asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that last August the Ministry withdrew from the Special Grants Committee the power which they had under their Regulations to make grants not exceeding 7s. 6d. a week to widows of ex-service men who were suffering from serious and prolonged illness; if he is aware of the great suffering caused to many poor widows who have fallen ill by the withdrawal of these grants; and whether he has restored them or is about to restore them?

This matter is at present under consideration. I may, however, explain that grants actually in payment were not withdrawn, and provision was made for their renewal in suitable cases.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the case of poor widows where the pensions have been withdrawn?

I cannot add anything to my answer.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of going into the whole question of the administration of these special grants committees, and satisfy himself that they are operating in the best interests of the pensioners?

That is being done.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been called to the case of Mrs. Lily Knighton, of Nottingham, whose pension has been withdrawn by the Ministry; and whether he will reconsider that decision?

My attention has been drawn to the case in question, and the Special Grants Committee, who have dealt with it under Section 3 (1, f )of the Naval and Military War Pensions, Etc., Act, 1915, as amended by Section 2 (3) of the Naval and Military War Pensions, Etc. (Transfer of Powers) Act, 1917, inform me that they propose to make further inquiries in the case, in view of certain representations made by the hon. and gallant Member on behalf of Mrs. Knighton.

If I put this question down again in a fortnight's time, will the right hon. Gentleman be able to give me a definite answer?

Yes.

Is there not an understanding with regard to putting down questions, that individual questions like this should not be put on the Order Paper? I would also like to know if other hon. Members are not entitled to put such questions down on the Paper?

I have only put this question down because I have had considerable correspondence with the Minister of Pensions upon it for over a year, and I have not been able to get a satisfactory answer.

I am not in a position to lay down and definite rule, and only request that, as far as possible, such questions should be put down as unstarred questions.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is now able to state what proposals he intends to bring before the House in order to give effect to the policy of fit for service fit for pension?

The question whether it is advisable or necessary to submit proposals for legislation to this House is under consideration, but I have taken and am taking steps to secure by administrative action, the fullest measure of consideration and justice for all claims.

Does the sympathetic consideration of further proposals involve overriding the decisions of the final courts of appeal which are the real stumbling block in this matter?

As I have previously mid in answer to questions of a similar nature, that issue is involved in the consideration which is now being given to the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that each day most of the Members of this House receive very painful letters from persons who are continually turned down by the appeal tribunals; and how much longer have we got to wait?

I am quite aware of the facts as stated by the hon. Member. They are not really within my jurisdiction, but I am giving this question all the consideration which I know the circumstances warrant.

asked the Minister of Pensions why the right of appeal cannot be extended to widows of deceased members of East African local forces when their first application for a pension has been refused?

Members of these forces, and their dependants, are given the full benefits of the Royal Warrants, but a technical difficulty, with regard to the terms of their engagement, has hitherto prevented their access to the Pension Appeal Tribunal. I am, how- ever, in communication with the Treasury and other Departments concerned, and I hope that the difficulty will shortly be removed.

Do I understand that a widow who has received a reply will have her case considered?

Yes.

asked the Minister of Pensions when he will be in a position to publish a comprehensive pensions handbook, giving all relevant Acts of Parliament, Royal Warrants, Regulations, and other particulars, together with an adequate index?

A publication entitled "Notes on War Pensions" has been issued to members of War Pensions Committees, and is on sale to the public, containing the text of the Royal Warrants and Regulations most commonly in use, together with information of a general nature. The question of issuing a more comprehensive publication will be borne in mind when a suitable opportunity may occur.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of pensioners participating in police, teachers, military, and naval service pensions, exclusive of Great War injury pensions, and the cost thereof for 1923, each item separately?

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

Following is the answer:—

The number of pensioners of the different classes and the total cost are approximately as follow:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of perpetual pensions now being paid by the British Government, with particulars thereof; the number of commutations of perpetual pensions in 1923; and the number of Members of Parliament in receipt of State pensions in respect of past services in the Forces or in the Civil Service, and the total cost?

The answer to the first part of the question is three. Particulars will be found on page 44 of the Finance Accounts for 1922–23, House of Commons Paper 89 of 1923. The answer to the second part of the question is none. It will take some little time to obtain from the various Departments concerned the information asked for in the last part of the question, but, if the hon. Member so desires, I will procure it and circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT when it is available.

Will the hon. Gentleman kindly get for me that information?

Yes, if the hon. Member wants it, I will undertake to get it for him.

Can the hon. Gentleman say if the amounts paid with respect to perpetual pensions are in every respect chargeable to Income Tax and Super-tax?

I could not reply to that off-hand, and it would be wrong to do so, because one must look up the precise conditions under which the pensions are given, as they vary.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the transmission of Danish lottery circulars through the post; and, seeing that it has been found that the most effective method of dealing with such breaches of the law is for the Secretary of State to issue a warrant authorising the Postmaster-General to intercept and return to the senders the letters containing the remittances which are addressed to the promoters of the lotteries in response to their circulars, and that the Secretary of State has adopted this method in the case of many racing sweepstakes and other lottery schemes organised in this country, in Ireland, and in some other countries on the continent, why it is not adopted in the case of the Danish Colonial Lottery?

Yes, Sir, and such steps as are considered desirable will be taken to prevent the use of the post for the transaction of business connected with this and other lotteries.

May we take it that there will be no differentiation between Danish and Irish lotteries?

I cannot add anything to the answer which I have already given.

asked the Home Secretary how many part-time officers are now in the prison service; and how many there were before the number of prisons was reduced.

The existing numbers (including vacancies) are: —

Before the closing of the eight prisons, i.e ., on the 31st March, 1922, there were: —

asked the Home Secretary (1) which are the prisons staffed by part-time medical officers; what are the present salaries of these officers; and on what basis were they arrived at;

(2) in what respect has the closing of prisons increased the work and responsibility of the part-time medical officers at the remaining prisons; and whether it is proposed to increase their remuneration accordingly?

As the answer to these questions is rather long, I propose, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is it not a general fact that a large amount of economy has been effected by closing prisons, and that more work has been thrown upon the part-time medical officers without any increase of salary?

Why are there so many more Roman Catholic priests than Church of England ministers?

That question has been answered.

I think my hon. and gallant Friend had better wait to see the written reply.

Are there any Roman Catholic priests included in the administration?

We have passed that point.

Following is the answer promised:

The prisons and salaries are as follows:

Manchester, £300; Hull, £250; Winchester, Newcastle, Bristol, Cardiff, Lincoln, Preston, Durham, Borstal, Aylesbury and Portland, £200 each; Leicester, Swansea, Shrewsbury, Portsmouth, Gloucester, Nottingham, Norwich, Exeter, Bedford, Wakefield, Oxford and Dorchester, £150 each; Ipswich, Shepton Mallet and Plymouth, £100 each.

In fixing the salary the population of the prison is the basis, unless there are some special features justifying special consideration. The closing of eight prisons in March, 1922, has caused some increase in the population of some of the remaining prisons, and in one instance the salary of the part-time medical officer was increased. In the remainder the additional population has not so far been sufficient to justify an increase, but except where there has been an increase on this or other special grounds a temporary bonus is drawn.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a British-born wife of an American citizen, wishing to visit her native land, cannot obtain a passport either from the State Department of the United States, because she is not an American subject, or from the British Consul, because she is not a British subject; and whether it is possible to remove this anomaly and disability attaching to British-born wives who have not relinquished their birthright?

Yes, Sir; but the incapacity to obtain a national passport does not prevent the British-born women in question from visiting their native land. It has been arranged that on making the appropriate affidavit they may be granted the necessary facilities by British Consuls. This is all that the British Government, as at present advised, can do to meet the difficulties arising from the recent American legislation under which a foreign woman does not, on marriage to an American, acquire American nationality.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make overtures to the United States Government in that direction, to see if this anomaly cannot be removed?

Yes, I am quite prepared to make overtures to them.

Will the Home Secretary give consideration to legislation that will allow a British woman to retain her nationality on marriage, and so bring English law into line with American legislation?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to a large number of unstamped postal packets recently forwarded to Members of this House containing imputations against the honour of Members; and whether he will take steps to identify the sender, with a view to prosecution and the prevention of any recurrence of this abuse?

Yes, Sir, and I am having inquiry made by the police.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the best thing to do is in all these cases to send back the letters unopened?

Is there any truth in the allegations contained in these letters?

asked the Home Secretary how man men and women are employed on the political side of the Criminal Investigation Department; and how many of these are employed in service abroad?

I presume that the hon. Member refers to the Special Branch of the Criminal Investigation Department at New Scotland Yard. The strength of police officers and clerical staff in that branch is 170, including 22 women clerks and typists; and of these, five police officers are employed abroad.

Is it not a fact that this branch of the service does extremely useful work?

Is it not a fact that it is a waste of money?

asked the Home Secretary how many aliens have been admitted to domicile in this country since 1st January, 1924, giving the numbers, if any, of males and females, respectively?

The number of aliens who were given leave to land during the months of January, February and March was 51,948, of whom 9,589 were residents returning from abroad, and of the remainder all but 2,019 came here in transit elsewhere or were here for special and temporary purposes. Of the 2,019, 709 held Ministry of Labour permits issued under Article 1 (3) ( b ) of the Aliens Order, of whom 390 were males and 294 females, with 25 children; and the remainder may have intended to stay here; but the stream of alien passengers flows constantly out as well as in, and during the same three months 49,326 aliens left the United Kingdom.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of these freshly arrived aliens are drawing the dole? [HON. MEMBERS: "None."]

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of teachers now serving in schools for the blind and deaf who were engaged in the teaching of such children before 1894; and whether in the cases of these teachers he is prepared to make immediate provision to give effect to the recommendation of Lord Emmott's Committee that such service should be pensionable?

I understand that the number of teachers concerned is approximately 65. With regard to the second part of the question, I fear it is not practicable for me to undertake special legislation for this purpose in advance of a general measure.

asked the President of the Board of Education what action is being taken to consider applications from non-grant-aided schools for inclusion in the benefits of the Teachers' Superannuation Act, 1918, in accordance with the recommendations contained in the last three sentences of paragraph 82 of the Report of Lord Emmott's Committee?

The cases referred to by the Noble Lord are now receiving my consideration, but I can give no undertaking that it will be possible to deal with them in advance of the general question.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, seeing that the Rhondda local education authority still maintains its resolution not to employ any teacher who is not a member, or does not become a member, of a recognised trade union, he will take steps in the interests of education to put a stop to action which has the effect of restricting the supply of teachers?

The appointment of teachers in schools provided by local education authorities rests with those authorities, and I am not prepared to intervene in the matter, as I have no reason to suppose that the operation of the rule is prejudicing the efficiency of the schools.

Then, we may take it, that the President of the Board reverses the policy of his predecessor four years ago on the same matter?

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in order to secure the fullest educational opportunities for teachers, he will take steps to encourage the attachment of training colleges to universities and to secure that the teachers' training should form part of a university course and be carried out in association with other students?

I am anxious that as many teachers as possible should have the advantages of university education, but before deciding what steps to take for this purpose, I propose to await the Report of the Departmental Committee, which is at present reviewing the system.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is able to take any fresh steps to encourage local education authorities in urban areas to make fuller provision for organised recreation for the children in elementary schools by acquiring new playing fields and by the better use of existing opportunities, and, in particular, for the utilisation of municipal tramways to convey scholars to parks, playing fields, and swimming baths at hours when the tramcars are not fully used by the travelling public?

Local education authorities are, I think, aware that the Board are quite prepared to encourage the activities mentioned by my hon. Friend. I am always prepared to consider suggestions for their more extensive development.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is yet in a position to say whether arrangements can be made to open Bethnal Green Museum in the evening; and whether, in coming to his decision, he will bear in mind that the hours of opening at present are such that it makes it impossible for the population in the neighbourhood to visit it?

I am now in a position to make arrangements for opening this museum on Monday and Thursday evenings in each week.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how many fatal accidents have taken place in the Royal Air Force since 1st January, 1924; whether most of the accidents have been the result of engine failure; whether he is aware that there have been a very large number of cases of engine failure, and that recent figures work out at one failure for every 58 hours' flying; whether he can give the precise figures for the past 12 months; whether he is aware that inquiry has shown that a large number of failures are due to faulty maintenance and ground organisation; whether he is satisfied with the standard of technical knowledge and skill of the ground staffs and organisation generally; whether, in every case of engine failure, an exhaustive technical inquiry is held at the earliest possible moment; and, if not, will he take the necessary steps to see that such an inquiry is held and the results of such an inquiry recorded?

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

Following is the reply:

The answer to the first part of the question is 17; to the second part is in the negative; as regards the third part, recent statistics do not support the statement that there has been a very large number of engine failures, and the figure quoted (58 hours' flying per engine failure) cannot be verified from information in my Department, but is presumably taken from the 192–23 Report of the Aeronautical Research Committee and refers to a period in 1922; as regards the fourth part, the latest return available shows that approximately 150 hours were flown per engine failure in units at home; as regards the fifth part, the proportion of engine failures due to faults of maintenance is at present under investigation, but there is no reason to suppose that the proportion is at all high; the answer to the sixth part is in the affirmative; to the seventh and eighth parts, that all serious accidents and accidents whose cause is not clear are investigated by a Service Court of Inquiry and also, when practicable and necessary, by the Accidents Investigation Branch of my Department, and that these arrangements are, in my opinion, fully sufficient.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Air what arrangements, if any, have been made with regard to this country taking part in the forthcoming aircraft exhibition to be held in Prague?

Arrangements are being made by the Society of British Aircraft Constructors, Limited, to secure appropriate accommodation for a representative exhibit by the British aircraft industry at the exhibition referred to, and a financial contribution from Air Votes will be made towards the expenses actually incurred for the purposes of this exhibit.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether any further progress has been made with the arrangements for establishing the proposed air service between England and Prague, with an agreed subsidy from the Czechoslovakia Government; and what is now delaying the negotiations?

I am sorry to say that the difficulties referred to in my reply to the hon. and gallant Member on 28th February last still prevent the establishment of an air service between England and Prague, and pending their removal the conclusion of the permanent agreement which has been proposed would serve no purpose. The temporary agreement to which I then referred was duly ratified, but lapsed on 31st March.

Can the hon. Gentleman hold out any hopes of getting rid of the German opposition to this route passing over their territory, which is holding the matter up?

The Germans are making reciprocal claims in that respect, and it is possible that they may open up the route.

asked the Home Secretary whether he proposes to introduce legislation to give effect to the Resolution passed on the 16th May last as to the inadequacy of the provisions of the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920, to meet the needs of pre-War pensioners?

The Government's proposals will be tabled in the form of a Financial Resolution next week, and it is hoped to take the Resolution in Committee during the following week.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can inform the House as to the date when the Pre-War Pensions Bill will be introduced?

The Government hops that it will be possible to take the Money Resolution required before the introduction of this Bill the week after next.

Is it proposed to include the case of the pensioners of the Royal Irish Constabulary?

I cannot answer that question without notice.

Has the Bill been prepared and its details considered yet?

The details are under consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total amount of 5 per cent. War Loan that has been converted into the new 4½ per cent. Conversion Loan?

I have not yet the final figures, but, as my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer said on Tuesday, the amount converted is not less than £150,000,000.

Could the hon. Gentleman say if the amounts converted are for large holders or small holders?

It is a little difficult at this stage to make a statement, but I think it is true that broadly it is in the larger holdings of stock.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total cost of collecting, during the last year, the duties imposed by the McKenna Act; the cost of collecting duties under the Safeguarding of Industries Act; and how many extra officials have to be employed in the administration of these Acts?

The work of collecting these duties is mainly performed by the Customs and Excise staff in conjunction with other functions, and separate figures as to the cost or the number of extra officials employed are not available.

Will not exactly the same number of officials be employed if these duties are done away with?

It is quite impossible to say at this stage, but I should think it would not make very much difference.

Would there not be a saving of £2,500,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of ex-Cabinet Ministers who are in receipt of pensions under the Lord Chancellor's Pension Act, 1832, with the amount thereof in each case; the number of ex-Cabinet Ministers who are in receipt of pensions under the Political Officers Act, 1869; and the number of ex-Cabinet Ministers who have been pensioned during 1923?

Three ex-Cabinet Ministers draw a pension of £5,000 a year under the Lord Chancellor's Pension Act. All three do regular judicial work. No pensions are being paid under the Political Offices Pensions Act, nor were any pensions to ex-Cabinet Ministers granted in 1923.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will now furnish and lay a complete statement of account to 31st March, 1924, as between the British Treasury and the Irish Free State Government, showing the sums paid and the sums of money due on either side on current account, whether as revenue or other payments, and an estimate, if a final statement cannot be given, of the value of real property, stores, and any other property transferred by the British Government to the Irish Free State?

A statement is being prepared, and will, I hope, be ready shortly, giving the payments made during, and the amounts outstanding at the end of, the last financial year on current account as between the British Government and the Irish Free State Government. An estimate of the value of the property transferred by certain British Departments to the Irish Free State was given in Part II of the Financial Statement presented to Parliament by the late Government in 1923 (Command Paper 1930).

Will the statement presented give details of the amounts under the different headings under which they are chargeable or payable?

I could not tell the hon. and gallant Gentleman at this stage, but I can assure him that the statement will be complete in its character.

Will the hon. Gentleman take into consideration the necessity for giving full particulars of all the items chargeable to this account?

Yes, Sir; I will certainly look into that point.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the fact that the Statute 6 Henry VIII, c. 16, which enacts that a Member of Parliament absenting himself therefrom without the leave of the Speaker is to lose all those sums of money which he should or ought to have had for his wages has not been repealed, it is his intention to enforce these provisions in the case of present Members of this House?

I have taken legal opinion on this point, and am advised as follows:

The Statute quoted by the hon. Member refers to the payment of a fixed sum for each day during which a Knight of the shire, or a citizen, or burgess attended Parliament. Under the Common Law it was payable by each constituency to its Member on production by him of a writ de expensis levandis Those payments appear to have fallen into desuetude by the end of the seventeenth century. The Statute of Henry VIII has no application to the annual salary which is payable out of the Exchequer, in consequence of the Resolution of the House of Commons of the 10th August, 1911, and which is provided annually on Votes.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that long after Henry VIII' s time it was customary to make a call of the House, usually at 8 a.m., and Members who did not attend were liable to severe penalties; and will he consider the advisability of reviving that?

Are the Government prepared to revive the custom which obtained in earlier days that every Member of the House was to be present at Prayers—Prayers at that time being held at eight o'clock in the morning—and that if any Member were absent, there was to be a fine of a shilling, which had to be paid to the poor; and could that fine be made applicable to Ministers themselves?

As to the matter of your giving leave of absence, Mr. Speaker, is it not a fact that when any Member leaves this House, he is bound to give a nod to you for your consent?

I might give more leave than the hon. Member thinks.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that the registrar of a County Court in Yorkshire is appointing as medical referees under Section 11 of the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1923, doctors who are permanently employed as compensation doctors for certain coal owners and the Yorkshire Coal Owners Mutual Indemnity Company, Limited, to adjudicate in cases of dispute between other Yorkshire coal owners whose workmen are insured by the Yorkshire Coal Owners Mutual Indemnity Company, Limited, and workmen; and, as this has been brought to the notice of the Registrar without result, will he inquire into the same and give instructions that medical referees appointed under Section 11 shall in no case be doctors who are employed permanently by either coalowners, coalowners' mutual indemnity companies, or trade unions affected?

I am not aware of any such case. In the only instance brought to my notice it appeared on inquiry that the allegation was not borne out. It is a condition of the appointment of a medical referee that he shall hold no permanent employment of the kind referred to in the question.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that doctors who are practically permanently employed by the Yorkshire coal owners are very often elected to act as medical referees in cases of dispute between workmen and colliery companies, and does he think it possible for an impartial decision to be given in these circumstances?

I am afraid I am not aware of the actual case my hon. Friend has stated, but if he will submit to me a case I will look into it.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to a Report from the inspector for the Eastern Sea Fisheries for the year 1923, and the Report of a meeting of the Eastern Sea Fisheries Joint Committee, held at Spalding on Thursday, 17th April, when the question of the increased number of seals in the Wash was discussed; and will he, in view of the damage caused by these pests, take steps for their destruction, and so save the fishing industry in this area?

The answer to the first part is in the affirmative. Unfortunately, neither this Department nor, so far as I am aware, any other public body has any funds which could be used for the purpose, and apart from this no satisfactory method of destroying the seals, which are very difficult to approach, has been devised.

Will my right hon. Friend make an application so that funds can be allocated for the purpose?

I have asked the Admiralty if they could do anything, and they are considering my suggestion.

Will my right hon Friend also consult the Air Ministry?

I have already done so.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is rumoured that seals are visiting the Wash seeking the lost jewels of King John?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that butter prices last week rose from 16s. a cwt. to £1 and whether, seeing that this increase of price took place in spite of large reserves in cold storage and big shipments crossing the seas from the Colonies and Ireland, he will take steps to stop profiteering on an article of food which is essential to health and well-being?

I have been asked to reply. I understand that there was a sharp rise last week in the wholesale prices of butter. The Board of Trade have no power to regulate the prices of butter, but I would point out that the recent rise has brought prices to about the level at which they stood in March before the fall that then occurred.

asked the Minister of Labour the respective contributions made during the past three years to the Unemployment Insurance Fund by the workers in the port of Liverpool?

The amounts contributed to the Unemployment Fund in respect of holders of dock tallies in the port of Liverpool during the years 1921, 1922 and 1923 may be roughly estimated at £35,000, £56,900 and £57,100 respectively, of which rather less than one-half was contributed by the workers. In addition there was an Exchequer contribution of about one- third of the amounts mentioned. The benefit paid during the same years respectively was £302,000, £246,300 and £256,000.

also asked the. Minister of Labour the number of dock workers signing on at the Employment Exchanges each week at Bristol, Avonmouth, Portishead and Hull for the past five months?

As the answer is in tabular form, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The numbers of dock labourers on the registers of the Employment Exchanges at Bristol, Avonmouth, Portishead and Hull at 3rd December, 1923, 7th January, 4th February, 3rd March and 7th April, 1924, were as follows:

asked the Minister of Labour the respective contributions made during the past three years to the Unemployment Insurance Fund by the workers grouped in the "Labour Gazette" as canal, river, docks and harbour services, also the amount of benefit paid in each of the years in question?

As the answer includes figures in tabular form, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

Separate accounts of contributions and benefit are not kept for the various industries. At a rough estimate, however, the amounts contributed to the Unemployment Fund, in respect of adult male workers in the canal, river, docks and harbour services industry in Great Britain, and the amounts received by them in unemployment benefit, were as follows for the years 1921, 1922 and 1923:

asked the Minister of Labour the number of adult male lace operatives and the number of adult female lace workers, respectively, in Nottingham who were signing the unemployment registers during the weeks ending 11th April, 1923, and 9th April, 1924, respectively?

The numbers of adult males and adult females registered as unemployed in the lace industry at Nottingham on 24th March, 1924, were 662 and 435 respectively, the corresponding figures for 26th March, 1923, being 614 and 398. In addition, there were 105 men and 339 women recorded as working systematic short time on 24th March, 1924, as compared with 108 men and 374 women on 26th March, 1923. Figures for a later date are not yet available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the nature of the present dispute in the building trade; and whether he is taking any steps to safeguard the Government housing operations?

Following negotiations between the employers' and workers' organisations the latter are taking a ballot of their members. In the circumstances I do not think that it is desirable for me to make any statement on the matter at this moment.

What is the nature of the facts in dispute; what is the matter that has arisen to make the present trouble; and has the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to safeguard the Government housing operations?

The matter in dispute is the demand for 2d. an hour advance in wages, which has been published in the, Press, and I am keeping in constant touch with developments as they arise.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a famine of plasterers and bricklayers in the London area?

Is it an open or a secret ballot?

I cannot tell, and it is not my business to inquire.

What will be the extra cost to the whole of the subsidy on Government houses if this 2d. an hour be paid?

asked the Prime Minister if he will state the position with regard to the proposed treaty between His Majesty and His Majesty the King of Iraq; and whether the proposed treaty, together with any annexes and additions, has been or will be published?

I have been asked to take this question. The treaty with King Feisal is now under consideration by the Constituent Assembly in Iraq. This treaty was published as a Parliamentary Paper in October, 1922. A further Paper is now being laid before the House containing the text of the Protocol and agreements subsidiary to the treaty.

Will all the messages be included in the new Paper?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman knows, the matter is now under consideration. I prefer to say nothing now.

What is the objection to publishing all the annexes?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now state the terms of reference of the Royal Commis- sion to inquire into national insurance, and the names of the members of the Commission?

The following terms of reference have been agreed with representatives of the medical profession and the Committee appointed for the purpose by the Approved Societies' Consultative Council:

"To inquire into the scheme of National Health Insurance established by the National Health Insurance Acts, 1911–1922, and to report what, if any, alterations, extensions or developments should be made in regard to the scope of that scheme and the administrative, financial and medical arrangements, set up under it."

I am not yet in a position to announce the names of the members of the Commission.

Has the right hon. Gentleman yet decided the form of the Commission he proposes to set up?

I am afraid that is a question which I cannot answer.

asked the Postmaster-General what are the wages paid and hours worked by mail drivers employed by private contractors on behalf of the General Post Office; whether these men are entitled to sickness benefit when sick; whether they are in receipt of holiday pay; and what pensions, it any, are they entitled to on retirement from work?

The contractors are required by the Fair Wages Clause incorporated in the mail contracts to pay rates of wages and observe hours of labour not less favourable than those recognised in the trade in the district where the work is carried out. I have no detailed knowledge of the wages paid and hours worked, nor of the general conditions of employment under the numerous contracts.

Does not my right hon. Friend think his Department ought to be acquainted with the conditions and wages, etc., of the people employed?

Does that mean that if a man is in an agricultural district, he gets agricultural wages, and if in a town a wage commensurate with town wages?

The contract states that the Fair Wages Clause most be observed. If any hon. Member will bring to my notice cases in which that is not being done, I will have inquiries made, with a view to it being rectified.

asked the Postmaster-General the reason why postmen and other Post Office servants are subjected to a deduction of 2d. per week from their wages for a receipt stamp; whether this practice is confined to his Department; and whether he will consider the advisability of abolishing this imposition?

I beg to refer the hon. Member to the reply given on this subject by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury on the 27th of March, of which I am sending him a copy.

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. Has your attention been drawn to the fact that the hon. Member who puts down this question has been putting down questions for oral answer for five years, and never by any chance is in his place to ask them?

My attention has been drawn to that fact, and I expressed the opinion then that an hon. Member should not put down questions for oral answer unless he has some intention of being present to ask them.

The following question stood on the Order Paper in the name of Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALL:

The name of the hon. and gallant Member having been called, on the second round of questions—

On behalf of the hon. and gallant Member, I beg to ask this question.

Does it not appear, in consequence of the hon. Member not knowing the number of the question, that he has not got permission to ask it?

That did arouse my curiosity. Has the hon. Member been requested by the hon. and gallant Member for Dulwich to ask questions for him to-day?

I have not, but he is a constituent of mine, or I would not have asked the question for him.

That will not do.

Question 16 accordingly not put.

I desire to ask you, Mr. Speaker, a question in reference to a point which arises out of questions which stood in my name yesterday. I had then put down four questions on the Paper through inadvertence. The first three were answered, but the fourth question stood over. I looked to-day in the OFFICIAL REPORT, in the hope of seeing the answer to the question which had stood over, as I understood your ruling to be that the answers to any questions beyond the fourth will appear among the Written Answers. But I cannot find in the OFFICIAL REPORT to-day any reference to my fourth question.

The answer to the Noble Lords fourth question should have been circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT, and I imagine that there must have been some inadvertence on the part of the Minister. I will cause the matter to be looked into.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he intends to take any action to prevent the emigration of boys from charity schools to the Colonies, unless the conditions of life are fully and satisfactorily guaranteed beforehand and provision made for their periodical supervision?

I would invite the hon. Member's attention to the reply which I gave on the 13th March to the hon. Member for Wycombe. As I then stated, a delegation is visiting Canada, with a view to obtain first-hand information in regard to the system of child migration, especially as to reception, placing and supervision. This delegation will, probably sail about the middle of July. I should also like to mention that I have already instituted an inquiry into the methods of selection by boards of guardians and voluntary societies.

Will the hon. Gentleman accompany the delegation?

I cannot say that, because the delegation has not been appointed, but I think it is hardly likely.

Is there any reason to suppose that any of these schemes are: improperly carried out?

It is impossible for me to say definitely whether such is the case, but inquiries are being made, and delegations both in this country and in Canada are being appointed to make inquiries.

May I assume that, so far, the Department has received no complaint whatever as to the operation, of these schemes?

As I have received complaints in regard to children belonging to my Division who have been sent out there, may I ask the hon. Gentleman, if he cannot go himself, whether he will send out his private secretary or someone connected with the Department?

I will consider that.

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that the impression has been created that Sub-section (9) of Clause 1 in the First Part of the Criminal Justice Bill will discourage probation committees from engaging the agents of voluntary societies as probation officers; whether it is the policy of the Government that in the administration of this Bill the Secretary of State will encourage probation committees to invite the aid of voluntary societies in providing agents for engagement as probation officers; and whether the Government will arrange for the inclusion in the Bill of an Amendment giving permanent effect to the assurance given by the Lord Chancellor in another place?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I am aware that some misapprehension has arisen, and I am glad to have the opportunity of correcting it. There is nothing in the Clause referred to or in any other Clause of the Bill to prevent the employment of the agents of voluntary societies as probation officers. The responsibility for appointment will rest with the Justices or probation committees (except in the Metropolitan Police Court district where the Secretary of State will continue to be responsible), and it will be open to them to make such arrangements as they think best for carrying on the probation work of their area. As my right hon. Friend is aware, a great deal of excellent pioneer work has been done in, the past by voluntary societies in this sphere of social service. I should be very sorry to make any proposals to this House which would have the effect of hindering the further development of their work. In reply to the last part of the question I do not think any Amendment of the Bill is required, but this is a matter which can be considered, if necessary, in Committee.

As the right hon. Gentleman realises that there is grave anxiety on this question, will he discuss the matter with me?

Certainly.

asked the Minister of Health what has been the increase in the price of bricks for house building since the present Government took office?

I would refer the hon. Member to the monthly Reports of the Committee appointed to survey the prices of building materials.

Is it not a fact, as mentioned in the question, that the price of bricks has risen during the period stated?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there has been a fresh advance in the price of bricks this week?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Powell Duffryn Company, one of the richest and one of the greatest producers of bricks, sent up their price of bricks by 5s. per 1,000 six weeks ago?

I can only say that all the information that is available on the matter has been published in the Reports.

May I point out, Mr. Speaker, that there is a direct question on the Paper? Surely we are entitled to a reply from the Minister.

Not if the information be already available.

What was the last Report of the Committee that was published? Has the April Report been published?

I am not quite sure, but I will make inquiry.

When a specific question is put by an hon. Member to a Minister, asking where he can obtain information in a form in which it is not available otherwise, is it not the duty of the Minister to give that information in the form desired?

I understood that it was available. [HON. MEMBERS: "No!"]

It is only by going through a series of returns, and making a number of calculations that the information can be obtained.

Am I not right in saying that the last Report of the Building Materials Committee was for the month of February, and that there is no other way in which we can get the information than by asking for it now?

There has been no Report issued by the Minister of Health which exactly covers the period mentioned in the question.