asked the Attorney-General if he will give the names and addresses of the members of the Advisory Committee acting with the Lord Lieutenant of the County of Somerset for the purpose of recommending Justices of the Peace for the said county?

The names and addresses of the Advisory Committee referred to are as follow: Henry Jeffries Badcock, Esq., J.P.,

Broadlands, Taunton.

Charles Lund Fry Edwards, Esq., J.P.,

The Court, Axbridge.

The Right Hon. Henry Hobhouse, J.P.,

Hadspen House, Castle Carey.

Sir John Francis Fortescue Horner, K.C.V.O., J.P., Manor House, Mells, Frome.

Captain Alexander Fownes Luttrell, J.P., Court House, East Quantox-head, Bridgwater.

John Coleby Morland, Esq., J.P., Ynyswtryn, Glastonbury.

Frank Way, Esq., J.P., 91, Camden Road, Bridgwater.

Mrs. Cooke-Hurle, J.P., Brislington Hill, Bristol.

asked the Attorney-General whether the Lord Chancellor has set up a new Advisory Committee on the appointment of Justices of the Peace for the County of London: if it is appointed on a representative basis; how many persons it consists of; and can he give the names of the members?

The Lord Chancellor has appointed a Committee to advise him with respect to the appointment of Justices of the Peace in the County of London to replace the Committee which was in office. The Committee was appointed after consultation with the Lord Chancellor's predecessor in office. It consists of 37 members and is constituted so as to include, so far as possible, representatives of all classes and all shades of political opinion. The names of the members are as follow:

asked the Attorney-General the names and representative character of the local committee for advising the Lord Chancellor in connection with the appointment of magistrates in the respective boroughs of Morley, Batley, Ossett, and Dewsbury?

The names and addresses of the members of the committee responsible for advising the Lord Chancellor on the selection of Justices of the Peace for the Boroughs of Morley, Batley, Ossett and Dewsbury are given below.

Members are selected in accordance with the principles laid down in the Report of the Royal Commission on the Selection of Justices of the Peace, and they are, I a minformed, representative of all parties.

Morley Borough Advisory Committee .

Edward Jackson, Esq., J.P., Winter-bourne, Morley.

John William Hepworth, Esq., J.P., Hillthorpe, Churwell, Leeds.

Ezra Holliday, Esq., J.P., Cross Hall, Morley.

Henry Aveyard, Esq., J.P., 20, Cardigan Avenue, Morley.

Alderman B. B. Barker, J.P., Wood-view, Morley.

Batley Borough Advisory Committee .

Theodore Cooke Taylor, Esq., J.P., Sunny Bank, Batley.

William James Ineson, Esq., J.P., Batley.

Thomas Smith Parr, Esq., J.P., 62, Bromhill Terrace, Warwick Mount, Batley.

David Stubley, Esq., J.P., Hirst Priory, Crowle, Lines., and Marsh-field House, Batley.

James P. Critchley, Esq., J.P., Batley Hall, Batley.

Councillor John Ramsden, 37, Bradford Road West, Batley.

Ossett Borough Advisory Committee .

James Fitton, Esq.,'J.P., Hall Cliffe House, Horbury.

James Hampshire Nettleton, Esq., J.P., Highfield Villas, Station Road, Ossett.

J. H. Glover, Esq., J.P., Northfield House, Ossett.

G. M. Laurence, Esq., J.P., Dale House, Ossett.

Henry Wilkinson, Esq., J. P., Dear den Street, Ossett.

Dewsbury Borough Advisory Committee .

Sir Mark Oldroyd, J.P., Hyrstlands, Batley.

Major Percival Benjamin Walker, V.D., J.P., Lees House, Thornhill, Lees.

Joe Haley, Esq., J.P., Highfield, Halifax Road, Dewsbury.

George Thorne, Esq., J.P., 6, Northfield Place, Dewsbury.

Alderman Walter France, J.P., Hill-crest, Savile Town, Dewsbury.

Councillor Joseph Halstead, J.P., 187, Slaithwaite Road, Thornhill, Dewsbury.

asked the Attorney-General whether he will appoint a Commission to inquire into the working of County Courts in the matter of the recovery of rents from poor tenants?

The whole question of the recovery of rents is under the consideration of His Majesty's Government, who have at their disposal, amongst other things, such advice as those skilled in the work of the County Courts are able to furnish, and I do not think any useful purpose would be served by the institution of such a Commission as the hon. Member suggests.

asked the Attorney-General whether he will consider the need for advising such alteration in the Rules made by the Lord Chancellor, under Section 17 of the Rent and Mortgage Interest Restrictions Act, 1920, as will secure that the costs payable by a tenant against whom an order for possession is made under that Act shall be reduced, and that such costs may be made payable by instalments at the discretion of the Court?

The Rules in question are made by the County Courts Rule Committee and not by the Lord Chancellor. The position will be simplified if the County Courts Bill, which I am about to introduce, becomes law, when the Rules will be reconsidered by the Rule Committee. I do not, therefore, think it necessary to make any suggestion to the Rule Committee at present. The Court has already a discretion to suspend the execution of the order to pay costs on terms that they are paid by instalments.

asked the Secretary of State for War for what public purposes the War Office houses at Norton, Worcestershire, are required; and when they are likely to be utilised?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The houses referred to have been transferred to the Air Ministry for the accommodation of families of married airmen; they are to be occupied at a very early date.

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

Under the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1919, 624 houses were authorised to be built in the areas of rural district councils in the county of Leicester by local authorities, and 10 of these are still in course of construction. In addition, 264 houses were completed by private builders under the Housing (Additional Powers) Act, 1919. 570 houses are included in schemes of rural district councils in the county in question which have been authorised to date under the House, etc., Act, 1923. These bodies are to be provided by private enterprise.

asked the Minister of Health if he will state, according to the latest information available, the number of houses needed in the rural and agricultural areas of the county of Dorset?

According to the returns obtained from local authorities in 1919, 667 houses were stated to be required during the three subsequent years in the areas of rural district councils in the county of Dorset to meet unsatisfied demands. Since 1919, 395 houses have been erected with State assistance and, according to a return obtained in September last, 88 houses had been erected by private builders during the previous six months without State assistance. I have, however, no information as to the total number of houses erected since 1919 without State aid.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of considerable dissatisfaction among the tenants of the London County Council at Becontree; and, if so, whether he has satisfied himself that there are no reasonable grounds for complaints in view of the lower rents charged for similar accommodation by surrounding authorities?

I have already received a request from the tenants to arrange for a deputation, but as the hon. Member knows, the entire responsibility for the administration of the housing scheme at Becontree rests with the London County Council, whose duty it is to select the tenants and to fix the rents in accordance with the rules laid down in the housing regulations. In these circumstances, I have explained to the tenants that it would not be proper for me to deal direct with them in the matter.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that an American company has invented a plastering machine which in one hour performs the work of eight skilled plasterers with six helpers; and will he obtain particulars of the invention and of the recent tests and circulate them among public housing authorities?

I have not particulars of any machine for successfully executing internal plastering work, and I assume that the American company will have no hesitation in directing public attention to so excellent a device. But I should be glad of any information with reference to such an invention which my hon. Friend could supply.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state, so far as West, Ham county borough is concerned, the number of tenants against whom eviction orders have been issued, and the actual numbers of cases executed for the years 1914 to 1923; and the present weekly numbers for the year 1924?

I regret that the information asked for by my hon. Friend is not available.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the serious cases of overcrowding reported to the Melford Rural District Council at Listen Lane, Long Melford; that in the first case of only two bedrooms, one room is occupied by a man, his wife, and a boy aged six, whilst the other room is occupied by five sons, ages 24, 15, 13, and twins of nine years, and two daughters of 21 and 16 years, respectively, that the females occupy one double bed and the males two single beds butted together, and that the room is so cramped that it is impossible to have anything but a doorway without a door; whether he will, in order to remedy this state of affairs, allow the council to let an empty house in the parish belonging to the council under the Government scheme at a rent which the man can afford to pay; whether he is aware that in the same village there are 11 people sleeping in two rooms, man and wife, sons aged 21, 11, and 3, daughters aged 19, 16, 14, 13, 2, and a baby one year old: and whether in his housing scheme he will take into consideration the impossibility of the agricultural labourers paying anything like the present charge for rent for houses built by the council?

My attention had not previously been drawn to the cases of overcrowding referred to. As regards the houses erected by the council under the Housing, Town Planning, Etc., Act, 1919, the selection of tenants rests with the council. The average rent fixed by the Rents Tribunal is 6s. 3d. a week exclusive of rates. The problem of housing in rural areas is being considered in connection with the general proposals of the Government.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the overcrowding in the Denmark Street district of Waterloo, near Liverpool, where in one small house there are 18 people with only two bedrooms, so that adequate sleeping accommodation on the premises is impossible, and in other cases 76 persons are living in six houses of four rooms each; and what steps is he taking to see that the local authorities prevent such overcrowding, and provide adequate housing accommodation to relieve this serious congestion?

My attention has not been called to the overcrowding referred to by the hon. and gallant Member. I have approved the local authority's proposals for assisting 150 houses to be built by private enterprise under the Housing, Etc., Act, 1923, and I shall be prepared to give favourable consideration to further proposals which the council may desire to submit with a view to relieving the congestion.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of his promise that the Government would assist with legal advice the Committee which is now considering the Rent Restrictions Bill, he will state what steps he is taking in the matter?

The Members of the Government who sit on the Committee will take the opinion of their usual advisers upon any legal point that may arise, and will advise the Committee accordingly.

asked the Minister of Health how many houses have been sanctioned under the provisions of the Housing Act, 1923, by local authorities and private persons, respectively, in each month of this year?

During the month of January authority was given by my Department to housing proposals under the Act of 1923 covering 2,560 houses to be built by local authorities and 8,119 by private enterprise, a total of 10,679. For the month of February the corresponding figures were:

asked the Minister of Health whether he will obtain from the London County Council a Return for the past 10 years, each year separately, showing the number of dangerous structures in London which have been notified verbally and in writing, and the number of summonses issued by the surveyor in the boroughs concerned; how many such structures have fallen down; and how many lives have been lost?

I will consider my hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked the Minister of Health if his Department has made a comprehensive inquiry into the water supplies of this country and the available areas from which future requirements may be obtained; and, if so, whether there are any schemes which can be begun in the near future with a view to the relief of unemployment?

A comprehensive inquiry into the water supplies of the country is at present in progress. As

asked the Minister of Health, whether, as the final conference between the Health Department and the representatives of the dried milk trade only took place on 24th January last, and in view of the time required for printing the large stocks of tins, etc., required to comply with the Order, he will postpone the date, 1st May, for the operation of the Public Health (Dried Milk) Regulations to enable the trade to clear the market of outstanding stock, and so avoid

regards the latter part of the question, work has already begun on a number of schemes.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the percentage by which expenditure on revenue account in the latest available financial year as compared with the financial year immediately preceding the war has advanced in respect of the following bodies: London County Council, City Corporation, Metropolitan Water Board, Thames Conservancy, Lee Conservancy, Metropolitan Police, Metropolitan borough councils (average), Metropolitan boards of guardians (average), and Metropolitan Asylums Board?

The following statement, which is based on particulars furnished to my Department for the purposes of the Annual Local Taxation Returns, contains the information asked for by my hon. Friend:

the unnecessarily heavy loss that will otherwise be incurred?

The Public Health (Dried Milk) Regulations were made on the 5th November, 1923, to come into operation on the 1st May, 1924. The Regulations were published in draft on the 24th July, 1923, and the representations of the trade were considered, and met, as far as possible, before the Regulations were made. I am satisfied that the trade had ample notice of the provisions of the Regulations and I see no reason for postponing their operation.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the amount of the yearly grant now being paid to schools towards the upkeep of officers' training corps; what is the age at which boys are taken into these training corps and taught to shoot; and whether any steps are taken to send back to their parents such boys as may enlist under the proper age?

The amount payable in the current financial year is about £30,000. The minimum age of enrolment is 13 years. With regard to the last part of the question, I am not sure what the hon. Member means by the term "enlistment." Enrolment in the Officers' Training Corps is not in any sense enlistment, and membership of a contingent of the Corps carries with it no military obligations.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that a certain number of labourers and others have been given notice of discharge from the Works Department and other Departments in the Royal Dockyard at Devon-port; and whether he can see his way to cancel any notices of discharge that may have been given, in view of the fact that some of these men have been repeatedly discharged and entered again after short periods of work or idleness, respectively?

Towards the end of 1923 the Admiralty, to assist in the relief of unemployment, entered a number of additional workmen in the Royal Dockyards and other establishments. These men were explicitly informed that their employment was temporary and that it would cease in March, 1924. The possibility of continuing the employment of the men entered temporarily for the winter has been carefully considered, and it is anticipated that if the construction of these cruisers in the dockyards is passed by the House, a large proportion of these men can be retained. It will, however, unfortunately be necessary, on financial grounds, to discharge the majority of the men entered temporarily for work in the Works Department and the Armament Supply Department, which Departments would not be affected by the laying down of the new ships.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the wives of Maltese ratings received a lower scale of marriage allowance than that of the ordinary scale between the 6th October, 1920, and the 1st January, 1922, and that this scale has now been increased to the ordinary scale; and whether he can see his way to compensate them for the loss they sustained between the above-mentioned dates?

In the few cases of Maltese ratings, whose wives were of British origin and domiciled in the United Kingdom, it was decided that, as from 1st January, 1922, marriage allowance should be paid on the scale applicable to British ratings. I regret that it is not possible to antedate this concession.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that disabled ex-service men are being discharged from, the civil establishment of the Admiralty; and, if so, whether the discharges can be delayed until these men have an opportunity of obtaining other employment?

Owing to the work on which ex-service men have been employed having come to an end, it has unfortunately become necessary to issue notice of discharge to a number of them, and amongst them are a few disabled men. In each case the representative of the Ex-service Association has been consulted, and has concurred in the action taken I regret that it will not be possible to retain these men.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will embody in the terms of reference to any Committee to deal with the question of ex-service men in the Civil Service a direc- tion that it is desired to retain as many ex-service men as possible in the Civil Service without examination?

I would refer to the answer which I gave on the 10th March to the hon. Member for Ashton-under-Lyne (Sir W. de Frece).

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of ex-service civil servants employed in the several Government Departments on 31st December, 1923; the number of these men dismissed or at present on notice in the cities and towns throughout the country, and the Departments they have been employed in; and whether there is reasonable expectation of them being reemployed at an early date?

The total number of ex-service men temporarily employed in Government Departments on the first day of each month is shown in a White Paper presented to Parliament. The figures in the last two returns were:

asked the Minister of Health the names of the pauper and private lunatic asylums and the number of ex-service men and women that have been placed in each?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply to a similar question which I am giving him to-day.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the investigation and determination of questions affecting pensions can be speeded up, some cases submitted by Members being awaiting reply nearly two months; and whether he will suspend the discharge of ex-service men from the Department until these investigations can be more rapidly dealt with?

There has recently been a considerable increase in the number of individual pension cases submitted to me by Members of this House, and many of these require careful investigation or refer to important questions of policy which are still under consideration. An examination of the cases dealt with in the past eight weeks shows that more than 80 per cent. were disposed of within three weeks. A number of discharges of ex-service men have been suspended in consequence of the temporary increase in work, but I see no necessity to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion for a general suspension of discharges.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the dissatisfaction existing amongst ex-service men arising from the under-assessment of their disability at the hands of medical boards, he will issue on behalf of his Department a circular requesting a more sympathetic and even generous consideration of the cases coming before them for examination?

I have no reason to believe that the assessments given by medical boards do not represent a fair and impartial judgment on the condition of the disability as found on examination. On assuming office as Minister of Pensions I issued a communication to all members of the Ministry staff, including members of medical boards, reminding them that the work of the Department should invariably be carried out in a spirit of the utmost consideration and sympathy.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that a flat-rate pension of 5s. a week was automatically granted to the father of a son killed in action, and that on the subsequent death of the father the transfer of the pension is refused to the mother, although her need is usually greater; and whether he proposes to reconsider this practice?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Middlesbrough West (Mr. T. Thomson) on the 21st February, of which I am sending him a copy. If the mother is in need it is open to her at any time to claim a pension based on need and incapacity which might well be more to her advantage than the flat-rate pension.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is now in a position to make a statement in regard to the position of ex-service men who are still suffering from service disability, but are without State assistance, in consequence of the final awards regulations?

I regret that I have not yet found it possible to complete my inquiries into the operation of final awards.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been called to the case of Major G. Burrard, D.S.O., R.F.A.; whether he is aware that Major Burrard held a commission in the Army before the War, was promoted to the rank of Captain in July, 1915, was severely wounded in 1916 and had his right leg amputated, returned to active duty in 1917 and was given command of a battery of Royal Horse and Royal Field Artillery, and was promoted to Major and confirmed in the full substantive rank of Major in September, 1918; whether he was retired on half-pay in September, 1919, fixed at £182 10s. per annum plus his wound pension of £100 a year; whether, after three years' receipt at this rate, the Ministry of Pensions reduced the pension from £182 10s. to £133 6s. 8d. per annum in December, 1922, on an allegation that the framers of the warrant intended, without expressing that intention, to limit the pension in the circumstances to the reduced figure; and whether he will restore the pension of this distinguished officer to £182 10s. per annum, together with wound pension and the bonus in force for increased cost of living?

I have looked into the case to which the hon. Member refers. I am advised that under the provisions of Article I (3) (a) of the Royal Warrant of the 2nd of July, 1920, the officer is properly pensioned in the rank which he held when he was pronounced to be permanently unfit for general service. I am not in a position to authorise an award at a higher rate than the Royal Warrant allows. Major Burrard is at present in receipt of retired pay at the total rate of £287 8s. 9d. (inclusive of wound pension).

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that public feeling has been aroused throughout the country, and especially in Derbyshire, at the action of the Marquess of Granby in barricading footpaths on the Haddon Hall estate; that these footpaths have been enjoyed by the public for many generations, and during the life tenancies of four successive Dukes of Rutland without interference; that his Lordship's action, if maintained in law, will extinguish or render useless or inaccessible the continuation of these footpaths over adjoining estates; and whether, in view of the present state of law which protects entailed estates from the acquisition by the public of rights of way, however long enjoyed, unless the user began at a date anterior to the settlement, in this case the year 1799, he will introduce legislation before it is too late for the amendment of the law in this respect?

My information with regard to the case referred to is limited to what has appeared in the newspapers. The Ministry has, unfortunately, no powers in connection with the preservation of footpaths, and in view of impending litigation with regard to this particular case it is impossible to take the course indicated in the last part of the question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that the French Government has decided to impose an export duty of 25 per cent. on various French food products such as cauliflower, lettuces, French beans, new potatoes, and milk-fed fowls, etc.; whether this will increase the cost of the same articles in this country; and whether he intends giving any encouragement to market gardeners in consequence of the action taken by the French?

I am aware that an export duty of 25 per cent. ad valorem has recently been imposed on fresh and dried vegetables allowed to be exported from France. Wholesale prices of home-grown fresh vegetables have risen in the last week or two, but this is attributed mainly to recent wintry weather conditions which have reduced supplies and stimulated demand. It is not at present clear to what extent, if any, the export duty will affect prices of British-grown vegetables. In any case, my right hon. Friend does not consider that the imposition of this duty, which may be withdrawn at any time, calls for any special action in regard to the production of vegetables in this country.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has received representations from local authorities urging the necessity for legislation to eliminate tubercle infected cattle from the dairy herds in this country in the interests of public health; and whether he can hold out any promise of early legislation?

The answer to the first part is in the affirmative. The matter is being carefully and sympathetically explored, but I am not yet in a position to make any statement on the subject.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the specific powers conferred on the Hop Controller which entitle him to refuse to pay more than 35s. for hops from any grower who sent more than his allocation last year; whether there is any power of appeal against this figure; and how may cwts. of hops have been paid for at this price?

In accordance with the Hops (Restriction) Order, 1917, which powers were retained by the Ministry of Food (Continuance) Act of 1920, the Hop Controller alone is empowered to deal in hope. 3,992 cwts. of hops for which growers will receive 35s. per cwt. were picked last year in excess of the amounts which the Hop Controller had announced he was prepared to purchase from each grower. The Hop Controller is entitled to refuse to purchase any hops from growers who failed to carry out his scheme for dealing with the 1923 crop. As a concession, the Hop Controller has accepted from such growers the quantity allocated to them on condition that they hand over the excess at the price of 35s. per cwt. which may be taken to represent the cost of picking. I understand that the Hop Controller is arranging for the sale of these hops and for an equitable distribution of the sum realised.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that Saaz hops are selling on the Continent at over £40 per cwt., Burgundy hops at over £30, Belgian hops at £18, and Pacifies at £14; and whether, in view of the fact that the Royal Commission on the Hop Industry reported in 1908 that the pre-War price of Saaz hops was never more than a pound or two above that of the best English goldings, he will state why the Hop Controller has fixed the average price of English hops at £13?

I am aware that hops have recently been selling for high prices on the Continent, but I would remind the Noble Lord that comparison of English with Continental hops cannot now be made as was done in 1908 owing to the changed conditions now prevailing. The price of English hops last year was determined on the same basis as in the previous years under the hop control on a system which allows a fair profit to the grower.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the number of hours per week, respectively, worked by permanent clerical officers and temporary clerks in the Civil Service; and whether, seeing that in many Departments permanent clerical officers and temporary clerks are employed in the same sections doing precisely the same work, he will say why any distinction should be made in the hours worked by these two classes, particularly in view of the fact that permanent clerical officers have various other advantages, including that of pensionable rights?

Permanent clerical, etc., classes are normally engaged on the-basis of an attendance of seven hours a day in London and eight hours a day in the provinces, with a half-holiday on Saturday when the state of business permits. The hours of temporary clerks are 42, 44 or 48 a week, the rates of pay for the longer hours being graded accordingly. As I informed the hon. Member on the 4th March, the conditions of service and terms of employment of permanent and tem porary civil servants are not necessarily identical. The rates of pay and hours of duty of temporary clerical staffs are, however, now under consideration.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any of the three successful candidates at the recent examination for the administrative class are or were employed in a temporary capacity in the Departments in which the vacancies to be filled have occurred; and, if so, which are the Departments concerned?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the second part does not therefore arise.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many of the candidates who were successful at the recent qualifying examination for the administrative class were reported to the Civil Service Commission by the Government Departments in which they served in a temporary capacity as suitable for admission to the administrative class in a permanent capacity; and how many candidates are being notified by the Civil Service Commission that they have been declared fit for appointment if and as further vacancies are reported?

585 candidates entered for the competition, of whom 108 passed the preliminary written test, which does not imply any qualification for appointment but merely renders the candidates eligible for interview by the Selection Board. A report to the effect indicated in the question by the Government Departments in which the candidate served was not a condition of interview, though such Departments were asked for a report on the service of each candidate for the confidential information of the Selection Board and were invited to add any observations which might assist the Board in estimating his fitness for administrative work. The total number of candidates who have been declared fit for appointment to the administrative class, if and when vacancies are available, is 8 in all, including the 3 declared successful. As regards the large number of failures, every effort was made to restrict the number of candidates to reasonable limits by a warning as to the high standard required and the very small number of vacancies available, but it was not found possible to adopt any other method of restriction which would not have caused dissatisfaction to excluded candidates, however remote their prospects of success.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if the Report of the Royal Commission appointed to consider the law relating to indictable offences containing an appendix of a draft code embodying the suggestions of the Commissioners, published by the Stationery Office in 1879, C. 2,345, is out of print; and, if so, will it be reprinted?

The Report named is out of print and there is no present intention of reprinting it, copies being available for reference in numerous libraries. The question of reprinting would arise should a sufficient demand manifest itself, but the cost would be very considerable.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will be prepared to arrange that Income Tax abatement is allowed to all persons paying weekly contributions to the national health and unemployment insurances, thus allowing additional abatement to such workers to the extent of £3 0s. 8d.?

There is no provision under the Income Tax Acts permitting any deduction in respect of payments to secure benefits during sickness or unemployment. The law in this matter, which I see no adequate reason to alter, applies equally to all classes of taxpayers and governs all payments to secure such benefits, whether made in the form of premiums to insurance companies or by way of contributions under an Act of Parliament.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a widower for purposes of Income Tax is classed as a single man; and whether he will consider the advisability in the ensuing financial statement of arranging that widowers who fully maintain, say, a daughter to occupy the domestic position of the late wife, shall receive abatement in Income Tax equal to that of a married man?

I am aware of the point to which my hon. Friend refers, but he will not expect me in a matter of this kind to anticipate the Budget Statement.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what are the limits of demarcation for the purpose of Income Tax assessment, between disability pensions issued by the Ministry of Pensions and half-pay issued to Royal Naval officers by the Ministry of Pensions on account of disability; and, seeing that the latter is assessable for Income Tax purposes, on what grounds is the distinction made?

I am not aware that it is the practice to discriminate, for the purpose of Income Tax assessment, between the disability pensions and the half pay on account of disability to which the hon. Member refers. If, however, he has in mind any case where it appears that exemption has been wrongfully withheld, I shall be happy to inquire into the matter and let him know the result.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much the funded debt has been increased in exchange for Exchequer bonds, national war bonds, and Treasury bonds, etc., from 1st April, 1923, to date?

I think it would be more convenient if the hon. Member would await the figures which will be published in connection with the Budget statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of funded debt and the amount of unfunded debt on 29th February, 1924?

I am not quite certain what the hon. Member means by "funded" and "unfunded" debt. On 29th February, 1924, the nominal total of consols, annuities, bank debt and 3j per cent. conversion loan amounted to £982,063,000, and of the remaining debt to £6,724,089,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can give a Return showing the amount of public money invested in registered companies by His Majesty's Government, the names of the companies, and the amounts invested?

The hon. Member will find the information he requires in the answer given to the hon. Member for Farnham (Mr. A. M. Samuel) on the 12th April last, a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the crippling effect caused to the horticultural societies by the application of the Entertainments Duty to those sections of their annual shows known as the arts and crafts and with a view to giving them a stronger desire to go forward with this educational work, he will give favourable consideration to the elimination of this tax and make an announcement forthwith?

I have noted my hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Report of the Departmental Committee on the taxation of motor vehicles will be issued; will he, in view of the protracted nature of their deliberations, consider the possibility of relieving taxicab owner-drivers of the extra burden of 48s. imposed upon them at present owing to their inability to pay the annual licence fee except by quarterly instalments; and will he consider, in lieu of the existing system of taxation, the reinstatement of a tax on petrol, which would be fairer and more acceptable to drivers who are now compelled to pay the same tax for road maintenance whether they travel 1,000 or 10,000 miles per annum?

I have been asked to answer this question. I hope that the Report of the Committee may be in my hands by the end of June. I already have under consideration the possibility of doing something to mitigate the alleged hardship, referred to in the second part of the question, which has been fully investigated by the Committee. On the question whether any change can he made in the existing system of taxation, I must await the Committee's Report.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is prepared to grant to local authorities more adequate powers of licensing and controlling all omnibuses plying for hire within their districts, to enable them to deal effectively with unnecessary competition, which is causing considerable and evergrowing obstruction to traffic and serious loss to public statutory transport undertakings?

This whole question is under consideration by a Departmental Committee, and I do not contemplate further powers being conferred on licensing authorities (a course which would require legislation) pending the receipt and consideration of this Committee's report. As the hon. Member is aware, licensing authorities can at present exercise considerable control under their existing powers.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will, in the interest of the general public and to act as a deterrent, introduce legislation making it compulsory for magistrates to sentence a person found guilty of being drunk whilst in charge of a motor vehicle on the public highway to a term of imprisonment with hard labour for a period of not less than 14 days and to suspend the licence for a period of not less than six months?

I do not think it would be right to deprive magistrates of the discretion vested in them in the manner suggested.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the question of increasing the restriction on alien immigration with a view to preventing further aliens receiving un-covenanted benefit under the Memorandum issued from the Ministry on the 13th February last?

I am satisfied that the present control of alien immigration is adequate to prevent so far as possible the admission of aliens who are likely to become a public charge.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give the approximate number of aliens at present resident in Great Britain; what were the approximate numbers at the end of 1918; what are the chief industries in which aliens are engaged; and what is the approximate number in receipt of Poor Law relief and of unemployment benefit?

The number of aliens above the age of 16 registered at the end of last year in Great Britain was 270,986. There is no exactly comparable figure for 1918, as the present system of registration was not then fully established; roughly it may be said that there were in that year 294,000 aliens in Great Britain. The entries in the registers are not classified so as to show the industries of the aliens; but the reports of the Census for 1921 give a good deal of information on this point. I am not aware of any statistics as to the last part of the question.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give instructions that all duly accredited Press photographers shall be afforded every possible facility when engaged in their professional work in any thoroughfare or public place?

Identification cards are issued to duly accredited Press photographers, and the Metropolitan police have instructions to afford the holders of these cards such facilities as may be possible and not to restrict their movements unless they are likely to cause inconvenience or obstruction.

asked the Home Secretary the number of convictions for drunkenness, male and female, in the Metropolitan police area for the March, June, September, and December quarters of 1922 and 1923?

The figures are as follow:

asked the Postmaster-General whether, seeing that the consideration of the claims of Lydney and Chepstow to be placed in the next grade of classification owing to the high cost of living have been under consideration for quite 12 months, he will state what are the difficulties in arriving at a decision; and whether, in view of the protracted length of the inquiries, he will direct that any award should date from the time the subject was first raised?

Pending further discussion of the question of classification with the Union of Post Office Workers I cannot add anything to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on the 13th March.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that in the postal districts of Wrestlingworth, Eyeworth and Cockayne Hatley, Bedfordshire, which formerly had three deliveries of letters per day, there is now only one, whereas in the villages of Cambridgeshire, only one mile away, there are still three deliveries per day; and will he have inquiries made with a view to increasing the deliveries?

I am having inquiry made as requested, and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Postmaster-General what changes he contemplates in the administration of the London postal service; whether it is proposed to abolish the Western Central and Battersea districts, dividing the former between the South-Western and Western districts and absorbing the latter into the South-Western district; and whether, in the interests of everyone concerned, he will make an early statement with regard to the effects of this policy upon the public service?

The only change at present under consideration in the administration of the London postal service is the absorption of the Norwood district in the South-Eastern district, but this will not affect the public service.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will resume the publication of his Annual Report, giving greater detail than formerly?

This publication was discontinued some eight years ago, and, so far as I am aware, there has not been any substantial demand for its revival. The commercial accounts are already issued as a separate publication, and I am considering whether they could be supplemented in future by a brief report upon the working of the Post Office during the year to which they relate.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what quantity of iron and steel was imported into this country in the latest available three months; what was the comparable figure for the corresponding period of last year; and whether the Government proposes to take my action in the matter?

During the three months ended February, 1924, the registered imports of iron and steel and manufactures thereof into the United Kingdom amounted to 440,094 tons. During the three months ended February, 1923, the corresponding imports were 365,530 tons. The home production in the later period was substantially in excels of that in the earlier period. No action by His Majesty's Government is in contemplation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, in view of the beneficial effect of the preference granted by Canada to British tinplate manufacturers, he will consider proposals for the assistance of this industry by agreements as to tariffs, freight-rates, and transport facilities?

The percentage of British among the Asiatics and Africans cannot be stated with certainty but is probably considerable.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware than officers and men of the mercantile marine, who suffered loss of kit through

Whenever opportunity occurs of negotiating with foreign States as to the tariff treatment to be applied to particular classes of British goods, the interests of the tinplate industry are invariably borne in mind. If the hon. Member has any specific proposals for the assistance of that industry in the direction indicated in the question, I shall be glad to consider them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of alien seamen employed in the British mercantile marine, with comparative figures for the years following the end of the late war; and whether he will confer with British shipping employers with a view to reducing unemployment among British seamen by arranging for the gradual substitution of British for alien seamen?

furnished the following statistics in pursuance of his answer — [OFFICIAL REPORT, 11th March, 1924; col. 2099, Vol. 170]:—

their ships being torpedoed or through other enemy action in the great war, have not yet received reparation, in spite of the fact that their claims have been admitted by the Reparations Department of the Board of Trade; that in the case of Mr. A. Laing, 32, Parkside Street, Battersea Park, S.W.11, a claim was lodged and admitted by the Reparations Department in March, 1923, and that upon the claimant making application for payment on 29th February last, he was informed that there was no money to meet this claim; and whether he will take such steps as will ensure these men, who received no war gratuities for their services, at once receiving the reparations due to them?

As to the first and second parts of the question, the claims referred to, including that of Mr. Laing, are belated claims excluded from participation in the £5,000,000 compensation fund for the reasons stated in paragraph 13 to 16 of the Final Report of the Royal? Commission. As to the last part of the question, I would refer to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for the Central Division of Hull (Lieut.-Commander Ken worthy) on 18th March

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will inform the House what is the average price per ton of coal at the pit-head in the coal mining area of Lancashire, North Staffordshire, and Cheshire?

The average proceeds at the pit-head per ton of coal disposed of commercially in the Lancashire, North Staffordshire and Cheshire area in November and December were 19s. 9½d.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the total labour costs per ton of coal mined in the Lancashire, North Staffordshire, and Cheshire area is only 11s. 9 ½d. per ton at the colliery; and, if so, what steps do the Government propose to take to investigate the causes of the present high cost of domestic and manufacturing coal and slack?

The figure given by the hon. Member is the average labour costs per ton of all coal mined in that district in November and December. The average labour costs per ton dis- posed of commercially in that district during those months were 13s. 1½d., and the total costs 18s. 4d. The price of domestic coal, as the hon. Member is aware, is engaging my attention. I have not at present any evidence that an inquiry into the price of manufacturing coal and slack is necessary.

asked the Secretary for Mines the profits made by the colliery owners in Great Britain for the past 10 years, by coking, by-product, and other ancillary operations, giving each year separately?

The information for which the hon. Member asks is not in the possession of my Department.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the decisions of the Council of the League of Nations regarding the composition of the Saar Valley Governing Commission and the recruitment of gendarmerie in that region; what instructions were given to the British representative on these two subjects; and whether he can make a statement on this matter?

All these matters will be dealt with in the report of the British representative which will be laid before Parliament; meantime any statement would be premature.

asked the Prime Minister whether, when setting up the proposed body to inquire into the present lunacy laws and their administration, the terms of reference will be made wide enough to include an inquiry into the mental deficiency laws?

No, Sir, it is not proposed that the inquiry should extend to the mental deficiency laws. These form a separate and distinct subject-matter, the inclusion of which would, in my opinion, unduly delay the report and recommendations of the inquiry committee upon the more urgent question.

asked the Prime Minister the composition of, and terms of reference to, the committee to inquire into the case of Army pensioner ranker officers?

As I have already stated to the House, this matter is being arranged without loss of time.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the amount of funds which the British Empire Exhibition authorities have expended and have remaining in hand for the purpose of advertising the exhibition in foreign countries, notably the United States of America, in order that the commercial and industrial advantages should be brought to their notice; and what steps are contemplated in this direction?

I welcome the hon. Member s efforts to attract attention to the British Empire Exhibition, the opening of which by His Majesty the King on the appointed day is now assured. This was the main object to be established, and funds will henceforward be set free for expenditure in other desirable directions. In the meanwhile I am unable to give particulars of the arrangements for publicity, which are not under my control.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if it is the intention of the British exhibition authorities to advertise the exhibition in foreign countries, having regard particularly to the United States of America where the coming exhibition is hardly known amongst the people?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I have given to the hon. Member for Newport (Mr. Clarry).

asked the First Commissioner of Works what becomes of all the waste paper in the House; how many tons are collected every year; whether this is sold; and how much is obtained for it every year?

The waste paper is collected in bulk once a week by a firm of contractors to His Majesty's Stationery Office. During the last three years the quantities thus collected and the revenue derived therefrom (which has been appropriated in aid of the Stationery Office Vote) were as follows:

I understand that a certain amount of waste paper is also collected in the House and disposed of directly by the Vote Office. I am inquiring as to the proceeds from this and the method in which they are brought to account.

asked the Minister of Labour those trades in which the average weekly wage for an adult of either sex is below 25s., 30s., and 35s. respectively; and what are the hours worked in such trades?

I regret that no recent statistics have been collected by the Ministry of Labour, showing the average wages of either adult men or adult women in different trades or industries.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether she has proposed the putting into operation by the Grocery and Provision Trade Board of the rates fixed as long ago as 1921; and, if so, on what grounds this is proposed, seeing that the cost of living has altered and that two successive Ministers of Labour have found the confirmation of these 1921 rates impracticable?

No, Sir. I have inquired of both sides of the Grocery and Provisions Trade Board whether they desire that the rates mentioned in the question should be confirmed. After full consideration of the views expressed, I have decided that the right course will be to ask the Trade Board to consider the rates again.

asked the Minister of Labour what representations and reasons have been given for entering into consultations with the two sides of the Trade Board as effecting the grocery and provision trade; and on what grounds he rejects the recommendations contained in the Report of Lord Cave's Committee?

Consultation with both sides of the Grocery and Provisions Trade Board (England and Wales) has been held with a view to the resumption of work by this Board. With regard to the Cave Report, the Government are not prepared to accept the main alterations in the law suggested by the Committee, because they do not think that these would really achieve the object which the framers of the original Acts had in mind. On the other hand, there are certain minor recommendations made by the Committee which the Government will bear carefully in mind, with a view to possible legislation, when a suitable opportunity occurs.

asked the Minister of Labour if it is his intention to institute a Trade Board in the drapery and outfitting trade; and, if so, the representations which have been made to him in favour of the Trade Board and the data which has influenced his decision?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to-day to an oral question on this subject by the hon. Member for Dumbarton (Mr. W. H. Martin).

asked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been drawn to the long-continued lack of employment in the ship-repairing yards at Newport (Mon.) and other ship-repairing centres; what remedy does his Department propose; and when will it become operative?

I am aware of the severe and long-continued unemployment in ship-repairing at Newport and other centres. The position at Newport has improved somewhat during the past few months. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer (of which I am sending him a copy) given to the hon. Member for Newcastle East (Sir R. Aske) on the 17th March.

asked the Minister of Health if he will consider granting unemployment benefit to persons who for many years have been employers of labour and contributed to the unemployment fund, and have through trade depression or other causes ceased to be employers and have become unemployed?

I have been asked to reply. If an employer becomes an employed person in any insured trade, he may qualify for unemployment benefit by virtue of his contributions as an employed person; but I am afraid it would not be practicable to take account of contributions paid by him as an employer.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the Legislative Assembly of India, without a Division, has passed a resolution calling upon the Government to remove the prohibition forbidding Mr. B. G. Horniman to return to India; whether, under these circumstances, the Secretary of State for India will reconsider the matter and advise the Viceroy to allow Mr. Horniman to return: and whether, if the Secretary of State is unable to adopt this course, he will publish a White Paper setting out the reasons why Mr. Horniman was deported, and the reasons which prevent the Government of India from allowing him to return?

I am aware of the resolution referred to in the question. The views of my Noble Friend were stated in the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) on the 3rd March. The reasons for the deportation and the continued exclusion of Mr. Horniman have repeatedly been stated in this House, and I can see no reason for further publication of them.