asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that Mr. B. H. Morgan, chairman of the British Empire Producers' Organisation, recently broadcast from the London 2 L.O. wireless station several addresses on British Empire trade, in which he advocated the development of Empire tariff preferences: and whether, since the broadcasting of such addresses is not in accordance with the understanding on this subject, he will undertake to apply the Regulations?

I understand that the addresses to which the hon. Member refers were broadcast in June and July, 1923, and that no complaints were received that they were of a political or controversial character. In the circumstances I do not propose to take any action in this case.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can see his way to provide a local post office to replace the one closed down at Oakshott's, Pimlico Road, as considerable inconvenience is caused to the neighbourhood owing to the distance of the nearest post office?

The office was closed in June last on the resignation of the sub-postmaster as no suitable candidate for the appointment was forthcoming. It will be reopened if a candidate with suitable qualifications and premises can be obtained.

asked the Postmaster-General whether telephone calls exceeding three minutes in duration are accounted as two calls, and charged accordingly?

If the hon. Member refers to local calls made from subscribers' telephones, the answer is in the negative. Calls involving the use of trunk circuits have always been charged for on a three-minute basis.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the urgent need for increased telephone facilities in rural areas and the present cost of such users, he will consider the advisability of a national service at a flat rate, irrespective of distance, as is already the case in the delivery of letters?

The cost of providing telephone service to premises situated a considerable distance from an exchange is necessarily high, and, if a uniform rate, irrespective of distance, were introduced, it would have to be fixed at such a level as would impose an overcharge on subscribers who live near an exchange, for the benefit of those who live further off.

asked the Postmaster-General if his attention has been drawn by the Town Council of Hyde, Cheshire, to the fact that there is no night attendant at the new telephone exchange; and, with a view to the protection against fire of an important manufacturing centre of 35,000 inhabitants, can he now see his way to make the necessary arrangements?

A night service is provided at the Hyde Exchange, though the number of calls is not sufficient to justify the expense of employing a night operator in continuous attendance at the switchboard. There is a bell in the caretaker operator's room which rings when a call is made at night, and there is no reason to suppose that night calls are not properly attended to.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the fact that at Nunthorpe, in the North Riding of Yorkshire, there were four collections in pre-War days, namely, 11 a.m., 5.20 p.m., 7 p.m., and 9 p.m., and that at present there is only one collection, at 5.20 p.m.: and, as Nunthorpe is only four miles away from the important borough of Middlesbrough and is a residential suburb, if he can now restore the morning and an evening collection later than 5.20 p.m., letters at present posted after 5.20 on Saturday not being collected until 5.20 p.m. on Monday?

The times mentioned by the hon. Member refer to the wall letter box at Nunthorpe Railway Station. I hope to be able to arrange a collection at about 11.45 a.m. in addition to the present collection at 5.20 p.m., and this, I think, will reasonably meet present circumstances. There is a collection from the sub-office at Nunthorpe at 4.35 p.m. on Sundays.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the fact that the gratuitous service of operators can now be secured both in Foula and Skerries, thereby reducing the costs to a minimum, he is prepared to instal wireless communication between these islands and Lerwick in conjunction with the Scottish Board of Health; and whether the Post Office estimate of £290 a year for maintaining a wireless installation on a small island includes the cost of operators?

I regret that, even if the gratuitous service of operators at Foula and Skerries be secured, I cannot undertake to instal wireless communication between those islands and Lerwick, except upon guarantees being received from the interested parties to defray the loss which would be incurred in providing the service. The estimate of £290 a year for the maintenance of each service includes a sum of only about £20 for the cost of operating. The revenue which would be obtained from telegraph business at either of the stations would be extremely small.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that temporary sorters with three years' service to their credit, and drawing a wage of £2 18s. 3d. per week, are being transferred to the posts of postmen at a reduced wage of £2 9s. per week, and that persons with no previous experience are being entered as postmen at £2 9s. per week; and whether, seeing that the three years' service of temporary sorters should entitle them, when thus transferred, to a higher rate of remuneration than that paid to new entrants as postmen, particularly in view of the fact that, as temporary sorters, such men were performing the duties of permanent sorters whose wages are £5 per week, steps can be taken to readjust this anomaly in the Post Office service, and thus remove a great amount of discontent occasioned thereby?

I now have under consideration the question of the rates of starting pay for ex-service men appointed to Post Office classes. I should mention, however, that the commencing pay for a London postman was increased from 49s. to 50s. 5d. a week as from the 1st of April last, and that a temporary officer on transfer to the established class becomes entitled to valuable privileges, including pension rights.

asked the Postmaster-General the anticipated deficit which he thinks would accrue from the substitution of the penny postage stamp for letter service, having regard to the increased trade resulting therefrom?

The sacrifice of postal revenue involved in the reintroduction of penny postage for inland letters is estimated at between five and six millions, allowance being made for the anticipated increase in the number of letters posted.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of licences for broadcasting which have now been issued by his Department?

The total number of wireless receiving licences in existence on the 31st March was approximately 720,000.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the inconvenience to business organisations caused by the regulation that matter by the halfpenny post must be posted before 3.30 in the afternoon for delivery by the first post next morning; and whether, since business transacted during the day cannot be completed by this time, he will, in these circumstances and with the object of stimulating trade, consider a revision of this Regulation?

The latest time for posting ½d. packets for despatch the same day is not 3.30 p.m. but 4.30 p.m., and in some towns 5 p.m. or 5.15 p.m. Early posting, whether of letters or of ½d. packets, gives relief at the heaviest period of pressure and enables the night mails to be cleared punctually and economically. I regret I am unable to give any further extension of the hours of posting.

asked the Postmaster-General if he has received representations from Wickford, in Essex, to increase the telephone facilities in the district; if he is now in a position to give a favourable reply; if his attention has been called to the late delivery of letters in the morning; and if he will arrange for a delivery before 8.30 a.m.?

The question of providing a continuous in place of a day service at the Wickford Exchange is receiving attention. I find that before a full service can be given it will be necessary to remove the exchange to other premises, and proposals with this end in view are under consideration. The first delivery of letters at Wickford is already normally completed by 8.35 a.m., except in the remote rural areas. Any advance in the hour of delivery would involve the exclusion of a considerable amount of correspondence, which would give rise to complaint.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will consider the proposition of a special issue of postage stamps in commemoration of the forthcoming British Empire Exhibition?

Special Id. and l½d. stamps and postcards, envelopes and letter cards will be issued, and are now in course of printing.

asked the Postmaster-General the nature of the pre-War facilities in respect to the post, telegraphs, and telephones which were enjoyed in pre-War days by the public, and which have now been entirely withdrawn or substantially modified?

The principal curtailments of general application are the abolition of Sunday deliveries and the reduction of the hours of business at post office counters. There have also been numerous changes in the number and times of collections and deliveries in different localities, as to which it is not possible to make any general statement.

asked the Postmaster-General if there are any places in this country without a daily delivery of letters; and, if so, what is their size?

I would refer the hon. Member to my replies to questions asked by the hon. Member for Henley (Captain Terrell) on the 18th of March and 1st instant.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has been able to effect improvements in the postal deliveries at Hull; and, if so, what is the nature of the improvements, particularly with regard to earlier morning deliveries in the residential districts in East Hull?

The morning delivery at Hull, which was delayed to some extent following a re-arrangement made last year, is now normally commenced just after 7 a.m., which is the standard time in the country generally. I anticipate that a further slight improvement in all the deliveries will be possible. Meanwhile, I am making further inquiry with regard to the time of delivery in the residential districts in East Hull.

asked the Postmaster-General the names of the Broadcasting Board, and the date on which each member was appointed?

The following are the members of the Broadcasting Board:

Major-General Sir Frederick Sykes, G.B.E., K.C.B., C.M.G., M.P. ( Chairman ).

Mr. Fred Bramley.

Mr. F. J. Brown, C.B., C.B.E.

Mr. Guy Burney.

Sir Francis Ogilvie, C.B., LL.D.

Mr. Walter Payne, O.B.E.

Mr. J. C. W. Keith.

Lord Riddell.

Mr. A. A. Campbell Swinton, F.R.S.

The members of the Board, with the exception of Mr. Bramley, were appointed on the 19th January last. Mr. Bramley was invited on the 14th February to become a member, and accepted the invitation on the 28th February.

asked the Postmaster-General who are the proprietors of the "Radio Times," the official organ of the British Broadcasting Company; and whether this paper is in any way subsidised by the revenues collected by his Department and transferred to the British Broadcasting Company?

The British Broadcasting Company are the proprietors of the "Radio Times." The paper is in no way subsidised by revenue collected by the Post Office.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of letters which have been opened in the post under authority given by the Secretary of State for the Home Department during the past three months?

It would be contrary to the public interest to give the information asked for by my hon. Friend.

asked the Home Secretary what are the reasons which led his Department to ask the Post Office to open and, if necessary, keep back, censor, or in other ways deal with the correspondence addressed to private individuals in this country; and whether, in view of the fact that the War has been over for some years now, he will consider the advisability of abandoning this practice?

Ever since the Post Office was established letters passing through the post have been stopped and opened under proper authority for the purpose of preventing or detecting crime. Parliament has repeatedly sanctioned the practice, and my right hon. Friend does not propose to abandon it, though I need scarcely say that the power is one that should and will, so far as he is concerned, be exercised with the utmost caution.

asked the Home Secretary what is the total sum expended by the Commissioners of Church Temporalities in Wales up to the 31st December last on the revision of tithe rentals and surveys of lands, the names of the person^ or firms engaged in the work, and the amount of money paid to each; and what further sum it is estimated will be required to complete the work?

The total amount paid by the 'Commissioners for the revision of tithe rentals and for surveys of glebe and other lands as from the date of disestablishment to 31st December, 1923, amounts to £11,780 11s. 5d., which, however, includes considerable payments for rentals and collection lists, renewal of tithe maps, provision of ordnance sheets, etc. The names of the persons1 and firms engaged on the work, and the amounts paid to them, are as follow:

The Commissioners during the same period spent £285 in connection with the work of tithe referencing undertaken by their head office. The Commissioners have, with the consent of the Treasury, extensively employed officers of the Land Valuation Department primarly in connection with the valuation of lands to be transferred to the representative body under Section 18 ( b ) of the Welsh Church Act, 1914, but they have also instructed them to survey any lands remaining vested in the Commissioners in the benefices in which they have been so instructed. It is not possible to say what this particular work will cost, nor at the moment to give any reliable estimate of the amount that will be required to complete the work of tithe referencing and the survey of the lands vested in the Commissioners generally.

asked the Home Secretary how many girls are serving a Borstal sentence in Holloway Prison, the lengths of sentence which they are serving, and the offences of which they are convicted; and what work they are at present engaged upon?

Ten girls, whose licences were revoked for varying reasons after they had been discharged from the Borstal Institution at Aylesbury, are now located in a building at Holloway, which is separate from the prison buildings and which has been licensed as a Borstal Institution. They are considered for a further discharge on licence at the end of five months. The offences for which they were originally sentenced were: larceny (seven cases), false pretences (two cases), and housebreaking and larceny (one case). They are engaged on painting and cleaning according to their powers.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the quantity of port wine withdrawn from bond in the; month of December, 1921, 1922, and 1923?

The quantities of wine consigned from Portugal (including port wine for which no separate statistics are available) delivered from bonded warehouses for home consumption during the months of December, 1921, 1922 and 1923f respectively, were as follows:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he intends to make any proposals to the House concerning the 48 millions surplus now disclosed as the results of the Budget for last year?

No, Sir. The surplus has already been used in the manner laid down by statute.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the total amount of income is as represented by the total Super-tax; what figure is the highest income on which Super-tax has been paid in 1922–23: and at what rate of taxation?

The total income of individuals assessed to Super-tax for the year 1922–23 is approximately £487,000,000: this figure is, however, subject to revision in respect of assessments or discharges still to be made. I regret that the obligations of secrecy which attach to all matters or taxation do not permit the Board of Inland Revenue to disclose the information asked for in the remainder of the question. The maximum effective rate of tax (Income Tax and Super-tax) is-limited by the sum of the standard rate of Income Tax (4s. 6d.) and the highest rate of Super-tax (6s.), namely, 10s. 6d. in the £.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the approximate gross annual value of land, including rent-charges, farmhouses, farm buildings, houses, etc., under Schedule A, in England and Wales and Scotland, respectively, for the financial year 1922–23?

The approximate gross annual value of lands, houses, and other property assessed under Schedule A for the year 1922–23 is as follows:

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been directed to the Report of the Treasury Departmental Committee, dated 4th September, 1923, setting up a Committee called the Northern Ireland Special Committee; if he is aware that the latter has set aside the figure mentioned in Section 23 of the Government of Ireland Act, 1920, as Northern Ireland's Imperial contribution, namely, £7,920,000, and substituted therefor the surplus of revenue over expenditure as the basis of future taxation; and whether, since this is not in conformity with the Government of Ireland Act, 1920, and departs from the principle indicated by the then Premier in his letter to Sir James Craig, namely, that the people of Northern Ireland should bear their proportionate share of all Imperial burdens, he will adhere to the figure which was fixed by the Government of Ireland Act, 1920?

I have been asked to reply. The sum of £7,920,000 which is named in Section 23 of the Government of Ireland Act, 1920, as the amount of the Northern Ireland contribution to Imperial expenditure for the first two years, is stated in Sub-section (5) of that Section to be subject to retrospective revision if the Joint Exchequer Board are of opinion that the contribution ought justly to have been some less sum, and under paragraph 4 (1) (b) of the First Schedule to the Irish Free State (Consequential Provisions) Act, 1922, that revision may be undertaken before or after the end of the second financial year. The First Report of the Northern Ireland Special Arbitration Committee recommends that the contribution of Northern Ireland for the two years in question shall be revised so as to amount to the surplus of revenue over expenditure for those two years, subject to certain adjustments, and this recommendation will be submitted to the Joint Exchequer Board. I am unable to agree that this procedure is in any way inconsistent with the provisions of the Government of Ireland Act, 1920. As regards years subsequent to the 31st March, 1924, the above-mentioned Acts do not specify any figure as the amount of the contribution, but provide that the contribution shall be such as the Joint Exchequer Board may determine to be just, having regard to the relative taxable capacities of Northern Ireland on the one hand and Great Britain and Ireland on the other hand. No determination has yet been made under these provisions, but I am not aware of any intention to depart from the principle that Northern Ireland shall bear a proportionate share of Imperial liabilities and expenditure.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give any information regarding the negotiations with France in reference to the New Hebrides?

I am afraid that no statement on this subject would be desirable or helpful at present.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the consideration to be given by Australian Farms, Limited, for the grant of £6,000 made to them by His Majesty's Government during the financial year 1923–24 in respect of their land settlements for ex-service men: whether he is aware that grave dissatisfaction exists among the colonists who, on the advice of the Overseas Department, emigrated to that company's colony at Tresco, West Victoria, at the non-fulfilment by the company of its contractual obligations to them: and what steps he proposes to take to safeguard the interests of those ex-service men and to secure an impartial investigation and equitable settlement of their claims against the company?

A sum of £6,000 was included in the Imperial Estimates for 1923–24 for the purpose of guaranteeing interest on new capital to be raised by Australian Farms, Limited, in connection with proposals for extending the company's land settlement schemes in Australia. These proposals did not, however, mature, and no expenditure was, in fact, incurred. I understand that it is the case that dissatisfaction has been expressed by certain of the settlers at Tresco West, but as far as I can judge at present the difficulties which have arisen are of a kind which are not infrequently experienced in the establishment of new settlements, especially of settlements on irrigated lands.

I further understand that the company, with the consent of the settlers, is endeavouring to arrange for the transfer of the property in question to the Government of the State of Victoria, and that the State Government has appointed a committee to inquire into and report on the situation. The Oversea Settlement Committee have from the inception of the scheme closely watched its progress, and a telegram was addressed to the Government of Victoria on the 17th January, asking for information as to the results of this committee of inquiry, and a further telegram was sent on the 1st April. The advice given to intending settlers under the company's auspices by the Oversea Settlement Committee was as follows:

"It is, of course, impossible to forecast the chances of success of any land settlement scheme, but so far as the Oversea Settlement Committee can judge, this scheme, which has obtained an exceptional measure of support from various representative organisations and business concerns in Victoria and in this country, is conceived upon sound lines, and is designed to meet a genuine need."

I may add that the report of the delegation to Australia which I have recently received, indicates that the delegates visited Tresco West and three out of four other estates belonging to Australian Farms. On the other estates they found the settlers generally content. They state that the settlement at Tresco West has not, so far, been attended with anything like the same degree of success, and that various causes have contributed to this. In view of the fact that the matter was

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many ex-service men in the County of Somerset are waiting for small holdings; what is the cause of the delay; the rents now payable on land let for small holdings upon which no houses or farm buildings have been erected; and what the rent for the same land was before it was taken over by the county council?

As stated in the reply which I gave to a question asked by the hon. Member on 21st February, the number of ex-service applicants approved by the Somerset County Council as suitable and at present awaiting holdings is 275, while seven are awaiting interview or standing over. The delay in meeting this outstanding demand is chiefly due to the financial restrictions imposed by the late Government following on the Report of the Committee on National Expenditure presided over by Sir Eric Geddes. A large proportion of the outstanding applicants require complete grass holdings, and, having regard to the high prices ruling in Somerset for this class of holding, it has not been found practicable up to the present to meet the demand. I regret that I am unable to state the average rent per acre charged by the county council for holdings let without houses and buildings. This figure could only be ascertained after an amount of work out of all proportion to its value. In reply to the last part of the question, complete information is not available as to the rents which were paid previous to the land being acquired by the council.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many ex-service smallholders in the County of Somerset have relinquished their holdings; and what reasons have been given by the tenants for such action?

As stated in the reply which I gave to a question asked by the hon. Member on 21st February, the number of ex-service men who have vacated holdings provided for them by the Somerset County Council since the Armistice is 81. The Ministry has no information as to how many of these voluntarily relinquished their holdings; several, however, have moved to larger or better holdings; while others have given up owing to ill-health or insufficient capital. In a few cases the council have been obliged to terminate tenancies owing to non-payment of rent or unsatisfactory cultivation, and in one or two cases the holdings have been abandoned by the tenants. The council state -that the number of actual failures is very small.

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses needed in rural and agricultural areas in the county of Lincolnshire (Lindsey), as estimated by the D 89 Returns made under the Addison building scheme?

According to the returns in question which were obtained from local authorities in 1919, 778 houses were stated to be required during the three subsequent years in the areas of rural district councils in the county of Lincolnshire (Lindsey) to meet unsatisfied demands.

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses built in the rural and agricultural areas in the county of Lincolnshire (Lindsey) under the Addison Act and the number 3iow sanctioned under the Housing Act, 1923?

Under the Housing, Town Planning, Etc., Act, 1919, 176 houses were erected in the areas1 of rural district councils in the County of Lincolnshire (Lindsey) by local authorities, and 229 by private builders under the Housing (Additional Powers) Act, 1919. 291 houses are included in schemes of rural district councils in the county in question which have been authorised to date under the Housing, Etc., Act, 1923.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Board will be prepared to recognise, for the calculation of grant, reasonable expenditure incurred by local education authorities on approved arrangements under Circular 1,327 upon the train, omnibus, char-a-banc, and tramcar fares of teachers who visit the British Empire Exhibition in charge of parties of school children?

The answer is in the affirmative. It should, however, be added, in order to remove possible misunderstandings, that in the case of visits by children from public elementary schools, under Circulars 1320 and 1327, the Board will be unable to recognise expenditure for this purpose unless the visits take place under Article 44 ( a ) or ( b ) of the Code. Similarly, in the case of pupils from institutions of higher education, the Board will be unable to recognise expenditure upon visits that take place during the school holidays. I anticipate that in the great majority of cases the necessary funds will be raised from voluntary sources.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the case of Thomas Toas, for 20 years craft teacher at Romilly Road London County Council Special School, who died suddenly, and whose widow has now been refused the death gratuity on the ground that Mr. Toas accidentally understated the date of his birth in 1919; and, in view of the circumstances of great distress in which his widow and family have been left, and the very slight contravention of the regulations, he can see his way to reconsider this case and sanction the payment of the death gratuity to the widow?

The circumstances of this case are peculiar, and it is no-w receiving my consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the cost of the British Army of Occupation in the last financial year?

I have been asked to reply. Exclusive of accommodation and miscellaneous services provided free by Germany, the cost of the Army of Occupation for the year ending 31st March last is estimated at £1,560,000.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, at a conference of ex-service men from all over the Empire held in London last July, a resolution was passed asking that the Imperial Government should issue suitable bars to medals issued for services in the great War; in view of the strong feeling in the Dominions on this subject, will he consider the sanctioning of bars to medals which in the case of the Dominions could be paid for by the Dominion Governments if they saw fit or purchased by ex-service men who wished to do so: and whether, even if for economy's sake bars will not be issued to British troops, such bars may be sanctioned and allowed to be purchased by those who may desire to do so?

I have no knowledge of the matter referred to in the first part of the question, and I am not aware of any proposal by the Dominions of the nature indicated. The question of bars for the British Medal for the Great War is again under consideration, and I hope the hon. and gallant Member will be content with this answer for the present.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that tradesmen have hitherto received passes from the military authorities to enter the Tidworth area for the purposes of trade without charge or restriction, and that now the garrison adjutant demands payment of £l half-yearly for the same privilege; whether he has any authority for making such a charge: and, if so, who made the order giving him this authority?

I have no information on this subject at present, but I am making inquiries and I will communicate with the hon. Member in due course.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he will withdraw the notices of discharge given to a number of employés at the Cambridge Barracks, Woolwich?

My attention had not previously been drawn to these discharges. I will give the whole question careful consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War the grounds on which a Service pension has been denied to Mr. R. Edwards, of Mount-field Union Lane, St. Albans (late Sergeant R. Edwards, No. 7793, 1st and 3rd Bedfordshire Regiment), who enlisted in 1903 and served till invalided out at the end of the War?

My hon. and gallant Friend is mistaken in thinking that Mr. Edwards was invalided from the Army at the end of the War; he was, in fact, transferred to Class Z of the Army Reserve on demobilisation, after having rendered 15 years 108 days' service. His demobilisation was quite in order, as he was not serving on an engagement to complete 21 years' service. A soldier, who was called up from the Reserve on the outbreak of the Great War, and was subsequently demobilised with 14 but less than 18 years' service, is not eligible for a, Service pension unless he has been awarded a permanent pension for Great War disablement under the Ministry of Pensions' Warrants. This condition is not satisfied in Mr. Edward's case. His temporary award from the Ministry expires finally in 1925, and, in these circumstances, I regret that he has no claim to an award of Service pension.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many pensions in respect of sons killed in the War have been refused to mothers on the ground that their financial position does not justify such assistance; and what, in those cases, is the financial standard according to which such decisions are justified?

I regret that the information asked for in the first part of the question is not readily available. The maximum need pension which can be awarded is 20s. a week, and in determining the amount to be granted within this limit, the financial standard (or income limit) has hitherto been 20s. for one parent and 30s. for two parents. I am glad to announce, however, that my right hon. Friend has now obtained authority to increase these standards to 25s. and 35s., respectively.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether there is any bar in point of time to the presentation of a. claim by an ex-service man in respect of a disability for which he has made no claim, even though a claim he may have made in respect of another disability has actually been dismissed; and, if there is not, whether he will make this point clear to the public to avoid misunderstanding?

Section 5 of the War Pensions Act, 1921, provides that the Minister of Pensions shall have no power to grant pension in respect of disablement unless the claim in respect of the disablement is made within seven years after discharge or the termination of the Great War. whichever is the earlier.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will give a definite ruling as to whether pensions obtained after repeated efforts by applicants are automatically made retrospective to the date of the first application; and, if not, for what reasons?

My right hon. Friend not yet in a position to add anything to the reply which he gave to the hon. Member for North Bristol (Mr. Ayles) on the 27th February, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the administration of war pensions in Northern Ireland provides for the setting up of war pension committees; whether any provision has been made for the setting up of an advisory council to consider general pension matters affecting Northern Ireland; and, if so, what is the constitution of the body?

There is only one war pensions committee in the Northern Ireland area. A separate advisory council is, therefore, unnecessary, but my right hon. Friend proposes to revise generally the constitution and procedure of advisory councils, and he hopes to arrange for war pensions committee in question to be represented on one of the reconstituted bodies.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he has now concluded his inquiry into the Regulations governing the final awards; and, if so, will he inform the House what steps he intends to take to remove the hardship to the many service men so affected?

My right hon. Friend is not yet in a position to add anything to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for East Rhondda (Lieut.-Colonel Watts-Morgan) on the 27th March, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if any of the stoker petty officers in charge of His Majesty's ship "Spitfire," of the fourth destroyer flotilla, were recommended for services in action at the battle of Jutland; and, if so, if any special promotions followed?

One stoker petty officer of His Majesty's ship "Spitfire" was recommended and he received the Distinguished Service Medal. None were specially promoted.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the hardship that would be caused to lieutenants ex-mates of marriageable age, i.e., over 30 years, who are at present receiving the minimum lieutenant's pay of 17s. per day, if a marriage allowance is not given and if the pay of naval officers is reduced, he will postpone such reductions for this year?

I regret I am unable to-give the undertaking asked for, but I would draw the attention of the hon. and gallant Member to the statement already made that the question of instituting marriage allowance is at present under consideration.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is conducting an investigation into the difference between the pit-head price of coal and the- retail price; and, if so, if he is prepared to receive evidence of excessive prices charged by certain retailers?

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

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is now in a position to make a statement with regard to the large discrepancy between the pit-head and retail prices of household coal?

I have to-day received from the representatives of the Coal Merchants' Federation their replies to questions about household coal which I addressed to them on the 25th March. These are now being examined in the Mines Department and I am not yet in a position to make any statement.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that the welfare.scheme in the coal-mining industry will terminate next year; and, owing to the success of the scheme, will he consider taking the necessary steps to extend it until 1928 or 1930?

As the law now stands, the final payment of the welfare levy will be due on 31st March, 1926, in respect of the output of the year 1925. I propose as soon as possible to consult the Miners' Federation and the Mining Association on the question of asking Parliament to extend the scheme for a longer period.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of accidents that occurred in the coal mines from falls of roofs and sides during the years 1922 and 1923; and whether he is considering any methods by which the number of such accidents can be reduced?

The number of fatalities from this cause was 551 in 1922 and 586 in 1923. The number of persons injured so as to disable them from their work for more than seven days was approximately 63,000 in 1922 and 70,000 in 1923. Methods of reducing the number of such accidents are being investigated by the Support of Workings in Mines Committee, and the matter is one that constantly receives the attention of the inspectors of mines. But the greatest help in reducing the accidents would come from strict enforcement and observance of the timbering rules by officials and workers and the exercise of greater care by all concerned.

asked the Secretary for Mines what steps are being taken regarding water-logged areas in mining districts?

An expert Committee was appointed early this year to investigate the question of danger in mines from accumulation of water. The Committee has already completed an inquiry as regards the Newton and Hallside mineral field in the Cambuslang area, and made a Report which I have to-day communicated to the mine owners concerned, with a request that I may be informed immediately of the steps that they propose to take in consequence of it. The Committee will proceed, as soon as possible, to hold inquiries as regards other localities affected. I also propose to consult my Advisory Committee as to the practicability and desirability of instituting an inquiry into the subject from the economic point of view.

asked the Secretary for Mines when the Report of the Commissioner regarding the inquiry into the Redding disaster will be available?

The Report is at the point of completion, but the preparation of the plates for the plans included in it is a lengthy process, and I do not think it can be published for some weeks.

asked the Secretary for Mines (1) the number of persons in receipt of royalty rents and wayleaves from iron-ore mines in West Cumberland: who they are; what is the amount of royalty charged per net ton of output; and what effect such charges have upon the demand for West Cumberland hematite iron-ore in those markets where it is in competition with iron-ores unfettered by such royalty rents;

(2) If he is now in a position to state whether any final decision has been arrived at in regard to the appointment of a tribunal or commissioner for the purpose of holding a public inquiry into the working of iron-ore mines in West Cumberland, and the relation of royalties, rates, and railway charges thereto: and, if such a tribunal is appointed, will power be given to call for all persons and papers whose production may be necessary to elucidate exactly the present paralysis in the industry?

I am advised that the number of owners of royalties and wayleaves from iron-ore mines in Cumberland assessed for mineral rights duties for 1924 is 63. I have not the information asked for in the remainder of this question, but I hope very shortly to come to a final decision as to instituting a public inquiry into the present circumstances of the iron-ore mining industry of Cumberland and Furness.

asked the Lord Privy Seal if, owing to the general support given by Members of this House to the Ice Cream and Mineral Waters Sales Bill, he will give special facilities for it to pass into law this Session?

No, Sir; it is not possible to give special facilities for this Bill.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the increase in the rates levied by the Port of London Authority; whether he is satisfied and approves of such rates; and what appeal, if any, can be made against such rates?

In reply to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to questions by the hon. Members for East Ham South (Mr. Barnes) and Kettering (Mr. Perry) on the 1st April. Under Section 195 of the Port of London (Consolidation) Act, 1920, the Ministry of Transport are empowered, upon complaint being made to them by interested persons or associations, to call on the Port Authority for an explanation and to endeavour to settle the matter amicably. Such complaints have been made by certain bodies of traders concerned, and I am in communication with them and with the Port Authority. In the circumstances it would not be proper that I should express an opinion on the subject of the increased charges at this stage.

asked the Minister of Transport the number of towns and cities in this country which have fixed vestibule fronts to their tramcars for the protection of the drivers; whether the existence of such fronts has been found to militate against public safety; and, if not, whether he will recommend all tramway authorities to provide such vestibule fronts for the protection of the staff employed?

I am aware that tram-cars have been equipped with vestibule fronts at various places, but I cannot state the number of places at which they are used. The use of such fronts involves certain elements of risk, but these risks can be, to a large extent, reduced by suitable precautions, and it is not possible to say to what extent they may have contributed to accidents. Having regard both to the advantages and disadvantages of this form of car, I am not at present prepared to make any definite recommendations, but I am inquiring into the matter with the representatives of labour and the authorities concerned.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that a very large number of appeals under Section 14 (3) of the Roads Act, 1921, against the refusal of certain local authorities to license motor omnibuses and chars-a-banc to ply for hire in their respective districts in connection with new motor omnibus routes, etc., are now pending, and that considerable dissatisfaction exists amongst such proprietors that it takes such a long time for the Minister to settle such matters under the statutory power conferred upon him by the above Act; and whether he is prepared to expedite such appeals, in order that the uncertainty which exists in the great omnibus and char-a-banc industry, owing to the many refusals of local authorities to license such vehicles, may be alloyed?

I do not agree that the number of appeals now pending under Section 14 (3) of the Roads Act, 1920, is very large. It must not be assumed because no decision has been given in any particular case, that the appeal is not being dealt with. It is the policy of my Department to exhaust every means of arriving at an amicable settlement between the parties, and a formal decision on an appeal is only given as a last resource. These appeals frequently necessitate considerable correspondence and negotiation, and the suggestions of the Department have to be considered by the appropriate committees of the councils concerned.

asked the Minister of Transport if any estimate has been made of the traffic from north to south and south to north, respectively, across the proposed St. Paul's Bridge; and, if so, what is the estimated amount in each direction, given separately the figures for motor vehicles (other than omnibuses), omnibuses, horse vehicles, tramcars and foot passengers?

Although a general opinion has been formed as to the amount and nature of the traffic which is likely to use the bridge, no detailed estimates of the character indicated in the question have been prepared.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the proposed St. Paul's Bridge across the River Thames involves any widening of Goswell Road and Aldersgate Street from the Angel to Cheapside, any new road construction or widening of existing roads from Cheap-side to Cannon Street, and any new road construction or widening of existing Toads on the south side of the river; and, if so, to what extent this will occur in these three sections, respectively, and what is the estimated total cost of each; and what amount is proposed to be contributed to such cost in the case of each of the sections from funds at the disposal of the Ministry?

Road works of the nature suggested by the hon. Member would eventually be required to form adequate approaches to the proposed St. Paul's Bridge. As regards the second and third parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the 25th March to the hon. Member for the Tamworth Division (Sir E. Iliffe), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can now make a statement regarding the negotiations for the construction of the Liverpool to Manchester road?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to add anything to the reply which I made to the hon. Member's question of the 26th February last.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will institute an inquiry into the damage to property arising from the vibration caused by heavy motor traffic?

I do not consider that any inquiry is necessary, as the fact is not disputed that damage is in many cases caused to property by vibration due to heavy motor traffic. The chief remedy lies in the strengthening and improvement of road surfaces, and this work is being pressed forward as rapidly as circumstances permit.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware, that district councils view with much concern the serious deterioration of roads under their control owing to the continuous growth of heavy and fast moving motor traffic, notwithstanding that they are spending more each year on their maintenance, and that the councils are of opinion that, in view of the increase of revenue from taxation of motor vehicles, it is inequitable that the whole of the cost of district road maintenance should fall upon local ratepayers; and will he consider the advisability of making substantial grants to all rural highway authorities towards the cost of improving, widening and maintaining existing roads before allocating further sums for the construction of new roads?

I have received representations from a number of district councils in the sense indicated in the first part of the question. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on 1st April to the hon. Member for the Chichester Division (Lieut.-Colonel Rudkin), of which I am sending him a copy.

also asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the system at present adopted by the Ministry of Transport in allocating grants to highway authorities involves the maximum of officialism with the minimum of benefit as far as the roads are concerned, and that the present system tends to result in detrimental interference with the work of the local authorities: and will he consider the advisability of instituting a system of block grants, whereby every highway authority would benefit in proportion to its highway responsibilities to the public at large?

I do not agree with the statements contained in the first part of the question, and I am satisfied that the adoption of the suggestion contained in the second part would have a detrimental effect on the highways of the country.

asked the Minister of Transport what was the total amount paid for the past year to the Administrative County of Devon for the maintenance of Class 1, 2, and 3 roads, respectively; and the mileage for which such grants were made and the total annual cost of these roads?

The information asked for is as follows:

Administrative County of Devon.

Total mileage of roads:

The following grants have been made from the Road Fund during the past year towards the maintenance and improvement of these roads:

asked the Minister of Transport what sums were granted to rural district councils in the County of Somerset towards the maintenance and reconstruction of third-class and unclassified roads for the years 1921–22, 1922–23, and 1923–24?

Grants have been made from the Road Fund to rural district councils in Somerset towards expenditure on roads other than those included in Class I or Class II, as follows:

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has any further information which he can give the House in regard to the electrification of the northern suburban lines of the London and North Eastern Railway Company, or in regard to the company's right to veto tube construction north of Finsbury Park?

I am informed by the London and North Eastern Railway Company that the consideration of the problem of electrical traction on the lines to which the question refers is prominently before the directors of the company, but they are riot yet in a position to make any definite announcement. I am glad, however, to be able to inform the House that the directors are taking a broadminded view of the situation generally, and are prepared to waive at once any right they may have to veto any scheme for the construction of tube railways northwards of Finsbury Park, and will give full and fair consideration on its merits to any such scheme which may be brought forward, but reserving, of course, their right to oppose on petition any Bill for power to construct such railways which does not meet with their approval.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can make a statement as to the Edinburgh-Glasgow road: when the work was, or will be, commenced; and whether there is any provision made for the reversion to State funds of any increment of land values which may be created by the construction of the road?

Work has not yet commenced, but I hope that tenders for the construction of two sections of the road will be invited within the next fortnight. As regards the last part of the question, Section 1 of the Unemployment (Relief Works) Act, 1920, and the Schedule to the Development and Road Improvement Funds Act, 1909, provide that "betterment" shall be taken into consideration in the assessment of compensation. Advantage will be taken of these provisions, so far as is practicable.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give an estimate of the cost to the nation of the recent traffic strike?

I regret that I can only repeat the reply which I gave on 12th February to a similar question; that there is no statistical information available that would enable me to form even an approximate estimate of the loss caused to the nation by interruptions of the system of transport, from whatever cause.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received from members of the hollow-ware trade applications for the Depreciated Currency Order of October, 1922, issued under Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, to be reconsidered by a Committee set up by the Board of Trade in accordance with Section 9 of the Act, on the ground that German exports to this country are no longer assisted by a depreciated currency; and whether he proposes to set up a Committee forthwith?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him orally to-day in respect of a similar application from the glassware trade.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is-aware that street trading by young, persons under 17 is still prevalent in Scotland in spite of Clause 6 (2) of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1918; and whether, in view of what has been stated by a former Secretary for Scotland to have been the intention of Parliament in passing the Act, he will introduce a Bill to make this Clause of the Act effective?

I am aware that it has been judicially decided that Section 16 (2) does not prohibit persons under the-age of 17 from engaging in street trading, on their own account, and I understand that street trading by such persons is prevalent in Scotland to some extent. In view of the Government's heavy existing programme of legislation, I cannot, at present, give any undertaking with respect to the introduction of legislation on this subject.