asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the nature of the Press articles for which the sum of £650 was paid last year by his Department, and why it is anticipated that such expenditure will be increased during this financial year?

The articles deal with British trade, commerce and industry, finance, and other items of general interest, and are, in the main, compiled from publications issued from official sources, such as the Department of Overseas Trade and the Board of Trade. The sum provided for them in the Estimates last year was £550, and not £650. As it is considered desirable to incorporate more material from the publications referred to, the Estimate has been increased to £600 this year.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many men are employed in the printing establishment attached to his Department, and how such men are appointed: what is the annual estimated cost of such works; and what kind of printing work is done in those workshops?

The present number of employés at the Foreign Office Press is 98, made up of 81 male staff and 17 female staff. The men are appointed by selection from the printing trade. The estimated annual cost of the works is £25,000. The Press produces bookwork printing and book- binding for the Foreign Office, and a small amount of work for other Government Departments.

Does the experience gained by the working of this printing office tend to show that it is advisable that a Government office should engage in trading operations?

That hardly arises, but there is no reflection at all upon the efficiency of this Department.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that attempts are being made to ship from a European country large consignments of arms and ammunition for war purposes in the East, and that attempts have been made to persuade a British shipping company to transport these munitions; and whether any warning has been issued to shipping companies and underwriters with regard to this matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, the attention of Lloyd's has been drawn to the China Arms Embargo of 1919.

In view of the serious nature of that reply, will the hon. Gentleman consider bringing this to the notice of the Council of the League of Nations?

Can the hon. Gentleman tell the House what consignment of arms this is, and where it is going?

I should require notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that difficulties have arisen with reference to the ownership of the railways in Mandated territories; that the Marquess Theodoli has expressed the opinion that in one area the Treaty of Versailles had been violated; and that a Report on the whole subject is being prepared by the legal section of the League of Nations; and will this Report be made available to Members of the British Parliament at an early date?

I am aware that difficulties have arisen in certain areas over the question whether the railways should be treated in accordance with the provisions of the Treaty of Versailles applying to State property, or with those applying to private property. But it is difficult to answer the question without knowing more precisely what point and which railways the hon. Member has in mind.

Will the Government refrain from taking any action in this matter until the Report is available from the legal section of the League of Nations?

I wish my hon. Friend would be more precise in his question, with regard to what actual points and which railways he has in mind.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider asking the Law Officers of the Crown to look into this question and advise the Government?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to telegrams from Constantinople stating that the Turkish Government proposes to exclude all Armenians from a zone lying east of a line drawn from Samsum to Selefke; whether he has any information on this subject; and, seeing that such restriction would not be in accordance with the Minority Clauses of the Treaty of Lausanne, are representations being made to the Turkish Government regarding this matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, but it appears uncertain whether the intention of the Turkish Government is to expel the Armenians at present resident within the zone concerned or merely to prevent the immigration into that zone of Armenians at present resident outside Turkey. I may add that one of the reasons why His Majesty's Government are anxious to have the Lausanne Treaty ratified is to enable them, if necessary, to make proper representations on breaches of its provisions.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Report of the Reparation Claims Commission has now been published; if so, what is the number of claims of British subjects against Turkey; and what is the total of the amount assessed?

I have been asked to reply. The final Report of the Royal Commission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action as to the distribution of the £5,000,000 compensation fund has been published as a White Paper, Cmd. 2066. The number of claims against the £5,000,000 in respect of damage suffered in Turkish territory and the Caucasus is 3,904, in respect of which approximately £750,000 is in course of payment. In addition, £70,275 has been paid in respect of claims for death and personal injury suffered in Turkish territory and about £9,000 further will be paid in respect of such claims.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the inability of the Government to supplement out of national funds the amount available under the Treaty of Lausanne for the payment of British claims against Turkey, he is prepared to allow the value of the two Turkish dreadnoughts which were requisitioned from Turkey at the commencement of the War to be placed to the credit of the fund to meet the claims of British subjects: and whether he is aware that Ismet Pasha at Lausanne renounced on behalf of Turkey all claims to a refund of the value of these two dreadnoughts?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the second part, I am aware that Ismet Pasha renounced on behalf of Turkey any claim to the value of these battleships, but in so doing he was renouncing a claim which His Majesty's Government never recognised as valid.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the general manager of the Egyptian railways has had to resign owing to the Egyptian Minister having taken all power out of his hands so that he could no longer be responsible for the safety of the passengers or maintenance of the services, he will state what steps have been taken to preserve the communication with the Sudan that is so essential for that country.

So far as I am aware, there are no indications that overland communication with the Sudan is menaced, whilst the much more important sea route remains unaffected, by the incident to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Treaties entered into by this country are registered with the League of Nations, as provided by Article 18 of the Covenant; and whether there are any Treaties or undertakings not so registered?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Once a month any outstanding Treaties and undertakings are sent by the Foreign Office to the Secretariat of the League to be registered. A few are still awaiting registration under Article 18 of the Covenant.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any reply has yet been received from the Sudan Government concerning the suggestions made to it by His Majesty's Government in regard to fixing maximum prices for Gezireh cotton and the restriction of its sale to British buyers; and, if so, will he state what replies the Sudan Government has given?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet received a report from His Majesty's Ambassador at Rome regarding the expulsion from Italy of Mr. G. Giglio, a British subject, and the correspondent of a London daily newspaper; if so, what is the nature of the report; and whether friendly representations are being made to the Royal Italian Government on this matter?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any information from His Britannic Majesty's Ambassador at Rome with regard to the expelled correspondent of a London daily newspaper; and, if so, whether he will acquaint the House with the nature of that information?

The expulsion of M. Giglio was carried out by the regular police in accordance with Italian law. No application to communicate with His Majesty's Embassy was made until the day following M. Giglio's departure, although both time and opportunity for so doing were not lacking between his arrest and expulsion had he desired to do so. The above facts having been communicated by the Italian Government to His Majesty s Ambassador in answer to his inquiries, no further action on the part of His Majesty's Government appears called for.

Am I to understand that a report has been received from His Majesty's Ambassador at Rome on this matter?

Yes, Sir, he has reported.

May I be told the nature of the report, as asked for in my question?

Could the hon. Gentleman say how much the telegrams would cost, and if it is really worth it?

May I ask what is the nature of the report? It is in the question, and I gave full notice.

I have given my hon. and gallant Friend as much information as we have received by telegram.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think it a matter of importance to take up the question of the expulsion of a British newspaper correspondent from any country in the world?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether tourists from this country will be allowed to visit either the British occupied area in Germany or the Ruhr district during the present year; whether any special permits or visas are now required; and can he make any general statement on the subject before the holiday season commences?

A British subject wishing to proceed to the British occupied area only requires to have his passport endorsed for that area at the Passport Office. Entry into the Ruhr district is a matter which rests with the French authorities, from whom, under existing Regulations, a visa has to be obtained within three days of arrival in the district.

The following Question stood on the Paper in the name of : 18. To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that a 25 per cent, ad valorem export tax has been placed on the export of fruit from France to this country; that this tax is hampering a very valuable and highly organised trade between the two countries; and whether he will consider making friendly representations to the Government of the French Republic on the subject?

This morning news was received that this tax had been removed, and, therefore, I do not desire to put the question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the names of States which have pledged themselves to submit all their disputes with oné another to the permanent Court of International Justice; and whether he is prepared to recommend the Government to take similar action?

As the answer is mainly a list of names, perhaps my hon. Friend will allow me to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. As was stated in reply to the hon. Member for North Hackney (Mr. J. Harris) on the 2nd instant, I am not yet able to make any announcement of the policy of His Majesty's Government in the matter.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that if this country accepted the same position as other nations, it would be the finest moral gesture that could be given?

Following is the portion of the answer referred to:

Compulsory jurisdiction has been definitely accepted, in many cases for five years only, by Austria, Bulgaria, China, Denmark, Esthonia, Finland, Haiti, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay, and, subject to acceptance by at least two permanent members of the Council of the League, by Brazil.

The Clauses accepting compulsory jurisdiction have also been signed, but not ratified, by Costa Rica, Latvia, Liberia, Luxemburg, Panama, and Salvador.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government is represented abroad by any consuls or vice-consuls who are not British-born subjects; and, if so, will he give particulars of such cases?

All members of the salaried Consular Service are British subjects. Apart from these officers, there are 534 unsalaried consular officers, of whom 178 are not British subjects. I hope the hon. Member will not press me to give particulars of all these cases, the compilation of which would involve a serious amount of time and labour. The principle invariably observed in making appointments to these honorary posts is that no foreigner is appointed if a suitable British subject willing to undertake the duty is available.

Is it the case that these honorary officials do not receive anything either directly or indirectly for their services?

Not from any Government source of which I know.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, since he has power under clauses of the Peace Treaty to insist upon the setting up of another division of the Anglo-German Mixed Arbitral Tribunal, he will state why, in view of the large number of cases awaiting settlement, he does not exercise the rights conferred by the Treaty?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer to the reply given to the hon. Baronet on the 25th March.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that that does not reply to this question?

I think the hon. Baronet will find that the answer does cover the point.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that on 30th July last the Foreign Secretary promised to call for reports from British representatives upon slavery from Abyssinia and Arabia; has His Majesty's Government yet received these reports or any other authentic information bearing upon the subject; and will this information be placed at the disposal of the League of Nations?

The answer to the first part of the question is, as regards Abyssinia, in the affirmative, as regards Arabia, in the negative. The reports which have been received will be placed at the disposal of the British representative on the competent body to be appointed by the League of Nations to examine the question of slavery.

Can these reports be furnished to the House of Commons?

I should require notice of that question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what are the duties of the clerk to the Vice-Consul at Callao, for whom a provision of £12, including bonus, is made in the Navy Estimates, 1924–25; and whether it is a whole-time appointment?

The clerk is employed, for part time, on minor clerical duties in the Vice-Consul's office.

Is this an annual or a quarterly payment?

It is an annual contribution, but it does not indicate that it is the whole salary.

Is this a coloured or a white gentleman?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if any concessions are granted by the railway companies to service men proceeding on Easter leave?

Under standing arrangements which will apply at Easter, as at any other time of the year, the railway companies issue return tickets at the rate of a single fare and a third to men proceeding on leave. Detailed Regulations were promulgated in Admiralty Fleet Order No. 3119, dated the 23rd November, 1923.

Can my hon. Friend say whether this will also apply to the other Services?

I can only speak for the Admiralty.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that when the 20 per cent. stipulation was made regarding pay and retired pay in 1919 there was no thought in the minds of either the Government or the Admiralty that large reductions would be compulsorily made in the naval personnel or that, in addition, it would be necessary to deprive a large number of officers of five years' service on full pay, and that retired officers will not be eligible for marriage allowance in accordance with the original understanding, he will give reconsideration to the case of retired officers so that their retired pay may not be reduced?

As the reply is somewhat long, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The reply is as follows:

The terms given under the 1922 retirement scheme to officers retired under the scheme were, with one exception, fixed on the assumption that the rates of retired pay granted would be subject to the same variations in respect of changes in the cost of living as other rates of pay. These terms took into account any loss of emoluments suffered by officers concerned, and I regret that no reason is seen for making a change, which was not contemplated at the time, and which would place these officers, who form but a minority of officers on the retired list, in a more favourable position than other officers. Also no reason is seen for exempting retired pay generally from reduction, on the score that marriage allowance is not payable. The question of granting a marriage allowance or higher rates of retired pay to married officers on the retired list has not, so far as I am aware, been under consideration, and in the other Services, married officers on the retired list are treated in exactly the same way as unmarried officers.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if, before it is too late, he will reconsider the question of maintaining the "Lion" as a national memorial of the services rendered by the Royal Navy during the Great War?

The Washington Treaty specifically names His Majesty's Ship "Lion" among the Capital Ships which must without fail be completely scrapped within 18 months of the ratification of the Treaty. She has been sold and is now actually in process of being broken up. Apart from this, the annual cost of maintenance of a ship of her construction in such a state of preservation only as would fulfil the purpose desired would be very large. The Board of Admiralty, who have given the most careful consideration to this matter, share the natural regret, which will be very generally felt, at the impracticability of preserving this historic ship as a national memorial.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that in 1919, when the pay of the fighting Services was being decided upon and fixed, it was understood at the time by all naval officers that they would come under similar treatment for marriage allowance to the Army and Air Force, and that this understanding has not materialised, the Admiralty can see their way clear not to interfere with naval officers' pay, in so far as the 20 per cent. increase is concerned?

I am unable to accept the assumption contained in the first part of the question, as the new scales of naval pay in 1919 were announced an appreciable time before the principle of granting marriage allowance to officers of the Army and Air Force was decided upon. The Admiralty is unable to give the undertaking asked for, but, as previously stated, the question of introducing marriage allowance for naval officers is at present under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will state the pay of equivalent ranks of officers in the Navy, Army, and Air Force, with the marriage allowance of the two latter included?

As the reply is in tabular form, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The reply is as follows:

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether any decision has yet been reached on the subject of marriage allowance to naval officers?

The answer is in the negative.

If I put a question down for the first Wednesday after Easter, will the hon. Gentleman be able to give me an answer?

I have every hope of so doing.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that quite recently boilers for one of His Majesty's ships were constructed in His Majesty's dockyard, Portsmouth; and if he will consider the advisability of having the boilers for the new cruiser to be laid down at Portsmouth constructed in the boiler shop of Portsmouth dockyard?

Boilers have been constructed at the yards in exceptional circumstances, but it is considered inadvisable in a new contract to depart from the usual practice under which the machinery contractor is responsible for the construction and efficiency of the whole of the propelling machinery.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think, in view of the exceptional circumstances, this is a suitable time?

I am afraid I have nothing to add to my answer to the hon. and gallant Gentleman's question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will state the cost involved in putting out to tender the five new cruisers?

If the hon. and gallant Member means to ask for the cost to Navy Votes of the construction of these vessels, I would refer him to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull on 27th February. If, however, he means the cost incurred by the Admiralty in getting out invitations to tender, the reply is that some extra draughtsmen were employed for a few weeks, but the cost is inconsiderable and cannot be accurately stated.

Will these vessels be named after pacifists on the Front Bench?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what duties are to be performed by the senior accountant officers recently appointed to the staffs of the Commanders-in-Chief at Devonport, Portsmouth and Chatham; and if, seeing that no accounts will be kept by them, he will consider saving this expense?

The duties of these officers are of an administrative nature, the object being the co-ordination under the Commanders-in-Chief of accountant work generally, which of recent years has become much more varied and complex. Considerable advantages are anticipated from these appointments, both in the direction of economy and simplification of accountant procedure.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this means an increase of about £4,000 a year, and this does not appear in Vote A?

It is anticipated the net result will be a considerable advantage which will result in economy.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether it is proposed to reduce the pay of naval officers by 5½ per cent, of the total increase from 1st July, 1924, in consequence of the fall in the cost of living; whether he is aware that, in certain other Ministries, salaries are being increased in consequence of the increase in the cost of living; and, if so, whether he can explain the position?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. The reduction of officers' pay is in accord with the arrangement made when the pay of naval officers was revised in 1919, that 20 per cent. of the rates of pay then introduced should be considered as due to the high cost of living at that time, and subject after five years to change either upward or downward according as the cost of living might rise or fall, revision thereafter to take place every three years. The Civil Service bonus is, however, subject to revision every six months.

Does not the Admiralty realise that these continual readjustments in naval pay make it extremely difficult to get the right class of boy to go into the Navy?

I do not think it is quite right to refer to continual readjustments. This was a readjustment made by the Halsey Committee in 1919, and it is now proceeding along the ordinary lines.

In view of the fact that very large numbers of workers in this country are taking very vigorous measures to improve their lot, is it not rather inconsistent that the pay of officers should be reduced at the same time?

The procedure here is precisely that which is taken by industrial workers, namely, a Committee of Inquiry was appointed, and this is the result.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a great many naval officers have to borrow money in order to live?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that, when the reconstruction of H.M.S. "Glorious" and H.M.S. "Courageous" have been carried out, the British Navy will possess eight aircraft carriers with a carrying capacity for carrying 400 aeroplanes; whether he is aware that at the present moment only about 100 machines are allocated for service with the Royal Navy; what arrangements have been made for the Royal Naval Air arm to receive the necessary peace-time preparation to be ready for emergencies and possible calls which may be made upon it; and whether it is intended to pass aircraft carriers into service without their establishment of machines?

If the two seaplane carriers "Ark Royal" and "Pegasus" are included, the Navy will possess eight aircraft carriers when H.M.S. "Glorious" and H.M.S. "Courageous" are completed. The carrying capacity, as stated in the question, is considerably in excess of the number of aircraft that these vessels will be able to accommodate. The number of machines quoted as allocated at the present to the Royal Navy is approximately correct if reserves are excluded. Arrangements have been made for the provision of the number of aircraft necessary in the near future in view of the accommodation that will become available. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether, seeing that temporary men who were taken on in the torpedo depot, Portsmouth, are being discharged despite a promise recently given by him to the effect that the men entered temporarily for the winter were to be retained, he will have this matter reconsidered?

The promise given was that every possible step should be taken with a view to retaining the men in question. This has been done, but it is regretted that it has not been found practicable to retain them.

asked the Minister of Labour if he has yet been able to effect a settlement of the dispute between the firm of Woolworths, of Swansea, and their employés; and whether, in view of the low rates of pay obtaining amongst employés of this firm and others doing a similar class of business, he will expedite the setting up of a trade board for the occupation?

With regard to the first part of the question, I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member for Norwich on 3rd April. With regard to the second part, I am examining the question of applying the Trade Boards Acts to this type of trade.

asked the Minister of Labour if he can give a date upon which he will announce the Government's proposals for relieving unemployment?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to a similar question by the hon. Member for Stock-ton-on-Tees on Thursday last.

Does that mean that the right hon. Gentleman does not want to give any time, and that there is no proposal to put forward at all?

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that unemployment contributors who come under a certificate of exception, and have reached the age of 60 years before they have completed the minimum number of contributions to entitle them to a refund, are being refused a refund; and will he consider an amendment to the Unemployment Insurance Act to enable a claim to be made under such circumstances?

Under Clause 9 of the Unemployment Insurance (No. 2) Bill now before Parliament it is proposed to abolish these refunds entirely for the future. I am afraid I cannot adopt the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the Minister of Labour how many of the 240,000 women and girls now unemployed are receiving the dole; and whether any attempt has been made to induce any number of these women and girls to accept posts as domestic servants in view of the great difficulty that many house-holders are experiencing at the present moment in obtaining domestic servants?

On 24th March the number of women and girls claiming benefit was 206,320, and it may be taken that approximately three-fourths of this number were actually drawing benefit. All these women and girls have a record of previous employment in insurable work, which does not include private domestic service; but I can assure the hon. Member that every precaution is taken to ensure that any woman or girl for whom a domestic situation is suitable employment is not allowed to remain on benefit if she refuses an offer of such a situation.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give a definition of "suitable employment"?

Will there be any attempt made to induce people who ought to be doing their own domestic service, to do it?

It may be difficult to give a list of occupations which would unsuit a girl for domestic employment, but girls from such occupations as dressmaking, weaving and typing are obviously unsuitable for sending into domestic service.

rose —

We must not have a debate.

I do not wish to debate. I have risen three times.

asked the Prime Minister when the next meeting of the League of Nations Committee on the reform of the calendar is to be held; whether the British Government has been asked to state its views before the date of that meeting; and, if so, what steps are to be taken in the matter?

I understand that the next meeting of the Committee is fixed for next month. His Majesty's Government have been asked for their views, but have replied that they prefer to await the conclusions and recommendations of the Committee before defining their attitude.

De we understand that there will be no reform made by His Majesty's Government?

This is in the hands of a special expert Committee. We prefer to get the advice of the experts before declaring any views of our own.

Has not the opinion of His Majesty's Government been invited?

I said it has, but in view of the circumstances we felt the wise thing to do was to hold our hand for the moment.

Before such a reform can be given universal effect, will it not be necessary to persuade the Soviet Government to adopt the Gregorian calendar?

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the support given by all quarters of the House of Commons to the principle of equal franchise, will the Government either introduce a Measure or Bill of their own or expedite the passage of the Representation of the People Act (1918) Amendment Bill in its Committee and later stages?

The Government are in entire sympathy with the principle of equal franchise, but in view of the pressure upon Parliamentary time they cannot undertake to introduce legislation at this stage. As regards the private Bill to which the hon. Member refers, I cannot add to the statements made by my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal on the Second Reading.

asked the Prime Minister whether Mr. Gandhi, Mr. C. R. Das and Mr. Motilal Nehru have been invited by the British Cabinet to a conference to be held in London?

The answer is in the negative.

Will the Prime Minister consider the advisability of adopting this very wise policy?

asked the Prime Minister whether he intends to proceed this Session with the Rating and Valuation Bill prepared last year by the Ministry of Health?

I would refer the Noble Lord to the answer given yesterday by the Lord Privy Seal in reply to a question by the hon. Member for West Middlesbrough.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will bring proposals before Parliament to enable the majority of employers and the trade unions concerned in any one industry who so desire to have their industry brought under the Safeguarding of Industries Act?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer regarding the Safeguarding of Industries Act given yesterday by the President of the Board of Trade to the hon. Member for Maccles-field.

If trade unions in certain industries unanimously ask for the protection of their industry and the employers unanimously ask, will not the Government bring the question before Parliament?

In that case will the interests of the consumers be taken into account?

I have no doubt that if trade unions or employers make representations to the Government they will consider the matter, but my hon. and gallant Friend is asking for Parliament to interfere, and in that case I cannot add anything to the reply I have given.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that the sole reason why the question suggests bringing this matter before Parliament is that the question of the consumer should also be considered, and can he tell me definitely that if a trade union is unanimous on this subject the matter will be brought before Parliament?

The question has been answered.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Committee appointed to prepare the agenda for the international opium conferences convened by the League of Nations has yet met; who is the British representative; and whether any statement can be made regarding the decisions taken?

The Committee has met twice. The British representative on it is Sir Malcolm Delevingne, who represents His Majesty's Government on the Opium Advisory Committee of the League of Nations. No decisions have yet been taken, but the Committee will in due course submit a report to the League of Nations, by which it has been appointed.

asked the Prime Minister what steps he has taken to call an international conference to discuss disarmament?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Huddersfield on the 3rd March.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the large number of engineers and other skilled artisans who left this country last year to take up permanent residence abroad, he can say that the number of such workers remaining in this country is sufficient to cope with any appreciable improvement in British industries that need their services?

Speaking generally, I think the number of skilled artisans in most trades is sufficient to cope with an appreciable improvement in employment. There are, of course, exceptions, as, for example, in certain occupations in the building trades, but steps are being taken by employers and workers to deal with the situation. I should point out further that the revival of trade may take place in such a way as to cause some change in the relative demand for various classes of skilled labour, and this may create a temporary shortage in some of them.

Is it not a fact that many skilled artisans who work in this country are paid less wage than semi-skilled workers, and that a great deal of resentment is caused.

That may be so, but it is not part of the question.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the numbers of skilled artisans who have left the country recently?

I think an answer was given the other day on the subject.

Does the right hon. Gentleman really mind if they do leave the country, provided we can get articles cheaper from foreign countries?

I should be very sorry that competent artisans should leave the country and go to any other country, and I hope that our skilled workers can be kept here.

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to see that they are paid proper wages?

asked the Minister of Health how much it would cost to pay the subsisting grant to the blind persons of the country at the age of 40 and also at the age of 25; and whether he will arrange for a reduction in the age for payment in the ensuing year?

The answer is necessarily rather long and, with the hon. Member's permission, I propose to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the statement:

At present pensions of 10s. a week are paid, subject to certain means limits, to blind persons over 50 at a total annual cost of £320,000. Estimates have been made on the basis of the "Central Register of the Blind," compiled by the Advisory Committee of the Welfare of the Blind, which is the only source of information available as to numbers and ages of blind persons. Registration is not, however, compulsory and the Committee state that their figures suggest that the register is not complete. On the basis of the numbers on this register, it is estimated that if no means limit is applied, the present annual cost of granting pensions of 10s. a week to all blind persons in Great Britain between the ages of 25 and 70 (excluding, however, those who are at present receiving pensions from the Ministry of Pensions on account of blindness) would be approxi- mately £650,000 (as against the present £320,000). If similar pensions were granted to those between the ages of 40 and 70, the annual cost is estimated at £500,000. For the reasons mentioned previously it is likely that the figures given are an underestimate of the actual cost, though to what extent cannot be gauged. No sufficient information is available to enable an accurate estimate of the effect on cost of pensions if the age limit is reduced as suggested by the hon. Member but the present means limit is retained. Any reduction in the age limit prescribed would require legislation to amend the Blind Persons Act, 1920, but on this point it is not possible for me to make a statement.

asked the Minister of Health if he will furnish particulars of the diagnosis sent in to the Lunacy Commissioners (as required by statute) within seven days after admission by the medical superintendents, in the case of the 22 sane persons mentioned in the last Report of the Board of Control as having been wrongfully certified; will he procure from the Board the invalidation of the certifications and the removal of the names of these persons from the list of the certified; and will he state under what legal sanction their detention was continued for periods extending in some cases to as much as 50 days?

The Board of Control are not authorised to disclose the medical reports furnished to them by medical superintendents with regard to patients under their care. But I will supply the hon. Member with a statement showing the circumstances in which each of these cases was detained under observation. It is not possible to invalidate the certification of the persons mentioned: they were sent to the mental hospitals under proper legal authority (by order of a Justice in 21 cases, and by warrant of the Home Secretary in one case). Their names were however removed from the list of certified patients on discharge from the institutions. They were detained at the hospitals on the authority of the Justices' orders and Home Secretary's warrant for periods of varying lengths, to allow of special observation by the medical superintendents and further reports to the Board of Control.

asked the Minister of Health what regulations, if any, have been made by the Board of Control to ensure that where no prejudicial certificate has been sent into them patients in private asylums who have not been seen by a Magistrate shall receive the statutory notice of their right of appeal to a judicial authority, and that when the manager of the institution has neglected his duty in this respect such neglect, which is described in the Act as a misdemeanour, shall in future be followed by a prosecution of the offender?

No regulations are required, but the Board of Control have drawn the attention of the authorities of institutions receiving private patients to the requirements of Section 8 of the Lunacy Act, 1890. I do not consider that a prosecution should necessarily be undertaken in all cases of failure to observe the requirements referred to.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the declaration made by the Board of Control that they had been advised that neglect on the part of a medical superintendent to serve a private patient with notice of his right of appeal to a magistrate does not invalidate the reception order under which he was committed, he will take steps to enforce the right of a British subject to have his case heard and investigated by some judicial authority prior to imprisonment?

The point will no doubt be considered by the Royal Commission which it is proposed to appoint at an early date.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the serious danger to infant life and welfare arising from the widespread sale of proprietary and patent foods, consisting principally of starch; and whether he proposes to take any, and what, steps to enable local authorities to exercise control over the sale of unsuitable and unwholesome preparations advertised as infants' foods?

The matter has been the subject of investigation by my Department, and I will consider what action it may be desirable and practicable to take in the direction which the hon. Member suggests.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the delivery of water to the inhabitants of Tren-de-Hayes, in the parish of Rawreth, in the county of Essex, has been discontinued, leaving the people without drinking water, notwithstanding that a special rate of 2s. 4d. in the £ was paid, besides ¾d. per bucket for the water supplied; and if he will take steps to remedy this?

A loan was sanctioned last year for the supply of water to this parish. I am making inquiries as to the present position.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the practice of having regard to the labour available when sanctioning local authorities' housing schemes, but not when considering those of private enterprise, results in private enterprise schemes being sanctioned in areas where local authorities' schemes have been refused, with the result that the efforts of local authorities to provide houses for those unable to purchase are seriously handicapped; and if he will in future have regard to the labour available both when sanctioning all private enterprise schemes as well as local authorities' schemes?

Instructions were given to local authorities on the passing of the Housing Act last Session with the object of ensuring that full regard should be had to the labour available when submitting schemes for the assistance of private enterprise. These instructions were to the effect that they should only give undertakings to pay subsidy in respect of houses likely to be started within a reasonable time and completed within nine months, and in dealing with applications of local authorities for approval of such schemes only such numbers of houses are authorised as can be rapidly completed. I have no evidence to show that the results which the hon. Member apprehends have ever, in fact, arisen.

asked the Minister of Health how he proposes to supplement the labour employed in the building trade, considering that it has been reduced from 834,000 in 1901 to 632,000 in 1923, and there is a great urgency for building labour both for dwelling houses and industrial purposes?

I hope that it will be possible to supply the House with information on this subject in the course of a few days.

What form will the information take?

I intend to present to Parliament the Report which I have received from the building trades industry.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make a statement on the whole position before the Easter Recess?

I can only promise to supply the information asked for in this question.

asked the Minister of Health if, in view of the unemployment in the building industry, he will give the names of those districts in which it has been found necessary to limit the grant of the subsidy in view of the amount of work in hand or the lack of essential skilled labour in the locality?

As regards the first part of the question, I think the hon. Member will be aware that in certain essential branches of the building industry the condition is not one of unemployment. As regards building of houses by local authorities themselves under the Act of 1923, the ordinary practice of the Department is to confer with the local authorities as to the number of houses which may be put in hand at a particular time. Nearly 500 local authorities in all parts of the country are up to the present undertaking building themselves; and the hon. Member may take it that in practically all these cases the numbers approved for immediate building are less than the local authorities would desire to put in hand if it could be shown that there were no lack of the essential skilled labour.

In view of the statement, which has been made definitely, that there is no unemployment in the building trade, how does the right hon. Gentleman propose to increase the number of houses?

By increasing the number of workers.

How does the right hon. Gentleman propose to increase the number of workers?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of the brick factories find great difficulty in transporting bricks owing to the difficulty of obtaining wagons, and will he take the matter up so as to facilitate builders getting bricks?

May I ask for an answer to my question?

If the hon. Member will control his curiosity until I have had the opportunity of presenting the Report which I have received from the building industry, he will obtain his information.

asked the Minister of Health if he can now state the number of applications for orders for possession and the number of such orders granted since August, 1923, and the number of warrants for eviction granted and the actual number of ejectments made since August, 1923; and, if so, can he state the proportion of such orders and warrants granted on the grounds of non-payment of rent and for other causes, respectively?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which the Prime Minister gave on Monday, in reply to a similar question by the right hon. Member for Twickenham.

Have the telegrams referred to in the right hon. Gentleman's answer been yet sent out to the Registrars of the County Courts and to the Clerks of His Majesty's Justices?

I am not sure whether telegrams were sent out, but I can assure hon. Members that steps were taken immediately.

Has the right hon. Gentleman yet received any reply, inasmuch as County Court Judges have already made announcements on the matter themselves?

I could not say whether any replies have been received, but I know that sufficient information has not been received to justify me in presenting a report on the subject.

What steps is the right hon. Gentleman taking?

( by Private Notice ) asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the announcement that the Government intend to give facilities to the Bill introduced by the hon. Member for Withington (Mr. E. Simon), which will be considered in Committee upstairs next week, and considering the statements made by the Minister of Health to the effect that a state of affairs exists in Glasgow in regard to evictions which does not prevail in any other part of Scotland or in England, he will immediately appoint a Commissioner or Commissioners to investigate conditions in that city and adjoining districts with instructions to report at the earliest possible moment to the House?

Considerable information is already available as regards evictions in Glasgow and the West of Scotland generally, and further inquiries are being made which will, I believe, completely cover the ground. Moreover, my right hon. Friend the Secretary for Scotland has arranged to have a conference in Clydebank on Friday next with all the parties concerned in this matter. Clydebank, I may mention, is a district where the trouble is most acute. In these circumstances, I do not think that the appointment of a Commissioner, as suggested by the right hon. and gallant Member, is necessary.