asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if his attention has been called to the lack of conveniences in His Majesty's ships now employed in the Persian Gulf on account of the places being set apart for the native members of the crew and to the necessity for the construction of a V.D. cabinet, in view of the recurrence of this disease on this unhealthy station?

With reference to the first part of the question, special accommodation was provided for the native crew when the ships in question were fitted out for service in the Persian Gulf, without any reduction in the arrangements already existing in the ship. As regards the second part of the question, both the vessels concerned carry a medical officer who is quite competent to make special arrangements for V.D. cases.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the amount of cabin space and mess-deck space allowed in the original design of H.M.S. "Coventry" and the actual amount of mess-deck space now occupied by the lower-deck ratings in her complement; and is he aware that a mess deck originally occupied by the Royal Marine detachment is now occupied by officers' cabins?

The areas devoted to cabin space and mess deck space in the original design of H.M.S. "Coventry" were 1,900 and 5,430 square feet respectively. The actual amount of mess deck space now occupied by the lower deck ratings is, approximately, 5,370 square feet. With regard to the last part of the question, marines at one time messed in a space allotted in the design to cabins which was not originally required to be used for its proper purpose On "Coventry" becoming a flagship it was necessary to build extra cabins and other accommodation was provided on the mess deck for the marines who previously messed in the space referred to.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that the marriage allowance paid to naval ratings who have children attending school ceases on the child attaining the age of 14 years; and if he will consider the possibility of extending this age to 16 years where it can be proved that the child is retained whole time at school, in view of the fact that this is the most expensive period, and hardship is inflicted on these naval parents with limited means?

Marriage allowance is continued beyond the age of 14 only in the case of those children who are required to attend school under Section 61 of the Education Act, 1921, on a certificate given under the Mental Deficiency Act, 1913. The conditions governing the grant of this allowance apply equally to the children of soldiers and airmen, and it is not proposed to make special provision in the form of marriage allowance for sailors' children who remain at school beyond the normal age for compulsory full-time attendance, which is at present 14 years.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many cases there were during 1914 to 1918 where the death penalty was carried out; and in how many of such cases were the men under 21 years of age, over 21 and under 26, over 26 and under 30, and over 30, respectively?

NUMBER of General, Field General and District Courts-Martial respectively held in the year ending 30th September, 1923. — Officers G.C.M. Soldiers. Grand Total officers and Soldiers. G.C.M. F.G.C.M. D.C.M. Trials … 48 27 1,476 3,574 5,125 Convictions … 39 20 1,216 3,055 4,330 Acquittals … 8 5 199 324 536 Quashed … — 2 46 107 155 Not confirmed … 1 — 15 88 104 Partially quashed … 1 — 32 107 140 Partially not confirmed … — — 13 54 67

During 1914 to 1918, the death penalty was carried out, after trial by court-martial in the case of 287 officers and soldiers of the British Army. I regret that the particulars as to ages are not at present available, but I will obtain them and communicate further with my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many men, who were during the years 1914 to 1919 sentenced to death and subsequently reprieved, are still in prison; and how many of such men were, when first sentenced, under 21 years of age, over 21 and under 26, and over 26 and under 31, respectively?

Three men of the British Army who were sentenced to death during the period in question after having been convicted of murder and who were subsequently reprieved, are still in prison. One of these men was 28 years of age on conviction and the other two were 37 and 38 respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers and other ranks were tried by courts-matial during 1923; and in what number of these cases were there acquittals on all charges, confirmations of all findings and sentences, partial confirmation of findings and sentences, or refusal of confirmation or quashing of findings or sentences?

The year, for court-martial purposes, ends on 30th September, and the information for the year ending 30th September last is as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the present national capacity for the manufacture of propellants and high explosives; and what was the figure in 1913?

I am sure my hon. and gallant Friend will be the first to recognise that it would not be in the public interest to give the information asked for in this question, at least, so far as our present capacity is concerned. The capacity at the Government factory at Waltham in 1913 was 60 tons cordite per week. 300 lbs. tetryl per week. 5 tons of gunpowder per week.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Circular No. 66818 F6 No. 5A is still in operation?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Minister of Health whether, having regard to the number of empty houses which are withheld from occupation, he will take steps to authorise local authorities to cither rate these empty properties or to compulsorily acquire them so as to secure their occupation while the present acute shortage of housing accommodation continues?

My right hon. Friend has given careful consideration to the suggestions contained in the hon. Member's question, but he cannot undertake to introduce legislation on these lines during the present Session, though he has much sympathy with the object the hon. Member has in view.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that large numbers of local authorities are defaulters in regard to their obligation to secure the repair of working-class houses under the provisions of the Housing Acts; and in how many instances the Ministry of Health have taken action against such defaulters?

The work done in this direction is reported in the annual reports of medical officers of health. These reports are examined in the Department in the ordinary course, and where it appears necessary the question of the adequacy of the work undertaken is taken up with the local authority. Separate records of this are not kept, but I will send the hon. Member a statement summarising the action taken by the local authorities.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the paragraph in his circular letter of 12th May to local authorities agreeing to their request that they should retain their power to use building materials purchased in the cheapest market wherever situated, he will now allow them the same latitude with regard to the purchase of cement in connection with roads and other work undertaken under the authority of the Unemployed Grants Committee?

The same considerations do not apply to housing schemes as to schemes for the relief of unemployment.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the urgent need of obtaining adequate supplies of bricks for building purposes, he will consider the guaranteeing of small sums of money under the Trades Facilities Act to brickyards, now derelict, situate in districts where housing schemes are in progress or contemplation; and will he arrange for inquiries in such cases to be held locally to save the expense of the applicants coming to London in connection therewith?

The giving of a guarantee under the Trade Facilities Act is a matter for the Advisory Committee, to whom it is open to such cases as the hon. Member has in mind to apply. I fear that the course proposed in the second part of the question is quite impracticable.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can furnish the usual monthly statistics showing the progress made under the Housing Act of 1923?

These statistics have already been supplied in reply to a question addressed to me by the hon. Member for Plymouth, Sutton (Viscountess Astor), on the 15th instant, and perhaps I may refer the Noble Lord to the OFFICIAL REPORT for that date.

asked the Minister of Health if it is his intention to set up a Departmental Committee to consider the reformation of the Poor Law; and, if so, will the existing Poor Law officers be directly represented thereon?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for North Bristol (Mr. Ayles) on the 18th March, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give particulars showing the volume of our exports to the Argentine for the years 1913, 1921, 1922, and 1923?

Separate calculations of the values, at 1913 prices, of exports to individual countries have not been made. In the following statement the figures showing variations in the volume of trade have been calculated on the basis of the ascertained average changes in prices of exports of United Kingdom produce to all destinations, and are probably somewhat higher than if the calculations were based on exports to the Argentine alone:— VALUES of Exports of United Kingdom produce and manufactures consigned to the Argentine (Million £'s). — 1913. 1921. 1922. 1923. Values as declared 22.6 27.6 22.7 28.2 Approximate values on basis of 1913 prices showing variations in the volume of trade. 22.6 10.3 11.4 14.8

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total cost of administering the Registration of Business Names Act; and what is the total of the fees received in respect of the year 1923–24?

I have been asked to reply The cost of administering the Registration of Business Names Act, 1916, for the financial year ending 31st March, 1923, was £5,742, and the fees received during that period amounted to £5,971 8s. 6d.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the British Dye stuffs Corporation, Limited, has purchased for its own account for re-working or disposal, parcels of reparation dye-stuffs as per Article 13 of the Agreement of 18th August, 1922?

No reparation dyestuffs have been sold to the British Dyestuffs Corporation for re-working or disposal, with the exception of a certain quantity of indigo requisitioned under a special arrangement which was in operation for a short time between the Board of Trade, the principal consumers of indigo in the textile trades, and the corporation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Board of Trade fixed the prices to be charged to consumers under Article 8 of the Agreement with the British Dyestuffs Corporation, Limited, of 18th August, 1922; whether the representatives of the British Dyestuffs Corporation, Limited, assisted in settling the prices or had any control over the selling prices; and whether the dyestuffs handled under this agreement came into competition with the dyestuffs produced by the British Dyestuffs Corporation, Limited, in this country?

The prices charged for reparation dyestuffs are fixed by the Board of Trade from time to time, with the help of an informal committee consisting of two representatives of the Colour Users' Association and two representatives of the British Dyestuffs Corporation, as being the Board's agents. The supplies of such dyestuffs are requisitioned by the Board after consultation with representatives of the British makers and of the consumers, and have been confined, so far as practicable, to products not competitive with British products.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how much was paid to the British Dyestuffs Corporation, Limited, in the year ending the 31st March, 1924, for commission and all other charges upon the value of reparation dye-stuffs of £194,000 received?

The amount paid to British Dyestuffs Corporation, Limited, in the year ended 31st March, 1924, in respect of commission and all other charges was £40,070. This amount represents commission on sales during the year amounting to £343,600—and not on the value of dye-stuffs received—together with certain expenses chargeable to the Board of Trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if claims already dealt with under the earlier Report of the Reparation Claims Department are excluded from further consideration under the later investigation into belated claims?

In so far as claims were admitted for consideration and decided by the Royal Commission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action in connection with the £5,000,000, they are excluded from further consideration. Only claims which have fallen into the belated category will be considered in connection with the £300,000 to be provided for solatia to belated claimants.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, before the Safeguarding of Industries Act, Part II, is allowed to lapse, he will first make an inquiry into the effect of this step on employment in this country?

The operation of the depreciated currency provisions of Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act was specifically limited to three years, and could not be continued after the 19th August next, without fresh legislation. The decision not to introduce such legislation was taken by the Government after full consideration of all the circumstances, and I do not think that an inquiry into the anticipated effect of the cessation of these provisions, on the expiry of the period for which they were enacted, would serve any useful purpose.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of workpeople employed on carbon production in April, 1921, and in April, 1924, respectively, at the factory in this country which produces are-lamp carbons, and which was given the protection of 33⅓ per cent. tariff in the autumn of 1921 under the Key Industries Schedule of the Safeguarding of Industries Act?

I regret that I cannot give details of an individual works, but I am informed that the number of persons employed in April of this year was approximately double that of April, 1921. The output of the factory includes, however, various types of carbons which are not covered by the Safeguarding of Industries Act.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether arrangements can be made with regard to the index figure of the cost of living, so that workpeople whose wages are regulated by that figure may get the benefits of the Budget reductions in indirect taxation?

I have been asked to reply. The official cost-of-living index figures, which are compiled by the Ministry of Labour, are intended to show the effects of all changes, irrespective of their causes, in the retail prices of the principal articles purchased by working-class families. As the figures have always included the effects of increases in indirect taxation, it would be undesirable, even if it were not impracticable, to adopt a different method when taxation is reduced.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has considered the representations of the Newcastle Education Committee as to the difficulties at present experienced in staffing suitably the Juvenile Unemployment Centres, held under the auspices of the Ministry, owing largely to the fact that such service is temporary in character and is not recognised for the purpose of the School Teachers (Superannuation) Acts; and whether the Ministry will make such arrangements as will lead to the removal of these difficulties?

I have seen the Resolution to which the hon. Baronet refers and I have discussed the matter with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour. But, as I have already stated in reply to several questions in this House, as long as the existing arrangements for financing the Centres continue, it would not be possible for me, without amending legislation, to treat service in them as recognised service for the purposes of the School Teachers (Superannuation) Act, 1918.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Government intends to make any alteration in the status of those who are at present serving as uncertificated teachers; and, if so, what alterations are proposed?

The whole question of the employment of uncertificated teachers is under my consideration, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Government proposes to establish equal pay for men and women teachers of the same professional status; and, if so, whether this is to be done by raising the salaries of women teachers or by reducing those of men teachers?

The Government adhere to the view that the salaries of teachers in State-aided schools should, if possible, be determined, at all events, in the first instance, by agreement between the teachers and the local education authorities who are responsible for their employment and payment. The existing arrangements are now under review by the Burnham Committees, and I do not think it desirable to anticipate the result of their deliberations.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will reduce the detention period on Irish store cattle in Perthshire from 28 days to six days, in respect of the necessity for a supply of store cattle and the absence of foot-and-mouth disease in Ireland and in the Perth area?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that Ireland has long been free from foot-and-mouth disease, and that Scotland, with the exception of one case in Ayrshire, is now also free from disease: that the present Regulations making the importation of store cattle from Ireland subject to a detention of 28 days at a farm are practically prohibitive, so far as the supply to Scottish farmers is concerned, and serious losses are, in consequence, being caused to them; and whether he is now prepared to modify the Regulations so as to admit of the importation and distribution of Irish cattle in the counties of Scotland which are free from disease, subject to a detention of six days?

There have been a number of outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease during the last few weeks in several counties in Scotland, the last being an outbreak in Perthshire on the 14th instant. My right hon. Friend is advised, therefore, that the position as to foot-and-mouth disease is not yet such as to justify a modification of the regulations. While a return to the normal methods of conducting the store cattle trade cannot be contemplated for the time being, I would point out that provision exists whereby Scottish farmers can obtain Irish stores direct from the ports, and a farmer who buys store cattle will normally keep them for a considerable period.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what standing and temporary Committees were set up by the Agricultural Wages Board between 1917 and 1921; the numbers who sat on each Committee and how many times each Committee met; what reports were presented to the Board by the Committees; and what was the cost to the taxpayer involved in the meetings of each Committee and in the publication of the reports produced, respectively?

Apart from the District Wages Committees the Agricultural Wages Board set up four Standing Committees and 18 temporary Committees, a list of which and of the numbers of members and of meetings is given in the statement below. Reports were presented

AGRICULTURAL WAGES BOARD. List of Committees set up, 1917–1921. — Period of Operation. Number of Members. Number of Meetings. Number of Reports. I. Standing Committees . Administration August, 1918—September, 1921. 6 (afterwards 13). 42 — Allowances December, 1917—September, 1921. 12 20 — Cottages December, 1917—September, 1921. 12 16 — Selection December, 1917—September, 1921. 12 43 — II. Temporary Committees . Farming Costs and Cost of Living. March, 1918—March, 1919 9 (afterwards 13*) 19 3 Women's Rates April—July, 1918 12* 4 4 Application of Unemployment Insurance. December, 1920—April, 1921 5 3 1 Recommendations May—June, 1918 9 6 6 Conciliation and Arbitration July—August, 1918 6 2 2 Market Gardens April—August, 1918 5 4 2 Hay and Corn Harvests May, 1918—April, 1921 6 (afterwards 10). 4 4 Dairy May—July, 1918 9 2 2 Deputations June—October, 1918 9 3 3 Women's and Girls' Rates August, 1918 6 2 1 Customary Hours January—July, 1919 10 6 6 Drafting February, 1919—April, 1921 5 (afterwards 6). 4 4 Probationary Workers March, 1919—September, 1920. 5 (afterwards 7). 3 3 Females' and Boys' Rates April, 1919 8 1 1 Conference with District Wages Committees. May—July, 1919 6 2 2 Expenses of Members November, 1919—January, 1920. 5 1 1 Revision of Regulations January—July, 1920 11 8 4 Boys' and Women's Rates March—September, 1920 10 2 2 * The Farming Costs Committee included 3, and the Women's Rates Committee 4, co-opted members; otherwise the Committees were comprised solely of members of the Wages Board.

to the Board by the Standing Committees of all their meetings, and the number of reports presented by each of the other Committees is shown in the statement. The records of the expenditure of the Agricultural Wages Board do not distinguish the expenses of the Committees from those of the Board itself. Reports of only two of the Committees (that on Farming Costs and Cost of Living and that on Unemployment Insurance), were issued as publications, and I am informed by His Majesty's Stationery Office that the cost of printing these reports was £231 and £16 10s. respectively.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what is the cause of the continued delay in the publication of the reports of the Empire Settlement Delegation that visited Australia last year; and whether the reports will be published before 28th May at the latest?

The report was published yesterday. The delay, which I regret, was due to the illness of the agricultural member of the delegation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, when the appointment of Vice-Consul is under consideration, if there is no British man resident available with the necessary qualifications and if the pay is not sufficient to attract anyone from elsewhere to the locality, the claims of resident British women with the necessary qualifications for the post may be considered?

I have been asked to reply. The answer is in the negative. Under paragraph ( a ) of Section 1 of the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act, 1919, power was given to reserve to men any branch of, or posts in, the Civil Service in any of His Majesty's possessions overseas or in any foreign country, and under the Order-in-Council of the 22nd July, 1920, the Civil Service Commissioners were empowered to make the necessary Regulations. The Civil Service Commissioners, with the approval of the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury, accordingly gave notice that they made the following Regulations under the above-mentioned Order-in-Council:

1. (On behalf of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs):

All posts in the Diplomatic Service and in the Consular Service are reserved to men.

This notice was published in the "London Gazette" of the 23rd August, 1921.

asked the Minister of Pensions the cost of the Ministry of Pensions Office in Dublin for the last annual period; and, with a view to winding up this Department, will he recommend that all pensioners in Ireland should be awarded a permanent pension for life?

The annual cost of the Ministry establishment in the Irish Free State is approximately £72,000. I should explain that during the last financial year the awarding work formerly done in Dublin was transferred to London, and the figure quoted refers to the cost of local administration, including medical fees and travelling expenses of pensioners. In regard to the last part of the question, it is the policy of the Ministry to make final awards wherever this course is justified by the pensioner's condition, but I am afraid that it is not practicable, nor would it be in the pensioners' best interest, to make final awards automatically as suggested. In any event, the granting of permanent pensions would not obviate the necessity for local offices to afford the necessary facilities in matters of treatment, widows' and dependants' pensions, and other matters which are quite separate from awards.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the dissatisfaction of the London coal trade with the present inquiry, he will appoint a Departmental Committee, before which witnesses can be examined and cross-examined?

I do not think that the dissatisfaction of the London coal merchants is well founded, or that such a Committee as is suggested by the hon. Member would be likely to lead to any useful result.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what is the percentage per ton of Import Duty suggested by the Tariff Board on steel into India?

The information desired is contained in a statement, covering five printed pages, appended to the Second Report of the Indian Tariff Board, a copy of which I shall be glad to send to the hon. Member.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what is the suggested bounty on railway wagons manufactured in India?

The following table shows the bounties recommended by the Indian Tariff Board: — Number of wagons on which the bounty will be payable. Amount of bounty per wagon. Cost of the bounty. Rs. Rs. lakhs. First year 800 850 6.80 Second year 1,000 700 7.00 Third year 1,200 580 6.96 Fourth year 1,400 500 7.00 Fifth year 1,600 440 7.04 The Bill, prepared by the Government of India in pursuance of the recommendations of the Tariff Board, contains the following Clause:

"4.—(1) The Governor-General in Council may in each of the financial years commencing on the 1st day of April, 1924, 1925, and 1926, pay such sum, not exceeding seven lakhs of rupees in any one financial year, as he thinks fit, by way of bounties upon iron or steel wagons in respect of each of which he is satisfied: "( a ) that it is suitable for the public carriage of animals or goods on a railway in India; and "( b ) that a substantial portion of the component parts thereof has been manufactured in British India.

"(2) The Governor-General in Council may, by notification in the Gazette of India, prescribe the conditions subject to which and the manner in which such bounties may be paid."

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to state the proposals of His Majesty's Government to deal with the distress and unemployment existing amongst the captains and officers of the merchant service?

As explained in the reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull, on 20th February last, there is great difficulty in discovering any way of giving special assistance in these cases. I may mention, however, that the Admiralty are making representations to the contractors raising sunken ships in Scapa Flow as to the availability of a number of unemployed officers and men of the mercantile marine with experience in salvage work. As regards relief works generally, local authorities in seaport towns have been invited to give a preference up to 25 per cent. of engagements to those who have served afloat during the War.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the number of unemployed in Bristol has in creased by 1,000 during the past month, the present total being 17,000; and whether, in view of the local discontent with the position, he will urge the local authorities to start some form of productive relief work immediately under guarantee of national assistance?

The recent increase in unemployment in Bristol was due to lessened activity in the confectionery and boot and shoe trades, and was temporary. The unemployed numbers are now approximately the same as at the end of March. The local authority is doubtless aware of the forms of State assistance available towards the cost of relief works, and during the past winter assistance has been given in respect of schemes undertaken including large dock extensions at Avonmouth. Any further proposals the authority submits will receive the sympathetic consideration of the grant making Department.

asked the Postmaster-General whether negotiations for the sale of Stonehaven wireless station to the Great Northern Telegraph Company are taking place or are contemplated; whether he is aware that the Great Northern Telegraph Company is a foreign company; and if he will state the reasons for the proposed sale?

Some informal conversations have taken place on this subject. I may explain that the company in question is a Danish company, which carries on telegraphic communication between this country and Denmark, Sweden and the Baltic States; and it is considering the question of using wireless as an adjunct to its cables. It is aware that a licence in this regard could only be issued to a company registered in this country. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the recommendation of the Donald Committee on the subject.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that large numbers of telephone users are of opinion that they are charged for many calls in addition to those with persons to whom they have been effectively connected; will he state, seeing that calls are automatically recorded against a subscriber, what is the method by which wrong numbers and other ineffective connections are credited to the subscribers' account; and whether all such credits are entirely dependent on the memory of the telephone operator?

I am aware that a number of telephone subscribers are of opinion that they are overcharged for calls, but I have no reason to think that the opinion is widespread. The hon. Member would appear to be under a misapprehension in regard to the manner in which calls are recorded. The operation is not automatic except in a full automatic exchange. In exchanges worked manually on the central battery system, such as these in London and most large cities, the operation can be correctly described as mechanical, that is, the record is made by the pressure of a key; but no call is recorded until the operator receives the signal that conversation is finished. Should she be informed after registration that a number other than that required had been connected, another call is offered, or a credit ticket is immediately made out for the purpose of cancelling the record. This system of registration has been carefully investigated by the London Telephone and Telegraph Advisory Committee, but if the hon. Member cares to visit an exchange I will see that the system is fully explained and demonstrated to him.

asked the Postmaster-General which Continental capitals are within telephonic communication of London subscribers at the present time; and whether there is any prospect of the range being extended in the near future?

The Continental capitals at present in telephonic communication with London are Paris, Brussels, The Hague and Berne. Negotiations are in hand for the extensions of communication to Berlin, but it is not possible at present to give definite information on the subject.

asked the Postmaster-General if he can give an estimate of the number of letters handled by the Post Office for all Government Departments for the last twelve-monthly period?

The number of letters and other postal packets (except parcels) carried for other Government Departments during the year ended the 31st of March, 1924, is estimated at about 190 millions.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the urgent need of a new post office at Hoylake, Cheshire, and of the promises made by his predecessors; and whether the erection of such new post office can be put in hand immediately?

The answer to the first portion of the question is in the affirmative. A tender for the new building is being accepted by the Office of Works, and building operations are expected to commence in a month's time.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that when Mr. A. J. Scott, of 3, Clarence Cottages, The Square, Purton, an unemployed ex-service man, made application to the postmaster at Swindon for the vacant position of postman at Purton, he was referred to the Swindon Employment Exchange; that on Mr. Scott applying to the Employment Exchange he was referred to the recruiting officer at the barracks, Devizes; that in writing to the recruiting officer at Devizes, he received a reply from the National Association for Employment of Regular Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen; and to whom men are to apply when such vacancies occur?

Ex-service men desirous of Post Office employment should apply to the Employment Exchange, who give instructions as to registration. The Exchanges have a working arrangement under which the National Association for Employment of Regular Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen keeps the list of ex-regular men. The hon. Member wrote to me recently regarding the case of Mr. Scott, and I am sending him a letter explaining the position.

asked the Post master-General what special effort, if any, is being made to induce the public requiring postage stamps to purchase those of the special issue recently printed to commemorate the British Empire Exhibition?

The special issue stamps are on sale at the Exhibition Post Offices. If is immaterial from the point of view of the Post Office whether the public stamp their letters with the special issue or with ordinary postage stamps, and I do not think it is necessary to push their sale.

asked the Postmaster-General whether any changes in the hand-to-hand system of dealing with registered letters and packets has taken place since 1914; and, if so, will he state the nature of such changes?

Registered letters are still dealt with on the hand-to-hand system; but in 1917 a simplied method of record and check, which had been in force for many years in connection with registered packets within large Post Offices, was extended to registered letters sent from one office to another.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that letters posted at Shipston-on-Stour before 5.45 p.m. are often not delivered at their destination until the second day after posting, and that letters received from towns situate nine miles distance are one and a half to two days in the post; and whether he will remedy this state of affairs?

Letters posted at Shipston-on-Stour before 5.45 p.m. should be delivered by first post next morning throughout the country generally. Arrangements are being made to improve the service to Shipston-on-Stour from certain neighbouring places. If the hon. and gallant Member will send me particulars of instances of delay I will have inquiry made.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that a few years ago notices were displayed upon Westminster Bridge prohibiting the passage of vehicles exceeding 7½ tons in weight, and that even now steam traction engines are prohibited from using Westminster Bridge; that the 7½-ton restriction was modified to 15 tons; that the two-decker tramcars employed by the London County Council, when loaded, amounts to approximately 30 tons dead weight, and that at rush hours as many as 14 of these tramcars are to be counted upon the bridge at the same time; and whether he has received any report as to the present condition of the bridge?

I understand that the information supplied in the hon. and gallant Member's question is substantially correct, except that the weight of a loaded tramcar seems to be overstated. The London County Council are responsible for the maintenance of Westminster Bridge, and their expert advisers keep careful observation on the structure. I have received no formal report as to the present condition of the bridge.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can give an assurance to the House that the engineering experts of his Department are entirely satisfied that Westminster Bridge can carry the largely-increased loads to which it is now subjected, due partly to the diversion of traffic from Waterloo Bridge and partly to the two-decker County Council tramcars?

asked the Minister of Transport whether, since the closing of Waterloo Bridge, his departmental engineers have taken any steps or made any researches as to the effect of the additional weight of traffic thrown upon Westminster Bridge; and whether the wrought-iron work supporting the cambers of the arches is yielding in any way to the pressure?

The responsibility for the maintenance of Westminster Bridge rests with the London County Council, who, I understand, keep careful observation on the structure. The Council have their own competent expert advisers with whom officers in my Department are in close touch, but I do not think it forms any part of my Department's functions to conduct the detailed investigations indicated in the questions.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the Ministry themselves intend to hold an inquiry into the question of the Thames bridges; and whether an additional bridge is needed and where it should be placed?

I understand that the London County Council is studying this problem, and will probably call into consultation other Metropolitan authorities. Any assistance which my Department can give in these deliberations is freely at the disposal of the responsible authorities, should they so desire.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that occupiers and owners of houses, facing on to roads on which there has been a sudden recent increase of heavy motor-lorry traffic, are suffering not only inconvenience but actual danger from the result of vibration, which shakes down ceilings and injures walls; and whether he is preparing any Measure to deal with this nuisance?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the 8th April to the hon. Member for Birkenhead East (Mr. G. White), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Transport when it is expected that the new by-pass road avoiding Brentford and Hounslow will be completed; what has been the total cost of the road; and what are the reasons that have delayed the completion of the Kew end of the road, where the greatest congestion exists to-day?

It is intended to make provision for through traffic from Chiswick to the Bath Road by 16th June next, but it is not expected that the road will be entirely completed in all particulars for 18 months, as a number of houses have still to be built to rehouse tenants of properties on the line of the road. The total cost of the road to date is £635,000. The delay at the Kew end has been due to the necessity for diverting large gas and water mains. It is anticipated that this portion of the road will be completed by 16th June, and will therefore be ready for Ascot.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been directed to the fact that the London and North Eastern Railway Company overcrowd their trains at holiday times, and neglect to provide accommodation, especially necessary for women and children, thereby causing great suffering; and whether, in view of the exceptional amount of traffic anticipated in connection with the British Empire Exhibition, he can take steps to prevent a recurrence of an evil which particularly affects working-class holiday makers?

I cannot find that any complaints have been made to me recently about overcrowding of trains on the London and North Eastern Railway at holiday times, but I have received a communication directing my attention to some correspondence in the Press on the general question of the overcrowding of passenger trains at holiday times. My information is that the railway companies do what they can to mitigate the inconvenience to passengers, which cannot altogether be avoided at times of pressure, but I will call the attention of the London and North Eastern Railway Company to my hon. Friend's question.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, pending the passing into law of a Traffic Bill, he can put into practice emergency regulations to ameliorate in any degree the congestion now occurring and likely to increase during the present London season?

I am afraid that until the Bill becomes law I have no powers in this direction.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the resolution passed by the elected members of the Jamaica Council in favour of abolishing the 50 per cent. preference in favour of British cotton goods; and what action he proposes to take?

In regard to Jamaica, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Stafford (Mr. Ormsby-Gore) on the 19th May. But I take the opportunity of adding with regard to British Guiana that, since I replied yesterday to another question by the hon. Member for Stafford I have received resolutions expressing regret at the proposed reduction in the preference on sugar from the British Guiana Sugar Planters' Association and from the Chamber of Commerce of the Colony.

asked the Prime Minister when the Government intend to proceed with the question of the pre-War pensioners' pensions?

I regret that I am not in a position to make any statement at the moment.