asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that a great number of appeals of ex-service men against disallowances of pensions are being refused on the ground that they are not made within 12 months, and that this regulation as to time limit was not generally known to applicants; and whether he will extend the period within which appeals can be made?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for North Portsmouth (Sir B. Falle) on the 20th instant, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Pensions if his attention has been drawn to what is termed nil disability; whether he is aware that, when the man's panel doctor certifies the man to be suffering from disability, if the medical board decide nil disability no right of appeal is allowed against that decision; and will he take steps to allow the right of appeal?

I am not quite clear what class of case the hon. Member has in mind. In cases where the medical board find that there is no appreciable degree of disablement, the award given is one of nil disablement, and the man concerned has a right of appeal thereon to the assessment appeal tribunal or to a medical appeal board, according as the award is or is not declared a final award. Exceptionally a case has occurred in which the medical board are wholly unable to discover that the claimant has the disability or ailment claimed at all. Where such cases have arisen it has been arranged that the man's appeal should go forward if he desires to appeal. General instructions are being issued.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Government proposes to include in its Bill to benefit pre-War pensioners all men who have been pensioned under the 1914 warrant for minor disablements plus long service?

I have been asked to reply. I am not quite sure that I correctly apprehend the class of pensioner to which the hon. and gallant Member refers; but if, as I assume, the question relates to pensions granted by my Department under Article 1163 of the 1914 Pay Warrant, I would refer him to the answer given on the 13th instant to a question put by the hon. Member for Stratford (Mr. Groves), of which I am sending him a copy, and to which I am not yet in a position to add anything.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will reopen cases of dependants who are incapable of self-support and in pecuniary need whose pension has been terminated by a gratuity at a time when their circumstances were slightly less distressing; and whether he will consider the case of Catherine Matley, 24, Dewhurst Street, Blackburn, sister of the late Thomas Matley, R/2,210, private, King's Royal Rifle Corps, with a view to a further grant?

The circumstances of the particular case mentioned have been reviewed, and I am glad to inform the hon. Member that, in the result, it has been found possible to restore pension.

asked the Minister of Pensions if the handbook of Regulation has been superseded by Ministry of Pensions Instructions; and will he withdraw these Instructions or have them issued in an official handbook?

The handbook to which the hon. Member refers was primarily designed for the use of the old local war pensions committees. The new committees appointed under the War Pensions Act, 1921, have been apprised of the duties assigned to them, and the local officials of the Ministry are aware of the extent to which the provisions of the handbook (which is not yet obsolete) have been modified by later Instructions issued more specifically for their guidance. I may add that committees are kept informed, by circular, of changes or modifications in the policy of this Department.

asked the Minister of Pensions if the Ministry Instruction No. 356, dated 29th August, 1923, for official use only, has been withdrawn; and, if not, whether he will issue instructions to have it withdrawn at once?

As my right hon. Friend has already stated, instructions have been issued modifying the procedure referred to. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of a Circular issued to war pensions committees which explains the present practice.

asked the Secretary of State for War if his Department will consider the desirability of establishing some contributory pension scheme which will meet the requirements of widows of all ranks, with special reference to the position of the long-service soldier's widow?

I am not aware of any desire on the part of the Army for a contributory pension scheme, and I do not think that the existing provisions of the Royal Warrant need be extended. These provisions already secure widows' pensions for all ranks in cases where death is directly attributable to military service.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what system of inspection exists to ensure that all cattle trucks which have conveyed suspected cases of foot-and-mouth disease are disinfected in the prescribed manner; are such trucks always disinfected at the station of unloading; and are the clothes of the employés of the railway companies engaged in this work disinfected afterwards?

The local authorities and the police are primarily responsible for enforcing the Animals (Transit and General) Order of 1912, which prescribed the method of disinfection of railway trucks, but the Ministry's inspectors also take every opportunity of seeing that the provisions of the Order are being properly carried out. Moreover, when an inspector investigating an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease learns that animals on the premises have been conveyed by rail, it is part of his normal routine to trace trucks under suspicion and see that they are thoroughly disinfected. Trucks are not always disinfected at the station of unloading as in some cases disinfection and cleansing are carried out at a central depot, but in no case are trucks used again for animals, fodder, etc., until disinfected. With regard to the last part of the question, no provision exists for the disinfection of the clothes of railway employés engaged in this work.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether special instructions have been issued to the railway companies for the disinfection of railway trucks other than those instructions laid down in a general Order issued in 1912; if so, will be state what they are; and when they were issued?

The standing instructions of the Ministry to railway companies for the disinfection of railway trucks are those contained in the Animals (Transit and General) Order of 1912. On numerous occasions since that date and twice during the present outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, the Ministry has urged upon railway companies the necessity for the utmost care and thoroughness in carrying out the Order of 1912. I am considering at the present time the issue of a new Order on this subject.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the date of the existing regulations of the Ministry as to disinfection of railway trucks in which cattle infected with foot-and-mouth disease have travelled; and what steps are taken by the Ministry to see that they are properly carried out?

The existing regulations as to disinfection of railway trucks are contained in the Animals (Transit and General) Order of 1912 made by the Ministry under the authority of the Diseases of Animals Act, 1894. The local authorities and police are primarily responsible for enforcing the Order, but in addition the Ministry's inspectors take every opportunity of seeing that disinfection of trucks is properly carried out, and, as part of their ordinary routine when investigating an outbreak, they trace any trucks suspected of having carried infected animals.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what was the market price of seed potatoes on 1st January, 1924; and what was the market price of similar seed potatoes on 20th March, 1924?

The prices of seed potatoes vary greatly at any given time owing to the existence of many varieties and the fluctuating demand for particular varieties. It is not possible therefore to give a general price in reply to the question. In the case of potatoes sold for consumption the prices given in the Board of Agriculture's Weekly Return were about £5 to £6 10s. per ton at 1st January, and about £8 to £9 a ton at 20th March. There has been, generally speaking, a similar upward tendency in the prices of a number of varieties of seed potatoes.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether in view of the figures given by himself, which show that of 28,183 Canadian store cattle landed in this country since 1st April, 1923, only 17,260 were in a condition which allowed of their being placed on the land, whilst 10,896 had to be slaughtered at the port of landing, he will seek powers to put a stop to this traffic?

I think my hon. Friend has misunderstood the answer to his previous question on the 17th inst. The 10,896 animals were not injured in any way, but were slaughtered at the ports because they were not stores as denned in the Importation of Animals Act, 1922, but were fit for immediate slaughter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he can state exactly what cruisers are built, building, or projected in the case of Great Britain, France, Italy, the United States and Japan, respectively, giving the tonnage, armament, speed, radius of action at economical speed, and date for completion in each case?

I would refer the Noble Lord to the recent Return of Fleets (British Empire and Foreign Countries) (White Paper No. 41). This gives particulars of all ships completed since 1903. Particulars of older ships still on the effective list will be prepared if desired.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the cloth supplied to the Army used for the officers and men is very inferior to that used in pre-War days; that the dye used to-day is not pure indigo and, in consequence of inferior dye used, has a damaging effect on India by the fact of the indigo plant growers putting their plants out of cultivation, which is causing unemployment and unrest in India; and if he is prepared to receive a deputation from the dyers about the matter?

The reply to the first two parts of the question is in the negative. Officers make their own purchases from military outfitters, but as regards the other ranks the blue cloth purchased since the War has been fully up to the pre-War standard in all respects, including dyeing. The indigo dye used contains 96 per cent. to 98 per cent. pure indigo, and the pre-War specification has not been varied.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there are over 1,000 typewriters lying in the Stationery Office warehouse in South London; and whether he has ascertained if those form any part of the 2,786 typewriters lost by his Department at a cost of £20,000 to the Treasury?

At the time that the loss of 2,786 typewriters (due to war conditions and largely losses on active service) was reported to the Treasury, none of them was lying in the Stationery Office warehouse in South London. Since then 32 of the machines reported as losses have been recovered in various places and various ways and returned to the Stationery Office. It is hoped that some others may yet be recovered.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the decision to exercise the option for purchase of the Deptford cattle market has been acted upon; if he can state the price paid; whether the powers conferred on the City of London Corporation in respect to the market are transferred to the War Office; and what is the appropriate authority to which any portion of the market could be leased by the War Office for its original purpose?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The price has not yet been fixed. The Department does not contemplate taking over the statutory rights or duties of the Corporation of London with regard to the market. As regards the last part of the question, the point raised will be considered as may be necessary when the Department's requirements are known in greater detail.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will place in the Library of the House a copy of the Bulletin of the United States Bureau of Labour Statistics for July, 1918, containing the Report by Mr. Benjamin Squires upon the operation of the Industrial Disputes Investigation Act of Canada?

As the library of my Department contains no duplicate copy of the Bulletin referred to by the hon. Member, I have caused a request to be addressed to the United States Bureau of Labour Statistics for a further copy, which I hope to be able shortly to place at the disposal of the Library of the House.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of insured workpeople covered within the Insurance Unemployment Board, incorporated 24th June, 1921; the total amount of contributions paid to the fund; the total amount contributed by the State; the cost of administration; the total benefits expended for each insurance period since its inception; the number of registrations by unemployed workers; the total number of vacancies notified by employers; and the number of vacancies filled by the Board; and the average cost of each individual placing?

The number of persons insured under the special scheme for the insurance industry on the 30th June, 1923, was 86,573. The following information relates to the last financial year, that is to say, the year ending 30th June, 1923:

As regards cost of administration, it should be noted that the sum mentioned is fully comprehensive, including depreciation of premises and all similar items.

As regards the last three points raised by the hon. Member, I understand that the Insurance Unemployment Board, Incorporated, which is the body charged with the administration of this scheme, treat the notification of vacncies by employers and the placing of unemployed persons in employment as an integral part of the ordinary work of their Claims Department, and that it is not possible to state separately the cost involved. Moreover, during the period covered by the question the Board did not keep such statistics as would enable them to state the number of vacancies notified to and filled by them in that period.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the unanimous Report of the Committee to inquire into the causes of unemployment in the lace trade; and, having regard to the conclusions of that Committee, he proposes to take action to relieve unemployment, which has prevailed in Long Eaton and Nottingham districts for three years, on the lines indicated in the Report?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider the desirability of recommending to the various county councils that no imported materials or plant and no manufactured materials or plant not wholly manufactured in Great Britain shall be used upon the works in schemes of road and bridge construction and improvement undertaken by the county councils for the relief of unemployment, except such materials and plant as can neither be manufactured nor obtained in Great Britain, and for which no suitable substitute can be so manufactured or obtained, except where it is proved that there is undue exploitation of public funds, or where rings and syndicates are unduly keeping up prices?

recommendations to this effect were made to all local authorities about a year ago. It has now been made a definite condition, attaching to all grants from the funds specially set aside to assist road works put in hand with a view to the relief of unemployment, that all contracts connected with the works must be placed in this country unless the Minister of Transport agrees otherwise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the 40 per cent. reduction in the assessment of the railways which has been granted to the railway companies of England; and, in view of the great shortage of dwelling-houses and the present high rate charged for the transport of all building materials over the railways, whether the Government recognises the necessity of legislation being brought into force as soon as possible, such as will cause the railway companies to carry all building materials at a reduced rate, for the purpose of encouraging more and cheaper houses being built?

I have been asked to reply. I am aware that the railway companies have entered into an agreement with the local assessment authorities which has resulted in various reductions in the assessments of railways as compared with those in force in the year 1913, although I am not aware of the extent of those reductions. In reply to the latter part of the question, I would remind my hon. Friend that under the Railways Act, 1921, interested parties, including local authorities, can apply to the Railway Rates Tribunal for reductions in railway charges. I am not prepared to introduce legislation entitling particular classes of commodities to preferential rates.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has yet come to a decision as to allowing owners of taxicabs and commercial motor cars to pay for their licences in quarterly instalments without an increased charge?

For many reasons I could not recommend the issue of quarterly licences without an increased charge. As I stated, however, on the 18th March in answer to a question from the hon. and gallant Member for Brighton, I have under consideration the possibility of doing something in the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if there is any prospect of claims by relatives of seamen and engineers who lost their lives by the sinking of the "Lusitania" being settled at an early date; and if he will take steps to have this matter expedited?

The awards of the Royal Commission to dependents of seamen and engineers lost in the "Lusitania" have all been paid, except possibly in a few eases where the address of the person entitled is unknown. As regards any belated claims, I would refer to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) on the 18th March.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has received any application from foreign shipowners with respect to the modification of the conditions governing wireless marine telegraphy, in accordance with the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1919 (Shipping), which are somewhat in excess of foreign statutory obligations; and if, seeing that such modification would result in extra risks to shipping, particularly to passenger ships, and would in addition result in the dismissal of some hundreds of British wireless marine telegraphists, he will bear this in mind when considering such application?

Representations have been made by certain foreign Governments, on behalf of their shipowners, pressing for the relaxation of the British law in relation to their ships. My hon. Friend may be assured that in considering any proposals for amending the existing law the considerations to which he refers will be borne in mind.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, seeing that the best quality Australian apples were sold at Covent Garden during 1923 at 11s. per case, and were retailed at 9d. per lb., and that the spread amounted to nearly 300 per cent. when the apples were sold by the pound, he will consider the advisability of taking action in the matter?

I am informed that during the season of 1923 (April to July) the wholesale price of Australian apples varied considerably. In the case of one variety, retailed at 9d. per lb. in April and 8d. in May and June, the wholesale prices ranged from 11s. per case, of 40 lbs., in the early part of May to 18s. per case in the middle of June. Having regard to the perishable nature of fresh fruit, I do not see that I can usefully take any action in the matter.

The direct foreign trade of the Irish Free State has been excluded from the

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the fact that the German Government prohibits the importation of British manufactured lace into Germany, he proposes to take similar steps to protect the British manufacturers, who find it impossible to compete with this German competition at home?

In the absence of the necessary legislative authority, His Majesty's Government have no power to prohibit the importation of lace into this country.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the quantities and values of the different kinds of completed and intermediate dyes and dyestuffs imported into the United Kingdom in the year 1923, and the exports and re-exports therefrom during the same period?

The following statement shows the quantities and values of dyes and dyestuffs (except dye-woods and raw dyeing substances) imported into and exported from the United Kingdom during the year 1923:

above particulars as from 1st April, 1923.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that musical instruments despatched from the Irish Free State for repair in Great Britain are only admitted on a deposit of 33 ⅓ per cent. of their value being deposited; that this requirement seriously interferes with this business; and whether any arrangement can be made to avoid the necessity of a deposit in such cases?

Musical instruments from the Irish Free State or elsewhere abroad are liable to duty on importation into Great Britain unless proved to be of British origin. But if the instruments are declared to be imported for repair and re-exportation, payment of duty is waived on security being given to ensure their re-exportation. The importer may give security in the form of a bond covering either a single transaction or a number of transactions or of a deposit of the duty of 33 ⅓ per cent. of the value of the goods. It is therefore not the case that a monetary deposit is the only course open to the importer.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that manufacturers in Germany, since the Reparations Recovery Act has been arranged, are now in a position to import into this country again; that a particular firm, Curt Meyer, Hochstein Company, of Dortmund, are offering to supply tipping wagons at five guineas free on rail, Widnes; and that the raw materials alone for such wagons cost in this country just about £6; and whether, seeing that unemployment is bound to result from imports at these prices, he will inquire into the matter?

I am not aware of the particular quotation mentioned nor of the particular type or quality of the goods referred to, nor of the cost of exactly similar goods in this country. I must not be taken as admitting the implication of the hon. Member's question; but I do not think that an inquiry into an individual case would be likely to serve any useful purpose.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is arranging to put into practice the principle that all ex-service men appointed to the permanent class should receive a salary appropriate to their age up to 26 years?

The question of the starting pay of ex-service temporary clerks appointed to the permanent clerical and Departmental clerical classes was, with the general approval of this House, at the request of the associations concerned, remitted to the Southborough Committee. Effect was given to the unanimous recommendations of the Committee, and I am unable to re-open the matter.

asked the Minister of Health if he has received any requests from boards of guardians asking that returns of ex-service men and their dependants receiving out-relief, etc., should be laid before the House of Commons?

Yes, Sir. I have received such requests from 44 boards of guardians, and am taking steps to obtain the suggested information.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has received a resolution from the ex-service men settled on the farm of Arabella, Nigg, Ross-shire, protesting against the proposal to break up the central farm for new holdings; whether he is aware that they regard their holdings as insufficient in size and scope; and whether he is prepared to give effect to their proposal to divide the central farm among existing holders rather than settle new holders upon it?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. The scheme as prepared by the Board of Agriculture provides for the enlargement of two holdings. I am not prepared to adopt the suggestion in the last part of the question that the whole of the Central Farm should be divided among existing holders. I am advised that even the smaller holdings on this settlement are of a type for which there is considerable demand; and in sub- dividing the farm it is necessary to have regard to the need for utilising existing buildings, which would not be required for enlargements, and also to the claims of other ex-service men whose applications for small holdings have not yet been granted.

asked the Postmaster-General if his attention has been drawn to the suitability of blind ex-service men for telephone work, and that many of these men have been successfully trained as telephone operators; and whether, under the circumstances, special consideration can be given to them in respect of Post Office employment?

Blind operators can only be employed on small switchboards fitted with audible signals and are unsuitable for the type of switchboards used in Post Office Exchanges. An arrangement is, however, in force whereby the authorities of St. Dunstan's Hostel are kept informed of the installation of switchboards suitable for blind operators on the premises of private firms, in order that they may approach the firms concerned with a view to the employment of blind ex-service men.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been drawn to the Treasury demand for £800 upon the staff at the General Post Office, Manchester, for kitchen service, etc.; whether he is aware of the grave discontent existing; and whether he is prepared to take steps to cancel such demand?

I have been asked to answer this question. I am investigating the matter, and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as my inquiries have been completed.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the Fair Wages Clause lays it down that the contractor shall pay rates of wages and observe hours of labour not less favourable than employers and trade societies in the trade in the district where the work is carried out; and whether seeing that the conditions of the established Post Office staff constitute the standard for postal work, his Department will observe both the letter and the spirit of the Fair Wages Clause by applying it in the case of all scale-payment sub-offices?

I am not prepared to admit that the conditions of the established Post Office staff constitute an appropriate standard for sub-office assistants. The standard of qualifications required of the latter is not so high, and they are, in a large proportion of cases, employed partly in the private businesses of the sub-postmasters. The regulations of the Post Office require that their conditions of service should be not less favourable than those of shop assistants of about the same standing in the service of good employers in the same district.

asked the Postmaster-General the wages paid to the temporary manipulative grades in the Post Office?

The rates of pay of the principal temporary manipulative classes of the Post Office are as follows:

Where ranges of pay are shown progress from the minimum to the maximum is usually by annual increments of 2s. The wages shown are payable to adults only; lower rates are applicable to employés below the age of 21.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the great inconvenience caused to the residents in the Stannington area of Northumberland through the absence of telephone facilities; and if, seeing that several influential inhabitants are intending to subscribe when the opportunity offers, he will consider the provision of such facilities?

An offer has been made to open an exchange at Stannington if eight subscribers can be found willing to pay at the rate of £2 a quarter for circuits within 1½ miles from the exchange, and the usual charges for calls and extra mileage of circuit beyond the 1½ mile radius. So far, only five persons have agreed to take circuits on these terms. With fewer than eight subscribers considerably higher rentals would have to be paid. Further efforts will be made to secure the necessary support.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that Dutch circulars are posted to this country from Belgium under a 10-cents stamp, of which His Majesty's Government receive five cents, that is less than one-twelfth of a penny; and what he proposes to do in this matter?

I am aware that certain circulars addressed to persons in this country from Dutch firms are being posted in Belgium; but the hon. Member is under a misapprehension in supposing that this affects the revenue of the British Post Office. Under the regulations of the International Postal Union, the whole of the postage paid on letters and packets of printed papers is retained by the country in which the posting takes place.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the lack of telegraph facilities in the village of Sibbertoft, near Market Harborough, the nearest telegraph office being three miles distant; that the electors at the annual parish meeting of Sibbertoft have already approached his predecessor on the matter; and if he will take steps to provide a telegraph office in the village for the convenience of the public?

According to returns of the telegraph traffic in the neighbourhood, the number of telegrams likely to be dealt with at Sibbertoft—including both forwarded and delivered messages—is only about one a day on an average; and the cost of providing a telegraphic office would not be warranted. Telegrams for the neighbourhood are delivered from the telegraph office at Clipston—2¼ miles distant—and the delivery service is reported to be satisfactory. The question of opening a telephone call office in the village is being considered.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the cloth supplied to the Post Office, used for the officers and men, is very inferior to that used in pre-War days, and that the dye used to-day is not pure indigo and, in consequence of inferior dye used, has a damaging effect on India by the fact of the indigo plant growers putting their plants out of cultivation which is causing unemployment and unrest in India; and if he is prepared to receive a deputation from the dyers about the matter?

Certain changes in Post Office uniform were made as a result of the recommendations of the Geddes Committee; but I am assured that the material now used is of good quality, and compares favourably with the material used for civilian clothing. It has not been the practice for many years past to require the use of natural indigo in the dye of Post Office uniforms; and I am informed that by doing so additional expenditure would be incurred with no corresponding advantage. In the circumstances I do not think a deputation would serve any useful purpose.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the special magazine rate to Canada has resulted in an increased despatch of British newspapers and magazines to Canada; and whether, in view of the efforts of the Victoria League to organise the regular despatch of such British periodicals to other Dominions and Colonies in addition to Canada, he will consider the extension of the special rate system to other Dominions and Colonies and, if necessary, communicate with the Dominion postal authorities with a view to making arrangements similar to those with Canada?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the magazine post has always been unremunerative; and I regret that it would be impracticable to extend the Canadian rates to other Dominions without incurring heavy loss, but I have the general question of the rates of postage for periodicals sent to the Dominions under consideration.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has been in communication with the Governments of the Dominions and India with regard to the reintroduction of Imperial penny postage; and, if so, whether the individual expression of opinion of each of the Governments may be made known to this House?

I have not been in communication with the Dominion Governments on this question. As far as this country is concerned, the restoration of the Imperial penny post must depend upon the practicability of restoring the penny rate in the inland post, and this matter is at present under consideration.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the proposed removal of the post office at Great Cornard, Suffolk, from a central place in the village to a position within 300 yards from the borough boundary of Sudbury; that only 100 to 150 of the population live on the borough side and 1,250 in the opposite direction; whether he is aware that the Great Cornard Parish Council are unanimously opposed to the proposed change, and that the office serves also for the parish of Little Cornard, which will necessitate longer journeys, causing inconvenience, especially for old age pensioners: and whether, before any proposed change in future, the parish council will be consulted?

When the preseat sub-postmaster of Great Cornard was appointed, the only available accommodation for the post office was a room in the house in which the office was previously situated, and the sub-postmaster was unable to live on the post office premises. This is an unsatisfactory arrangement, and authority has therefore been given to remove the office to premises purchased by the sub-postmaster at a distance of 300 yards from the present office. I am assured that there is no prospect of more centrally situated premises becoming available. I do not think that removal such a short distance can cause any real inconvenience and, in any case, there is no satisfactory alternative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can furnish a Return to the House showing the increase in the price of building materials since 1st January; and if be intends to ask Parliament for powers to control the manipulation of prices by rings and combines?

I would refer the hon. Member to the Reports for the months of January and February of the Chairman of the Inter-Departmental Committee appointed to survey the prices of building materials which have already been published as a Command Paper. I understand that a Return showing the March prices is in course of preparation. As regards the last part of the question, the matter is under consideration in connection with the Government's general housing proposals.

asked the Minister of Health if any housing schemes are in operation and, if so, how many and where, under the provision of the 1923 Housing Act, whereby local authorities are permitted to carry out housing schemes with the subsidy outside their own area providing it is adjacent to and likely to house the ratepayers of its district?

The approval of the Ministry of Health is not required to such details of local authorities' proposals under the Housing, Etc., Act, 1923, whether for the grant of subsidy to private enterprise or for the erection of houses themselves, and statistics are not, therefore, available on the point raised.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he is aware of the special difficulties over extensive rural areas in Argyllshire, and some other Highland counties, in the way of getting houses erected by the district committees owing to the very large areas under their jurisdiction; and whether, in framing a new Housing Bill for Scotland, special consideration will be given to this matter?

No representations have been made to me to the effect stated in the question, but I shall be glad to consider particulars of any special cases that the right hon. Member may care to submit to me and of any proposals he may have to make.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the administrative work of approved societies has been seriously affected as a result of the reduction of the administrative allowance from 4s. 10d. to 4s. 5d.; and whether he can see his way to restore the sum of 4s. 10d., so that approved societies may adequately perform their functions?

I have no evidence that the work of approved societies has been seriously affected as a result of the reduction in the maximum allowance for expenditure on administration, and I have no reason to think that any increase of the present sum is required in order that societies should adequately perform their functions.

asked the Minister of Health why, although approved societies were permitted, under the National Health Insurance (Arrears) Regulations, 1921, to assume that 26 contributions had been paid by a member who had in fact paid more than 12, but less than 26, for the contribution year ended 3rd July, 1921, no similar permission has been given to approved societies with regard to later contribution years, thereby restricting the title to maternity and other cash benefits; whether he is aware that insured person V. 585,571, of the Liverpool Victoria Approved Society, has been deprived of participating in certain National Health Insurance benefits because he did not satisfy the contribution test laid down by the prolongation of the Insurance Act, 1921, although 73 contributions were paid by him during the period from 1st July, 1918, to 4th July, 1920, and a total of 179 from July, 1918, to December, 1923, the shortage of contributions being due to unemployment, and, although this insured person has received no sickness, disablement, or maternity benefit, he has been informed by his approved society that he is not entitled to maternity benefit in respect to his wife's confinement on 8th February, 1924, notwithstanding that he had 24 stamps to his credit during the period of July, 1922, to July, 1923; and whether he will take the necessary steps for the amendment of the conditions of the Prolongation of Insurance Act, 1921, and the Regulations regarding the contribution tests in relation to the maternity and minimum cash benefits in such manner as will remove the hardships at present suffered by member V. 585,571 of the Liverpool Victoria Approved Society, and take the necessary steps to see that this insured person does receive maternity benefit, either through the application of his powers under Article 11 of the National Health Insurance (Arrears) Regulations, 1921, for the extension of the period of grace for the payment of money in cancellation of arrears or otherwise?

The provision of the Arrears Regulations of 1921, to which the hon. Member refers, was made before Parliament had adopted the National Insurance (Prolongation of Insurance) Act, 1921, and has been superseded by later Regulations based upon the terms of that Act. Owing to the shortage of contributions during the period from 1st July, 1918, to 4th July, 1920, the member in question could only obtain maternity benefit if he had paid the appropriate arrears penalty. I am informed by the Approved Society that a notice to this effect was duly issued to the member, but that, as he failed to make the necessary payment within the period of grace allowed, he is not entitled to the benefit.

asked the Minister of Health the number of medical practitioners on the national health insurance panel in England and Wales; and what is the average number of panel patients to each medical practitioner on the panel in the West Riding of Yorkshire?

The average number of insurance practitioners for England and Wales for the year 1923 was approximately 12,850. The average number of panel patients to each insurance practitioner for the West Riding of Yorkshire was for the same year approximately 1,100.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Leyton Urban District Council was fined early this month for polluting the River Lee, from which London obtains part of its domestic water supply; and will he take drastic steps to ensure that London's water supply is kept free from any such pollution as sewage effluent?

The answer to the first part of the question is "Yes." The London water supply is not, however, affected by sewage effluent from Leyton as the intake for that supply is a considerable distance above Leyton. I may add that the Leyton Urban District Council are at present in negotiation with the London County Council with a view to effecting improvements in the disposal of their sewage.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the recent serious results of inoculating children with toxin antitoxin in certain educational establishments in two towns in the United States, damages having been recently awarded for the death of a child through inoculation with toxin antitoxin: and whether, in view of these and other records of disasters in America through the use of the Schick test and subsequent inoculation with toxin antitoxin, he will dissociate his Department from a system which may cause severe injury and even death to those submitted to it?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, except that I have no information as to any death resulting from the inoculations referred to. I understand that the reactions following the inoculation of these children were due to their receiving a toxin antitoxin mixture which had been subjected to extreme cold, this causing a dissociation of the mixture. Now that the unfavourable effect of freezing the mixture has been ascertained, suitable precautions will, of course, be taken in future, and I see no reason to modify the advice given in the reports issued by my Department on the use of immunisation methods against diphtheria.

asked the Minister of Health what is the composition of the diphtheria toxin which is used for carrying out the Schick test; and whether he will state how supplies of it are obtained?

The test solution in the Schick test for diphtheria consists of a fresh solution of diphtheria toxin which is bacterium-free and is prepared and diluted so that either 0·1 cubic centimetre or 0·2 cubic centimetre (as may be decided) represents l/50th of the minimum lethal dose for a 250-gram guinea pig. Supplies of diphtheria toxin used for this purpose in this country are obtained from the two or three commercial firms which have made special arrangements for its preparation and sale.

asked the Minister of Health if he will instruct building and improvement departments of local authorities to supply and enforce printed notice boards to be hung up in all new factories and warehouses, stating the maximum load which suspended floors are permitted to carry, to fulfil the purpose of existing building byelaws or regulations affecting reinforced concrete construction?

I cannot at present add anything to the reply given to the hon. Member on the 21st January. As the hon. Member was informed, this matter is receiving consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he can give an assurance to the House that all goods exhibited at the British Empire Exhibition have been manufactured or produced within the Empire?

I beg to refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave him in answer to a similar question on the 17th instant.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what steps are being taken to advertise the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley on the Continent of Europe and the United States of America; and whether an advisory committee, consisting of the best advertising experts, could be set up with a view to giving advice as to the methods which could be pursued to make the exhibition known as it should be?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the 19th March to the hon. Member for Newport (Mr. Clarry).

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of men employed in the mining industry who are affected by the present wage dispute, and the increased annual charge upon the industry by the offer made by the coal-owners and by the granting in full of the men's demands, respectively?

The present wage negotiations affect, to a greater or less degree, all the persons employed in the coal mining industry, numbering nearly 1,200,000. The answer to the last part of the question depends upon factors that cannot be foreseen.

asked the Home Secretary what is the number of paid officials employed by the Commissioners of Church Temporalities in Wales; and what is the amount of their salaries?

The Commissioners employ 10 salaried officials and 17 temporary clerks and typists. Their salaries and wages amount to £7,132 per annum.

also asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the sum paid by the Commissioners of Church Temporalities in Wales to firms for the collection of tithe rentcharge was £9,644 or about £4 13s. 6d. per cent.; and why firms of experience who are prepared to do the work at 2½ per cent. commission were not employed?

I am informed by the Commissioners that owing to the very unsatisfactory state of a great proportion of the tithe collection lists which came into their possession at the date of disestablishment, they came to the conclusion that they must employ as their agents firms who had had considerable experience in dealing with this kind of property. They have not been able to find any firm of this character prepared to undertake the work at 2½ per cent., and apparently other large tithe owners are in the same position. The Commissioners are continually taking steps to effect economies in the cost of collection by extending their direct head office collection.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has now considered the evidence of the coroner's inquiry into the Slades Green disaster and is prepared to appoint a committee of inquiry into the whole of the circumstances in which this work was carried out, the nature of the contract, etc.; if he is aware that many of these dangerous war stores have been already distributed as ordinary fireworks; and if he will cause these to be returned, as far as may be possible, and destroyed?

I have considered the evidence taken at the inquest and the Report of the investigation undertaken on my instructions by the Chief Inspector of Explosives and the Senior Engineering Inspector of Factories. This Report, which will be published as soon as possible, deals fully with the circumstances and causes of the accident, and I think hon. Members, on reading the Report, will agree that no useful purpose would be served by instituting any further inquiry. It has been settled that in future any work of this kind that may be entrusted to a private firm will be carried out under conditions that will bring it within the operation of the Explosives Acts. With regard to the latter part of the question, the Chief Inspector of Explosives has ascertained that the dangerous war stores bought by the occupiers of the Slades Green Factory are not, and never have been, sold to the public. Some 3,000 Verey cartridges have been sold to retailers after being fitted with a slow-match ignition arrangement, but these are not dangerous except when being broken down, and no accident has occurred during their use.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can give any information as to how the provisions made for the protection of Imperial interests under the Treaty made with the Irish Free State are being carried out?

His Majesty's Government are satisfied that, subject to the negotiations now proceeding regarding Article 12, the Treaty with the Irish Free State is being carried out by both parties thereto in the letter and the spirit. If the hon. Member desires information regarding any specific provision of the Treaty, I shall be happy to give it to him.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware of the distress among the fishermen in Tiree and the neighbouring island and districts due to the scarcity of fish on their regular fishing grounds, and their unanimous view that this is caused by the depredations of trawlers, particularly of those who work inshore at nights: and whether he will give serious consideration to the considered view of the fisherman that there should be a closed area in that part of the islands, such as that inside a line drawn from Skerryvore lighthouse to Dhu-heartach lighthouse?

No complaints of illegal trawling have been received by the Fishery Board from Tiree and district for some considerable time, and I understand that no representations from the locality were made to the Trawling Committee presided over by Lord Mackenzie. I have no powers to close the area mentioned to trawling.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the two small fast auxiliary craft, which he announced would be added to the number of vessels used for protecting the inshore fishermen of the North, East and West Coasts of Scotland from the illegal depredations of trawlers, have now been provided; and whether he has given consideration to the suggestion that seaplanes should be used for this purpose?

The two auxiliary craft are now under construction. The suggestion that seaplanes should be used for patrol purposes has been considered, but is not regarded as practicable for various reasons. Among these are the difficulty of operating in bad weather or at night and of boarding and identifying offenders.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if it is proposed to erect silos for experimental work in the North of Scotland?

Arrangements have been practically completed by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland for the erection of silos and for the growing of silage crops in Skye for experimental purposes. A prominent landlord in the island has also agreed to give substantial assistance to crofters for this purpose. Should these experiments be successful their extension to other areas will be considered.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if his attention has been drawn to the question of the superannuation of the medical officers of the Highlands and Islands medical service to the recommendation in favour of a scheme for this purpose made by the Dewar Commission; and if he is in a position to make any statement on the matter?

I am aware that the Dewar Commission expressed the view that some form of superannuation for these medical officers was worthy of consideration. The Scottish Board of Health have had the matter from time to time under consideration, but it has not been possible, for financial reasons, to make any specific provision for superannuation. I may, however, remind the right hon Member that considerable improvement— particularly in the less remunerative practices—has been effected since the date of the Commission's Report, by the Highlands and Islands (Medical Services) Grant Act, 1913.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that numbers of civil servants and other persons whose remuneration has included a war bonus, or similar payment, in respect of the additional cost of living consequent upon the War are claiming repayment of Income Tax for years prior to 1922–23 upon the ground that so much of their remuneration as consisted of such bonus or payment has been charged with Income Tax upon the basis of the emoluments of the year of assessment and not, as perquisites, upon the average of the three years preceding the year of assessment; and what steps are being taken in the matter?

I am aware of the claims to which my hon. Friend refers. I am advised that the contention put forward is not sustainable in law. Moreover, if this were not the case, gross inequalities would arise as between various sections of taxpayers among the classes of persons in question. In all the circumstances, the Government propose to submit, in connection with the coming Finance Bill, legislative proposals to make it clear that these persons were chargeable with Income Tax in respect of the bonus, etc., for the years in question on the basis which was applied to their case, namely, the amount of such emoluments for the year of assessment.