asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the sick berth branch is the only branch in the Royal Navy in which the lowest rating cannot on an average obtain promotion for eight years; over what period the average of eight years is taken; and whether he will take steps to give the sick berth staff the same conditions as those enjoyed by other branches, in order to give them the same opportunities of qualifying for the good conduct medal as apply to other branches?

On the assumption that the hon. Member is referring to the answer given to his question on the 16th April, the average age on advancement to higher rating in the different branches of the Royal Navy varies from branch to branch, and also from time to time in the same branch, and it must not be assumed that the average figure for sick berth attendants will always be eight years. With regard to the second part of the question, the average refers to the whole period of service as sick berth attendant. With regard to the third part, the requirements of the Service in the different branches are so varied that it is impossible to attain uniformity of conditions, but I have already explained in my reply of the 16th April that sick berth ratings have a reasonable opportunity of qualifying for the good conduct medal.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the names of His Majesty's ships that have been refitted at Hong Kong Dockyard during 1921, 1922, and 1923, and the names of the ships so refitted whose whole complements were accommodated at the sanatorium at the Peak for recuperation, in order that the House may be assured that the provisions provided by the Admiralty to ensure the good health of the men on that station have been taken full advantage of?

The information required has been called for and will be communicated as soon as received from the Commander-in-Chief.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if, in view of the failure of the Admiralty system recently operated at Portsmouth in connection with the election of the representatives for the Naval Welfare Committee, he will investigate the reasons why only 461 ratings out of a possible number of 11,099 attended the election meetings to elect 59 representatives; will he definitely request the Welfare Committee to report their views and any suggestions that would aid the authorities to, formulate a workable system more suitable to the requirements of the men of the Royal Navy; and, if not, why?

With regard to the first and third parts of the question, I cannot accept the suggestion that there is anything wrong with the system of elections. Reasonable opportunities were afforded for attending the elections, and it is known that the reasons why such a large percentage of men did not avail themselves of these opportunities were in some cases the reverse of unsatisfactory. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative, but the Admiralty will, as on previous occasions, review the procedure carefully after the conclusion of the meetings.

asked the Secretary of State for War if it is the practice of his Department to sanction the promotion from non-commissioned officers to the rank of warrant officer, Classes 1 and 2, of men who have not educationally qualified?

The rule as to educational qualifications is waived only in very exceptional cases where, owing to the exigencies of the Service, a non-commissioned officer has had no opportunity of presenting himself for examination.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether it is his intention to make any concessions whereby those who were otherwise qualified to participate in the crofters' housing subsidy scheme, but whose building operations were not completed before the 23rd October, 1923, through stress of weather and other circumstances over which they had no control, will still be entitled to payment of the full subsidy?

The last date for the completion of houses under the scheme referred to was fixed by Statute at 23rd October, 1923. I regret that I have no authority to grant any extension beyond that date.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether applications made by ex-service men since 1st March, 1921, for settlement on the land still receive the prior consideration granted before that date; and, if not, in view of the fact that this class of applicant is still as deserving of preferential treatment as in 1918, is he prepared to take steps to provide that the claims of ex-service men applicants will not be prejudiced on account of their being belated?

Applications by suitable ex-service men lodged after 1st March, 1921, are considered next in preference after applications by suitable ex-service men lodged before that date. It seems not unreasonable that the earlier applicants should have preference over the later, and there does not appear to me to be sufficient ground for rescinding the existing arrangement in this respect.

asked the Minister of Labour how many ex-service men were trained with State assistance as bricklayers, plasterers and slaters duing the years 1919, 1920, 1921 and 1922; what was the total expense to the State; and how many of the men, when trained, are believed to have obtained employment?

During the years 1919 to 1922, inclusive, 2,054 disabled ex-service men completed training under the industrial training schemes as bricklayers or plasterers. None were trained as slaters. The approximate cost was £450,000, of which about £350,000 represented allowances to the men. Out of a total number of 2,635 men who have received training as bricklayers or plasterers under the scheme, 142 were registered as unemployed at the end of March, 1924. Apart from the above figures, over 600 men were trained in the trades mentioned under the Interrupted Apprenticeship Scheme.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he can give a complete list of the concessionnaires at the British Exhibition, and the terms and considerations on which the concessions were granted?

I am informed by the British Empire Exhibition authorities that the following concessions have been granted in connection with the British Empire Exhibition: Messrs. Campbell Gray, Limited, photography. Messrs. Cave (Wembley), Limited, lavatories and car park. Messrs. James Pain and Sons, Limited, fireworks. 924 Messrs. Fleet way Press, Limited, publications. Messrs. J. Lyons and Company, Limited, catering. Messrs. Walter Hill and Company, Limited, advertising space. Mr. Shanly, chairs. Messrs. Wembley Amusements, Limited, amusements park. Messrs. Never-Stop Transit, Limited, Messrs. Roadrails, Limited, and Messrs. G. D. Peters and Company, Limited, conveyance of visitors inside the Exhibition. Even if it were possible within the limits of a reply to a Parliamentary question, I do not think it would serve any useful purpose to give particulars of the terms and considerations on which concessions were granted.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether his attention has been called to the fact that recently several Consuls in Central Europe, who have applied for advertising matter printed in foreign languages dealing with the British Empire Exhibition, have been informed that no further supplies are available; whether he is aware that the only information circulated to some of the most important banks in Central and Eastern Europe is in English, which is unintelligible to the people who have vainly applied for literature which they can understand; whether he is aware that no advertisements of the exhibition appear in railway stations, dining cars, steamboats, etc., while advertisements printed in the language of the country, dealing with the fair at, Padua, are everywhere to be seen; and will he take steps to alter this condition of affairs?

I have not received any communications from consular officers in the sense suggested. In conjunction with the Department of Overseas Trade the British Empire Exhibition authorities have distributed overseas, through the medium of commercial, diplomatic and consular officers, and direct, large numbers of leaflets dealing with the Exhibition in nine different languages. A number of illustrated folders in five different languages are also being distributed in the same manner, and I under- stand that posters of the Exhibition are being shown on many of the continental railways, and that most of the shipping companies have also agreed to display posters. I have been in communication with the Exhibition authorities upon the whole question, and am informed by them that their funds do not permit of their undertaking a more intensive advertising campaign upon the continent.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is aware that the waitresses employed by the catering firm holding the contract for catering at the Wembley Exhibition are paid 15s. per week as wages; and will he take steps to ensure that all workers employed by the contractors shall receive the full trade union rate of wages?

I have no information as to the rates of wages being paid by the catering contractors at the British Empire Exhibition to their employés. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I have just given to the hon. Member for Brentford and Chiswick (Colonel Morden).

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether his attention has been drawn to the admissions of the chief administrator of the British Empire Exhibition. Sir Travers Clarke, that American pine was used in the construction of the royal pavilion, despite the Agent-General of British Columbia's statement that Canadian wood was suitable and available; whether he is aware that foreign-born waiters are employed in restaurants; that large purchases of Belgian glassware and Czechslovakian crockery for use in the Exhibition have been made; that the pay of waiters and waitresses is inadequate and the subject of many protests; and whether, in view of these facts, he will assure the House that the Government guarantee of £500,000 will be withheld until these mistakes are rectified?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. If, however, the hon. and gallant Member refers to the Royal Apartments in the Pavilion of His Majesty's Government, I should like to make it clear that one of the most prominent features of their design is the panelling and flooring which have been carried out by Lord Roberts Memorial Workshops in the most beautiful timbers which could be procured within the Empire. As regards the second part of the question, I am informed that any foreign waiters who may be employed by the catering contractors are part of their regular organisation. The pay of the waiters and waitresses is primarily a question for the catering contractors and their employés, but I hope to have an opportunity this week of discussing conditions of employment at the Exhibition with the various interests involved. I am informed that the catering contractors have felt themselves obliged to obtain a certain portion of their supplies of glassware from Belgium rather than from this country owing to the great difference in cost involved, but that no crockery of Czechslovakian origin is being used in the Exhibition. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he will, in view of the grave unemployment in the acting profession, insist that in any pageants that are being arranged, professional actors and actresses will be selected?

The only pageant with which the Government are concerned is the pageant of Empire which is being organised by His Majesty's Government. I regret that financial considerations make it imperative that the performers in this pageant, of whom a very large number is required, should be recruited from those who are willing to give their services. I should add that, so far as I am aware, it is the invariable practice for performers in historical pageants on any large scale to be recruited on a voluntary basis.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when it is proposed to ratify the Treaty of Lausanne; and when the discussions on the Turco-Iraq frontier will commence?

In reply to the first part of the hon. and gallant Member's question, I am unable to make any statement at the present moment; with regard to the second part the negotiations are expected to begin at an early date. The British Delegation are already on their way to Constantinople.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is intended to take any disciplinary action with regard to the speech made recently in London by Sir James Jamieson, His Majesty's Consul-General at Canton, in which he made a personal attack on the Chinese chargé d'affaires?

The occasion in question was, I am informed, a private one. I have been assured by Sir James Jamieson that it was far from his intention to make a personal attack and that if he did unwittingly cause offence he can only express his regret. No complaint has been received.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to recognise the jurisdiction of the Permanent Court of International Justice under the conditions of Article 36 of the Statute; and whether he is aware that such a course on the part of Great Britain would do much to promote the cause of international peace?

I cannot at present add anything to the replies given to previous questions on the subject, which is one requiring careful consideration and is receiving it.

asked the Prime Minister whether any reply, and, if so, what, has been given to the note which was addressed to His Majesty's Government by Sir Eric Drummond, Secretary-General of the League of Nations, on 8th December last, respect- ing a proposal for the creation of an international organisation of mutual aid for assistance to peoples stricken by calamities, which had the unanimous support of the Conference of the Inter-Parliamentary Union at Copenhagen last year and most favourably received by the Fourth Assembly of the League of Nations?

A reply was sent a month ago, after careful consideration, stating that, in the opinion of His Majesty's Government, the scheme would raise questions of great practical difficulty to which insufficient attention had been paid, and that His Majesty's Government were not convinced of the advantage of the scheme and would not feel justified in recommending Parliament to vote the sums necessary to finance participation in it by this country.

asked the Prime Minister whether, seeing that at the last meeting of the League of Nations Council the British representative urged that the numbers to be added to the Saar Valley gendarmerie in the present year should be more than the proposed addition of 200, any steps have been taken in this direction; and whether the French troops now in the Saar will be reduced in number in proportion as the gendarmerie is increased?

Though no official report has yet been received, it is understood that the Saar Governing Commission have decided to increase by 400 the numbers to be added this year to the Saar Gendarmerie, bringing the total up to 755. His Majesty's Government welcome any increase in the numbers of the gendarmerie and, in consequence, a corresponding prospect of reduction in the number of foreign troops at present stationed in the district.

asked the Prime Minister whether an opportunity will be given to the House to debate the decisions arrived at by the Government on the Empire wireless chain before any commitments with regard to expenditure are undertaken?

Should there be a general desire for this discussion, an opportunity can be afforded, through the usual channels, for the Post Office Vote.

asked the Prime Minister when the Old Age Pensions (Disqualification of Thrift) Bill will be introduced?

I regret that I can add nothing to the answer given by the Prime Minister on Monday last in reply to a question by the hon. Member for West Woolwich (Sir K. Wood).

asked the Prime Minister if he proposes during the current Session to lay before the House any definite proposal giving effect to any portion of the nationalisation programme recommended by his party at the last Election?

Should it become necessary during the Session, in the case of any property required for national or Imperial use, to give effect to the principle referred to in the question, proposals will be duly laid before the House.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is the intention of the Government to ratify the White Lead Convention; and, if so, whether, and on what occasion, the Government propose to obtain the approval of the House of Commons to such ratification?

The Government have introduced the Lead Paint Bill with the express purpose of giving effect to the provisions of the draft Convention, and if Parliament accept the Bill and pass it without any Amendments inconsistent with the Convention, it is proposed to ratify the Convention.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, through his solicitor, the liquidator of the Marshall Shipping Company, Limited, made and delivered a claim on the 9th November, 1921, to the Board of Trade for the refund of the sum of £20,000 paid by the company to the Ministry of Shipping; that proceedings were commenced on the 7th February, 1922, in the War Compensation Court in respect of such claim; that subsequently, on the 5th July, 1922, a writ was issued, and served upon the Board of Trade to enforce such claim; that a petition of right addressed to His Majesty the King, was lodged at the Home Office on the 7th July, 1922, by the liquidator of the Marshall Shipping Company, Limited, by his solicitor, in respect of the claim to repayment of the said sum of £20,000; and why was the fiat to such petition of right withheld until the 4th February, 1924, whereby the hearing of the claim has been delayed for over one year and 10 months?

The answer to the first four parts of the question is in the affirmative. The last part of the question, which refers to the proceedings by Petition of Right, will, I understand, be replied to by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary to whom a similar question has been addressed.

asked the Home Secretary whether he received from the liquidator of the Marshall Shipping Company, Limited, or his solicitors, on the 7th July, 1922, a copy of a petition of right, together with an application for the same to be granted the customary fiat, let right be done, in order that the claim of the said liquidator might be proceeded with; will he explain why such fiat was withheld until the 4th February, 1924, delaying the proceedings against the Crown for nearly two years; and what authority does he claim to have had for causing such delay?

The petition of right referred to was received in the Home Office on the 14th July, 1922. It was referred to the Attorney-General on the 1st August, and on the 6th October, 1922, the Attorney-General reported that His Majesty could not be advised to fiat the petition while proceedings were still pending in respect of the same claim before the War Compensation Court. The petitioners were informed of this opinion on the 10th October. No reply to this letter was received, and the Home Office heard nothing further about the matter until 17th January last, when the Attorney-General reported further that he was informed that the suppliants were now prepared to give an undertaking to abandon the proceedings before the War Compensation Court in respect of the same claim in the event of the petition being fiatted, and he recommended that His Majesty should be advised to grant the fiat.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give a list of all trades for which wage or trade boards have been established and the dates of such establishment; and have any such boards been terminated?

I have been asked to reply. The trades for which trade boards have been established are as follow. None of the boards has been terminated.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a consignment of sodium phosphate arrived at Millwall Docks on 5th April last and, although the importer made a free entry in respect of the goods, the dock officers demanded that a sample should be taken; that it was not until four days later that the goods were released as being non-dutiable, and during that period the goods were in a barge on which there was heavy demurrage; and, in view of the fact that 60 per cent. of the consignments of chemicals held up, pending the result of the test by dock officers, are ultimately found to be not liable to duty under the Safeguarding of Industries Act, whether some better arrangements can be made for the quick transit of samples from the docks to the laboratory, in order to avoid delay and consequent financial loss to importers, who have to pay demurrage on barges while goods are held up?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I regret that delay should have occurred in this case, and steps are being taken to obviate any recurrence. I would, however, point out that the four days mentioned included a Saturday and Sunday.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the approximate cost per ton of carrying coal from the Tyne to Newbury by sea, river and canal, as compared with the cost by rail?

If the hon. Member can furnish me with any specific instances of coal being sent from the Tyne to Newbury I shall be glad to have inquiries made as to the cost of carrying it.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will give any particulars of the extent to which the canal between Hungerford and the Thames has been used during each of the years 1920 to 1924, the dues obtained from the use of the canal, and the difference in the cost per ton of carrying cargo by rail and river and canal between the London docks and Newbury?

I am unable to state to what extent the section of the Kennet and Avon Navigation between Hungerford and the Thames has been used in recent years, but the total tonnage conveyed on the Navigation from the 1st January, 1920, to the 31st March, 1924, was as follows: Year. Tons. 1920 21,888 1921 13,124 1922 16,895 1923 31,815 1924 (three months ended 31st March) 7,368

I have no information which would enable me to furnish the other particulars asked for by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the Great Western Railway Company charge, approximately, 2d. per gallon for the carriage of milk from Gloucestershire to London, while the charge from Derby to London is 1½d. per gallon; and will he consider the introduction of legislation to make impossible such differentiation in railway charges?

I am not aware of the facts stated, but would remind my hon. Friend that the Railway Rates Tribunal was established by the Railways Act, 1921, to deal with questions affecting railway charges, and I see no necessity for further legislation.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the Frome Rural District Council have sublet quarries near Wells on a contract, and that the rates of wages paid by the contractor are as low as 8½d. per hour; and whether he will insist upon the provisions of the Fair Wages Clauses?

I am making inquiries into the matter, and will communicate with my hon. Friend in due course.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that certain local authorities in the West of England are refusing to pay the rates fixed by the National Joint Industrial Council for the quarry industry; and whether he will exert pressure to secure proper rates of pay in accordance with the Fair Wages Clause?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer to a question on the same subject given to him in the House this afternoon.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the Somerset County Council are paying as low as 30s. per week to workers in the quarries near Williton; and whether he will see that the rates of wages agreed to by the National Joint Industrial Council are paid by this council?

So far as I am aware, the Somerset County Council are not operating any quarries near Williton.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the refusal of a number of local authorities in the West of England to pay the agreed rates decided upon by the National Joint Industrial Council for the Granite and Roadstone Trade, despite the inclusion of the Fair Wages Clause in all contracts, he will agree to receive a deputation from the National Industrial Council?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that certain local authorities in the West of England are jeopardising the wage agreement reached by the National Joint Industrial Council for the Granite and Roadstone Trade by paying less than the agreed rates; and whether he will insist that the Fair Wages Clause compels local authorities to pay the rates laid down in the agreement of the National Joint Industrial Council?

I am not aware that the Fair Wages Clause was not being observed, but I am inquiring into the matter, and will, if necessary, arrange that a deputation should be received.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to Smith's anti-mud-splashing guard, a devise invented for the purpose of obviating the great inconvenience caused to pedestrians by mud splashing of heavy motor vehicles; whether this contrivance has been tested by Scotland Yard authorities; if so, what was the opinion of the officers who were present at the test; and whether he will consider the advisability of taking steps to introduce legislation to cause such vehicles to be fitted with this or some similar device with the object of rendering pedestrians immune from this great inconvenience?

The answers to the first and second parts of the question are in the affirmative. It would not be proper for me to express an opinion as to the merits of any particular device, but, speaking generally, I may say that no device for reducing mud-splashing by motor vehicles has yet been discovered which is sufficiently satisfactory and effective to justify the introduction of legislation or the issue of Regulations making the use of such devices compulsory.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that the Report of the Departmental Committee on the Taxation and Regulation of Motor Vehicles is not to be issued before June, he can assure the House that it will be available in June; does he propose to keep open for further consideration any questions relating to the method of taxation of motor cars generally, and especially the incidence of such taxation as applied to cars which are unfairly taxed on the present method of computing rating; whether the recommendations of such Committee will be dealt with so that any alteration of the present method of taxation will be effective on 1st January, 1925; and whether any adjustment can have effect on 1st Jury, 1924?

I have been asked to reply. I have every reason to anticipate that the Report of the Committee will reach me in June. I cannot make any statement as to possible changes in the existing system of taxation until I have had an opportunity of considering the Report. Certain concessions, which it is proposed shall come into operation on 1st January, 1925, have already been announced in the Financial Statement of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Any further changes which may be made, as a result of the Committee's Report, will require legislation, and cannot in any case become operative by 1st July next.

asked the First Commissioner of Works what structural or other alterations are being made or contemplated to the Jewel Tower. Westminster?

Repairs have been undertaken at the Jewel Tower, to make good serious fractures and cavities in the old masonry. It will also be necessary to undertake the repair of the timber roof, which is in a seriously decayed condition.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will take steps to abolish all forms of task work at present being operated in Britain by Poor Law authorities in order to prevent the demoralisation at present resulting from its imposition; and whether he will have a public inquiry into the refusal of the Wolverhampton guardians to relieve cases of destitution arising out of the task-work strike in that town?

I am not prepared to take steps for the abolition of all task work. As regards the second part of the question, I am informed that poor relief has not been refused in any cases of destitution arising out of the dispute referred to.

asked the President of the Board of Education the percentage of children attending State schools in receipt of meals at State expense?

The percentage of children attending public elementary schools who, in the week ending the 12th April last, received free school meals was 6.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the event of a scheme being prepared to co-ordinate the national health, unemployment and old age pension schemes, he will have the necessary steps taken to ensure that the benefits of such scheme will be available to Scottish fishermen?

So far as the old age pensions scheme is concerned, there is nothing to prevent a Scottish fisherman from obtaining a pension if he fulfils the conditions of the Old Age Pensions Acts and Regulations. Certain classes of fishermen in Scotland already come within the provisions of the National Health Insurance and Unemployment Insurance Acts, and I am not aware of any suggestion that the position in this respect should be altered in the event of legislation for the purpose of co-ordinating the national health insurance, unemployment insurance and old age pension schemes. The question whether the classes of Scottish fishermen who are not at present held to be insurable under the National Health and Unemployment Insurance Acts should be brought within the scope of those Acts raises important issues which are distinct from the question of legislation for the purpose of co-ordinating the existing scheme. I cannot at the present time say more than that the matter will be considered in connection with any such legislation.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he can see his way to appoint a special committee to inquire into the question of disposing of His Majesty's factory and township of Gretna, where the up-to-date brick dwelling-houses and hostels are falling to ruin?

I have recently had the whole question under consideration, but I regret that I cannot see my way to arrange for the inquiry suggested. I would remind my hon. Friend that Gretna has been for sale since the end of 1921, and, efforts to sell it as a whole having failed, the sales of houses, plant, etc., have been proceeding for nearly two years past. Arrangements have been made to sell the greater portion of the remaining assets by auction early in July next.

asked the right hon. Member for Tiverton, as representing the

Situation of Area. Acreage. Price per acre of land purchased. Rent per acre per annum of land leased. Number in thousands of plants planted. EGGESFORD in the parishes of Chawleigh, Eggesford and Wembworthy. 1,382 41s. — 934 HALWILL in the parishes of Broadwood-widger, Germansweek, Halwill Ashwater and Black Torrington. 1,104 — 2s. 1,239 HALDON in the parishes of Kenn, Ashton and Chudleigh. 1,522 — 2s. 8d. 1,577 18 40s. —

The plantations suffered from the abnormal drought in 1921, but they have been "beaten up," and are now fully stocked. Apart from the value of the new plantations, the value of the land purchased is not less than the price paid, and the annual value of the land leased is not less than the rent. The average cost of planting, including fencing, weeding and "beating up," was, approximately, £10 per acre.

asked the right hon. Member for Cheltenham, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, whether the plovers' eggs supplied to Members of Parliament are, in fact, the eggs of the green plover or lapwing; and, if so, will he withdraw this item from the menu of the House, in view of the gradual extermination of the green plover, and the fact that in many parts of the country the taking of such eggs is prohibited by law?

In reply to the hon. Member, while sympathising with

Forestry Commissioners, what is the situation, acreage, cost per acre, specifying value of land and cost of planting, the number of plants planted, and the number of plants living on the land dealt with by the Forestry Commission in Devonshire since the Armistice in November, 1918?

The Forestry Commissioners were not appointed until November, 1919. The following Table contains particulars of the areas in Devonshire dealt with by the Commission:

his desire for the preservation of the lapwing, I must point out that it is the duty of caterers to meet the legitimate wishes of those for whom they cater. It would, therefore, be difficult for our Committee to refuse to supply plovers' eggs when in season, and in a locality where their sale is legal. I would add that a good many eggs sold as plovers' eggs are taken from birds other than the lapwing, and, further, that the first layings of the lapwing are often, if not collected, destroyed by the plough, and by other birds and animals, and that our later supplies come from Holland.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if the Order in force in Shropshire for double-dipping of sheep brought from Scotland is occasionally, and, if so, how frequently, reviewed by the Ministry with a view to minimising hardship or expense on the part of the sheep graziers?

Owing to the widespread character of the distribution of sheep scab, the Ministry has conferred upon local authorities powers to make regulations requiring the dipping of sheep moved into their districts, and the Ministry does not withhold confirmation of regulations in suitable form made by local authorities who desire so to protect their own flocks. The question of reviewing such regulations from time to time is primarily one for the local authorities themselves.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what has been the percentage increase in the price of British cereals for the years 1921, 1922, 1923, and up to the latest available date in 1924, respectively, as compared with the prices of 1913?

The percentage increases in the price of British cereals as compared with 1913 are as follow: — Wheat. Barley. Oats. Per cent. Per cent. Per cent. 1921 124.7 92.3 79.3 1922 50.6 47.3 52.4 1923 32.6 24.2 40.2 1924 (to 3rd May) 41.6 48.4 41.5 The figures are based on the returns made under the Corn Returns Act, 1882, and the Corn Sales Act. 1921.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what advances have actually been made to co-operative agricultural undertakings since the beginning of the year?

No advances to co-operative agricultural undertakings have yet been made, but a number of applications are under consideration. I would remind the hon. and gallant Member that the scheme was not announced until 28th February last, and some little time must be expected to elapse before the necessary arrangements can be made both by the Government and the agricultural industry for the scheme to come fully into operation.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of agriculturists in the administrative counties of Warwick, Leicester, Northampton, and Oxford who have availed themselves of Government agricultural credit facilities in the last financial year?

Records of applicants under Section 1 of the Agricultural Credits Act, 1923, are not kept by counties, and I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, seeing that the colliery explosion at Maltby, Yorkshire, could not have happened had the minerals been worked upon the retreating system, he will consider amending the Coal Mines Regulation Act, embodying statutory obligation to do so in future sunk mines of this country?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him last week, to which I may add that I am advised that it is by no means impracticable to deal with the danger of spontaneous combustion of coal effectively under other methods of working than the retreating system.

asked the Secretary for Mines what was the average annual output of coal from the mines of Great Britain for the five years previous to August, 1914; and what was the output for the years 1922 and 1923?

The average annual output of coal from the mines of Great Britain for the five years from 1909 to 1913 was 269,573,000 tons; the output for the years 1922 and 1923 was 249,584,000 tons and 275,966,000 tons, respectively.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that a circular was issued authorising an advance of pay to Government servants in India to cover the passage money of those who wished to make a voyage to England; and whether, seeing that this advance has been refused to Government servants who are Asiatics, he will take up this matter with the Government of India with a view to abolishing such discrimination between members of different races in the employ of the same Government?

I am aware of the orders referred to. The concession was limited to Government servants of non-Asiatic domicile, as Indians, who are serving in their own country, are not under the same necessity of taking leave in Europe. That being the case, I cannot admit that the discrimination is unreasonable.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what are the actual terms of the charge in the case now being heard at Cawnpore against certain persons accused of sedition; and in what Court the case is being taken?

The accused persons are charged with conspiracy to deprive the King of the sovereignty of British India, an offence punishable under Section 121A of the Indian Penal Code. The trial is being held in the Court of Session at Cawnpore. I would like to make it quite clear that the accused persons are not being prosecuted merely for holding Communist views or carrying on Com- munistic propaganda. They are charged with having conspired to secure, by violent revolution, the complete separation of India from Imperialistic Britain, and in that endeavour they formed and attempted to make use of a Workers' and Peasants' Association in India.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if it is the intention of the Government of India to introduce a Bill into the Indian Assembly during the present year to give effect to the recommendations of the Indian Tariff Committee; and, if so, what will be the approximate date of such introduction?

The Government of India propose to introduuce a Bill in the Legislative Assembly about the end of this month on the lines of the recommendations contained in the Report of the Tariff Board regarding the Grant of Protection to the Steel Industry.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether it is proposed to reduce the pensions of ex-officers of the Indian Army as and from the 1st July next; and, if so, by what amount?

The question has been referred to the Government of India, and, pending the receipt of their reply, I am not in a position to make a statement on the subject.