asked the Minister of Labour whether he has received representations from the Pontypridd Board of Guardians with regard to unemployed men and women having to wait in the open in all weathers as long as two hours to sign the register and draw their benefit at some of the Employment Exchanges; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I have received the representations in question which take the form of a resolution in identical terms with one previously received from another board of guardians. I have verified that there is no necessity for long waiting at any of the local offices in the area of the Pontypridd guardians if applicants attend when asked to do so; and the same is true else-where. On the general question I would refer the hon. Member to the reply circulated on the 24th March in answer to the question put by the hon. Member for Bristol East (Mr. Baker).

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that many men over 70 years of age who are fit for work, and willing to work, are under a disability in seeking employment in that they are not eligible under the present regulations for health insurance, and that the respective masters cannot insure them because of their age; and whether he will consider some alteration in the regulations so that there can be some measure of insurance for these older men, many of whom are excellent workmen?

I am not prepared to consider action on the lines of the second part of the question. As regards the first part, it is not clear to me how the fact that insurance contributions are not payable by employers or employés militates against the employment of men over seventy suitable for employment.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any replies have been received from the associations of employers and workpeople to the scheme submitted to them for dealing with the method of engagement of boys employed at the docks; and if he will state what action he proposes to take in the matter?

Replies have been received from the associations of workpeople concerned, approving the scheme and expressing their willingness to co-operate, and from the employers' association doubting whether the scheme is needed. The employers' association are being invited to confer with officers of the Ministry.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the number of men, women, boys and girls, respectively, insured under the national health and unemployment schemes, respectively, in 1913 and at the latest possible date?

The following are the available figures for Great Britain: Year. Men. Boys (16–18 years). Women. Girls (16–18 years). Health Insurance. 1913 … 9,645,000 4,005,000 1923 … 10,200,000 4,800,000 Unemployment Insurance. 1913 … 2,250,000 1923 … 7,830,000 540,000 2,500,000 380,000

At the date of the last valuation of approved societies (December, 1918), males and females between the ages of 16 and 18 years insured under health insurance scheme were 6 per cent. and 10 per cent. respectively of the total numbers of males and females. In 1913 those insured against unemployment consisted almost wholly of males.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can supply the figures to support the estimate that the abolition of the Inhabited House Duty-will probably be a greater relief to the married man with an income of £500 a year than a reduction of 6d. in the Income Tax?

A married man is, in the majority of cases, entitled to allowances for young children, if not for other dependants. If I take the case of a married man earning £500 with three children and no other dependants, a reduction of 6d, in the present standard rate of Income Tax would reduce his liability to tax by £1 13s. 9d. The Inhabited House Duty on a house of a pre-War rent of £50, now raised to £70, would be £1 15s.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is in a position to announce the exact details of his Income Tax concession to widowers?

My right hon. Friend explained this matter in his Budget statement. For the rest I would ask my hon. Friend to await the publication of the Finance Bill.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the exact arrangement with the Irish Free State in regard to the Income Tax of a Britisher who holds securities in the Irish Free State which are subject to the Irish Free State Income Tax?

In view of the setting up of a separate system of taxation in the Irish Free State, liability, both to British Income Tax and to Irish Free State Income Tax, may arise in respect of the same income. Arrangements for relief in respect of doubly-charged income have been made, and are embodied, on the British, side, in the Relief in respect of Double Taxation (Irish Free State) Declaration, 1923 (Statutory Rules and Orders, 1923, No. 406), and on the Irish Free State side in the Double Taxation (Relief) Order (No. 1) 1923.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the proposed reduction in the Entertainments Duty, he will state what steps he has taken to ensure that the whole benefit of the reduction shall accrue to the public?

Before making his Budget proposals, my right hon. Friend obtained an undertaking from a representative deputation of the entertainments trade that if the Entertainments Duty were reduced, the public would get the benefit.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will agree to appoint an independent commission to inquire into the operation of the McKenna Duties with a view to discovering whether their repeal will create dislocation in the industries affected and cause additional unemployment?

The proper constitutional authority for determining questions of taxation is the House of Commons. An ad hoc inquiry into the circumstances of a section of a particular industry would not, in my opinion, afford the House any assistance in deciding upon the expediency of these duties in their relation to the general national interest of which this House is the guardian.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will agree to receive, a deputation of working men employed in the industries which have been operating under the McKenna Duties?

As my right hon. Friend stated yesterday, any application of this kind will receive his consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much Government grant will be required by the operations of the Unemployment Insurance Acts, No. 1 and No. 3, the (Medical Benefit) Insurance Act, and the Unemployment Insurance Bill (No. 2) if that Bill becomes law substantially in its present form; how much of the amount required for this year is provided in the Civil Service Estimates; and what will be the total cost of this national expenditure in a normal year?

No additional Government grant will be required by the op rations of the Unemployment Insurance Acts No. 1 and No. 3 during the present financial year. The total additional charge which these two Acts impose on the Exchequer is estimated at £700,000. As regards Unemployment Insurance Bill (No. 2), I would refer the right hon. Member to paragraph 11 of the Report I made by the Government Actuary on the Financial Provisions of the Bill (Command Paper 3109), which deals with the extra cost to the Exchequer. The only extra charge in the current financial year will be in respect of the inclusion of boys and girls between 14 and 16. This will amount to about £220,000 for the half year commencing in October next, and has not been provided for in the current Estimates. The National Health Insurance (Cost of Medical Benefit) Bill is estimated to involve an additional charge on the Exchequer of £392,000 in a normal year, but in the current year Supplementary Estimates will be presented in due course to provide £490,000 for the period of 15 months, from 1st. January, 1924, to the 31st March, 1925, no provision having been included for this purpose in the current Estimates.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that over 60,000 tons of English-made newsprint, of a value of over one and a-quarter millions sterling, was delivered into Australia during 1923 under a preference of £3 per ton over that delivered by foreign makers; and, in view of the loss to the paper industry of this country and the great increase in unemployment caused by the threatened loss of this preference, he will reconsider his decision with regard to Imperial Preference?

The total quantity of newsprint paper of United Kingdom manufacture consigned from this country to Australia in 1923 was 60,520 tons, valued at £1,246,163. A duty of £3 a ton is at present levied in Australia on foreign newsprint but not on that originating in this country. I am not aware of any intention on the part of the Australian Government to alter these arrangements, but negotiations have been for some time in progress for the conclusion of a reciprocal trade agreement between Australia and Canada. In reply to the second part of the question, my right hon. Friend is unable to add anything to the statement which he made on opening the Budget on the 29th April.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if Mr. de Mole's (the Australian) claim for the tank invention was rejected by the Royal Commission on Awards; and, if this is so, why was he paid £987?

I have been asked to reply. Mr. de Mole's invention was originally submitted before the War. It was not then accepted by the authorities, and had no bearing on the actual adoption, some years afterwards, of tanks. The Royal Commission were consequently un able to recommend Mr. de Mole for an award, inasmuch as he had failed to show any causal connection between his invention and the user of any similar invention by the Government. In view, however, of the intrinsic merits of Mr. de Mole's invention, the Commission felt regret for their inability to make an award, and recommended that the Ministry of Munitions should deal sympathetically with any claim for out-of-pocket expenses which Mr. de Mole might put forward. The sum of £987 was paid by the Ministry accordingly.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will investigate the circumstances attending the discharge from His Majesty's Stationery Office, Princes Street, of George W. Sams, of 11, Chestnut Avenue, Forest Gate, and re-instate him if possible?

In consequence of a reduction of work in His Majesty's Stationery Office, notices had to be served on several members of the staff. To determine which members of the staff should be given notice, a Substitution Committee was set up, in accordance with the recommendations of the Lytton and Southborough Committees. The selection of Mr. G. W. Sams for discharge is the result of the unanimous recommendation of the Committee.

asked the Minister of Labour what activities of the Statistical Department were abandoned during the period May, 1920, to October, 1922?

The principal reductions in the activities of the Statistics Branch of the Ministry of Labour during this period involved:— (1) the discontinuance of the quarterly "Z 8" returns giving statistics of the changes in the numbers of workpeople employed in each of the principal industries; (2) the discontinuance of a number of the special articles and statistics, relating to the changes in the state of employment in some of the principal industries, which had been regularly published in the "Labour Gazette," based mainly on returns supplied by employers and trade unions; (3) reductions in the statistics relating to the work of the Employment Exchanges and in those relating to the numbers of insured workpeople; 447 (4) the suppression of publication of the quarterly journal "Labour Overseas"; (5) the further suspension of publication of the series of statistical volumes, reports, etc., on labour matters, which had been temporarily suspended during the War.

asked the First Commissioner of Works when the promised additional telephone facilities in the House of Commons will be available for Members?

The provision of additional telephone facilities involves structural alterations which cannot be carried out until the Autumn Recess.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will cause further inquiries to be made in the case of C. A. J. Honey, 74, St. George's Square, S.W.1, with a view of extending the right of appeal owing to his state of health having prevented him appealing within the 12 months, reference number 11/M/120/A.A.T.

This man's appeal will be transmitted to the tribunal with a statement of the special circumstances, following the procedure indicated in the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for North Portsmouth (Sir B. Falle) on the 29th ultimo, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

asked the Minister of Pensions what steps he has taken to put right those cases which have come to light, through medical treatment or otherwise, in which it is manifest that serious error has occurred in the making of final awards?

I am glad to be able to assure my hon. Friend that cases of the kind referred to by him are now in fact being put right by the Ministry, and the correct award, whether final or conditional made in lieu of the award which had erroneously been made final. Where a man claims to need treatment on account of his condition, his case will be considered if as a result of medical treatment and observation error is discovered. Such claims go in the ordinary course through the local offices of the Ministry.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will consider the possibility of granting an interim bonus to meet the cost of living to the 44 widows of warrant officers and commissioned officers from warrant rank, Royal Navy, now in receipt of the pensions awarded under the Order in Council of 8th May, 1919, pending the final readjustment of these pensions now under consideration?

Until a final decision has been arrived at as to whether the improved rates introduced in 1919 are to be increased, I regret that it is not possible to make any additional payments in the cases referred to by the hon. Member.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air how much of the necessary construction that his Department has required has been undertaken in the Royal Dockyards in each year since the formation of the Air Ministry, stating in respect of each year the kind and value of the work undertaken in each of the Royal Dockyards separately; and whether, seeing that the dockyards are national establishments, he will in the future undertake to give them preference in the necessary constructive work of his Department?

The work performed by the Royal Dockyards for the Air Ministry concerns the supply and repair of marine craft, moorings, torpedoes and the like. If the hon. and gallant Member's question is intended to cover all items of service performed and issues made by each of the dockyards for the Air Ministry which could be brought under the description of construction from a dockyard point of view, I am afraid that the data are incomplete and that the labour involved would be considerable and could hardly be justified. If, however, he has in mind aircraft construction work, the answer is that orders for such work are not placed with the dockyards, nor is it considered that they could usefully undertake it.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the difficulties experienced in obtaining teachers of experience for juvenile unemployment centres; whether he is aware that the difficulty is enhanced by the fact that service in these centres is not pensionable under the Teachers' Superannuation Acts; and whether His Majesty's Government will take steps for removing this difficulty?

I am very well aware of the difficulties which have arisen in this connection; but, as I have already said in answer to questions in this House, as long as existing arrangements for financing the centres continue, it would not be possible for me, without amending legislation, to treat service in them as recognised service for the purposes of the School Teachers (Superannuation) Act, 1918.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that a number of children, who were formerly educated under the Midlothian Education Authority and who had only a distance of half-a-mile to travel to school, are now, owing to a re-arrangement of the city boundaries included under the Edinburgh Education Authority, and are now asked to travel 2½ miles to another school without getting home to dinner; is he aware that the Sheriff refused to convict the parents for not allowing the children to attend the latter school, owing to their age ranging from six years upwards; and, if so, will he take steps to prevent this hardship being imposed upon the children?

The Department were informed some time ago of the general difficulty that had arisen, but they understood that, through the intervention of His Majesty's Inspector, temporary arrangements had been made which would obviate individual hardship, pending a satisfactory adjustment between the education authorities concerned. The case to which my hon. Friend refers appears to be a new one. I am having immediate inquiry made, and will let him know the result.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that Thomas Russell, of East Netherton Street, Kilmarnock, had an action raised against him by the Kilmarnock Parish Council for his son's (an ex-soldier) board in Ayr district asylum; that decree was granted against him for the sum of £40, with £9 2s. 6d. expenses; that the son's disability is now recognised as due to war service; and will he consider what steps can be taken to relieve the parent of this debt?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. I am not aware that any new decision has been taken on the question of the cause of disability. My hon. Friend presumably has in mind the concession recently made that cases of this nature, where liability does not rest on the Ministry of Pensions, should be removed from, the ambit of the Poor Law, and that the cost of maintenance should be met from a special Exchequer grant. This concession does not affect the position prior to 1st April, 1924, and I am not in a position to take any action on the lines suggested in the last part of the question.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of disabled men trained for clerical work who have obtained employment as the result of such training; and whether those unsuccessful will have an opportunity of instruction in any other avocation?

Over 6,000 disabled ex-service men have received training in commercial work in Great Britain under the industrial training scheme. I have no precise figures as to the number now employed in commercial work, but at the end of March, 1924, only about 5 per cent. of them were registered as unemployed, as compared with more than 6 per cent. of insured males in the commercial group of occupations. A man who, after training, is unemployed solely on account of trade depression would not be eligible for a second course of training.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what revenue was derived by the Government of India in the last financial year from the production and sale of opium and opium products, including all dues levied in connection therewith; and what was the expenditure on the control of the production and sale and the collection of dues?

The latest figures are for the year 1922–1923. In that year the revenue of the Government of India and Provincial Governments from the production and sale of opium was Rs.6,41,00,463, and from the sale of other drugs, Rs.51,698; the expenditure of the Government of India on the production of opium and its control was Rs.1,86,60,643; figures for the expenditure and control of distribution and collection of dues are not available, as these are included in the general charges for the collection of excise revenue; these amounted to Rs.1,28,79,921.

asked the Attorney-General if he will state the names and representative character of the committee for advising the Lord Chancellor in connection with the appointment of magistrates in the county of Middlesex?

The names and addresses of the members of the Committee responsible for advising the Lord Chancellor on the selection of Justices of the Peace for the County of Middlesex are hereafter given. Members are selected in accordance with the principles laid down in the Report of the Royal Commission on the Selection of Justices of the Peace, and there are representatives of the Conservative, Labour and Liberal parties on the Committee.

The Duke of Bedford, K.C., Woburn Abbey, Bletchley ( His Majesty's Lieutenant ).

Sir Montagu Sharp, J.P., Brent Lodge, Hanwell.

Richard Bell, Esq., J.P., 19, Derwent Road, Palmers Green, N.13.

A. K. Carlyon, Esq., J.P., Mount Park, Harrow-on-the-Hill.

J. J. Freeman, Esq., J.P., Shepperton.

Percy Barlow, Esq., J.P., Torkington House, Acton.

G. W. Barber, Esq., Park House, Englefield Green.

J. C. F. Barfield, Esq., J.P., Thatcham, Great North Road, Whetstone, N.

C. F. De Salis, Esq., J.P., Dawley Court, Uxbridge.

Francis Smith, Esq., J.P., O.B.E., 15, Cannon Road, Southgate, N.14.

Mrs. B. A. Chard, J.P., The Crescent, Southall.

Mrs. Louise Creighton, J.P., Hampton Court Palace, Middlesex.

asked the Prime Minister whether any response has so far been made by the signatories to the Washington Treaty to the decision taken by His Majesty's Government in respect of Singapore?

The answer is in the negative. No immediate or definite response was either expected or called for. The Singapore proposals were, as repeatedly stated, outside the Washington Agreement. No well informed observer, however, can fail to have noted that the general political atmosphere tends steadily to the encouragement of ideas making for further agreements in the direction of limitation of armaments.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is yet in a position to make any statement with regard to the Burney airship scheme?

I would refer the Noble Lord to the answer which I gave on Monday last in reply to a similar question by the right hon. Member for Chelsea (Sir S. Hoare).

asked the Prime Minister whether he will receive a representative deputation of Englishmen who have claims against the Soviet Government for losses in Russia?

I have been in close touch with persons having claims against the Soviet Government, and I doubt, therefore, whether it is necessary to receive another deputation at present. I shall, of course, be glad to consider any special points which the hon. and gallant Member may desire to bring to my notice.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that an order has been placed at Darlington for 5,000,000 bricks for the building of the new camp at Catterick at 16s. per 1,000 above the local price; that one block of 40 houses is entirely held up and that house building throughout the whole of Tees-side is being delayed because of the shortage of bricks caused by this demand on the part of the Government; and whether he will consult with the Secretary of State for War with a view to suspending operations at Catterick until the demand for houses is met and utilise the fully-equipped camps elsewhere?

I have been asked to reply. I have no information as to the first two parts of the question. As to the third part, the barrack accommodation at Catterick is urgently required to enable the Army at home to occupy its permanent peace stations, and I regret that I cannot see my way to authorise the suspension of the scheme. As I have already informed the hon. Member, the Catterick programme includes the expenditure of £400,000 on married quarters, which is in itself a considerable housing scheme, and the moves consequential on the completion of the scheme will set free in other parts of the country houses for civilian families which would otherwise be required for Army purposes.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the shortage of houses in West Sussex, and that great hardship is being inflicted on certain sections of the populace in consequence; and what steps he is taking to remedy this evil?

I am aware of the conditions in West Sussex and am anxious to have them improved with all possible speed.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the statement contained in the March Report of the Inter-Departmental Committee on the Prices of Building Materials that advances in the price of bricks have been notified since January of this year from seven out of the 12 centres selected by the Committee; if he can give any explanation of these advances; and what steps he intends to take in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is "Yes." The Committee are making detailed inquiry into the reasons for the advances; I will consider the matter further when I receive their report.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the statement contained in the Report of the Inter-Departmental Committee upon the Prices of Building Materials that the price of lead and sheet lead now stands at approximately £48 per ton as against £36 in April, 1923; and if he can give any explanation of this advance?

I am aware that the price of sheet lead has risen approximately as stated, reaching the higher price mentioned in March last. It has, however, quite recently been reduced in price by about £4 per ton. I am advised that the increase in cost of sheet lead has been due to a corresponding increase in the cost of the raw material which in turn is governed by conditions of world-wide demand.

asked the Minister of Health if he will state the prices of ordinary bricks and red facing bricks on 1st December last; and the corresponding prices to-day?

I am circulating a statement with the OFFICIAL REPORT, in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Woolwich, West (Sir K. Wood), giving information as regards the price of common bricks and facing bricks. Red facing bricks are not in general use for cottage building, and the Committee on Building Prices have not, therefore, obtained records of the price of this class of brick.

asked the Minister of Health if the Government proposes, in connection with the national housing scheme, to place orders for hardware and light castings only through combine houses at non-combine prices; whether it is intended to ignore the whole of the non-combine manufacturers and merchants who were mainly responsible for bringing down prices to the present figure; and whether, seeing that such procedure, if contemplated, would inflict injury upon non-associated firms, he will, in the interests of all concerned, and particularly the public, obtain estimates by public tender?

As at present proposed, it is not the intention of the Government to make direct purchases of material in connection with the new housing schemes.

asked the Minister of Health what sum of money is spent by local bodies and by the State annually to deal with disease and illness due to bad housing conditions?

Statistics are not available which would give the information referred to by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health if any inquiry has been made into the possibility of employing any of the plant as resources of the national or private dockyards in the production of light castings or other standardised parts required in house construction?

I am not aware that there has been any special inquiry into the possibility of employing dockyard plant in the production of such materials as fittings for house construction. The hon. Member will appreciate that the plant and labour required for the manufacture of such materials as light castings is of a specialised nature.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Government will give facilities for the further proceedings of the Rent and Mortgage Interest Restrictions Acts (1920 and 1923) Amendment Bill, which received a Second Reading without opposition on the 30th of April last?

As this question affects the Business of the House, I would suggest that my hon. Friend should put down a question to the Leader of the House.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received a resolution from the Shored itch Board of Guardians directing his attention to the dirty state of the motor ambulances which that board is now obliged to hire for the conveyance of sick patients; and if he will now sanction the purchase of a motor ambulance by the Shoreditch Board of Guardians?

I have received a letter from the guardians on this subject, together with a copy of a letter of explanation from the present contractors. On the information before me, I do not think that the guardians have made out a case for the reversal of my previous decision.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that there is no power to prevent an inmate of the Cuckfield Union from receiving arrears of his old age pension, which accrue while he is in the institution, and to apply them in the reduction of the costs of his maintenance by the guardians when such inmate for years has been adopting the regular practice of going into the institution, remaining there for several weeks while his pension is accumulating, then drawing his pension, spending it mainly in drink, and within two or three days returning to the institution destitute, and repeating the process; and whether he will consider the advisability of securing such powers for boards of guardians?

An old age pension ceases to be payable if the pensioner enters a Poor Law institution, except for the purpose of obtaining medical or surgical relief. I will call the attention of the guardians to the propriety of notifying the Pensions Officer in cases such as that to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Minister of Health if, in view of the contradictory statements regarding the treatment of men at the Belmont colony for persons chargeable to Poor Law guardians, he will make full inquiries as to their food and general conditions and as to the work required of them?

I have recently had a special Report upon this institution, which shows that the general conditions, including the dietary and the work required of the inmates, are satisfactory.

asked the Minister of Health if he will obtain and publish statistics from the Returns of coroners' inquests showing the deaths from starvation in England and Wales during the years 1916–23; and if he can provide information as to how many, if any, were attributable to the failure of Poor Law guardians to supply such help as had been applied for?

The total below gives the number of deaths registered as due to starvation in the years mentioned, but, being derived from registration records, it contains cases where the death, though having been under review by the coroner, has not been the subject of an inquest: England and Wales . Starvation. Males. Females 1916 … 16 15 1917 … 18 12 1918 … 12 1 1919 … 7 4 1920 … 14 2 1921 … 11 8 1922 … 8 6 1923 … 7 2 Total … 93 50

I am not aware of any case in which the death was attributable to the failure of Poor Law guardians to supply such help as had been applied for.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the increasing number of persons admitted into the Poor Law institutions who are entitled to receive benefits under the National Health Insurance Act; and whether he will consider an Amendment to the Act authorising the guardians to claim an equitable amount of benefits in order that the money can be appropriated towards the cost of the patient's maintenance?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave yesterday to a similar question by the hon. Member for Chelmsford (Mr. S. Robinson).

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that a large part of the milk sold as raw milk in our large cities has been pasteurised or otherwise, treated by heat; and whether he is prepared to take steps to ensure that purchasers may know whether their milk has been so treated?

Yes, Sir; and, while I am doubtful whether it will prove practicable to take effective steps in the direction suggested, I will consider the hon. Member's proposal. I am hopeful that the provisions of the Milk (Special Designations) Order, 1923, as to the use of the term "pasteurised" may contribute to the enlightenment of consumers and lead to the disuse of unapproved processes.

asked the Minister of Health if he can give a list of the countries which, for the protection of public health, forbid the importation of machine-skimmed condensed milk; and whether his Department has considered the desirability of dealing with the matter in this country?

The information at my disposal does not enable me to supply the list for which the hon. Member asks. In reply to the second part of the ques- tion, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I recently gave to the hon. and gallant Member for the Maidstone Division (Commander Bellairs).

asked the Minister of Health the number of workshops, hostels and training centres for blind persons which have been opened since the Blind Persons Act, 1920, came into operation?

Since the Blind Persons Act, 1920, came into operation, six new workshops have been opened and one is now in course of erection. Considerable extensions have been made or are in progress in connection with eight existing workshops. Three new hostels for blind workers have been opened and one extended. Training centres are under the control of the Board of Education, but I am informed by my right hon. Friend that the Board have recognised 12 new centres, eight new hostels and extensions to two centres for training purposes.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the inquiry held on the 6th of June, 1923, by the appeal tribunal at the instance of a lady patient against a panel doctor, case numbers M/23/11, V. 187,208/23; whether, on that inquiry, there was a finding indicating an attitude on the part of the doctor which fell below the standard which insured patients have a right to expect, and that so far as regards the report of the specialist the patient was deprived of the full benefit to be derived from a close co-operation between specialist and general practitioner; and whether, as although no expenses or compensation have been allowed, the Ministry is threatening the lady patient with proceedings to recover from her the cost of copies of depositions of evidence supplied to her for the purpose of the inquiry, he will cause a thorough investigation?

My attention has been called to this case, and I am sending a copy of the findings on the appeal to my hon. Friend. It is not the case that the appellant is being threatened by the Ministry with proceedings to recover the cost of copies of depositions supplied for the purpose of the inquiry. I understand, however, that copies of the shorthand notes of the proceedings before the Medical Benefit Sub-Committee of the London Insurance Committee were supplied to her, and that in default of payment of the usual charges, which she had in fact promised to pay, the Insurance Committee have been pressing her for payment. The question is one between this lady and the London Insurance Committee and it is not within my jurisdiction.

asked the Minister of Transport if, in view of the complaints that engineers on Clyde pleasure steamers are worked for an excessive number of hours per week, he will call for a Return showing the working hours of engineers employed upon the Clyde steamers owned by the railway companies who receive payments for conveying His Majesty's mails?

I have been asked to reply. I have no power to call for a Return showing the working hours of engineers employed in any class of steamers, but if my hon. Friend will furnish me with the information in his possession I will consider whether further inquiries can usefully be made.

asked the Minister of Transport when the Departmental Committee on the taxation and regulation of road vehicles was appointed; its terms of reference; when the inquiry into the present system of motor taxation was remitted to it for special consideration; who were the members of the Committee when first appointed and who are the members now; what is the representative capacity of each member: and whether the Report of the Committee dealing with motor taxation will be available for the consideration of the House as soon as it is received by the Minister.

The Committee was appointed in October, 1919, with the following terms of reference:

"To inquire into and report as to the following matters in relation to the Regulation and Taxation of Road Vehicles: (1) Taxation and Revenue, including an expression of opinion as to the effect of the removal of the existing Motor Spirit Duty on the price of petrol. (2) Registration and Licensing. (3) Design, construction and weight. (4) Identification. (5) Speed Limits. (6) Roads: ( a ) The effect of self-propelled traffic. ( b ) The question of safety of other traffic. ( c ) Application of Section 20, Local Government (Emergency Provisions) Act, 1916." The additional terms of reference asking the Committee to inquire further into the present system of motor taxation were remitted to it on 15th May, 1922.

The constitution of the Committee was originally as follows (alterations in the membership up to date are also indicated): Sir Henry Maybury, K.C.M.G., C.B., Director-General of Roads, Ministry of Transport ( Chairman ). Sir George Beharrell, D.S.O., Director-General of Finance and Statistics, Ministry of Transport. (This member resigned in September, 1922, and his place on the Committee was taken by Mr. C. W. Hurcomb, C.B., C.B.E., Ministry of Transport). Sir Thomas Berridge, K.B.E., Royal Automobile Club. Sir Harcourt E. Clare, Local Authorities. (This member died on 1st March, 1922, and his place on the Committee was taken by Mr. F. H. Berryman). Mr. Stenson Cooke, Automobile Association and Motor Union. Mr. F. L. D. Elliott, C.B., Police Authorities. Mr. W. Rees Jeffreys, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. (This member went abroad in December, 1922, and his place on the Committee was taken by Mr. Sidney Straker, A.M.I.C.E.). Sir Philip Nash, K.C.M.G., C.B., Director-General of Traffic, Ministry of Transport. (This member resigned in October, 1921). 462 Mr. W. H. Pascoe, Board of Customs and Excise. (This member died on 31st March, 1924, and his place on the Committee has not been filled). Mr. F. Pick, London and Provincial Omnibus Owners' Association. Mr. E. S. Shrapnell-Smith, C.B.E., Commercial Motor Users' Association (Incorporated). Mr. C. W. Tindall, Agriculture. Mr. J. S. Williams, Treasury. (This member resigned in October, 1920, and his place on the Committee was taken by Mr. E. Twentyman, who also resigned in May, 1922). It should, however, be noted that these members, other than those representing Government Departments, were appointed by the Minister of Transport from the panel of experts and impartial persons set up under the Ministry of Transport Act, 1919.

The Committee have presented two Interim Reports, dated 31st March, 1920 (Cmd 660/1920), and 17th March, 1922 (Stationery Office Publication, 1922). The first dealt with taxation and revenue, and the second with a number of questions connected with the construction and regulation of road vehicles.

I am arranging for the Committee's further Report on taxation and revenue to be published as soon as possible after it has been presented to me.

asked the Minister of Transport what are the total number of private motor cars, motor chars-a-banc, and commercial motor vehicles registered in England and Wales and Scotland, respectively, according to the latest available returns?

Information is not available exactly in the form asked for in the question. A statement, of which. I am sending the hon. Member a copy, was issued to the Press on 8th February, 1924, showing the gross proceeds of taxation, under each of the various taxation categories, for the calendar year, 1923.

further asked the Minister of Transport what is the amount collected by motor car licences from England and Wales and Scotland, respectively, during the last financial year; and what are the total amounts given from the Road Fund to each county during that period in the ordinary way, by way of special grants to necessitous areas, and by way of grants for works undertaken for the relief of unemployment?

The figures for the last financial year are still subject to adjustment, but the gross collections on account of motor licence duties for the year were approximately as follow: England and Wales … £13,408,000 Scotland … 1,297,000 Certain prior statutory charges have to be deducted from the gross revenue to arrive at the sum available for distribution in grants. The amounts given in grants from the Road Fund, county by county, will appear in due course in the Annual Report on the Administration of the Road Fund.

asked the Home Secretary when the Second Reading of the Criminal Justice Bill will be taken; and whether, in view of the urgent need of establishing a national probation system, the Government will fix an early date for this stage?

The fixing of the date does not rest with me, but I am most anxious that the Bill should be proceeded with, and hope it will be found possible to arrange for a Second Reading at an early date.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Controller of the Clearing Office invited members of the Enemy Debts Committee of the Imperial Commercial Associations to meet him on Monday 5th instant; and whether he can state the purpose of this meeting, and inform the House of the results of any interchange of views which took place?

I am aware that the Controller invited the principal trade associations, including the Imperial Commercial Association, to an informal discussion to ascertain their views as to the best means to be adopted to expedite the settlement of outstanding claims. It has always been the policy of the Clearing Office to consult the trade associations on matters affecting the interests of their members, but the publication of the proceedings at these informal meetings might, in my opinion, defeat their object.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that there is a dispute between the Humber pilots and the Humber Conservancy Board about the payment of certain sums due for piloting vessels from the roads to their docking berths and attendances where there has been a period spent lying at anchor in the roads; that, pending the reference of this dispute to the Board of Trade, the Conservancy Board are not forwarding demands for payment of these dues to ships' agents; and that in the case of foreign ships this will mean that the ship may clear and that, except by application to a foreign Court, there will be no means of recovering the money later; and whether he can state what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I was not aware of the dispute referred to, which is not one in which the Board of Trade have any power to intervene. I have, however, been in communication with the Humber Conservancy Board, who inform me that the Humber Pilotage Committee, on which the pilots are represented, are still considering the matter, and that the pilots have given notice that they propose to take legal action. As regards the last part of the question, I am advised that, under the Pilotage Act, 1913, the agents in England for foreign ships are liable to pay pilotage rates legally due, and therefore there would be no need to seek the recovery of such rates in a foreign Court.

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

The matter is receiving the earnest attention of the Government, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the present system of regulating the sale of liquor in the British mandated territories in Africa is a violation of Article 22 of the Covenant of the League of Nations, which expressly provides for the prohibition of abuses such as the slave trade, the arms traffic, and the liquor traffic in such territories; and whether he is now prepared to enforce the League policy of prohibition in place of the present imperfect system of regulation and control among these native populations, for whose well-being and development we as a nation are trustees under the League?

Article 22 of the Covenant does not provide for prohibition of alcoholic liquor in mandated territories, but for the prohibition of "abuses such as the slave trade, the arms traffic, and the liquor traffic." The phrase "the liquor traffic" primarily meant "the importation of cheap distilled liquors for sale or barter as an article of trade with African natives." Such distilled liquors were generally known as "Trade Spirits." Under the terms of the mandates confirmed by the Council of the League of Nations the Mandatory is bound to exercise a strict control over "the sale of spirituous liquors," and under the terms of the Liquor Traffic Convention of 1919, which amplifies in detail the meaning of Article 22 of the Covenant on this point, the importation and sale of trade spirits is prohibited altogether. It is only in those regions where the use of spirits by natives has not already been developed that the importation and sale to natives of all spirits has to be prohibited. I am satisfied that there is no ground for going further than has already been done.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the statements made in the presence of the Governor of Kenya Colony and of the late Governor, Sir Edward Northey, that the Kenya Government is taking up with the Italian Government the question of the ivory trade between Kenya and Italian Somaliland, and that Captain Caldwell, of the Game Department, will visit Rome this month in order to lay before the Italian Government the facts of the case; and whether, seeing that it is undesirable for a Crown Colony to carry on negotiations of this kind with foreign governments and for its officials to undertake such missions, he will take steps to see that any representations it may be necessary to make to the Italian Government are only made through the Foreign Office?

A local newspaper statement regarding Captain Caldwell which I have seen merely reports that it was expected when he went on leave in April that he would visit Rome. I have in fact directed that he should come home first, and that the question of his visiting Rome should then be considered. Whether it be decided to make use of his special knowledge in this way or not, the negotiations will remain in the hands of the Foreign Office.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is carrying out the undertaking given by his predecessor on the 10th July last in the House of Commons relating to claims by Post Office servants; whether decisions have been given in the test cases; and, if not, what is the reason of the delay?

I have been informed by the solicitors representing the staff that the drafting of the petitions has now been completed. The delay has been due to the difficulty in framing categories which will be comprehensive, and I understand that the staff have also experienced difficulties in finding suitable petitioners.

asked the Postmaster-General what were the gross receipts from telephone calls, including rentals, in the Metropolitan area during the last year when the flat rate was in operation; what they were during the last 12 months for which figures are available; and what was the aggregate maximum number of lines paid for by subscribers at any one time in each of these periods?

The gross receipts from telephone calls, including rentals, in the London telephone area during the year ended 31st March, 1921, the last year in which the flat rate was in operation, were £2,805,000. During the financial year ended 31st March, 1924, the receipts amounted to £4,590,600. At the end of March, 1921, the number of subscribers' lines working was 170,000, and at the end of March, 1924, the number of subscribers' lines was 220,000.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the case of a postal official named Mr. P. L. Calter, of Newry, who has been interned since May, 1922, by the Northern Government without charge, and who has been offered his release conditionally on his agreeing to transfer into the postal service in the Free State, which condition he has refused; and if he will make representations to the Northern Government in this matter, considering the length of service and good record of this public servant?

I am making inquiries, and will communicate with the hon. Member in due course.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that hotel charges for trunk telephone calls are sometimes in excess of the scheduled rates of the Post Office; whether this additional charge is authorised; and whether it can be made compulsory for any hotel accepting trunk calls to produce an official list of rates and to have the same affixed to the telephone box or office?

In the cases referred to, the hotel proprietors rent the installations as ordinary subscribers, and allow the public to use their telephones. I have no power to control the charges made in such circumstances, nor to insist on the exhibition of an official list of rates.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that in the district served by the Highbury letter carriers' office letters for the country must be posted before 4.45, and that there is no collection thereafter until 6.30, and that during the War, and for some years after, such letters could be posted up to 5.30; and whether he will provide facilities for Highbury at least as good as those available at more distant suburbs?

The present times of posting in the Highbury postal sub-district are similar to those in London suburban areas generally. I regret that, if a later time of posting were conceded, connection with some of the night mails leaving London could not be relied upon.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that residents in the following townlands situate near Limavady, in the County of Londonderry, namely, Carrydoo, Bally-risk, Largyreagh, Keady, Leek, Drumramer and Termaguin, suffer considerable loss and inconvenience by reason of the inadequacy of the postal facilities afforded to them; and whether he will arrange for a more frequent delivery of letters in those districts?

I regret that, having regard to the small amount of correspondence and the high cost of the present service, I should not be justified in sanctioning increased expense, in order to afford a more frequent delivery to these places.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many men have been discharged on reduction at Devonport, Portsmouth and Chatham Dockyards, respectively (including the various naval establishments outside such dockyards but attached or belonging thereto), since the 20th March last; how many are under notice to leave; whether it has been decided that more will receive notice in the immediate future; and, if so, to what extent and when, specifying the whole including the various naval establishments and the naval establishments separately?

The numbers discharged since 20th March from the establishments referred to are as follow: Devonport … … … 223 Portsmouth … … … 459 Chatham … … … 441 which include men entered temporarily for the winter months, to relieve unemployment.

The numbers under notice to leave are Devonport … … … 10 Portsmouth … … … 76 Chatham … … … Nil.

It is the intention to issue further notices during the present and next month as follow:— Devonport … … … 15 Portsmouth … … … 40 Chatham … … … 33 The whole of these discharges concern men paid from Vote 10 (Works Department) and Vote 9 (Armament Depots). No men paid from Vote 8, the Dockyard Vote, have been discharged on reduction since 20th March, nor are any such discharges contemplated.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will authorise the payment of the higher rates of pay to those dockyard clerks employed in a higher grade within the numbers allowed for Portsmouth Dockyard in the same manner as that authorised for similar persons who received confirmation or who were appointed to continue in an acting capacity from 1st November, 1922, onwards?

If, as is presumed to be the case, the hon. Member refers to the first category of persons mentioned in the reply to his question of the 26th March, the answer is that the matter is still under consideration. The hon. Member will note, however, that the matter is one which affects all dockyards and not the Portsmouth establishment alone.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether for reasons of economy the Admiralty have decided not to issue clasps to medals in respect of service in the War, 1914–18; and, if this be so, whether it is possible for the Admiralty to issue in their places vellum certificates giving authority to individual officers and men, if they so wish, to purchase at their own expense and wear certain clasps?

The issue of clasps to officers and men of the Royal Navy is at present suspended for financial considerations, but no final decision not to issue them has yet been given. With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer to the reply given to the Noble Lord the Member for South Battersea (Viscount Curzon) on the 30th April.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many volumes of the Naval History of the War have so far been published; who is now responsible for the editing of the work; and how long it is anticipated will be required in order to complete the publication?

Three volumes have been published. Sir Henry Newbolt has been appointed author of the Naval History in succession to the late Sir Julian Corbett. It is anticipated the History will be completed in two more volumes within the next four years.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if his attention has been drawn to the conditions of pay and service of the marines employed as officers' servants at the Royal Naval College at Greenwich; whether he is aware that their pay with board and lodging is 25s. a week, which is considerably less than they would get if they were employed afloat; and whether, in view of the long hours which these men work and the excessive amount they have to do owing to the shortage of staff in the college, he will consider the granting of an increase in their pay?

The men referred to are pensioners from the Royal Marines who are now employed at the college as civilians. In addition to their wages, which amount to 25s. 9d. a week, these servants are supplied with food, and also receive regulated payments derived from contributions on a fixed scale from the officers on whom they are in attendance; the question of granting an increase of pay to these servants is under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the number of masters-at-arms allowed to the Portsmouth Port Division; the number of these ratings who will be discharged to pension during the next 12 months; the number of these ratings within 12 months of completing time for pension who are serving in sea-going billets; and how-many of these men may reasonably expect to take advantage of the vocational courses by being relieved and appointed to shore or harbour service?

The answers to the first, second and third parts of the question are 37, 15 and 10 respectively. As regards the fourth part, this depends on drafting requirements and other exigencies of His Majesty's Service.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that in a large number of His Majesty's ships, and particularly light cruisers, the mess deck space has been considerably curtailed by the erection of cabins and other compartments since the ships were originally designed; and, if these compartments have not been authorised by the Admiralty, will he issue such instructions as will ensure that the lower-deck ratings, who use the mess deck as living quarters, are not deprived of the space that it was intended they should have available in the original designs?

Curtailment of mess deck space has been necessary in certain of His Majesty's ships since they were first designed, but such alterations are only sanctioned by the Admiralty when they are absolutely essential. Definite orders already exist prohibiting alterations and the erection of compartments which have not been approved by the Admiralty. Further instructions on the subject are not considered necessary.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that one of the offices in His Majesty's Ship "Colombo," now employed on the East Indies Station, has been cleared of its office appurtenances and converted into a smoking-room for officers, while other departments have either limited office accommodation or none at all; and what he proposes to do in this matter?

The Admiralty has no information as regards the alteration referred to, but a report is being called for from the Commander-in-Chief, East Indies Station.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty when it is expected the next batch of promotions to the rank of mate and mate (E) will be announced?

The Regulations provide that promotions to acting mate shall be made annually on the 1st December, and it is anticipated that an announcement of the names of those promoted will be made shortly before that date. The names of the successful candidates for mate (E) will probably be announced about the usual date, i.e., towards the end of June.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the statement that it is because of a decrease in the cost of living that it has been decided to reduce the pay and emoluments of Naval and Army officers by 5½ per cent. as from the 1st July next, he will say whether any special consideration is given to the cost of living affecting such officers as distinct from the figure which is supposed to represent the cost of maintenance of a working-class family, and especially whether such matters as rates, assessments, Income Tax and cost of education affecting these officers and their families are taken into consideration in arriving at such estimated cost of living?

In arriving at their conclusion on the fall in the cost of living the Army Council had regard to the Ministry of Labour index figure, which I may remind the hon. Member is used in dealing with the bonus of the Civil Service whatever the rate of their salary, and is also extensively used by municipal bodies, railway companies, banks, etc., for dealing with their salaried staffs.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health if he is aware that there has been another outbreak of spirochaetosis, or rat poison, in the same colliery in East Lothian; in view of this, will he take steps to institute a public inquiry so as to give assurance to the miners employed in that district; and is he aware that in one of the pits a section was stopped, with the result that no outbreak has been reported as having taken place since the date of stoppage?

I am aware that a fresh case is being treated in the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh. I am having full inquiry made as to the circumstances of the outbreak, and when I have received the report, I shall consult with the Secretary for Mines as to the expediency of holding a public inquiry. I have no information as to the last part of the question.