asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the action of the United States Shipping Board in imposing a clause in their bills of lading giving them the right to take their cargo back to America and discharge it at some port in that country, in which event their responsibility would cease; whether he is aware of the inconvenience which would be caused to traders in those cases, in the event of labour troubles here, if they accepted drafts against bills of lading; and whether he will make representations to the United States Shipping Board, and also to other shipowners who are inclined to imitate this example, against these practices?

My attention has been called to the terms of a strike clause which, it is stated, has been proposed by the United States Shipping Board for insertion in bills of lading. On the information at present before me, the matter is not one in which the Board of Trade can interfere.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if this clause is insisted on it will cause great inconvenience?

I assume that it would cause some inconvenience, though I cannot help thinking that the apprehensions are somewhat exaggerated. At any rate, we have no exact information as to what the clause is.

If I put down a question later on, will the right hon. Gentleman meantime inquire?

I would be glad if the hon. Gentleman would communicate with me on the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is proposed to undertake the census of production for 1924; and what it is anticipated will be its cost?

Yes, Sir, it has been decided to proceed with this inquiry. It is estimated that the total charges to be met in carrying it out will amount to about £115,000, spread over the next four financial years.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the promulgation by the Chinese Government of a trade marks law which in its present form will seriously prejudice British trading interests in China; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

His Majesty's Government are fully conversant with, and have given careful consideration to, the new Chinese Trade Marks Law. They are now in communication with the Chinese Government as regards those provisions of the law which affect British trade interests in China.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what were the average stocks of pig-iron carried before the War in the British Isles and what are the average stocks to-day?

I regret that since the War no statistics are available which would enable me to give the information desired by my hon. Friend.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the figures for the period before the War? I can tell him what the figures were after the War.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether a public inquiry by the Board into the wreck of the "Lord Hamilton" on the Goodwin Sands has been refused, and, if so, on what grounds; whether he is aware that such an inquiry is widely demanded in East Kent to meet resentment felt at the criticism of the crew of the Ramsgate lifeboat, which rendered assistance, made by the coroner who inquired into the death of a member of the crew of the "Lord Hamilton," who was drowned before the lifeboat could reach the ship?

I would refer to the statement made last evening by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade on the Motion for the Adjournment.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that the coroner had any evidence before him which justified him in making the remarks which he did at the inquest?

I am not aware of any such evidence on this subject, but the coroner is an officer over whom the Board of Trade has no jurisdiction.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if steps can be taken to have British passenger ships in the North Atlantic trade, enjoying British mail subsidies, make their first port of debarkation in England instead of foreign countries?

I have been asked to answer this question. The British steamships which convey mails between this country and the United States of America are under contract in respect of the outward services only. The voyages in the homeward direction are arranged at the discretion of the shipping companies in accordance with their own commercial requirements; and I am not in a position to vary those arrangements.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the majority of the passengers referred to leave at the first port they reach, and that as a result they go on to Paris and other Continental cities, causing a loss to this country—to restaurants and hotels and trade of this country—of something like £50,000,000 a year?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is taking any action with reference to the recent increase in coal prices; and whether the same has been occasioned by the operations of any ring?

At my invitation, representatives of the Coal Merchants' Federation met me this morning to discuss these matters. I shall continue to pursue my investigations, but it is too early at present to make any statement.

Will the hon. Gentleman make a statement to the House as soon as he possibly can?

I hope to make an announcement very shortly.

asked the Secretary for Mines (1) what proportions of the present retail price of household coal are due to pithead price, cost of railway transit, and cost of distribution in London and in Glasgow;

(2) If he is aware that about 90 per cent. of the coal at the Midland collieries is sold by contract twice a year, the difference between the summer and winter prices being about 1s. per ton; that of the remaining 10 per cent. of free coal only a negligible quantity is household coal; that in spite of this there have been five increases in the retail price of household coal since last September; and what steps he is prepared to take to cope with profiteering in this trade?

As my hon. Friend is probably aware, this matter is engaging my attention.

Is the hon. Gentleman making any inquiry into the high price of coal to the consumer?

I have already said the matter is engaging my attention, and, as a matter of fact, I have this morning met representatives of the Merchants' Association, and discussed the matter very fully. I am not yet in a position to make any announcement.

asked the Secretary for Mines, in view of the fact that the agreement in the coal trade will terminate in a few weeks' time, and of the danger of allowing matters to drift before the Government takes definite action to bring the parties together before a strike is entered upon, what action the Government are taking towards a peaceful solution; and if he will take an early opportunity to report the progress of negotiations to the House so that public opinion may be exerted on the parties?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which the Prime Minister gave yesterday to the right hon. Member for Bewdley (Mr. Baldwin). I may add that I have made arrangements to meet both the owners' and the miners' representatives on Thursday next.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what is the present position?

The present position is that I am to meet the Miners' Federa- tion representatives and the Mining Association representatives on Thursday.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has any evidence that certain coal companies and certain coal exporting firms are controlled by the same personnel as directors who undertake these dual duties for the purpose of adjusting the selling prices of export coal to the detriment of the wage rates of the coal miners; and whether, in view of the fact that many miners in every British coalfield exporting coal are apprehensive that this practice obtains on a large scale, he will institute an inquiry into the matter forthwith?

No, Sir. I have no evidence on this subject. If the Miners' Federation have any such evidence I have no doubt that they may rely on the fullest co-operation of the Mining Association in exposing such practices.

Is it not a matter which should be reckoned in arriving at the bi-monthly ascertainment?

I do not think it is a question which arises in that way. It is purely a question of the relations between the exporter and the colliery owner, and as to this I have not sufficient evidence.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what has been the total export and import trade, respectively, between this country and Russia during the year 1923, and January and February of this year; and whether he has any figures showing the amount of Russian trade with other countries and the British Empire during the same period?

The answer involves a tabular statement, which, with the permission of the House, I will have circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The declared values of the import and export trade of the United Kingdom with Russia during the year 1923 were as follows:

Corresponding particulars for January and February, 1924, are not available.

The following statement, extracted from "Russian Information and Review" (the official organ of the Russian Trade Delegation), shows the value—on the basis of pre-War (1913) prices—of imports into and exports from Russia during the year ended September, 1923, distinguishing the principal countries from which goods were imported and to which goods were directly exported.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the number of British repatriates from Russia who have registered claims with his Department in respect of imprisonment, or lose of property or health, which they have suffered as the result of action by the Soviet Government; and what steps he has taken to secure recognition of these claims?

Claims on account of death, personal injury, or imprisonment in Russia have been registered in the Russian Claims Department of the Board of Trade in respect of 249 persons. It is not possible to ascertain without a great deal of labour how many of the property claims registered are made by persons formerly resident in Russia. As regards the concluding portion of the question, I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member on the 3rd March, and to that given to the hon. Member for Salford North on the 20th February.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the exact amount paid by His Majesty's Government for shares in the Siberian Bank in Russia; and whether this holding is now in the hands of the Treasury itself?

I would refer the hon. Member to the 3rd Report of the Public Accounts Committee for 1921 (Appendix 11, page 436). The question is very fully gone into there. The securities are held by trustees for the Treasury in London.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what it is proposed to do with regard to the many perfectly genuine claims for compensation for loss caused by enemy action from claimants who, through being at sea and other causes beyond their control, did not present their claims within the specified period; whether he is aware that many of these men and women are in distress; and whether some payment can be made to them on compassionate grounds until such time as reparations are collected from the German Government?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the Government's attitude towards the Report of the Royal Commis- sion on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action; and whether he can state the intentions of the Government with regard to the belated claims which are not dealt with in this Report?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the recently issued Final Report of the Royal Commission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action still leaves a very large number of torpedoed seamen whose claims are classed as belated in doubt as to what their position is; and will he take steps to have it made known to such claimants whether their claims have been rejected or accepted or are still under consideration?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is his intention to adopt the Report of the Royal Commission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action, particularly with regard to the belated claims of ex-seamen and their dependants, or whether, in view of the fact that many of these men were prevented through no fault of their own, such as being out of the country for a considerable period of time, from putting their claims before the Royal Commission, he will consider the question of giving these men some monetary grant, to which undoubtedly they have a strong moral claim, either from the fund in question or from some other source?

The answer is a long one, but in view of the interest taken in the matter, it may be the general desire that I should read it. The Government have adopted the Report of the Royal Commission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action, and the sum of £5,000,000 already voted is now being paid to claimants in accordance with the recommendations of the Commission Careful consideration has been given to the question of belated claims, and it must be remembered that very many of the claimants have already received some compensation from other sources such as the War Risks Compensation Scheme.

Notices of the latest date for submitting claims to the Royal Commission were published on several occasions, and as is explained in the Report, the necessity for making claims was particularly made known to seamen. The Government have, however, decided in all the circumstances to ask Parliament to authorise payment to an amount not exceeding £300,000 for the purpose of distributing a solatium to claimants who will not receive any payment under the recommendations of the Royal Commission on account of the lateness of the date on which their claims were submitted. I should add that no funds beyond those already referred to can be provided, and that, in order to keep within the amont of £300,000, the maximum payment to each claimant will have to be restricted to a small sum. With a view to facilitating the distribution, it will be necessary to exclude any claim which has not been lodged with the Reparation Claims Department of the Board of Trade by the 1st June. It will not be possible to consider any claim which is lodged after that date. Notification will be given to claimants of the manner in which their claim will be dealt with.

What steps is the right hon. Gentleman going to take to make it known to these people that they have until the 1st June to put in these further claims?

It will not be necessary to renew the latest claims which are already in. I am sorry to say that I cannot imagine what steps we can take to make the matter known to other people who are not even included among the claimants, beyond the wide advertisement that will be given to this through the Press.

What proportion of their total claims will the claimants get who receive something out of the £300,000, as compared with the proportion paid under the First and Second Reports of the Commission, to those who were awarded compensation by the Commission?

I appreciate the compliment of the right hon. Gentleman in thinking that I could reply to that straight away, but I may say that no total of the amounts claimed in the belated claims has, I believe, been made, therefore I do not think it possible to arrive at any percentage.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it is impossible to say what sums the Govern- ment should give for the belated claims if he is unable to say what these belated claims come to?

I can only say that the calculations have been made in the best possible manner on the lines of what has been given in the case of claims of a similar character which were not belated.

Are the belated claims, which are to be paid out of the £300,000, to be confined to claims for personal injuries and loss suffered, or will the payments be extended to all claims so far as the money is available?

I am afraid that I must have notice of that question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the hardship which will be inflicted on large numbers of fishermen by the payment of only a percentage of claims for damage done by enemy action as recommended by the Royal Commission, he can see his way to giving a further grant to them so that their long overdue claims may be met in full?

No, Sir. I am not prepared to depart from the scale recommended by the Royal Commission, under which compensation is paid in full up to £250.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is prepared to introduce legislation to deal with the testing and stamping of petrol measuring pumps, so that such pumps may be subject to all the provisions of the Weights and Measures Acts?

I am considering the introduction of legislation for the testing and stamping of petrol measuring pumps and other measuring instruments. If it is non-contentious, I hope it may be passed during this Session.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total numbers of the staff of the Clearing Office for Enemy Debts, Cornwall House, Stamford Street, S.E., on 1st March, 1924, on 1st March, 1923, and on 1st March, 1922; and whether he can see his way further to reduce the staff, in view of the fact that the cost of the Clearing Office for Enemy Debts falls upon the private claimants and not upon the State?

The answer is rather long, and, perhaps, the hon. and gallant Member will not object to my having it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The staff employed by the Clearing Office (Enemy Debts), including the Departments for the Administration of Austrian, Bulgarian and Hungarian property and the accredited representatives of those Departments in Berlin, Vienna and Budapest, which reached its highest figure of 1,375 in June, 1921, numbered:

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of employés in the London area to whom advances of wages ranging from 3s. to 1s. 6d. have just been granted; what the aggregate of such advances will amount to per week; and whether it is intended to grant advances to War Office employés in the provinces?

In reply to the first two parts of the question, the present number of War Department employés concerned is approximately 7,900, involving a weekly cost of about £850. As regards the third part, the particular advances recently granted in London were based upon the special features attaching to the case of establishments in that area.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if any steps are being taken to give effect to the recommendations of the Linlithgow Report with regard to the publication of the costs and profits of the United Dairies Company?

Legislation would be necessary to give effect to the recommendation to which the hon. Member refers, which did not relate to the United Dairies Company only. The matter is still under consideration, but I cannot say anything at present as to the possibilities of legislation this Session.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that serious unemployment is being created in the pottery trade (china) by the value of imported German and Czechoslovakian ware being at prices below the British cost of production; and whether, if request is made to him by the industry, he will appoint an independent committee to report on the position?

I am aware of the general position in the pottery trade, but as at present advised I fear there would be no advantage in appointing the committee suggested.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received from members of the glassware trade application for the Depreciated Currency Order of October, 1922, issued under Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, to be reconsidered by a committee set up by the Board of Trade in accordance with Section 9 of the Act, on the ground that German exports to this country are no longer assisted by a depreciated currency; and whether he proposes to set up a committee forthwith;

(2) whether he has received from members of the hollow-ware trade applications for the Depreciated Currency Order of October, 1922, issued under Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, to be reconsidered by a committee set up by the Board of Trade in accordance with Section 9 of the Act, on the ground that German exports to this country are no longer assisted by a depreciated currency; and whether he proposes to set up a committee forthwith?

I have received applications of the nature indicated by the hon. and gallant Member, and have invited the applicants to furnish certain information. So soon as that information is received the applications will be carefully considered.

Do the Government intend to extend this Act?

I am afraid that that does not arise out of the question on the paper.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a thermos flask imported by post is not considered by the customs officials as liable for duty under the Safeguarding of Industries Act as blown glass ware or as a scientific instrument, but that the aluminium cup is dutiable to the amount of 1d. as domestic aluminium hollow ware, and that the post office imposes a charge of 6d. for the collection of the 1d. duty; and whether he will consider the advisability of issuing an order to exempt such articles from duty?

By an Order made under Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, 1921, thermos flasks fitted with aluminium cups are liable to duty as aluminium hollow ware at the rate of 33⅓ per cent. ad valorem in respect of the value of the cup, if manufactured in Germany. The fact that in the extreme case of a single flask imported by parcel post the duty may be as little as 1d. cannot be regarded as a sufficient reason for a general exemption in respect of all flasks.

Is it a fact that it costs my right hon. Friend 6d. to collect 1d.?

I believe the Post Office make some such charge as that, but the hon. Member is well aware that sometimes it is necessary, for the safeguarding of a principle, to collect a duty which costs more than the actual revenue obtained.

In view of the fact that my right hon. Friend wants a surplus, why cannot he arrange with the Postmaster-General to get rid of that five-pence?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the continued shipments of liquor to the United States from this country, and with a view to suppressing this traffic, he will initiate legislation to prohibit the insurance of these shipments?

:I must refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for the Bodmin Division of Cornwall on the 12th March.

asked the Prime Minister when it is proposed to ask the House to ratify the Liquor Treaty with the United States?

If the Treaty meets with the approval of Parliament, the King will be advised to ratify it so soon as the approval of all the Dominion Parliaments shall have been signified. Of these, only the approval of Canada and the Irish Free State are still outstanding.

Does that mean that the Treaty will require legislation?

No, Sir.

Will an opportunity be given to the House of debating it?

That question should be addressed to the Prime Minister.

asked the Secretary of State for War what price per tender unit was quoted by the South American firm to which a contract for the supply of canned meats was recently awarded by the War Office?

I regret that I cannot depart from the established practice of regarding information as to tender prices as strictly confidential.

In contracts of this kind will the right hon. Gentleman see that His Majesty's Dominions and Dependencies get a preference over foreign countries?

That question has been repeatedly answered. A reasonable preference is already given.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Mr. W. Baggs, of 4, Dipley Green, near Winchfield, Hampshire, while on War Office work, suffered a fractured skull through an accident on the 14th June, 1922, and that he was paid compensation at 35s. per week until last July, when the compensation was reduced to 16s. 6d.; whether he is aware that his medical attendant has certified him as permanently incapacitated for work and that Mr. Baggs has nine children all under 14 years; and whether he will inquire into this case?

This case is already being inquired into as the result of further information recently received, and I will inform the Noble Lord of the result.

Does the right hon. Gentleman expect this man to bring up nine children on 16s. a week?

asked the Secretary of State for War what fees, if any, are charged for cadets at Woolwich and Sandhurst?

The normal fee is £200 a year, but reduced fees are charged, under conditions, for the sons of officers and soldiers. The hon. and gallant Member will find full information on page 51 of the recently issued Estimates.

Is it the policy of the right hon. Gentleman to abolish these fees altogether?

No; I cannot say that. The whole question has been under discussion. It has been stated that the normal fee is £200 a year. That is the highest fee charged. These are very much smaller fees.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to encourage the right type of boy, whatever the financial position of his parents may be?

I think that that question was anticipated in a statement made to this House.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to keep the cavalry regiment that has been sent from India permanently in Palestine; where are they stationed and whether in tents or huts; and whether it is proposed to build barrack accommodation for them?

I am not in a position to say whether this regiment will be permanently required in Palestine. The troops will be stationed in existing huts at Surafend, and it is not proposed at present to build barracks for them.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will take steps to arrange for the transformation of factories and plant in the charge of his Department to the purposes of commerce and industry in the same way as has been done at Messrs. Krupp at Essen, Ruhr?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which the Prime Minister gave to the hon. Member for Batley and Morley on the 14th instant

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that an annual payment of £2,000 from the public funds is made to the High Commissioner for his services in opening the general assembly of the Church of Scotland; and if, in view of the necessity for retrenchment, he will take steps to have this payment stopped?

In reply to the first part of the question, a grant of £2,000 is made annually to the Lord High Commissioner as a contribution towards ex- penses incurred by him in the discharge of his duties in connection with the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. I understand that the grant is no more than sufficient to meet the expenses involved. I cannot see my way to recommend that the payment should be stopped.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that it adds to the dignity of this office that the Lord High Commissioner should be compelled to be the channel through which a large sum of money is spent on wasteful objects, including the supply of free drink to the young clergymen of the Church of Scotland?

Arising out of the original answer, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Scottish Law Officers have looked into the appointment of the hon. Member for South Ayrshire (Mr. James Brown), and the remuneration he is receiving, in relation to his tenure of his seat in this House?

What is wrong with a gentleman having a drink?

asked the Secretary for Scotland the number of classes under 20, between 20 and 30, between 30 and 40, between 40 and 50, between 50 and 60, and over 60 pupils on the roll in infant, junior, and senior divisions, separately; for advanced divisions or intermediate departments; and for post-intermediate departments in Scottish schools?

I cannot give the figures for which my hon. Friend asks without calling for a very elaborate return from the managers of all Scottish schools.

May I ask why this figure cannot be obtained? It has been obtained in the rather larger country of England and was found necessary there for educational purposes. The question has been on the Paper for three months.

The hon. Member must not argue the question.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that the Minister of Education has given instructions in England that no class in England must have more than 60 pupils; and, if so what action he proposes to take with a view to having no school class in Scotland with more than 60 pupils?

I am aware that the Board of Education have issued a Circular intimating that they will expect local education authorities to give immedate consideration to such arrangements as are necessary to secure a reducton in the size of classes. In Scotland the number of education areas in which congestion occurs is relatively so small that nothing in the nature of a general instruction is called for. I propose to go into the matter with the individual education authorities concerned.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an instruction of that kind, in those localities were such an instruction is called for?

That is exactly what I have stated in my reply. I propose to go into the matter to the individual education authorities concerned.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that under the new code issued only last year there is no need for any inquiries, and that a definite instruction can be given that there must be not more than 60 pupils in each class.

Before answering that question will the right hon. Gentleman state if there is not better education in Scotland than in England; and is that not the reason why Scotsmen have all the best jobs in this country?

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he can say what is the average speed of the fishery cruiser "Minna," the average speed of the trawlers it is her duty to watch, the approximate number of miles of coast line it is her duty to' patrol, and the number of days she was at sea last year?

The speed of the "Minna" under full steam is 12 knots, and the speed of trawlers when under full steam and not engaged in brawling is on the average about 10½ knots although a few of the larger vessels can attain 11½ knots. The coast line within the patrol of the "Minna" extends approximately to 800 miles and the cruiser was at sea on 235 days in 1923.

Is it not a fact that trawlers outstrip the "Minna" every day and that the average speed of a trawler is about 12 knots while the "Minna" at full steam cannot go beyond 10?

Is it also a fact that foreign trawlers are faster than British trawlers?

How many knots do you go?

The right hon. Gentleman the Member for Ross and Cromarty (Mr. Macpherson) will notice that in my reply I state that the speed of the "Minna" under full steam is 12 knots.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, seeing that under the provisions of the Agricultural Rates Act, 1923, which applies to England and Wales, owners of poultry runs and hen farms have the advantage of agricultural rating, he will consider the necessity for the introduction of legislation conferring similar rights upon owners of poultry farms and hen runs in Scotland, where rating is imposed on the domestic rate basis?

As pointed out in the correspondence which my Department has recently had with my hon. Friend, the question whether a poultry run or hen farm in Scotland is entitled to the rating benefits of the Agricultural Rates Act, 1923, depends upon whether it falls within the expression agricultural lands and heritages as defined for the purposes of that Act. The question is primarily one for the local rating authorities, to whom persons owning or occupying poultry farms should address any inquiry on the subject. On my present information, I am not aware that the circumstances make it necessary to consider the promotion of amending legislation for Scotland.

Is there any difference between the method of rating in Scotland and the method followed under the English Act?

I am not aware of the general conditions in England, and I should advise my hon. Friend to put his question to the Minister of Health.

asked the Secretary for Scotland when the additional annual grant under Section 9 of the Agricultural Bates Act, 1923, is to be paid?

The grant was issued to rating authorities on the 12th instant.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that Mrs. Jeanie Black, 79, Richard Street, Glasgow, has had an eviction order granted against her for non-payment of rent, notwithstanding that on 17th January, 1924, the sanitary authority of Glasgow certified that the dwelling-house was not reasonably fit for human habitation; that it was situated in an unhealthy area and was included in the Glasgow (Cowcadden, etc.) Improvement Scheme, 1923, Confirmation Order, 1923, made by the Scottish Board of Health under the Housing (Scotland) Acts, 1890 to 1923; and whether he will take steps to protect this woman and other tenants in similar houses' from eviction?

I am advised that the position is substantially as stated in the question. I understand, however, that defects in the house have been remedied by the landlord so that the tenant no longer has this as a reason for withholding rent, which I am informed is six months in arrears. I have no power in such cases to interfere with the decision of the Courts which doubtless have all the facts of the cases before them.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is yet in the position to make any statement with regard to the eviction of poor people from their homes in Scotland?

I am endeavouring by administrative arrangements to bring about a reduction in the number of cases in which eviction orders are sought and granted. I propose to introduce immediately a Bill to amend the Small Debt (Scotland) Acts, which, if passed into law, will, I believe, also tend to relieve the situation.

asked the Secretary for Scotland the nett amount of money paid into the Scottish Education Fund for the years 1921–22, 1922–23, and 1923–24; what, if any, will be the reduction for 1924–25 because of the reduction in English Education Estimates; what will be the nett reduction because of savings in English educational expenditure during 1923–24; and what will be the average increase of rates, all other services and valuation remaining equal, with the same method of distribution of the fund at for the year 1923–24?

The net income of the Education (Scotland) Fund from all sources was £7,384,791 in 1921–22, £7,014,710 in 1922–23, and is estimated at £6,604,235 for 1923–24. There will be no reduction in 1924–25 in those parts of the English Education Estimates which are taken into account in calculating the Scottish equivalent grant. The amount, if any, of the savings in English educational expenditure in 1923–24 will not be known until after the close of the financial year. With regard to the latter part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to a question by the hon. Member for Dumbarton (Mr. Kirkwood) on the 11th instant.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, having regard to the fact that many smallholders in Orkney and Shetland have recently, owing to the sale of estates, become occupying-owners at high prices, and that small occupying-owners have suffered equally with other smallholders from the failure of the harvest, it will be possible to extend to small occupying-owners the benefits of the relief scheme for the supply of seed oats and potatoes at reduced prices?

I am prepared to allow these men who have recently become occupying-owners to be admitted to the scheme, provided that their holdings were within the limits of 50 acres or £50 annual value laid down by the Small Landholders Act, 1911, and that the necessity for assistance is clearly established in each instance.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what number of lads are being trained in the building trades at the Borstal Institutes at Sauchie, Edinburgh, and Polmont, Stirlingshire; and what attitude the Prison Commission takes as regards the after-care and prospects of such lads so trained?

I am informed that there are 72 inmates of the Borstal Institutes referred to in the question at present undergoing training in the building trades, namely, 17 bricklayers, 18 joiners, 21 plasterers, 3 slaters, 6 plumbers, and 7 painters. The Commissioners endeavour to find situations for the trainees according to their qualifications before liberating them under guardianship in accordance with Section 5 of the Prevention of Crime Act, 1908.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if the building trade unions will accept these trainees?

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health if he is aware that one of the medical officers of the Board submitted a report to the Board on 26th June, 1922, regarding questions of drainage at Eddleston and pollution of the Eddleston water, and made certain recommendations; if these recommendations were approved of by the Board of Health; if so, have they all been carried out; and, if not, why not?

The recommendations of the medical officer of the Scottish Board of Health regarding the drainage at Eddleston and the pollution of Eddleston water, to which my hon. Friend refers, were approved by the Board and duly communicated to the local authority. I understand that the local authority have decided to call upon the proprietors to carry out the drainage recommendations, and an officer of the Board has been instructed to visit Eddleston and advise on the difficulty that has arisen in making suitable arrangements for the disposal of household refuse.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the attention of the Government has been drawn to the discovery of large areas of oil-bearing shale in Somerset; whether he has information indicating that that discovery is of commercial importance; and whether, in view of the importance of securing a supply of home-produced oil for national services, the Government will take early steps to secure that the shalefield shall be worked in the interest of the nation rather than for the benefit of financial speculators?

Yes, Sir, I am aware of this discovery. The investigations appear to be still in the preliminary stages, and it would be premature to pronounce any opinion as to the importance of the deposits.

Will the hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question?

It is too early to announce an opinion; we had better have the preliminary investigation completed.

If the preliminary investigation shows that this is a commercial proposition, will the Government take steps to see that all the profit is not taken by a financial speculator?

asked the President of the Board of Trade when it is proposed to introduce the promised amending Bill to the Industrial Assurance Act, 1923; and if he is aware of the disabilities under which the friendly societies are at present conducting their business in competition with the limited liability companies?

asked the Prime Minister when the Bill to amend the Friendly Societies Act, so as to bring it in conformity with Section 4 of the Industrial Assurance Act, 1923, will be introduced; and whether he is aware that the continued delay in introducing the Measure is causing injustice and inconvenience to the societies?

I have been asked to reply to these questions. It is hoped to introduce the Bill in another place in the course of the next few days.

Is my hon. Friend aware of the grave inconvenience that is being caused to societies by the delay of the Government in this matter, and as the Measure is quite non-controversial, cannot he introduce it at once?

I entirely agree with the opinion. There was a small difficulty with regard to one point. The Bill will be introduced in the course of a few days.

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the Government's rejection of the formula submitted by necessitous local authorities for giving them financial assistance from the Treasury, he will specify in what way the Government propose to give special relief to those districts whose rates, on account of abnormal unemployment, are much above the average for the rest of the country?

The Amendment of the Unemployment Insurance Acts scheme proposed by the Government will, it is hoped, appreciably reduce the burden of the necessitous local authorities. Meanwhile, the Government propose to continue the present system of assisting those authorities by authorising, and if necessary advancing, loans to enable them to meet their current expenditure.

Will the hon. Gentleman make representations to the Minister, and ask if something cannot be done to lighten the heavy load of debt which has accumulated in those areas with regard to past payments?

Will the Minister of Health take into consideration a proposal to allow first year loans, under the existing circumstances, to be free of interest?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in these districts many men have not worked for three years and many are only getting one week's work in nine months; and what is the Government policy with regard to finding work for the unemployed?

What have the other people been doing?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if a statement of accounts as between the British Treasury and the Irish Free State to the end of the present financial year will be laid before Parliament, showing in detail the payments made and due during the present financial year on either side, and the amounts outstanding, so far as can be ascertained, to the 31st March of this year?

I beg to refer to the Statement of Financial Position between the British Government and the Government of the Irish Free State in 1923–24 (Command Paper 1930). When figures are available, I will consider the question of giving payments made and amounts outstanding at the end of the year.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that no intelligible statement has yet been published showing the financial position as between the British Treasury and the Irish Free State?

The question of whether the statement is intelligible or not depends on the intelligence of the person who reads it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that not only I myself but many persons of intelligence have looked at it and have not> found it intelligible?

That only shows there are others besides the hon. and gallant Gentleman who are not able to bring their intelligence to bear on this question. [HON. MEMBERS: "Withdraw!"]

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether a financial statement or arrangement has been arrived at between the Treasury and the Irish Free State, as provided for in the Treaty?

That is not relevant to the question on the paper, which simply deals with a return, and I have promised the return should be brought up to date as soon as possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the apparent lack of co-ordination and cooperation in the work of pensions officers, the Department, and the local pensions sub-committees, he will take such steps as may be necessary to ensure that all matters relating to the welfare-of old age pensioners should be under the control of the local committee and that the pensions officer should actively co-operate with the local pensions sub-committee?

The procedure followed in connection with claims for old age pensions is that prescribed by Statute. Pension officers, who are under the control of the Commissioners of Customs and Excise, ascertain the relevant facts and report them for the consideration of the local old age pension committee, together with their opinion as to whether the claimant is entitled to an old age pension under the law and, if so, at what rate and from what date.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether be can see his way to introduce legislation to abolish immediately the restriction on the earnings of blind persons in receipt of State pensions;

(2) whether he proposes to introduce legislation with a view to ensuring that any sum received by an old age pensioner in sickness benefit or superannuation allowance from a friendly society or any similar thrift institution shall not be calculated as income received by such person?

As I stated on the 27th February, on the discussion of the Resolution in the name of the hon. Member for Accrington (Mr. Hugh Edwards), the Government are considering the effect of the operation of the means limit imposed by the Old Age Pensions Acts. The limitations contained in these Acts apply, as the hon. Member will no, doubt be aware, to blind persons entitled; by Section 1 of the Blind Persons Act, 1920, to receive old age pensions on attaining the age of 50. I must ask the hon. Member to await the Government's proposals in the matter.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been drawn to the fact that when an old-age pensioner becomes an inmate of a mental institution the pension is not paid to the institution, and at his death the whole cost of his maintenance there can be collected from his widow; and whether he can see his way to remove this hardship

Section 3 (1) ( c ) of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1908, provides that a person shall be disqualified for the receipt of an old-age pension while he is detained in any asylum within the meaning of the Lunacy Act, 1890, or while he is being maintained in any place as a pauper or criminal lunatic. I am making inquiries as to the latter part o£ the question, which concerns other Departments.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is prepared to introduce legislation to ensure that, when calculating the means of a claimant for an old-age pension, no account shall be taken of any compassionate pension that may be received by a claimant in respect of the loss of a son, or sons, in the great War?

I am not in a position to add anything to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor or the Exchequer, on the 27th February last, on the discussion of the Motion standing in the name of the hon. Member for Accrington (Mr. J. Edwards), and must ask the hon. Member to await the proposals of the Government.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any directions have yet been issued under Section 46 of the Income Tax Act, 1918, regarding proof of residence abroad by owners of securities; whether he is aware that claims have been made by the Revenue authorities for payment of Income Tax by holders of such securities ordinarily resident abroad on the ground that proof of residence abroad cannot be made iii accordance with Section 46 so long as no directions have been issued by the Treasury; and when it is intended to take administrative action to grant the relief given by Section 46?

Forms of claim approved by the Treasury are regularly provided for applicants and, so far as my information goes, the exemption allowed by Section 46 of the Income Tax Act, 1918, has always been given where it has been shown that the owner of the securities is not ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom. If, however, the hon. Member will send me particulars of any case he has in mind, I will gladly inquire into it and communicate with him further.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that many businesses incurred exceptionally heavy losses during the years 1920 and 1921, which losses have in many cases seriously depleted working capital and which have not been made good during the last two years, he will consider the equity of providing that, when a business has sustained losses during 1920 and 1921 in respect of which relief of Income Tax has not been wholly given under the three years' average, this period shall be extended to six years?

I cannot see my way to introduce a further relief provision in order to meet the exceptional case to which the hon. Member refers. I would point out that, apart from, the operations of the three years' average system, the law makes provision for relief to the trader who makes a loss in the year of assessment.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the provision under Section 34 does not cover the point at issue?

I am quite well aware that there may be very rare cases where a very exceptional loss is not covered by that provision.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount received from import duties under the Finance Act, 1915, on motor cars, motor cycles, and parts and accessories for the nine months ended 31st December, 1923?

The net import duties collected under Section 12 of the Finance (No. 2) Act, 1915, in respect of motor cars, motor cycles, and parts and accessories thereof during the nine months ended 31st December, 1923, amounted to £1,055,504.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to state the names of the members of the Committee he is appointing to inquire into the National Debt?

The Committee will be constituted as follows:—

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much the French Government owes to the British Government?

I would refer to the answer given to the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. E. Brown) on the 4th March.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he intends to introduce legislation this Session with the object of increasing the pensions of pre-War pensioners?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Prime Minister on the 10th March to the hon. Members for Portsmouth (Sir B. Falle) and Epping (Sir L. Lyle).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, seeing that all applicants for guarantees under the Trade Facilities Act have to appear in London with their witnesses to give evidence, he will say how many applicants for guarantees of £10,000 and under have appeared in London at their own expense to have their cases examined by the Advisory Committee and have had their applications rejected; how many of these were from London and how many from districts outside London; and whether, in view of the fact that an infinitesimal amount of the guarantees has been awarded to applicants for £10,000 and under, he will inquire whether some alteration can be made in the present system, so as to make it possible for applicants for guarantees of small amounts to receive their fair proportion of the amounts guaranteed under the Act?

This matter was fully dealt with by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury on the discussion of the hon. Member's Amendment to the Trade Facilities Bill on Wednesday last. I have nothing to add to the statement made by my hon. Friend on that occasion, and I see no useful purpose in putting the Advisory Committee to the trouble and expense of going through the whole of the numerous applications in order to obtain statistics whose value would be quite disproportionate to the labour involved.

Is there any justification for the implication that applicants for small amounts are not receiving their fair proportion?

No. So far as I am aware, there is no foundation for it at all.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, because a drawing competition for children was included by the Whalley Agricultural Society in the horticultural section of one of its recent shows, the Customs and Excise authorities decided that such inclusion constituted a bar to exemption from the Entertainments Duty; and, in view of the fact that this drawing competition was of a purely educational character and in no way designed to benefit the society financially, whether he is prepared to remit the tax charges levied on that occasion?

I have made inquiry regarding this case, and am advised that there is no power in law to make the repayment sought.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the criticisms of one of His Majesty's judges upon the dilatory methods of the Department dealing with unsold war assets; and what is now being done to close up its depots, reduce staffs, and dissolve the Department?

The observations of Mr. Justice Sankey reported in the Press on 22nd February and subsequent days have been brought to my notice. I am satisfied that the Disposal and Liquidation Commission have attained a large measure of success in realising to the best advantage and as quickly as circumstances permitted the assets entrusted to them for disposal. As regards the second part of the question, I must ask the hon. Member to be good enough to await the issue of a White Paper, which I hope to lay upon the Table early next month dealing with the matters referred to by him.

also asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will publish a list of depots under the Department controlling the disposal of unsold war stores and assets, and the estimated realisable value of the movable and immovable stores and assets with which each depot is concerned;

(2) how many depots there are under the Department controlling the disposal of unsold war stores and assets, and the estimated realisable value of such stores and assets?

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of all depots and magazines at home controlled by the Disposal and Liquidation Commission which contain surplus stores. These uncleared depots and magazines represent approximately one half of one per cent. of the total of depots and magazines at home, which the Commission had to clear of surplus stores. I regret that, in view of the constant sale and delivery of stores, it is not feasible with the present depleted clerical staff of the Commission to undertake the preparation of a return of the estimated realisable value of the moveable and immoveable stores in each depot and magazine. However, as I advised the hon. and gallant Member for Knutsford (Brigadier-General Makins) on Thursday last, it is estimated that the total value of all surpluses remaining for sale by the Commission is approximately £8,000,000, whilst the total sales, including raw materials on trading account, to date amount to approximately £670,000,000.