United Kingdom, and of such British Dominions and Colonies as may agree to reciprocal benefits. The details of the proposed preferential tariff have not yet been settled. I would point out to the hon. Member that no concessions were or could be made at the Imperial Economic Conference. All such decisions must rest with Parliament.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that certain notices have been given by branches of the Miners' Federation; and what steps he intends to take with a view to preventing a strike?

I have been asked to reply. I do not understand the reference to "notices given by branches." I have no knowledge of any such notices, and assume that the hon. Member refers to the notice given by the Miners' Federation to terminate the existing national agreement. I am keeping in touch with the situation, but it is impossible at present to add anything to the answer which I gave in the House of Commons to the hon. Members for Broxtowe (Mr. G. Spencer) and Moseley (Mr. Hannon) on Wednesday last.

asked the Minister of Labour, in view of the announcement that the miners have given notice to terminate the national wage agreement in April, what steps the Government is taking to avoid a strike?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on Wednesday last to the hon. Members for Broxtowe (Mr. G. Spencer) and Moseley (Mr. Hannon).

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can give the prices of kitchen coal in London now and in 1913; and whether he can give the pithead prices of each year since 1913, and state how the increase of about 150 per cent. is accounted for?

The retail prices of kitchen coal in Central London were, in 1913, 27s. a ton for best kitchen, and 25s. for kitchen nuts; and are now 52s. and 49s., increases of 92 per cent. and 96 per cent. respectively. I regret that statistics of the pit-head prices of these classes of coal are not recorded. The hon. and gallant Member will find in a Report made in 1922 by a sub-committee of the Coal Advisory Committee a comparative analysis, as between pre-War and post-War, of all the items that enter into the retail price of various classes of domestic coal, including kitchen nuts. I will send him a copy.

asked the Secretary for Mines (1) 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; what is the average cost per ton per mile either of the privately owned or colliery ownership of the wagon hire only; and, if the information is not in his his possession, will he endeavour to obtain the same?(2) 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; and, if the information is not in his possession, will he endeavour to obtain the same?(3) If the Secretary for Mines is aware that the wagons used for coal traffic in Durham and Northumberland are owned and controlled by the railway companies; 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; and, if the information is not in his possession, will he endeavour to obtain the same?

The information asked for is not available, and I understand that it may be difficult to get. But if my hon. and gallant Friend will be good enough to see me in order to explain more precisely the scope and object of the statistics that he requires, I will consult with my hon. Friend the Minister of Transport, and see what can be done.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the traffic congestion in London, he can limit the traffic to mechanically-propelled vehicles in certain congested areas during the busy hours of the day; and what decision was come to by the Government as a result of the examination that was given to this question as indicated by the Minister of Transport on the 21st July, 1920?

I have no powers to carry out this proposal at present, but they would be included in a Bill for the better regulation of London traffic.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consult the transit and other authorities concerned in the metropolis with a view to the adoption of the Parisian system, which prevents disorder and enables passengers in the order of their arrival to board tramcars and omnibuses at busy stopping places by the use of numbered tickets affixed to lamp standards?

This system has frequently been considered, but up to the present, for a variety of reasons, its adoption in London has not been regarded as practicable. It will, no doubt, be investigated afresh in any arrangements for the better regulation of London traffic.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, owing to the congested state of the London streets and the number of accidents, he will take steps to speed up the introduction of the Bill to deal with London traffic; and if he will inform the House of the probable date of the introduction of this Measure?

I am engaged on the preparation of the Bill to deal with London traffic, but I am not in a position to state the exact date on which it will be possible to introduce it.

asked the Minister of Transport if the Government intends to proceed with the River Severn barrage scheme; and, if so, when will details be available?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer, of which I am sending him a copy, given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade on the 19th February to the question on this subject asked by the hon. Member for Dartford (Mr. Mills).

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the delay lately experienced by coal merchants and gas companies in the eastern counties in getting their trucks to and from the coalfields in the Midlands, causing inconvenience, loss in trade, and in some cases a rise in price to the consumer; and whether he will make representations to the railway companies in order to put an end to these delays?

No specific complaints of delay have been made to me, but if the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars of any cases he may have in mind, I will cause inquiry to be made.

asked the Minister of Transport what progress, if any, has been made in the matter of a main connecting road and tunnel from north to south, crossing the Thames at Gravesend; and whether, having regard to the large numbers of unemployed in Dartford, Crayford, Greenhithe, Swanscombe, and Gravesend, he will expedite this work?

I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member on the same subject.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the ever-increasing expenditure on highway construction and maintenance owing to the large amount of lorry, motor, and other vehicular traffic on district roads, and of the fact that very little, if any, assistance is granted to rural district councils out of the money received from motor taxation, the Ministry of Transport can see its way to set aside and pay to rural district councils an annual sum based on a percentage of the expenditure incurred by each council upon highways?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on the 28th February to the hon. and gallant Member for the Ashford Division (Major Steel), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the Ministry is considering the public inconvenience entailed during parts of the day on the underground railways and suburban railways in the Metropolitan area; whether any representations with a view to diminishing overcrowding have recently been made by the Ministry; and what action, if any, it is proposed to take?

My information is that, speaking generally, the railway companies are ready to take such steps as they can within the limits of their existing powers to alleviate avoidable inconveniences in their London railway services. If, however, the hon. Member has any specific case in mind in which he considers that they have failed to do this, I shall be happy to consider what action I could take, if he will furnish me with particulars.

asked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been drawn to the fact that unemployment benefit has been suspended in the case of men who were unemployed for a month or more previous to the recent dock dispute; what were the grounds for such suspension; and whether he can take steps to have the decision altered?

In accordance with decisions given by the Umpire in previous cases, port workers who had been employed during the month preceding the recent trade dispute and lost their employment owing to the stoppage due to the dispute, were, in the absence of special circumstances, disqualified for unemployment benefit. It was not possible to ascertain in advance in what particular cases an applicant had not been employed during the preceding month, but, wherever this can be shown to be the case, benefit has been, or will be, allowed. Further, it is open to an applicant whose claim has been disallowed to appeal to the Court of Referees.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that in certain cases unemployment benefit has been withheld for the first six weeks of unemployment where workers, having declined to submit to compulsory vaccination, have been dismissed from their employment; and will he take the necessary steps to prevent insured persons in future being deprived of the benefits for which they have paid, or will pay, because of their conscientious objections to vaccination?

The Umpire, who is the final authority under the Unemployment Insurance Acts in this matter, has given a number of decisions in cases where applicants for benefit have lost employment owing to their refusal to be vaccinated. In some cases benefit was disallowed, but where the Umpire was satisfied that the applicant had a concientious objection, or that he had a genuine fear of serious suffering, he allowed benefit. In dealing with the cases which come before them, the Insurance Officer and the Courts of Referees are guided by the Umpires' decisions, with which my right hon. Friend has no power to interfere.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that many boards of guardians are not paying the unemployed applicants for relief even on the Mond scale, and that such boards of guardians often interpret the powers given them under the test-work clause in such a way as to inflict penalties on the unemployed altogether outside the spirit of the Clause; and whether he will take steps to secure that when test work is offered it will be reasonable work and such as the applicant for relief is capable of performing?

The scale referred to was not a scale of relief, but merely a scale controlling the maximum charge which might be made on the Metropolitan Common Poor Fund, and it is no longer in force. As regards the latter part of the question, if my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any cases which he has in mind, I shall be glad to make inquiries.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Ministry early in 1922 requested the Rural District Council of Mitford and Launditch to put into force a general scheme of reduction of the salaries of its officials and the wages of its employés, basing such reduction on the fall in the cost of living; that the Council put such a scheme into force in June, 1922; that such scheme included a reduction in the salary of the Council's medical officer of health, and that the Ministry refused to approve of the reduction of the salary of this officer (II.c/2,250/1551, dated 26th October, 1922); and whether he will explain the reasons for this discrimination in favour pf the medical officer, in view of the fact that the reduction of salaries was understood to be general?

I am not aware that any such request was addressed to the Rural District Council. The reason for the refusal to approve the proposed reduction of the salary of the medical officer of health was, I understand, that efficient service could not reasonably be expected from the medical officer of health of this extensive rural district at less than his existing salary.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in order to ascertain the magnitude of the question of children born in our Poor Law institutions of mothers of weak intellect, he will issue instructions for the necessary information to be collected?

I will consider my hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered the question of proposing an alteration to the Standing Orders, with a view to meeting earlier in the day, and of carrying through public business at a more reasonable time than at present?

I do not think that the hon. and gallant Member's proposal is practicable. Even under existing conditions, the pressure of public business renders it most difficult for Ministers to find adequate time for the despatch of the business of their Departments, and if the House were to meet earlier, their task in this respect would be made impossible.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the movement for the reinstatement in the Civil Service of those conscientious objectors who were definitely dismissed from it; and whether he proposes to reinstate them?

I have been asked to reply. I have received an application on behalf of the men referred to in the question. This is receiving consideration, but as at present advised, I do not think it will be practicable to reopen the findings of the Select Committee of 1922.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the seasonal character of the employment of temporary collectors and assessors of Government taxes; and whether he can see his way clear to introduce legislation which will secure permanent employment for this class of public servants?

This matter is engaging my attention, but I cannot in any way anticipate the decision of the Government as to introducing legislation.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the fact that 1,760 vacancies in the tax inspecting staff were to be filled entirely by the transfer of permanent civil servants; and whether he will undertake to throw a proportion of these posts open to ex-service temporary civil servants and make the necessary allowance in regard to age to compensate for war service?

The Noble Lord is under a misapprehension. The number 1,760 represents the total authorised staff of the Inspectorate, of whom a substantial number are ex-service men, including former temporary civil servants and others. In order to recruit in some measure from within as well as from without the established Civil Service, steps are being taken to fill a limited number of vacancies from this source by selection. The avenue from outside is a competitive examination, for which temporary civil servants are eligible if otherwise qualified, with an age allowance in respect of war service.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is prepared to consider in the forthcoming Budget the desirability of not charging the halfpenny Entertainments Duty upon the admission money up to 3d., as the imposition of this tax presses heavily upon the working classes and their children, owing to the depression in trade, and deprives them of the pleasure of this class of amusement?

I am unable to anticipate the Budget statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer which countries exempt from taxation the earnings of shipping belonging to those countries which extend a similar exemption to the earnings of shipping owned in Great Britain?

I have some difficulty in understanding precisely what information the hon. Member desires, but if I am correct in assuming that he is referring to the arrangements which may be made under Section 18 of the Finance Act, 1923, I may explain that, while negotiations are proceeding with various foreign countries, no arrangements have yet been finally concluded.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the cost of the management of the public debt?

The hon. Member will find the information he requires on page 39 of the Finance Accounts, House of Commons Paper No. 89, of 1923.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Irish Free State will take over any portion of the National Debt; and, if so, what percentage of the whole?

The proportion of the National Debt for which the Irish Free State will assume liability will be determined at the ultimate financial settlement, in accordance with Article 5 of the Treaty.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in reference to the Spirit

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the export duty of 12½ per cent. levied on commodities exported from America before the entry of America into the War, which was received by the American Government, was added to the British debt to America, an agreement to pay which was concluded last year?

The British debt to the United States Government was incurred wholly after the entry of America into the War, and the question therefore does not arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action has been taken by the Allies in respect of the categories of damage mentioned in Annex 1 to Part 8 of the Treaty of Peace, 1919; and what is the attitude of the British

The information asked for is as follows:—Government in respect to claiming compensation under any of them.

The total amount of the damage was determined by the Reparation Commission under Article 233 of the Treaty of Versailles at 132 milliard gold marks (say £6,600 millions), subject to certain adjustments, and the Commission, acting under the same Article, drew up a Schedule of Payments for the discharge of this obligation. Germany's reparation payments are divisible between the various Allies in the agreed percentages, and there is no question of an Allied Government claiming compensation under any particular category of damage.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any higher duty than 26 per cent. was ever prescribed by the Treasury under Section 1 of the German Reparation (Recovery) Act, 1921; and, if so, when; and when was it reduced to 26 per cent.?

The rate of the levy was fixed at 50 per cent. by a Treasury Minute dated 24th March, 1921, and was reduced to 26 per cent. by a Treasury Minute dated 17th May, 1921.

asked the Attorney-General whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce a Bill embodying the principles of the County Courts Bill introduced by the late Government in July, 1923; and whether this will be done at an early date?

The Government propose to introduce, at the earliest possible date which the state of public business allows, a Bill identical, except for Drafting Amendments, with the County Courts Bill of 1923, and hope that they may receive the assistance of all parties in passing this non-contentious Measure into law at an early date.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he will obtain from the authorities of the British Empire Exhibition a guarantee that no alien is at present employed, if that be a fact, nor will be employed either in connection with the catering service or in any other capacity whatever in connection with the exhibition?

I am informed by the board of the British Empire Exhibition that no aliens are, or will be, employed by them in any capacity in connection with the exhibition. They have also

asked the President of the Board of Education what percentage of children between the ages of 14 and 16 in London and Birmingham are actually attending continuation schools; and whether he proposes to take steps to put the continuation school system effectively into force in these towns and in the country as a whole?

I assume that this question refers to day, as distinguished from evening, continuation schools. Of the total number of London boys and girls between 14 and 16 years of age, it is estimated that about three per cent. were in attendance at voluntary day continuation schools in the week beginning on the 28th January, 1924. The corresponding percentage for Birmingham on the 1st January was approximately the same. I do not propose, in present circumstances, to require local education authorities to undertake the provision of day continuation schools on a basis of obligatory attendance.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the estimated revenue and expenditure during the current financial year in Kenya, Uganda, Tanganyika Territory, Nyasaland, and Northern Rhodesia, respectively?

The following table contains the information desired:

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will recommend that the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, should be thrown open free to the public on all days upon which 1d. is now charged?

I am considering this question in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and I will communicate my decision to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will reconsider the claim for compensation for injuries sustained by the late prison officer J. E. Stutton, Holloway prison; and whether he is aware of the sworn affidavit that the medical officer's recommendation for light duty was not carried out and that Stutton's continued heavy duties militated against his fitness to remain in the service?

This case was considered very carefully by the late Home Secretary, who did not feel able to support the claim made on this man's behalf. I am cognisant of the facts, and I do not see my way to make any recommendation in the case.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that a considerable number of prison officers in England and Wales are living many miles distant from their homes owing to the lack of proper accommodation; that only 10s. per week or thereabouts is allowed as compensation for this, and in some cases subsistence allowance has been stopped completely; and will he review this matter?

Prison officers transferred in the public interest from one town to another, who are unable to obtain unfurnished accommodation at their new stations, are granted personal allowance at rates and under conditions prescribed by the Treasury, which are subject to periodical revision.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that Principal Officer Kellow, Dartmoor, was on 4th February, 1924, served with notice to quit his quarters and threatened with legal proceedings, and that this officer's retirement does not take effect until the end of this month; and whether these steps have been taken under the Prison Act, 1865, Section 16, and without regard to the provisions of the Rent Restrictions Acts?

Principal Officer Kellow retired on the 29th February. On the 4th February, he was warned, in accordance with strict Treasury regulations, that on the date of his retirement he must vacate his quarters, and further warned that, should he not do so, legal proceedings would, if necessary, be taken to secure possession. As it appeared likely that this notice would be ineffectual, he was served on the 22nd instant with notice under the Prison Act, 1865, in accordance with the Treasury ruling that in all ordinary cases of retirement the officer is to leave his quarters on the date he ceases to do active duty. In accordance with advice since received from the Treasury Solicitor, this notice will in future be served, not before, but on the date when duty ceases.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the widow of the late Officer Roff, Wormwood Scrubs Prison, has been informed that if she and her five children did not quit Government quarters within seven days the prison authorities would cause police to enter and put the furniture in the yard; and whether he will see that this family is granted further consideration pending the obtaining of other accommodation?

The answer is in the negative. Officer Roff died on 25th January. On 11th February the Governor was requested to inform Mrs. Roff that the Commissioners regretted they were obliged to call on her to vacate the quarters she is now occupying by the end of February, but the Governor reported that Mrs. Roff would not be able to vacate by the 29th February. The question of permitting families to remain in Government quarters after the cessation of an officer's active duty is governed by strict Treasury Regulations. It is, therefore, necessary that Mrs. Roff should now be given legal notice.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department how many women police, at present employed in the Metropolitan area, are to be sent to Wembley for duty during the continuance of the British Empire Exhibition; and how many will be left in the Metropolitan area, during that period?

As the Exhibition grounds are private property, the

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons are employed on duties of inspection under the Home Office and at what annual cost, classified in each case according to the purpose of the inspection?

The estimated figures for the financial year 1924–25 are as follow: