asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there is a British Consul in the Saar Valley; and, if not, whether he will consider the advisability of appointing one, with a view to obtaining authoritative information on conditions in that area?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, but the matter is at present under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that at a meeting of the Council of the League of Nations held in March last, a settlement was reached upon the protracted dispute concerning the port and harbour of Memel; that, at the conclusion of the proceedings, the President of the Council formally asked the representatives of the Allied Powers sitting at the Council whether, on behalf of their respective Governments, they were prepared to accept the Convention; that each representative then in turn declared that he did so accept; and, seeing that certain members of the Ambassadors' Conference are now seeking to make amendments to the Convention, whether he can give an assurance that the British Ambassador will resist any attempt to incorporate amendments which may imperil the acceptance of this Convention?

The answer to the first three parts of the question is in the affirmative. In regard to the fourth part, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave on the 7th April to the hon. Member for Acton.

Why has this got to be approved by the Ambassadors' Conference?

There are some drafting amendments which had to be seen to.

But is my hon. Friend going to permit the Ambassadors' Conference to upset the settlement of a problem which has been arrived at now, and which they themselves could not settle?

I do not think that any question of upsetting a settlement arises.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the publica- tion in a Mexican paper of an official news-letter of a party character, which it is stated has been received at the British Legation, and released for publication; whether it is the custom now for the Foreign Office to issue party propaganda for publication in various countries; and, if so, whether this innovation has his approval?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which was given to the hon. Member for Darwen on 9th April. The articles are not an innovation and have been issued for the past six years. With regard to the particular article, a copy of which has been sent to me by the courtesy of the hon. Member, it consists mainly of a summary of the findings of the Imperial Wireless Telegraphy Committee. It contains a passage praising the brevity and lucidity of the Report, but it was not meant as, and cannot well be considered, party propaganda.

Will the hon. Gentleman see that these articles are not used, as undoubtedly has been the case in the present instance, for the purpose of advertising the merits of the present Government, to the discredit of the former Government?

I do not think that there is any intention of using these articles for propaganda in any way, nor that there can be that construction of this particular article.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the construction of a cruiser has been allotted to Barrow-in-Furness; and when he anticipates that the work will be commenced?

Yes, Sir. I understand that the contractors expect to begin work very shortly, but I have no information as to the exact date.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the proposal to reduce the pay of naval officers by 5½ per cent. as from 1st July next applies to the pensions as well as to the pay of naval officers; and, if so, what is the authority on which this reduction of pensions is based?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, as far as payments from naval funds are concerned, if by pensions the hon. and gallant Member refers to what is technically, under the Naval Regulations, called "retired pay." In the Fleet Order announcing the new rates of pay in 1919, it was specifically stated that the new rates both of pay and of retired pay were to be subject to revision according to the changes in the cost of living. So far as the question relates to officers paid by the Ministry of Pensions, the matter is one for that Department to deal with.

On what is the cost of living based?

It is based upon the Board of Trade index figure.

Has consideration been given to all the increased expenses incurred by officers on rent, rates, schools and other things?

I have no doubt that all these things have been taken into consideration by the Committee.

Was it not understood when these reductions were proposed that marriage allowances would be given to officers in the Navy, and will the hon. Gentleman undertake to suspend the reductions until these marriage allowances are granted?

Does the hon. Gentleman rely on the decision of the Committee or on his own personal investigation?

One must be supplemented by the other. The hon. Member will agree that that is what is generally done. One is bound, however, to be influenced by the decision of the Committee on the facts.

Will the hon. Gentleman answer my question?

I would like notice of that question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether officers and ratings over 40 years of age may be excused performing the physical exercises whilst undergoing anti-gas courses?

The exercises in question are for the purpose of enabling officers and men to wear their respirators without inconvenience during periods of considerable physical activity such as would be experienced in a ship in action. It is not possible to exempt officers and men over 40 years of age from the exercises, which are introduced in order to ensure that they are capable of performing their duties efficiently in action.

Does not the hon. Gentleman consider it a great hardship that these men should be compelled to play football for 20 minutes and to run 440 yards in a gas mask?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the sons of naval warrant officers are considered to be included in the Regulations contained in paragraph 2 of Regulations respecting the entry of paymaster cadets, shown on page 2350 of the Navy List; and whether the sons of naval warrant officers are considered eligible candidates generally for entry as paymaster cadets?

The sons of naval warrant officers are eligible, under the prescribed conditions, both for the service nomination for paymaster cadetships and as candidates generally.

Will the hon. Gentleman say why so very few are chosen?

Many are called, but few are chosen.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty why pensions are withheld from the dependants of lunatic ratings of the naval service who are eligible for life pensions under the Naval Regulations who are discharged to the Royal Naval Hospital, Great Yarmouth, and there maintained at the charge of naval funds; and what happens to the pensions earned by these ratings?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 29th April. The Regulations do not provide for the free maintenance of pensioners in naval hospitals with payment of pensions concurrently, and the pensions are, therefore, withheld and appropriated towards the cost of the maintenance.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in that case the wives and dependants have to go on the guardians?

The wives and dependants are in receipt of and become in receipt of certain payments from the Greenwich Hospital Fund.

Is that so in all cases?

asked the Minister of Labour what was the number of unemployed in the City of Westminster when the Government took office, and what is the actual number now?

The number of persons on the registers of the Westminster and Great Marlborough Street Employment Exchanges, the combined areas of which coincide approximately with the City of Westminster, was 2,747 on 11th February, 1924, and 2,222 on the 5th May, 1924.

asked the Minister of Labour why he has refused the London Schoolmasters' Association representation on the committees dealing with juvenile unemployment in London; is he aware that this organisation represents 50 per cent. of the men working in the elementary schools in London; and will he therefore take steps to secure the co-operation of these men in a matter which so vitally affects the welfare of the boys they teach?

Four members of the London Advisory Council for Juvenile Employment and two members of each of the local Juvenile Employment Com- mittees in London are appointed as representatives of teachers in the public education service. I regret that, owing to limitations of number, it has not been possible to appoint representatives of the London Schoolmasters' Association or of a number of other associations which have asked for representation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking any steps to secure that representation?

I understand that there is a possibility of this question going outside the region of consideration, and I prefer to remain as I am until I see the result.

asked the Minister of Labour if he can now state when it is proposed to proceed with the Unemployment Insurance (No. 2) Bill?

I recognise the importance of proceeding with this Bill, but am afraid it will not be possible to fix a day next week.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Prime Minister as to the great desirability of getting this Bill into Committee as soon as possible, so as not to run us up to the time of the exhaustion of the existing benefit?

I have already made such representations and I am now in consultation with the Deputy-Leader of the House, who has promised to give the earliest possible day for the Bill.

asked the Minister of Labour if any information or figures are available which will indicate the approximate proportion of those drawing unemployment benefit who are compelled, on account of the inadequacy of the amount, to supplement the same by application to the Poor Law guardians for out-relief?

Periodic statistics are not kept of the number of claimants to benefit who are also in receipt of poor relief. A special analysis of a selection of 10,000 claims to benefit taken in November last showed that at that date about 10 per cent. of the male claimants, and about 1 per cent. of the female claimants whose claims to unemployment benefit were analysed were also in receipt of poor relief.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman issued through his Department a statement that 500,000 of those receiving unemployment benefit are also receiving Poor Law relief?

Yes, based on the statement, I think, that if the proportions remained the same, that would be the number.

If the proportions were the same, would not that give us an unemployed figure of 5,000,000?

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is the practice of his Department to pay unemployment benefit after six weeks to a man or woman leaving their employment voluntarily of their own accord?

Under the Unemployment Insurance Acts, disqualification for benefit for a period of six weeks is the maximum penalty that may be imposed for voluntarily leaving employment without just cause. Payment of benefit would be made after this period if the applicant was then able to satisfy all the conditions, in particular the condition that he is unable to obtain suitable employment. If he were claiming uncovenanted benefit, the fact that he had voluntarily left employment would be an important factor in deciding whether he was entitled to receive such benefit after the expiration of the six weeks' disqualification.

Is it the case, as has been stated, that men who leave their employment voluntarily are entitled to this benefit?

The man who leaves his work voluntarily without just cause, after six weeks is entitled to make a claim, but he must satisfy the conditions before payment can be made.

asked the Minister of Labour how many aliens are now receiving uncovenanted benefit and unemployment benefit as a result of the Ministerial Circular of 13th February, 1924?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Hornsey on 16th April last.

Are the figures not different now?

If the hon. Member refers to the answer he will see that that question involves a discussion.

Would it not be better to get rid altogether of these aliens?

asked the Minister of Labour how many of the 51,948 aliens who were given leave to land in this country during January, February and March are in receipt of unemployment benefit?

The information desired by the hon. and gallant Member could not be obtained without very heavy expenditure of time and labour, and this I do not feel justified in incurring. It is clear, however, that it is very unlikely that any of the aliens in question have been able to satisfy the statutory conditions for the receipt of unemployment benefit.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, when I asked a question a month ago with regard to aliens, he said it was not necessary in his opinion to get the information; and is he aware that hon. Members on this side of the House and voters in the country are desirous that the information should be obtained in order that they may know the actual facts of the case?

Is is not a fact that aliens landing here have to give an undertaking that they will not take up remunerative employment—

On a point of Order. I am not asking as to that.

These supplementary questions do not seem to arise out of the Question on the Paper, which was merely a request for figures. We cannot proceed to argue on every answer that is given.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state what schemes for providing work for the unemployed are now proposed or in operation in addition to the schemes of the late Government; how many persons it is calculated will be employed on these schemes; and what is the estimated cost?

These are not matters which can be dealt with adequately within the limits of question and answer. I hope to have an opportunity to deal with them fully when the Vote for my Department comes up for discussion.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say succinctly whether he has put into force any positive scheme?

In view of the general anxiety in the country about this question, can the right hon. Gentleman arrange with the Prime Minister or the Deputy-Leader of the House that we shall have an opportunity of moving a reduction of his salary as early as possible?

And also in view of the anxiety on this question, will the right hon. Gentleman consider what measures he can produce to alleviate possible suffering in the clock and watch, the film, the musical instrument, and the motor industries?

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the case of a married man who was sentenced to six weeks' hard labour on 24th April for stealing a bicycle; whether he is aware that it appeared in evidence that the man, who was in receipt of 38s. a week from the guardians, had done no work for three years and spent his time principally in backing horses and taking bicycle rides; and whether, in view of the wastage of public funds caused by fraudulent cases of this kind, he will state what action the Government propose to take to prevent such habitual abuse of unemployment benefit?

The hon. and gallant Member states that the man referred to was in receipt of 38s. a week from the guardians. The question of abuse of unemployment benefit does not therefore arise. If he can give me particulars of any case of abuse in connection with the Unemployment Fund, I shall be glad to inquire into it.

asked the Minister of Health if he will inquire whether an understanding exists between the guard- ians and the borough council at Boston by which unemployed married men are being engaged for three days a week at 6s. per day, getting at the end of the week only 18s.; and whether, if it is found, as alleged, that this is the case, he will take steps to provide adequate relief for the unemployed in this area?

I understand that some of the men who were working at the dock under an arrangement made between the guardians and the Boston Corporation and Harbour Commissioners have recently been on short time, earning a net wage of 18s. 10d. per week, but that Poor Law relief has been granted to all the men who applied for further assistance.

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons of all ages there are employed in the auxiliary lace trades in Nottingham, and the numbers unemployed or on short time, respectively?

I regret that there is no information in the possession of the Ministry of Labour showing separately the number of persons employed or unemployed in the auxiliary lace trades in Nottingham.

Has the right hon. Gentleman made any calculation as to how many persons now unemployed in the lace trade would be employed if the recommendations of the Board of Trade Committee were carried out?

I do not think that that arises out of this question.

Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to the demands of the trade unions, in this connection to give protection to the lace trades in Nottingham?

The question of how many are unemployed in Nottingham has nothing to do with protection at all.

In signing on at the Employment Exchange, is not the designation of the trade or occupation part of the entry, and, if that be so, is it not possible to give the information which is asked for?

In order to determine the policy which should be pursued with regard to lace, ought the right hon. Gentleman not to find out the proportion of unemployed to employed?

The proportion of unemployed to employed in the lace trade is well known, but the proportion in the different sections is not known.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to receive a deputation representing those interested in all parts of the lace trade, and to get from them the information?

I am prepared to receive any deputation that can give me useful information, and I shall be glad to receive it.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of lace out-workers resident in Nottingham who are not insured persons under the Unemployment Insurance Act; and how many of this number are totally or partially unemployed, respectively?

I regret that the information asked for is not available.

Is the Minister not aware that these statistics were taken out some time ago, and that a proposal was made to include the outworker in the Unemployment Insurance Act; and are not these statistics still available to show the number employed as outworkers in the lace industry?

Has the Minister consulted the local trade board on the question of the number and state of unemployment?

The investigations that took place previously are no indication as to what is the actual position now, and we have no figures showing whether uninsured persons are employed or not.

Are we to understand that the Minister has turned down the unanimous recommendations of the Lace Committee without any further inquiry into the facts?

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to make such investigation to show the number of outworkers?

Yes, I will consider that question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my question?

That question has no reference to the question on the Paper. If the right hon. Gentleman will put it on the Paper, he will receive an answer in the ordinary way.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of agricultural workers now employed on the land in England and

— 1908. 1913. 1921. 1923. Regular Workers . Males … … 508,000 508,000 612,000 566,000 Women and Girls … … 68,000 43,000 73,000 59,000 Casual Workers . Males … … 114,000 78,000 131,000 104,000 Women and Girls … … 32,000 22,000 53,000 43,000 Total … … 722,000 651,000 869,000 772,000

Note .—The figures for 1908 and 1913 do not include members of the occupier's family; those for 1921 and 1923 do not include the occupier and his wife, but include other members of the family working on the holding.

Returns of the number of workers employed on agricultural holdings have not been collected by the Ministry in other years.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that certain discharges are now being made from the local accountant's office of the South-Eastern Division at Howard's Hotel; that amongst those under notice is an ex-officer, married, who enlisted at the outbreak of War, was sent abroad, gained a commission, and has had 4½ years' approved service in the Ministry of Labour; that in the same branch two

Wales as compared with the totals in 1900, 1910, 1914, 1920, and 1923?

I have been asked to reply, and as the answer is in the form of a statistical statement, I propose, with the hon. and gallant Baronet's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will the hon. Gentleman give the figures for 1922?

I think that the hon. Baronet had better see the full statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The number of workers employed on agricultural holdings above one acre in extent, in England and Wales, as returned by the occupiers in June, 1908, 1913, 1921, and 1923, was as follows:—

other employés, single, are being retained, suffering from war disabilities aggravated by Army training in this country, inasmuch as they neither of them went overseas; and whether he will look into these cases?

The facts are as stated in the question. The retention of the disabled men in preference to the non-disabled ex-officer referred to is in strict accordance with the recommendations of the Lytton Committee.

asked the Minister of Labour if any provision can be made for the continuation in the Colonies of the apprenticeship scheme for ex-service men who, through trade depression, have been unable to complete their training in this country; and, failing such provision, if any grant can be made in such cases by way of compensation to assist these men who emigrate to the Colonies?

I assume that the hon. and gallant Member has in mind the Scheme for Interrupted Apprenticeships. The practical difficulties in the way of extending this scheme to training in the Dominions would be too great even if such an arrangement were admissible in principle; and, as regards emigration, I am afraid this class of ex-Service man could not be selected specially for the grant of compensation for the loss of opportunities in this country.

asked the Minister of Labour if, in view of the fact that there are a number of ex-service men employed in Employment Exchanges with four years' service, and who are also qualified book-keepers, he will now allow them to be rated as permanent hands without their requiring to pass any further examination?

The question of the permanent establishment of temporary ex-service staff in Government Departments is now under consideration by Lord South-borough's Committee. I am, unable, therefore, to deal with the hon. Member's suggestion until the Government have had an opportunity of considering that Committee's recommendations.

asked the Minister of Labour how many trade boards for distributive trades are set up and functioning; does he contemplate forming further trade boards; and how-many boards will be set up to cover the distributive trades?

The Trade Boards Acts have already been applied to the milk distributive trade and to the grocery and provisions trade. There are boards for England and Wales and for Scotland respectively in each case. Minimum rates of wages have been in operation for some years in the milk distributive trade; in the grocery and provisions trade reconstituted boards will, I anticipate, meet at a very early date with a view to the fixing of minimum rates. I am now examining conditions in the drapery and allied trades and in the meat distributive trade with a view to deciding whether the Trade Boards Acts should be applied to these trades. I cannot, at this stage, form an opinion as to the number of trade boards which might be required.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether he has instituted any inquiries to discover whether unemployment has followed the setting up of the Trade Boards under the Act?

That is quite a different question, but I have no information that unemployment does follow the setting up of these boards.

also asked the Minister of Labour whether he has now considered how far it may be advisable to adopt certain recommendations of the Cave Committee on Trade Boards which do not involve legislation?

As the recommendations in question cover a wide field, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate the reply in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he proposes to introduce legislation to give effect to those recommendations of the Cave Committee which need legislation?

I have no immediate intention of introducing legislation of the character referred to.

Following is the reply:

It is presumed that the recommendations of the Cave Committee to which reference is made in the question are those concerning (i) the establishment of district boards for the distributive and retail making-up trades; (ii) expediting of machinery; (iii) the reduction of the number of appointed members to three on any one board; (iv) the limitation of the proportion of officials appointed to membership of boards without practical experience of the trade in question to 25 per cent.; (v) the basis on which learners' and apprentices' rates should be fixed; (vi) the presentation to Parliament of an annual report on the working of the Acts. (i) I am not satisfied that in general this recommendation should be adopted. 413 (ii) The following steps have been taken to remove the difficulties under this head to which the Cave Committee drew attention: ( a ) Consultation with boards between the proposal and fixing stages enables the Minister to transmit his decision on the question of confirmation within fourteen days of the receipt of notification of the rates. ( b ) A regulation has been made dating the period of objection from the publication of the notice instead of from the date of its issue to the trade. (iii) The opportunity has recently been taken to reduce to three the number of appointed members serving on the Grocery and Provisions Trade Board (England and Wales); the possibility of effecting a similar reduction in the case of the one other board in question will be considered when that board is next reconstituted. (iv) The proportion on the existing boards is in most cases considerably less than 25 per cent.; discretion must be retained for the treatment of each case on its merits. (v) These recommendations have been put into practice by several boards. (vi) A Report on the administration of the Acts from 1st January, 1922, to 31st March, 1923, was published in October last, and it is proposed to publish a Report annually.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board is not paying the full rate of wages to men employed on work for which the Ministry has granted financial assistance; and will he advise the board to do so in accordance with the Ministry's recommendations?

The Mersey Docks and Harbour Board is carrying out certain work with the promise of financial assistance from the Unemployment Grants Committee. In respect of works carried out by direct labour the condition imposed by the Committee requires that the rate of wages paid must not exceed the local authority's rate to its own workmen on similar classes of work, or the recognised district rate (where such exists) if that is lower. Within the limits imposed by that condition the local authority has discretion as to the rate to be paid. The question of the rate to be paid by a contractor is also one for arrangement between the local authority and the contractor. I am unable to intervene in either case.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons employed in the motor industry in this country in 1914; and what is the number employed at the present time?

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

As the answer is to be circulated with my permission, may I say I take exception to that course. I only want the figures in two cases—1914 and 1923—and I ask the right hon. Gentleman to produce them.

The number of insured contributors under the Unemployment Insurance Acts recorded as engaged in the construction and repair of motor cars, motor lorries, motor omnibuses, motor cycles, pedal cycles, and aircraft in Great Britain at July, 1923, the latest date for which statistics have been obtained, was approximately 193,100. No statistics are available as to the numbers engaged on construction and repair of pedal cycles or aircraft, included in this total, or as to the corresponding total in 1914. The number given includes unemployed insured persons, but excludes certain classes of persons, for example, juveniles under 16 years of age and non-manual workers whose rate of remuneration exceeds £250 per annum. It also excludes workpeople employed on the manufacture of tyres and motor components and accessories in establishments not engaged in the construction and repair of motor vehicles, etc.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the only question I have asked and the only reply I desire is as to the number of people engaged in the motor industry in 1914 compared with the number in 1923? I did not ask about pedal cycles. I challenge the right hon. Gentleman to produce the figures for which I have asked and I will repeat my question on this day week.

It is my desire to communicate all the information at my disposal to the hon. and gallant Gentleman and I apologise if my willingness has imposed an unduly long answer upon him.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can make any statement concerning the negotiations with the local authorities in relation to the Government's housing proposals?

I am not yet in a position to make a statement on this point.

Is there any truth in the statement which appeared this week in the "Daily Herald" that the right hon. Gentleman would be able to introduce this Bill, and also deal with matters in relation to the local authorities, within a fortnight?

I have not seen the statement.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the rents charged by the London County Council for houses erected outside their own area are considerably higher than the rents charged for similar accommodation by other local authorities; that since the rents of these houses were fixed in accordance with the Housing Regulations 40 local authorities in London and Greater London have reduced the rents of their houses, but the London County Council have made no reduction; and, in view of these facts and the growing dissatisfaction of London County Council tenants in Outer London, he will draw the attention of the London County Council to the fact that their rents are no longer in accordance with the Housing Regulations?

I do not think I can usefully add anything to the replies already given to the questions addressed to me by the hon. Member regarding each of the points referred to in this question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware, that these exceedingly high rents were fixed by the London County Council in accordance with the instructions of a former Minister of Health; and, if so, has he taken that fact into consideration?

Is it not a fact that the Ministry is responsible for the deficit; and is the right hon. Gentleman therefore not responsible for seeing that the right rents are charged?

I think this is a case where, if any steps are to be taken, the first one should be taken by the County Council.

asked the Minister of Health what is the best available information as to the total number of working-class houses completed by all agencies in each of the calendar years 1921, 1922 and 1923?

It is not possible to state the total number of working-class houses completed by all agencies in each of the calendar years in question, as figures are not available showing the number of houses erected by private enterprise without State assistance over the whole period. The numbers of houses erected with State assistance were: 1921 … … … … 86,669 1922 … … … … 88,999 1923 … … … … 19,185 During the year ended 30th September, 1923, it is estimated that over 39,000 houses of not more than £26 rateable value in the provinces and £35 in the Metropolitan Police district were completed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that until we have had these figures giving the total number of houses built in each year, we have no basis of comparison as to what increase in output is offered in the Building Industry Report? Cannot he make another effort to get them?

May I ask, for the purposes of clarity, whether it is not a fact that the figures the right hon. Gentleman has given are the figures for England and Wales alone, and do not include Scotland?

These figures are for England and Wales alone. With regard to the first supplementary question, I wish to say that the figures mentioned in the Building Industry Report are figures which relate to houses of a subsidy type and are to be compared with the figures of houses of that type I have given here, and it is not suggested that the number of houses of a larger type which have been produced in the last year should be reduced in future.

Is it not a fact that in the Report of that Committee there is a specific statement that if private enterprise builds more houses, the number of houses proposed in the Report will be correspondingly reduced?

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House how many houses he anticipates will be completed under his own Act for 1924?

Does not the right hon. Gentleman get complete figures for all houses built from the reports of the medical officers of health every year, and cannot he, therefore, get the complete figures asked for in the original question?

Hon. Members are inclined to confuse two sets of houses. Take the year for which we have not detailed information, the houses erected without assistance from the State are houses which, on the information we have were not built for letting, but if they were for letting the smallest would be let at net rates of from £32 10s. to £45 a year. There are not the class of houses which it is generally assumed that people with incomes of less than £3 a week can afford to occupy.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the period of the life of a working-class family when the children are growing up is the period when house room is most urgently needed and is also the period when, owing to the cost of maintaining the children, the father can least afford the rent of an adequate house; and whether, in view of this, he is prepared to consider granting any new housing subsidy in such a form as to give an abatement of rent to fathers of large families?

I have carefully considered the suggestion made by the hon. Member, but I am unable to adopt it as a basis of the housing subsidy.

also asked the Minister of Health the average percentage increase in the present rates of wages of skilled and unskilled labour in the building industry over the rates in 1913, and in the present prices of the materials used in building workmen's houses over the 1913 prices?

The average increase in the present prices of the materials used in building workmen's houses over the prices ruling at the end of 1913 is estimated to be about 85 per cent. As regards the rates of labour, the percentage increase varies in different localities. The reply will, therefore, involve a statistical table and be somewhat long, and I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that hundreds of building trade workers in London last week earned less than £1 a week owing to wet weather?

That statement is not correct.

Is it not the case that there has been a variation in the increase in the cost of building materials in various localities, and if the right hon. Gentleman can give an average percentage increase for building materials, what is to prevent him from giving the average increase in building trade wages?

The price of building materials does not vary to the same extent in localities as do the wages paid to the workers.

Is it not a fact that different materials vary very considerably?

Is it not a fact that the right hon. Gentleman has the average figures there, and cannot he give them to the House?

It is not a fact, and I do not think that suggestion was justified.

Following is the reply:

The increases in the rates of wages of building trade operatives have varied in different districts and in different occu-

As the normal weekly working hours have been reduced since 1913, the percentage increases in weekly full-time rates of wages are less than those in hourly rates of wages, given above, but the information available as to the number of hours worked is insufficient to enable precise percentages of increase in weekly wages to be calculated.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the urgent need for houses, he will press the various building trade unions to permit unemployed ex-service men and other unemployed men to be employed in the various trades at the risk of the building employers?

I have been asked to reply. The subject of the augmentation of the number of building trade workers is under consideration in connection with the report recently prepared by the employers' and workers' organisations. In this connection, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health and I will take into consideration any practicable method of absorbing men at present unemployed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consult with his colleague as to the desirability of reviving the proposal to train fit ex-service men?

pations. The following table shows the percentage increases, between the end of 1913 and the present date, in the recognised hourly rates of wages of bricklayers, carpenters and joiners, painters, and builders' labourers in 10 towns, of varying importance, in different parts of the country:

I will consider with my right hon. Friend any practical proposal for increasing the workers in the building trade, in agreement with the employers' and workers' organisations.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House now how many men, since the Government have been in office, have actually been diluted, and what actual increase there is in the number of men?

asked the Minister of Health the number of evictions in the Liverpool County Court district for the eight months prior to 1st August, 1923, and the number during the eight months subsequent to that date; and can he say how many cases were due to unemployment?

Forty-five warrants of possession were executed in the eight months prior to 1st August, 1923, and 57 in the eight subsequent months, in the Liverpool County Court. It is not possible to state how many cases were due to unemployment.

Is it the case that there are over 200,000 houses in this district?

asked the Minister of Health whether, in deciding to fix greatly reduced rents for the houses to be erected under the new housing scheme, consideration was given to the case of occupiers of similar houses built under previous State-aided schemes, who will thereby be placed in a disadvantageous position in the matter of rent; and whether, seeing that the anomaly thus created will cause difficulties in administration, he will reconsider the whole position?

I do not think that the proposals which I hope to make will have the prejudicial effect which the hon. Member apprehends on the houses built under existing State-aided schemes.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what his proposals are going to be in this respect, and will these men be treated on the same level?

There is no doubt I will tell the House in due course.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that practically none of the State houses built in London are rented at 9s. and under, and that they are all very much over; and will he consider the question of those rents, because the loss will have to be borne by the State?

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman answer, in view of the fact that in London at present there are three-roomed houses being built at a rental of over 14s. a week? Why should they pay 14s. a week if the occupants of new houses are to pay 9s.?

These are all questions which will have to be determined by Parliament.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received any representation from rural and semi-rural areas as to the number of houses required in such areas; and if an early survey will be undertaken by him?

I am aware of the need for additional housing accommodation in the rural and semi-rural areas, and the Government is giving particular attention to the problem of housing in these areas. The question of a further survey is under consideration.

also asked the Minister of Health whether it is proposed, in advance of the new housing proposals, to make an accurate and detailed national survey of the condition of existing houses and of the need for new houses, and to give the authorities concerned ample time for the preparation of such information?

I propose to give further consideration to the possibility of obtaining such a survey as the hon. Member has in mind, but it would clearly be impracticable, and in my view is not necessary, to obtain such detailed information in advance of the new housing proposals.

Is it not the fact that nobody knows what number of houses is required, or where they are required, and would it not expedite the carrying out of a big housing programme if a new return were obtained, as the 1919 return is absolutely useless for this purpose?

The Government are wholly satisfied that as many houses will be required as can be produced next year.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has inspected types of working-class houses built of wood and concrete; if so, how many different types has he inspected; and of how many he approves?

For the purposes of the 1919 Housing Scheme large numbers of special methods of construction in wood or concrete were examined and approved. Houses were erected in accordance with about 50 such methods.

Is the right hon. Gentleman's Department in favour of building wooden houses on the American plan, if they be cheaper than brick houses?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that none of these other forms of construction are anything like so satisfactory as brick?

I think there are many criticisms, and some people even criticise brick.

asked the Minister of Health the amount of the increase in the price of bricks for house-building since the present Government took office?

As the answer includes a tabular statement, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what steps he proposes to take to prevent an increase in the price of bricks?

Is it not the fact that even within the last month the price of bricks has risen 15 per cent., and is it not the fact that the present supply, including the stacks of bricks now burning in this country, have already been ordered; and how does the right hon. Gentleman propose to increase building construction, unless he himself secures the supply of bricks that may be anticipated, in view of the action by the ring at present controlling bricks?

The information for which I am asked this question is the amount of increase in the price of bricks for house building during a given period, and I have promised to give all the information in my possession, but as it

will occupy some space, and, therefore, would take some time to read, I have promised to circulate it.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman give a direct answer in this House, seeing that, undoubtedly, there has been a very large increase in the price?

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman give a general idea of the increase that has taken place?

Undoubtedly, an increase has taken place, but I can assure the hon. Member that I am not responsible for it.

Following is the statement promised:

The price of bricks necessarily varies in different districts, and it is impossible to give one figure which is of general application.

The Committee appointed to survey the prices of building materials therefore selected 12 centres in England, Scotland and Wales which could be regarded as representative of general conditions, and their Reports for the months of December, 1923, and January, February and March of this year, which have already been published, show the following brick prices:

Although the prices quoted for the same district are comparable, the prices are not comparable as between one district and another, as apart from the different quality of the brick used, some prices are "at yard," while others are "delivered on the site" or "free on rail at the nearest railway station."

The April Report is not yet available, but the Returns so far received show the following further changes in price: Manchester: common bricks, 58s. Swansea: common bricks, 67s. 6d.; facing, 75s.

During April an increase of 4s. 6d. per 1,000 has been announced in the various grades of stock bricks.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has now received the Auditor's Report in relation to the accounts of the Poplar Guardians; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

The Report has not yet been received. The Auditor has been obliged to adjourn the audit for two months in order to afford the guardians time to investigate the details of certain cases in respect of which he has given notice of surcharge.

Is the right hon. Gentleman doing his best to expedite this audit in order that he may proceed to carry out the law?

Yes. In a very short time I have had the audits for three periods completed, whereas my predecessor could not get one in 18 months.

What steps is the right hon. Gentleman taking with regard to the Returns which he states are ready to hand; and is there any evidence in those Returns that any portion of the law is being broken?

asked the Minister of Health what payment from public grants is made for experiments on living animals at the present time; and whether it is proposed to continue these grants?

As the answer is necessarily somewhat long, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

Animal experiments are a necessary part of the research work done by or for several Government Departments. No separate provision for such experiments is made in the expenditure from public funds and it is impossible to analyse the expenditure on research in such a manner as to isolate the expenditure involved in this particular class of experiment. Annual Returns furnished to Parliament by the Home Office give the names of persons licensed by the Home Secretary to perform these experiments, together with the number of animal experiments performed and a list of the laboratories approved and registered for the purpose. In reply to the second half of the question, I do not see any ground, in the present state of scientific knowledge, for discontinuing expenditure from public funds on such experiments.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the cases of infirm old age pensioners who in many cases are without any relatives or friends to assist them and are living under conditions harmful to themselves and their neighbours, and that, unless such persons apply to the Poor Law guardians for relief, the latter have no power to deal with them; and will he accordingly take action to provide proper care for such infirm and friendless pensioners?

I shall be glad to consider any practical suggestions that may be made to me for dealing with these cases.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider making proposals to the Governments of the United States of America, France, and Japan, for the calling of a Conference of those Powers, together with ourselves, to consider a further limitation of naval armaments, especially with regard to cruisers and submarines which are outside the scope of the Washington Agreement?

I need hardly assure the hon. and gallant Member that I am most anxious for further steps to be taken for the limitation of naval armaments, but I can at the present stage only refer to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for North Hackney (Mr. J. Harris) on the 30th April.