I beg to move,

"That Mr. Speaker do issue his Warrant to the Clerk of the Crown to make out a New Writ for the electing of a Member to serve in this present Parliament for the County of Kent (Dover Division) in the room of Major the honourable John Jacob Astor, who since his election for the said County hath vacated his seat in Parliament by sitting and voting in this House without having taken the Oath or made the Affirmation required by Law."

I wish to take the opportunity on this Motion of getting an assurance from the Government that such an incident shall be rendered impossible in future, by the very simple expedient, which would be of the greatest convenience to all Members of the House, and save valuable days of Parliamentary time, of making provision that the Oath or Affirmation shall be taken before the Returning Officer. That method would make such an incident entirely impossible, and at the beginning of each Parliament would save time which is badly needed for other purposes. Whether it was a Government Measure or a private Member's Bill supported by all parties, such a Measure would command universal approval. [HON. MEMBERS: "No!"] I very much hope that the Government will see their way to express their view that this suggestion will be favourably considered, and that such incidents will be avoided in future.

A new principle of that kind cannot be dealt with on this Motion.

Of course, we all regret the misadventure which has befallen Major Astor. It might have happened to many of us, if we had been able to spend the spring in such delightful quarters as he has recently frequented. But there is an important point in relation to this. Not only is the vacation of the seat a penalty in the circumstances; there is also provided a pecuniary penalty, and in relation to that pecuniary penalty I think it is at least right that the Government should indicate what attitude they take.

We are going to take the money.

As I said last evening, I would have no doubt as to the attitude of the hon. Member for Dumbarton (Mr. Kirkwood). I understand that on former occasions—the precedents are somewhat remote—when a mistake of this kind was made, an Indemnity Bill was passed in favour of the hon. Member who had rendered himself liable to the penalties. I would like to know whether, since this incident has been reported to the Government, they have been able to make up their minds as to what attitude they will take in regard to the pecuniary penalty. This is not an occasion on which a common informer can proceed against the offending Member. The rights of the common informer are now limited to cases under what is known as the Contracts Act, but for an occasion of this kind the penalty is one for which proceedings can be taken only by the Crown, and, as the Home Secretary is here, I have no doubt that he will be able to make a statement on the matter. We are all glad to see the right hon. Gentleman back in place, and, I have no doubt that, as a responsible member of the Government, he will be able to make a statement on the subject.

May I ask the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that this mistake was one of pure inadvertence—an honest mistake—the Government could see their way to remit the penalty?

May I ask whether the gentleman in default is permitted to stand again in any way as a candidate?

Yes.

This question has arisen so suddenly and unexpectedly that the Government have had no opportunity of considering the matter. I am rather inclined to agree with my right hon. Friend below the Gangway (Mr. Macpherson) that, as it was a mere accident, that part of the case should be very carefully considered.

asked the Minister of Pensions if the Bill he proposes to introduce for the increase of pre-War pensions will affect late members of the Royal Irish Constabulary, the Dublin police, and the civil servants of the Crown who served in Ireland previous to 1922?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given in the House on the 19th February by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the hon. Members for East Birkenhead (Mr. Graham White) and Chester City (Sir Charles Cayzer).

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, having regard to the unsatisfactory nature of the criminal law with regard to the question of insanity and the somewhat contrary decisions of the Courts in respect to the same, the Government will consider introducing legislation to deal with the matter at any early date?

I do not at present contemplate proposing any legislation on this subject.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that there are in Pentonville Prison over 20 inmates mentally and medically unfit confined in observation cells but in charge only of the ordinary disciplinary officer; that at night that disciplinary officer has a duty which requires him to walk over 20 miles; and whether in future it will be arranged to have those inmates in observation cells placed in charge of a medical prison orderly instead of a disciplinary officer?

There are 20 inmates under observation in Pentonville Prison on account of physical or mental defect; they are supervised by a discipline officer, and the officer has to do a great deal of patrolling at night, which, however, would not amount to as much as 20 miles. The cases are those known as minor observation cases. The more serious ones are treated in the hospital. The hospital staff at its present strength cannot spare officers for this duty, but, as the hon. Member was informed on the 28th February, the resources of the Prison Commission in this respect are being steadily improved.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these 20 cases are cases on the border line of insanity?

Yes. I am aware of that, and if we had the staff there would be a difference in treatment.

Is the right hon. Gentleman experiencing any real difficulties in supplementing the present staff, and is he aware that it is a very important matter from the staff point of view as well as from the inmates' point of view?

I have not yet been sufficiently long at the Home Office to find out the difficulties.

asked the Home Secretary whether any factories are now engaged in breaking down cartridges or other war surplus pyrotechnics and explosives; and under what regulations?

My direct information relates only to factories not under the control of a Department of Government. There are two such factories; they are both licensed under the Explosives Act, and regulated by the general provisions of the Act and the particular conditions attached to their respective licences. I have made inquiry of the Disposal Commission and three Service Departments, with the following result: The Disposal Commission inform me that the breaking down of pyrotechnics at Slades Green has for the present been stopped. There are two other factories where certain explosives are being broken down by labour employed direct by the Commission and under the supervision of technical officers of the Commission. No breaking down is done at any establishment under the control of the Air Ministry. Breaking down of cartridges and other explosives is carried out by the Admiralty at Royal Naval Armament Depots under special Admiralty regulations which are the result of long experience. The work is carried out under special precautions and under expert supervision. In the case of surplus explosives where breaking down might involve undue risk, the explosives are carried out to sea and dumped in deep water in selected places. The only War Department factory engaged in breaking down cartridges, etc., is Woolwich Arsenal. The work there is carried out under special War Office regulations which have been drawn up as a result of years of experience in explosives.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how it was that this firm of Messrs. Gilberts, which was working for private profit, was exempted from the Explosives Act? Was it not the fact that the work could not be done at a profit except at very great risk to the workers' lives?

I should like to have that question on the Paper.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the findings of the coroner's jury in the matter of the Slades Green explosion; and whether, in view of the admissions made under examination by responsible officials, he will order a special inquiry into this disaster?

I expect to receive at an early date the full Report which is being prepared for me by the chief inspector of explosives and the inspector of factories who attended the inquest. As soon as it reaches my hands, I will most certainly consider whether a further inquiry of any kind would be likely to yield any additional information of value as to the exact cause of the accident or as to precautions to be taken in the future.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire of the chief inspector of explosives why 26 girls were crowded into this shed when only three ought to have been working there, owing to the dangerous nature of their employment?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the experts at the coroner's inquiry were of the opinion that the continuance of factories under the Disposal Board, evading the provisions of the Explosives Act, was illegal?

A scandal, the whole thing!

I do not think that question arises.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the jury at the inquest on the Slades Green explosion recommended that all work of an explosive nature carried on by private firms should be under the Explosives Act; whether he will guarantee that this recommendation shall be carried out; and if he will grant an inquiry why the work carried on by the firm at Slades Green was exempted from the Explosives Act?

I have been asked to reply. The work carried on at this factory was exempted from the Explosives Act by the provisions of the Act itself, Section 97 of which expressly lays down that the Act shall not apply to any factory or explosive under the control of a Department of the Government. I will, however, confer with the Departments concerned with a view to seeing whether the recommendation appended by the jury to their verdict can be carried into effect at once by administrative action.

But this factory was on private premises, was manufacturing for private profit, and was not under the control of the Government—that is the point!

asked the Home Secretary if he has received copies of resolutions, passed by various organisations and public bodies with reference to assaults upon children, calling attention to the inadequate sentences passed on offenders, and to the need for an investigation; and whether, in order to lessen the number of these offences, he will appoint a Departmental Committee with wide terms of reference, including medical and legal experts, social workers, and representative women, to inquire into the whole subject?

My attention has been called to this matter, and I have arranged that a Conference shall be held at the Home Office, when the whole question can be discussed. As at present advised, I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by the appointment of a Departmental Committee.

Will medical and legal experts be called to the Conference at the Home Office?

I will take that into consideration.

asked the Home Secretary whether two independent medical certificates were obtained in the case of Lionel S. Caunter, who was committed to Broadmoor Lunatic Asylum on 21st May, 1920; and, if so, what were the names of the signatories?

Mr. Caunter was certified insane in April, 1920, by two qualified medical practitioners and two members of the Visiting Committee of the Prison in which he was then confined. An order was thereupon made in pursuance of the Criminal Lunatics Act, 1884, for his removal to Broadmoor, where he remained until September, 1922. Copies of such certificates, including the signatures, may be obtained by interested parties on cause shown, but it would be contrary to practice, and I think undesirable, to give general publicity to the names of the signatories.

asked the Home Secretary if he will consider the necessity of amending the existing law so as to make illegal the organising of rabbit coursing for public entertainment?

While sympathising with the object of the hon. Member, I am afraid that I cannot give any undertaking to introduce legislation this Session.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to a woman who was found with her clothes on fire at Vine Street Police Station on 15th February; what explanation can be given of the fact that this woman was left for two hours with means for setting herself on fire in her possession; and what are the arrangements for supervising the women in police cells?

I have made inquiry into the facts and find that this prisoner had been searched in the usual way by the matron on duty at the police station, who did not find anything on her likely to do mischief. Drunken prisoners are visited every half-hour, and this woman had, in fact, been visited only a few minutes before she was found with the front of her blouse on fire. The cause of this has not been ascertained, and the prisoner refused to give any account of the matter. It is to be presumed that she had concealed some matches about her and set light to herself. I do not see how the search and supervision of women in police custody could be made so rigorous as to preclude any possibility of such an incident occurring.

Would not the appointment of women police in this case have been useful?

Might I also ask if a trained police woman would not be far better than the ordinary matron?

I think the Department has shown its sympathy with the appointment of women police, but I am not ready to go further than that.

We want more than sympathy; we want deeds!

That is a boomerang!

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that out of the 42 cases of lead poisoning notified in 1922 among workers in the manufacture of china and earthenware 17 were fatal; and whether he can give the ages and sex of those who died and state on what processes they were employed?

The numbers stated in the question are those given in the Report of the Chief Inspector of Factories for 1922. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the particulars asked for, together with the duration of the worker's employment in the industry.

asked the Home Secretary whether, seeing that the Report of the Chief Inspector of Factories shows that a larger number of deaths from lead poisoning occurred in 1922 than in any previous year since 1900, he can state what steps he proposes to take in order to put an end to the loss of life in the industries concerned?

I presume the hon. Member refers only to the pottery industry. In no other industry was there a larger number of deaths from lead poisoning in 1922 than in any previous year since 1900. The hon. Member must not take the number of fatal cases from lead poisoning in 1922 as affording any indication of present conditions. In most fatal cases the disease has been contracted a long time previously, and, as the hon. Member will find from the particulars of the 1922 cases, which will be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT, the deceased had, in practically every instance, been employed for a long period of years in the industry. In fact, with few exceptions, the period of employment was not less than 20 years, and in two cases the worker had ceased to be employed in the industry some years previously. [HON. MEMBERS: "Circulate it!"] After an exhaustive inquiry by a Departmental Committee, a new code of Regulations for the industry was brought into operation in 1913, and since then there has been a great reduction in the total number of cases. Every effort is being made to reduce the number still further, but the hon. Member may rest assured that the situation will be carefully watched.

I might suggest that all answers of that length should be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Home Secretary what are the considerations that govern the price of taxi-cabs in London, besides those of petrol and motor tyres, that, in spite of the decrease of the cost of living since 1920, prevent any reduction in their prices below those of 1920?

I am advised that the capital cost of a cab is much higher than before the War, and so is the price of spare parts, garage, insurance, labour, and, in fact, all running costs, except petrol and tyres. I may point out that cab fares are only 50 per cent. above the pre-War level, while the general level of prices and wages is much higher.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the taxi-cab owners themselves consider that if they had lower fares they would have more people to use the taxis?

Is the right hon. Gentleman also aware that the drivers who work for the owners are determined to retain the present fares as long as they can rather than be reduced to starvation?

rose—

This is becoming a Debate.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is his intention to continue the policy of the late Government and refuse the admission of aliens into this country where there is any likelihood of their taking employment from our own people?

As indicated in several recent answers to questions on this subject, it is the intention of the Government to administer the law relating to it with due regard, on the one hand, to the needs of this country, which demand vigilant control over alien immigration, and, on the other, to the desirability of avoiding unnecessary individual hardship.

asked the Home Secretary what is the present strength and annual cost of the Special Department of Scotland Yard charged with the detection and/or prevention of political crimes apart from the detection and prevention of ordinary crime; and whether this branch of the police service is now separated from the work of the Naval and Military Intelligence Services?

The strength of the police officers and clerical staff employed in the Special Branch of the Metropolitan Police is 170, and their cost approximately £60,000 per annum. I can give no information respecting Naval or Military Intelligence Services.

With reference to the last part of the right hon. Gentleman's answer, does that mean that the liaison between the special branch and the Naval Intelligence Department and M. 15 has been ended?

I must have notice of that question.

What is the nature of these political crimes for which this Department is kept?

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that a celluloid factory has been established in Townshend Terrace, Richmond; if his Department has given its authority for this; is he aware that there is strong local feeling owing to the inflammable nature of celluloid and the propinquity of many houses; and will he take steps to have this celluloid factory removed to a safer place?

About a year ago the town council asked the Home Office to intervene to prevent the establishment of this factory, and were informed in reply that the Home Office had no power to approve or disapprove of the premises being used for the purposes mentioned. I am advised that I have no power to order the removal of the factory as suggested, or otherwise intervene. Precautions to prevent fires are contained in the Regulations made under the Factory Act for the protection of persons employed in celluloid factories, and I may also draw the attention of the hon. Member to the provisions for securing the safety of persons in adjoining buildings contained in Section 1 of the Celluloid and Cinematograph Film Act, 1922, the enforcement of which rests with the local authority.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are houses all round this celluloid factory, that there is great public fear of a fire at any moment, and cannot something be done?

I have already stated that this matter rests with the local authority.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, in the opinion of the officers of the London County Council, Covent Garden Theatre does not conform to the safety standard of ordinary theatres in London, either as regards exits, storage of scenery, and other matters; and whether he will bring any pressure to bear on the lessees of this theatre in order to compel them to carry out the necessary alterations in the interest of public safety?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him last, July by my predecessor in reply to a similar question. I am informed that the Lord Chamberlain has been in conference with representatives of the London County Council and the leaseholders of the theatre, and it is hoped that a satisfactory agreement may in due course be reached.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that since I asked the last question no improvement has been made in this theatre, and will he impress on the new Lord Chamberlain that something ought to be done at once?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a large number of coal miners are working in collieries where there are continual gob fires and men suffer a good deal from the fumes emitted from the fires; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made so as to include them under the Compensation Act by a new schedule under the industrial diseases?

No complaint of injury by fumes from gob fires appears to have been received either by the Home Office or by the Mines Department. If, however, the hon. Member can furnish me with particulars of any cases of disablement caused by these fumes, the matter will be investigated.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a number of coal miners and men working on hard ground are certified by medical men as suffering from silicosis, as a result of working on hard ground with drills causing dust; and whether he will provide a new schedule of industrial diseases in order that they shall be entitled to compensation?

Special powers are conferred on the Home Office by the Workmen's Compensation (Silicosis) Act of 1918 to make schemes of compensation for industries involving exposure to silica dust. A scheme is already in force under that Act for the ganister miners, and if the prevalence of silicosis among coal miners were established, a scheme could be made for the coal mining industry. Up to the present, however, the evidence with regard to coal miners is that generally they are not liable to the disease. I am informed that the Health Advisory Committee of the Mines Department is at present engaged in a renewed investigation into the effects of dust on the health of miners—[HON. MEMBERS: "Agreed!"] Mr. Speaker, there is no Rule. This is a very right question, and Members are anxious to have a reply and if the hon. Member has evidence of any cases of silicosis among coal miners, I should be glad if he would forward them to the Mines Department for consideration by the Health Committee.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case of George William Thomas Turner, a London General omnibus driver, who was convicted on the 29th December of being drunk whilst in charge of his vehicle, and sentenced to one month's imprisonment in the second division, and who, on appealing against this decision on the 8th February, was successful in such appeal, in spite of which he has to pay the costs of the proceedings and is not compensated for the period of over a month during which he was debarred from following his occupation; and will he give early consideration to the necessity for revising the law on this subject, in view of the circumstances quoted above and the high cost of such appeals, which is anything between £40 and £80?

The Court has a discretion as to ordering the payment of costs by either party to an appeal. In this case the Court made no order, and accordingly the appellant would have to pay, not the costs of the proceedings, but the costs incurred by himself. Whether in view of the discretion already vested in the Court there is need for any further legislation is a question of some difficulty, but I propose to confer with the Lord Chancellor on the issue raised.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of raiding the Police Fund to reimburse the costs to this man, amounting to £80, and the loss of a month's work? Surely there is some way by which this man can be reimbursed?

I have not been able to find out any way as yet, but I am prepared to confer with the Lord Chancellor on the whole subject.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he is prepared to assist, either by a grant or by arrangement with the management of the British Empire Exhibition, those schools which are desirous of visiting the Exhibition, but which may be unable to do so owing to the cost of the railway fares, in spite of the efforts made by the children to pay their own expenses by savings?

This matter is at present receiving my consideration, and I will issue a statement upon it as early as possible.

asked the Prime Minister whether any and, if so, what steps are being taken to deal with the subject of legislation by reference so as to make Bills more intelligible; and whether, if it is necessary to continue the present system, it can be arranged for the section, clause, or provision forming the reference to be set forth at the foot of the page containing such reference?

Every care is taken by those responsible for the drafting of Government Bills to avoid, as far as possible, legislation by reference. I will consider whether the course which has occasionally been adopted, either of issuing a White Paper setting out enactments referred to in a Bill, or of attaching to it a Memorandum giving the substance of such enactments, should not be more generally followed.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has had time to consider the recent representations made on behalf of 61 necessitous areas, covering a population of over 12,000,000 persons, for further assistance on account of the abnormal distress due to unemployment in their districts: and, if not, will it be possible to do so at an early date in order that the assistance available may be known when compiling their estimates of local expenditure for the new financial year?

This matter has been receiving very careful consideration, and my right hon. Friend hopes that an announcement will be made shortly.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say more definitely what he means by "shortly," as this matter has been before successive Departments for over three years?

As early as possible.

asked the Prime Minister whether any negotiations are in process for the de jure recognition of the Lithuanian Government; and whether, in view of the de jure recognition recently accorded to the Russian Soviet Government, His Majesty's Government will consider the desirability of placing on a similar basis the relations between Lithuania and this country?

His Majesty's Government accorded de jure recognition to the Lithuanian Government on the 20th December, 1922.

asked the Prime Minister if he will set up a committee to inquire into and report on the operations of trusts, rings, and co-operative societies in this country with a view to reducing the cost of necessities of life to the people?

The hon. Member's suggestion as to trusts and rings will be considered, but he will be aware that several committees in recent years have inquired into the operations of trade combinations.

Might I ask the hon. Gentleman whether the Labour party does not consider it, for the moment, good policy to attack rings and trusts?

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given last week to another question, that the whole matter is under consideration.