asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information showing that the low quotations made by German manufacturers for railway wheels and axles for which orders have recently been placed in that country are attributable to the remission of the Reparations Recovery Duty?

As I informed the hon. Member for St. George's on the 11th March, I have no knowledge of the purchases of the railway companies. The answer to the present question is in the negative.

Has there not been a considerable increase of these contracts going abroad since the remission of this duty?

I do not think so. My information is that it is rather the contrary.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the placing abroad recently by a railway company of a large order for wheels and axles owing to the lowest British price being 70 per cent. higher than the Continental price; and what steps the Government intend to take to prevent the continuance of a state of affairs under which home manufactures are being driven out of British markets by imported goods manufactured under sweated labour conditions?

As I have previously stated, I have no official knowledge of the contracts mentioned, or as to the precise reasons why some, out of the large number of contracts annually placed, are secured by foreign firms. I am unable to accept the assumption made in the second part of the question.

If the right hon. Gentleman has no official notification, will he make inquiries, which are not very difficult, and take all possible steps to preserve the industries of this country?

The Government are taking all the steps that are possible to preserve the industries of this country in the aggregate.

Is it not a fact that these alleged sweated labour conditions are taking place in Protectionist countries?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the wages paid in Germany at the present time are £1 per week, as against the trade union rate in this country of £2 14s.?

No.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the large number of tons of last year's crop of potatoes that were ploughed into the ground because there was no demand for them, he will prepare for such eventuality by having prepared at Gretna Works plant to take from such supplies of potatoes potato spirit for industrial purposes?

I can only refer my hon. Friend to answers previously given on this subject. I am sure he will appreciate that, quite apart from other considerations involved in his proposal, an industry of this kind cannot be established with any hope of success if it has to depend on occasional surpluses of foodstuffs for its raw material.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that is no answer at all to my question? Is he aware that I have not raised this question before? The question I raised before was in regard to industrial alcohol, which is quite a different thing from potato spirit.

I cannot add to the answer which I have given.

In view of the agitation in favour of State enterprise, will the right hon. Gentleman not consider whether he cannot utilise this factory for some kind of productive purpose instead of allowing it to be idle and wasting?

In view of the unsatisfactory answer to this and other questions, I beg to give notice that on the very first opportunity I will raise this question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Italian throwsters are offering thrown silk in this country at practically the same price as raw silk; and whether he has any evidence that the Italian Government are subsidising Italian silk throwsters?

Offers of the kind indicated in the first part of the question have been brought to my notice, but the answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that British traders can only make new purchases of German dyestuffs by paying the price ruling before the reduction in the Reparations Duty; and does he propose to take any steps to secure for British traders the advantage of the 21 per cent. remission of such duty?

I regret that I can do no more than refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the similar question that he put on the 20th March, a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of the total tobacco imports for the past year was Empire-grown; and whether he can state the total weight and value, respectively, of Empire- and foreign-grown tobacco imported during the past year?

The answer contains a number of figures, and the hon. Member will perhaps allow me to have it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

About 71½ per cent. of the tobacco imported into the United Kingdom in 1923 was consigned from other countries of the Empire. The total weights and values of imports in 1923 of tobacco consigned from those countries and from foreign countries were as follows:

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the approximate cash value to the Dominions, based on last year's trade returns, of the existing preference on Empire-grown tobaccos and the increased preference on Empire-grown tobaccos recommended by the Imperial Economic Conference?

The preferential reduction of duty on clear- ances during the calendar year 1923 of leaf tobacco grown in, and imported from, the self-governing Dominions amounted to £40,600. Had the rate of preference recommended by the Imperial Economic Conference been in operation, that amount would have been increased to £61,000.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has reconsidered the question of arranging for the tug-boat at Ramsgate harbour to be kept with full steam up at times of gales; and whether he is aware that such an arrangement would be particularly desirable during the winter months when east-north-east winds are blowing, and that such gales can be forecasted by the Meteorological Office?

I have been asked to answer this question. I have again examined the arrangements, and am satisfied that in all the circumstances they are as good as is practicable.

What information has the hon. Gentleman to back up his argument that the conditions are as good as they can be; and will he not reconsider the matter with a view to having the lifeboat as ready as possible to take out?

If the hon. Gentleman will come and talk it over with me, I will show him how the matter stands.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can inform the House of the number of Asiatics at present employed on British home-trade vessels; and how many of these are British subjects?

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

Not in the least. Is the right hon. Gentleman taking any steps to prevent the employment in these British ships of non-British subjects, who are Asiatics?

I ought to have notice of that question.

Following is the answer promised:

The latest available figures of the numbers of Asiatic seamen employed in British home-trade ships are those obtained in the last census of seamen, and relate to the 19th June, 1921. On that date, out of a total number of 18,495 seamen employed on ordinary agreements in the home and coasting trades, 260 were Asiatics, and of these, 211 were stated to belong to India or Aden and were, probably, British subjects. In addition, 1,017 Lascars, engaged on agreements opened, and to be closed, in Asia, were serving in vessels which, on the census day, were employed in the home or coasting trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what conditions belated claimants have to satisfy in order to be entitled to compensation out of the £300,000 additional compensation fund?

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) upon what basis the Government arrived at the sum of £300,000 which they propose to allot as compensation for belated claims in respect of damage by enemy action: and what, divided approximately, this will permit upon belated claims;

(2) whether it is the intention of the Government to allow belated claimants for compensation for damage by enemy action the same proportion of their assessed claims as has been awarded to other claimants under the Reports of the Royal Commission?

The admission of belated claims will proceed upon the principles adopted by the Royal Commission, but the solatia payable to claimants must depend upon the number and total of the assessed values of the claims, as to which it is not possible to make a definite statement pending the examination of the claims.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the total number and aggregate value of the belated claims for compensation already received which the Government propose shall be allowed to rank for the extra £300,000 to be allotted as compensation?

The number of claims in the belated category received up to the present is 21,245. It is not possible to make any definite statement regarding the aggregate sum claimed pending investigation and assessment.

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to investigate the conditions and give the figures to the House?

That will be done in due course when the investigation has been completed, and there will certainly be a Report in some form or other presented.

Is there any date fixed for the claims to be lodged or are they to be allowed to go on indefinitely?

We hope that the whole of the claims are already lodged; but some further time is to be allowed.

Have steps been taken to let the public know how the matter stands?

I can only say that the widest possible publicity has been given, in addition to what was done in previous years.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the hardship caused in many cases by the continued delay in the payment of the belated claims for compensation for damage by enemy action, he can now see his way to provide an increased staff for dealing with the same, and also increase the Government grant for distribution in such cases?

As to the first part of the question, owing to the technical nature of the work, I fear that to increase the staff of the Reparation Claims Department would tend to retard rather than to expedite the assessment of belated claims, and would not be justified. As to the last part of the question, I would refer to my answer to the hon. and gallant Member for the Central Division of Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) on 18th March, and that given yesterday by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to the hon. Member for Thanet (Mr. Harmsworth).

Arising out of the answer to the last part of my question, is the reply to which the right hon. Gentleman refers the last words of the Government on the question, and are the Government not prepared to take into consideration the necessities of these-unfortunate people?

I should like to remind the House that these unfortunate people have for the most part received various sums in the way of compensation, and that this is a final payment in the nature of a: solatium.

Will this matter come before the House in the form of Supplementary Estimates?

I assume not. As a matter of fact, no payments will be made before the 31st March.

Exactly what does the right hon. Gentleman mean when he says that these people have already received various sums, and that this is the final payment?

I was referring to the final settlement. I was referring to the seamen who form the larger part of these claimants—men who have been torpedoed and otherwise have suffered damage from War risks. I would remind the hon. Gentleman that a very large sum has already been paid: first of all in compensation for loss of effects; and secondly, for death and injuries, amounting probably to half a million a year.

May I—

Order, order. This is becoming a debate.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what course of procedure was adopted in individual claims assessed and audited at certain definite sums of money after submission to the Royal Commission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action; and whether claimants were notified of the amounts assessed and audited?

The course adopted has been to pay the exact sum awarded by the Royal Commission to the person concerned. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Will these people have any kind of chance of appealing and of bringing their cases before the Separation Claims Department if they consider that they have been unjustly treated?

I am afraid not. According to the procedure adopted by the last Government, and the Government before that, that these claims were referred for assessment and decision to a Royal Commission or tribunal, over which neither the Board of Trade nor any other Department have any control.

Have these people any chance of putting their case before the members of the Royal Commission, or is that body a perfectly autocratic and arbitrary tribunal?

I presume any tribunal of that sort will be more or less autocratic; but it will be obvious to any hon. Member that, seeing there are 70,000 of these claims, the claimants will not be individually heard. They put their statements before the Royal Commission and they are carefully investigated. I am afraid it must be left there.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the statement made in the final Report of the Royal Commission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action, that zones affected by air raids were carefully fixed, he will give figures showing the total amount of compensation represented by claims from East Kent; the total of such claims as assessed and audited; and the total amount which has been or will be paid out of the £5,000,000 compensation fund and will be paid out of the proposed grant of £300,000?

I would refer to the answer given to the hon. Member on 10th March.

But the answer given by the right hon. Gentleman on 10th March did not take into consideration the fact that the last Report of the Royal Commission specifically stated that the county was divided up into geographical areas?

For the purposes of war risks insurance. It had no relation to the various claims, or the ordinary administration of the boundary. [HON. MEMBERS: "Speak up."] I am informed that it is not possible to give these figures, or any others.

May I see the right hon. Gentleman with respect to some of these cases?

I shall be very glad to see the hon. Member.

asked The President of the Board of Trade whether steps are being taken during the present reparations investigation to arrange that Germany should fulfil her engagement to remit from time to time to the British clearing office for enemy debts sums necessary to balance payments due to British creditors whose unpaid claims have long ago been adjudicated upon in their favour by the Anglo-German Mixed Arbitral Tribunal, or agreed between the British and German clearing houses?

The question of clearing office balances will be duly considered in the discussion of the general problem of reparation payments.

further asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that the clearing office for enemy debts has £18,000,000 besides other assets in hand to meet the £12,000,000 due to British creditors, he will explain the reason for holding up the balance of 12s. 6d. in the £ still due to British creditors whose claims have been adjudicated upon in their favour by the Anglo-German Mixed Arbitral Tribunal; and will he give instructions for a further 7s. 6d. in the £ to be paid now, on account of the 12s. 6d. in the £ due, instead of compelling creditors to wait for distribution, as hitherto, at the rate of 2s. 6d. in the £ every six months?

The answer is somewhat long, and accordingly, if the hon. Member agrees, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The fund of £18,000,000 referred to in the first part of the question is charged, in the first place, with the payment of outstanding debts, and claims for the proceeds of liquidation of British property in Germany, which have prior rights over the fund. It is charged, in the second place, with the payment of the dividends of 7s. 6d. in the £ upon outstanding claims for compensation which will mature for payment upon awards being made by the Mixed Arbitral Tribunal. For this reason I am unable to adopt the suggestion contained in the second part of the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what the objections are to expediting the settlement of British claims before the Anglo-German Mixed Arbitral Tribunal by setting up additional divisions; and if he will state the number of officials employed in the enemy debt clearing office in this country, and the salaries of its 10 principal officials?

The answer is a long one, and the hon. Member will perhaps agree to it being circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is it not a fact that the distinguished Swiss jurist who presides over this tribunal finds the work so great that he cannot give sufficient time to it owing to the calls on his time abroad?

I would remind the hon. Member that the second division was only started last November, and it has made considerable progress; but if he will refer to the answer which I am circulating, I think he will be satisfied with it.

Is it not a fact that the delay in the first division is still going on, owing to the fact that this distinguished Swiss jurist finds that he has much more work abroad than he can do in conjunction with this work in London?

I have nothing to add to my answer.

The answer is as follows:

It would, in my opinion, be premature to appoint additional divisions of the Anglo-German Mixed Arbitral Tribunal until it has been definitely ascertained that the assistance of the second division, which began its sittings last November, is inadequate to cope with the arrears which have accumulated. Since the appointment of this second division the position has considerably improved, and I am satisfied that it is making every effort to expedite the hearing of cases. I would remind the hon. Member that a moiety of the expenses of the tribunal is borne by Germany, and that it was only with considerable difficulty that the consent of the German Government to the establishment of a second division of the tribunal was secured.

As regards the latter part of the question, I would refer to Class 11, 9, P.2 ( a ,) of the Estimates which shortly be printed, and in which detailed particulars of the salaries of the Clearing Office officials will be given. To remove any misapprehensions which may exist, I should add that the Mixed Arbitral Tribunal is an International Court of Arbitration. It is entirely independent of the Clearing Office and is subject to no control whatsoever by that Department, or by the Board of Trade.

asked the Prime Minister if he can now make any statement as to the policy of his Government with regard to the restrictions placed by his predecessors on the rights of local authorities to purchase materials required for unemployment works from abroad, when rings and combines control the home supplies and the price demanded is much higher than that ruling in the open market?

The Government have decided that the Unemployment Grants Committee should adhere to their existing practice of insisting on the use of home materials in schemes assisted by them for the relief of unemployment, subject to the exercise of their discretion in abnormal circumstances.

Will the Government take into consideration making some grant to local authorities who have to pay this extra price in order to carry out the protective policy of His Majesty's Government?

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the proposal, made at a previous question time, that the question of limitation of profits on contracts relating to unemployment schemes might be considered as an alternative?

Innumerable replies have been given to questions on this subject, and to them I can only add that the Government does not regard buying in the cheapest market as being always, in all circumstances, necessarily a part of sound Free Trade doctrine.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of relaxing this restriction when there is evidence that there is a ring forcing up the price of the material?

Provision is already made for that aspect of the trouble.

Will the right hon. Gentleman carry out in other directions as well the sound doctrine which he has just enunciated?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the latest figures available in regard to unemployment in the Nottingham lace trade; and what are the figures for the corresponding dates in 1920, 1921, 1922, and 1923?

I have been asked to reply. As the answer is in statistical form, perhaps the hon. Member will permit me to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The answer is as follows:

The number of persons in the lace trade registered at the Nottingham Employment Exchange as unemployed at 25th February, 1924, was 1,254, compared with 1,189 at 26th February, 1923, 1,339 at 21st February, 1922, and 814 at 25th February, 1921. In addition, 488 persons were working systematic short time and claiming benefit at 25th February, 1924, compared with 471 in 1923, 757 in 1922, and 3,150 in 1921. Figures for 1920 are not available.

What do the Government propose to do to relieve unemployment at Nottingham, which has now lasted for two or three years?

That does not arise on this question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now make a statement with regard to the negotiations proceeding between the British Dyestuffs Corporation and the Interessen Gemeinschaft?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the anxiety created among manufacturers of dyestuffs and users of dyes in this country by the knowledge that negotiations are proceeding between the British Dyestuffs Corporation and the Interessen Gemeinschaft, he can give a definite assurance to this House that no arrangement between the British Dyestuffs Corporation and the Interessen Gemeinschaft will be sanctioned by the Government without the House having first had the opportunity of considering the terms of such arrangement?

I am not at present in a position to add anything to the answers I have previously given on this subject, copies of which I am sending to the hon. Members.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the answer he gave before was simply to the effect that he would consider the question and make a statement; and does he know that there is a good deal of uneasiness and a desire that no arrangement should be concluded before the matter has been raised in the House?

I am afraid that I am not in a position to make a statement on this subject. No arrangement has yet been concluded, negotiations are going on, and, as soon as I am in a position to make a statement, I shall certainly do so.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance, in view of the great importance of this matter, that no decision will be arrived at before an opportunity is given to this. House for a discussion upon this subject?

I do not think that the hon. Member need fear anything of that sort, but obviously I am unable to give any assurance now.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the number of complaints in respect of the prices of building materials received and investigated by the Inter-Departmental Committee appointed to survey the prices of building materials; and what action has been taken with regard to these complaints?

I would draw the hon. Member's attention to third interim Report of the Committee, a copy of which I am sending him. I am considering the steps to be taken in connection with these complaints.

Is the right hon. Gentleman considering an increase of the powers of this Committee, and when can he make the statement on this matter which has long been promised?

I am considering every aspect of the question, and I will make a statement with all possible speed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be able to make a statement on this and kindred matters before the House rises at Easter?

It is quite possible that I may.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can now state whether Elphinstone Barracks, Plymouth, can be made available for the housing of civilian families?

The matter is still being actively pursued, but at present I cannot add any specific information to that which I gave the Noble Lady on 18th February.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, in pursuing this matter further, consider the arguments used by himself and other members of his party in regard to houses which were kept empty by private owners?

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider simply this one question?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his Department has reserved hotel or other accom- modation for visitors to London during the forthcoming British Empire Exhibition; if so, what special class of visitor is being catered for; whether he has taken any steps to prevent hotel companies and proprietors from profiteering at the expense of general visitors to London at this period; and whether he is aware that in several cases where accommodation has recently been applied for, excessive prices have been asked?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I may refer my hon. Friend to replies which I have already given to questions on this subject, and also to the statement which was made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies in the course of the Debate on Wednesday last.

Would it not be very harmful if any rumours of this kind, which are entirely unfounded, were circulated around the Empire?

asked the Secretary of State for War the subjects of the War Office exhibit in the Imperial Government building at the British Empire Exhibition; and whether the Territorial Army will have a place in that exhibit?

The exhibit will illustrate, by models, panoramic displays, relics and other means, campaigns of the British Army for 800 years, up to and including the Great War. It will deal with the military history of the nation as a whole rather than with any specific portion of His Majesty's Forces, and there will, therefore, be no exhibit specially relating to the Territorial Army.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the number of officers, previously pensioned and retired, who are now employed in the War Office?

There are 24 officers previously pensioned and retired, employed as retired officer clerks in the War Office, six of whom are employed in a temporary capacity. In addition certain ex-officers are serving in a temporary capacity as ex-soldier clerks, but I regret that I am unable to say without further inquiry whether any of them are in receipt of retired pay.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is able definitely now to promise the establishment of a pension fund for War Department workmen?

As explained in Debate yesterday by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary, the question is still under consideration, but the hon. Member will understand that, apart from other considerations, the actuarial bases of such a' scheme are of great importance and cannot be settled hastily.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, with regard to non-service publicity officers retained in his Department, he will say what steps have been taken to ascertain whether any ex-service men possess the necessary qualifications which would enable substitution to be effected?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for East Fulham (Colonel Vaughan-Morgan) on 29th ultimo. The qualifications of these officers consist largely in the departmental experience which they have acquired, and which, from the nature of the case, no one who has not been performing these duties could possess in a similar degree.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will explain why appointments such as Colonel Cobb's should not come before the joint substitution board; did the South-borough Committee set any limits upon the class of cases to be considered by the board; whose province is it to decide what cases may be brought before them for adjudication; and whether he is aware that, on 31st July last, the Under Secretary of State for War deprecated questions in the House on this case because it was under the consideration of that Committee?

After full consideration it was decided, on the grounds explained in my reply to the hon. Member for Edinburgh East (Mr. Hogge) on 26th February, that it was essential in the public interest to retain for one year the services of this officer to complete the work which he already had in hand. The recommendations both of the Lytton and the Southborough Committees leave the decision in such cases to the responsible Minister concerned.

On a point of Order. Has it not been your ruling, Mr. Speaker, that officers of the Services, whether naval or military, should be referred to in terms of their occupation rather than by name?

I do not recollect giving a ruling of that kind.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total number of permanent civil servants in Government employ in 1914 and the total number of permanent civil servants in Government employ now?

I would refer to the answer which I gave on the 6th March to the hon. and learned Member for Norwood (Mr. Greaves-Lord).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, owing to the failure of the Government printing works at Harrow, he will recommend that they are sold and that future Government printing is placed with outside printers?

The hon. Member is rather premature in suggesting that the Government printing works at Harrow have failed. The whole question of the continued maintenance of Government printing establishments is at present being inquired into by a Committee.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when this Committee is likely to report?

The Committee has sat for some months now, and, I understand, has made considerable progress. I should think the report will be available at a comparatively early date.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps the Establishment Department of the Treasury has taken at Cornwall House, S.E., to save accommodation expenses by the closing of portions of the building commensurate with the reduction of the staff; and whether he will allow a special survey to be made now in order further to reduce occupation expenses in the various offices of the British clearing office?

Constant review is made of available accommodation for Government staffs at Cornwall House and elsewhere, and I do not think a special survey is necessary. The proper and economical course is not to close the unoccupied portions of the building but to house therein other Government staffs now accommodated in hired premises. Various schemes with this object in view are, I understand from the Office of Works, in an advanced state of preparation.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that, as a result of the examination for junior administrative appointments, over 100 qualified; and whether, in view of the fact that only three appointments have been made, it is proposed to offer executive posts to the other successful candidates?

The number of candidates at the recent limited competition for the administrative class who were declared fit for appointment, if and when vacancies were available, was eight. The number in the question is of those who passed the preliminary written test, which does not imply any qualification for appointment, but merely rendered the candidates eligible for interview by the selection board. As regards the suggested appointment of ex-service temporary employées to the executive class, I would refer to the answer which I gave on the 6th March to the hon. Member for Oxford.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the increment just granted to permanent civil servants and temporary graded clerks on account of the rise in the cost of living, a corresponding increase of salary will be given to temporary officers above the rank of graded clerks, whose salaries were reduced a short time ago when the cost of living was on the down grade?

The increase referred to was equal in amount to a decrease which operated under a sliding scale in September last. Save in a few special cases, this decrease did not apply to temporary officers above the rank of graded clerks, whose rate of pay is settled Depart-mentally.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many pre-War established posts have been abolished owing to diminution of work or other causes; and whether he can give the Departments most affected?

Detailed information by Departments is not available and could not be obtained without disproportionate labour, but the total staffs in 1914 (permanent and temporary), excluding some 24,800 engaged on Irish Services, were approximately 254,000. The corresponding number on 1st January, 1924, was 299,000, of whom 244,000 were permanent.

Will not the hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of obtaining this information? It is very vital in considering the question of ex-service men and only needs a letter to be sent to every one of the Departments to get a reply.

The point, I am afraid, is not so simple as the right hon. Gentleman suggests. The truth is that in 1914 it was very difficult to distinguish, as we shall now distinguish, between temporary and permanent civil servants because there were many temporary men who had been in the Service for many years and were practically permanent.

Will those be distinguished in the return we are asking for?

I have made inquiries, but it is quite impossible to get information which would be worth anything at all to-day.

Will the hon. Gentleman reply to the last part of the question?

I think the reply covers the whole of the information the hon. Member asks for.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what was the number of temporary civil servants on the 1st January, 1918; what was the number on the 1st January, 1924; whether any were placed on the established list during the years 1914–18, inclusive; if so, how many; and whether they were required to pass the usual Civil Service examination?

I regret that information as to the number of temporary employés of Government Departments on the 1st January, 1918, is not available. The number of such employés (other than industrial employés and the civilian staffs of War Office and Air Ministry outstations) was on the 1st July, 1919, 173,338, and on the 1st January, 1924, 55,020. With regard to the latter parts of the question, I would refer the reply given on the 24th March to the hon. Member for Bristol, East, of which I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a copy.

Does the reply to which the hon. Gentleman refers give an answer to the last part, whether they require to pass any Civil Service examination?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will refer to the reply, he will see that it gives in detail the exact conditions under which the men were passed in.

Is it possible now for these temporary ex-service civil servants to pass into the Civil Service without examination?

That question does not arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that ship-keeping allowance to yardcraft ratings has been discontinued; that an order has been issued to Master-in-charge W. D. V. Gordon and "A. B. Seagull II.," dated Chatham, 26th February, 1924, intimating that these allowances are discontinued by War Office instruction; and will he take steps to have them restored?

My hon. Friend seems to be under the impression that a definite allowance had been agreed upon for "shipkeeping" apart and distinct from special duties performed. This is not the case. Payment, however, seems to have been made under a misapprehension to certain men performing merely ship-keeping duty. This has been discontinued on the ground that the conditions under which this payment was authorised had not been fulfilled. The revision of the Regulations governing night duty allowance is to be discussed at this week's meeting of the War Department Industrial Council, and I will communicate further with the hon. Member after that discussion has taken place.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider refunding the 6d. per day deducted from soldiers' pay towards separation allowances in the earlier days of the War so that these men shall have equal treatment with those who served later, and from whose pay no deduction for separation allowances was made?

This was one among various improvements in the soldier's emoluments introduced by the Royal Warrant published as Army Order of 1918. It would be impossible now to make that Warrant retrospective to August, 1914.

In view of the obvious injustice that has been done to these men who served out of patriotism, if it is a question of expense, will the right hon. Gentleman at least take into consideration their services and make up for it next year, and have some sort of inquiry into this subject?

I am quite sure my hon. Friend will see what an enormous amount of inquiries are involved. There are hundreds of thousands—one might say a million—of papers that would have to be examined relating to the period between September, 1917, and the outbreak of war in 1914. Many of these papers are not in existence, and they would introduce such confusion that I am quite sure this House would never agree to it, and therefore I cannot hold out any hope that this will be done.

asked the Secretary of State for War what fees are charged for military cadets or students under training for the officers' corps of the French, American and Japanese Armies, respectively, reduced to sterling?

As regards the French Army, I am informed that the normal charges at present made are, for outfit, 1,990 francs at St. Cyr, 2,400 francs at the Ecole Polytechnique; for annual maintenance, 1,400 francs at both schools. In Japan and the United States no fees are charged.

Is the right hon. Gentleman considering, therefore, abolishing these fees for the British Army also?

The conditions, really, are not comparable. The whole question of fees will be gone into as the circumstances develop.

asked the Secretary, for Scotland whether, in view of the difficulties at present existing in the way of the electors registering their votes at Parliamentary elections in Orkney and Shetland, of the formally expressed desires by the councils of both counties for better facilities, and of the opinion of the sheriff on the matter, he is prepared to introduce a Bill to reduce the statutory period for polling from two days to one, so that the number of polling booths may be made adequate for the present electorate without unduly increasing the cost of an election to the Treasury?

I am aware of the difficulties to which the hon. Member refers, but, according to the information before me, the two county councils are not in agreement as to the lines which remedial legislation might take. I am considering the matter, but I cannot give any undertaking as to legislation.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the ultimatum presented by Mr. Karakhan to the Chinese Government, and to the fact that troop trains have been sent by the Russian Government from Chita, and that a concentration of Red troops is taking place on the Manchurian frontier; and whether he is taking any steps, either by means of the League of Nations or by diplomatic representations, to prevent an outbreak of war between Russia and China?

The answer to the first part is in the affirmative, but I do not think that the situation calls for the intervention of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction felt in many parts of the country at the large number of insurance policies (industrial branch) which have lapsed during the last year; that a large number of Hull policy holders in the Prudential Assurance Company lost all that they had paid in last year; and whether he intends to take steps to see that particulars of the transactions of the leading insurance companies are published at an early date?

I have no information as to the number of policies which lapsed during 1923, either in Hull or elsewhere. The returns of the industrial assurance companies are due to be lodged within six months after the end of the period to which they relate, and those for 1923 will be published in due course after they have been received.

Can the hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that his Government is watching this question very closely, with a view to avoiding injustice to these poor people?

Will he publish also in the Report the considerations given by these companies in most cases for lapsed policies?

I will consider that point. With regard to the first supplementary question, we are, of course, as the hon. and gallant Gentleman knows, governed by the legislation of last year, and we are, of course, watching the operation of that legislation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is now in a position to state the terms of reference to the special Committee on the National Debt?

The hon. Member has evidently overlooked the fact that I announced the terms of reference to the House more than a month ago.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the reason why the Treasury does not make greater efforts to induce holders of expiring Treasury bills to take renewal of a proportion of them in the form of Treasury securities running for various periods of not less than three years and not more than 10 years?

The hon. Member's suggestion involves considerations of general policy which can hardly be dealt with in the limits of question and answer, but I would remind him that 10-year Treasury Bonds have been continuously on offer to applicants since October last.

Is it not the case that bonds of a less length of time are not being taken up by the public, and that, if the terms were more attractive, the Treasury would be able to reduce the number of Treasury Bills by shifting money out of Treasury Bills into these Bonds?

The hon. Member is now raising those very intricate and technical questions which I said in my reply were not suitable for being dealt with by means of question and answer.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that in April, 1922, the fees in all sheriff-clerks' offices in Scotland were practically doubled; that at that time all clerks in sheriff-clerks' offices were promised substantial increases in salary; that these promised increases have not yet been paid; that men filling important positions of trust in the offices of sheriff-clerks are paid, after over 20 years' service, a salary of £3 or thereabouts per week; and if it is the intention of the Treasury now to pay these officers the increases promised as from the date the sheriff-clerks' fees were increased?

I have been asked to reply. Without accepting all my hon. Friend's statements in detail, it is the case that, owing to the long negotiations which have taken place, the employés in question have not yet received the benefits of the reorganisation scheme. I hope that it may prove possible to obtain legislation to bring the new scheme into operation this year. The scheme includes provisions for benefits to accrue as from the date on which the fees were increased.

Can the right hon. Gentleman not give an assurance that a payment to account of the increases promised to those concerned can be immediately given?

An attempt is being made to reach an agreement with those interested, and if that is reached retrospective payment will be made as from the date of the increases in Court fees.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, while recognising that the grant for 1924–25 to the Education (Scotland) Fund cannot be ascertained until the close of the present financial year shows the educational expenditure in England, he will undertake, should this grant calculated in the statutory way prove to be smaller than in 1923–24, to find some way of making a special additional grant so that educational progress will not be hampered?

I am now quite satisfied that there is no likelihood that the amount of grant available for distribution to Scottish education authorities in 1924–25 will prove to be smaller than in 1923–24.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that several education authorities object to sections of Circular 60, issued by the Scottish Education Department, relating to the name of the new certificate; is he aware that many, if not all, education authorities, the E.I.S., and many employers of labour desire to retain the name of the certificate as intermediate certificate; and, if so, what action, if any, does he propose to take to accede to an almost unanimous demand to retain the inter mediate certificate?

I understand that the representations which have reached the Department on this point are very few in number. I shall be glad if my hon. Friend will give me an opportunity of discussing it with him personally.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman personally aware of the objections raised to this circular by education authorities and others interested, particularly as the intermediate certificate had acquired a recognised position as an award of merit in Scottish education?

I have already intimated that I shall be glad to discuss the point with my hon. Friend.

Am I to understand that, after he has discussed it, my right hon. Friend will give effect to my personal opinions?

asked the Secretary for Scotland what action he intends to take in regard to Circular 51 of the Scottish Education Department; and, if any action is contemplated, on what date does he propose taking such action?

The legal position will be re-stated in a new circular which will be issued very shortly. I regret that I cannot indicate a precise date.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he can now state the number of classes in Scottish schools having on the roll from 50 to 60 pupils, and the number of classes of over 60 pupils?

I am calling for a return from the education authorities.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has now completed the inquiry he promised to undertake into the operation of the Scottish Local Veto Act; and whether he is in a position to say when the result of that inquiry will be published?

I have received and considered a number of representations regarding the operation of the Temperance (Scotland) Act, 1913. I have not, however, undertaken to institute any inquiry into this matter, and I am not at present satisfied that such, an inquiry is necessary.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman, in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Dunfermline, state that he was having an inquiry into the operation of the Act?

No, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, having regard to the fact that the Glasgow-Edinburgh road scheme was initiated mainly to relieve unemployment, and that it is proposed largely to employ upon its construction men who have no previous experience of road work, he will agree that the promised contribution by the Government, estimated at £1,500,000, shall be paid in part by the Exchequer and not wholly out of the Road Fund?

I have been asked to answer this question. It is proposed to put the work out to contract. There appears to be no justification, therefore, for any special contribution from the Exchequer.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health, if he is aware that in the village of Nitshill, Upper Renfrewshire, about 40 per cent. of the houses are over 100 years of age, many originally being built as stables during the construction of the railway, and have been condemned as unfit for human habitation; that the only working class houses built in the last 40 years were four built by the local co-operative society; and what steps is he prepared to take to remedy the local housing conditions?

I am advised that no authentic information is available as to the precise age or original occupancy of the older houses in the village of Nitshill and that owing to lack of alternative accommodation none has yet been made the subject of a closing order. I am informed that 28 working class houses were erected in the village in 1902 by a co-operative society. The local authority are aware that housing conditions in the village are unsatisfactory and a Report is now being completed by the medical officer of health with a view to the local authority proceeding with a building scheme under the Housing, Etc., Act, 1923, in the areas of the district where housing needs are most pressing. Nitshill village is one of the areas which will require special consideration and I am hopeful that, as a result of the action taken and to be taken, the housing conditions there will be improved.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that two evictions have taken place within the last month by the sending of workmen to remove slates from two dwellings that had been condemned?

I have no information as to that, so far.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health if he will take into consideration, in the allocation of schemes for health improvement, the conditions in Nitshill, Renfrewshire, which possesses no proper method for the disposal of sewage and no scheme of public lighting?

In view of a representation that has been received, the Scottish Board of Health are in communication with the local authority in regard to the drainage and lighting of Nitshill, and I shall inform my hon. Friend of the result.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Bill for the increase of the pensions of pre-War pensioners will be introduced before Easter; and whether ex-Royal Irish Constabulary pensioners will be included within the scope of the Bill.

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies which the Prime Minister gave yesterday on this subject to questions by the hon. Member for Tottenham and the right hon. Member for Ross and Cromarty.

Can the hon. Gentleman give a reply to the second part of the question? The first part was answered by the Prime Minister yesterday.

I think if the right hon. Gentleman refers to the Prime Minister's reply he will see, in regard to the second part of this question, that it is to be considered.