asked the Minister of Pensions if he will now make any statement as the final awards of service men's pensions, and especially as to the problem of recurring diseases and ailments?

Cases of recurrent ailments are met by the provision of medical treatment, with the grant of allowances if necessary. As regard cases in which it is shown that an award was erroneously declared final at the time it was made, owing to a definite error of fact or judgment, I am glad to be able to assure the hon. Member that cases of this kind 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 be discovered. Such claims go in the ordinary course through the local offices of the Ministry.

How is it that a man who has had his final award can get treatment allowance for disability, but is not eligible for pension?

If my hon. Friend gives me notice of that question, I will supply him with a full answer.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that many men who have had pensions, but who have pensions no longer, are entitled to treatment allowance in hospitals for the disability which they incurred during the War, and how is that possible when the men are denied pensions?

I will take a note of the observations of the hon. Gentleman.

Does the hon. Gentleman's answer apply to men whose appeal to the Appeal Tribunal has been rejected?

No, Sir. It applies only to the type of cases specifically mentioned in the answer.

In ceases where final awards are considered to be wrongly made, is application to be made to the local committees?

As I have numerous cases of a similar character, may I ask if the hon. Gentleman will look into the point1?

Yes; I will look into any point which any hon. Member brings to my notice.

asked the Minister of Pensions what changes are proposed in the relations between the Ministry and the areas in the country?

asked the Minister of Pensions how soon he will set up his new scheme of Regional Advisory Committees, and what will be their powers and constitution?

While no change is at present contemplated in the existing procedure between the headquarters of the Ministry and the local offices, I am making arrangements for bringing War Pensions Committees into closer relationship with the Ministry by providing for an improved system of representation for Committees, on Advisory Councils and of representation, in turn, of Advisory Councils on the Central Advisory Committee. I am sending my hon. Friends copies of a circular recently issued regarding the proposed changes—I may add that I am taking steps to obtain the views of War Pensions Committees before the powers and constitution of the new Councils are finally settled.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether a decision has been reached with regard to the former powers of the Special Grants Committee to make grants to widows of ex-service men suffering from serious and prolonged illness?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make any announcement in this matter.

When does the hon. Gentleman expect to be in a position to make an announcement?

I am afraid it is impossible to state a definite date, but I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that every attention is being paid to the matter, and I will endeavour to speed it up.

Will the hon. Gentleman be able to make an announcement, if I repeat the question next week?

That I cannot say definitely, but I will do my best.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many cases exist of ex-service men suffering from encephalitis lethargica; and whether the Department accepts responsibility for any or all of them?

I regret that the information asked for in the first part of the question is not available As regards the second part, if the disease be connected with service, as has in fact been established in certain cases, my Department accepts responsibility.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into the number of cases?

I am told a large amount of research would be required, but if the hon. Member insists, I will endeavour to get the information for him.

asked the Minister of Pensions what steps he has taken with a view to bringing to an end the systematic review of entitlement in cases of old standing?

I am glad to announce that the systematic review of entitlement by my Department ceased on the 31st March.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is prepared to make any change in the administration of dependants' pensions so as to remove the existing inequality of treatment in the case of widows who were living with their husbands and widows who were separated from their husbands at the time of their husbands' death?

It is a principle of the Pension Warrants that the liability of the State consequent on the death of an ex-service man is determined by reference to the liability in respect of his wife which rested upon or was recognised by the husband at the time of his death. I have seen no ground on which this principle calls for reconsideration, but I shall be happy to consider any particular case the hon. Member may wish to bring to my notice.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what number of aliens or persons of foreign extraction have been summoned or arrested for various breaches of the law during the last 12 months; and what number of convictions have been registered against such persons and at what cost to the State?

There are no Returns from which the information asked for could be obtained. I would, however, refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Windsor (Mr. A. A. Somerville) on 14th February showing that, of the 9,455 prisoners under sentence in England and Wales, 117 were aliens; and of the 1,820 prisoners in Scotland, 19 were aliens.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that all these questions relating to persons of foreign extraction are part of the campaign directed to bring into discredit the British pledge and signature given on naturalisation papers?

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider as to the possibility of framing Regulations which will prevent the admission of aliens into this country in all cases in which their entry is likely further to enhance the present acute conditions of unemployment?

Under the Regulations already in force, an alien is not allowed to land unless he be in a position to support himself, or, if he desire to take employment here, unless he has a permit obtained from the Ministry of Labour. I do not think anything more is necessary. The hon. and gallant Baronet's object is already met.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state the names of the representatives of Great Britain who negotiated the arrangement with France, Belgium, and Holland regarding summer time?

The British Government was represented at the Conference in Paris on this subject by Sir Malcolm Delevingne, of the Home Office.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the case of ex-Inspector Syme; whether he proposes to set up a tribunal to inquire into the case; if so, under what conditions; and can he state who are the members of the tribunal and what are their terms of reference?

Yes, Sir. I have decided to submit all the circumstances connected with the dismissal of ex-Inspector John Syme from the Metropolitan Police Force to the judgment of a Committee of three independent persons nominated by the Lord Chancellor. The Committee will be composed of the Honourable Mr. Justice Talbot (Chairman), His Honour Judge Parfitt, and Mr. Rayner Goddard, K.C., the Recorder of Poole, and their instructions will be to examine the circumstances connected with the dismissal of Inspector John Syme from the Metropolitan Police Force, to report whether wrong was done to that officer, and, if it was, to indicate the measure of the redress due in equity to him. Ex-Inspector Syme has given an undertaking that he will abide by the findings of the tribunal, and on their part the Government have undertaken to take any steps that may be necessary to give effect to these findings.

asked the President of the Board of Education the present accommodation in the certified special schools for the deaf, and the approximate number of deaf-and-dumb children in the country?

The present accommodation in certified special schools for the deaf is 4,582. The approximate number of deaf children in the country (including those who are partially deaf), based on returns furnished by local education authorities in respect of the year 1923, is 5,700.

Are those children who are not in attendance at the special schools in attendance at the ordinary schools, and are any steps being taken to secure to them the special education which they require?

I cannot give the hon. Member details without further inquiries, but I will make inquiries.

asked the President of the Board of Education what are the present regulations of the Board regarding the provision of free places in secondary schools?

As I have already announced in this House, I think that the time has come for reconsideration of the provisions which govern the system of free places, regard being had to the recommendations of the Departmental Committee which reported in 1920. This reconsideration is now proceeding. At present in all fee-charging schools free places must be offered at the beginning of each school year to pupils entering from public elementary schools. The number to be offered is ordinarily 25 per cent. of the total number of pupils admitted to the school in the previous year, but hitherto this minimum percentage has been reducible in the case of a particular school. I think that, as a rule, schools applying for admission to the grant list in future should be required to offer the full 25 per cent. of free places. The restriction on any increase of the percentage of free places above the percentage awarded in the school year ending 31st July, 1922, which the Board's Regulations imposed is being removed, and school authorities have been informed that they will be at liberty to raise the percentage of free places to 40 per cent. The regulations also provide that fees must not be abolished without previous sanction of the Board. I have announced my readiness to consider on their merits applications from local education authorities for such sanction, and some applications from local authorities in Wales have already been granted.

What are the conditions governing the grants for free places in secondary schools? Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that school managers complain that large numbers who come to the secondary schools do not complete the full time, but leave after six or eight months?

That is a matter that can only be dealt with by Debate in this House

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has received representations from local education authorities protesting against the proposals in the Unemployment Insurance (No. 2) Bill, under which children between the ages of 14 and 16 are to be treated as industrial units and handed over to the Ministry of Labour instead of being regarded as children who ought to be at school and under the care of the education authorities; and what action does he propose to take in the matter?

No representations have been made to me by local education authorities on the subject of the Unemployment Insurance (No. 2) Bill.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into serious consideration the effects of this proposal upon the secondary schools in this country, and make recommendations?

I am considering the matter, and, indeed, it has already been considered very carefully.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it takes some time for representations to local authorities to get through to the various committees of the councils?

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that many provincial school children are visiting London this year to see the British Empire Exhibition; and, as this is an excellent opportunity for these children to see places of historic interest in the capital, will he use his good offices to have the admission fees to such places as the Tower of London remitted on days suitable for these parties?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I understand from my right hon. Friend the First Commissioner of Works that the greater part of the Tower of London is open on Saturdays free of charge, and that parties of school children, accompanied by a responsible teacher, are admitted free on Fridays to the whole of the Tower without previous application being necessary. For any further particulars, I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend.

Will the right hon. Gentleman discourage any idea of taking children round to see the general sights of London if they are likely to be already exhausted by the extremely interesting sights of the Wembley Exhibition?

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that since the unlawful dissection of the body of J. M. Ashton, at Cleator Moor, and the removal of the deceased man's brains without the widow's knowledge or consent, an application has been made by the legal representatives of the insurance company for a further examination, and, as the widow has withheld her consent, the insurance company now refuse to undertake the cost of giving Christian burial to the part of the man's body unlawfully abstracted; and will he submit the matter for the consideration of the Public Prosecutor with the object of proceedings being taken against those concerned?

As this case contains some element of doubt as to the legal position, I propose to send the information in my possession to the Director of Public Prosecutions for his consideration

asked the Home Secretary whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to continue the present State management of the liquor control scheme in Carlisle; and, if so, whether he will consider the advisability of extending the scheme so as to comprise other areas?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and as far as the Government's intentions for this Session are concerned, the answer to the second part is in the negative.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the complaints from workmen of the insufficiency of factory inspection; and whether he will make inquiries to ascertain whether these complaints arise from the need of more inspectors or from any other reason?

If the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars of the complaints to which he refers, I will have them investigated. As I have stated in recent replies in this House, I am not altogether satisfied with the present position and propose to review it at the earliest opportunity.

asked the Home Secretary what action he intends to take to remove the dissatisfaction caused by the non-payment of compensation for the first three days to persons injured, under the Workmen's Compensation Act, who are off work for more than three days but less than four weeks?

The provision referred to by the hon. Member was the subject of considerable discussion in Parliament last year when the Workmen's Compensation Bill was being passed. It could only be modified now by further legislation, and further amendment of the Workmen's Compensation Acts cannot be undertaken at present.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many employers are now favourable to this practice, and, seeing that they were the people who opposed the Clause, will he make inquiries to find out if they are agreeable to having it adopted?

To make inquiries on a subject like this would be a very large order. Should the practice to which my hon Friend refers continue to grow, it will make it much easier for us to proceed with legislation.

asked the Home Secretary when the Report is likely to be published of the Committee appointed to inquire into the working of the provisions of the Factory and Workshops Acts for the medical examination of young persons as to their fitness for employment in factories?

The Report, which I have just received, will be presented at once to Parliament, and copies will be available, I hope, by the end of next week.

asked the Home Secretary if it is contemplated to remove or transfer any of the Metropolitan police from duty at the British Museum; and, seeing that many ex-service men are already employed there on warding duties, whether it is his intention to fill vacant positions with ex-service men?

The trustees of the British Museum are considering the possibility of reducing or dispensing with the services of the regular police on warding duty; but no decision has yet been reached on the subject.

asked the Postmaster-General the total number of employés of all grades and branches in the Post Office and the percentage of these who are Regular ex-service men of the Regular Forces?

The total staff, male and female, employed in the Post Office (including industrial staff) on 1st May, 1924, amounted 210,496, of whom 94,081 (or 58 per cent. of the total male staff) are ex-service men. It would not be possible, without elaborate inquiry, to ascertain what percentage of this number are Regular ex-service men.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the reorganisation of the British Museum provided for the admission of women civil servants to that Department; whether he is aware that it has recently been stated in a Report that the chief need of British Museum clerks is foreign languages; whether he is aware that women clerks already in the service having a knowledge of three and four languages, including Latin, Greek, Arabic, Russian, Hindustani, and Spanish, would be willing to transfer; and whether he will give these women an opportunity of using these qualifications, which would apparently be of great service to this Department?

The question of the recruitment of women to the British Museum staff was not specifically dealt with in the recent reorganisation of the Museum staff, but it has been fully considered by the Trustees from time to time. Though a knowledge of foreign languages is by no means the main requirement for clerks in the Museum, the existence in the Civil Service of women possessing sucl qualifications will not be overlooked when questions of recruitment are being considered.

Is it not a fact that there is a large number of ex-service men, at present unemployed, who could be very suitably employed in the British Museum, as well as women?

There may be a proportion, but the hon. and gallant Gentleman will notice that this question refers to a staff of very high qualifications. The point he mentioned will not be overlooked.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of entrants for the Admiralty departmental examination, and the number of vacancies which will fall to be filled by the existing ex-service temporary men?

I have been asked to reply. The number of entrants for the examination is 823. Fifty per cent. of the appointments made to the departmental clerical class are reserved for temporary ex-service men, and of the remainder 45 per cent. are allocated to ex-boy writers, and 5 per cent. to non-service temporary clerks. 150 vacancies have so far been announced to be filled from the competition, but it is probable that this number will be considerably increased.

Could the hon. Gentleman state roughly the age of the ex-service temporary clerks?

They are recruited at the appropriate age in accordance with Regulations adopted since the War.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the cost to the State of the Land Valuation Department during the years it was kept on after the actual tax collection was dropped?

The cost of the Land Valuation Office charged to the Valuation Office Sub-heads of the Inland Revenue Vote for the years 1920–21 to 1923–24 is as follows: £ 1920–21 … 541,964 1921–22 … 503,075 1922–23 … 388,515 1923–24 (approximate) … 359,000

Has any tax answering to that description ever been imposed by the Land Valuation Department in connection with the collection of revenue?

Can the Financial Secretary say what was the increased amount gathered through the correct valuation of estates, and whether, in view of that increase, there was any cost at all?

Is it not a fact that, in spite of the enormous sum spent on the valuation, only one-tenth of the valuations of the country were ever made?

In view of this brilliant example of how not to do things, will the Government immediately drop any idea of continuing this Department?

Some of the supplementary questions are matters for Debate; the others involve figures, and ought to be put down on the Paper.

Is it not a fact that the hon. Gentleman has already given figures amounting to £1,500,000 that has been expended since the tax was dropped, and, considering that enormous expenditure, do the Government think it is advisable to again go into this question.

That is merely a request for information.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what class railway travelling is allowed to civil servants whilst on official duties?

The class of railway travel allowed to civil servants whilst on official duty depends on salary, and status. As a general rule first-class travelling is allowed ( a ) to officers on scales of salary rising to not less than £500 (exclusive of bonus); ( b ) to officers whose actual salary exceeds £400 or in some cases £350 (exclusive of bonus); ( c ) to temporary officers whose actual salary exceeds £450 (inclusive).

Why is it that the poorly paid officers are only allowed third-class fares, while the rich officials are allowed first-class fares?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of motor cars in each horse-power section upon which taxes were paid in 1923; and the numbers in each section upon which taxes were paid for the first time in 1923?

I have been asked to answer this question. The information asked for is not available, and could not be obtained except at considerable labour and expense, but I am sending the hon. Member a copy of a statement which 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.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the present heavy taxation, he can state approximately what is the percentage of Imperial and local taxation which has to be paid by employers and workmen who are engaged in the manufacture of motor cars in this country?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave on 6th May to the hon. Member for Derbyshire, South (Mr. Lorimer), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state, as approximately as possible, the total national income from all sources for the years ending April, 1923, and 1924?

I know of no estimate of national income having been made for these years.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total gross amount of national income, as ascertained by the surveyors for Income Tax, before deductions of any kind are made for the years ending April, 1923, and 1924?

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

Following is the answer:

Final statistics for the years 1922–23 and 1923–24 are not yet available, but the following estimates have been made for the year 1922–23 of the income assessable under the Income Tax Acts: United Kingdom. £ Gross Income 2,900,000,000 Deductions (necessary to reduce the gross income to the actual income liable to tax for exemptions, repairs to property, wear and tear of machinery, overcharges in assessment, etc. 600,000,000 Actual income liable to tax, before deductions of personal or family allowances and reliefs 2,300,000,000

It will be appreciated that the significant figure above is that showing the estimated actual income, which means the statutory income of taxpayers, estimated in accordance with the provisions of the Income Tax Acts, and excluding the income of individuals with a total income not exceeding £135 of assessable income. Only a minute portion of the income of such individuals comes under the notice of the Board of Inland Revenue.

asked the Chancelor of the Exchequer what will be the ratio of direct to indirect taxation if the proposals of the Budget pass into law?

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the question of the hon. Member for Ilford (Sir F. Wise) on Friday last, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that it is now the practice of the inspectors of taxes when making repayments of Income Tax to make payment by means of repayment orders, which must be crossed and passed through a bank, and that this inflicts unnecessary and unwarrantable inconvenience on claimants who have no bank account and must get a friend or tradesman to cash the orders for them; and whether he will instruct repayment of these claims to be made, as previously, by means of Post Office money orders, which are equally economical and secure?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to a question on this subject on the 27th February last. I am sending him a copy of that reply.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the actual expenditure under the operation of the Land Valuation Tax; and what was the net result of the tax during the different years in which it was in existence?

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of claims put forward by men of the mercantile marine for losses of property or

Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider what the meaning of the Land Valuation Tax is, and whether any tax answering to that description has ever been imposed?

I am not sure that that arises, but I know exactly what the hon. Gentleman means.

Is it not the fact that the time the tax was in operation it cost 3½ million pounds?

That is a debatable figure, but if the hon. Gentleman looks at the detailed reply I think he will find that the information has been very fully given.

Following is the reply:

I regret that I am unable to divide the cost of the Land Valuation Office of the Inland Revenue Department between expenditure in connection with the Land Value Duties and the other functions of that office, which include the valuation of property passing on death for the purposes of estate, etc., duties, and valuations of property for other Government Departments. The net receipt from all Land Value Duties from their inception to the 31st March, 1924, amounted to £6,151,008. Details for each duty for the years from 1910–11 to 1920–21 will be found in Table 99 of the 64th Report of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue (Cmd. 1436). Particulars for the remaining years are as follow:

injuries sustained through enemy action at sea; how these compare with those put forward in respect of property on land damaged by enemy action; and what hitherto are the total awards in value made in respect of each category?

I am asked to reply. The number of officers and seamen of the mercantile marine (including fishermen) and of their dependants who have lodged claims against the £5,000,000 fund is approximately 23,000. 20,267 of these claimants have received £1,491,239. The number of claims lodged against the £5,000,000 fund in respect of property on land is 9,566. 3,662 of these claimants have so far received £1,846,830. In addition, about 25,000 persons have notified claims which will be considered against the proposed £300,000 fund for belated claimants. It is estimated that 90 per cent. of these claims are made by seafarers.

Is it possible to give greater consideration in the assessment of these claims to the physical sufferings occasioned by the claimants?

The intention is to give the same or greater consideration as laid down in the Report of the Commission.

Yes, but in the case of men suffering lifelong sufferings occasioned by war injuries, would the hon. Gentleman give consideration over and above the others?

If the hon. Gentleman will give me any special case he has in mind, I will look into it.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that, on a pro rata allocation of available funds by the Reparation Claims Department to all admitted claims, the men of the mercantile marine, who lost nearly all their property, will receive very little; and how does he propose to deal with their cases?

I have been asked to reply to this question also. The majority of the persons in question have received full payment out of the £5,000,000 of the assessed value of personal effects lost at sea, after deducting any compensation already received under the Board of Trade insurance schemes, payment in full having been made in every case up to £25. It is not proposed to take any further action.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of his suggestion that houses to be erected under the Government's new scheme might cost £500 each, his attention has been drawn to the offer by a firm of well-known British manufacturers to erect six-roomed concrete houses at £250 each, substantially built and guaranteed suitable for our climate; and will the Government have this method of construction thoroughly examined before arranging any terms with the builders of brick houses?

My right hon. Friend had some correspondence with reference to an offer in general terms to build concrete houses, upon an American principle, at the price mentioned. He has informed the manufacturers concerned that he would concur in any proposals which local authorities might submit for erecting a small number of houses by the method proposed, subject, of course, to the scheme, submitted conforming with the general requirements of the Ministry, and to the houses being erected and completed at a reasonable cost.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether it is not a fact that the Minister has considered this question of concrete houses very carefully, and their suitability?

Before the hon. Gentleman replies, may I ask if this is a suitable method of constructing houses, why the Government only propose to allow a small number of houses to be built, why not a larger number? [HON. MEMBERS: They are an experiment!"]

As regards the supplementary question of my hon. Friend the Member for West Islington (Mr. Montague), I am aware of what he says. As a matter of fact, in two housing schemes that have, adopted concrete houses have been sanctioned, are being built, and will still be built. In reply to the Noble Lord, I said nothing that should lead hon. Members to believe that we regard this necessarily as a satisfac- tory method. The whole purpose of adopting the schemes was to get experience as to the suitability of the houses.

What time does the hon. Gentleman consider a reasonable period to discover the result of an experiment of this kind?

asked the Minister of Health whether he can now give an estimate of the cost this year of the Government housing scheme?

My right hon. Friend is not yet in a position to state what extra cost, if any, would be incurred under the proposed housing scheme in this financial year.

When are we going to have some particulars of this housing scheme?

The hon. Member must know quite well that negotiations are now proceeding with the local authorities, and that the Bill has to be produced and passed through the House before any estimate can be made.

Are we to understand from that reply that the Bill will be passed first and the estimate of the cost arrived at afterwards?

We cannot tell until the Bill has been introduced and passed through all its stages what will be the actual cost?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will adopt the suggestion to appoint a Royal Commission to investigate the charges of alleged profiteering by middlemen and retailers?

The suggestion will receive careful consideration.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any information with regard to the reported adding of a rider to the Naval Appropriation Bill by the United States Senate requesting the President to call another conference on disarmament to deal with all surface and sub-surface craft of 10,000 tons displacement and less and aircraft; and what action His Majesty's Government propose to take to assist in the calling of such a conference?

I regret that I cannot at present add anything to the answer which the Prime Minister gave to the hon. and gallant Member yesterday.

Has the right hon. Gentleman in mind the answer yesterday of the Prime Minister, that he would be very glad to give an opportunity for the discussion of a similar Motion to that passed by the United Stales Senate of the House of Representatives, and will he consider giving a day for the Motion standing in the name of myself and the hon Gentleman the Member for North Hackney (Mr. J. Harris)?

In his answer yesterday the Prime Minister referred to opportunities arising on the Estimates.

Yes, but is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that on the Navy Estimates we cannot pass a Resolution, because Mr. Speaker has already been moved out of the Chair? Could we not have a little time for the Motion; so far as I am concerned, that time would not be long?

I cannot at present go beyond the answer given by the Prime Minister yesterday.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government are prepared to grant facilities to the Distressed Tenants Bill; and will he state precisely what steps the Government have taken, or are taking, to prevent the eviction of unemployed tenants who cannot pay their rent?

The Government cannot see their way to give facilities for this Bill. With regard to the latter part of the question, the hon. and gallant Member will recollect that the Government made proposals for the protection of unemployed tenants which a majority of the House refused to accept.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that the Government intend to take no steps themselves, and will not permit a Private Member's proposal to have facilities?

I did not say that we do not mean to take any steps ourselves, but I reminded the hon. and gallant Gentleman of what the House had done, and that we cannot take over the particular Bill in question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the question on the Paper, namely. "What steps the Government propose to take?"

Answer!

On a point of Order. May we not have an answer to the question put by the hon. and gallant Gentleman?

The question seems to be as to whether the answer already given is not sufficient.

On a point of Order. If you, Sir, took particular notice of the reply that was given by the right hon. Gentleman you would see that he did not indicate what steps the Government intended to take; are we not entitled to know the view of the Government on that particular subject?

I can only add, on behalf of the Government, that we welcome the evidence of the friendly interest in this matter of hon. Gentlemen opposite.

asked the Prime Minister when it is proposed to introduce the Pre-War Pensioners Bill?

I regret that it will not be possible to take the Financial Resolution required for this Bill next week; but it will, I hope, be possible to do so in the week following.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider making the provisions of this Bill retrospective in view of the very considerable delay which has already taken place?

That is rather a big point, but it will be considered.

asked the Prime Minister when he expects to be in a position to inform the House of the results of the negotiations now proceeding with the representatives of the Russian Soviet Republic?

I regret that I am unable to foretell the duration of the Conference, but my right hon. Friend proposes to take an opportunity immediately to hurry it up.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will state the total number of light cars which have been thrown on the market since the Armistice by the disposal of surplus War stock?

To furnish the information in question would require a search through the accounts of the Department at home and abroad for over five years, and I regret that, with the depleted staffs at present available, it is not possible to undertake that work.

Given the number of commercial vehicles under the Disposal Board, why are the light cars not more than 60,000?

Would it be possible to give the number of light cars which would be withdrawn from the market if the McKenna Duties are cancelled?

There is a very great difference between the commercial cars and the cars to which the hon. and gallant Gentleman refers in this question. These are light cars which can be used at home or abroad, and the disposal of them would be very difficult to trace. It is altogether different from the 60,000 commercial cars for which we can provide more or less accurate records through the Disposal Commission.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if Richborough Harbour and the property attached to it have been disposed of; if so, what was the price obtained; and has the full payment been completed?

Richborough Harbour and certain property attached thereto were sold under an Agreement dated 24th March, 1921, the total purchase price being £1,407,000, plus cost of acquiring certain additional land. This contract, however, has not been carried through and is still the subject of legal proceedings. The final outcome of the contract cannot be stated until these proceedings have been brought to a conclusion.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how long these proceedings have been going on, and is it not a fact that during this period an immense number of barges and other property has been rotting and rusting away, and this has been going on for several years?

I agree that a considerable time has been occupied in this matter, but recently the engineer's report was received, and this raises questions which I am bound to bell the House cannot be settled without a very complete investigation, and I am doing my best to hasten it on.

asked the Minister of Health whether, having regard to the responsibility of the local authorities for safeguarding the cleanliness and purity of the nation's milk supply, he will add an adequate number of representatives of the local authorities to the newly-appointed Milk Advisory Committee, on which they have at present not a single representative?

The Committee was originally appointed to act as an advisory body on questions relating to the technique of production, handling and distribution of milk as they affect the dairy industry. As at present constituted, the Committee consists mainly of representatives of the various branches of the industry. It is thought desirable that representatives of dairy workers and of consumers should be added, but my right hon. Friend does not think it would be practicable to include representatives of local authorities. He assures the hon. Member that the fullest consideration will always be given to the views of local authorities on all questions affecting the cleanliness and purity of milk.

Is it not a most extraordinary thing that in regard to a question like the milk supply, which is under the control of the Ministry of Health, the Milk Advisory Committee is without a single representative of the local authorities upon it?

The Advisory Committee is appointed jointly by the Minister of Agriculture and the Minister of Health, and the primary purpose of the Committee is to deal with the question of the production and the distribution of milk. Questions affecting the local authorities are important, but they are not quite in the same category, and do not arise in connection with this matter

In view of the fact that the reply is so unsatisfactory, will the hon. Gentleman reconsider this question?

There is a difficulty about this matter. I have already stated that we intend to add considerably to the representation on the Committee, but if we have to extend it still further it would mean putting on representatives of various classes of local authorities with varying powers as regards public health.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any public statement to make concerning the present dispute in the building trade, particularly in relation to the Government housing operations; and whether he can state the extra cost to working-class houses if the demand for 2d. an hour advance in wages is acceded to?

With regard to the first part of the question, I understand that a further meeting of the employers' and workers' organisations is to be held on Monday next. I am not in a position to make an authoritative statement as to the effect of the suggested increase in wages upon the cost of houses.

Can the right hon. Gentleman reply to that part of my question which asks him whether he is having regard to the Government housing operations in connection with this dispute, and can he say whether it is a fact that the actual date of the strike has now been fixed?

The actual date of the strike has appeared in the papers, but I am not responsible for the accuracy of that report. All I can say is that our information is that another meeting will take place between the two organisations on Monday next. My Department is watching the matter, and will do its best to prevent, if possible, by conciliatory methods, a dispute breaking out.

May we take the statement which has appeared in the papers as being inaccurate?

If I may give a general warning, I should ask hon. Members to accept any statement in the papers on this question with a very considerable grain of salt.

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to set up a court of inquiry into the dispute?

That will depend on the circumstances. To talk about courts of inquiry while the parties are negotiating might do far more harm than good.

Are the statements appearing this morning in the "Daily Herald" to be taken as not correct?

I decline to make any invidious distinctions.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has now solved the problem of Lochboisdale pier; and, if not, what steps he has taken, or is taking, to protect this island community from distress and damage pending a settlement of a dispute over which they have no control?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the remainder of the question, I am unable to say more at the moment than that efforts to arrange with the proprietrix to keep part of the pier open have so far been unsuccessful and that the question of its future maintenance is having my close consideration.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the grant applied for by the Harris District Committee for the construction of a road from Amhuinsuidhe to Huisinish has now been made available?

I am informed that the Unemployment Grants Committee have approved this scheme for the purpose of a grant.

What is the name of the place?

Which is going to be the terminal point of this road?

It is stated in the question.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has received a further communication from the Lewis school management committee regarding the necessity for constructing a road to enable the children of Orinsay to attend school; and whether he has taken steps to ensure that these children will have access to the school at the earliest possible date?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part. I would refer the hon. Member to my answer to his question on the same subject of 13th March. I understand the Board of Agriculture have forwarded for signature by the holders concerned a document containing an undertaking to implement the conditions referred to in that answer, and that when the document is signed and returned the construction of the path will be commenced.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed in the brick-making industry in the months of March and April, 1924?

The number of insured contributors under the Unemployment. Insurance Acts who were registered as unemployed in the brick, pipe, tile and fire-clay goods industry in Great Britain on 24th March was 4,134 as compared with 4,876 on 25th February, 1924. Figures for a later date are not yet available.

How is it that there are any unemployed in this industry having regard to the shortage of materials?

I cannot give any explanation of the figures. I merely know that these are the figures asked for.

Is it the fact that there are brickworks in the Midlands area working short time?

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that there has been a dispute in Liverpool for the past five weeks in the bag and sack industry, involving over 900 women, and that the trade union concerned has offered arbitration, which has been refused by the employers; and what action does he propose to take in the matter?

I am aware of the circumstances to which the hon. Member refers. The Department is in touch with both sides, and all possible steps will be taken to assist in reaching a settlement.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the immunity of Ireland from foot-and-mouth disease, he can see his way to reduce the period of detention of Irish cattle imported into Scotland from 28 days to six days, as desired by members of the National Farmers' Union" of Scotland?

As there were 63 outbreaks in Great Britain during April, seven of them in Scotland, my right hon. Friend is advised that it would not be safe at present to reduce the period of 28 days' detention which Irish animals have to undergo on farms in Great Britain. This view would appear to be supported by agricultural opinion, as 46 local authorities in Great Britain, including eight in Scotland, have in force Regulations prohibiting or regulating the movement into their districts of Irish animals.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are not several areas in the country subject to foot-and-mouth disease, but practically two only, and that this prolonged detention of 28 days at this season of the year is seriously adverse to all grazing areas, and will he consider the point now?

I can assure the hon. Member that these Regulations will not be kept on longer than the Minister believes them to be necessary in the interests of agriculture.

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