asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the dissatisfaction existing on account of the present inability of ever having an Appeal Tribunal case re-opened under any circumstances, he is now in a position to announce the result of his reconsideration of this matter?

I regret I am not yet in a position to add anything to the statement made in reply to the hon. Member for West Willesden (Mr. Viant) on the 20th March, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

Can the hon. Gentleman give any indication of how soon he expects to be able to come to a decision on this most important matter?

I am afraid it is not possible to give any definite pronouncement, but we are making the fastest possible headway with the consideration of the suggestion.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he can now make any statement as to the solution of the problems raised by the Final Awards Regulations, especially with regard to ex-service men who have had a recurrence of disabilities after the period of their final appeal has lapsed?

I would draw the hon. Member's attention to the answer I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for East Rhondda (Lieut.-Colonel Watts-Morgan) on the 27th March, of which I am sending him a copy.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the many cases of tuberculosis which appear to arise subsequent to the claims being turned down upon other grounds, and does he not consider that these are cases which require further examination?

Yes, Sir, I am quite aware of the fact stated by the hon. Member, and I think he will find there is another question on the same subject.

Is the Minister in a position to hold out any hope of either the Royal Warrant or the Regulations being changed to allow of these cases being dealt with?

As I said in reply to the hon. Member for West Middlesbrough (Mr. T. Thomson) on Question No. 1, I am not able to make any definite pronouncement to-day.

asked the Attorney-General how many appeals have been heard by the House of Lords Tribunals during the last year, and how many of these have been disallowed?

During the year 1923, 74,124 appeals were heard by the Pensions Appeal Tribunals for England and Wales, of which 36,864 were disallowed.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many appeals there have been during his term of office, or since 1st January, 1924, to 31st March, for reconsideration of ex-service men's cases who had previously been turned down by House of Lords Appeal Tribunals; what has been the result of these appeals; and will he state what steps, if any, he intends to take to re-open cases where reasonable grounds for allowing an appeal are shown?

No record is available of the precise number of cases that have occurred during the period referred to. I fear that as regards the last part of the question I cannot yet add anything to the statement I made in reply to the question addressed to me by the hon. Member for West Willesden on the 20th March, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, as a result of his recent conference with the Special Grants Committee, any modification in the Regulations governing the issue of educational grants to the children of deceased sailors and soldiers has yet been decided upon?

The position in this matter is still as indicated in the reply I gave to my hon. Friend on Thursday last.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been called to the hardship inflicted upon widows of men who have died as a result of injuries or disease due to war service who, left with young children born subsequent to discharge, receive no pension for such children; and whether he will consider the desirability of making such amendments in the Royal Warrants as will enable his Department to issue pensions in respect of all children under 16 years of age of a deceased sailor, soldier, or airman whose death was attributable to war service, whether the children were born before or subsequent to discharge?

I would draw my hon. Friend's attention to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Blackley (Mr. P. M. Oliver) on the 28th February, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Captain A. J. Macarthur, of Edinburgh, of the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders, was deprived of his wound pension of £63 per annum when he had no other means of support, and if he will inquire into this case?

The facts are not as stated in the question. In 1921 an Order of Court was made directing that one half of this officer's disability retired pay should be administered otherwise than by payment to himself. This Order was recently revoked by the Court, and since the 4th February last the disability retired pay has been paid direct to the officer without deduction.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he received a communication dated 29th February, 1924, from a certain pensioned ex-officer, Lieutenant A. D., at that time an inmate of Haydock private asylum, Newton-le-Willows, Lancashire, in which that officer asked for a medical examination and inquiry into his case with a view to showing that he was perfectly sane; what is the reason why this officer was, in October, 1923, summoned to a Ministry of Pensions hospital at Knotty Ash, Liverpool, in order to proceed to the Isle of Wight for convalescence, and that instead of that he was taken to the above-named asylum without his wife or any of his relatives being informed of his removal thereto; why was he detained as a lunatic until 4th March, 1924, upon which date he escaped and, after remaining in seclusion for the statutory interval of 14 days, recovered his freedom; is he aware that this officer was awarded 100 per cent. disability for severe wounds, and that the pension is now being held up, if not entirely stopped; and will he cause inquiries to be made with a view to taking action for remedying these matters?

I regret to say that this officer, who had been awarded disability retired pay at the maximum rate, had, after admission to Knotty Ash Hospital to be transferred, under an urgency order, to a mental hospital. The proposed convalescent treatment could not therefore, be proceeded with. As the hon. Member states, the officer escaped from the mental institution, and as this happened about the time of receipt of the letter referred to in the first part of the question, the medical examination he asked for could not be made. With regard to the last part of the question, whilst the officer was in the mental hospital arrangements were made for payments due to him to be made to his wife, but in the present circumstances payment will be made to him direct.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that, when a pensioner has been in receipt of a part pension and he dies leaving a wife and family behind, the pension stops automatically and no provision is made for the widow and children, and that in similar cases where a gratuity has been awarded in lieu of pension and the pensioner dies before the gratuity has been paid no payment is made to his dependants; and what steps does he intend to take to remove this grievance?

Disability pensions are payable only to the end of the week in which the pensioner dies. The Royal Warrant provides for the grant of pension to the widow and children on a claim being made and substantiated. Where the compensation awarded takes the form of a gratuity and the man dies before payment is made, the amount is credited to the deceased man's estate.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of empty beds in Richmond Park and Orpington hospitals, respectively; and whether and how he proposes to utilise these hospitals in the future?

The numbers are 36 and 67 respectively, all of which are, however, allocated to patients about to commence treatment. It may not be necessary to retain the hospital at Richmond Park after next autumn, but there is at present no prospect of the accommodation at Orpington ceasing to be required by my Department.

May I ask No. 18, on behalf of my Noble Friend the Member for South Battersea (Viscount Curzon)?

Did the Noble Lord ask the hon. Member to put it?

No, Sir.

Then he is not authorised to ask it.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been called to the cases of hardship caused to those ex-service trainees who have been advised and permitted by the Ministry to enter upon and have carried through the fullest period of training allowed by the Ministry in certain trades, namely, inter alia, upholstery and cabinet making, and who are now refused a grant from the Civil Liabilities Fund to enable them to set up business upon the ground that their training is insufficient for this purpose; and whether he is prepared to reconsider this matter?

I have been asked to reply. The training given in furniture making is ordinarily designed to fit men for employment and not for setting up on their own account. A Civil Liabilities grant in addition to training can be given only in exceptional circumstances, and if the local technical advisory committee recommend it. The particular committee which the hon. Member has in mind has refused to recommend certain applicants for grant, because they considered that the men had not sufficient experience or that there was no scope for a new business. I shall be glad to inquire into any individual case if the hon. Member will give me particulars.

Is the Minister aware that this particular technical advisory committee has invariably refused applications for grants?

I am not aware that such is the case, but if the hon. Member will supply me with particulars of a case in which he thinks a mistake has been made, I can go into the whole matter.

asked the Minister of Health the number of ex-service men, with their dependants, receiving out-door relief; the number resident in workhouses; and the number charged to local rates in mental institutions; and whether he will take the necessary action to make these a national charge so that no ex-service man should be forced to appeal for Poor Law assistance?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which was given on the 26th March last in reply to a similar question by the hon. Member for South Norfolk (Mr. G. Edwards).

Can the hon. Gentleman give the number of ex-service men who are unable to get possession of their own houses, in which they have invested their savings?

I do not thnik that that is connected with this question at all.

asked the Minister of Pensions what action he proposes to take to assist those ex-service men who suffer from tuberculosis, but who for one reason or another have lost their pensions and who, nevertheless, still suffer from, and are receiving treatment for, the disease?

I am not in a position at present to take any general action, but each case as individually presented is investigated with exceeding care, and the general question will be further considered in the light of these cases.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the head of the officers' friend branch will be given the opportunity of refusing to take redundant officials who are appointed to his Department without consulting him and whom he does not think suitable for that particular job?

As I informed the hon. and gallant Member on the 27th ultimo, no redundant official transferred to another branch will be retained in that branch if he is unable to perform his work efficiently, but I am unable to accept the suggestion that the head of any particular branch in which there is a vacancy should be permitted to refuse a redundant official, who has performed his duties efficiently in one branch, an opportunity of showing his fitness in another for which he possesses qualifications.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this branch needs very particular qualifications and that it has to deal with the Admiralty and the War Office?

I am quite aware of those facts, and I am paying due regard to the suggestions which have been made.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that 28 per cent. of the officers employed in the officers' friend branch are to go; whether the head of the officers' friend branch was consulted before these officers were dismissed; and whether he is aware that two-thirds of the officers that are to go from the Ministry of Pensions are taken out of the officers' friend branch, where officers of experience with special qualifications are necessary?

Four officers' friends out of a total staff of 17 are under notice; the head of the branch was consulted before the notices were issued. Excluding Medical Services, there are now only two members of the Ministry temporary staff with Service pensions of over £500 outside the officers' friend branch, one of whom is under notice.

Will the Minister pay particular regard to the staffing of this branch; is he aware that this branch performed most useful and sympathetic service, and will he see that it is not unduly depleted?

I will make a note of what the right hon. Gentleman says.

Is the hon. Gentleman going to fill the four vacancies caused by these dismissals, by redundant officials, without any knowledge whatever of this particular kind of work?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many temporary staff in his Department have been established without examination in the last two years; and how many of these were ex-service and non-service men, respectively?

As the answer is somewhat long, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

following is the reply:

The answer to the first part of the question is 181; to the second, that of these, 93 were ex-service men, 68 were non-service men, and 20 were non-service women. Of these, 40 ex-service men and 28 non-service men and women were employed in the Meteorological Office prior to its transfer to the Air Ministry, and, although unestablished, were regarded as permanent, and were pensionable under a Meteorological Office pensions scheme. Forty-two others (18 ex-service men and 24 non-service men and women) were appointed to the Meteorological Office after its transfer to the Air Ministry, and were especially excused, owing to previous educational attainments, a qualifying examination, which other late-comers to the Meteorological Office had to pass prior to establishment. Six non-service post-war entrants (industrials) have also been established. The remainder of the total of 181 consists of pre-war Government employés.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the accommodation in the office of the inspector of taxes at 31, High Street, Dumbarton, is quite inadequate for the business to be transacted; that this has resulted, together with deficient heating arrangements, in excessive sickness amongst the staff; that there are no facilities, other than the inspector's private room, to interview callers, with the result that taxpayers do not receive the privacy for their affairs generally conceded by the Department; that, owing to lack of accommodation to house lock-fast cupboards, the papers relating to assessments are only stored on open shelves, and that these premises were only accepted in 1919 by the Inland Revenue Department on the understanding that they would meet the requirements only temporarily; and will he take steps to see that accommodation more in keeping with the importance of the district, and more adequate to the health needs of the staff, is provided without further delay?

I am making inquiry into this matter, and will communicate the results to my hon. Friend in due course.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that appointments to the administrative class of the Civil Service are being given to temporary civil servants, under paragraph 31 of the Third Interim Report of the Lytton Committee, which would otherwise have been filled by permanent Civil Servants of very much longer service who had qualified by examination in open competition; and whether he is prepared to extend the period during which appointments may be made from the 1921 administrative class examination?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that the open competition of 1921 for the administrative class of the Civil Service was the only opportunity which for nearly 10 years had been accorded to lower-grade permanent civil servants to compete for such appointments; how many of these permanent civil servants had been offered appointments as a result of the examination; whether the first place on the waiting list of qualified candidates arising from the competition in question is held by one of these Civil Service candidates; and if it is proposed to close down the waiting list before appointments have been offered to any of the qualified lower-grade permanent civil servants who, at great personal expense, had competed thereat?

This question appears to be based on a misapprehension. The competition of 1921 was an open competition and it would not be right to make a separate category of the permanent civil servants who competed thereat. The list issued in connection with this examination was not a list of qualified candidates, but a list in order of merit which was originally intended to fill any vacancies arising within six months of the examination. No candidate on the list who has failed to secure appointment has any claim to be regarded as qualified, and I am satisfied that it would not have been in the public interest to keep the list, which has been closed after special extension to the 31st March last, open any longer.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the completion of its work by the Disposal and Liquidation Commission, he can state the number of the staff engaged on such work at the close of operations; and whether they have been discharged owing to reduction of duties or absorbed in other branches of the Civil Service?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answers given to the hon. Member for Guildford and the hon. Member for Tradeston on the 20th and 31st March respectively. I may add that I hope to lay upon the Table shortly a White Paper dealing with the work, and giving details of the staff, of the late Commission.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the reason for the creation of 900 permanent executive posts; whether, since the promotion of permanent officers, when no vacancies were available, is opposed to the practice of the Civil Service, he proposes to take any action to secure that these irregular promotions shall not prevent competent ex-service men employed for several years on executive duties being absorbed into the permanent establishment?

The hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension. There has been no such creation of permanent executive posts, or such irregular promotions as he suggests. As regards the claim for appointment of ex-service temporary clerks to executive posts I would refer to the answer which I gave on the 6th March to the hon. Member for Oxford.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are being taken by the welfare department of the British Empire Exhibition in connection with the large numbers of women and girls to be employed at Wembley?

I am informed by the British Empire Exhibition authorities that staff institutes with rest rooms of which women superintendents will be in charge have been erected for their own women employés. Two special rooms are also being constructed for the women staff of exhibitors and concessionaires, and I understand that one will be supervised by the Girls' Friendly Society and the other by the Young Women's Christian Association.

Are any women police to be maintained there?

I have no knowledge on that point.

Will the hon. Gentleman ascertain?

That question should be addressed to another Department.

asked the Home Secretary whether, during the time of the British Empire Exhibition, in view of the large number of overseas visitors, he will consider a temporary increase of women constables in London and the creation of temporary appointments at Wembley, with a view to safeguarding the interests of our Dominion visitors?

The arrangements have not yet been settled, but any women police whom it may be decided to employ at the Exhibition will be additional to the establishment now serving.

asked the Home Secretary whether the British Empire Exhibition authorities have applied for any Metropolitan police to police the exhibition grounds, buildings, and approaches; if so, can he state approximately how many police will be so employed; if they will receive any extra allowances over their ordinary rate of pay; and whether all the cost of such police will be charged and paid by the Exhibition authorities?

The police to be employed at the Exhibition will receive their ordinary pay and any allowances to which they may be entitled under the Regulations, and the cost will be borne by the Exhibition authorities. It would be unusual and, I think, undesirable to give the number of additional police to be supplied.

If extra police are required for these purposes, will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether some of the police pensioners cannot be utilised?

I would have to confer with the Commissioner of Police on that point.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that some women police are employed?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he will give this House any information as to the proposed steer wrestling and other contests to be decided at the British Empire Exhibition, Wembley; and whether any protests have been received against any contests likely to involve cruelty to animals?

I beg to refer the hon Member to the reply which I gave yesterday in answer to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for Lincoln (Mr. A. T. Davies).

In view of the unsatisfactory answer, I beg to give notice that on the Motion for the Adjournment on Monday night, or as early as possible, I shall draw the attention of the House to this matter.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Minister of Labour if he is in a position to tell the House anything about the strike at Wembley?

I am informed that, after a visit paid by an official of the Building Trade Union this morning, the strike is at an end.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the men have gone back to work on the same terms or whether they have secured an increase of wages?

That I cannot say. My information is confined to the fact and the statement that the strike is at an end.

Is there any foundation for the report which has appeared in the newspapers that violence has taken place?

My information is that the stories about violence are quite unfounded and in every respect misleading.

Will the publishers of those stories be prosecuted?

asked the Home Secretary if he will bring in legislation to define the position with regard to the naturalisation in this country of aliens who have become citizens of the Irish Free State under Article 3 of the Irish Free State Constitution?

I do not think any question of legislation arises. Persons such as those whom the hon. and gallant Baronet has in mind are in the same position as other aliens as regards naturalisation in Great Britain. If they desire it, they must comply with the statutory conditions as to residence here, which include the requirement that they must have been in this country at least one year before they apply.

Does that answer mean that the present position of aliens who have become citizens of the Irish Free State is in accordance with our naturalisation law; and. if not, what steps are the Government going to take?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Home Secretary the number of police authorities throughout the country who are employing women police?

According to the latest available returns (dated September last), the number of police authorities employing one or more women police was 34. The numbers employed in the several forces were in most cases small, and exceeded six in only two forces—the Metropolitan Police and the Lancashire Police. Detailed particulars will be found in Table I appended to the Reports of His Majesty's Inspectors of Constabulary.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in placing recently the order for bulk printing of election forms at the Harrow printing works, any opportunity was given to other printing houses to tender for the work; and whether, in view of the fact that such work has hitherto been performed locally, he will arrange that such an opportunity shall be provided in future?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As to the latter part, I may refer my hon. Friend to the reply on this subject which was given on the 14th February to questions by the hon. Members for Weston-super-Mare (Mr. Murrell), Harborough (Mr. Block), and Montrose Burghs (Mr. Sturrock).

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware there is a good deal of local discontent among printers because all these orders are now given to wholesale firms in London, and the local printing firms are no longer able to compete?

I do not think that point arises out of the question.

Have the whole of the election forms been printed at the Harrow works?

As far as my information goes, yes.

asked the Home Secretary whether any changes or reductions have taken place in the Special Branch at New Scotland Yard?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the report of the inquest on John Bole, aged 41, Leicester Road, Fleckney, whose death was caused by falling into an unfenced fly-wheel pit at Messrs. Wolsey's (Limited) works; that His Majesty's Inspector of Factories had given instructions for the fencing, of this machinery in December last, and that his instructions had not been carried out; if he will inquire why an inspector did not return within reasonable time to see that the work had been completed; if his attention has been called to the case reported in the "Aberdeen Press and Journal" on 22nd March, when Messrs. A. R. Watson and Company, Morayshire Sawmills, Elgin, were fined for neglecting to fence a feed-shaft of a circular saw in accordance with the regulations, and that a boy had lost his life through this neglect; and whether he is satisfied that the present staff of inspectors is large enough to inspect adequately the factories and workshops of this country?

I have seen reports on both the cases mentioned by the Noble Lord, but it does not appear from the information in my possession that an increased inspecting staff would have made any difference in these particular cases. On the general question I cannot do more than refer him to the reply I gave to his similar question on Tuesday last.

Does the right hon. Gentleman contemplate an immediate increase in the number of factory inspectors; and is he aware that many of his colleagues in the last Parliament made very strong speeches on the subject?

I am not prepared to make a statement on the subject at the moment.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that there are at least 300 children awaiting admission to the New Hall Lane Roman Catholic school, Liverpool, plans of which were submitted to the Board of Education in November last; and whether he will expedite the approval of the plans?

The Board are satisfied as to the need for the new school, and returned the plans on the 24th March last with certain criticisms and suggestions. The matter shall be dealt with as expeditiously as possible when the plans are again received.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he can give any information as to the approximate number of students who will be leaving the training colleges in July next?

The number of students who are expected to leave training colleges in England and Wales next July, is approximately 7,310 (1,890 men and 5,420 women).

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he can now make a statement upon the position of Irish teachers in the service of the London County Council whose salaries have recently been reduced by the amount hitherto paid them in respect of teaching service in Ireland?

I am now in a position to deal with cases of the kind mentioned in the answer I gave to the hon. Member's question of the 18th March.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether there is any provision for a teachers' widows and orphan pension fund; and, if not, what steps he proposes to take to provide such a fund?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The establishment of such a fund as that proposed by the hon. and gallant Member would be an entirely new feature in superannuation schemes for teachers, and I cannot commit the Government to introduce it by legislation.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think any scheme is complete unless there is provision for a widows and orphans' pensions fund?

I understand the Emmott Committee considered the proposal and made no recommendation.

When is it likely to be considered?

When the whole question comes up for examination.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when it is likely to come up?

Not at present.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, seeing that the local education authority and the managers of Cottenham Park School, Wimbledon, have, after full consideration, unanimously resolved that on educational grounds it is desirable that the infants at this school, numbering less than 120, should be under the charge of a fully qualified woman head-assistant teacher, with two assistants, and should not be organised as a separate department under a head teacher; that the persons responsible for and familiar with education in the locality have expressed their opinion that the appointment of a separate head teacher over these infants will result in serious difficulties in the changes of organisation required to bring the system of central schools and continuation classes into force; that the Board of Education have intimated that if the managers continue in accordance with what they consider right to refrain from appointing a separate head teacher the Board will stop payment of part of the grants in respect of this school; and that the Wimbledon education authority has for over 10 years maintained another school organised with over 150 infants under an assistant teacher with no separate head teacher, with results which have been most favourably reported on by the officers of the Board, he will consider the matter, with a view to meeting the wishes of the education authority and the managers in what they consider is educationally sound?

The arguments stated in the question were laid before the Board by the hon. Baronet and a deputation of the local education authority and managers on the 4th March. After full consideration of the case presented by them, I see no reason to depart from the previous decision.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state the full circumstances under which an annual payment of £44 is being made to a married woman teacher at Stalybridge as compensation for dismissal on account of the regrouping of schools?

This teacher was dismissed from her appointment under a reorganisation effected under the Education Acts, 1918 and 1921, and she appealed to the Treasury under Section 120 of the Local Government Act, 1888, as applied by those. Acts against the refusal of the Stalybridge Corporation to award her compensation. In the exercise of their statutory duty under those Acts and after considering the representations of the parties the Treasury felt bound to determine that she was entitled to an annual allowance of £44, which is liable to suspension or abatement in accordance with the statutory provisions in the event of her obtaining other public employment.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any proposals to make to Parliament relating to the prevention of strikes in industries that gravely affect the public welfare and directly interfere with or stop the public services?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the inconvenience, loss, and suffering caused to the public in the London area during the recent strike by the stoppage of tramcars and omnibuses, he proposes to take steps, by legislation or otherwise, to prevent the recurrence of such a state of affairs; and why the Government did not provide protection for the general public during this recent strike by organising a service of transport to take the place of the tramcars and omnibuses thrown out of operation by the strikers?

The Government are convinced that disputes of this kind not only cannot be prevented by means of legislation, but that any attempt in this direction could not fail to be disastrous. As regards the second part of the question by the hon. Member for Peckham (Mr. Hughes), no course other than that which they adopted would, in their opinion, have assisted in securing the settlement which was reached by agreement between the parties to this dispute. The Government's handling of the dispute saved the London public much inconvenience and disturbance.

Are the Government going to take any steps to consider the possibility of a further development of the present conciliation methods, without going so far as compulsory arbitration, so as to ensure that an impartial inquiry should be held before extreme measures are taken, in order that the public and those engaged in the disputes should have an impartial report before them?

Short of compulsory arbitration, I think my right hon. Friend will agree that, in respect to using the machinery for investigation and report, this Government have gone very far ahead of any preceding Government, and we shall continue to avail ourselves fully of the existing machinery according to the merits of each recurring trouble.

Do I understand that the Government will not consider any extension of the machinery?

We do not regard that as at all necessary.

Arising out of the reply to me about the handling by the Government of the recent dispute, is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there is grave dissatisfaction at the manner in which the Government dealt with it, and their delay?

That is a matter on which we must all have our own opinions.

Does not my right hon. Friend think that, if the power to strike were taken away from the wage slaves, they would be compelled to accept any wages offered them?

They can never take away from the wage slaves the power to strike!

May I ask if it was clearly understood that I was not suggesting anything in the way of compulsory arbitration to take away the final right to strike?

Yes, I quite understood that.

Have the Government considered the Canadian system, which provides for an interval between a report and the actual strike?

Yes, on many occasions that matter has been considered.

asked the Prime Minister if the Committee which was to be set up in accordance with the terms of settlement of the recent dock dispute to inquire into the questions of decasualisation and maintenance has yet been constituted; if he can state the names of the Committee and the terms of reference; when the first meeting was, or will be, held; and whether the Committee is expected to report during the present Session of Parliament?

I have been asked to reply. With regard to the first and second parts of the question, I would refer to the reply given yesterday to the hon. Member for Moseley (Mr. Hannon). It is hoped to arrange the first meeting immediately, and I have no doubt that the Committee will press on with its work as rapidly as possible, but I cannot forecast the period which it may find necessary for arriving at conclusions and making its report.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the repeated strikes, to the grave detriment of the community, he will take steps to repeal or modify the Trade Disputes Act, 1906; and, if for any reason he does not consider this desirable, he will inform the House if the Government intend to take any action in the matter?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. This Act has nothing to do with these disputes. As regards the second part of the question I have nothing to add to the reply which I have given this afternoon to similar questions by the hon. Members for Woolwich West and Peckham.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether this country is to be governed by Parliament or tyrannised over by trade union officials?

asked the Home Secretary whether all police and prison officers have the right of appeal to him on disciplinary decisions; and, if so, in what instances, if any, is the appeal allowed to be made by the officer in person?

Prison officers have the right to appeal, 'but the appeal must be made in writing. As regards police officers, the whole question of appeals is now under discussion with representatives of the various sections of the police council. There is no right of appeal at present.

In the course of the revision of the Regulations, will it be borne in mind that an appeal in person is far preferable to an appeal in writing?

I will keep that in mind.

Will the inquiry include probationers?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state the number of uninhabited houses recorded by the police in the last returns; the dates of the returns; and when the next returns will be made?

I regret I am not able to give the figures, as I understand no such return is made by the police.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make further inquiries into this matter, as these returns are submitted annually to the local committees by the police, and the information contained in the returns would be exceptionally useful?

asked the Attorney General whether any extra Courts are now being held in the County of London to deal with pressure of business owing to litigation with regard to possession of houses under the Rent Restrictions Act, 1923?

There has been considerable increase of business in the County Courts in the Metropolitan area, and it has, in consequence, been necessary to in crease the number of Judges available. This increase is partly due to the additional defences open to defendants by reason of the Rent Restrictions Acts; to the increased power of remission given to the High Court by the County Courts Act, 1919; and to a general revival of litigation since the War.

Has the Attorney-General now been able to expedite the getting of the figures with regard to orders for possession and evictions?

I have not been asked for any figures, but if any hon. Member likes to address a question to me on the matter I will see if it would be possible.

Has not the Minister of Health undertaken to go into the matter in consultation with the Lord Chancellor?

I was not aware of that, but if he did I have no doubt that it will be done at once.

I will put a question down.

In view of the increased amount of business, partly due to the Rent Restrictions Acts, is the Lord Chancellor taking any action under Section 11 of the Rent Restrictions Act of last year?

I am afraid I shall want notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that Messrs. Simkin and Company, of 113, Upper Street, Islington, N., have been ordered by the Court to surrender possession of the premises on 30th June; whether he is aware that the landlord who claimed possession on the ground of hardship has premises at 74, Upper Street, with 10 rooms over, in addition to business premises at Croydon and elsewhere; that Messrs. Simkin and Company have occupied 113. Upper Street, Islington, since 1887 and carried on the business of picture-frame making in Islington for 60 years; and whether it is proposed to make any amendment of the Rent Restriction Act, 1923, which will prevent small tradesmen being evicted from their homes and deprived of their livelihood?

My right hon. Friend's attention has not previously been drawn to the case referred to. As regards the last part of the question, small tradesmen are already protected by the Rent Restriction Acts if the premises they occupy include dwelling accommodation. It is not proposed to apply these Acts to purely business premises.

asked the Minister of Health the particulars of the amount of money now invested in building societies in England; the number of members of such building societies; and the number of houses built or purchased through the agency of building societies subsequent to the year 1919?

I have been asked to reply. I am informed by the Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies that the amount of money invested in building societies in England in 1922 was £77,975,000 by way of shares and £18,597,922 by way of deposit, that the number of members was 786,489, and that these figures are the latest available. I have no information as to the number of houses built or purchased through the agency of building societies.

asked the Home Secretary the number of clubs in Monmouthshire at the time when the Sunday closing of public-houses was commenced in that county; what the number is now; and whether he can give similar statistics respecting the county borough of Newport?

The sale of intoxicating liquor on Sundays in licensed premises was first prohibited in Monmouthshire by Order of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) in May, 1916. "Licensing Statistics" show that on 1st January of that year there were 64 registered clubs in the county of Monmouthshire, and 18 in the county borough of Newport; and that on 1st January, 1922, the figures were 102 and 26 respectively. The volume for 1923, which is now in preparation, will probably show 124 and 32.

Is it not a fact that, notwithstanding this increase of clubs, there has been a great diminution of convictions for Sunday drunkenness since the public-houses were closed on Sundays in Monmouthshire?

asked the Home Secretary what number of police have been applied for and allotted to the Stadium and its approaches at Wembley for the football cup tie on 26th April; and whether the whole cost of such police will be borne by the football authorities?

A very large force will be employed at the Stadium and on the various roads and approaches, but I do not think I should give the precise figures. The police employed at the Stadium will be at the cost of the exhibition authorities, and those engaged in controlling the traffic on the roads outside will be at the cost of the Police Fund.

May I inquire, in view of past experience, whether the police authorities at New Scotland Yard are satisfied that the numbers of police applied for are in accordance with the requirements which are likely to arise?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of repeated pledges made in the past by the British Prime Minister and by the Supreme Council of the Allies, as well as by the Assembly of the League of Nations, in favour of the establishment of a national home for the Armenians, the British Government will follow the example of the French Government and assist by a grant the establishment of Armenians now in Turkey in the territory near Erivan offered to them by the Russian Government; and whether any other assistance will be given by His Majesty's Government to these Armenians?

I presume that the hon. Member is alluding to the scheme, which was recently brought to the notice of His Majesty's Government by the League of Nations, for the settlement of a limited number of Armenian refugees, at present not in Turkey but in the countries surrounding Turkey, on undeveloped land in the territory of the Armenian Republic of Erivan. His Majesty's Government are endeavouring to obtain detailed information regarding the proposal from Moscow. Pending a reply to their inquiries on this point, they can take no further action in the matter. Meanwhile, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which was given on this subject to the hon. Member for Hackney North (Mr. J. Harris) on 25th February last.

Could the hon. Gentleman ascertain what the other States, members of the League, are doing—including France?

I will endeavour to do so.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state what sums other Governments have actually promised towards the proposal to resettle the Armenians south of Erivan; and whether, if it is not available, the Government will await this information before pledging this country to financial support?

So far as His Majesty's Government are aware, the only sum definitely promised towards this scheme by a foreign Government up to the present is that of 335,000 French francs offered by the French Government on 10th January, 1924. In reply to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the last part of the reply which was given to the hon. Member for North Hackney (Mr. J. Harris) on 25th February last.

Is it not the case that other countries are waiting to see what this country proposes to do in this matter; and could not we give a lead?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a telegram from King Hussein suggesting fresh discussions, with the object of concluding the treaty of friendship between Great Britain and the Hedjaz; if so, what reply has been sent; and whether he can make a statement to the House as to the progress of the negotiations?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; the answer to the second part of the question is that it has not yet been possible to deliver the reply of His Majesty's Government to King Hussein, as His Majesty has been travelling from Trans-Jordan to Jeddah, and pending its delivery I cannot properly divulge its terms. With regard to the third part of the question, I have nothing to add to my reply of 25th February to the right hon. Member for Twickenham (Sir W. Joynson-Hicks).

asked the Prime Minister when the Government will introduce their Unemployment Insurance Bill for extending the benefits which begin to expire on the 16th instant and which they promised to introduce this week?

I have been asked to reply. I am introducing to-day a Bill dealing with a number of points in connection with unemployment insurance, and, owing to the need for immediate action for the extension of benefit after 16th April, I am also giving notice to-day of the introduction of a separate short Bill dealing with this point.

How soon will the text of the Measure be available for Members?

On Monday morning, I hope.

Is it the intention of the right hon. Gentleman to proceed with the shorter Bill immediately?

It is the intention to proceed with the shorter Bill immediately.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make sure that on Monday morning the Bill will be printed?

The Bill will be in the Vote Office on Monday morning: I hope both Bills.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government has any scheme for alleviating unemployment by providing work of public utility; if so, can he give particulars of the same; and will he take steps to put it into immediate operation?

I have been asked to reply. In replying on the 26th March to the right hon. Member for the Rusholme Division (Mr. Masterman) I have an outline of the steps which had been taken by the Government towards the provision of works of public utility for the relief of unemployment. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the relevant portion of this reply. A Committee of the Cabinet is now discussing certain schemes and will make definite recommendations to the Cabinet at an early date.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bring before the Cabinet the suggestion that the best way to relieve unemployment is to reduce taxation?

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to introduce a Miners' Minimum Wage Bill?

I can add nothing to the statements made by the Prime Minister on the 24th March in reply to questions on this subject.

Is there any foundation in fact for the recent threatening speech reported to have been delivered by the hon. Member for Dumbarton Burghs (Mr. Kirkwood)?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Committee appointed in July, 1923, to review the provisions of the Restoration of Order in Ireland Act has made any Report?

The answer is in the negative.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Committee has finished its sittings?

I do not understand that it has finished its sittings.

Seeing that one of the members has become a member of the present Government, has he remained on the Committee, or has his place been filled? There were three members, of whom Lord Chelmsford was one.

No, the place has not been filled up; but the only point in this question is whether or not a Report has been received.

Will the Deputy-Leader of the House give us an assurance that the extraordinary powers which reside under these Regulations in the Government will now be entirely abandoned by this Government?

Does the Committee as originally appointed still exist?

No, clearly not. As to the other question of the hon. Gentleman, I should like to have notice.

Is it contemplated that this Committee shall no longer continue its sittings?

It is not contemplated. As I pointed out, the only point in the question put to me was as to whether or not a Report will be issued.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know anything at all about the operations of this Committee?