asked the President of the Board of Trade how many of the 1,467 cases lodged with the Anglo-German Mixed Arbitral Tribunal, and not disposed of on 29th March, are held to be ripe for trial?

The number of cases lodged with the Anglo-German Mixed Arbitral Tribunal which were ripe for trial on the 29th March was 711.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that these cases are being pushed forward as much as possible?

They have been, and will be, pushed forward as much as possible.

In view of the large number of cases ripe for trial, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that a third tribunal is appointed?

I cannot accept the statement that there is a very large number of cases, relatively to the total, ripe for trial. The question of the third division of the tribunal is under consideration, and steps will be taken as soon as it is considered that a suitable time has arrived.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state how many cases regarding claims for compensation now before the Anglo-German Mixed Arbitral Tribunal have been before that body for over one year and how many for over two years; and what are the similar figures for cases respecting enemy debts?

The number of claims for compensation under Article 297 presented to the Anglo-German Mixed Arbitral Tribunal before the 1st April, 1922, and not yet finally disposed of, is 138. The number of claims in respect of debts under Article 296 in a similar position is 33. The number of claims for compensation presented before 1st April, 1923, and not yet finally disposed of, is 592, including the 138 referred to above. The number of claims for debts under Article 296 in a similar position is 293, including the 33 referred to above. It should be borne in mind that in a large number of these cases proceedings have been stayed or suspended at the instance of the claimants, who do not wish to go to trial.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea how soon these claims, or a portion of them, will be settled?

I am not rash enough to predict the proceedings of a legal tribunal.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that during last month the second division of the Mixed Arbitral Tribunal sat on 15 occasions while the first division sat only on four occasions, and can he explain this discrepancy; whether more is paid to the members who sat four times than to the members who sat 15 times; and, if so, how much; and also whether the fact that the British Government does not actually control the Anglo-German Mixed Tribunals prevents it from inquiring into the reasons for the first division sitting only 15 times during the three months of January, February, and March last, thereby delaying the settlement of a very large number of outstanding British claims amounting to about £60,000,000?

The figures quoted in the first part of the question are those which I gave to the hon. Member on 8th April. I am informed that the reasons for the small number of sittings by the first division are the temporary absence of the President, the absence through illness of the German member, and the fact that on certain occasions cases down for hearing were withdrawn and it was not possible to arrange for other cases to be heard. As regards the third part of the question, the salaries paid to the Presidents and British members of the two divisions of the tribunal were stated in my reply to the further question asked by the hon. Member on the 8th April. The figure for outstanding claims given by the hon. Member appears to include German claims amounting to £15,990,000; and it is probable that a large proportion of the outstanding British claims will be settled by negotiation between the two clearing offices without the necessity of a decision by the Mixed Arbitral Tribunal.

Does not the earlier part of the right hon. Gentleman's reply point to the absolute necessity for a third divisional tribunal?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in claims made to the Royal Commission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action during the War, provision is made for those British subjects who owned property in Belgium to be allowed rent for their premises which were occupied by the Germans?

In dealing with claims by British subjects in respect of War damage suffered in Belgium, the Royal Commission took into account all damage within the provisions of Annex I to the Reparation part of the Treaty of Versailles, including compulsory dispossession of property by the enemy, but I would refer to the observations of the Commission in paragraph 23 of their First Report, Cmd. 1798.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my question clearly "Yes" or "No," whether persons who own in Belgium property occupied by the Germans during the War are entitled to rent.

That is not an easy question to answer. I will inquire and see if I can give a specific answer.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that a large number of seamen and their dependants are anxiously awaiting from day to day information as to when they may expect the extra £300,000 for belated claims to be distributed; and will he, therefore, make a statement fully explaining the position and indicating approximately when distribution may be expected to begin?

As to the first part of the question, the answer is in the affirmative. As to the second part of the question, upwards of 23,000 belated claims have been received. The final date for the reception of belated claims is 1st June, and some little time must elapse after that date before all these claims can be examined and payment in respect of them be commenced.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that answer will cause great disappointment to a large number of poor people who are in urgent need of their claims being met?

I am sorry, but in face of the fact that there are 73,000 separate claims, and that these people might have applied two or three years ago, I cannot offer any hope that their claims can be dealt with in a few days.

How was the £300,000 made up?

The sum of £300,000 is an ex gratia award by the Treasury, comparable with the £5,000,000 which has already been allotted and distributed.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the investigation of belated claims is proceeding before the last date for the lodging of claims?

The investigation is already in hand with regard to such claims as have been received. But it must be remembered that the awards cannot be made until the whole lot has been examined.

Do we understand that the belated claims will receive the same proportion from the £300,000 as the original claims got out of the £5,000,000?

I cannot foresee what the examination will bring forth, but, as far as can be foreseen at present, the procedure will be on the same principles as those laid down by Lord Sumner's Committee with regard to the original claims.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the slow progress that is being made with respect to the settlement of enemy debts with this country; and whether he is able to set in motion any machinery by which the claims may be more speedily adjusted and the administrative costs of the Department be substantially and quickly reduced?

A very large proportion of the claims lodged with the Clearing Office has already been settled, and the balance still outstanding represents the more contentious claims, most of which are contested by the German Clearing Office, and in respect of which delay is unavoidable. Every effort is being continually made by the Clearing Office, by arranging personal interviews between creditors and debtors, and by other means, to expedite a settlement of these outstanding claims, and considerable progress is being made in this direction.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very serious dissatisfaction that exists, and that yesterday, as reported in the "Times," there was a protest meeting held in the Cannon Street Hotel?

I can accept no responsibility for the organisation and arrangements which were made by a preceding Government. It ought to be known that the total amount already recovered and actually paid out to these further claimants up to 18th March was just about £70,000,000.

Were the special police at this meeting at the Cannon Street Hotel?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the widespread dissatisfaction at the rejection of claims by the Royal Commission for Loss through Enemy Action, the Government will consider the provision of further funds in order to permit the review of cases where ex-gratia payments have been refused?

I would refer to the answer given by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to the hon. Member for the Isle of Thanet on 24th March, 1924.

Do I understand that the Government are unable to do anything more than they have foreshadowed for those who have failed to secure redress up to the present?

The Government have, after very considerable sums have been already paid out, granted a further sum of £300,000. This is being dealt with as fast as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many claims for compensation in respect of damage caused by illegal enemy action have been rejected by the Royal Commission; and whether, in cases where there was a reason for the rejection of a claim, the claimant can be told what was the reason for its rejection?

As to the first part of the question, the Royal Commission have recommended that no ex gratia payment should be made in respect of 10,355 claims against the £5,000,000, a large proportion of which were claims for damage excluded from the consideration of the Commission by their Terms of Reference. As to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave him on the 8th April, and to the answer given to the hon. Member for the Isle of Thanet (Mi. E. Harms-worth) by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury on 31st March. I am, however, inquiring further into the question, and I shall be glad to communicate with the hon. Member on the subject.

Does the answer given to me last week deal with the question as to whether these poor people should not know the reasons why their claims are rejected?

I can only say it is extremely difficult for any Department or any member of the public to explain the reasons which lead the tribunal to reject a claim, and I am afraid it would not be possible to give a specific answer in each case. I recognise the force of the suggestion of the hon. and learned Member, and I am going further into the matter to see if anything can be done to meet the reasonableness of the hon. and learned Member's desire.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of claims which have been received by the Reparation Claims Department since it was announced that the date of receipt would be extended until June next; and what is the exact number at present of all such claims which rank for treatment under the promised allocation of £300,000.

As to the first part of the question, the number of claims received since the announcement referred to is 495. As to the second part, the number of claims lodged with the Reparation Department is 23,228, but until the claims have been examined it is not possible to say how many will be admissible against the £300,000.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the publicity given to the revised date on which claims could be put in, and will he consider advertising it through the Post Office?

I think the fact that these claims may be put in up to June has received extraordinary publicity and advertisement, and the fact that so small a number of new claims has been received is to be accounted for by the fact that 2,000 had already been received during the past two years.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the excess of revenue over expenditure in the Patents Office for the years ending 31st March, 1923 and 1924; and whether he will consider' the advisability of reducing all fees and charges with respect to applications for renewals of patents to the actual cost, so that inventors may be encouraged to use their abilities to the fullest possible extent?

The figures for the financial years ending 31st March, 1923 and 1924, are not readily available. The excess of revenue over expenditure in the Patent Office for the calendar years 1922 and 1923 was as follows:

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the additional handicap that may be imposed on British industry by the ratification of the Washington Con- vention with respect to the eight hours' day, he will state how German conditions compare with those in Britain in the follow respects, namely: index figure for food-stuffs for 1913 and at the present time, rates and taxes per head of the population, and weekly hours of labour for workers in mines, coke ovens, and steel mills?

I have been asked to reply, and, as the answer is rather long, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Without discourtesy, may I ask the hon. Member whether she will give some answer in detail before she circulates the information?

I have here two foolscap pages of figures to be circulated.

Is there any reason to suppose that as the majority of English working people work eight hours, the ratification of the Convention will place any handicap on industry?

The answer is as follows:

In Great Britain and Northern Ireland retail food prices at the beginning of March, 1924, stood at 1·76 times the pre-War figure; in Germany, at the same date, they stood at 1·19 billion times the pre-War figure.

As regards the comparative incidence of taxation in the two countries the figures are as follows:

Taxation.

1913–14:

United Kingdom, £3 11s. 4d.

Germany (Reich), marks 31·3( a ) (at par=£1 10s. 8d.).

1923–24.

United Kingdom, £16 6s. 3d.( b ).

Germany (Reich), gold marks 81·34( c ) (at 20=£4 1s. 4d.).

Rates.

1913–14:

England and Wales, £1 18s. 11d.

No information for Germany.

1922–23:

England and Wales, £4 3s. 4d.( d ).

No information for Germany.

( d ) 1922–23 Estimates.

The hours of labour worked in Great Britain at the present time in coal mines, coke ovens and steel mills respectively are as follows:

Coal Mines:

Underground workers, 7 per shift; surface workers, 46½ per week.

Coke Ovens:

Shift workers, 8 per shift; day workers, 46½ or 47 per week.

Steel Mills:

Shift workers, 8 per shift; day workers, 47 per week.

The most recent relevant official information available for Germany is set out below.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that artificial flowers of German production are at present being sold in this country at from 1s. 4½d. per dozen to 2s. 6d. per dozen, while the cost for wages alone at Trade Board rates of the manufacture of the same flowers in this country amounts to from 3s. to 5s. 7d. per dozen; and what action he proposes to obviate the unemployment in the artificial flower-making industry which is certain to result from the figures given above if no legislation is introduced to extend the duration of Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act after the 19th of August next?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on the 3rd April to the hon. Member for Kings-ton-upon-Thames, a copy of which I am sending him.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the rate of wages for flower-makers in Germany is 18s., as against the Trade Board rate of 32s. a week in this country? Does he not think that some protection should be provided to prevent British workers being thrown out of employment?

The supplementary question raises, as the hon. Member probably knows, extremely difficult questions of economic controversy on which expert opinion is extremely divided. I shall, therefore, not be rash enough to make a reply now.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these flowers, samples of which have been distributed to Members of this House, are absolutely rotten flowers, and would not be made by British workers?

rose —

We cannot now discuss the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many complaints have been received by his Department, under Part II (1) ( a ) of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, alleging that goods are being dumped into this country below the cost of production; and, if he has received any, what action has he taken?

During the three years since the passing of the Act five complaints of the nature indicated by the hon. Member have been received. Of these, two were referred to committees constituted in accordance with the provisions of the Act, but the committees' reports were in each case adverse to the complainants. In the other three instances the Board of Trade were of opinion that the evidence submitted was not such as to warrant reference to a committee.

May we take it from that reply that there is no dumping in this country?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of photographic cameras imported into this country since the imposition of the duty under the Safeguarding of Industries Act; and whether he can also state if the imposition of this duty has led to any new factories being established for the production of these goods?

The number of photographic cameras registered as imported into the United Kingdom during the period 1st October, 1921, to 31st March, 1924, was 798,772. I am not aware that the imposition of duty under the Safeguarding of Industries Act has led to the establishment of new factories for the production of cameras; but, owing to Wartime requirements, protographic plant and equipment in this country had already been considerably extended.

What is the use of the duty in that case?

We cannot conduct an argument on the question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state the number of staff, amount of salaries, and other expenses incurred at the Mount Pleasant parcels office in connection with the examination of parcels in reference to the Safeguarding of In- dustries and Import Duties; and whether he can give similar figures for the period before the imposition of these duties?

The total number of Customs officials employed at Mount Pleasant in connection with the examination of parcels for the purpose of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, 1921, and the new import duties is approximately 52. The average salaries and expenses of this staff are estimated at £21,000. If these duties had not been imposed the examination of these parcels for general Customs purposes would have required some eight officials at an estimated cost of £3,150.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a former President of the Board of Trade said that no extra officials have been taken on?

I am not aware of what a former President of the Board of Trade said on this point, and I think, therefore, that my hon. and gallant Friend will exonerate me from any responsibility for it

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I believe him in this matter?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of catgut and furniture castors imported during the year 1923; and whether he can state what proportion of such imports was liable to import duties?

I regret that the information asked for by the hon. Member is not available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has made any representation through the Government representatives to the executive board of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company as to the position of the Scottish shale and oil industry, in terms of the promise given some time ago in an interview with the workmen's representatives; and, if so, what action is he now lkely to take in the matter, in view of the anxiety which prevails in the shale and oil districts?

I have been in correspondence with the company on this subject, As my hon. Friend is, however, aware, the Government have no legal right to control the conduct of this1 industry and can only draw the attention of the company to the various points which have been raised. I have previously intimated that any danger of an early closing down of operations is happily removed, and I am assured that no such step will at any time be taken without adequate notice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will ascertain and state the current listed German price (gold marks into sterling) for pig-iron, on trucks, and the price of British pig-iron of similar quality?

I am informed that the price of foundry pig-iron of Luxembourg quality, free on truck in non occupied German territory, has recently been raised to 90 gold marks per metric ton, the equivalent of which at 19 gold marks to the pound sterling is 96s. 3d. per ton avoirdupois. The quoted prices of foundry pig-iron on 10th April were: 92s. 6d. per ton for Northamptonshire No. 3, and 95s. per ton for Lincolnshire No. 3, Derbyshire No. 3 and Staffordshire No. 3.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the refusal of the German Government to allow German manufacturers to buy sterling to pay for yarns purchased in Bradford and district; whether he is aware of the interference with trade and the unemployment caused thereby in both Bradford and Germany; and whether he will make representations to this effect in the appropriate quarter?

My attention has already been called to this matter, and I am making inquiries with a view to considering whether any action can usefully be taken by His Majesty's Government.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is prepared to appoint a Committee to inquire into the present method of the conduct of the business of money-lending and the rates of interest and investigation fees charged, and to report what steps can be taken to guard borrowers against unfair interest and conditions while assuring the lender of reasonable security for the practice of his business?

The question of introducing legislation to amend the Moneylenders Acts with a view, inter alia, to compelling money-lenders to disclose the rate of interest and the expenses charged, has received the consideration of the Board of Trade, but it will not be possible to introduce such legislation at present. I do not think that the appointment of a Committee at the present time would serve any useful purpose.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the sum collected during the late War by certain Government Departments under powers conferred upon them by the Defence of the Realm Regulations and now proposed to be made valid under the War Charges Validity (No. 2) Bill; and the sum collected under orders for the control and supply of milk under the same or similar Regulations?

My hon. Friend will find the information he desires in the Memorandum, Cmd. 2080.

asked the Secretary of State for War, in view of the serious responsibilities which are imposed on competent military authorities in the Northern Ireland district in administering the Restoration of Order in Ireland Regulations, what arrangements are now made to ensure that qualified legal advice is always available to assist them in dealing with the legal, as distinct from the military, requirements of those Regulations; what is the estimated cost of such legal advice; and will it be available in case of a conflict of opinion on a legal matter between the military authorities and the Government of Northern Ireland?

The Regulations referred to are not at present being actively operated by the local military authorities, nor does any disagreement exist between those authorities and the Government of Northern Ireland. In these circumstances, none of the specific points in this question arise. I may, however, say that the local military authorities can always in ordinary course obtain the assistance of all the legal advisers, both of His Majesty's Government and of the Government of Northern Ireland, as occasion may require.

Will the military authorities have to import a legal adviser, if any difference of opinion arises between them and the Government of Northern Ireland?

That is a hypothetical question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the recent closing of the Royal Artillery Barracks at Ipswich, he is in a position to state for what purpose it is proposed to utilise the barrack premises?

As my hon. Friend is aware, these barracks were only vacated on the 2nd of the present month. In view of so recent a removal, no decision has been reached as to their utilisation, but the matter is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in addition to consulting the Army Council and Admiralty on the subject of the penalty of death, he will ascertain what restrictions can, in their opinion, be imposed upon the terms of penal servitude which courts-martial can now inflict?

In reply to my hon. Friend, as I indicated in debate and also in answer to a question yesterday, the inquiry will be confined to the questions affecting the discipline of the Services which were raised by the Amendments on the Order Paper of 2nd April.

asked the Secretary of State for War the Terms of Reference to the Committee which is to inquire as to the suggested Amendments to the Army Act?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave yesterday to the hon. and gallant Member for Blackpool (Lieut.-Colonel Meyler).

asked the Secretary of State for War if, as only 43 per cent. of those employed at the Central Ordnance Depot, Chilwell, are labourers, he will arrange to absorb the supervisory, clerical and tradesmen grades at other depots whose staffs will have to be increased with the influx of stores received consequent upon the evacution of Chilwell?

The reply which I gave to the hon. Member on 1st April as regards labourers applies also as regards the other grades. As I there indicated, I cannot give a promise of continuity of employment, but the question of the re-organisation is receiving close attention, and every effort will be made to find alternative employment for as many of the surplus men as possible.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that much ill-feeling has been caused amongst these people in this depot because they are classed as labourers?

The question that follows deals, I think, with the same point.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of men employed at Chilwell Ordnance Depot, now classed at labourers, who have had previous experience of different trades and who are in their present position because of the depressed condition of the staple industry of Long Eaton?

The number of men employed at the Chilwell Ordnance Depot who are employed as labourers but who have had experience of different trades is 145. It is impossible, as the hon.

Member will understand, to say to what extent the depression at Long Eaton is responsible, but 112 out of the 145 have been previously employed at Long Eaton.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of Army officers serving at home and on foreign stations respectively; the average daily cost of messing at home and abroad in 1914 and at the present day in the artillery, cavalry, and infantry; the average cost at the same periods of full uniform and equipment on joining the same branches of the service; and what figures he can adduce to show that the cost of living for an officer has been reduced since 1919?

The numbers asked for in the first part of the question are: At home, 7093 officers; abroad, excluding India, 2505; and in India, 3576. It is impossible to give the average daily cost of messing for officers abroad in 1914. Such information as I possess indicates that the average cost of officers' messing is about 3s. a day now as compared with 4s. before the War, when officers at home were not entitled to free rations; whilst the average cost to the line officer of uniform and equipment is about £50 now as compared with £100 or over before the War when an officer received no outfit allowance. With regard to the last part of the question, I can adduce the cost of living index figures published in the Ministry of Labour Gazette. That figure averaged over 110 in 1919, and under 80 for the first three months of this year.

asked the Secretary of State for War how the soldiers wounded at Queenstown are progressing; whether any further deaths have occurred; and whether he can give the House any further information bearing on this outrage?

Of the 23 (including five civilians) wounded, seven were treated locally for slight injuries. The remainder have been removed to Netley, and in the first instance eight of the patients were reported dangerously ill. I regret that the condition of Lance-Bombadier Boniface is still reported to be very critical, but I am glad to be able to say that no further deaths have occurred, and that, according to the latest report received yesterday, all the other wounded are making satisfactory progress, although Gunner Copestake is still dangerously ill, and Gunner Knight is very seriously ill.

Have the negotiations for the payment of compensation been carried through?

Can the right hon. Gentleman give me any answer to the last part of my question?

The latter part of the question, as to whether I can give any further information bearing on the outrage, is really a question that ought to be directed to another Office—I think, to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any further information with regard to the case of the British soldiers who were murdered at Queenstown?

I have been asked to reply. With the exception of the one case which I had the sad duty of announcing to the House on 24th March, I am glad to learn from my right hon. Friend that none of the victims of this outrage have succumbed to their injuries. The Wood-Renton Commission, who are charged with the duty of assessing the compensation to be paid by the Irish Free State Government, have already interviewed the next-of-kin of the murdered man, and I understand will make their award very shortly. The Commission have also arranged to deal with the cases of the injured men as they become convalescent.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us if any clue has been found as to the murderers? If not, I think it is time another Oliver Cromwell arose!

That kind of suggestion will not help, because, as my hon. Friend knows, there are difficulties in connection with such a question. I am satisfied that the Irish Free State Government are doing their very best to deal with it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in fact, anything has yet been done, and is he hopeful that anything will be done, and, if nothing is done, will he see that it is done?

No one should know better than my hon. Friend that he ought not to ask me that question. [HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"] It is not a question of dignity, but of tracing murderers, and, prior to what I hope will be their arrest, I certainly would not help by saying what had been done. I content myself by saying I am satisfied that the Irish Free State are doing their very best.

On a point of Order. I should like to ask whether it is your ruling, Mr. Speaker, that the question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Eastbourne (Mr. Gwynne) was out of order, and, if not, whether it is not your place to describe a question as out of order, and not that of a Minister?

The question was not out of order. I allowed it to be put, and it was answered by the Minister, as all Ministers answer questions, within their discretion.

Might I call your attention to the fact that the Colonial Secretary described the question of my hon. Friend as being a question which ought not to be put?

How many lectures are we to have from that side?

What. I desire respectfully to ask is whether it is not a fact that it is your duty, Mr. Speaker, rather than that of a Minister, to describe questions as out of order.

I do not agree at all. It is the commonest thing, and quite right, for Ministers in certain cases to say that in the public interest a question cannot be answered.

rose —

Order!

We have so many points of Order which are not points of Order that I think I am entitled to raise one that is a point of Order. Can I not ask the Minister whether he is satisfied that certain things have been done without it being said that it is a wrong question to ask?

The hon. Member for Eastbourne (Mr. Gwynne) put his question, and I allowed it. An answer was given—a proper one—and it did not in the least call for my interference.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has given his attention to the conditions in the Island of Bernera, Harris, as recently brought to his notice; and is he now prepared to make a statement?

On inquiry I learn that the Board of Agriculture for Scotland have received a petition from the inhabitants of Bernera similar in its terms to that to which the hon. Member directed my attention. The Board have replied to the petitioners pointing out that the application for grants for marine and road works should be made through the local authority in order to secure maintenance in the event of approval, and stating that the application for assistance for fencing will be considered along with other similar applications before the Board.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has now received from the Harris District Committee an application addressed to the Unemployments Grants Committee for a grant for the construction of a road from Amhuinsuidhe to Huisinish; and, in view of the urgency of the scheme and the fact that Viscount Leverhulme has offered to contribute 50 per cent. of the cost, is he now prepared to make a statement?

The application to the Unemployment Grants Committee has been received and will be dealt with as speedily as possible.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his atten- tion has been called to the fact that men employed on relief schemes in the island of Lewis have been paid at the rate of 4d. per hour for collecting and breaking stones on their holdings and carrying the broken metal in canvas sacks on their backs a considerable distance to the roadside; whether he is aware of the conditions under which these men were housed when making and repairing roads away from their homes; whether he has completed his investigations; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to improve the conditions under which these men work?

I have inquired into this matter and find that the men were not paid at a rate per hour but on a contract basis. I recently looked into the question of the rates of payment and decided that some increase was justified. An addition of 20 per cent. to the contract rates has, therefore, been approved. The particular men to whom the complaint referred lived in their own houses while engaged on this work. Owing to the fact that some of the roads on which men are employed are distant from the men's houses, it has been necessary to accommodate the men in some instances in tents and hutments. About 40 of the total number of 1,500 men were so accommodated last week.

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that a contract wage which works out at 4d. per hour per man has been increased by 20 per cent., thus raising it to something under 5d. per hour?

No, I did not intend to give that impression. What I said was that I had inquired into this matter and found that the men were not paid at the rate of 4d. per hour, but on a contract basis.

I gathered that that was the right hon. Gentleman's reply. Might I ask him if he said that that contract basis is to be increased by 20 per cent., and if that will mean an increase on the 4d. by one-fifth?

I have never admitted the figure of 4d.

Is there not some regulation affecting the matter by which the men are not allowed to take a wage of 4d. per hour?

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he has now replies from education authorities, teachers' organisations, and other bodies interested with reference to the draft Regulations for the Training of Teachers (Scotland); and whether, in view of the replies received, he intends to proceed further with the Regulations in their present form?

The representations received are being carefully considered, and the Regulations, with some modifications, will be laid before Parliament at an early date.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the Deer Forest Commission Report, he has taken any steps to make deer forest land available for sheep and cattle grazing; and, if so, what he has done?

Certain schemes, carried out by the Board of Agriculture under their general powers relating to land settlement, have embraced about 13,500 acres formerly used as deer forests, and the land will be used mainly, if not entirely, for sheep and cattle grazing. The Bill, which has been introduced by the Government for the purpose of assisting in the collection of agricultural returns, contains a special provision, giving the Board of Agriculture power to require returns of stock in respect of land used as a deer forest.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the attention of his Department has frequently been drawn to the fact that the deer come long distances, and eat up the farmers' crops, and that the farmers get not a penny of compensation for it; will he say what steps his Department intends to take to deal with the findings of the Heather Burning Committee?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Deer Forest Commission is composed of men of all parties who came to an almost unanimous finding, and in view of that fact will he not take steps to put the main recommendations into effect?

I have already pointed out in my reply to the main question that we are collecting information in the Bill which is now before the House.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Report is now about two years old? Have the Government yet no policy on the subject?

I am perfectly well aware that this Report is two years old, and I would remind the hon. and gallant Gentleman that there are other Reports that are four times two years old.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the importance of launching his scheme for assistance to fishermen in the replacement of lost and damaged gear in time to enable the greatest possible number of boats and crews to participate in the summer fishing, he is yet in a position to make an announcement of its terms?

The matter is still under consideration by the Departments concerned, and I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

Are the Government not aware that fishing begins on the West Coast of Scotland in the middle of next month and on the North Coast of Scotland towards the end of the month, and is it not essential that the fishermen should know whether they may get this assistance or not?

I beg to give notice that to-morrow on the Adjournment we shall raise this question.

Is it possible for the right hon. Gentleman to make some arrangements under the Trade Facilities Act to give these fishermen what they need?

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the Government have framed a permanent school teachers' superannuation scheme to replace the present temporary Measure; whether it is proposed to prolong the life of the present Superannuation Act after its expiry on 31st May next; and, if so, for how long?

I hope at an early date to bring forward a Bill to extend the present arrangements for superannuation for a further period not beyond 1st April, 1926. As I stated recently, in reply to the hon. Member for Aberdeen, South, a Bill to authorise a permanent scheme will be prepared in the near future.

Is it not the case that the right hon. Gentleman was strongly urged from Scotland to introduce such a permanent Bill, that his Department were ready to introduce such a Bill, and has that purpose not been destroyed by the introduction of a Bill dealing with England and Wales?

I am perfectly well aware of the point put by my right hon. Friend, but I would remind him of this also, that the very parties whom he names were quite satisfied with the reply I gave.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of having a temporary Measure until 1925 only, instead of till June, 1926?

I have all these suggestions before me.

If there is a Bill in draft, why is it necessary to have a temporary Measure extending for two years?

asked the Secretary for Scotland how often the advisory council, established under Section 20 of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1918, has met and the date of its last meeting; whether it has been consulted by the Scottish Education Department as regards recent and prospective changes in educational policy embodied in Circulars 60, 61, and 62 and the regulations for the training of teachers; and whether he will undertake to see that the advisory council is consulted before any further changes in educational policy are determined upon?

Forty-six meetings of the advisory council and of its sub-committees have been held. The last meeting was on 14th December, 1922. The general views of the Council on the matters dealt with in Circulars 60 and 62 were before the Department and were fully considered. There is no intention of departing from the practice hitherto followed, of consulting the council on broad questions of policy.

Is it the case that no important questions have arisen for discussion by that council since 1920?

In view of the recent change of Government, will the right hon. Gentleman take an early opportunity of discussing educational policy in Scotland with the advisory council?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if the regulations governing procedure at the pensions appeal tribunals in Scotland are the same as those governing such tribunals in England?

There are separate regulations governing procedure at the tribunals in Scotland, which were made on the 17th January, 1920, by the Lord President of the Court of Session. They are published in the series of Statutory Rules and Orders, 1920, and I am sending a copy to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he has now got information regarding the failure of the local education authority to provide educational facilities for secondary education within the Island of Arran?

I am still awaiting a reply from the education authority.

asked the Prime Minister whether any of the organisation of the former Ministry of Reconstruction exists; whether the information, statistics, documents and plans accumulated during the lifetime of this Ministry of Reconstruction are still in existence; and whether the researches of the former Ministry of Reconstruction can be utilised in the present crisis of bad trade and unemployment?

The answer to the first part of the hon. and gallant Member's question is in the negative. As regards the second and third parts, the functions of the Ministry of Reconstruction were of an advisory nature. On the dissolution of the Ministry in 1919, its records and the results of its researches were distributed among the administrative Departments responsible for the different subjects investigated.

Could any of these plans and schemes be utilised now in view of the grave emergency that exists?

I am certain that these Departments have all these suggestions before them, and will deal with any of the problems that may arise.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the function of the Ministry of Reconstruction left the country with a million and a half unemployed, and is there not a danger if the plans were now utilised we might have more unemployed?

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider the advisability of appointing a Committee of three Members of this House to investigate the conditions and circumstances under which the Disposal Board placed the contract with the firm at Slades Green for breaking down high explosives when it was known to the officials of the Disposal Board that that firm had not had any previous experience of that class of dangerous work?

The answer is in the negative. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for St. Georges on the 25th February last. Since then the matter has been fully investigated by the Chief Inspector of Explosives and the Senior Engineering Inspector of Factories (Home Office), and their Report is contained in Command Paper 2099.

Is the Financial Secretary aware that in Command Paper 2099 no mention is made of the fact that in all the previous operations connected with the breaking down of Verey lights the workers were protected both on the benches and on the floors as a condition of the manufacture, and that this was never apparent during the whole time, and that consequently no mention of it means that this is a whitewashing Report.

Will the Financial Secretary give us later on some information as to what is now being done with explosives not yet broken down?

Is the hon. Member not aware that this Report is entirely unsatisfactory, because it evades the important issue as to why 20 girls were crowded into one factory, which under the Explosives Acts should not have contained more than two? Is this not really a whitewashing Report?

Can we have an assurance now that, in the further breaking up, prickers will not be used for opening up the cartridges and the lights?

The position is that I was asked whether a Committee of three Members of the House would be appointed. My reply is "No," because we have just got this Report from the two inspectors in question. There is no doubt whatever that the Report makes certain recommendations whereby an accident of this kind may be avoided in the future. Beyond that I cannot make any statement to-day, but if hon. Members wish to discuss the Report they must take any Parliamentary opportunity open to them to do so.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the contract price fixed between the Disposal Board and the firm at Slades Green at whose premises the recent explosion took place; whether the quantity of explosives thus bandied by the firm was advertised for public tender; and, if so, how many firms tendered?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for St. Georges on the 25th February last. As regards the second part of the question, it was considered that, having regard to the nature of the goods, their sale by private treaty would be likely to produce better results than sale by public tender. The sale was only carried out after extensive efforts had been made to obtain other offers.

asked the Prime Minister if any steps are being taken to introduce legislation to effect the reform of the Poor Laws; and if he is going to act on the suggestion that a Committee of Members representing all parties in the House should be formed for the purpose of seeing if an agreed Measure could be produced?

Communications are being made through the usual channels with a view to ascertaining whether it is possible to obtain a substantial measure of common agreement on which to base a scheme of reform.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many schemes for transport, light railways, and drainage have been put forward since the beginning of the year for assistance from the Trade Facilities Fund and how many of them have been so assisted; and whether the fund admits the applications of existing railway companies ready to carry out such work on condition that financial assistance is afforded them by the Government?

There is no Trade Facilities Fund, but power was given by the Trade Facilities Acts to guarantee loans for expenditure calculated to promote employment in the United Kingdom on capital undertakings. That power lapsed on 9th November last. The Government is seeking, in the Trade Facilities Bill, consent to its renewal and extension and, so long as that consent is delayed, no further assistance by way of guarantee to such undertakings can be given. Some informal inquiries have been made, but so far no formal applications of the kind referred to have been received. It will be open to railway companies to apply for guarantees to their loans for expenditure within the terms of the Acts.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been called to the hardships placed upon horticultural societies by the imposition of the Entertainment Duty; if any representations have been made to him as to the position of village societies; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

The existing law already authorises the grant of exemption from Entertainments Duty for horticultural shows under conditions similar to those applicable to industrial and agricultural shows.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware of the closing to the public of the Zoological Gardens at Paignton owing to a fine being imposed on the owner for non-payment of the Entertainments Duty; and, if so, whether the decision of the Tax Commissioners will be reconsidered in order that the public may have access to a place of educational value which is not run for the private profit of the owner?

I am informed that the owner of the Zoological Gardens in question was recently fined for failure to pay Entertainments Duty on the payments for admission to the gardens, and that it has been announced in the public Press that he has decided to close the gardens to the public. His claim for exemption from Entertainments Duty was very fully considered, but could not be allowed because the case did not come within the scope of any of the statutory reliefs from the duty.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has seen a circular signed by the managing director of a motion picture company, dated 11th April, and circulated to all Members of Parliament this morning, in which it was stated on that day authentic assurance had reached the writer that the Theatre Admission Tax will soon be greatly reduced by and at the expense of the British Government; whether any such assurance has been given by or on behalf of the Government, and, if so, what were the terms and to whom it was given?

I have not seen the circular referred to, and no such assurance, or any assurance, has been given to this or any other interest affected by taxation.

If this were so, is there not a precedent in the statement made, half an hour before the Budget of 1921, by a Member of this House?

Yes, a bad precedent.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that wounds, disablement, and disability pensions granted on account of military service are exempt from Income Tax, he will consider the advisability of extending this concession to police service?

The Income Tax liability of a police pensioner is governed by the rates applicable to taxpayers generally, and the various statutory deductions (relief for earned income, personal allowances, etc.) are, of course, available to him. I do not think that there is any ground for extending to this particular class of pension the special Income Tax exemption afforded by statute in the case of the wounds and disability pensions to which my hon. Friend refers.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the real grievance likely to arise in respect of Income Tax payable on 5 per cent. War Loan which an investor has converted into new 4½ per cent. stock, he will consider the desirability of making provision in the new Finance Act to relieve such investor from being called upon to pay a higher rate of tax than he would otherwise have to pay?

I would refer the hon. Member to Section 25 of the Finance Act, 1919, as amended by Section 30 of the

An analogous estimate cannot be made for Excess Profits Duty (including Munitions Levy), but the approximate amount of duty in assessment (less arrears shown due to be remitted) at 31st March, 1924,

Finance Act, 1920, which is precisely to meet his point.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now inform the House the amount of Income Tax, Super Tax, and Excess Profits Duty assessed and due for payment but unpaid on 31st March, 1924; whether he expects to have to make any material repayments of Excess Profits Duty, other than amounts already agreed upon; and what the total amount is now agreed upon but not repaid to the taxpayer?

As the answer is a long one and contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can we have those figures before the introduction of the Budget?

The hon. Member will be in possession of those figures within the next hour.

The answer is as follows:

After careful consideration, the basis on which the amount of Income Tax estimated to be due to be paid, but not paid, at any date has been changed. In answer to previous questions on this subject, the estimate has been based upon the charge of tax for the year of assessment. Revised computations have now been made on the basis used for the estimate of arrears of Super Tax, namely, an estimate has been made of the amount which has become payable and been demanded by the date dealt with; but which remained unpaid at that date. On the latest information available, the revised estimates for the last four years are as follows:

was £161,000,000. These arrears are subject to adjustment on appeal or otherwise, and the duty to be ultimately received by the Exchequer is expected to fall far short of the amount stated. The adjustments will be made partly by writing off duty in assessment and partly by repayment, but I am unable to forecast the amount that will fall to be repaid. Repayments found to be due are made as soon as the amount has been finally ascertained.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the recovery of trade and industry in the Middlesbrough district is seriously retarded by its excessive poor rate of 7s. 4d. in the £, due mainly to abnormal unemployment in a munition centre after the War; and, in view of the Government's pledges that these charges should be borne nationally and not locally, if he will say what assistance he proposes to give in the current year in this and similar cases?