asked the Minister Of Pensions what was the number of final awards made between the 1st January, 1922, and the 31st December, 1923; what was the number of permanent pensions awarded in the respective degrees of disablement of 20 per cent. and upwards; what was the number of final weekly allowances; and whether it is proposed to give all pensioners who have received final awards the right of appeal in the event of deterioration as provided in Article 5 of the Royal Warrant of 1919?

I propose, with my hon. Friend's permission, to circulate the detailed figures for which he asks in the OFFICIAL REPORT. With regard to the last part of the question, I would point out that the conditions under which final awards are made are governed entirely by the War Pensions Act, 1921, which does not import the terms of the Warrant article referred to.

Following are the figures:

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is considering the recentralisation of the Scottish region and the re-transfer of the administration and issue of pensions to London; and, if so, will he undertake to come to no binding decision until the Scottish view, which opposes further centralisation, has had an opportunity of being put before him?

asked the Minister of Pensions if it is proposed to recentralise the Scottish region and re-transfer the administration and issue of pensions to London; and if he is aware that since decentralisation there has been an absence of the delays that formerly aroused widespread complaint?

No such proposal as that mentioned in these questions is in contemplation.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of any intention, after the latest election result, of closing down the Abingdon Street offices of the Liberal party?

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is prepared to immediately take steps to reconsider the case of Private Alfred Harry Ide, No. G 4,681, Royal Sussex Regiment, who was originally received into a mental hospital as a service patient as the result of wounds and shell shock, and who has now been transferred to the pauper class, refused any pension gratuity or allowance, and has become chargeable to the guardians of the parish?

Pension for blindness has been in issue in this case at the maximum rate since the man's discharge from the Army. I am glad to inform the hon. and gallant Member that the mental condition has also been accepted as due to service, and the man will accordingly be classified as a service patient.

When will this decision come into force?

Immediately.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he has considered the advisability of establishing a Court or Tribunal to which can be remitted all cases in which the local pensions com- mittee is agreed that injustice has been inflicted by the Pensions Appeal Tribunal?

As I have already intimated, the general question involved is receiving my consideration. Problems of some difficulty have arisen on which I am at present in consultation with the Lord Chancellor, and I hope, with his assistance, shortly to be in a position to make an announcement on the subject.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that many sailors, soldiers, and airmen who served in the Great War and incurred disabilities are not aware that the last day to lodge an appeal to the assessment appeal was the 6th February, 1924; where such notice of the Ministry's decision appeared; whether, in order to remedy cases of hardship and give full effect to his decision, he will extend the date to the 30th April, 1924; and, if such extension be granted, will steps be taken to give full publicity to such decision?

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that many ex-service men and the widows of men who have died as a result of their service in the War have failed, through inadvertence or lack of knowledge of procedure, to appeal against a decision of the Ministry in refusing a pension; and whether he will take steps to alter the regulations so as to afford all such who feel themselves aggrieved an opportunity of appealing against the decision of the Ministry?

I regret that I have no information as to the number of men who have failed to exercise their right of appeal to the tribunal within the prescribed period. The Regulations governing the classes of case referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for North Portsmouth (Sir B. Falle) were published in February, 1923, and at the same time notice of the right of appeal was published in six issues of the principal newspapers circulating in London and the provinces and in three issues of the monthly journal of the British Legion. Notices were also displayed in the local offices of the Ministry, and in January last a reminder was circulated to the Press, in which it was given wide publicity. The right of appeal is limited by Statute to the period of one year, and I have, therefore, no authority to extend it.

Does the hon. Gentleman contemplate extending this period or making some amendment of the existing practice?

That point has been under consideration for some time, but I am not able to make a definite statement yet.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise the inability of the people to understand or appreciate this limited period?

As long as the Ministry of Pensions continues to exist, should not these men have the right to appeal; and whether they do so outside the prescribed time or not, should not their cases receive consideration?

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Miss Annie Gallagher, IV, Kirkwood Street, Rutherglen, has had her pension reduced from 15s. per week to 9s. per week; that the deceased soldier, John Gallagher, No. 98,380, Royal Garrison Artillery, maintained his sister and paid her 30s. per week for rent and food; that owing to this reduction Miss Gallagher has been compelled to apply for parish relief; that the parish council has given her a weekly allowance of 6s., which is the amount by which this pension has been reduced; and, seeing that this burden is now placed upon a locality instead of on the State, will he agree to reconsider this case?

This case has been reviewed under the arrangements made for dealing with complaints in cases of this nature, and I am glad to inform my hon. Friend that, in the result, the original pension will be restored, with effect from the date of reduction.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction throughout the country caused by the reductions in dependants' pensions; that many of the reductions are made on inaccurate information; and that there is considerable delay in obtaining a re-adjustment of the pensions on appeal; and will he consider the appointment of a Parliamentary Committee, representative of all parties, to immediately inquire and report on the subject?

I am aware there is dissatisfaction in this matter, but, as I have already informed the House, full provision is made for any of these pensioners who make complaint to have their cases specially and sympathetically reviewed in the light of any representations they may put forward. All complaints received are being dealt with as rapidly as is consistent with a careful consideration of the pensioners' side of the case. In view of the action already taken, I am not prepared to adopt the suggestion in the last part of the question.

To whom is application to be made for the re-opening of a case?

To the War Pensions Committee, or direct to the Ministry.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will reconsider the case of Mrs. Fanny Jane Mary Price, of 54, Latimer Road, Eastbourne, widow of able-seaman James Michael Price, No. J/67,920, who enlisted as an A 1 man in 1917, was examined on his demobilisation in 1919 and found to be suffering from neurasthenia and weak heart, and died in October, 1922, of aortic valvular disease of the heart, and who was receiving a pension of 8s. per week at the time of his death; and, in view of the fact that the widow is left with three small children to support, will he give special consideration to the case?

I am personally looking into the papers in this case, and will communicate with the hon. Member at an early date.

asked the Minister of Pensions if his attention has been drawn to the suicide of an ex-service man due to neurasthenia and the stoppage of his disability pension; and whether he will have inquiries made into this case, with a view to giving instructions that the benefit of the doubt should be extended to similar cases on the border line?

I have seen a statement in the Press which corresponds with the first part of the question. I have looked into the facts of the case, but can find no grounds to support the suggestion that the man suffered any injustice at the hands of the Ministry.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether naval ratings who come under the provisions of A.F.O. 414/1919, and whose cause of discharge is Toeing altered by the Admiralty to invalided, are being granted their pensions from the date of discharge, observing that in many cases these ratings are entitled to a pension for service only, and not for disability?

I have given this matter further consideration, and am glad to be able to inform my hon. and gallant Friend that full arrears of pension, or service allowance, will be granted in these cases.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many applications have been recommended by local war pensions committees to the special grants committee for education grants during the past 12 months; how many have been refused; and whether there is any further appeal?

During the past 12 months 3,353 applications for education grants were received through war pensions committees, but I regret that I am not in a position to state how many of these were recommended by the committee. Grants were made in 1,545 cases. The final decision rests with the special grants committee, who deal with the applications in accordance with the provisions of their regulations.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that certain female members of his staff who are under notice are persons who are without other means, and/or have other persons dependent upon them; whether he will cause inquiries to be made of the, circumstances; and, in the case of those who are efficient and whose duties have been satisfactorily performed, will he take these cases into serious consideration with the view of avoiding the infliction of serious hardship?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. These cases have already been carefully investigated with a view to minimising hardship, and the clerks in question were not placed under notice until all women of comparable efficiency standard whose circumstances gave them less claim to retention had been discharged. I regret that I am unable to modify in their favour the order of demobilisation of the temporary female staff which has been arrived at in April last by agreement with the staff associations concerned: but I am glad to inform the hon. Member that the necessities of the work require the retention of the clerks in question for a period beyond the date at which their present notices expire, and that they have been extended accordingly.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he can take steps to accelerate the work of his Department; and whether he is aware that the questions sent to his Department to investigate take six weeks and more before a reply is sent out?

There has recently been a considerable increase in the number of individual pension cases Submitted to me by Members of this House, and in conformity with the directions I recently issued, these have been receiving very thorough investigation. 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. The position is being carefully watched, and I have further directed that the cases are to be examined, with the utmost despatch consistent with proper consideration.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that up to now these cases have taken twice as long as they did under the former Government?

To what cause does the Minister attribute the large increase in the number of cases?

With regard to the first Supplementary Question, I am satisfied from inquiries I have made per- sonally that the figures which I have given are quite accurate. In regard to the second, there are quite a number of causes to which this can be attributed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total number of people employed under the Disposal Commission on 1st March, 1924, at the headquarters in London, in other parts of London, in the United Kingdom outside London, and abroad; and how many officials with salaries of £1,000 or more per annum were employed by the Disposal Commission at the same date at the headquarters in London, in other parts of London, in the United Kingdom outside London, and abroad?

The total number of people employed on the 1st March, 1924, was 1,675. This figure includes 1,299 industrial staff, which consists in the main of labour employed casually as required on loading, etc., stores. The total of 1,675 is made up as follows: 180 at London headquarters, 253 in other parts of London, 1,239 in other parts of the United Kingdom, and three abroad. Ten officials with salaries of £1,000 or more were employed on the same date, of whom eight were at London headquarters and two were abroad.

Is it not time that some of the outlying depots were closed up, so as to save the very considerable expense now needed for disposing of £8,000,000 of the almost unsaleable remains of war stores'?

I think every effort is being made in that direction.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Postmaster-General if about 120 women who have been employed in the Savings Bank Department for periods up to nine years are to be discharged on Saturday next and their places taken by girls; if he has personally investigated the facts, and will he withdraw the notices of discharge pending an inquiry into the whole of the circumstances?

108 of the remaining temporary women clerks in the Savings Bank Department have been given notice, the order of discharge being determined by the Savings Bank Substitution Committee, which was set up in pursuance of the First Report of the Lytton Committee. Some of the notices expired last week, but I suspended them so that I could investigate the matter personally. I am now inquiring into the possibility of finding useful work on which they can be employed for a time, and meanwhile all the notices have been suspended. [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!.]

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has completed his consideration of the question of offering alternative employment to ex-service clerks now under notice in his Department; and whether he is in a position to make any statement as to any resulting action which he is prepared to take?

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he can make any further statement with regard to the proposed dismissals of competent ex-service men from his Department; how many have received notice to go; and what, if any, alternative employment has been found for them?

I am happy to be able to state that I have arranged to offer alternative employment in London to the temporary clerks under notice of discharge at the end of the present month from regional offices who are desirous of, and can be recommended for, transfer. 95 of the 162 officers now under formal notice are desirous of, and have been recommended for, transfer, and of these 81 are at present stationed in the provinces. It is not yet possible for me to make any announcement on the general position, but I hope to be in a position to do so next week.

Will men who are transferred from the provinces receive the assistance usually given to permanent civil servants who are moving from one district to another or will they pay their own expenses?

I understand that is a question which does not com within, the administration of my Department.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air why only 25 per cent. of the authorised staff in the Department of Works and Buildings are on an established footing; whether he is aware that the whole of these posts were filled by established civil servants transferred from other Departments; and why is it not possible, after the lapse of so long a time, to grant security of tenure to the remainder of the suitably qualified technical ex-service men employed in this Department?

The answer to the first part of the question is that, in consequence of the abnormal conditions prevailing at the time when the Directorate of Works and Buildings was created, it was considered essential to restrict the established posts to 25 per cent. of the establishment. As regards the second part of the question, only about one third of the established personnel in the directorate were established before transfer to the Air Ministry from other Government Departments. In answer to the last part of the question, it is the intention to review the establishment during the next financial year and the question of the percentage of established posts will be considered concurrently.

also asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, seeing that it has been possible to secure establishment for the nine divisions of the secretariat where the posts are all filled by permanent civil servants, he will say why it has not been possible to secure an establishment for any of the technical branches of the Ministry where temporary ex-service men are employed; and what is the reason why paragraph 45 of the Third Report of the Lytton Committee has not been put into effect?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on the 13th instant to the hon. Member for Dartford (Mr. Mills).

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has refused to receive a deputation from the Cove branch of the British Legion, which is entirely composed of employés of the Royal Aircraft Establish- ment, Farnborough; whether he is aware that every one of his predecessors in office have received deputations from the British Legion; and whether it is his policy to refuse to allow the British Legion to state their case before him?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the last part of the question, I am of opinion that it is not in the interests of good administration that employés of the Department should be encouraged to approach Ministers by means of deputations from the British Legion or any other association until the grievances of which they complain have been dealt with by the machinery set up for the purpose, namely, the Whitley Councils, or, where the employés belong to a class who have elected not to avail themselves of the Whitley machinery, by representation through the officers under whom they are serving, in accordance with paragraph 18 of the Regulations for Civilian Employed at Air Ministry establishments.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the British Legion have no representation on the Whitley Councils, and is it his policy to force these men to go through the trade unions, instead of going through the British Legion, as they have done with every one of his predecessors?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the major part of the men in question are members of trade unions?

In reply to the Noble Lord, I cannot add to the answer, because I think It covers all the points raised.

Are we to understand that the Secretary of State for Air is receiving no deputations at all?

No, Sir.

Then is the hon. Gentleman differentiating between the British Legion and other associations?

I wish to receive deputations which represent the full interests concerned, rather than sectional interests.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the British Legion at the Royal Aircraft Establishment does represent a very definite interest, and that in the case of all previous Secretaries of State for Air it was found most useful to receive their representatives?

I prefer the new way of doing it.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that 90 per cent. of the unskilled and semi-skilled men at the Farnborough factory are ex-service men and members of the British Legion, and that, therefore, the British Legion is representative of their demands?

May I ask whether the marked disfavour which the hon. Gentleman shows towards the British Legion is on account of the fact that they served their country during the War?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give the total number of aliens at present residing in Great Britain, excluding Ireland; and if the Government have considered the question as to how far the residence of these aliens is detrimental to the housing, health, and comfort of the British people?

The total number of aliens above the age of 16 registered in Great Britain at the end of last year was 270,986. This number is much less than one per cent. of the total population, and consists mainly of persons who have long been resident in this country. The considerations suggested in the latter part of the question are more relevant to the admission of new-comers, and are given full weight in the administration of the law controlling alien immigration into this country.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the terms of the identification card issued to Press representatives, including Press photographers, by the Metropolitan and City Police; whether he will arrange that the present meaningless recommendation appearing on the identification card will be replaced by directions clearly stating what actual facilities are available to pressmen and photographers for the purpose of their profession?

I am aware of the terms of the card in question. It is a card of identity, and its object is to secure to the holder such facilities and assistance as it may be possible for the police to afford on any particular occasion. It would be quite impracticable to specify particular facilities which could be guaranteed on all occasions.

In view of what happened a week ago, will the right hon. Gentleman make arrangements whereby these identification cards may be produced, and facilities refused to those who do not produce them; and ( reading ) is he prepared to detail a police constable to help genuine pressmen and avoid these technical obstructions that occur, in respect of which a case was brought last week?

The hon. Member seems to have that question written down. I should like to see it first.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration, in the case of alleged infringements, whether such persons infringing, or said to be infringing, will get summoned to the Court, instead of being led off like pickpockets caught in the act?

asked the Home Secretary if he will provide police protection for tenants against forcible eviction in all cases where no alternative accommodation is available?

Where a competent court has given a landlord possession of a tenement, I have no power to prevent the order being carried out.

What is the position of people who have no alternative accommodation, and whose goods are put out on the street?

I am afraid that that does not rest with my Department.

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to introduce legislation concerning evictions in England on similar lines to the proposals he has promised to introduce in relation to Scotland?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the many evictions taking place throughout the country and the fact that considerable time will be required for the consideration of the Rent Restrictions Bill now before Standing Committee A, he will bring before the House a short Bill to make provision that suitable alternative accommodation shall be provided in all cases before eviction orders are granted by the courts?

This question is under consideration with a view to meeting that difficulty.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state when this matter will be introduced, having regard to the fact that the right hon. Gentleman has already promised legislation in regard to Scotland?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there was an adjournment of the Committee on the Rent Restrictions Bill this morning at the instigation of the hon. Gentleman opposite?

asked the Home Secretary if he will take steps to see that reasonable care is taken of prisoners' private clothes during terms of imprisonment?

Under existing instructions, reasonable care has to be taken. If any instance is quoted in which reasonable care has not been taken, it will be inquired into.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that on the 8th March the registration officer for Bristol refused the claim of 59 Great Western Railway Company's guards to be placed on the absent voters' list, despite the definite provision contained in paragraph 16 of Schedule 1 of the Representation of the People Act, 1918; and whether, seeing that the men concerned are mostly engaged with goods traffic, and that the nature of their work must make it difficult for them to exercise the franchise, he will have inquiry made with a view to informing the registration officer of the law in this respect?

I have communicated with the registration officer, and am informed by him that the evidence was to the effect that these men went away one day and came back the next, and that it was the practice of the railway company to make special arrangements to enable them to record their votes. In these circumstances, he was not satisfied that the condition laid down in the Act, that there is a probability that the men may be debarred from voting, was fulfilled. Whether the registration officer rightly applied the provision of the Act to these cases can only be determined by a Court.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in other cases, like North St. Pancras, where there are similar railway men, they are allowed to be registered as absent voters, whether away a day or a whole week?

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the case of ex-Inspector Syme; whether he proposes to set up a small Committee to inquire into the case; and, if so, who are the members of the Committee; what is their reference; and when they are expected to report to him?

This case is still under consideration; and I am not yet in a position to make any statement.

Is it not a fact that, since 1909, every Home Secretary has inquired into this case, and refused to reverse the decision of the Commissioners?

Is it not the case that when Mr. Winston Churchill was Home Secretary he offered to reinstate this man in a reduced category in the same force?

Is it not a fact that ex-Inspector Syme refused that offer of the Home Secretary?

He wants full reinstatement.

In reference to the supplementary questions, the answer in both cases is in the affirmative.

asked the Home Secretary the number of licences which have been withdrawn in England and Wales on grounds of redundancy since the Licensing Act of 1904, and the number of registered clubs which have been established in the same period?

Full information on this subject is contained in the Annual Licensing Statistics. The volume for 1922 shows that, out of some 18,009 on licences extinguished since January, 1905, 13,531 were extinguished under the compensation provisions first enacted in the Licensing Act of 1904. During the same period registered clubs increased by about 4,534—from 6,589 to about 11,123.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the drink consumption in clubs is far less than the general consumption outside?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Mr. W. J. Francis, a working engineer, of Highgate, was summoned for jury service at the Old Bailey on 26th February last; that between that date and 7th March he attended by order on five separate days, during which he only served upon one jury for two hours; that although he lost £5 6s. in wages he received neither payment nor expenses; and whether he will take steps to reimburse this man for his loss of wages?

I profoundly regret there are no funds at my disposal for reimbursing jurors for such pecuniary loss as they may sustain through discharging this public duty.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the inconvenience and obstruction to overtaking traffic and the danger caused by sudden swerving, he will take the necessary steps to enforce reflectors being carried on the off-side of all motor vehicles; and whether he will take steps making it compulsory for rear lights or red reflectors to be carried on cycles?

I have been asked to answer this question. I am not satisfied that the advantages alleged to be obtained from the carrying of reflectors on all motor vehicles are such as to justify a compulsory requirement. It would require legislation to give effect to the proposal contained in the second part of the question, and when it is decided to introduce a Bill dealing generally with the lighting of road vehicles, I will carefully consider this point.

Will the hon. Gentleman remember that this is a question of protecting human life as against a little personal inconvenience, and may I have the opportunity of talking the matter over with him? I feel very strongly on this question.

I shall be pleased to have a talk with the hon. Member.

asked the Home Secretary if he has received a copy of a resolution passed by the Surrey County Council to the effect that all bicycles and push-carts should carry a rear red light or suitable red reflector; and whether he is pepared to take action in the matter?

I have been asked to answer this question. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. It would require legislation to give effect to the proposal made, and when it is decided to introduce a Bill dealing generally with lights on road vehicles, I will carefully consider this point.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that first-offender prisoners are in association in London prisons with second-division prisoners having previous convictions; and whether he will take immediate steps to have all London first-offender prisoners transferred to one of the London prisons which has a separate wing suitable for their accommodation in which it will be impossible for them to come into association with past offenders?

The Prison Commissioners have now under consideration a scheme for transferring offenders of good previous character in London to a prison with a separate wing, and they hope to be able to carry it into effect before long.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this matter has been under consideration for a very long time, and that nothing is done, and that in the meantime all these first offenders are in association in prison with men who have been in prison before?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that those charged with a first offence in a police court are then frequently unable from ignorance of the procedure of the courts or nervousness to state the nature of their defence or the circumstances in which they were at the time of the alleged offence being committed; whether, in the case, at any rate, of those against whom no previous offence is recorded, he will arrange that the defendant is allowed to have an interview in the cells with the probation officer before going before the magistrate or magistrates; and whether he will take the necessary steps to ensure that, in the case of the first offender, the report of the probation officer shall be obtained, and be before the magistrate or magistrates before any conviction is recorded?

I believe that magistrates are always ready to give special consideration to ignorant or nervous defendants, but if any further assistance for such persons were required, the suggestion of the hon. Member is not one which I could support. It would in my opinion be wrong to employ probation officers in the manner suggested. I agree with the opinion expressed on this point by the Departmental Committee on the Probation of Offenders Act, 1907, which reported in 1909, and I would refer the hon. Member to paragraph 36 of the copy which I have sent him.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, although he may be under the impression that magistrates everywhere do their duty in these respects, on many occasions men go to prison without having had any assistance whatever in their defence?

If the hon. Member will call my attention to any particular case, I will inquire into it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why it is impossible to obtain a report from the probation officers?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the provision for supplying poor prisoners with legal aid in the preparation and conduct of their defence on trial at assizes or quarter sessions is contingent on their disclosing the nature of their defence before the committing magistrates; that the fact that there is a right to defence at the public expense is not disclosed to the defendant before he goes into the dock, except in so far as it appears on a cell card, which is not usually brought to his notice; and whether, in future, instructions will be given which will insure that the conditions under which such legal aid is given are disclosed by the committing magistrates before committing and also disclosed by a printed notice in the dock itself?

The cell cards are prominently displayed and are very explicit; but further steps will be taken to see that all prisoners are acquainted with the conditions under which they can obtain legal assistance.

asked the Home Secretary whether, seeing that the matches known as "Remember" matches offered for sale by the Disabled Soldiers' and Sailors' Match Industry, 104, High Ho]born, W.C.1, are not in fact manufactured in this country by disabled soldiers and sailors, he will give instruc- tions to the police to see that the public are not victimised by charitable appeals on fraudulent grounds?

The police have already had their attention called to this matter, and I am sure it can safely be left to them to take action if facts come to their knowledge which would warrant criminal proceedings.

asked the Prime Minister when the Treaty of 10th October, 1922, between His Majesty's Government and the Government of King Feisal will be brought before this House for ratification; whether it has been ratified by the Assembly at Bagdad; and what has been the reason up to now why this Treaty has not been ratified?

It has already been stated by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister that the Treaty with King Feisal, with the Protocol of April, 1923, and subsidiary agreements, will be submitted to the House before ratification. I am unable to give a date. The Treaty has still to be accepted by the Iraq Constituent Assembly, which has not yet held its first meeting.

asked the Prime Minister if he will introduce legislation making illegal the raising of prices of food and essentals during periods of strikes and lock-outs?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the Prime Minister in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Thanet (Mr. Harms-worth) on the 20th February.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the order issued by the American Inter-State Commerce Commission giving preferential rates to American goods carried on American railways when intended for export and preferential rates if shipped in American vessels; and whether, as this will mean that British vessels will be compelled to make their east-bound voyages without cargoes, he will make representations on the matter, or whether, alternatively, he will take steps to make similar regulations for ships sailing for America from British ports?

My attention has been drawn to the Order referred to in the question, and the matter is being carefully considered.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Order is in direct contravention of the principle that there should be no discrimination against Britain, and will he call the attention of the League of Nations to the matter?

I think the matter is rather one of argument.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bring the matter before the League of Nations?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will refer to the tribunal about to be set up to consider the claims of ex-ranker officers to an increase of pension the claims of ex-acting paymasters?

In so far as the question relates to officers who were ranker pensioners when they were given temporary commissions in the Royal Army Pay Corps, their claims will be considered in common with other ranker pensioners who held temporary commissions. As regards other classes of acting paymasters, the fact that they were engaged on a civilian contract and that they were at no time members of the Army clearly puts their case outside the scope of the proposed committee.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that they deny the fact of civilian occupation?

I shall inquire into that denial.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state the precise terms of the reference to the committee or tribunal?

Is it not a fact that the Prime Minister said that this inquiry was limited to persons who had combatant service?

That statement is consistent with my answer.

asked the Prime Minister whether, before the House rises for the Easter Recess, he can make any further statement as to the Government's policy to help agriculture?

Until the Government has considered the Final Report of the Agricultural Tribunal of Investigation, which it is hoped to receive within the next few weeks, I do not contemplate that any further general statement with regard to agricultural policy will be possible.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that none of the proposals made so far with regard to agriculture would in the least assist either the small farmer of arable land or his men; therefore will he expedite his inquiries?

Does the Government intend to take action on any of the proposals of the Agricultural Tribunal which have already been made?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there was a promise made by the Minister of Agriculture that he would bring in a Measure for an Agricultural Wages Board immediately?

I think the reply I gave to the main question is an answer to the points of the supplementary questions.

Are we to understand that a Bill dealing with an Agricultural Wages Board will be introduced before Easter as promised by the Minister of Agriculture?

That had better be put to the Minister of Agriculture.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in regard to the curtailment of the naval programme of the Government as compared with that of the late Government, he will agree to leave the decision to a free vote of the House, including the question of five or eight cruisers?

No, Sir; the Government are not prepared to adopt this course.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government was consulted by the banks and/or by the French Government with reference to the credit recently advanced by banking institutions in this country to support the French exchange; and whether he can state the amount of the credit so advanced?

No, Sir; the London market is open to borrowers, and it is the established practice of successive Governments not to intervene in its transactions. I have no special information as to the last part of the question.

Does the French Government owe any money to the Bank of England?

I am not in a position to reply to that question.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is his intention to close the industrial school at Quakers' Yard; and whether, seeing that all the contributing authorities to the school have protested against the proposal of the Home Office to close the school, he will defer any such action until he has interviewed the representatives of the authorities concerned?

It has been decided to close the Quakers' Yard Industrial School, because the amount of accommodation for children in schools of this character is much greater than is required. Any representations which the managers or local authorities desire to make to me will receive careful consideration.

asked the Home Secretary whether the action of certain registrars in admitting conscientious objectors to the Parliamentary Register prior to the conclusion of the period of disfranchisement applying to such men has been brought to his notice; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take to enforce the law on the subject?

No, Sir; I am not aware of any instances in which registration officers have admitted to the Parliamentary Register conscientious objectors disqualified under Section 9 of the Representation of the People Act, 1918.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware of the reports of this matter that have appeared in the public Press—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speak up!"]—of the protests that have been made, and that one registrar at least has refused to admit these men until their period of disfranchisement has expired?

I have no power to interfere when a man's name has been placed upon the register of electors.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the conditions of the sisters' quarters in Holloway Prison; and whether he will make inquiry and, if necessary, take immediate steps to remedy the state of their accommodation, especially in their sleeping apartments?

Special accommodation was prepared for the nurses at Holloway Prison and, so far as the Prison Commissioners are aware, no complaint has been made about them, although the prison representative officer provides a regular channel through which such representations can be submitted.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has recently received any representations from Mr. Inkpen, the secretary of the Communist party, concerning certain correspondence; and whether he has taken any action in the matter?

I have received communications from Mr. Inkpen with regard to the stopping of certain correspondence in the post. It would be contrary to the public interest to state what action I have or have not taken in such a case.

Is there any truth in the statement made by this gentleman that the right hon. Gentleman has relaxed any of the precautions taken by his predecessors?

I have nothing to add to what I have already said.

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to carry out the policy of his predecessors in interfering with the private correspondence of citizens of this country?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman had better wait and see.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been directed to the decision in the Courts to the effect that where redemption is secured of a weekly payment under the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1906, section one of the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1923, which provides for the continued payment of the additional compensation conferred by the Workmen's Compensation (War Addition) Act, does not apply; and whether he can take action to secure that the intention of Parliament, when section one of last year's Act was passed, shall be made operative?

I am aware of one such case. It was undoubtedly intended by the Act of 1923 to confer on every workman injured before the commencement of the Act the right to the continued payment of the War addition during total disablement, whether or not his weekly payments under the Act of 1906 have been commuted, and if it were finally decided by the Courts in a contrary sense amending legislation would have to be considered. The matter must, however, first be authoritatively determined on appeal.

asked the Home Secretary what was the amount paid in premiums to insurance companies to insure against all risks under the Workmen's Compensation Acts for the year 1923 in the coal-mining industry; and the amount paid out by these insurance companies during the same year as compensation for accidents to miners injured or to their relatives for miners killed in the coalmining industry?

I regret that the information asked for in the first part of the question is not available. As regards the second part, the collective returns furnished by the insurance companies on behalf of the employers insured with them are not yet all in. When they have all been received and tabulated, I could, if desired, state the amount paid in compensation in this industry by those companies which furnish returns.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can make any statement concerning the period of summer time this year?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to questions on this subject on the 13th instant. As I stated then, I propose to make a statement upon the whole matter when the hon. Member's Bill on the subject comes on; and perhaps he would confer with me in the meantime.

asked the Home Secretary if he will give the number of young persons under 16 years of age convicted of murder or treason for the years 1894–1908, and the number convicted of the same offences during 1909–23?

In England and Wales no person under 16 was convicted of treason in either period. In the first period, 1894 to 1908, one was convicted of murder; in the second period, 1909–1923, six were convicted. Special verdicts of guilty but insane are not included.

asked the Home Secretary the number of hours per week worked by temporary officers in His Majesty's prisons?

The hours of temporary officers employed by day vary from 8 to 10 a day, and those of the night patrols are 10.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received representations from any workers' organisations to bring machinery used on farms and nurseries within the Factory Act Rules and Regulations; and, if so, what action does he propose to take in the matter?

Certain representations have been received. The safeguarding of machinery used in agricultural and horticultural work does not come within the scope of the Factory Acts, and I doubt if it would be possible to apply the Factory Act system to such work. The Home Office is in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture as to the possibility of further steps being taken to secure the safeguarding of machinery used in farms and nurseries.

asked the Home Secretary how many prisons there are in the country specially reserved for women prisoners, and where they are situated; whether women are kept in any prisons where men prisoners are detained; and, if so, how many prisons are so used?

With the hon. Member's permission I will circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

There are 16 prisons and one Borstal institution into which female prisoners are received. They are situated in the following places:

Birmingham.

Cardiff.

Durham.

Exeter.

Holloway.

Hull.

Leeds.

Maidstone.

Liverpool.

Manchester.

Newcastle.

Norwich.

Nottingham.

Portsmouth.

Preston.

Winchester.

Aylesbury.

One prison (Holloway) and one Borstal institution (Aylesbury) receive female prisoners only.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he has withdrawn the circular issued by his predecessor limiting the amount local education authorities may spend on school meals; and whether local education authorities may now exercise their complete discretion in providing meals for necessitous school children and receive assistance from the Board of Education in payment of the same?

For a statement of my right hon. Friend's attitude upon this matter, I may refer the hon. Member to the reply which he gave on the 14th February last to my hon. Friend the Member for the Northern Division of St. Pancras (Mr. Marley). A copy of that reply has been circulated to all local education authorities.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will reconsider the position of teachers who served in the Friends Ambulance Unit during the War and others who were captured by the enemy and interned, with a view to permitting the period when they were serving the nation to count for increment and placing these men at any rate in a position not less favourable than those teachers who did not enlist?

The conditions upon which the Board are prepared to recognise for grant the counting of war service in the calculation of salary are stated in Circulars 1227 and 1318, copies of which are being sent to my hon. Friend. The position of the teachers to whom he refers was carefully considered at a very recent date when Circular 1318 was in preparation, and my right hon. Friend regrets that he is not in a position to re-open the matter.

Is it not extremely unfair to teachers who join the Army, many of whom were captured and interned by the enemy, that they cannot have these periods counted for the grant, while other teachers who did not so enlist are permitted to have this grant?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in innumerable cases the local authorities have thrown over this system of counting for service, and giving grants in addition to the salaries, and that the whole scheme has been thrown over in many instances?

I will refer those points to my right hon. Friend.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in the case of members of the unit referred to serving under the British Red Cross, a number of them lost their lives in the service of the wounded, and that these teachers went through the same risk and served without pay the whole time, and is that not worthy of consideration?

All these points have already been considered very carefully by my right hon. Friend, and I regret that I cannot add anything to my answer

asked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware that since inducements were held out to young people in 1920 to enter the teaching profession conditions have greatly changed; and whether, in view of the changed prospects and the unemployment among teachers, he can see his way to release teachers who have received State grants towards University training from their obligations of repayment of such grants that they may be able to find other employment?

My right hon. Friend is well aware of the difficulties which have arisen in connection with the unemployment among teachers, and he hopes they may be less serious in the future. He would, however, point out that the undertaking which the teachers signed provided for their release from any financial obligation in respect of any period during which they were unable to find employment as teachers.

asked the President of the Board of Education what has become of the payments received from teachers under the Superannuation Act of 1922, which fixed a yearly contribution of 5 per cent. on each teacher's salary until 1925 towards the cost of superannuation provided for by the Act of 1918; and what is the total amount so received?

The sums received under the School Teachers (Superannuation) Act, 1922, are applied as Appropriations-in-Aid of the moneys provided by Parliament for the expenses of the Board of Education. The Act operated from the 1st June, 1922, and the contributions received by the Board in 1922–23 (10 months) were £2,070,391 9s. 5d. The contributions to be received by the Board in the current year will amount to about £2,400,000.

I beg to give notice that at the first possible opportunity, I shall ask the House to take notice of this matter.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he proposes to introduce superannuation legislation based upon the Report of the Emmott Committee; and, if so, when?

The matter is receiving consideration, and my right hon. Friend is not at present in a position to make a statement upon it.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the present system lapses in June or July of this year, and what steps will he take immediately to relieve the anxieties of the teachers on this subject?

That point is being kept in mind.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he is now in a position to state whether the Board will hold the acting teachers' certificate examination after November, 1924?

My right hon. Friend regrets that he can add nothing to the reply ho gave, on the 14th February last, to the hon. Members for Thornbury (Mr. Rendall) and Wednesbury (Mr. Short).

Will the hon. Gentleman have regard to the necessities of the teachers concerned, who hardly know for what examination they should now prepare?

My right hon. Friend is awaiting the Report of the Departmental Committee on the training of teachers.