asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a Treaty has been concluded between the Governments of the Turkish and German Republics; and whether the terms of the Treaty can be communicated to the House of Commons?

It is not usual to lay before Parliament Treaties concluded between third parties. Whether the Treaty now referred to is of so exceptional a character or so directly affecting British interests as to justify a departure from the general practice is a question on which His Majesty's Government cannot form an opinion until they have received the text.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Memel Convention, as drafted by the League of Nations, has been accepted by the representatives of Great Britain, France, Italy, Japan and Lithuania on behalf of their Governments; which of these States have so far signed the Convention; whether the Conference of Ambassadors is at present, dealing with the matter and, if so, in what capacity; whether questions understood to have been settled at Geneva are being reopened; and what action His Majesty's Government is taking in the matter?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the 7th instant to the hon. Member for Acton (Sir H. Brittain). His Majesty's Government are doing all they can to expedite the signature of the Convention.

May I have an answer to the fourth part of my question as to whether questions understood to be settled at Geneva are being re-opened?

The only alterations that are being made are drafting alterations in the text.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the names of the legislatures of other countries which have Foreign Affairs Committees or Commissions; and will he give instructions for a Departmental Report to be prepared and issued to Members of this House giving detailed information as to their formation, duties, and powers?

The hon. Member will find much of the information he requires in White Paper Miscellaneous No. 5 (1912) (Cmd. 6102). Changes may have taken place since that date, and if the hon. Member will specify the countries in which he is particularly interested, I will endeavour to procure for him up-to-date information.

Would the hon. Gentleman kindly supply up-to-date information with regard to the United States and France?

I will endeavour to get that information.

Is it not the fact that both those countries are fully dealt with in the Report referred to?

I think that is so. I doubt if there is any particular change.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the total number of German citizens deported from the occupied territories by the Allied authorities, and the number of those who have been granted permission to return; and whether any action is being taken by His Majesty's Government in this connection?

It is a matter of some difficulty to arrive at exact figures, but His Majesty's Government are endeavouring to obtain them. The influence of His Majesty's Government is being and will continue to be exercised wherever possible to secure the restoration of normal conditions in the occupied territories.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether he has any information concerning the discriminating treatment of certain British officials in the service of the Egyptian Government, particularly in the Department of the Egyptian State Railways, whereby their rights, including their grading and emoluments, present and future, are being jeopardised and their contractual engagements endangered; and, if he is not fully informed, will he cause immediate inquiry to be instituted by the British authorities in Egypt, so that he may be in a position to give such instructions as will enable him to ensure that justice shall be done to all British subjects in the employment of the Egyptian Government;

(2) whether he is aware that the question of the regrading of certain British officials in the Department of the Egyptian State Railways, and the injustice of such regrading, has been recognised by the Government Regrading Committee, His Excellency the ex-Minister of Communications, the Finance Committee, the Railway Regrading Committee, the general manager of Egyptian State Railways, the ex-general manager of such railways, the Minister of Finance, and the ex-Minister of Finance, but that the injustice remains, and is likely to be perpetuated; and whether he will see that representations be made to the Egyptian Government on the subject?

With the right hon. Gentleman's permission, I will take together the two questions standing in his name. The attention of His Majesty's Government has been drawn to the complaints of certain British officials in the Egyptian State Railways and the Postal Administration in connection with the regrading by the Egyptian Government of the various classes of civil servants. His Majesty's Government have no official information on the subject, but I understand that Lord Allenby, who has been asked to furnish a Report, has already made unofficial representations on behalf of these gentlemen.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many light cruisers, destroyers, and submarines have been laid down since the Washington Conference by Japan and Great Britain, respectively?

Since the Washington Treaty was signed, Great Britain has laid down Submarine "O.1" and Japan, as far as is known, has laid down 6 light cruisers, 17 destroyers and 13 submarines.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether any of the following light cruisers have been laid down in Japan. "Kinu-gasa," "Kako," "Aoha," "Myoko," and "Nachi"; and whether he can give any information as to their armament, displacement, and horse power?

Of the vessels named, the "Kako" only has so far been laid down. She was laid down early in 1923. In addition the "Furutaka," of the same class as the "Kako," was laid down in December, 1922. I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the details which are given in the Return of Fleets (British Empire and Foreign Countries), (White Paper No. 41).

Is is not a fact that the Japanese building programme has been retarded by 12 months, and has that consideration applied?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if it will be possible to resume the issue of clasps at an early date to the Fleet; and, if not, whether permission can be given to officers and men to provide the clasps to which they may be entitled at their own expense?

No issue of clasps to the Fleet has yet been made, and I regret that I am not in a position to add anything to the reply given on the subject to the hon. and gallant Member for North Portsmouth (Major Sir B. Falle) on 14th March, 1923. The grant of permission to officers and men to provide the clasps at their own expense is not thought desirable.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the Falklands clasp has been refused to the ship's company of H.M.S. "Canopus"; on what grounds this decision was arrived at; and whether he will reconsider this decision?

This question is under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many modern light cruisers are afloat, British and foreign, armed with guns of 8-inch calibre or 7·5-inch calibre; and whether he can state the speed, armament, and approximate cost of the proposed new British cruisers?

The reply I have just given refers only to those vessels which have been laid down.

The details are as follow:

No British or foreign light cruisers afloat have 8-in. guns. Two completed British light cruisers and two completing have 7.5-in. guns. No foreign light cruisers have guns of this calibre. With regard to the latter part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply of the 27th February

When will my hon. Friend be able to publish the speed, armament, and approximte cost of these new cruisers of which the House has approved?

I must have notice of that question.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in pre-war days we were always given this information on the Estimates? Why cannot we have it now?

It has never been, and is not, the practice to publish in the Navy Estimates particulars of ships until the year in which they are completed. These ships are not yet completed.

I think my hon. Friend is misinformed. The information was given in the present Navy Estimates of ships laid down, long before they are completed, and it always has been given.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the tenders for the new cruisers and supplementary craft have yet been examined and decided upon; and, if so, what proportion of the orders has been apportioned to the Tyne?

The reply to the first part of the question is No, Sir; the second part, therefore, does not arise.

Can the hon. Member give me any indication as to when the decision will be arrived at?

I hope within a fortnight.

Will these tenders be referred to the costs of building ships in the dockyards, and if they are greater, will they be subjected to tender?

This has no relation to ships built in the dockyards. It simply has regard to tenders submitted from contract firms.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the Admiralty are offering a premium to architects for designs for a new naval school for 1,100 boys at Holbrooke, Ipswich; and whether the buildings, landing slips, pontoon, workshops, hospital, lecture halls, dormitories, recreation rooms, outdoor mast and rigging, and other buildings and equipment, together with the 60 acres of land which formerly was used by the 500 cadets at Osborne, can be enlarged and utilised for this purpose?

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

Can my hon. Friend state now whether this proposal is to be carried out, and, if it is, cannot he reconsider it, seeing the immense cost that would be entailed?

Might I have your protection, Mr. Speaker, in this matter? I asked a very simple question, and a very short reply would suffice. The Admiralty can escape—I do not say they are trying to escape—proper questions in this House by saying they will publish the reply. Can I be informed whether they are proposing to complete this school?

I can tell the hon. and gallant Member that it has been decided to remove the Royal Hospital School for Children—but perhaps I had better give the whole reply.

It has been decided to remove the Royal Hospital School for Children of petty officers and men of the Royal Navy, which is maintained out of the charitable funds of Greenwich Hospital, from its present cramped quarters at Greenwich to Holbrooke, where an estate of 950 acres has been presented to the trustees of Greenwich Hospital by the munificence of Mr. Gifford S. Reade. The cost of the new school will be borne by Greenwich Hospital. As regards the use of the Osborne site, it may be remembered that, as the result of experience, its suitability for a large school was so doubtful that the House of Commons were informed on 19th October, 1917, that the Admiralty were of opinion that if a new naval college were built, it should be on an entirely new site. The Royal Hospital School is of quite a different character and requires a different lay-out, whilst its numbers are more than three times as great as those to which it was eventually found necessary to restrict Osborne in order to avoid ill-health. Many of the Osborne buildings are only semi-permanent, and would need replacement, and having regard to the new buildings and other extensions that would be necessary, it is at least doubtful whether any economy whatever would have been effected by using the Osborne site.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he has yet come to any decision regarding the question of awarding pensions to the dependants of sailors who lose their lives in the service of the Royal Navy, when it can be proved that such sailors are making regular allowances to their dependants?

The question is still under consideration, but as I informed my hon. Friend on the 27th February last, other Departments are involved. The Admiralty is in communication with these Departments, and every effort will be made to expedite a decision.

Is the position that the Admiralty only grant these pensions where the deceased has made allotments through the Admiralty, and in no other cases?

No, that is not the case.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will consider the advisability of taking steps to abolish the practice of flogging boys for disciplinary purposes in the Royal Navy?

It is not proposed to abolish the punishment of birching for boys convicted by court martial of certain serious offences.

May I ask the hon. Member if he will not take the advice of an eminent psychologist, someone who has had some experience in dealing with boys, and, say, a London stipendiary magistrate, before he continues this practice?

Will the hon. Gentleman also inquire of the welfare committees of the lower deck, to see whether there is any feeling whatever there against the birching of boys?

As soon as I went to the Admiralty, I made special inquiries into this matter, and I found that there have been only six cases since 1917, all of them for unnatural sexual offences. I took the trouble to follow up the cases, and I found that in every case those who were submitted to birching have made good, but in cases of punishment by imprisonment some may have, I am sorry to say, gone to the bad. On the whole, in spite of my own predilections against birching, I have come to think that it would not be an advantage to abolish it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, with a view to assuring regular employment in the Royal dockyards, he has invited the War Office and the Air Ministry, or any other Government Departments, to undertake any of their necessary construction in the Royal dockyards; and, if not, whether he will do so?

The other Departments of State are well aware of such facilities for doing work for them on repayment terms as exist in the Royal dockyards, and any requests received from them from time to time are given all possible consideration by the Admiralty.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, seeing that the duties of cookery officers, supply officers, and warrant writers are not interchangeable, and that it has been the practice of the Admiralty hitherto to appoint cookery officers to ships on which there is general messing, he can explain why this system has been departed from on His Majesty's ships "Royal Oak," "Eagle," and "Hermes "; and whether, in view of the very responsible duties thrown upon the cookery staff, he will see that cookery officers are appointed in order to achieve efficient and harmonious working?

There is no intention of appointing warrant instructors-in-cookery in the ships referred to. The policy now in force is to have one warrant officer of this branch in each of the principal squadrons in which general messing is in force.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is very great feeling in this matter?

I am not aware that there is very great feeling.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many officers and men of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines are employed on recruiting duties, and the total emoluments received by these officers, showing what sums are payable in the case of each rank in respect of pay and pension, respectively, and the principles upon which these officers are selected; and whether due regard is paid in the process of selection to the financial position of those officers who are compelled to supplement the smallness of their pension by additional work.

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

The reply is as follows:

The following number of officers and men of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines are employed on recruiting duties:

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the labourers of the Royal Army Ordnance Department at Bull Point and Devonport have not, up to the present date, been paid the increase of 2s. per week given to Admiralty labourers from the 10th February last; and whether it is intended that these labourers shall receive the weekly increase with the others?

I have been asked to reply. Instructions have recently been issued by the War Office authorising certain increases of pay to labourers of the Royal Army Ordnance Department at Bull Point and Devonport on the lines of the increases given to labourers employed under the Admiralty at these stations.

Will this be retrospective to 7th February, and not to 10th February, as stabed in the question?

Yes; the answer indicates that.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has yet made any recommendation to the Cabinet as to the effect of the Report of the Anderson Committee on the pay of the officers or men in the Army; and whether the House will be allowed to discuss1 any proposed changes?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The matter is still under consideration. The last part of the question is hypothetical, but, as the hon. and gallant Member is aware, discussion of the pay of the Army is in order on Army Estimates.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Prime Minister recently stated that the Labour party would oppose uncompromisingly any proposal to reduce the pay of the Fighting Services? [HON. MEMBERS: "Answer!"]

I am not aware that the Prime Minister promised any such thing.

If I send my hon. Friend a copy of the Prime Minister's letter, will he take it into consideration?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he can now make a statement concerning the dismissals contemplated by the War Office of men employed at the Cambridge Barracks, Woolwich?

I am unable to add anything at present to the statement which I made on the 10th instant in reply to a question addressed to me by the hon. Member for Woolwich, East (Mr. Snell).

Can my hon. Friend say, in view of the very large number of men involved—I think over 100—and now under notice of dismissal, that they can rely that they will have continuity in their employment, at any rate for some reasonable time, and that there is no prospect of their immediate dismissal?

As to the number of men, the number is something like 30. I am not prepared to say that the notices will be withdrawn, but I can say that their dismissal in the immediate future is not intended.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the present rate of interest charged on the debt of the Unemployment Insurance Fund?

On 3rd April the debt on the Unemployment Fund was £10,030,000, carrying interest as to £5,240,000 at 5 per cent., and £4,790,000 at 4⅞ per cent.

Are these rates not in excess of those at which the Government can raise money for short terms, and is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the Fund is obtaining the best terms possible?

I am perfectly satisfied that the full rate of interest is being paid on these loans, and as for the other matter, I cannot give an answer.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that on 1st January, 1923, the total numbers in receipt of Poor Law relief in the Bedwellty area was 15,304; that 10,020 of this number were relieved on account of unemployment; that this volume of unemployed has put a burden upon the ratepayers of this area; and what steps he proposes to take to relieve Bedwellty and other necessitous areas of the heavy taxation imposed upon them by unemployment during the last three years?

I am glad to say that the returns for the 1st January, 1924, indicate a marked improvement upon the figures for 1923, quoted by my hon. Friend. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by the Deputy-Leader of the House on the 27th March last to the hon. Member for Cleveland (Sir C. Starmer) and to the answer which I have given to-day to the hon. Member for West Middlesbrough (Mr. Thomson).

asked the Minister of Health whether he has recently received representations from the Tottenham Urban District Council upon the inadequacy of existing legislation to deal with the menace to public health caused by tubercle infected milk, and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is "Yes." As regards the second part, I would refer to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Ealing Division (Sir H. Nield) on the 19th ultimo.

asked the Minister of Health whether his predecessor in June of last year received a memorandum from the Central Midwives Board urging that the name of the person actually conducting the delivery of a child should be inserted in the form prescribed under the Notification of Births Act; and whether an alteration will be made in the form of notification of births accordingly?

The answer to the-first part of the question is "Yes." This, suggestion will be considered in connection with any proposed legislation-amending the Notification of Births Acts or the Midwives' Acts.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the maternal mortality rate for England and Wales during the last 20 years has been maintained at or about four per thousand births, but that in midwives' cases it is under two per thousand; and whether, in view of the dangers arising from unqualified persons attending women in childbirth, he will introduce or support a Bill providing that no uncertified woman shall attend women in childbirth except in an emergency or under the personal direction and in the presence of a registered medical practitioner?

As regard the first part of the question, the facts are as stated in regard to the maternal mortality rate for all cases, but I have no complete information as to midwives' cases. The suggestion in the second part of the question will receive consideration in connection with any proposed legislation amending the Midwives Act.

In view of the fact that the maternal mortality rate is very high and has shown no decline during the past 20 years, can the right hon. Gentleman hold out some prospect of legislation this year, inasmuch as the legislation will be non-contentious and very valuable?

I will consider the suggestion of the hon. and gallant Member, but I cannot hold hold out much hope of fresh legislation.

Would it help at all if a private Member's Bill

As regards collecting societies and industrial assurance companies, the figures relating to premiums include sums in respect of endowment and endowment assurances.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the grave condition of affairs revealed by the Report of the Select Committee on Betting, notably the unsatisfactory state of the existing laws dealing with this subject, he will consider the advisability of setting up another Select Committee to consider the question of betting and gambling and

were introduced? Would the Government give it facilities?

That is not a matter on which I can express any opinion.

asked the Minister of Health the approximate amount of premiums paid for burial insurance in any one year, and the amount of funeral benefit received?

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

The figures are as follow:

to report upon the steps which should be taken to safeguard the community against this growing evil?

This is a subject which His Majesty's Government view with concern. Its consideration, however, must lie over for the moment, on account of the pressure of other work.

Will the right hon. Gentleman have regard to the facts which arose in Debate in the other House, and will he, after Easter, be prepared to receive a deputation from moral and religious interests concerned?

Yes, I shall be very glad to receive a deputation. As I say, we regard this question with considerable concern. It is a question of time and opportunity.

Have the Government ruled out the possibility of raising revenue for the nation from this source?

The Government quite agree with the conclusion of the Committee.

asked the Prime Minister if, in his promised Bill for relief of Old Age Pensions, he proposes to restore to all Government pensions their pre-War purchasing power?

I fear that I cannot undertake to give details as to the nature of the Government's proposals before their introduction.

May I ask the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to give a date on which this promised Bill is likely to be introduced, in view of the importance of the subject?

I have repeatedly stated that we propose to introduce it as soon after Easter as possible.

asked the Minister of Health if he will give any detailed information as to the condition of the houses at present occupied by agricultural and rural workers, and as to the additional accommodation required to meet the needs of these workers in each area; and, if not, is he prepared to call for reports from the local public health officers on these conditions and needs?

As the reply is rather long, perhaps the hon. Member will allow me to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this information about rural England is really urgent, if the problem is to be properly tackled?

I am quite aware of that, and will have the information circulated to-day in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

Information as to houses occupied by the particular classes of workers referred to is not available, and the value of a return, if obtained, would not be commensurate with the labour and expense involved in its compilation. According to the reports of medical officers of health for rural districts, of 190,410 houses inspected in such districts during 1922 for housing defects 4,639 were found to be unfit for human habitation and 30,420 were not in all respects reasonably fit. During the year 1922 27,547 houses were rendered fit in consequence of informal action by the rural district councils, and defects were remedied under statutory powers in 23,764 houses. According to the survey made in 1919, 83,659 houses were required during the following three years in rural districts to meet unsatisfied demands. Since that date 53,929 houses have been erected with State assistance, and a further 8,077 are in course of construction. Complete information as to the number of houses erected without State aid is not available, but during the six months ending 30th September last 10,659 houses were erected by private enterprise without assistance, and a further 13,939 were in course of construction at that date.

asked the Minister of Health if he is prepared to introduce the necessary legislation to permit of the surplus deposits of trustee savings (banks, at present obtained at 2¾ per cent. per annum by the Commissioners for the reduction of the National Debt, being made available for house building, and so do much to reduce the annual cost of upkeep of houses built in the future?

The answer is in the negative. Trustee savings bank deposits are repayable on demand, and carry a rats of interest appropriate to that circumstance. This rate necessarily has no relation to the rate at which money can be lent for long term investment, such as the building of houses.

asked the Minister of Health what administrative action he proposes to take to secure that Poor Law authorities in England and Scotland shall give such relief as may be necessary to protect unemployed tenants from eviction?

I have under consideration the issue of a circular to the boards of guardians in England and Wales. As regards the Scottish Poor Law authorities, I must refer the hon. Member to the Secretary for Scotland.

asked the Minister of Health if he is now in a position to give the House any detailed information as to orders for possession of houses or warrants for ejectment applied for and granted by Courts of Summary Jurisdiction since August, 1923; and if such information will also be made available for the years 1920, 1921, and 1922?

I will send the hon. Member detailed information which I have received with regard to 18 large cities and boroughs. As regards the last part of the question, I can only refer to the answer given him by the Undersecretary of State on Monday last.

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with the Home Office to supplement this information still further?

Anything I can contribute towards getting the utmost information shall be done.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that builders in Sudbury, Suffolk, have been waiting for truckloads of bricks from Peterborough, which have been diverted to Wembley by Government orders, causing delay in the erection of houses; and1 whether he will put a stop to this?

I am not aware that the facts are as stated by the hon. Member, but I will make inquiry.

I can give the right hon. Gentleman information.

I shall be glad to receive it.

asked the Minister of Health how many working-class houses were completed in each of the years 1921, 1922, and 1923 under the Addison scheme and under the Chamberlain scheme, respectively; and what was the total built by all agencies?

The numbers of houses completed during the years 1921, 1922 and 1923 under the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1919, were 68,255, 74,769 and 3 5,679 respectively. Under the Housing (Additional Powers) Act, 1919, 18,414 houses were completed in 1921, and 14,230 in 1922. Under the Housing, etc. Act, 1923, 3,506 houses were completed during 1923. Information as to the number of houses erected without State assistance during the three years in question is not available, but according to returns obtained from local authorities in England and Wales as to building by private enterprise without assistance from public funds, it is estimated that over 39,000 houses of not more than £26 rateable value in the provinces, and £35 in the Metropolitan Police districts, were-completed during the year ended 30th September, 1923. Some of these houses-are no doubt larger than those provided under the Act of 1923.

asked the Minister of Health whether ho is aware that, in the Report on a Housing Programme [Cmd. 2104], the estimate of the labour required is based on a bricklayer laying 300 bricks a day, whereas it has recently been estimated that the average number laid by each bricklayer in the Manchester housing contract was 600 daily; and is he prepared to recommend acceptance for 15 years of a scheme based on this output?

I am not aware that the estimate contained in the Report referred to is based on a bricklayer laying 300 bricks a day, and I do not know on what the hon. Member is basing his statement. He will, of course, be aware that a bricklayer performs other duties besides the actual laying of bricks.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many leading experts think that a step towards the solution of the housing problem would be the intro- duction of some method of payment by results, and would he use his influence in that direction?

I have had a variety of opinions on the question of house building, and I know there is a variety of difficulties in the way.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information as to what statistics the Building Committee has based the number of bricks per day in the Report?

I have no information which would enable me to discuss that particular Report.

Will the right hon. Gentleman investigate the figures of America?

I would be very pleased to have any figures from America that would help. In the meantime, my hands are full dealing with the figures I have.

Is it not a fact in this country it would be possible to average 600 bricks a day for foundation and such work, but when you come to corner work, such as is necessary in English houses, it cannot be done at more than 200 a day?

Does this discussion not show that brick-building is obsolete?

If I may express an opinion, it indicates that we in this House know less about laying bricks than do people outside.

asked the Secretary for Scotland why payments due by the Scottish Board of Health on the 112 houses erected under the Haddingtonshire County Council housing schemes at Pencaitland, Ormiston, Macmerry, East Saltoun, Gladsmuir, and Gilchriston have been withheld; if he is aware that the said houses, on the average, have been occupied during the past two years; and will he undertake to inquire into the matter and have all warranted payments made at once?

I am informed that no payments are due by the Scottish Board of Health in respect of the housing schemes referred to. Payments to contractors for these schemes fall to be made by the local authorities concerned. Steps are being taken with a view to ensuring that all warranted payments are made without delay.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has now completed his inquiries as regards the provision of free lavatory accommodation for the public at the British Empire Exhibition; whether he will compel the Exhibition authorities to provide some free provision for the thousands of the public who will pay for entering this exhibition; whether the contractor, who obtained the contract to provide conveniences for payment only, has had it varied or cancelled; and can he make any general statement on the subject?

I am informed that the arrangements are that urinals will be provided free of charge, and that a charge of one penny will be made for the use of water-closets.

asked the Home Secretary whether police pensioners are to be employed in any capacity at the Wembley Exhibition; if so, what is the nature of the duties to be performed; and through what agency or agencies will their services be obtained?

I understand that a number of police pensioners are being employed as attendants, etc, but I have no official information on the subject.

Will the hon. Gentleman see that, in cases in which police pensioners are engaged, those police pensioners who are only in receipt of the lower scale, and especially those who were called upon to re-join, who were retained in the Service, and yet are receiving only the pre-War rate of pension, shall have preference over men who are in receipt of larger pensions?

I will convey that suggestion to my right hon. Friend.

Has the hon. Gentleman's attention been called to a statement in the Press this morning with regard to a man being asked to work at the Wembley Exhibition 83½ hours for £1 a week, and a woman for 15s.?

Will the hon. Gentleman hasten on the Bill, in order that these people may not be under the necessity of earning money in addition to their pensions?

That does not arise here.

asked the Minister of Health if he is satisfied that the diet allowed to inmates of casual wards is sufficient for the maintenance of health?

I am advised that the diet is sufficient for the purpose for which it is intended, but certain suggestions for making it more palatable are under consideration, and I hope for some improvement.

asked the Minister of Health if he will make inquiries as to whether any boards of guardians demand that applicants for medical relief are compelled to go to a private practitioner before a medical order is granted?

I do not think that any board of guardians would impose such a requirement upon applicants for medical relief, but I am making inquiries as to a case in which an officer of a board of guardians is reported to have made a demand of this nature.

asked the Minister of Health if he has seen a copy of the resolution passed by the Abertillery Urban District Council condemning the exemption of closed factories and premises from paying local rates as unfair, and that legislation should be introduced repealing Section 211, Sub-section (2), of the Public Health Act, 1875; and is he prepared at an early date to introduce legislation dealing with this question?

I have seen the resolution referred to, but I cannot promise to introduce legislation on the subject at an early date.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will advise the setting up of a Royal Commission to inquire into and prepare draft Bills with respect to the consolidation of the Criminal Law of England and Wales, or, alternatively, to prepare a draft criminal code which shall amend as well as consolidate the Criminal Law of England and Wales?

I have been asked to re pry. I will consider the hon. Member's suggestion

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that, since taxi-cabs have been allowed access to Hyde Park, serious congestion of traffic takes place at Hyde Park Corner, which was never designed to take such a flow of traffic; that it is now necessary to employ extra police to control the traffic, and that while there are two entrances, there is only one exit, in each case only sufficient for one line of traffic; and whether, in view of the fact, he proposes to take any steps to improve matters either by redesigning the entrances and exits or by the construction of a traffic subway under Piccadilly?

The question of the traffic at Hyde Park Corner is receiving the attention of my Department and of the police, but I am not at present in a position to say in what manner the congestion can best be met.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give serious attention to this, in view of the very much greater congestion which undoubtedly takes place at this point during the summer—will he do something to accelerate a decision?

The matter, as I have said, is under consideration.

I will put a question down again after Easter.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has received an application from the crofters of Aird, Benbecula, in the Western Isles, for a grant to reconstruct a township road; and, in view of the fact that the said road is necessary to the existence of the township, whether he will sanction the necessary grant?

I am informed that the Board of Agriculture have recently received an application from the district committee for a grant for reconstruction of the road referred to, and that consideration of the application awaits the receipt of information for which the Board have asked the committee relating to the estimated cost of the work and the proposed arrangements for future maintenance of the road.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that Lochboisdale Pier will be closed and barricaded on the 15th instant, when there will be no means of landing passengers or foodstuffs; and, as immediate action is necessary to prevent distress and starvation of the people dependent on the pier, what action has he taken to avert this crisis?

I am aware that the pier has been closed. I am endeavouring to make arrangements with the proprietress of the pier which will permit of its continued use.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that it is a condition of the distribution of seed oats and seed potatoes in the Western Isles that recipients must be entered on the poor roll; and whether, in view of the fact that this measure was introduced to relieve the hardship caused by an abnormal period of adverse circumstances, and in view of the effects of such a condition, he will take such steps as will enable the people of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, who are only temporarily destitute, to accept the necessary seeds without being registered by the parochial authorities as paupers?

No such condition as that stated by the hon. Member has been made by the Government. The other parts of the question do not, therefore,

asked the Minister of Agriculture the names of the districts in Wiltshire where agricultural workers are paid the low wage of £l a week?

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will publish a list of those farmers in Wiltshire who are paying their labourers a wage of only 20s. a week?

To disclose the names of the individual farmers whose workers are in receipt of these low wages would obviously embarrass the persons concerned, and my right hon. Friend regrets that he does not see his way to give particulars of those cases which have come to his notice. To disclose the districts might equally lead to the embarrassment of the workers.

It is clear that the statement or information the hon. Gentleman has just given to the House was based on information received from a private individual. In justice to the farmers in Wiltshire, does the hon. Gentleman not think he ought to substantiate the evidence?

Are there any districts where this low rate of wages is now current?

I can only add that the Minister does not really feel himself in a position to disclose the names or sources of information. [HON. MEMBERS: "Withdraw!"]

asked the Minister of Transport what was the total amount paid in the years 1921–22, 1922–23, and 1923–24 to the administrative county of Warwick for the maintenance of class 1 and 2 roads, respectively, and the mileage for which such grants were made?

The answer to this question

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the inconvenience caused to many workers by the scarcity of facilities for travelling by workmen's trains, he will approach the railway companies with a view to securing increased facilities for holders of workmen's tickets?

I have not received any complaints recently on the insufficiency of workmen's trains, but I shall be glad to look into any particular cases which my hon. Friend may have in mind.

Is the Minister of Transport aware that on the London and North-Eastern Railway he will regularly see over 26 to 28 persons being carried in a compartment that should only hold 12, and at the same time the first-class carriages frequently have nobody in at all; and will the Minister consider the advisability of opening the first-class carriages to accommodate those people

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

The particulars are as follow:

who cannot find room in the other carriages?

If my hon. Friend will give me specific cases, I will go right into them.

You can see them regularly every morning.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will have inquiries made as to the dangerous working character of No. 3 points extra sidings, Ede Hill Sorting Sidings, London, Midland and Scottish Railway, and ascertain how the railway company have dealt with applications of the railwaymen concerned to obtain security against the dangers which at present exist?

If my hon. Friend will be good enough to arrange to furnish me with particulars of the representations to which he refers, I will see that immediate inquiry is made into the matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to visit the particular place, in order to satisfy himself of its dangerous character?

If the hon. Member will put my finger on the spot, I will do whatever is necessary.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has considered proposals to reduce the National Debt by a large increase upon Death Duties on estates over £5,000, the said increase being ear-marked for debt reduction only; and if he can make any statement upon the subject?

I regret that I am unable to anticipate the Budget statement.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this proposal for a capital levy has been made by distinguished representatives of the benches opposite, and is being advanced regularly and with great force in the columns of the London "Times," and will he take steps to get this through as a non-contentious Measure?

The position is that this gentleman is no longer a Member of the House, but I have read the various letters he has written, and all I can say is that they will be considered by my right hon. Friend and others. Beyond that I cannot go to-day.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that any such proposals would obviously increase unemployment in this country?

Would the Financial Secretary explore the possibility of this being a non-contentious matter, in view of the articles appearing in an obviously one-sided journal.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can explain the reason of the delay in issuing the Return of the revenue contributed by, and the expenditure spent upon, England, Scotland, and Ireland, respectively, for the year 1921–22?

In the new circumstances in Ireland the Return is no longer appropriate. If my hon. Friend desires to have approximate figures for Scotland, and will put down an unstarred question I shall be glad to give him such information as is available, though it will take some time and labour to collect.

Is it proposed to stop the annual publication of these Returns as far as England and Scotland are concerned?

I should like notice of that question, because there is a difficulty due to the change in Ireland. I will look into this matter, and will get my hon. Friend the particulars if he press for them.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the sanction of the Joint Substitution Board has been obtained for the recent or pending transfer of a temporary non-ex-service employé from the Surplus Stores Department to the Department of the Treasury Solicitor; whether he is satisfied that the continued employment of this non-service official is essential in the interests of the public service; and, if not, will he take steps to substitute him by an ex-service man at the earliest possible moment?