asked the Secretary for Mines the amount of profits in the mining industry for the year 1923 and the amount of capital invested in the industry?

Profits in the coalmining industry for the calendar year 1923 were approximately £26,150,000. I have no means of ascertaining the amount of capital.

asked the Secretary for Mines what is the total capital invested in the mining industries of Great Britain; what has been the total net profit of the mineowners during the last five years; and what those earnings represent in dividends to the shareholders in the industry?

On the basis of evidence given on behalf of the Board of Inland Revenue before the Coal Industry Commission the capital invested in coal mines may be estimated to have been roughly £180,000,000 when control ended on the 31st March, 1921. I have no means of bringing this estimate up to date. The profits of the last five years were given in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Aberdare (Mr. G. Hall) on Monday; but I do not know how much of them was applied in paying dividends. Nor have I any information about the capital and profits of other mining industries. I regret, therefore, that I am unable to give the hon. Member the rest of the information for which he asks.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of fatal and non-fatal accidents in mines for the year 1923?

There were 1,162 fatal accidents in which 1,308 persons were killed. I have not the figures of non-fatal accidents yet.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the increase of 2s., 5s., and more per ton of pithead coal in the Bristol district have been accompanied by any increase in the miners' wage rates?

No, Sir. Current wages are determined by reference to the trading results of November and December last, as provided in the National Agreement.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that, in the Bristol district, the price of coal at the pithead has risen 2s., 5s., and more per ton since 1st December, 1923; and whether he will inquire into these increases with a view to safeguarding the consumer?

As my hon. Friend is probably aware, I am already going into the general question of the price of household coal to the consumer.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give figures showing the comparative cash earnings of colliery workers in 1914, and at the most recent period for which such figures are available, discriminating between the various higher and lower paid groups of workers?

Particulars of the earnings of various classes of colliery workpeople in June, 1914, were supplied by the Mining Association to the Coal Industry Commission and were published in Appendix 49 to their Report. I have no comparable figures relating to a recent period, but the National Board for the Coal Industry are at present conducting an inquiry, and I hope that the results will be available shortly.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the continuous increases in the price of coal, he proposes to seek from this House those powers which he thinks necessary to enable him to deal effectively with those who are responsible for such increases?

This matter is still under consideration, and I cannot make any definite statement until my inquiries are completed.

asked the Secretary for Mines if the propaganda by advertisement now being made in the columns of the Press by the coal owners is chargeable in any way as a legitimate on-cost on the industry before the share allocated as wages to the mine workers is fixed?

No, Sir. Contributions by colliery owners to trade associations, out of which expenditure of this sort is presumably defrayed, are not treated as a charge on the industry for the purpose of wages ascertainments.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is now in a position to state whether he proposes to take any steps to amend Section 67 of the Coal Mines Act so that no person may be employed in an atmosphere containing 2½ per cent. or upward of inflammable gas?

I have given careful consideration to this matter in consultation with my technical and legal advisers, and propose to take legal proceedings under Section 67 against the Maltby Main Colliery, not on the grounds that criminal prosecution is required in respect of anything done or omitted to be done, but solely with a view to obtaining an authoritative pronouncement on the proper interpretation of the law. When that has been settled the further steps to be taken, if any, will be considered.

asked the President of the Board of Education what assistance he can give to those schools who wish to visit the British Empire Exhibition, but may be prevented from doing so by high train fares?

I may refer the hon. Gentleman to Circular 1327, which was issued by the Board yesterday, and a copy of which I am sending to him.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many students were in attendance at technical institutions in England and Wales during session 1913–14 and session 1922–23, respectively; of these, what percentage, in each of the sessions named, were free students; what restrictions, if any, are put upon rewarding good attendance, perseverance, or outstanding merit by prizes in the form of money, books, or instruments, or in the form of remission of fees; and whether he has any information as to the number of students attending technical schools in Germany now and before the War, respectively, and, of these, what percentage are wholly or partly aided by the Government?

The hon. Member will find on page 153 of the Volume of Statistics of Public Education for the year 1920–21 a table giving the numbers of students taking the various types of technical school courses for a number of school years including 1913–14, the latest year being 1920–21. Detailed information about the year 1920–21 is given in Tables 116–125 and in Tables 133–149 of the same volume, a copy of which I am placing in the Library of the House. The figures for 1922–23 have not yet been assembled, but the figures for 1921–22 are as follows:

asked the President of the Board of Education if his attention has been drawn to a decision of the Rhondda Education Committee making it an essential condition of employment that all teachers must belong to a certain specified trade union of teachers; and if his Department has sanctioned this decision?

I understand that in 1921 the Rhondda Local Education Authority passed a resolution that no person should thereafter be employed who was not a member or did not become a member of the National Union of Teachers through its local branch or of some other recognised trade union or association. The Board have not been asked to sanction this resolution.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he has yet received the Report of the Departmental Committee on the training of teachers?

The Committee has not yet completed its inquiry.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he can make a statement as to any negotiations proceeding with the Canadian Government, so as to arrange for services rendered by English teachers in Canada and by Canadian teachers in Great Britain mutually to be recognised for the purpose of salary increments?

I may refer the Noble Lord to the reply I gave on the 17th March last to the Noble Lady the Member for Kinross and West Perth (Duchess of Atholl).

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware of the fact that, of the grant of £10,000 recently made for resurfacing unclassified roads in the island of Lewis, only a very small sum of the £1,600 earmarked for the parish of Lochs has been expended; and, in view of the need for employment and relief in that parish, whether he will ask the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, who control the expenditure, to employ more men on the resurfacing of unclassified roads?

I am inquiring as to the facts, and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware of the fact that in the Island of Lewis, where grants were made available for resurfacing classified and unclassified roads and for the reconstruction of bridges, the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, who have assumed control, have, notwithstanding the urgent need for employment and the serious State of disrepair into which the roads have fallen, up to 26th February, 1924, only expended a sum of £9,000 out of a total grant of £30,000, and have only employed 1,200 men, while if the various branches of work were proceeded with simultaneously work would be found for over 4,000 men who are at present unemployed and in need; that the grant for classified roads was offered on the understanding that it will be expended before 15th May next and, despite numerous representations by the local authority to employ more men and to expedite the work, the Board of Agriculture have not done so; and will he recognise the urgency of the matter by making inquiries with a view to immediate action?

I am making inquiries into these matters and will communicate with the hon. Member at soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is satisfied with the conditions of labour in connection with the carrying out of the contract for a supplementary water supply by the town council of Kinghorn; whether the terms of contract include any stipulation as to the employment of local labour and the payment of district rates of wages, and if the terms of contract are being observed by the contractors, the Clydeside Constructional Company, Limited; and if he will cause inquiry to be made into the manner in which men recruited through the local Employment Exchange are being treated in respect of rates of wages by the contractors' representative?

The work referred to is being carried out with the promise of assistance from the unemployment grants committee, and the usual condition regarding the recruitment of local labour, including, in this case, labour from Kirkcaldy, applies. I am aware that some difficulty has arisen regarding the rates of wages proposed to be paid by the contractor to unskilled workpeople. Inquiry is being made into the matter, and I will communicate the result to my hon. Friend in due course.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of children and young persons under and over the age of 16, respectively, at present enrolled in present cost of the centres?

During the week ending 12th March the average daily attendance of juveniles between the ages of 14–18 at juvenile unemployment centres was 6,289. Of this number about 5,100 were over the age of 16. The actual cost of the centres cannot be given until the final accounts are received from local education authorities. On the basis of the estimates supplied by the authorities it is anticipated that the cost for the seven months ending 17th April will not exceed £50,000, of which 75 per cent. will fall to be borne by the Exchequer.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the King's Roll Committee for Brentford have decided to adjourn sine die , and that other committees are considering taking the same action, in view of their refusal to agree to the requirements of the training department of the King's Roll National Council to collect locally sums of money to start business for disabled men before any consideration of grants can be made; and can he give any reason for the delays in considering the recommendation the King's Roll committees made on behalf of disabled men?

In accordance with the recommendation of the King's Roll National Council, one condition of the grants-in-aid of the employment of severely disabled ex-service men is that financial support shall be available locally in aid of any undertaking applying for grant. I regret to say that Brentford committee were not prepared to accept this condition. At a conference on 19th February, they were informed that it coud not be waived, and they adjourned sine die . Since the issue to the committee of the new regulations for grants there has been no avoidable delay in dealing with their proposals.

asked the Minister of Health if he has further considered the question of obtaining information concerning the number of ex-service men now in workhouses or receiving out-door relief, or in other ways supported by the Poor Law authorities; and whether, if such information is obtainable, he could give some approximate date at which it will be available to Members of the House?

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend proposes to ask the guardians to supply him with such information as they can readily give. He cannot at present say when it will be available, but it will be obtained as soon as possible. It will probably take six weeks to collect.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, when the Southborough Committee issue a Report, he will be prepared to treat the accepted recommendations of the Report as retrospective, so as to apply to ex-service clerks dismissed from his Department previous to the issue of the Report?

This question appears to be one for the Southborough Committee itself to consider in the first instance.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether sufficient time has elapsed to enable his Department to express any definite opinion upon the work and calibre of the Lytton entrants now in the Civil Service; and whether they have proved themselves up to the requisite standard?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; and I am therefore not yet in a position to give an answer to the second part.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will give an undertaking to replace women clerks holding posts in the various Departments of the Civil Service by competent temporary ex-service men, so that they can be absorbed without being discharged; and whether he will refrain from engaging any new entrants until these men are placed?

The great majority of the women temporarily employed in Government Departments have already been discharged in pursuance of the policy of preference for ex-service men. As will be seen by a reference to paragraph 8 of their Second Interim Report, the Southborough Committee were satisfied in July last that the scope for further substitution amongst the temporary women employées was extremely limited. The number of these women has been substantially reduced since that date, and I doubt whether the process of substitution can be carried much further. As regards the latter part of the question, I would refer to the answer which I gave on the 17th March to the hon. Member for Dart-ford (Mr. Mills).

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that on the 25th and 26th October, 1923, examinations were held in his Department in London for permanent staff positions; that, as a result of advertisement, nearly 700 members of his temporary staff sat for examination, travelling from all parts of the country, including Scotland and Northern Ireland, paying their own fares and expenses and an entrance fee of 10s.; that, although 108 were passed as qualified, it has since transpired that only two were required; in what position these two men stood on the list of qualified candidates; whether, in view of these facts, he can offer any position to the remaining 106, or is he prepared to consider the refunding to them of their railway fares, expenses, and entrance fees; and will he issue instructions that in future advertisements the number of possible vacancies is stated?

I have been asked to reply, as the competition in question appears to be that for the administrative class limited to ex-service men employed in a temporary capacity. The hon. Member is, I think, under a misapprehension as to the facts, which are explained in the answer I gave yesterday to the hon. and gallant Member for Lewisham East (Lieut.-Colonel Pownall), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Pensions (1) how many dependants' pensions have been reduced by the Circular alleging that earnings of the deceased soldier were not as he stated when joining the Army;

I regret that the figures asked for are not readily available. I have no authority to restore a rate of pension which has been ascertained to have been based on incorrect facts. I would, however, remind my hon. Friend that I have made arrangements-for enabling pensioners who are dissatisfied with the grounds on which a reduction has been made to have their objections carefully and sympathetically considered. The procedure in this matter is outlined in the answer given on the 18th February to the hon. Member for East Bristol (Mr. Baker), of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is prepared to lay down the rule for the guidance of medical boards under the Ministry that where, by reason of a wound disability, a man is permanently unable to follow his pre-War employment he shall not be classified as only a minor disability of less than 20 per cent. assessment and discharged from the pension list with a final weekly allowance?

I have no authority to accept this suggestion—disablement pension is awarded without reference to previous occupation. I could not recommend a return to the earlier method which obtained before my Department was established and under which the award of disablement pension was based on earning capacity. That system was generally condemned as leading to grave inequalities and injustices.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will have the decision revised in the case of Mr. W. G. Lambe, reference No. 11/M/209,293, 32, Henrietta Road, N.15 which gives 15 to 19 per cent. D.A.H.; and whether, seeing that Mr. Lambe has not been able to work since 1920, he will increase his assessment to 20 per cent., in accordance with the decision at Orpington in May, 1923, and grant him a conditional pension based on that 20 per cent.?

I have not yet been able to complete my inquiries into this case, but I will communicate with my hon. Friend at an early date.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he can now make a statement in reference to the proposed dismissals or transfer from the Ministry of Pensions in Scotland; and whether it is intended to retain the Pensions Issue Office in Scotland?

I am glad to inform the hon. and gallant Member that I have been able to offer alternative employment in London to the temporary clerks under notice of discharge at the end of the present month from the Scotland region who are desirous of, and can be recommended for, transfer. It is not in contemplation to remove the Pensions Issue Office from Edinburgh.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if it will be necessary to construct new aerodromes to accommodate the contemplated increase in the Air Force; if so, whether such aerodromes will be inland or on the coast; and if any of the inland aerodromes built during the War have escaped subsequent destruction and can be utilised?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; to the second, that the majority of the aerodromes will be inland but a few will be required near the coast. As regards the last part of the question, some of the War-time aerodromes are in existence and will be re-opened in preference to acquiring new sites wherever this course is the more economical and meets defence requirements.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in the allocation of the new cruiser-building programme, every effort will be made to place orders in the Clyde yards?

Firms on the Clyde capable of building a cruiser have been invited to tender. The allocation cannot be forecasted, but will be decided after receipt of the tenders and full consideration of all the relevant factors.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if any steps are being taken to dispose of the Royal Naval ammunition factory at Alexandria, Dumbartonshire; and, if so, when such disposal shall take place and on what conditions?

I have been asked to reply. I understand that the Disposal and Liquidation Commission are taking, and have taken, all possible steps to sell this factory. It has been extensively advertised in London, Scottish, provincial and trade papers. The Commission is prepared to dispose of this property immediately a suitable offer is obtained. The terms of sale would be a matter for discussion and agreement with the prospective purchaser.

asked the Prime Minister in view of the abandonment of the Singapore base extension as a contribution by this country to the scheme of co-operative disarmament by all countries, if he can state whether he has approached any other countries in an attempt to obtain some equivalent before deciding to abandon a British scheme desired by the Colonies most interested; and, if he has approached any other countries, if he can state which and with what result?

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the statement made by the Prime Minister in the course of the Debate on Tuesday last.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the naval expenditure of each one of the Dominions and other portions of the British Empire, including the Irish Free State and Ulster; and what is the total value in sterling of the import and export trade of each one of these Dominions and other portions of the Empire, respectively?

I have been asked to answer this question.

A. Naval Expenditure .

The amounts provided in the Estimates of the under-mentioned parts of the Empire for the year 1923–24 were:—

Canada. —$1,515,500.

Australia. —£2,086,875.

New Zealand .—£338,699 (exclusive of contribution of £100,000 towards the cost of Singapore base and loan charges in connection with H.M.S. "New Zealand").

Union of South Africa .—£71,949.

India .—Amount provided for net charges under that head "Marine" approximately £500,000, inclusive of a contribution of £100,000 to the Admiralty towards the expenses of His Majesty's ships employed in Indian seas, etc.

As regards the Irish Free State, I would refer the hon. Member to Article 6 of the Articles of Agreement for a Treaty between Great Britain and Ireland (Cmd. 1560). Northern Ireland, being part of the United Kingdom, contributes to British naval expenditure in the same way as other parts.

B. Imports and Exports .

The following are the statistics for the year 1923:—

No statistics are available for the Irish Free State.

asked the Postmaster-General, with reference to mail subsidies, why British mail subsidised vessels home-bound are allowed to call first at foreign ports, thus delaying the delivery of mails in this country, and allowing foreign countries to benefit by both earlier deliveries of mails as well as passengers?

As regards ships which are under contract to the Post Office for the homeward voyage, the terminal port and the ports of call are specified in the contract. But where the mail contract relates only to the outward voyage, such as on the North American routes, I have no control over the homeward voyage.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will take steps to restore the London Directory for the use of the public at the head office, St. Martin's-le-Grand?

The Post Office does not undertake to supply directories or other unofficial books of references for the use of the public, and I regret I cannot make an exception in this particular case.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that on the 2nd and 9th February, 1921, registered letters were addressed to the Board of Control in Lunacy by a sometime voluntary boarder at St. Andrew's Hospital, Northampton, urgently requesting information concerning irregularities officially admitted; that, as no reply was received to either of these letters, the writer instructed her solicitor to apply to the board in the matter, whereupon the board wrote in reply, on 11th August, 1921, that they had no information in their possession which would enable them to answer the inquiries; and that one of the items of information stated not to be in the board's possession was the name of the magistrate who on 15th May, 1917, had an interview with this lady at St. Andrew's under the terms of Section 8 of the Lunacy Act, 1890, and who under this Section also was required to send a report of the interview to the Board of Control; and will he inquire why the board condones the offence against the Act exhibited in this magistrate's omission to send a report and direct that a full investigation be held into the matter and properly disciplinary measures taken?

The records of the Board of Control show that they received a report from the judicial authority as required by Section 8 of the Lunacy Act, 1890, and the question of condonation of any offence does not, therefore, arise. My right hon. Friend understands that the solicitor's letter of the 11th August, 1921, asked for information on a number of points in regard to which the board had no information. They, of course, knew the name of the judicial authority who made the report, but this they did not feel free to disclose.

asked the Secretary for Scotland the total number of new houses erected in Scotland under the post-War Housing Acts, and the total sum paid, or to be paid, out of national revenues, as distinct from local rates, in respect of them; and also similar information as regards new small holdings made in Scotland under the post-War small holdings legislation?

The total number of new houses erected in Scotland under the post-War Housing Acts is 24,021. The total sum paid or to be paid out of national revenues up to 31st March next in respect of these houses is £2,542,516. Under post-War legislation sanction has been given to schemes which will provide for 2,060 new small holdings and 1,065 enlargements, of which 1,556 new holdings and 782 enlargements have been formed and handed over to settlers. It is estimated that the gross expenditure to be incurred by the State in respect of these 3,125 holders will be approximately £2,600,000.

asked the Minister of Health if he is prepared to issue regulations giving power to local authorities to determine the rental of all houses in their districts for which the subsidy has been claimed and paid?

As far as houses are built by local authorities under the Housing Act, 1923, the rents to be charged are determined by those authorities; as regards other houses for which subsidy has been paid under the Act, my right hon. Friend has no power to issue such regulations as my hon. Friend contemplates.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the prospect of new £500 houses being let at 9s. a week is causing great uncertainty as to the whole housing question, and is delaying the building of new houses; whether he will explain what rents are proposed in urban districts; and whether he will make a statement as to the Government's general intentions as regards rents to be charged both for existing and new houses?

I am afraid that I cannot make any announcement on the points to which the hon. Member refers, in anticipation of the general statement which I shall have to make on the Government's housing proposals.

asked the Minister of Health the number of unoccupied dwelling-houses in England and Wales; and what steps he proposes to take in his Housing Bill to secure their use to relieve the present overcrowding?

Statistics are not available as to the number of unoccupied dwelling-houses in England and Wales, but 218,833 structurally separate dwellings were vacant on the night of the 1921 Census. These dwellings, however, were not all necessarily untenanted and include dwellings unoccupied through the temporary absence of the usual occupier. As regards the last part of the question my right hon. Friend suggests that the hon. Member should await the housing proposals of the Government.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the £6 subsidy payable under the Housing Act of 1923 is inadequate to meet the circumstances in rural districts, especially those rural districts where local building materials are not readily obtainable and the cost of transit of such materials renders building almost impossible; and, in order to assist the erection of houses in rural districts, will the Government consider the question of increasing the subsidy?

The question of housing in rural areas is being considered in connection with the general proposals of the Government for dealing with the housing question.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that since the Prime Minister made his statement with reference to the £500 house and 9s. per week rent, housing schemes have been held up pending a definite statement as to the subsidy to be paid by the Government so as to make that possible; when such statement may be expected; and whether houses started subsequent to that statement will be eligible for the increased subsidy?

The numbers of houses in schemes of local authorities which are being submitted do not support the view expressed in the first part of the question. As regards the second part of the question, a statement of the Government's housing proposals will be made as soon as it can possibly be made. As regards the third part of the question, my right hon Friend could not properly give any undertaking till the House has considered those proposals.

asked the Minister of Health the number of tenants of houses ejected under warrants issued during and since August, 1923?

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

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that 8,000 evictions are due to take place in Bristol by the 25th instant; and whether he will take immediate steps to safeguard the interests of these tenants?

According to the latest information in my possession the number of orders for possession in Bristol is very much less than the number suggested by my hon. Friend. With regard to the latter part of the question, I cannot at the moment add anything to the previous replies which have been given on the subject.

asked the Minister of Health the number of eviction orders issued by the Courts in Liverpool during the months of January and February this year; how many have been executed; and how many families in consequence have entered the workhouse?

I regret that the information asked for is not immediately available, but I will make inquiries and communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Health the number of warrants issued for the ejection of tenants since August, 1923?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave yesterday in reply to a similar question by the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. E. Brown).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can see his way to reduce to a nominal amount the heavy stamp duties payable by purchasers of dwelling houses under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts, 1899–1919, and by purchasers of houses for their own occupation at a purchase price not exceeding £1,000?

My hon. Friend will not expect me in a matter of this kind to anticipate my Budget statement.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can now circulate a statement of the progress made under the Housing, Etc., Act, 1923, showing the number of authorisations issued up to 1st March, the number of houses definitely arranged for by local authorities and private enterprise, respectively, the number under construction, and the number actually completed?

The following statement gives the information desired by the hon. Member:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that bona fide British subjects resident abroad who are holders of British Government securities, such as Funding Loan and Victory Bonds, are exempt from British Income Tax, provided they do not visit this country and stay here for more than three months in any one year, and that, on the other hand, should they be holders of Colonial and foreign Government securities, they are privileged to stay here up to six months; and whether, seeing that this difference in time has a detrimental effect upon British Government securities, as holders are selling them and buying Colonial and foreign, he will take steps to place holders of these two classes of securities on the same footing?

The hon. Member appears to be under a complete misapprehension as to the legal position in

the matters to which he refers. The persons in question are entitled to the statutory exemption from Income Tax given under Section 46 (1) of the Income Tax Act, 1918, as regards the interest on certain Government Securities if they are not ordinarily resident in this country, and there is no such criterion as the three months' time limit which the hon. Member suggests. The test of liability to British Income Tax in these cases in respect of foreign and Colonial dividends is charge-ability as a resident in this country which is determined by reference to the various relevant circumstances. If the hon. Member desires I will ask the Board of Inland Revenue to explain to him in detail what matters are relevant in this connection.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is the practice of the special Commissioners for Income Tax not to allow any concession of time for payment of Super-tax, but to decline reasonable proposals for payment by instalments, thereby enforcing payment of the tax out of capital; and, if this is not the practice, whether he will give consideration to any cases brought to his notice?

It is the practice of the authorities to allow a reasonable postponement of the payment of taxes in individual cases of genuine and proved inability to meet the demands of the Revenue at the dates prescribed by law. If the hon. Member has in mind any case in which a departure from this practice is alleged and will let me have the necessary

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the conditions under which British officers of Customs and Excise were transferred to the service of the Irish Free State; and is he aware that many of them were transferred against their will and are now compulsorily expatriated?

I beg to refer the hon. Member to Article 7 of the Provisional Government (Transfer of Functions) Order, 1922, of the 1st April, 1922. made under the Irish Free State (Agreement) Act, 1922, which sets out the conditions under which officers of customs and excise and other civil servants were transferred to the service of the Irish Free State. All the customs and excise officers transferred had as a matter of fact voluntarily applied for permanent service under the Irish Free State.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the relative alcoholic

particulars I will have the matter investigated and will communicate to him the result.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of persons who have died in the United Kingdom since the War and left estates valued at more than £100,000 each; and what is the total value of such estates?

The numbers and capital values of estates exceeding £100,000 net capital value on which duty was paid in Great Britain, in the years 1919–20 to 1922–23, are as follow:

strength of beer of working-class consumption in London, Paris, Brussels, Berlin, the Hague and Copenhagen?

I regret that the information asked for is not available and I do not think that it would be possible to obtain any figures that could form a basis for comparison.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury when last the Miners' Federation of Great Britain made any return under the Trade Union Act, 1913, or in accordance with any rules made thereunder?

The last return was made on 7th June, 1918, and was for the year ending 31st December, 1917.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will set up machinery whereby the recipients of old age pensions (well known to the Post Office officials who retain their books) who desire at normal times to attend the office to draw their pension, but who leave home at grave risk to their health in winter time, may have their payments delivered by arrangement with the local post office?

Arrangements already exist under which old age pensioners who are unable by reason of illness or infirmity to attend in person at the poet office may authorise another person to collect their pensions on their behalf.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the conditions which have been laid down or suggested for the recognition of a Persian Republic; and whether such conditions include the granting of banking and other concessions?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantities of wool, in pounds, imported from British India for the 10 years ended 1923; the quantities of wool, in pounds, imported from Egypt for the 10 years ended 1914; the quantities of wool, in pounds, imported from Egypt for the three years 1921, 1922 and 1923; and the quantities of wool, in pounds, imported from Egypt and retained for consumption in this country for the three years 1921, 1922 and 1923.

The following statement shows the quantity of sheep's and lamb's

It would be quite contrary to precedent for His Majesty's Government to lay down conditions for such an hypothetical event, and the second part of the question does not therefore arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what quantity of cotton goods was exported from India in the last six months and in the corresponding period of last year?

The following statement shows the quantities (so far as particulars are available) of cotton goods exported from British India by sea during the six months ended January, 1924, and the corresponding period ended January, 1923. Corresponding particulars respecting exports by land are not available.

wool imported into the United Kingdom, registered as consigned from British India and Egypt, respectively, in the years specified:

Of the imports consigned from Egypt, the quantity retained for consumption in the United Kingdom was 594,500 1bs. in 1921 and 385,000 in 1922. Corresponding figures for the year 1923 are not yet available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the price received by fishermen in Loch Fyne and the Firth of Clyde for herrings and the price paid by consumers in Glasgow; and can he give an analysis of how the difference is made up?

I have been asked to reply. I am having inquiry made on the subject, and will communicate to the hon. Member such information as is available.

asked the Minister of Agricultural whether he is aware that there is a widespread belief among farmers that wart disease of potatoes is spread in this country by imported potatoes and by the bags in which they are sometimes packed; what steps the Ministry is taking to ensure that only potatoes from clean areas are imported; and whether he can arrange that all bags shall bear a distinctive mark, in order that they may not accidentally be brought on to farms with other produce?

I am aware that allegations have been made that wart disease may be introduced by imported potatoes. I may explain that imported potatoes, whether for ware or for seed, are required to be accompanied by an official certificate of freedom for wart disease and other diseases and pests scheduled under the Destructive Insects and Pests Order of 1922. The certificate must also state that no case of wart disease has occurred on the farm or holding where the potatoes were grown, nor within 500 yards thereof. No imported potatoes are allowed to be planted or sold for planting in England and Wales except under a licence issued by the Ministry. While my right hon. Friend is not prepared at the moment to adopt the suggestion contained in the last part, I may say that investigations are proceeding concerning the risk of introducing this and other serious plant diseases by means of containers.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he has yet received the Report of the official who was sent to Germany to investigate the progress of research in that country on foot-and-mouth disease; and when he will place the Report upon the Table of the House?

I may explain that the object of sending an official to Germany was to ascertain whether the claim that the ultra visible virus of foot-and-mouth disease had been artificially cultivated at the Government laboratory could be substantiated. The information obtained leads the Ministry to believe that an artificial culture has not been obtained. There is no report which could be usefully placed on the table of the House, but I have arranged that all the evidence on the subject shall be produced before the Committee on Research into foot-and-mouth disease which I have recently appointed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Income Tax authorities have notified the Thame Agricultural Association that it is liable to be assessed in respect of untaxed interest and profits of the show; whether he is aware that, if such demand be upheld, it would mean the production of accounts for 60 years and the utter ruin of the association by the imposition of an aggregate tax; and whether the policy in this case is adopted with respect to all other similar agricultural associations?

Agricultural associations are chargeable to Income Tax in respect of their profits within the meaning of the Income Tax Acts, in the same way as all other bodies of persons. The surplus of receipts over expenditure for any year may, however, greatly exceed any profits for Income Tax purposes for the surplus may be largely or wholly attributable to voluntary subscriptions. It is possible that in this direction some misunderstanding has arisen in the case of the Thame Agricultural Association. I understand that the case of this association is under inquiry by the Inland Revenue authorities, who will communicate with the association as soon as the facts have been fully examined. In any case, as the hon. and gallant Member will appreciate, there could be no possible question of asking the association to produce accounts for any such period as his question suggests.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to letters written on official stationery by a gentleman in Luton suggesting the establishment of a system of inspection of apiaries; whether the proposal has his sanction; and how far is it promoted directly by his Ministry?

The answer to the first two parts is in the affirmative. I may explain that the Ministry has under consideration the institution, on a self-sup- porting basis, of a voluntary scheme of inspection of apiaries. In this connection the Ministry's Technical Adviser in Beekeeping was instructed to obtain the views of a number of well-known beekeepers, which is the correspondence to which the right hon. Gentleman refers.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has any further information to give to the House as to the lock-out of cotton operatives in Bombay; whether the men are now back at work; what steps have been taken to relieve the distress caused by the dispute; and can he inform the House whether the wages due to the operatives for work done last January have been paid?

My hon. Friend has no doubt seen a report in this morning's "Times" that January wages are being paid, that relief measures are proceeding, and that the strike appears to be ending. My Noble Friend has not yet received confirmation of this report, but has no reason to suppose that it is not correct.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, in the event of the Viceroy of India certifying the proposed taxes which were rejected by the legislative assembly, this House will have an opportunity of discussing the questions involved before the certification becomes operative?

Section 67 B of the Government of India Act enables the Governor-General to bring an Act passed under the provisions of that Section into immediate operation, subject to disallowance by His Majesty in Council, when in his opinion a state of urgency exists which justifies such action. This procedure was followed in the case of the Finance Act last year. The Governor-General will, in due course, announce the procedure which he may decide to adopt this year.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that 12 months ago the Government of India accepted the principle of freedom of association for workmen; and whether, in view of this fact, the Home Government will advise the Viceroy to take immediate steps for bringing about the legal recognition of trade unions?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply to his question referring to this subject on 17th March. My Noble Friend hopes to receive shortly the proposals of the Government of India.

asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been drawn to a resolution of the Manchester and district joint town-planning advisory committee, representative of 89 local authorities adjacent to Manchester, urging that the State should contribute a minimum sum equal to 75 per cent. of the actual cost of constructing all arterial roads and 50 per cent. of the actual cost of constructing all secondary roads, and that all such arterial and secondary roa3s when constructed be classified and made eligible for State maintenance grants; and if it is proposed to take any action?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The funds at my disposal will not permit of the adoption of a general scale of grants at the rates suggested in the question. I may add that at the present time grants are only made from the Road Fund to the construction of new roads, which on completion will rank as Class I or Class II, and will, therefore, become eligible for maintenance grants under the system at present in force.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that no reply has yet been received from the Ministry to an application sent them on 10th January by the Selby Urban District Council for the favourable consideration of a scheme of road development, which is urgently needed for the relief of the widespread unemployment in Selby; and will he be able at an early date to send a favourable reply to this application?

I hope to be in a position to make a grant to this scheme very shortly.

asked the Minister of Transport in view of the ever increasing expenditure on highway construction and maintenance owing to the increase in steam, lorry, motor, and other vehicular traffic on district roads, and of the fact that very little, if any, assistance is granted to rural district councils out of the money received from motor taxation, if he will set aside, out of the moneys coming to his hands, and pay to the rural district councils an annual sum based on a percentage of the expenditure incurred by such councils upon highways; and will he agree that such sum should not be less than 10 per cent. of the total expenditure so incurred?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on 6th March to the hon. Member for the Devizes Division (Mr. Macfadyen) of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has now heard of the serious shortage of wagons at Hull; and, as this is causing grave unemployment, will he make representations to the railway company?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave yesterday to a question on this subject asked by the hon. Member for East Hull (Mr. Lumley). I have sent the hon. Member a copy of the Report to which I referred in that answer.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the late Government had announced their intention of introducing a Measure for the amendment of the War Pensions (Increase) Act, he will say whether he will introduce such a Bill before the Budget statement?

I fear that I can add nothing to the statements which I made on the 10th and 12th of March in reply to questions on this subject.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has restored or is contemplating the restoration to the police of any officers who went on strike some time ago and whose reinstatement successive Governments have refused to entertain?

I have received certain representations, and I am looking carefully into the whole matter. I am not in a position, to make any further statement at present.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give the name and rank of the senior women's police officer to whom matters affecting the welfare and general conditions of service of the 20 women police in the Metropolis are being brought?

This position will be taken by Miss Clayden, who has been promoted to the rank of inspector.

asked the Home Secretary whether Germany has adopted summer time; and, if so, for what period and for how long?

I have no information on the subject, but will make inquiry.

asked the Home Secretary the number of aliens registered as resident in London and the number of alien waiters?

The total number of aliens above the age of 16 registered in London, that is to say, in the Metropolitan and City police districts, was 167,150. The entries in the registers are not classified according to occupations, and for information on this point I must refer the hon. Member to the Census reports, which show that in 1921, out of 7,325 males returned as waiters in the county of London, 2,568 were returned as aliens, and out of 14,996 women, 243 were aliens.

asked the Home Secretary if he will give an undertaking that the Vote on the Home Office Estimates shall not be taken until the Chief Inspector of Factories Report for 1923 is published?

I recognise the advantages of such an arrangement, but I would point out that the choice of the Vote to be discussed on the days set apart for Supply does not rest with the Government.

asked the Home Secretary the number of cases of lead poisoning and the number of fatal cases in the china and earthenware trades during 1923, and also during January and February, 1924; the ages and number of years worked in each case, and how many of these cases were in factories entirely using low solubility glazes; how many cases of lead poisoning, fatal and non-fatal, occurred in shipbreaking for 1923 and for January and February, 1924; and how many in electric accumulator works in the same periods?

The figures are as follow:

The following table gives the age, number of years worked, and severity of attack in each case in the china and earthenware trades:—

In 11 of the cases occurring in the china and earthenware trades, the worker was employed at the time in a factory using only a leadless or low-solubility glaze. As regards nine of these cases, however, the Senior Medical Inspector states that the symptoms showed beyond doubt that the lead poisoning had been contracted in previous years; and as regards the other two cases (where a low-solubility glaze was being used) that the evidence is not conclusive that the glaze caused the illness. He further states that of all the cases in these trades not more than 11 were cases of acute lead poisoning, and that only one of these occurred in a factory using a low-solubility glaze.