asked the First Commissioner of Works how long it is proposed to keep the Stanhope Gate entrance to Hyde Park closed?

The gates will be opened immediately after the unveiling of the Cavalry Memorial on the 21st May next.

asked the First Commissioner of Works if he will state, in view of the initiative taken by his predecessor in setting up the Commission of Fine Arts, a body to give advice to Government Departments and other bodies on matters affecting public taste of artistic value, why it was left to an outside private person to call the attention of this Commission to the ugly cast-iron design supplied by the Office of Works for the 40,000 telephone kiosks about to be set up at street corners by the Postmaster-General's Department, with the result that fresh designs have been obtained from outside architects of repute; and will he instruct the officials concerned in future to consult that body as fully as possible?

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. Telephone kiosks are not provided by my Department, but by the Post Office, and the design to which he refers was not made in my Department, nor has it in fact been adopted. I do not understand the statement that it was left to an outside private person to invite the attention of the Fine Art Commission to this matter, as it was my Department which originated the proposal, in which the Postmaster-General has willingly concurred, that the advice of the Commission should be obtained.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of public telephone kiosks which have been erected in Bristol; and whether, having regard to the great convenience which these facilities have been to the citizens of Bristol, he will consider the possibility of creating still further opportunities for the use of the telephone by increasing the number of such boxes?

There are 46 telephone kiosks in the city of Bristol. The policy of providing additional kiosks is being actively pursued throughout the country.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will make a statement as to his intentions in the matter of providing adequate accommodation in the post office buildings at Rugby for the staff necessary to deal with the increasing pressure of work in this growing centre?

I am advised that the building in which the Rugby head post office is housed is not inadequate for the needs of the office, and, in view of the more urgent claims of other offices, I am unable for the present to contemplate any building scheme at Rugby.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the post office at Banbridge, County Down, affords in- sufficient space for the staff required by the business transacted; whether any steps have been taken to provide increased accommodation; and, if not, whether he will inquire into the circumstances with a view to some action being taken?

The defects in the present accommodation at the Banbridge post office are recognised and the question of providing a new office is under consideration. Inquiries for a suitable site are being made.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that authority has been given for the retention of the services of the postmaster of Lurgan after he attains the retirement age of 60 years in August next; has he received a similar application in respect of the postmaster of Armagh; is he aware that the retention of post office officials in Northern Ireland who have reached retirement age accentuates the existing stagnation in advancement in that area and causes dissatisfaction amongst the members of the staff eligible for promotion; and will he undertake to revert to the pre-War policy of retiring all officials at 60 years of age in accordance with the existing regulations?

Authority has been given to retain the services of the postmaster of Lurgan after he reaches the age of 60. No decision has yet been given concerning the postmaster of Armagh. It has never been the policy of the Post Office to retire all officials immediately they attain the age of 60. The pre-War regulations on the subject have not been changed and the present practice is in accordance with them.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the dissatisfaction felt in the Rugby area over the delays which took place in the delivery of telegrams giving the results of the Midland Rugby cup semi-final and final matches; and if he will inquire into the matter?

The enquiries which are being made in this matter are not yet completed. They are, however, being expedited, and I will acquaint the hon. Member with the result as soon as possible.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the sum which he is entitled to retain from the receipts due to the issue of broadcasting licences is intended to recoup him for the cost of issuing licences and to pay for the services rendered by his Department in safeguarding the interests of the licence holders; and, if so, will he state what steps he has taken to minimise the interference by Morse during broadcasting hours?

The sum of 2s. 6d., which is retained by the Post Office in respect of each wireless receiving licence fee, is intended to cover all work in connection with such licences, including issue, accounting, renewal, inspection, correspondence and administrative control. In the present state of wireless development it is not possible entirely to prevent interference by Morse transmission with the reception of broadcast programmes, especially where receiving apparatus of non-selective type is used.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that it is estimated that £300,000 will be paid to the Broadcasting Company in respect of wireless receiving licences for the 12 months ending 31st March, 1925, this sum being 10 times the amount taken in the Estimates for the financial year just completed; and what power he has to supervise the expenditure of the company?

The payments to the British Broadcasting Company are made by instalments in arrear; and the provision in the Vote for 1923–24 represented only a small proportion of a full year's income. As regards the last paragraph of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to Clause 7 of the Supplementary Agreement with the company, which was laid before Parliament.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that Germany is learning English by wireless, and that the lessons are given by a German and an Englishman, the latter replying in English to the questions in the native tongue; and whether, having regard to the great educational possibilities of such a procedure, he will recommend it to the notice of the Broadcasting Committee?

The British Broadcasting Committee already give French talks regularly from all their stations; and, in addition, a number of talks have been given in Spanish, German and Norwegian. The question of extending these facilities is under consideration by the company in consultation with educational authorities.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the number of employés of foreign nationality in the naval establishments at Gibraltar; and whether he will replace these employés by British subjects?

The approximate number of employés of foreign nationality is 800. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty when the hulks at present used as the depot ship at Gibraltar were built; and when it is proposed to provide more modern accommodation?

The hulks used as the depot ship at Gibraltar, known as the "Cormorant," consists of two vessels, the "Cormorant" and the "Hart." The "Cormorant" was completed in July, 1878. The "Hart" wad built in 1884 and converted for accommodation purposes in 1912. The accommodation provided is considered to be satisfactory to meet present requirements.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the number of naval and marine officers paid lodging, servants', and provision allowances at Gibraltar, and the cost to the Crown on this account; and if, in view of the housing shortage, he will consider the possibility of converting the disused naval hospital and adjoining buildings into accommodation for these officers and their families?

There are at present some 14 naval and marine officers in receipt of lodging, provision and servants' allowance at Gibraltar, the annual expenditure in respect of these allowances being approximately £3,150 per annum. This amount includes £1,800 in respect of provision and servants' allowances, which would probably still be payable if quarters were provided. The question of converting the hospital into residential quarters is now under consideration. If the scheme is adopted, it is estimated that quarters for 17 officers would be available, but it is not possible to state at this stage whether, in the event of such quarters being provided, they would be allocated to these particular officers or whether it will be necessary to allocate some of them to dockyard officers.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that seamen from His Majesty's Navy who, whilst on leave, are convicted of some civil offence, and serve as a consequence a term of imprisonment, are again sentenced upon their return to their station; and whether the Minister will take steps to stop such practice?

A naval rating who is sentenced to imprisonment while on leave loses pay and time for the period for which his services are lost to the Crown. A man convicted of a discreditable offence may lose good conduct badges, may be reduced to the second class for leave or may receive a lower assessment for character. In specially serious cases, where the offence is incompatible with the status of a higher rating or of a man in the first class for conduct, a man may be reduced to a lower rating or to the second class for conduct. The system is necessary and is properly safeguarded?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has now come to a favourable decision upon the question of leasing the forts in the Plymouth fortification system, Bull Point Barracks, and the brickfields, for the purpose of housing the population of Devonport and Plymouth; and the conditions upon which any such leasing will be made?

I regret that, for military reasons, Bull Point Barracks and the brickfields cannot be leased to the Plymouth Corporation. Inquiries are still being actively pursued as regards leasing: other property in and around Devonport and Plymouth.

asked the Secretary of State for War, with reference to the 2s. award on the basic rate of wages recently granted by the Admiralty to labourers in the royal dockyards, whether he can see his way to give a similar-award to labourers employed at His Majesty's gunwharf, Devonport, seeing: that a labourer's pay in His Majesty's; gunwharf is only £l 19s. 10d., after insurance is deducted, for a week of 47 hours; and whether, in the event of his being able to grant this award, he will antedate it to 7th February?

With effect from the beginning of the pay week following 7th: February, the wage rate of the War Department labourers at Devonport at present paid at 41s. a week (24s. plus 17s. War advance) will be increased to 43s. (26s. plus 17s. War advance). Instructions on the subject are about to be issued.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many British troops there are stationed in Egypt?

The approximate number of British troops at present stationed in Egypt is 11,000 all ranks.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the 5½ per cent. reduction in officers' pay and non-effective emoluments, to take effect from 1st July, is a reduction of the whole pay or only of the increase granted in 1919 to meet the high cost of living?

The whole pay of officers will be reduced by 5½ per cent. The position is that 80 per cent. of the rates of pay fixed in 1919 is basic, and 20 per cent. is variable in accordance with the rise or fall in the cost of living. The fall in the figures since 1919, applied to 20 per cent. only of officers' pay, works out at a 5½ per cent. reduction of the whole.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has decided what further is to be done with regard to the helicopter experiments; whether he intends to cause patents to be taken out in foreign countries; and whether he is aware that, even if the helicopter could do what the inventor claims for it, such services are already being carried out with other methods?

In reply to the first part of the question, I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Clitheroe (Captain Brass) on the 6th March. As regards the second part, the Air Ministry do not propose to take out foreign patents at the public expense, but the inventor has been given permission to take out such patents if he wishes to do so. With regard to the third part of the question, a successful helicopter should combine a number of functions which cannot be combined in any other type of aircraft.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of aeroplane crashes in the Royal Air Force from 1st January, 1920, until 3lst March, 1924; how many officers and other ranks lost their lives in flying accidents in the force; and whether, in his opinion, sufficient care is exercised to prevent undue risk of accident and loss of life?

As regards the first part of the question, the flying accidents resulting in death numbered 120, and those resulting in injury only, 162. These figures include all accidents, whether in this country or overseas, and whether occurring in the course of operation or otherwise. As regards the second part, 128 officers, one cadet and 55 airmen were killed in the 120 fatal accidents. As regards the last part of the question, I am satisfied that every care is taken to eliminate risk of accident and loss of life so far as this is possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of aeroplane crashes in civil aviation from 1st January, 1920, till 31st March, 1924; how many passengers, pilots, and mechanics lost their lives; and whether, in the interest of public safety, it is proposed to introduce legislation providing for inquiry by a Government inspector in all cases where there is loss of life or injury following accidents when flying, as is done in the case of railway accidents?

On the assumption that by "aeroplane crashes" my hon. Friend refers to British civil aviation accidents which resulted in death or injury to the occupants of the aircraft, the statistics for the period 1st January, 1920, to 31st March, 1924, are as follow:

In answer to the last part of the question, in accordance with the powers given by Section 12 of the Air Navigation Act, 1920, to make Regulations providing for the investigation of air navigation accidents, the Secretary of State for Air made, on 28th June, 1922, the Air Navigation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will inquire into the case of the late John Shand, No. 534,704, Royal Army Medical Corps, who was discharged from the Army owing to bronchitis and debility (attributable), and who subsequently took his own life, leaving a widow and four young daughters; and whether he will review the decision that his death was not caused by war service, and see his way to grant a pension to his widow, Amanda Shand, of 14, Raikes Bridge, Lower Darwen?

The circumstances of this soldier's death could not be regarded as connected with his military service, and the consequent rejection by the Ministry of the widow's claim to pension has been confirmed, on appeal, by the independent Pensions Appeal Tribunal, whose decisions are by Statute final and binding upon all parties.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many dependants in the Western Isles are in receipt of a maximum need pension of 20s. per week in respect of soldiers or sailors killed in the War; and whether, in view of the adverse economic conditions obtaining in those isles, he will consider increasing these pensions?

I regret that the information asked for in the first part of the question is not available. The position of those pensioners in the Western Isles who are receiving need pensions of less than the maximum amount is under consideration, both in regard to their special circumstances and with reference to the recent concessions regarding this class of pension.

asked the Minister of Pensions, in view of the fact that a pension granted to a parent for the loss of a son in the War ceases on the death of that parent, whether he will take steps to have the pension transferred to the surviving parent?

As my right hon. Friend announced on the 10th instant, in reply to the hon. Member for West Middlesbrough (Mr. T. Thomson), it has now been decided that a pre-War dependence or flat-rate pension may be transferred to the surviving parent.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the policy of the Ministry in regard to fees paid in preparatory departments of secondary schools places a heavy burden upon parents anxious to send their children to such schools; and what is the object of this policy?

As I stated in reply to the hon. and gallant Member's question on the 10th April, the Board consider it desirable that the fee charged in secondary schools should, as a rule, be uniform and should not increase with the age of the pupil. The payment of a lower fee in a preparatory department than in an upper department would obviously conflict with this principle.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many education authorities have taken steps to exclude children under 10 years of age from grant-aided secondary schools until such time as they are satisfied that every educationally-fit applicant over 10 has been admitted, and the number of secondary school places such authorities have under their control?

I have no exact information as to the regulations of local education authorities in regard to the admission of younger children; but there are at present 33 areas in which the schools provided or maintained by the authority, as distinguished from schools aided by them, contain no children under 10, and the number appears to be increasing. On 1st October, 1923, there were about 188,500 children in schools provided or maintained by local education authorities, and of these about 8,000 were under 10.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the cost to the rates and taxes of a place in a grant-aided secondary school is considerably less than the cost of a place in a municipally maintained secondary school; and whether, seeing that the education obtained in grant-aided schools is as good as that obtained in municipally maintained schools, he is prepared to withdraw Circular 1,259, issued 2nd May, 1922, as a result of the Geddes Report, as the operation of such circular tends to reduce the relatively small help given to grant-aided schools, and is thereby causing serious inconvenience?

The cost to public funds of grant-aided secondary schools which are not provided by local education authorities is only, on the average, leis than that of provided schools, in so far as the former usually charge higher fees. I do not think I should be justified in restoring a system under which one class of secondary schools received a more generous measure of assistance from State funds than others of similar standing.

asked the President of the Board of Education what is the average length of service rendered by the teachers who are now receiving pensions under the Teachers' Superannuation Acts, 1898 and 1912, and by the teachers who are in receipt of pensions under the Teachers' Superannuation Acts, 1918 and 1922?

I regret that it v, not possible for me, without disproportionate labour, to give the figures in the exact form which the hon. and gallant Member suggests. The average years of service on which pensions, on the ground of age, were granted in the five years 1910–1914 were 40 for men and 37 for women. During the next five years, owing to depletion of staff during the War, statistics of this nature were not kept. During the years 1919–1922 the average number of years on which pensions on the ground of age were awarded, under the School Teachers (Superannuation) Act of 1918, is as follows:—

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been, called to the dispute at the Hart Accumulator Works at Stratford involving the stoppage of 150 workers; whether he is aware that hitherto the firm has declined to meet either the men or their trade union representatives or to submit the matter to arbitration; and will he at once take the necessary steps to bring the parties together with a view of settlement of the dispute?

This dispute was reported to the Ministry of Labour, and a joint conference between the two sides was arranged by the Department. No settlement was reached, but the Department is still in touch with both sides.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will state, in the case of men who by reason of occupying designated posts under the Local Government Officers Superannuation Act do not now contribute to the unemployment insurance section, in the event of ceasing to occupy such posts, what provision is made for such men to qualify for benefit again under the Unemployment Act?

Persons who cease to pay unemployment insurance contributions on account of a certificate of exception are treated in exactly the same manner as other persons who pass from insurable to-uninsurable employment. Should they subsequently re-enter insurable employment they may, if the interval of uninsurable employment has been a short one, retain or recover under certain conditions credit for their previous contributions. If, however, the interval covers five insurance years, credit for previous contributions is irrevocably lost. It should be added that having regard to the condi- tions under which certificates of exception are granted the cases in which persons covered by them re-enter insurable employment are not likely to be frequent.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the high rate of interest charged to local authorities for money loaned to meet the burden of unemployment relief, he will consider the question of waiving interest charges on outstanding loans, or, alternatively, a substantial reduction on interest charges?

Where loans are advanced by the Ministry, payment of interest is postponed in all cases in which the circumstances of the local authority are such as to justify that course. My right hon. Friend would also point out that very considerable permanent relief will be given to the more heavily burdened local authorities by the Government's proposals embodied in the Unemployment Insurance Bill now before the House.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that houses built of concrete hollow blocks 16 years ago in Scotland have had less depreciation and repair costs than the neighbouring houses built of stone and brick, and roughcast; and whether he contemplates building with this system, which brings in men of the mason trade as builders, and employs a maximum number of unskilled men in the manufacture of the blocks, using the clinkers from refuse destructors?

My right hon. Friend is aware that concrete construction has in many cases proved satisfactory, and he contemplates that where local circumstances are favourable, concrete construction in some satisfactory form will continue to be used. If my hon. Friend will give particulars of the case in Scotland referred to, it shall be examined.

asked the Minister of Health if he has any further information regarding the inadequacy of the houses in the village of Comberton, Cambridgeshire?

Yes, Sir. I am informed that arrangements are being made for the erection of houses in the parish by the Chesterton Rural District Council.

asked the Minister of Health how many returns have been obtained up to 5th April from County Courts giving the number of evictions; whether there is any likelihood that complete returns from this source on this urgent matter will be in the possession of the Government by the end of this month; and, if not, whether he will take other measures in order to provide the House more rapidly with reliable information on this subject?

Returns with regard to possession actions have been obtained from all the County Courts showing for each of the eight months since the 1st August, 1923, the number of actions, entered, actions heard, orders for possession made, warrants of possession issued, and warrants of possession executed respectively, and distinguishing between orders for possession suspended indefinitely on terms relating to payment of rent and other orders for possession. A further return showing how many of the warrants of possession were made in respect of either class of possession order has been called for, and the result will be in the possession of the Government by Easter.

asked the Home Secretary if he will inform the House as to the number of orders for possession of and warrants for eviction from houses applied for and issued by courts of summary jurisdiction since August, 1923; and whether any such figures are available for the years 1920, 1921, and 1922?

Figures are not available in respect of all England and Wales for the period since August, 1923, but returns specially collected from 17 large cities and boroughs show that from 1st August, 1923, to 31st March, 1924, inclusive, 2,628 applications were made for possession and 1,737 orders were made, and of these 344 were executed. The detailed information in these returns is being communicated to the Ministry of Health. According to the returns made by the police, the numbers of applications and orders for possession of small tenements made by courts of summary jurisdiction in England and Wales in 1920, 1921, and 1922, were:

1920: Applications, 9,007; orders made, 5,759.

1921: Applications, 8,278; orders made, 5,687

1922: Applications, 9,549; orders made, 6,718.

The returns do not show the number of orders executed.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the housing shortage in Newport and Carisbrooke, he will expedite the building of married quarters for the staff of Parkhurst Prison, one-third of whom are at present unprovided for in this respect?

In allocating money for the erection of officers' quarters, the needs of the various prisons have to be considered. It has been found possible to take money for the erection of six quarters at Parkhurst this year, and the work will be set in hand.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that large numbers of coastguard cottages in the Isle of Wight and elsewhere, which are not required for any public purpose, are now and for many months past have been vacant; whether, in view of the housing shortage, he will expedite the arrangements for rendering them available for occupation; and whether, in so doing, he can arrange for ex-service men to have a preference in securing this accommodation for themselves and their families?

Of the 48 coastguard cottages in the Isle of Wight under the charge of this Department, there are six vacant at present, and applications for three of these are under consideration. Of the remainder one is under repair, and two are in a very isolated position and are not in demand. Preference is given to ex-coastguards or men who in an emergency could assist the Board of Trade officials. It is understood that a number of the cottages retained by the Admiralty are surplus to requirements and are being offered for sale.

asked the Minister of Health the number of aliens recorded in the Census of 1911 and 1921; and whether he can give the number of aliens in France and Switzerland for the same years?

The information asked for in the question is given in the following table. In the case of Switzerland, figures are not available for the years 1911 and 1921 and are accordingly given for the years 1910 and 1920.

asked the Minister of Health what were the total contributions of the State, employers, and workers, respectively, under the National Health Insurance Acts for the last financial year for which the figures are available; and what was the cost of the total benefits paid and received, and the total working and administrative expenses under all heads for the same period?

The figures relating to England and Wales for the year 1922, the latest year for which full returns under the National Health Insurance Acts are as yet available, are as follow:

Total contributions of the—

asked the Minister of Agriculture if, in view of the proposed re-establishment of the wages boards, smallholders will be brought under their operation; whether in the case of members of a family carrying on any undertaking they also will be subjected to the effect of the resolutions of such boards; and whether, in view of the de sirability of the House being provided with the necessary figures, he will lay before it the latest statistics on small holdings generally?

The Bill which I am introducing to-day deals with the regulation of wages of persons employed in agriculture, and has no reference to the area of land occupied by the employer. Certain figures relating to the number of holdings of different sizes are given in Part I of the Agricultural Statistics for England and Wales for 1923, which is published by the Stationery Office.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, before proposals are laid before the House for the re-establishment of the wages boards, he proposes to issue any reliable statistics dealing with the economic conditions under which farming is carried on, including an analysis of the causes of the bankruptcies among farmers for the last 12 months?

I have to-day presented to this House a Bill dealing with agricultural wages. Statistics dealing with various aspects of agriculture are issued in the Annual Agricultural Statistics, in the Weekly Agricultural Market Report and in other publications of my Department. With regard to bankruptcies among farmers an article giving information on this subject will appear in the next issue of the Journal of the Ministry of Agriculture, a copy of which I will send to the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the amount of land under the Small Holding Colonies Acts in respect of which a loss of £393 has been incurred at South Hinksey; and what was the commencement and end of the period during which the loss occurred?

In January, 1920, the Ministry, with Treasury approval, agreed 1o purchase 417 acres of land at South Hinksey for development as a farm settlement, and in June, 1920, purchased four cottages in the immediate neighbourhood, which would have been valuable in subdividing the land for small holdings. Later, however, for reasons of economy, the Ministry's policy as regards farm settlements was modified, and the proposal to create a settlement at South Hinksey was abandoned. The Oxford Trust, who were the owners of the land, released the Ministry from its agreement to purchase the 417 acres, but the four cottages remained the Ministry's property. Two of these were sold in September, 1921, and two in April, 1924. The loss of £393 up to 31st March, 1923, was due partly to loss on resale of the first two cottages sold, and partly to the fact that the rents received did not cover the interest on the purchase money and other annual charges.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, seeing that the members of the National Farmers' Union have resigned from the Agricultural Council, he proposes, in view of this opposition, to continue the activities of this body?

Yes, Sir, I intend to carry out the provisions of the Act of Parliament under which the council was established, and I am proposing to nominate new members to fill vacancies among the Ministers' appointed members.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that his Department is proposing to construct a new road through the Hendon district that will necessitate destroying buildings and houses erected within the course of the last few months; and whether, in the future, he will take steps to ensure better co-operation between the Town Planning. Department of the Ministry of Health, his own Department, and the local authorities in order to avoid decreasing the number of houses available?

I assume that the hon. Member refers to the proposed arterial road, 15 miles long, known as the Watford Bye-Pass, in the construction of which the county councils of London, Middlesex and Hertfordshire are collaborating with my Department. I regret that in a few cases in the Hendon district, buildings which have recently been commenced will have to be demolished. Close contact is maintained between the local authorities and Departments mentioned by the hon. Member, but unfortunately it is not always possible to provide in advance for the complete sterilisation of the land on the line of future roads.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will renew the representations made by his predecessor in office to the railway managers in the matter of commercial travellers' week-end tickets, for which the present charge is 100 per cent, over pre-War rates, whilst 75 per cent. increase only is charged for ordinary week-end tickets issued to the general public; and. will he urge the companies to restore the commercial travellers' week-end ticket to its old basis of return ticket at single fare, and also suggest the abandonment or reduction of the additional annual charge of 1s. and 5s., respectively, made by the railway companies for commercial travellers' week-end certificates and vouchers, without which the tickets referred to cannot be obtained?

As my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, the Government has now no control over the railway companies' charges. I have, however, caused inquiry to be made and am informed that on representations from the Commercial Travellers' Association the question of the charges made in respect of commercial travellers' week-end tickets was recently under consideration by the companies and that they were unable to agree to any reduction.

asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been directed, in connection with the discussion of the improved main road construction between Glasgow and the Highlands, to the strong desire in the Western Highlands that such main road improvement should include the road from Glasgow to Oban and from Oban to the North; and whether he will give effect to this demand?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am in communication with the responsible. Highway Authorities, but until they are in a position to put forward definite proposals I cannot say whether effect can be given to the demand referred to by the right hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that a proposal of the Newport (Isle of Wight) Corporation to convert certain premises' into a number of motor garages in connection with an improvement scheme was objected to by one of the Ministry of Transport inspectors on the ground that such a conversion would come under the head of municipal trading, and that such an undertaking might very well be left to private enterprise, as he did not think the Ministry would favour such municipal trading; whether the inspector's views have received his sanction; and whether he will give instructions that the officers of the Department are not to impede remunerative municipal enterprise, provided such enterprise is not in conflict with the law?

No officer of the Ministry is authorised to make statements as to the Ministry's attitude towards municipal trading in general, and I am not aware that any such statement has been made. Perhaps the hon. Member will inform me of his authority?

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

The grants made were as follow:

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of facilitating the visits of Canadians to the Homeland, he will take up the question of passports with the Canadian authorities with the idea of eliminating the need for passports for British subjects travelling between the Dominion and Great Britain?

I have been asked to reply. The question whether arrangements could be made to enable British subjects from Canada to enter this country freely without the production of passports was discussed with the Canadian Government last year, but His Majesty's Government came to the conclusion that it would not be either to the general advantage or in the interests of the passengers concerned to dispense with the requirement of passports.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether there are employed in his Department any persons in receipt of both pension and salary; and, if so, will he state the number, the amount of pension, and salary per year received, respectively, by each person?

There are some hundreds of members of the staff in receipt of disability, or small service pensions, and I regret that the records do not enable me to furnish a complete schedule. For particulars of those receiving service pensions of over £500 a year and of officers with salaries of £500 to £1,000 a year in receipt of pensions from public funds, I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies given on the 28th February, 13th March and 27th March, of which I am sending him copies.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will state, in connection with each of the Government Departments, what number of established writing assistants and members of the typing classes, respectively, were employed during the years 1920, 1921, 1922, and 1923; what number of appointments of women were made to the clerical classes in each of these offices during each of these years by open recruitment from outside the service or limited competition within, respectively; and what number of writing assistants and members of the typing classes, respectively, were promoted to the clerical class during each of these years.

Details of the complements of established writing assistants and typists, etc., for the years in question will be found in the Estimates presented annually to Parliament. The total numbers shown in the Estimates for 1923–24 are:

5,259 writing assistants,

3,590 established typists and shorthand typists;

but some of these posts are blocked by temporary personnel.

The total number of appointments to the clerical class from various sources for the four years stated are:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the approximate gross cost, exclusive of overhead charges, of each of the concurrent open competitions of 1911, 1912, 1913, 1921, 1922 and 1923, for the Indian Civil Service and other administrative group appointments; and what was the total number of vacancies which had been filled as a result of each of those competitions?

The following are the particulars asked for:

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he can inform the House how long the Fuel Research Board has been in existence; what sum of money it has cost; what is the number of staff employed; and what is the emolument of each?

The Fuel Research Board was established in February, 1917. The expenditure by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research on the work of the Fuel Research Board up to 31st March, 1924, amounted to £195,480. The premises of the Fuel Research Station at East Greenwich were provided, and are maintained, by His Majesty's Office of Works; the expenditure by that Department on the station up to 31st March, 1923, amounted to £203,352. The numbers and emoluments of the staff employed under the Board are given in the Estimates for the Civil Service for the current financial year (Class IV, 9, pages 67 and 68).

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, before accepting the findings of the Southborough Committee on questions relating to ex-service civil servants, the Report will be laid before the House?

The Southborough Committee, as the hon. Member is aware, contains a majority of hon. Members of this House representing all parties. Effect has already been given to two Reports of the Committee, which were published as soon.as available. I am aware of no reason for varying the procedure in regard to any further Reports which may be issued.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what was the number of old age pensions in force on 31st March, 1924, at 10s., 8s., 6s., 4s., 3s., 2s. and 1s. weekly, respectively; and what was the number of deaths of old age pensioners in the 12 months ending 31st March, 1924?

I regret that the information asked for is not yet available.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will grant the Returns in connection with Shipping subsidies asked for by the hon. Member for Plaistow?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how much the German Reparations Recovery Act yielded in the month of March, 1924?

The sum of £173,000 was paid into the German Reparation (Recovery) Act Account in the month of March, 1924.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the original contract price agreed on between the Disposal Board and the Slough Trading Company; whether any reduction in that price has subsequently been agreed on by the Treasury; if so, what is the amount of such rebate; and will he state what balance is still outstanding?

The original contract price for the Slough Depot and the mechanical transport vehicles and spares was £7,000,000, plus certain payments which became due under a profit-sharing clause on the sale of vehicles. Up to date £5,542,350 has actually been received from the company. The company made certain counter-claims against the Government in respect of sales of mechanical transport by Government Departments, etc., and in March, 1923, a settlement of these claims was arrived at under which the company were given relief in respect of interest on the instalments for the purchase of the depot. The settlement further provided that all receipts of the company, less audited expenses, should be paid to the Government, and the final outcome of the agreement of March, 1923, cannot be stated until the whole of the transport and spares have been liquidated, which, it is hoped, will be done soon after the end of the present year

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the total amounts collected by the Exchequer from beer, spirits and tobacco, respectively, for the years 1911–12, 1912–13 and 1913–14, and for 1921–22, 1922–23 and 1923–24; and can he give the estimated value of the beer, spirits and tobacco from which such revenue was derived for

asked the Prime Minister whether the negotiations with the representatives of the Soviet Government nave actually commenced; whether he proposes to lay the agenda before Parliament; and whether any statements will be issued from time to time as to the decisions which may be reached on the various items in that agenda, or whether nothing will be published until the close of the Conference?

The opening meeting of the Conference took place this morning. The agenda will consist of the matters outstanding between His Majesty's Government and the Soviet Government, with, which I think the House is sufficiently familiar. With regard to the third part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) on the 10th April.

asked the Prime Minister if he will grant facilities after the Easter Recess for the Second Reading and further stages of the Bill entitled the Leasehold Enfranchisement Bill?

The Government are unable to give special facilities for this Bill.

each year above mentioned or, failing that, for the last three years?

I must ask the right hon. Member to defer that part of his question which relates to the year 1923–24 until after the Budget statement. The total amounts of revenue collected from beer, spirits and tobacco in the other years specified are shown below. No estimates of the value of the articles from which the revenue was derived are available.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has now investigated the business known as "Remember Matches," and whether he is satisfied with the bona fides of the undertaking?

It is not within my province to express any opinion with regard to this business.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case of ex-Sergeant John Walpole, No. 59,080/38,174 D, who was discharged from the Royal Irish Constabulary on pension as permanently incapacitated on 30th November, 1919, as medically unfit on account of rheumatism and neurasthenia; is he aware that he was certified by the medical board to be mentally and physically a broken man, due to wet, cold and exposure received on duty while in charge of the Moynoe protection post in Clare, from October, 1918, to June, 1919; and, seeing that provision is made for an increased scale of pension, under the Royal Irish Constabulary Pensions (Supplemental) (No. 2) Order, 1922, dated 22nd November, 1922, for members of the Royal Irish Constabulary who have retired on pension on account of infirmity of mind or body occasioned by an injury received in the execution of their duties, and that the application of this increased scale to the case of ex-Sergeant John Walpole has been refused on the grounds that his discharge was not due to his being wounded on active service, will he say what are the grounds for limiting the application of the increased scale of pensions to persons who are wounded; and whether a reassessment of this man's pension will be considered, in view of the fact that the medical certificate showed that he had suffered injury in the execution of his duty?

I regret that there is no power to grant to this man the increased scale of pension asked for. The medical certificate showed that his incapacity was due to rheumatism and neurasthenia and not to an injury. The increased scale can only be given to a man incapacitated by an injury.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the statement made by the governor of Strange ways gaol, Manchester, at a recent inquest on a man who had been executed, to the effect that under Home Office instructions he had no power to divulge any confession or otherwise made by the man; and, seeing that it is in the public interest that such confession should be known, whether he will alter the instruction accordingly?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second part in the negative. It has long been the rule that particulars of the confessions or admissions by prisoners should not be made public.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the promises made to introduce a Shops Bill into the House; if such a Bill has yet been drafted; and, if so, when he proposes to introduce it?

As stated in reply to a question on this subject on Wednesday last, I recognise the need for an amending and consolidating Bill, but it cannot be undertaken this Session.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, seeing that eight of the Southern States of the American Union are still in default for loans made to them from Great Britain over 40 years ago, the Federal Government of the United States has yet responded to the suggestion that it should compensate the bondholders as a set-off to the payment by Great Britain of her American War Debt?

No such suggestion has been made by His Majesty's Government to the United States Government, and I do not consider it desirable that any such suggestion should be made.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what are the all-India services recruited by the Secretary of State as distinct from those recruited by the High Commissioner from India?

The all-India services are the Indian Civil Service, the Indian Police, Forest, Educational and Agricultural Services, the Indian Service of Engineers, the Indian Veterinary Service and officers of the Indian Medical Service in civil employ.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the annual contribution made by India to His Majesty's Government through the capitation rate amounts to some 35 lakhs of rupees annually; if this sum is distributed among various military institutions in this country; and at what rate per head for officer and rank and file the capitation rate is fixed?

In 1923–24 a provisional payment of £1,700,000 was made to the War Office in respect of the cost of raising and training the recruits required for service in India, the cost of training including, inter alia, the pay of the recruits and a share of the military training establishments maintained in this country. This payment was at the rate of £25 per officer and man of the British Army serving on the Indian establishment. In addition, a provisional pay- ment of approximately £100,000 was made to the Air Ministry in respect of cost of training Air Force personnel based on a per capita charge of £50.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the cost of the education of British soldiers who serve for less than five years in that country is repaid to the Indian Government by the British Treasury?

The present capitation rate for the training of British troops sent to India is based on an average period of service in India assessed on the basis of past experience, and it is not necessary to take account of individual departures, in the one direction or the other from that average. The mode of calculation of the rate in future is under consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether Indians are admitted to the artillery schools; and whether India is contributing directly or indirectly through capitation grants to the cost of such schools?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India how many Indians are being trained at military institutions both in England and in India for King's commissioned rank in the Artillery, the Tank Corps, and the Air Force?

No Indians are being trained for King's commissioned rank in the Artillery, Tank Corps, or Air Force, none of which arms are open to officers of the Indian Service. As I explained in my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Blackpool (Lieut.-Colonel Meyler) on 7th April, it is not possible to say how much of the capitation payments are attributable to the training institutions in question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether it is in the discretion of the Governor of Bengal to certify which are essential and which are non-essential services in the transferred Departments; whether the Governor of Bengal has decided that educational and medical services in Bengal are non-essential services; and whether the Secretary of State proposes to take any steps in the matter?

It is almost impossible within the limits of question and answer to explain accurately the somewhat intricate points raised by the hon. Member on the provisions of the Government of India Act, but I hope to be able to make the Government's position clear in the course of the Debate to-morrow.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether there is any bar to the appointments of Indians to the staff departmental services of the Army in India; whether any Indian has been so appointed; and whether Indians are given opportunities to qualify for such posts?

There is no bar to the appointment of Indians to the staff and departmental services of the Army in India for which British officers of the Indian Army are eligible, and they have the same opportunities to qualify. Indians have been so appointed.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, within the last six months, there have been any cases in which the decision of His Majesty's Government has overridden the advice of the Indian Government on matters of domestic concern; and, in that case, what these cases have been?

It would not be in accord with established usage to make any statement as to the cases in which differences of opinion may have mani fested themselves in the course of the mutual discussion which takes place between the Indian Government and the Secretary of State as representing His Majesty's Government, in the discharge by the latter of his responsibilities.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps the Government propose to take, in view of the statement made by Brigadier-General Sir William Alexander, at the annual meeting of the British Dyestuffs Corporation, to the effect that the final decision as to the policy of the British Dyestuffs Corporation in regard to arrangements between them and the Interessen Gemeinschaft lay with the Government?

The matter is under consideration, and I am not at present in a position to make a statement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the great unemployment in the country and of the fact that in the motor tyre industry alone 6,000 workmen could be absorbed, and an additional 600 cotton spinners in Lancashire get full employment, he will consider bringing in a Bill to forbid altogether the importation of motor tyres from abroad?

No, Sir. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is not prepared to propose legislation of the kind suggested.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give a table showing approximately the percentage of increase or decrease in the volume, based on 1913 prices, of the following exports and imports in 1922, 1923, and the first quarter of 1924, as compared with the corresponding volume for 1913, and taking the 1913 volume in each case as a 100, namely, net imports: food and drink, raw materials, manufactures, and total net imports; exports of United Kingdom goods: food and drink, coal, raw materials other than coal, manufactures, and total exports?

The trade accounts, containing the data from which will be calculated the volume of trade in the first quarter of 1924 in comparison with that for the corresponding quarter of 1913, have just been issued. The computation of the figures in question will occupy some days. When it is completed, the figures will be printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been directed to the observations of the Court of Appeal in the case of the Marshal Shipping Company, Limited, v. the Board of Appeal, 1922, M. No. 2,294, on the 11th April, 1923, as to the difficulties presented by the obstruction of his Department to the service of legal process against the Crown; whether he is aware that the claim in the Marshal Shipping Company case was received by the Department on the 23rd December, 1921; that the petition of right on behalf of the company now pending for hearing was presented on the 7th July, 1922, for the granting of the fiat; whether the granting of such fiat was withheld with the knowledge and at the instance of the Board of Trade until the 4th February, 1924, and upon what ground; whether he will lay upon the Table of this House the correspondence that passed between the Board of Trade and the Home Office as to the withholding of the fiat in the interval of one year and seven months that occurred, and upon what ground does he justify this delay; and whether, in view of the delay in the granting of the fiat in the case of the Marshal Shipping Company, he will afford facilities to expedite the hearing of the petition of right mentioned to the first date practicable?

My attention has been called to the observations of the Court of Appeal in the case referred to, and I understand that a claim was made against the Department by the Marshal Shipping Company on or about the 23rd December, 1921, and that the petition of right was lodged with the Home Office on or about the 7th July, 1922. The granting of the fiat was not withheld at the instance of the Board of Trade and no correspondence passed between that Department and the Home Office upon the matter. The case referred to is set down for hearing and will come on in the usual course subject to the convenience of the Law Officer.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, in addition to the payment of £20,000 exacted by the late Ministry of Shipping as a condition precedent to granting its permit for the sale of the s.s. "Holms Island," the Ministry exacted an undertaking requiring the company to place an order for the building of a new ship; whether he is aware that such order entailed on the company the loss of £35,000; whether the Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Shipping comprised members of any and what shipbuilding firms; if he is aware that the requirement as to replacement imposed on shipowners by the Shipping Controller not infrequently contained a condition which rendered the permit valueless; and whether he is aware that the Ministry of Shipping refused permission to the company to purchase from the British Government a German prize boat to replace the tonnage transferred, and in lieu of contracting for a new boat?

This vessel, which was built in 1898, was bought in November, 1918, for £65,000, and sold to Spanish owners in November, 1919, for over £130,000. For permission to transfer this old vessel to a foreign flag, £20,000 was paid to the Exchequer, and an undertaking was given to build a new ship. I have no information as to any loss ultimately entailed by this undertaking, but if it amounted to £35,000 as stated in the question, the transaction as a whole was not an unprofitable one. There were no shipbuilders on the Shipping Control Committee, and the reason for making this suggestion is not apparent. The answer to the fourth part of the question is in the negative, and to the fifth part in the affirmative.