asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if a reply has been received from the Sudan Government to the suggestions made to it in regard to cotton by His Majesty's Government as stated in this House on 27th February last; and, if so, will he state the terms of the reply?

The hon. Member has been asked to be good enough to defer his question for a fortnight.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any official confirmation of the statement reported to have been made by Zaghloul Pasha in the Egyptian Chamber of Deputies that he rejects the declaration of February, 1922, and that his policy stands for the complete independence of the Sudan as well as of Egypt; and, if so, whether, in view of his own declaration that His Majesty's Government stand by the declaration of February, 1922, he will defer a personal meeting with Zaghloul Pasha until the Egyptian Government shall have accepted the conditions on which the British Protectorate was terminated and the validity of the instrument which constitutes the legal title of Egyptian independence?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I would, however, remind the right hon. Gentleman that the declaration of February, 1922, whilst constituting the legal title of Egyptian independence, contemplated the conclusion of agreements in regard to certain outstanding questions as a result of free and friendly discussion, the postponement of which would not increase the prospects of a satisfactory settlement.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to inform the House what is the result of the inquiries he has made of the British Minister at Cairo with reference to the treatment of certain officials of British birth in the employ of the Egyptian State railways, and what further steps he proposes to take to ensure a full and impartial reconsideration of their case; and will he cause the papers relating to the matter to be laid upon the Table of the House?

I am not yet in receipt of Lord Allenby's Report, and am unable, therefore, to reply at present to the second and third parts of the right hon. and learned Member's question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the grave inconvenience to practising solicitors due to the present uncertainty as to the Government's intentions regarding the Law of Property Act, 1922, since it is generally admitted that it is impossible for this Act to come into force, as intended, on 1st January next, in its present form; whether a systematic codification of other portions of the Act is now under codification; whether he is aware that no reliable books of precedents have been issued; and what is the Government's intention with regard to this Act as to its postponement, wholly or in part?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to a similar question addressed to me by the hon. Member for Bodmin (Mr. Foot) on 2nd April last. The Consolidation Bills rendered necessary by the passing of the Law of Property Act, 1922, have not yet been received. It is, I think, clear that it will be necessary to postpone the date when the changes in the laws would come into operation from the 1st January, 1925, to the 1st Januray, 1926.

asked the Attorney-General if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Law of Property Act, 1922, as the law now stands, will come into operation on the 1st January next; whether he is aware of the widespread feeling in the legal profession in favour of its postponement for at least one year; and whether the provisions of the Administration of Justice Bill or some other Bill will effect this object?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer I gave to a similar question addressed to mo by the hon. Member for Bodmin (Mr. Foot) on the 2nd April last. The Consolidation Bills, rendered necessary by the passing of the Law of Property Act, 1922, have not yet been received. It is, I think, clear that it will be necessary to postpone the date when the changes in the laws would come into operation from the 1st January, 1925, to the 1st January, 1926, but I cannot at present say by what means any such change will be effected.

asked the Attorney-General when the present Committee for advising the Lord Chancellor in connection with the appointment of magisstrates in the County of Middlesex was appointed; and how many Labour representatives are upon the Committee, and who they are?

The Middlesex County Justices' Advisory Committee was originally appointed in 1911. It was reconstituted in 1919, and reappointed in December, 1922, for a term of three years from the 12th December, 1922. One of the members of the original Committee was appointed to represent the Labour point of view. Another Labour member was added in 1919, and a third in 1920. These three persons are still members of the Committee. If the hon. Member desires, I shall be happy to give him their names privately.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that there is insufficient connection between War pensions committees and the Ministry; and what steps he is taking in the matter?

My right hon. Friend has recently had under consideration the necessity for a more systematic connection between War pensions committees and the Ministry, more especially as regards the expression of the collective opinion of War pensions committees upon pensions questions. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a circular recently issued to War pensions committees, setting out the main lines of a scheme for Advisory Councils upon which each War pensions committee will be represented. Before finally deciding upon the details of the new arrangements, my right hon. Friend proposes to hold conferences at certain large centres at which he will meet representatives of War pensions committees with a view to discussing the details of the scheme with them.

asked the Minister of Pensions what was the total cost of administration of war pensions for the year ended 31st March, 1924; and what was the total number of persons employed in the administration thereof for the same period?

The approximate cost of administration (including medical services) for the year ended 31st March. 1924, was £3,442,000. The average total number of staff employed during the year was 21,380.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will inquire into the conditions and remuneration of marines employed in the Naval College at Greenwich with a view to an increase of the remuneration of 25s. per week, with board and lodging, and a reduction of the hours of service per day?

As regards the question of remuneration, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply of the 7th May to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy). No complaint has been received from the staff regarding the hours of duty, and I would suggest that if the men concerned have any grievance they should represent the matter to the President of the College.

askd the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty for what year the last Report on the health of the Navy has been published; and for what year the next Report will be published, and when?

The Report for 1921 has just been published. It is expected that the next Report (for the year 1922) will be published by the end of the present year.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware of the dissatisfaction that now exists in the "Vernon" in connection with the administration of the general mess in that establishment; and will he take steps to remedy complaints, which ought not to obtain, particularly with regard to the number of cook ratings available for duty?

The Admiralty is not aware of any dissatisfaction, but inquiries will be made.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware of the disability under which officers and men of the Royal Navy serving on the North America and West Indies station labour, on account of the depreciated value of the £ sterling as compared with Canadian and United States currency, which more or less govern the prices of commodities on that station; and if he will consider the introduction of an allowance to meet the varying rate of exchange?

An arrangement was formerly in existence when the value of the dollar as expressed in sterling was considerably higher than at present, by which a portion of the pay received in Canadian or U.S.A. currency was issued at the par rate. This concession was withdrawn in 1921 in view of the marked decrease in the cost of living in North America, and the rise of the £ sterling. The hon. Member no doubt realises that the officers and men concerned are only paid in Canadian or United States currency for a portion of the year, when the fleet is on that part of the station in which such currency is the normal medium of exchange.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the number of men, categoried in branches, who have been discharged from the Navy with tuberculosis in 1922?

The following are the numbers required: Seamen 84 Engine room 48 Marines 14 Telegraphist 7 Armourer 1 Electrical artificer 1 Shipwright 1 Joiner 1 Writer 3 Victualling 4 Ship's cook 1 Regulating 1 Officer's steward and cook 5 Sick berth 5 Coastguard 1 Seedie 1 Total 178

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if, in view of the fact that no steps are taken by the Admiralty to give facilities to men within their last year of service in the Royal Navy to take the vocational courses established at the ports, he will state when it is anticipated the House will have the opportunity of examining the works of the Inter-Departmental Committee set up in 1921 to consider the re-settlement of ex-professional sailors and soldiers; if he is now in a position to state the number of these men who have been re-settled through the efforts of this Committee; and will he state in what employment they have been re-settled?

The statement in the first part of the question is incorrect. With regard to the remainder of the question, the Inter-Departmental Committer which was set up in 1921 to consider the question of placing ex-professional sailors, soldiers and airmen in civil employment has not yet made its Report.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many women are at present employed at the Holton Heath cordite factory; what duties these women perform and at what wage; and whether he will consider replacing these women by ex-service men, of whom so many are unemployed?

I have been asked to reply. 125 women are at present employed at Holton Heath on the manufacturing side. They are employed as glass blowers, machinists, cooks, cleaners and also on work in the manufacturing sections. The rates of pay vary from 31s. per week to cleaners to 44s. 6d. to glass blowers. The majority are, however, in receipt of 33s. to 35s. per week inclusive. The duties performed by these women are those usually performed by women in explosive factories. The question of replacement of women by ex-service men at Holton Heath has been carefully considered, and this has been carried out to a very considerable extent. The numbers remaining are those which it is considered desirable to retain.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Donald Clark, of Bellevue, Bradford, who enlisted in the first months of the War at the age of 40, who is disabled, and has had a course as a trainee in cabinet-making, has now obtained the offer of employment as an improver from a firm of cabinet-makers in Bradford; whether he is aware that the local trade union secretary has prevented the employment of this man on the ground that there is a limitation of the number of apprentices allowed in the trade; and whether he will take all possible steps to prevent disabled ex-soldiers being debarred from earning a living because of trade union regulations?

I am having inquiries made, and will communicate the result to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Southborough Committee has as yet reported; and, if so, when the Report is to be published?

The Southborough Committee, which has already submitted two Interim Reports, both of which have been published, is, I understand, still considering the remaining issues which fall within its Terms of Reference.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the flying officer named Jones who was last week burnt to death, with his accompanying mechanic, in a flying crash in Flint-shire, was normally attached to the local aerodrome merely for the purposes of administrative work; whether it is the practice of the Department to take men from such office work and to put them to fly when they may not have flown for some time; and whether it will be laid down that such men should first go up with a regular flying officer before resuming solo work, seeing that the present practice is incurring unnecessary risk in entailing the loss of valuable lives?

In answer to the first part of the question, the officer referred to, Flying Officer T. P. T. Jones, had been employed mainly on administrative duties since November last, but he was a qualified pilot, had been flying instructor at the station, was proficient on the type of machine on which he was killed, and was not excluded by his administrative work from flying also. As regards the second part of the question, officers of the general duties branch who are serving in an administrative capacity are required by the Regulations to keep themselves in regular flying practice, and the answer to this part of the question is, therefore, in the negative, and the third part does not arise.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will take steps to secure powers to prevent private renters of telephones from charging more than Post Office rates for calls made on such telephones by the public?

I am not aware of any reason for attempting to secure the powers suggested. The exercise of such powers would probably result in the curtailment of facilities which are of advantage to the public.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the claim of the Union of Post Office Workers first to increase wages and then to restore public facilities; and whether his Department accepts this procedure or prefers first to restore the facilities with a view to increasing wages?

My attention has been called to the claim. The wages of Post Office servants are determined by considerations other than the facilities afforded to the public.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that many Post Office servants are still awaiting a settlement of their claims to the payment of war bonus withheld during their service with the Colours, notwithstanding that the House of Lords gave judgment in their favour as long ago as 16th March, 1923, and that his predecessor in office gave an undertaking to expedite the legal inquiries so as to complete the settlement by the end of 1923; and whether, in view of the delay that has already taken place, he will state what the present position is, and give an assurance that the outstanding claims shall be settled forthwith?

I must refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the right hon. Member for Colchester (Sir L. Worthington-Evans) on the 7th instant, of which I will send him a copy.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the growing practice in certain parts of the country of old houses being bought up by speculators and being let off in single rooms to families at high rents; is he aware that many of these sub-tenants are ex-service men and that they are helpless in view of the housing shortage; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I have received some representations in regard to the practice referred to by the hon. and gallant Member, but it would require legislation to prevent it, and I doubt whether it would be practicable to pass such legislation this Session.

asked the Minister of Health what was the average monthly output of all brickfields in England, Scotland, and Wales in 1913 and 1923, respectively?

Detailed statistics are not available on the point mentioned. A Committee appointed by the Ministry of Reconstruction during the War estimated that the average annal output of bricks in the years 1911, 1912 and 1913 was 2,806 millions. This figure is not sub-divided for England, Scotland and Wales. The Committee of Building Materials' Manufacturers obtained a return for the purpose of the Report recently issued, from which it appeared that the present productive capacity for the three Kingdoms is in excess of 4,000 millions a year, and the Committee estimate that 5,000 millions would be a fair figure.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to certain cases where local authorities are unnecessarily delaying the granting of the subsidy for new houses by interpreting the Regulations in respect of the grant too literally and not in the spirit which is obviously intended; and whether he will consider the desirability of making it clear to such authorities that the object of the Housing Act is to produce houses and not to retard the action of those intending to avail themselves of its advantages?

I understand that the hon. Member's question relates to the eligibility for subsidy under the Housing, Etc., Act, 1923, of houses the construction of which was begun before the proposals of the local authority for assisting private enterprise received the approval of the Minister. The conditions on which I am prepared to authorise the payment of Exchequer subsidy in respect of such houses have been stated in reply to previous questions, and I am not aware that local authorities are responsible for any avoidable delay in dealing with applications of this nature.

asked the Minister of Health what is the total amount of subsidy paid to date by the Government to local authorities carrying out State-aided housing schemes; the total amount paid to date by the Government as interest on the sums borrowed to provide subsidies; and the total amount of interest payable on the money sunk in housing schemes?

The amount of the subsidies paid to date to local authorities in respect of State-aided housing schemes is £19,671,500. No payments have yet been made by the Government in respect of houses for which subsidies have been paid by local authorities out of borrowed money. It is estimated that the interest payable by local authorities in respect of schemes under the Housing and Town Planning Act, 1919, amounts to £11,000,000. I have no information as to the interest payable by the authorities in respect of schemes under the Housing Act of 1923.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the housing subsidy has been refused to applicants who have commenced to build their houses in the belief that, so long as they fulfilled the building requirements of the local authorities, the subsidy would be paid; that many of these people are ex-service men or working-men who could not get a home without building, and relied upon the subsidy in addition to the money they could borrow from building and other societies; and that these men now find they cannot carry the liability because of the subsidy having been refused on the sole gronds that the local committee had not at the time of commencing to erect the houses approved of a scheme; and whether, seeing that the main object is to secure houses, he will obtain the necessary power to meet these cases of undoubted hardship?

As I have stated in reply to previous questions, I am prepared to authorise the payment of the Exchequer subsidy in respect of houses which were begun on the strength of assurances of subsidy given by the local authority, even though the authority's scheme had not been approved at the date of the assurance. I am not prepared, however, to extend this concession to houses which were commenced without any assurance of subsidy from the local authority.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the figures given by the Chairman of the London County Council Housing Committee, showing that the number of houses proposed to be built by the Committee of the building industry cannot possibly be built on the conditions laid down by them; and whether he will ask them to reconsider their Report, especially as regards increasing the output per worker per week?

My attention has been drawn to the figures in question. I gather that they are based on an augmentation of the industry by apprentices to the number of one-third of the number of craftsmen employed from time to time on housing schemes. I understand the proposal of the Committee to be a wider one, and that the increase of apprentices will apply to the whole of the skilled craftsmen in each district, and not merely to those engaged on housing work.

also asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that about 86,000 working-class houses were completed in 1921, 100,000 in 1922, and 70,000 in 1923, and that the building trade in their recent Report undertake in return for important concessions a minimum of only 60,000 in the first year and under 70,000 in the second; and will he ask the Building Trade Committee to reconsider their undertaking?

Information, so far as it is available, as to the number of working-class houses completed in England and Wales during 1921, 1922, and 1923, was given in reply to a question addressed to me by the hon. Member last Wednesday. The hon. Member should bear in mind, when comparing those figures with the figures in the Report of the National House Building Committee, that the latter include only houses coming within the limits of size fixed by the Housing Act, 1923, for houses on which subsidy may be paid; the former figures include a considerable number of houses of a larger type, let at rents beyond the means of the ordinary working classes. As the number of skilled craftsmen in the industry has fallen appreciably since 1922, and it is contemplated that under the Committee's scheme other building, including the building of larger types of houses, will be maintained, I do not think the Committee's estimate, which is, it will be noted, a minimum, estimate, is unduly pessimistic.

asked the Minister of Health if he has received any report as to the condition of 170 houses in the township of Kineton, Warwickshire; and, if so, whether any action is contemplated by the Ministry?

I have not received the report referred to, but if the hon. Member will send me particulars, I will give the matter consideration.

asked the Minister of Health what steps he proposes to take in order to avoid a rise in the cost of building materials taking place after the announcement of his building programme, similar to that, which occurred in 1920–21 following the adoption of the Addison Housing Scheme?

I would suggest that the hon. Member should reserve his point until I am in a position to place before the House the Government's proposals for dealing with the housing problem.

asked the Minister of Health whether an understanding has been arrived at with the building trade with regard to the importation of doors, windows, and framings into this country?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Health, in view of the fact that after admitting the great need for working men's houses in Billingham, County Durham, he has reduced the number proposed by the local council from 80 to 30 on the grounds of shortness in the supply of building labour; and, seeing that this shortness is on account of the Government taking up the labour and materials for their new military camp at Catterick, will he reconsider his decision?

I have authorised the Urban District Council of Billingham to proceed with the erection of 30 houses as an immediate instalment of their proposals for the erection of 80 houses. Having regard to the available supply of skilled labour in the building trade and the needs of other areas, I do not feel justified in authorising a larger immediate programme in the present case, but I shall be prepared to consider favourably an application from the local authority for permission to proceed with a further instalment of their programme when progress has been made with the number already authorised.

asked the Minister of Health what is the annual loss to the Exchequer in respect of the houses built under the Addison Scheme; what is the annual cost of collecting the rents of these houses; and if he is prepared to consider applications from the tenants to purchase at current market value with a view to reducing this cost?

The annual loss to the Exchequer in respect of houses erected under the provision of the Housing and Town Planning Act, 1919, is estimated at £7,700,000. The annual cost of collection of rents, including cost of management, is approximately £250,000. Local authorities have been authorised by my Department from the outset to accept applications from tenants to buy the houses at market value if this can be done without increasing the annual loss.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that there, are 10 evictions pending in Bradford, where eviction orders have already been granted; that representations have been made to the chairman of the health committee asking that certain cottage property owned by the Bradford Corporation should be made habitable in order to house these families; and will he inquire into the matter with a view to the provision of suitable accommodation for these families before the evictions are carried out?

My attention has been called to the- fact mentioned in the first part of the question. I have made inquiries with regard to the proposal referred to in the second part of the question, and understand that the property is unfit for habitation, and that it would not, in the opinion of the local authority, be wise to adopt the course suggested.

asked the Minister of Health whether any local authority has decided to defer asking for fresh tenders for the erection of houses until the Government's proposals with regard to housing are made known?

I am not aware of any cases where authority has been given by me for the erection of houses with the financial assistance afforded by the Housing, etc., Act, 1923, and the local authority have deferred asking for tenders for the reason stated by the hon. Member. Information as to the number of houses for which new contracts have been let would not appear to support the view that local authorities are not proceeding with their schemes.

asked the Minister of Health whether there has been any increase in the amount of tenders for the erection of houses by local auhorities since 1st February last?

Returns received from local authorities, showing the average prices of houses included in contracts let during each month this year, give the following result: Non-Parlour. Parlour. £ £ January … 386 445 February … 389 439 March … 416 459 April … 425 440

asked the Minister of Health if, in view of the admitted shortage and, in consequence, inflated costs of certain building materials and labour requisites for the construction of houses, such as bricks and bricklayers, plasterers, etc., he will be willing to appoint a Committee of Members of this House who are experts on the subject to consider and suggest alternative ways of construction or use of other kinds of materials and labour?

The questions of alternative methods of construction, the use of new materials and the fullest employment of all labour available have engaged the attention of various committees of experts from time to time, and there does not seem to be any necessity for the appointment of a Committee of Members of this House for the further investigation of these questions.

asked the Minister of Health the maximum numbers employed at one time in erecting houses under the Addison schemes, and the numbers to-day employed on houses being built under the various forms of State assistance now in vogue?

The maximum number employed on building houses under the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1919, was in July, 1921, when the number was 149,854. Statistics are not available which would give the numbers who were employed on the erection of houses by private builders under the Housing (Additional Powers) Act, 1919, or the number at present employed on houses which are being erected with State assistance.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is his intention to give effect to the recommendations contained in the Report on the Present Position in the Building Industry (Cmd. 2104) that no foreign-manufactured goods should be used on houses built under Government subsidy; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to enforce such regulation?

The Government have no intention of prohibiting the use

— 1919. 1920. 1921. 1922. 1923. 1924 (Up to 1st May). Total. Housing, Town Planning, Etc. Act, 1919:— Local Authorities 83 8,200 65,989 73,616 15,547 2,093 165,528 Public Utility Societies 17 971 2,266 1,153 132 4 4,543 Housing (Additional Powers) Act, 1919:— Private Builders — 6,540 18,414 14,230 — — 39,184 Housing, Etc. Act, 1923:— Local Authorities — — — — 1,998 2,631 4,629 Private enterprise — — — — 1,110 4,037 5,147 Societies, Trustees and Companies under Sec. 3 of the Act. — — — — 398 345 743 Total 100 15,711 86,669 88,999 19,185 9,110 219,774

asked the Minister of Health whether he is in a position to make any statement as to the progress of his negotiations with the local authorities on the housing questions; if so, what are they; and when will he be in a position to introduce his Housing Bill?

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received any representations from English local authorities as to the amount of increased financial aid required to enable them to meet the continued housing shortage; and to what extent is he prepared to help them in this matter?

I propose to circulate with the OFFICIAL REPORT a copy of a letter which I have caused to be

of foreign manufactured goods in the building of houses.

asked the Minister of Health the number of State-assisted houses which have been erected in each year by private enterprise, by local authorities, and by public utility societies under each of the following Acts: the Housing and Town Planning Act, 1919, the Housing (Additional Powers) Act, 1919, and the Housing, Etc., Act, 1923?

The numbers of houses erected with State assistance under the Acts referred to are as follow:

addressed to the representatives of local authorities whom I met at the end of last week, giving the results of the discussions which I had with them. I hope to be able to introduce the Housing Bill at a very early date.

The following is the copy of the letter referred to:

12th May, 1924.

"SIR,

I am directed by the Minister of Health to refer to the Conference on the Government's Housing Proposal at which he received representatives of the local authorities of Great Britain on the 8th and 9th instant.

The Minister understands that the representatives of the local authorities wish to have recorded his views on certain Resolutions framed by them and submitted to him, and he desires me to make the following comments on these Resolutions: Resolutions ( a ) and ( b ) are as follows: '( a ) That, in carrying out any building programme under the proposed legislation the local authority should retain full power to fix the number of houses which it will build in any period, subject to the limitation of a maximum number by the Minister of Health, and also full power at its discretion to suspend building operations for any reason whatever at any time, and that such suspension should not involve the imposition of any burden upon the rates or other penalty; ( b ) That the autonomy of local authorities with regard to the execution of the proposed new Act should not be less than exists under the Housing, etc., Act, 1923, except in so far as may be specifically agreed by the authorities with the Minister of Health before the proposed Bill is presented to Parliament, and that in the event of any statutory or other committee being appointed in accordance with the proposals contained in the Report of the National House Building Committee, such committee should not be authorised to interfere with or in any way to affect the powers and duties of local authorities.'

The Minister concurs generally in these paragraphs and in particular appreciates fully the importance of leaving unimpaired the autonomy of local authorities under the Housing Act of 1923.

Resolution ( c ) is as follows: '( c ) That a local authority should retain power to use building materials purchased in the cheapest market wherever situate, and to obtain tenders under competitive conditions.'

Local authorities will retain power to use building material purchased in the cheapest market wherever situate and to obtain competitive tenders.

Resolution ( d ) is as follows: '( d ) That the dimensions of houses specified in Section 1 (2) of the Housing, etc., Act, 1923, should be retained for the purposes of the new Act, but that the Ministry in special cases should have the power on representation from any local authority to reduce that standard.'

The Minister notes that it is the view of the representatives of local authorities that the dimensions of houses specified in the Housing Act, 1923, should be retained for the purposes of the new Act and he proposes to adopt this course.

Resolutions ( e ) and ( f ) are as follows: '( e ) That the fixation of rents should continue generally on the same basis as that laid down for the fixation of rents of houses erected under the provisions of the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1919, but that if as a result of the limitation of rents under the proposed legislation it should be found necessary to reduce the rents of houses erected under the 1919 and 1923 schemes, the Government should increase the allowances to local authorities so as to prevent such authorities being placed in a worse position than they now occupy. ( f ) That the Government be asked to pay two-thirds of the loss incurred on approved expenditure and that in view of the difficulties in rural areas and in small urban districts the amount of the assistance shall be increased.'

The questions of fixation of rents and Government contributions were fully discussed at the Conferences and the following proposals were made by the Minister: (i) The Government will propose a subsidy of £9 a house for 40 years for houses to be provided for letting, on the understanding that local authorities will be prepared to provide a further subsidy of £4 10s. a house for 40 years. (ii) The aim of the present scheme is to secure rents in each locality equivalent to the rents now prevailing there for working-class houses built before the War. (iii) Until these rents can be reached local authorities will charge such rents as will be remunerative after allowance has been made for the total subsidies of £13 10s. a year for 40 years mentioned in (i). (iv) If in any district the rents to be aimed at, as described in (ii), can be secured for a smaller total subsidy than £13 10s. for 40 years, the local authority's contribution shall be reduced accordingly until wiped out.

These propositions were accepted unanimously by the representatives present at the Conferences and they promised to recommend them to the bodies by whom they were appointed.

The further Resolution is as follows: 'Further Resolved—That local authorities shall be free to seek to obtain such amendments to the Housing Bill, when presented to Parliament, as they may deem desirable,'

The Minister accepted this Resolution.

The Minister undertook to consider further the case of certain local authorities, particularly the agricultural areas, who are in an exceptional position, with a view to securing for them additional assistance, and it was arranged that representatives would be appointed to discuss this matter with him.

At the end of three years from the passing of legislation, the financial arrangements for houses to be erected after that date under the scheme will be reconsidered by the Minister and the local authorities in consultation in the light of the actual experience obtained during that period.

I am, Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

(Signed) W. A. ROBINSON."

asked the Minister of Health if he will cause inquiries to be made as to whether an order has been placed at Darlington for 5,000,000 bricks for the building of a new military camp at Catterick; how much per thousand in excess of the local price is being paid; and whether, in consequence, the building of houses for working men has in some cases stopped and is in other cases being seriously held up?

I have been asked to reply. I regret that I have nothing to add to my previous answers on this subject.

asked the Minister of Health if he will consider the desirability of amending Section 1 (1) of the Poor Law Act, 1899, by substituting 21 years for 18 years as the limit of age of vesting parental powers in the guardians where the guardians consider that in the interest of the person with respect to whom a resolution of vesting is passed an extension of the age limit is necessary or desirable?

As at present advised, I am not aware of any sufficient ground for introducing legislation for this purpose.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the West Ham Board of Guardians has passed a resolution that all persons in their employ must be members of a trade union; that a committee of six members of this board of guardians has been appointed to select the particular unions, affiliated to the Trades Union Congress, which these employés shall be called upon to join; whether, in taking such action, the West-Ham Board of Guardians is exceeding its administrative functions in interfering with the freedom of action of its employés; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I am aware of the resolution passed by the board of guardians, but they do not appear to be exceeding their legal powers, and I do not see my way to take any action in the matter.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that when local authorities grant allowances of milk tinder the Maternity and Child Welfare Act, Poor Law guardians are compelled, by the instructions of the Ministry of Health, to take such allowances into consideration when granting outdoor relief to the families concerned; is he aware that allowances of milk are only granted where the medical officer is satisfied that a supply is essential on grounds of health and is intended to be supplemental to the usual diet; and will he therefore take such steps as may be necessary to free boards of guardians from the obligation of making deductions of relief in respect of such allowances of milk?

It is the duty of a board of guardians, in considering an application for relief, to take into account, subject to certain statutory exceptions, all means available to the applicant. This is a legal obligation and does not depend upon any instructions issued by my Department, and accordingly I have no authority to dispense with it.

asked the Minister of Health why there is a decrease in this year's Estimates on the grants for maternity and child welfare (Class VII, Vote 1, Sub-head G 1) of £70,000 in the case of England, and of £2,000 in the case of Wales, as compared with last year's Estimates; and whether every encouragement is being given to local authorities and voluntary agencies to help expectant and nursing mothers, and young children, under the Maternity and Child Welfare Act, 1918, and the Education Act of 1918?

As regards the first part of the question, the explanation is that the actual expenditure last year of local authorities and voluntary agencies for maternity and child welfare proved to be considerably below the provision made in the Estimate for that year. The provision made for grants in the Estimate for this year is substantially in excess of the actual amount of grants paid last year, and includes the necessary provision for developments of this service. The answer to the second part of the question is "Yes," so far as activities under the Maternity and Child Welfare Act, 1918, are concerned. Any question affecting the Education Act of 1918 should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Education.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that contagious diseases are spread by wrapping up foodstuffs in old newspapers; and can he take steps to prohibit this practice?

I am advised that there is no evidence that the practice referred to is a factor of importance in the spread of disease, and I should not, therefore, feel justified in taking any steps in regard to it.

asked the Minister of Health whether any regular inspection of water supplies in rural areas is carried out by his Department?

Regular inspection is not carried out by my Department, because the primary duty of looking after water supplies rests with the local authorities, but a general survey is at present being made.

asked the Minister of Health what is the amount of the yearly grants given by the Government for the treatment of infectious diseases; and the yearly amount rated for by local authorities for the same purpose?

The grants paid during the year ended the 31st March last for the treatment of infectious diseases in England and Wales amounted to, approximately, £1,607,000. These grants were mainly in aid of the cost of the treatment of tuberculosis and venereal diseases, no grant being available generally for the treatment of the ordinary infectious diseases. The total amount paid out of the rates for the treatment of infectious diseases generally was, approximately, £5,088,000 in the financial year 1921–22, the last year for which complete returns are at present available.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the discovery by Dr. Lloyd B. Felton, of the Department of Preventive Medicine of Harvard University of an antibody or protective substance against pneumonia, experiments with which, it is claimed, have given remarkable results; and whether steps have been or will be taken by the Ministry to secure for this country the benefit of the discovery, especially seeing it is stated that there are no physical or financial difficulties in the way of producing the antibody in as large quantities as may be needed?

I have only seen an announcement in the public Press concerning the subject referred to by the hon. Member. Pending the receipt and consideration of a full report, I can express no opinion as to the validity of the claims made in respect of this new preparation, nor the advisability of any action thereon by the Ministry. I am making inquiries into the matter.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in certain mental hospitals the full week's duty of attendants amounts to over 70 hours and that a full day's duty covers a period of 13½ hours' consecutive work; and whether it is proposed to take steps to make a reasonable reduction in these hours of duty?

The information in my possession does not show that the number of hours mentioned represents the average number of hours worked during the week or day in any institution. As I have already stated, the subject of the hours of work of nurses in mental hospitals is at present under the consideration of a Departmental Committee appointed to consider in what directions the nursing service in these hospitals can be improved.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the hours of duty of the indoor nursing staff at mental hospitals are 66 per week; and whether, in view of the trying nature of this service, he can take steps to reduce the hours of work?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Devonport (Major Hore-Belisha) on the 30th of last month, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that it has been a practice of the manager of St. Andrew's Hospital, Northampton, in contravention of Section 8 of the Lunacy Act, 1890, which requires that a judicial authority visiting a patient under the terms of that Section shall send a report of the interview to the board of control, to request such visiting judicial authority to sign a statement prepared on the reception order held by the manager, in lieu of making a report, the manager thus obstructing the Commissioners in the performance of their statutory duty under this Section; that the reception order is not among the documents permitted by the Act to be seen by such visiting judicial authority; that his signing a statement upon it that he has seen the patient affords no confirmation of it under the Act, and is in no sense the report required by the terms of the Act; that the board of control alone is empowered by the Act to give effect to any report made by a visiting judicial authority under this Section; and that the practice of the manager in obstructing the exercise of such powers is a misdemeanour under Section 321 of the Act; and will he take suitable disciplinary measures in the matter?

It has been the practice at St. Andrew's Hospital to arrange for the visiting judicial authority to sign a statement on the reception order that he has seen the patient, but not in lieu of making the report required under Section 8 of the Lunacy Act, 1890. Such reports are made and are transmitted to the Board of Control by the clerk to the local Justices. The latter part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Minister of Health if he will state in how many instances in which the manager of St. Andrew's Hospital, Northampton, on the alleged request of a petitioner, has himself presented the petition for a reception order for persons called voluntary boarders already in that institution; have the allegations in the petition been filled in at the hospital; in how many instances has the alleged request of the petitioner been in fact a document prepared at the hospital, and sent to the peitioner with the manager's request that he signs it; will he take the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown as to whether the Lunacy Act, 1890, which throughout refers to the petitioner as the person who presents, not signs, the petition, anywhere authorises the manager of an asylum to present it in the petitioner's stead; and, if such authority is held to exist, will he immediately introduce legislation making it unlawful for managers whose institutions profit financially by converting voluntary boarders into certified lunatics, to take any part whatever in the preparation or presentation of the documents required for that purpose?

The necessary inquiries are being made, and I will furnish the hon. Member with the result.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will take the necessary steps to ascertain from the Metropolitan local authorities' statistics giving the number and character of the vehicles belonging to these local authorities used for the conveyance of persons to and from Hyde Park during the recent May Day celebrations; what charge, if any, was made to the political organisations using these vehicles; if no charge was made, the reason; and whether, when he has obtained this information, he will present a statement thereon in tabular form?

I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by the collection of the information suggested by the Noble Lord. It will be open to the district auditor to call attention to any case of this sort if he finds that any charge has been cast on the rates or any loss improperly incurred.

asked the Minister of Health what is the cost of administration for National Health Insurance cases in England, Scotland and Wales, respectively?

The total cost of administration of National Health Insurance in the year 1922 (including expenditure by all Government Departments in connection with the service) was as follows: £ England … … … 4,012,000 Scotland … … … 547,000 Wales … … … 288,500

There are no statistics available as to the cost of administration per case, if, as is assumed, the hon. Member means by a case an individual insured person who is actually in receipt of one or other of the benefits provided under the Acts. The total cost of administration given above represented in the case of both England and Scotland approximately 6s. 4d. per insured person per annum, and in the case of Wales approximately 7s., and was in each case about 13 per cent. of the total receipts from ad sources. There has been a reduction as from the 1st January, 1924, in the maximum amount allowed to be appropriated for the administration expenses of approved societies.

asked the Minister of Health if he will consider the amendment of the law relating to county council and district council elections in order to avoid frivolous and unnecessary elections which throw further burdens on ratepayers, and to bring them under the same conditions as now exist in Parliamentary elections to the extent that a deposit shall be payable by each candidate, which deposit shall be forfeited if he does not poll one-eighth of the total number of votes cast?

I have been asked to reply. The suggestion will be considered when legislation to amend the Acts is undertaken, but as the hon. and gallant Member will be aware, it is a matter about which there is likely to be considerable difference of opinion.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of dissatisfaction with the provisions of the Blind Persons Act, 1920; whether he has received representations asking for the extension of the scope of the Act; and whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce or further a Bill for the amendment of the Act?

As regards the first part of the question, I am not aware of any general dissatisfaction with the provisions of the Blind Persons Act. The answer to the second part is "yes." These representations are receiving consideration, and I am not at present in a position to say whether the Government will be prepared to promote legislation for the amendment of the Act.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the recent decision of the Hull City Council granting its members free passes to travel on local tramcars and omnibuses; whether the practice of local authorities voting themselves privileges of this nature at the expense of the ratepayers is approved of by the Ministry; and whether, in view of the possibility of arrangements of this kind extending to other public services, he will consider as to circularising local authorities on the matter?

I have no information as to the decision referred to by the hon. and gallant Member, as the general accounts of the Hull City Council are not subject to Government audit, and in the absence of such information I do not think it would be proper for me to express an opinion as to the propriety of their action. In reply to the latter part of the question, I should doubt whether there is any occasion to circularise local authorities on this matter.

asked the Minister of Health whether any Metropolitan Borough Council has determined to make a contribution towards the costs of the appeal of the Poplar Borough Council in the case of Rex v . Carson Roberts, notwithstanding that the Minister has refused to give sanction under the Local Authorities (Expenses) Act, 1877, and whether he is taking any action in the matter?

I am not aware that any Metropolitan Borough Council has determined to make such a contribution.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the building employés are refusing to work the week of 46½ hours, summer time which was laid down in the recent award; and, if so, whether he is making any representations in the matter to those concerned?

I have been asked to reply. The question of the working hours in the building industry is one for settlement by the employers' and workers' organisations, and I have no authority to interfere in the matter.

asked the Secretary for Scotland the number of children between the ages of 12 and 14 in the island of Arran?

On 31st July, 1923, the number of children beteween the ages of 12 and 14 on the roll of grant-earning day schools in Arran was 118. These figures may be taken as furnishing, with a close approximation to accuracy, the required information.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether there is any term fixed for the duration of the mandate accepted by Great Britain for Tanganyika territory?

The answer is in the negative. The terms of the mandate will be found in Command 1794.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that a large number of exhibits for the Imperial War Museum are parked in the open; that very insufficient accommodation has been given to the museum; and, in view of the interest attached by members of the Dominions, etc., to the exhibition, will he see that it is adequately housed and displayed without further delay?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on the 6th instant to a similar question by the hon. Member for Lincoln (Mr. A. T. Davies), of which I enclose a copy.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether his attention has been drawn to the danger to pedestrians in Hyde Park owing to the increased traffic since the admission of taxi-cabs; how many accidents have occurred since such admission has been permitted; whether, seeing that the exit from the park at Hyde Park Corner tends to still further increase the congestion of traffic, any additional exit is contemplated; how many extra policemen are now employed on point duty; and what is the total cost involved?

The question of the increased traffic in Hyde Park has received the attention of my Department, and 25 temporary refuges have been erected on the recommendation of the Commissioner of Police. Fifty-two accidents have occurred since the 1st March, and of this number 14 were cases of personal injury, one of which proved fatal. With regard to the question of an additional exit from the park, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on the 30th ultimo to the Noble Lord the Member for Battersea, South (Viscount Curzon). Five additional policemen have been employed at an estimated cost of £2,250 per annum.

asked the Home Secretary what is the reason for the persistent and continued delay in his Department in issuing a fiat to M. Abraham Efros to enable him to prosecute his claim against the British Government to obtain repayment of two sums of £15,000 respectively advanced on the credit of the British Government for operations in Russia in July and August, 1918; and, seeing that the claims have not been repudiated, will he state the reason for not acceding to the formal application for a fiat to sue made on the 16th April last?

This Petition of Right was received in the Home Office on the 17th April and was dealt with on the same day. After a necessary exchange of communications with the Foreign Office the petition was referred to the Attorney-General, whose report was received by me on the 13th instant and has already been submitted to His Majesty for his fiat. In view of these facts I cannot understand the hon. Member's reference to continued and persistent delay in issuing a fiat. I must point out also that the application for His Majesty's fiat is not a mere formality as suggested in the last part of the question.

asked the Minister of Labour the date upon which aliens became entitled to draw unemployment donations; what is the reason which prevents statistics being given as to the number of such aliens benefitting; and whether this number is considered in making actuarial calculations as to the solvency of the Unemployment Insurance Fund?

Aliens have always been entitled to covenanted benefit on the same conditions as British subjects. This has also been the case as regards uncovenanted benefit since 14th February last, before which date certain classes of aliens only were admitted to uncovenanted benefit. I have dealt with the question of statistics on a number of occasions, and would refer the hon. Member, in particular, to the replies given to the hon. and gallant Member for Dulwich on 7th May and the hon. Member for Hornsey on 16th April. As regards the last part of the question, I understand from the Government Actuary, that if no distinction is made between British subjects and aliens as regards the payment of contributions, there is no actuarial reason why separate figures should be obtained for aliens drawing benefit on the same terms as British subjects.

asked the Minister of Labour whether instructions have been issued recently to Employment Exchanges providing that unemployed workpeople must attend personally on four days in the week instead of three in order to receive unemployment benefit; whether he is aware that in many cases this involves waiting for several hours and a long journey from outlying districts; and whether, in order to avoid this and to allow more opportunity for personal search for work, he can see his way to modify this new regulation and reduce the time occupied in signing the register?

I am not aware that any workpeople living more than two miles from an Exchange are required to attend more frequently than on three days in the week, and many, owing to temporary pressure of numbers, attend less frequently. If the hon. Member will give me particulars of any cases in which he thinks there is hardship, I shall be glad to look into them.

asked the Minister of Labour if he can now give a date upon which he will be in a position to place before the House his scheme to relieve unemployment?

As I stated in reply to the right hon. Member for Rusholme (Mr. Masterman) on 7th May, this matter is one which can be raised on the Vote for my Department, but the hon. Member will understand that the date on which this Vote is to be taken is not within my control.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed registered in Coventry in May, 1923, and the number registered in the first week of May this year?

The number of persons on the registers of the Coventry Employment Exchange was 1,799 at 5th May, 1924, as compared with 4,094 at 7th May, 1923.

asked the Minister of Labour what are the numbers of unemployed at the present time in Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and the United States of America, respectively; what is the percentage of unemployed to the total population in each case; and what is the cost to each State of maintaining those out of work?

The number of insured workpeople unemployed in Great Britain at 28th April was 1,076,605, or 9.6 per cent. of the total number insured under the Unemployment Insurance Acts. For the other countries mentioned by the hon. and gallant Member official figures do not exist in a comparable form, nor are there any official data in existence for comparing the cost to the State of maintaining those out of work in the different countries.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the hardship caused to dock workers living in South-East Ham, Manor Park, and Barking owing to the Regulation which compels them to sign on at North Woolwich twice a day; whether he can state if arrangements have been made for similar men living at Leyton and Ilford to sign on the second time at their local Employment Exchange; and, if so, why this facility cannot be extended to those resident in the first-mentioned districts?

As I promised, in my reply to the hon. Member on 5th March, I have considered this matter, and on the evidence at present before me, I am not satisfied that a good case exists for any departure from the existing arrangements

asked the Minister of Labour what is the number of women between the ages of 18 and 35 at present registered as unemployed and in receipt of unemployment benefit; how many of these have been in receipt of benefit for three months or longer; and whether, in view of there being no immediate prospect of their obtaining employment in factory or clerical posts, consideration will be given to a scheme for training such women for domestic service for a period of, say, three months, after which, should they refuse positions in domestic service, no further liability on their behalf should be incurred by the State?

The total number of women in Great Britin with current claims to unemployment benefit on 28th April last was 183,953. According to a sample analysis made last November, about 78 per cent. of women claimants were between the ages of 18 and 35. I have no statistics as to the number now on benefit who have drawn benefit for 15 weeks or more. As regards the last part of the question, I would first observe that a large proportion of the women on benefit consist of factory and mill workers on short time, particularly in Lancashire. A requirement that these women should enter domestic service would certainly not be advantageous to the trade of this country. Speaking generally, I am not prepared to make this requirement a condition of the home training courses which are being promoted and extended, with Government assistance, through the Central Committee on Women's Training and Employment.

asked the Minister of Labour the details, according to occupations, of the number of men, women, boys, and girls, respectively, insured under the National Health and Unemployment Schemes, respectively, in 1913 and 1923?

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the "Ministry of Labour Gazette" showing for males and females, respectively, the number of persons insured under the Unemployment Insurance Acts analysed into 100 industrial groups. No statistics are available showing the industrial grouping of workpeople insured under the National Health Insurance Acts.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in any legislation introduced by the Government for carrying into effect the Washington 48-Hours Convention, employés in the distributive trades, and especially shop assistants, will be entitled to the protection afforded to other organised trades?

The Bill will deal with the Washington Hours Convention, the provisions of which apply only to industrial undertakings, and do not cover shop assistants.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men employed in the manufacture of motor cars, private cars, and commercial vehicles, respectively, in this country?

The only recent figures available are those relating to the total number of insured workpeople recorded as engaged in the construction and repair of motor cars, motor lorries, motor omnibuses, motor cycles, pedal cycles, and aircraft generally at July, 1923, which, in Great Britain, was approximately 193,000, inclusive of those unemployed. I am not in possession of separate figures for motor vehicles.

asked the Secretary for Mines if his attention has been called to a reduction of 10s. per ton in the selling price of various classes of coal made by an Ilford coal dealer; if he is aware that the dealer in question has stated that he will make a good profit even when the reduction of 10s. has been made; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?

Yes, Sir; my attention has been called to this case, and I have looked into it. As regards the general question of the methods of retail coal distribution, I would refer my hon. Friend to the full statement that I made yesterday in reply to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy).

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Deparment what steps, if any, are being taken to utilise the British Empire Exhibition as an instrument for organised encouragement of persons, whether unemployed or not, to emigrate, if found suitable, as settlers in portions of the Empire overseas in need of population?

In the Oversea Settlement Gallery of the British Government Pavilion there is a display of models, etc., illustrating Empire settlement and migration, and the Gallery is decorated with a frieze showing pictorially the present sources of supply of our principal foodstuffs and raw materials. Special literature dealing with oversea settlement has been prepared for distribution to enquirers, and interviewers with experience of the oversea Dominions are available for the purpose of giving information and advice to enquirers. There is, in addition to the gallery, a kiosk in the Exhibition grounds, where literature is obtainable, and where enquirers can be interviewed. The Oversea Settlement Office has also arranged for a discussion on Empire Settlement and Migration, to be held at the Exhibition on Thursday, 15th May, at which a large number of persons interested in the subject, including many prominent visitors from the Dominions, will be present. I need hardly remind the hon. Member that in the various Dominion pavilions are to be found many beautiful displays which portray in an excellent manner the possibilities and advantages of settlement overseas.

asked the right hon. Member for Tiverton, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, if he is aware that 16 men are employed in afforestation in Monmouthshire by His Majesty's Government whose wages are only 35s. per week, and that two men are employed as above at 24s. 6d. per week and two at 23s. 6d. per week; and will he take steps to see that these Government employés are paid a reasonable living wage.

The day work rate of wage for 16 labourers employed on afforestation at Llanover, Monmouthshire, is 35s. per week, and the rate for two youths is 24s. 6d., but, owing to some of the operations being by piece work, the average weekly earnings of the labourers and youths exceed the day work rates; the wages are considered to be reasonable. The men and youths are also paid for overtime on fire patrol. No one is employed at 23s. 6d. per week.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government have received any information, official or unofficial, indicating the conclusion since the beginning of the year of any business enterprise between groups of British business men and delegates of the Soviet Republic?

I have been asked to reply. If the hon. Member refers to the trading organisations of the Soviet Union in this country, I understand that since the beginning of the year business has been arranged between them and British firms for the sale of British goods, but I have not received information as to the conclusion of particular contracts of special importance.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he is aware that orders are being lost by British traders supplying textile machinery to Germany owing to the necessity for obtaining import licences; and whether he can take any steps, in the interest of British trade, to induce the German Government to abolish such licences, seeing that the British import tax has been reduced from 26 per cent. to 5 per cent.?

My attention has recently been drawn to the difficulties mentioned in the first part of the question. As regards the second part, representations are being made to the German Government on the general question of the German import restrictions as affecting the trade of this country.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received a further application from firms in the gas mantle trade asking for the appointment of a committee of inquiry under Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act to investigate the new conditions which have arisen as a result of the establishment of German export trade on a gold mark basis; whether he has now received from the applicants certain supplementary information which he asked them to supply; and whether he proposes to accede forthwith to the request for a committee?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the third part, the statements made are being carefully examined, and I hope it may be possible to reach a decision at an early date.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that patent leather imported from America and sold by measure is supplied by shippers subject to the condition that the American measurement is accepted; that such measurement is frequently found to be inaccurate; and will he take steps to get such conditions removed?

No representations have been made to me on this matter, which does not appear to be one in which I have any power to intervene.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the reduction of the imports of wools from Australia during the last six months into this country is owing to the difficult exchange position between London and Melbourne?

I am advised that the cost of exchange in Australia has been a factor tending to restrict import business from Australia into this country in recent months. I note, however, that the price of wool imported from Australia has been substantially higher than a year ago, and this has doubtless not been without effect in the same connection.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he is aware of the serious consequence to the galvanising sheet and tinplate trade which will result to this country if the proposed increase in Indian tariff duties becomes operative; and is the Government taking any action in bringing before the notice of the Indian Legislative Council the serious effect upon trade in this industry if the proposed tariff becomes law?

I am aware that the increase in the Indian import duties, if it is made, must be harmful in some degree to the trade in this country. It is, however, the policy of His Majesty's Government, as it has been of their predecessors since the passing of the Government of India Act, 1919, to observe the Fiscal Convention recommended by the Joint Parliamentary Committee—that is to say, to refrain from interference in purely tariff questions when the Government of India and the Indian Legislature are in agreement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can supply the latest available figures showing how much of the amount paid in premiums by policy holders in the industrial insurance companies was repaid in claims, and how much was absorbed in cost of management and by shareholders, respectively?

The following are the figures for 1922, the latest year available: Income. £ Premiums received 31,580,117 Expenditure. £ Claims paid 10,573,131 Amount paid for the surrender of policies 1,074,231 Commission and management charges 12,071,300 Carried to Profit and Loss Account for disbursement in shareholders' dividends and bonus 758,976 £24,477,638 Balance carried to reserves 7,102,479 £31,580,117