asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the number of the British staff employed by the League of Nations at Geneva; what is the approximate annual cost to this country; what part of this staff is employed on labour questions; and can he give approximately their cost out of the total amount?

The reply to this question is rather long, and, with the permission of the House, I will have it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Labour which of the Conventions of the International Labour Office have been ratified by Germany, France and Belgium, respectively; and what was the date of the respective ratifications?

The countries named have not ratified any of the draft Conventions adopted by the International Labour Conference. I am, however, sending the hon. Member a copy of the "Official Bulletin" published by the International Labour Organisation, which contains a note upon the measures taken in these and other countries to give effect to the draft Conventions and recommendations so far adopted.

asked the Minister of Labour what countries have ratified the Washington Maternity Convention of the International Labour Conference; which of the ratifying countries has actually passed legislation to give effect to the convention; and whether he will arrange for this matter to be placed on the agenda of the next meeting of the International Labour Conference with a view to the consideration of any amendments to the Washington Convention which may conduce to a more general acceptance of some agreed measure of progress in this matter?

As regards the first two parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the very full written answer which I gave in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Dewsbury (Mr. Harvey) on the 6th March. As to the third part of the question, I am in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health regarding the policy to be adopted by His Majesty's Government in connection with this draft Convention.

In order to get other countries to take some action, will the right hon. Gentleman ensure that this matter is raised again at the next-meeting of the International Labour Conference?

I can give a general assurance that, as far as the Government remains in office, it will do its best to forward the passing of all the Conventions that have been agreed upon, and to develop the International Labour Office as far as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any civilian staff under his Department are employed in the British occupied area in Germany; and can he state how many persons are so employed, and what is the approximate cost?

Apart from the British Consul-General and Vice-Consul at Cologne, the only civilian staff employed under the Foreign Office consists of the staff of the British Department of the Inter-Allied Rhineland High Commission. The total number, including the British High Commissioner, is 141, and the estimated cost for the year 1924–25 is £75,000. This expenditure is borne by the German Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether the British Government were consulted as to the revocation of the orders enforcing an eight-hours day in occupied territory; and, if so, what instructions were given by His Majesty's Government on this matter?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave on 10th March to the hon. and gallant Member for East Fulham. Neither His Majesty's Government nor the Inter-Allied High Commission are concerned with the application in the occupied territory of German laws except in so far as such laws may affect the maintenance, safety and requirements of the troops of occupation. In raising no objection to the application in the occupied territory of the German decree of 21st December, 1923, His Majesty's High Com- missioner was acting in accordance with his general instructions.

Is it correct to state, as was stated by the Minister of Labour, that there is an eight-hour day in force in Germany?

I am sure anything the Minister of Labour states on that matter is sure to be correct.

Is it not a fact that the hours in Germany are something like 60 a week?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, seeing that the Government secured an economy of 7½ millions to the Navy during the period of the War by its control over the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, he will say whether he has secured specially favourable terms for the future?

The contract entered into in 1914 between the Admiralty and the Anglo-Persian Oil Company provided for supplies over a long period ahead, and not merely far the period of the War.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will give the reasons for the increase in the Admiralty staff from 2,072 in July, 1914, to 3,569 at the present time, seeing that the total numbers borne on Vote A of the Admiralty have decreased from 146,047 to 99,477 during the same period?

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

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether Rear-Admiral H. F. P. Sinclair, C.B., is in receipt of any salary from public funds apart from naval half-pay; if so, for what services does he draw this money; and why is he shown as unemployed upon the Navy List while appearing on the active list?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative and the second part docs not therefore arise. With regard to the last part of the question, I think my hon. Friend must be under some misapprehension, since the fact of an officer being on the Active List does not prevent him from being on half-pay.

May I have the assurance of the hon. Gentleman that such services will not be used in Indus- trial areas where there is industrial unrest in the form of agents-provocateur, or any other provocation?

The hon. Member is putting an insinuation in the form of a supplementary question, and that cannot be allowed.

Then what are the services rendered for the salary stated? Surely the House has a right to know that.

If the hon. Member puts his question in that form, it will be right.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether any appointment has yet been made to the office of Director of Naval Construction; how long this appointment has been vacant; and what is the reason for the delay?

I am now able to announce that Mr. W. J. Berry, C.B., Director of Warship Production, has been appointed to the office of Director of Naval Construction.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether any decision has yet been made with regard to the proposed naval base at Singapore?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Prime Minister last Monday.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he can state the reason why the cruiser "Methuselah" which was laid down in 1916 is still on the stocks unfinished; and will he take steps to secure the completion of its construction?

I cannot identify the vessel named by my hon. Friend, but eight years would seem a short time for the building of a vessel which would have the long life such a name would imply.

Will the hon. Gentleman accept through you, Mr. Speaker, the revision of the name supplied by a rear-admiral from Southsea, that the cruiser's name is "Effingham"; that it has been on the stocks since 1916, and has cost £3,750,000; and, if so, when is it likely to be completed.

The hon. Member seems to know more about it than the Minister.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty when the tenders for the cruisers will be issued?

The invitations to tender for the proposed cruisers have already been issued.

Has an invitation been sent to Barrow?

I hope Newcastle-upon-Tyne will also receive an invitation.

rose—

These supplementaries are more suitable for the backstairs.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether any decision has yet been arrived at with regard to other items in the programme of construction announced by the late Government?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply of the 27th February to the hon. Member for Devonport.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if the question of the retired pay for retired naval officers who served in the War was considered by an Admiralty committee; if so, by whom the committee was appointed; and will he publish the names of the committee?

The question of the suspension of the retired pay of retired naval officers called out for service during the War was considered by the Officers' Pay Committee of 1919; this committee was appointed by the Admiralty and consisted of Rear-Admiral Sir Lionel Halsey, K.C.M.G., C.B. (President); Captain L. A. B. Donaldson, C.M.G., R.N.; Captain G. O. Stephenson, C.M.G., R.N.; Commander Dudley North, R.N.; and Acting-Paymaster Lieut.-Commander A. C. A. Janion, R.N. (Secretary). (See White Paper Cmd. 270.)

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in placing contracts for supplies, the Admiralty adheres to the principle re-affirmed by Resolution 3, Sub-section (2), of the recent Imperial Economic Conference?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty if he has sanctioned the despatch of a relief crew to the gunboat "Glow-worm," chief ship of the Danube flotilla; and whether he will consider the recall of the whole flotilla?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the question, the Danube flotilla has been withdrawn, with the exception of H.M.S. "Glow-worm."

How long is it intended to keep the "Glow-worm" out there?

As long as it continues to shine with any advantage.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the officers and crew of this vessel are getting no sea training at all?

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is his intention that men employed on relief work at 75 per cent. trade union rates should not be paid for time they are stood off for no fault of their own, e.g., wet time; and if he is aware that certain local authorities only allow two hours wet time, and then only the first two hours if it is raining at the commencement of the work, and not if it starts raining half an hour or more after starting work?

As regard the first part of the question, my hon. and gallant Friend will remember that on 27th February I explained, in reply to a question by the hon. Member for South Hackney (Mr. H. Morrison), that the restriction regarding 75 per cent. of trade union rates no longer applied. Instructions on the point were issued by the Unemployment Grants Committee on the date mentioned. As regards the rest of the question, I understand that it is not the practice of the Unemployment Grants Committee to authorise payments for "wet time" in connection with State-aided relief works.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that, in certain Employment Exchanges when insured persons are stood off benefits for six weeks on an accusation of not having sought genuinely for work or having refused suitable employment and being still unemployed, the Exchange starts counting unemployed time from the end of the six weeks, thus making seven weeks without benefit instead of six weeks; that, if the insured person had been signing for six days before being stood off, then this period is made into eight weeks; and whether this system has his approval?

The position in cases such as those mentioned by my hon. and gallant Friend is under consideration, and I will let him know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour by what date all benefits begin to be completely exhausted in the current benefit year under The Unemployment Insurance Act, 1923; and what number of insured persons it is estimated will have exhausted all benefit by that date if the present rate of unemployment continues?

The first day on which benefit in the current benefit year may be exhausted is 16th April, for persons to whom the former "gap" of three weeks did not apply, and 7th May for others. If the hon. Member will renew his question in a fortnight's time I hope to be able to give him an estimate of the numbers likely to be affected.

As there is little more than a month before the first people become disqualified from further benefit, will the right hon. Gentleman consider bringing in a Measure to extend the benefit, without waiting for the comprehensive Measure that he has promised?

It is the desire of the Minister to introduce his comprehensive Measure soon. Failing the possibility of that, certainly, steps will be taken to introduce a stop-gap Measure.

Will the right hon. Gentleman accelerate the information, as a fortnight is rather a long time to wait when within a month these benefits will lapse?

I am afraid that the resources at my disposal will not give the answer to this question within the time I have stated.

asked the Minister of Labour if he has received any complaints from, the Mersey district or elsewhere of the refusal of officials of Employment Exchanges to pay unemployment benefit or to place to their credit any number of days for which the men were unemployed previous to the beginning of the late strike of dock labourers; what instructions, if any, were issued by the Department in connection with unemployment benefit; and if he will undertake to consider and investigate cases of the nature mentioned, where it is alleged that benefit has been refused and idle days not credited for the week preceding the strike?

So far as I am aware the difficulty referred to in the question could only occur in regard to unemployment for one day or two days immediately prior to the dispute. The rules governing the matter are laid down in the Act, and no special instructions were issued, but I shall be glad to look into any particular case if desired.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he has, as suggested in the question, received a complaint from the Mersey district on this matter?

I have heard a complaint from the Mersey district.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the dissatisfaction felt by dock workers at Hull and other ports at having to sign, as unemployed, twice instead of once daily; if he is aware that, because he must sign between the hours of 9 and 10 in the morning and between two and three in the afternoon, many a man may lose a tidal job, or, on the other hand, because he has waited for such a job or gone in search of it from one dock to another, he may miss the opportunity for signing, and so forfeit his benefit; if he is aware that, on account of the inconvenience involved, there are many hardworking men who never sign on as un employed; and whether he will consider reverting to the practice of signing only once daily and of stiffening up the penalty for men detected in fraud, or take other steps to remove this grievance?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will be prepared to consider the alteration of the Clause in the Unemployment Insurance Act which requires dock labourers to register twice per day at the Employment Exchange to prove unemployment on any one day?

As there are usually two "calls" a day, the ordinary practice is to require dock workers claiming benefit to sign the unemployed register twice a day, once after each "call." The signing places are in the vicinity of the docks, and in a number of cases special huts have been provided for the purpose. In general, I think these arrangements ought to be maintained, but I am always ready to look into any particular cases of difficulty, and I am inquiring into the case of the tidal workers referred to by the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy).

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that other casual workers at the docks, such as ship workers, are only asked to sign on twice a week, while the casual docker is expected to sign, and has to pay tram fares to and from his home, twice a day? Cannot some arrangement be made whereby the same principle shall apply to dock workers as to ship workers?

The last part of the answer I have given to the hon. and gallant Gentleman the Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) may be taken by the hon. Member for St. Helens (Mr. Sexton). If he has any cases of special difficulty, or any other matters, I shall be very pleased to discuss them with him.

Will the right hon. Gentleman communicate with me when he has come to a decision regarding the tidal workers?

Yes, Sir, I will communicate with the hon. and gallant Member when I have been informed.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has now received a Report from the Trade Disputes Disqualification Committee; if so, what is its nature; and will he publish a full and complete Report of the proceedings of the Committee?

I have received the Report of this Committee, and, as it is quite short, I am circulating a copy in the OFFICIAL REPORT. It would not, I think, be in accordance with precedent, nor would it be desirable, to publish an account of the proceedings of the Committee other than the Report. No evidence was taken.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the employers, after a delay of some two to three years, have specifically stated that they are not prepared to agree to any conditions upon this matter?

I can only say that I am circulating the Report, and that it is the only Report that has been made to me from the Committee.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say that the only people who disagree are the employers, and not the workpeople's representatives? May I have an answer?

The hon. Member will see the Report.

This matter has been going on for two or three years, and the Committee was appointed in accordance with the will of this House, but we are now told by the right hon. Gentleman that we are not to receive any information at all beyond the Report.

asked the Minister of Labour if the dock workers in the Merseyside area who were employed for one or more days during the month prior to 16th February last have been disqualified for receipt of unemployment benefit under Section 8 (1) of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1923, in connection with the recent dockers' dispute, while similar workers who were totally unemployed in the same period have not been so disqualified; and, if so, will he state why this distinction is made?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Mile End (Mr. Scurr) on 4th March, of which I am sending him a copy. The decision on points of this kind rests with the Umpire, and in accordance with the terms of the Act is final and conclusive.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether he can state the estimated extra charge upon the fund consequent upon the issue by him of instructions that the non-statutory limitations upon the payment of uncovenanted unemployment benefit to ex-enemy and other aliens are to be abolished;

(2) whether he has issued an instruction to local committees that, in considering claims to uncovenanted unemployment benefit, they are, in the case of any person who satisfies the statutory conditions, to pay no regard to the applicant's private income or to the total income of the household of which the applicant is a member; and what is the estimated extra charge upon the fund involved by this instruction?

The effect of the revised directions to local employment committees issued by me was fully explained in the Debate last Monday. The increased amount, of unemployment benefit which will in consequence be paid out of the Unemployment Fund in the period up to next October, is estimated at between £2,000,000 and £4,000,000, as stated by the Prime Minister in the House on 12th February. I am afraid I cannot give separate figures for the different classes of persons affected.

Does that mean that the right hon. Gentleman has no exact data, but that he is merely making a shot at the amount, and that it might just as easily be £6,000,000 or £8,000,000?

It means that the Government Actuary has been asked to make out an estimate, that I have to give his figures, and that, whatever the figures are, it must be remembered that the amounts paid will be paid from the Insurance Fund.

Will that increase the overdraft which the Government have at present?

There is no estimate that anything of the kind will be done. As a matter of fact, in spite of the extensive unemployment, money was being paid off from the overdraft.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give instructions that his own Order, and those of his predecessors relating to this matter, shall be placed in the Vote Office, so that Members can see them?

I have not the slightest objection to taking that course.

I want to give the right hon. Gentleman fair notice, so that there can be no question of a snap Division. [Interruption.]

Does the hon. Baronet desire to give notice to the House?

Yes. Sir. I desire to give the right hon. Gentleman and the House notice, in order that there may be no question afterwards of a snap Division, that at the first Parliamentary opportunity the House will be asked to condemn his action, which has the effect of making it possible for this benefit to be claimed by aliens.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will cause to be displayed in the Employment Exchanges large notices in simple language explaining the new provisions respecting the administration of uncovenanted benefit and the change in the law with regard to the gap, in order that workmen may know exactly what benefits they are entitled to and how they can obtain them?

I doubt whether it is necessary to exhibit these notices as I believe the changes referred to are generally known.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the workmen are not getting the information which will help them to realise what is the benefit to which they are entitled?

If any information can be conveyed to me as to where workmen are suffering, or if any suggestion can be made for bringing nearer the time when the men will know exactly what the conditions are, I will consider the whole matter.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what will be the cost of these proposals?

As I have given an answer twice to-day, I think the third time would be superfluous.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the Government plans for the relief of unemployment, he can state the steps which are being specially taken to find work for skilled men whose efficiency may otherwise deteriorate; and whether the Government possesses any detailed statistics showing the proportion of these men to the general number of unemployed?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers this question, may I ask him what are the Government's plans for unemployment?

The most effective way of setting skilled men to work at their own trades is by encouraging the general revival of trade, and the Government are devoting all possible attention to this. As regards relief works, the direct labour employed is in most cases unskilled, but encouragement is given to works which require material manufactured in depressed industries. Statistics showing the number of persons unemployed in each industry are published monthly in the "Labour Gazette," but it is scarcely practicable to distinguish accurately between skilled and unskilled and still less to separate out the skilled men whose efficiency is likely to deteriorate during unemployment.

Does not all this require capital?

Yes. I am quite aware that it requires capital, and I hope to be able shortly to suggest to the Cabinet measures for taking steps to find the capital.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any information to the House, of any kind, of any means by which the Government are attempting to revive industry in this country? [HON. MEMBERS: "Sixty hours a day."]

asked the Minister of Labour if he will investigate the effect of compulsory daily attendance at Employment Exchanges for signature; and whether he will consider the possibility of the unemployed workpeople signing one week in the morning and the following week in the afternoon, thus giving additional chances of looking round for jobs in the morning, the most suitable time?

The present practice at many Exchanges of requiring claimants to attend at stated times has been adopted in order to prevent congestion and long waiting. The times fixed for individuals are changed periodically. The ordinary rule for normal times is that claimants may attend at any time between certain hours of the morning and afternoon, and at Exchanges where the numbers claiming are not too large this is the practice now.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the distress obtaining in many parts of the country by the issue of orders for eviction of tenants under the 1923 Rent Restrictions Act; and if he is in a position to state the Government policy in the matter?

I have been asked to reply. I am aware that there are a number of cases of eviction under the Rent Restrictions Act of last year. The Government are generally in favour of the Bill which is now before a Standing Committee, and their future action will depend upon the progress made by that Bill and the form in which it emerges from the Committee.

Does that mean that unless this Bill has favourable progress the Government is going to allow evictions to continue?

As the right hon. Gentleman states that the Government is in favour of the Bill, why does he not come down and assist the Committee?

Because there are many things that the Government favour which are not Government business.

I received no reply to my question.

I want to assure the hon. Member for Dumbarton Burghs that the Government will do everything the law permits it to do to prevent evictions.

Are we to understand that it is to be the policy of the Government for a responsible Minister to come down to the House and support a Bill and then leave it unattended in Committee?

I assume it is an honoured custom in this House that on a Private Member's Bill a Member may exercise his privilege as a Member of the House in supporting a Bill, and when the Bill was before the House I did so. In addition, I intimated that the Government were generally in favour of the principle of the Bill and hoped it would get a Second Reading.

Is my right hon. Friend I aware that in one of the Yorkshire county courts a decision has already been given to adjourn all cases for possession of homes, and under the circumstances is he prepared to suggest that that might: become a universal rule?

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that he is merely following a precedent set by the President of the Board of Agriculture in the last Government in relation to the Merchandise Marks Bill?

Will the right hon. Gentleman state why he and the Attorney-General retired from the Committee?

asked the Minister of Labour in what proportions the various pre-War rentals shown in the "Ministry of Labour Gazette" for December, 1923, are combined to arrive at the average increase of 47 per cent.?

As statistics are not available showing the numbers of houses at each of the different pre-War rentals, the figures relating to various groups of typical rentals are combined in equal proportions in computing the average permissible increases for London (45 per cent.), other towns in England and Wales (51 per cent.), and Scotland (57 per cent.). These three figures are then combined in proportions corresponding with relative population in order to obtain the average permissible increase (49 per cent.) and this figure is reduced to 47 per cent. by making allowance for those cases in which the full permissible increase has not been imposed.

asked the Minister of Health if, in view of his decision to require local authorities in future to obtain his consent before granting subsidies to houses of a greater density than 20 per acre, he will state what steps he is taking to withdraw or amend paragraph 8 of the appendix of Circular 388a, dated 14th August, 1923; and what fresh instructions he is issuing to local authorities to carry out this change in policy?

As I informed the hon. Member, in reply to a similar question on the 27th ultimo, I propose, in connection with future approvals of housing schemes submitted by local authorities, to require the authorities to submit to me any proposals for building at a density exceeding 20 to the acre.

How is the right hon. Gentleman going to require the local authorities to do this, and will he withdraw Circular 388a?

The hon. Member will not quarrel with how I do it, provided I do it effectively and quickly.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the issue of a statement of the average rents sanctioned by the Rents Tribunal for State-assisted houses in each of the principal towns and rural areas; and to what extent, in order to make it possible for them to be inhabited by the working classes, these have been reduced as wages have fallen?

Rents are decided by the Rents Tribunal only in cases in which a difference of opinion has arisen between the local authority and the Minister as to the sufficiency of the rents charged for houses erected under the 1919 assisted housing scheme. It is open to a local authority to refer their case again to the Tribunal, in respect of any later period, if necessity arises. I will forward the hon. Member a statement of the decisions of the Tribunal in a few days.

asked the Minister of Health if he will give the number of houses needed in rural and semi-rural areas, separately, in England, Scotland, and Wales, as estimated by the D 89 Returns made under the Addison building scheme?

I regret that the information, in the precise form desired by the hon. Member, is not available, but according to the returns in question, which were obtained from local authorities in 1919, the number of houses stated to be required during the subsequent three years in the areas of rural district councils to meet unsatisfied demands was for England 71,727, and for Wales 11,932. As regards Scotland, I would suggest that the hon. Member should address a question to my right hon. Friend the Secretary for Scotland.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether that is an increase or a decrease in the four years, and can he give us the figure up to date for 1924?

I have not the information asked for in the supplementary question.

Does the number mentioned take into account the derelict houses, that is, the houses that have been reported as defective?

I am inclined to think that it does.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in connection with the housing proposals of the Government, attention will be paid to rural areas; and if his Department is prepared to investigate and consider representations from areas requiring a few cottages?

The question of housing in rural areas is being considered in connection with the general proposals of the Government for dealing with the housing question. Under the Housing, Etc. Act, 1923, I have already authorised the erection of 22,940 houses in rural districts, and my Department is prepared to consider any further proposals for the erection of cottages in such areas.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when these proposals will be introduced?

I do not think that the House need anticipate any great delay.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are many villages where a comprehensive scheme is not wanted, but a few cottages are very badly wanted?

Yes, I have no doubt that the Government will take the wants of such districts into account.

asked the Minister of Heatlh if he will give the number of houses needed in rural and agricultural areas in the county of Somerset, as estimated by the D 89 Returns made under the Addison building scheme?

According to the returns in question, which were obtained from local authorities in 1919, 1,548 houses were stated to be required during the three subsequent years in the areas of rural district councils in the county of Somerset to meet unsatisfied demands.

asked the Minister of Health if he will give the number of houses built in the rural and agricultural areas of Somerset under the Addison Act, and the number now sanctioned under the 1923 Act?

Under the Housing, Town Planning, Etc., Act, 1919, 977 houses were, erected in the areas of rural district councils in the county of Somerset by local authorities and 202 by private builders under the Housing (Additional Powers) Act, 1919. 278 houses are included in schemes of rural district councils in the county in question which have been authorised to date.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the cost of these houses?

I have not got that information.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the setting up of a costing committee for the purpose of controlling the price of building material, so that the rents of new houses will be as low as possible?

This is one of the questions which are engaging my serious attention. It will be dealt with in the proposals I hope to submit to Parliament in due course.

Was not a Committee set up by the last Government, and is it not still functioning?

Yes, the Committee is still functioning as successfully as ever.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether his proposals will be put forward within one week or one month?

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in the scheme for the sale of corporation houses at Hereford to the occupiers a minimum deposit of £50 has been demanded and the rate of interest placed at 5½ per cent.; and whether he can see his way to reduce the deposit and/or the rate of interest?

I am in communication with the city council in this matter and will inform the hon. Member of the result.

Is it the policy of the right hon. Gentleman to encourage the sale to the occupiers of these houses built under the Addison scheme?

I require to consider every application on its merits.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Housing Bill he proposes to introduce is intended to meet the need of families with an income not exceeding £3 per week; and, if so, if he will say whether the subsidy under the Bill of 1923 will be continued to meet the needs of families with incomes in excess of £3?

I am unable to make any statement on the point raised by the hon. Member in anticipation of the submission to this House of the Government's proposals in respect of housing.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider including small workshops in the new Rents Bill, as many occupiers of such are receiving notice to quit or are having their rents raised by 100 per cent. or over?

If the hon. Member raises this point it will no doubt be considered by the Committee to which the Bill in question has been referred.

May I rely on the right hon. Gentleman to support this suggestion?

If it be necessary for the Government to introduce a Measure of its own, the hon. Member may rely on my considering the suggestions contained in this question.

Will the Government say whether the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health for Scotland, who sits on this Committee, is there to represent the Government or is there representing his own personal views?

asked the Minister of Health what is the annual output of bricks in this country; and what number of bricks would be required to build 200,000 houses?

The present output of bricks is variously estimated at between 2,500,000,000 and 4,000,000,000 a year. Taking 20,000 as the average number of bricks per house, a total of 4,000,000,000 bricks would be required for 200,000 houses.

What materials does the right hon. Gentleman propose to use for building the vast number of houses that are required?

I intend to use all the materials available.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that a number of housing schemes by public utility societies and private builders have been suspended owing to uncertainty as to whether they will rank for assistance under the Government's proposed Housing Bill; and if he can state that the Bill will apply retrospectively, as was the case with the Government's proposals last year, and thereby remove the check on the provision of working-class dwellings?

I am unable to make any statement on the point raised by the hon. and gallant Member in anticipation of the submission to this House of the Government's proposals in respect of housing.

Are not the Government taking into consideration the fact, as the Government last year did, that this long gap left over is delaying the building of houses, and will the right hon. Gentleman give the same assurance as was given by the right hon. Gentleman last year?