asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any prosecutions have ever been instituted by his Department under the Oil in Navigable Waters Act, 1922; and, if so, under what circumstances, and with what results?

If the hon. Member will refer to Section 7 of the Oil in Navigable Waters Act, 1922, hr will see that the duty of instituting proceedings does not rest on the Board of Trade, although authority can be given by them for the institution of proceedings in certain cases. Such prosecutions as have taken place have, I am informed, been instituted by local harbour authorities.

Have the fishery boards power to institute prosecutions as well as the harbour boards?

I am afraid I cannot answer that definitely. I have made a statement concerning the harbour authorities' position. In other cases application to the Board of Trade might secure authority.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, with a view to placing this country in a good position to press for international action, he will consider legislation to make it compulsory for British oil-burning steamers to instal and use apparatus for separating oil from oily water regardless of territorial limits?

I am doubtful whether the adoption of the hon. Member's suggestion would make it easier to obtain international agreement on this question of the discharge of oil, and a very strong case would have to be made out before separate action of this kind with regard to British ships could be contemplated.

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking any action himself, as a great many places along the sea coast are suffering because of the oil that is thrown upon the beach?

In view of the accumulated evidence of the increasing nature of this nuisance cannot the Department do something by reporting the case to the shipowners or other parties concerned?

We will do all we can first of all by seeing what international action can be taken—though that may be difficult—and, secondly, seeing what we can do to promote the use of various expedients to prevent this discharge.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, if the statutory regulations of his Department require that, before proceeding to sea, a ship shall comply with the requirements of Section 457 of the Merchant Shipping Act as to her seaworthiness; and whether, if the Board's personnel is not adequate to cope with the necessary duties as required by the Merchant Shipping Act, Sections 457 to 463, he will take steps to increase the marine survey staff of the Board in order to ensure that no vessel shall leave for sea in an unseaworthy condition?

Under the Merchant Shipping Acts any person who sends or attempts to send an unseaworthy ship to sea is guilty of a misdemeanour. These Acts further give power to the Board of Trade and their officers to detain unseaworthy ships. There are no statutory regulations as to unseaworthiness. The detention of unseaworthy ships is one of the most important duties of the Board of Trade surveyors. The present staff is considered sufficient to carry out the statutory duties of the Board, but the matter is constantly under observation, and if the staff were found to be inadequate, steps would be taken to increase it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that those rated as able seamen engaged on British merchant vessels are not tested for eyesight before signing on; and whether he will take the necessary steps to ensure that such seamen undergo eyesight tests similar to those to be passed by candidates qualifying as masters and mates in the merchant service?

The sight tests are compulsory only in the case of candidates for officers' certificates, hut they are open to all seamen, and many seamen are in fact tested. Owners can require seamen to produce proof that they have had their sight tested before they engage them, but to compel all seamen to have their sight tested before they are signed on would require legislation, and I doubt whether there is sufficient case for this.

Does not the Board of Trade recognise that the safety of all seamen depends upon the men having their sight good, and is it not therefore desirable that all seamen should have their sight tested?

Should we not have the sight of Members of Parliament tested?

As a matter of fact, seamen do have their eyes tested.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the average inclusive rate per ton for delivering cargo from ship to warehouse and from warehouse to ship in London, Liverpool, Glasgow, Antwerp. Hamburg, and Rotterdam, respectively?

I have been asked to reply. I am not in possession of the information which would enable me to give the particulars asked for, but I would remind the hon. Member that the charges made and the services rendered vary according to the nature of the cargo, and also that the rates charged at the various ports do not necessarily cover like services or accommodation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can arrange for the compilation of detailed indexes of the products of British manufacturers so that potential buyers from overseas may be placed promptly in contact with the producers in this country of Bonds which they may desire to purchase?

Detailed indexes of the kind desired by the hon. Member are already in existence at the Department of Overseas Trade. Copies of these indexes have also been supplied by the Department to its overseas officers. The Department is always glad to receive full particulars of their products from individual manufacturers in order that they may be included in these indexes which are regarded by the Department and its overseas officers as confidential and are used solely for the purpose indicated by the hon. Member in his question.

Ts the hon. Gentleman taking any steps to make known to representatives abroad the fact that this index exists in the Overseas Department?

I will consider; if it is not done already.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can now make a statement regarding the proposed agreement between the British Dyestuffs Corporation and the Allgemeine Gesellschaft?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any further progress has been made in the proposed amalgamation between the British Dyestuffs Corporation and certain German concerns; what are the names of the German companies with which it is proposed to amalgamate combine, or to come to a working arrangement; and what will be the liability incurred by the British Dyestuffs Corporation?

I understand that the terms of the proposed agreement are still under consideration, and I am consequently not yet in a position to make a statement on the subject.

In view of the importance of the matter, will the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that the House shall have the opportunity of discussing these arrangements before a decision is taken?

I have already informed the House that I shall certainly do all in my power to see that, if the parties come to an arrangement, the House shall have the opportunity of considering it at some stage.

Can the right hon. Gentleman answer the second part of my question, namely, what are the names of the companies that propose to amalgamate; is it only the Allgemeine Gesellschaft, or are there other companies?

I have not yet got the terms of the proposed agreement showing who are the parties in Germany. The negotiating body is. I understand, the Interessen Gemeinschaft; but exactly what firms and companies that includes I cannot state from memory.

Does the Allgemeine Gesellschaft deal in red dyes?

Comrade Kenworthy:

asked the President of the Board of Trade when it is proposed to introduce the Anti-Profiteering Bill which has been prepared?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is intended to introduce in the present Session a Bill to deal with trusts and combines; and whether the proposals contained in such Measure will have any effect on the estimated revenue from direct taxation for the present financial year?

I am not at present in a position to make any statement on this matter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade stated in Sheffield only a few days ago that the right hon. Gentleman and the Parliamentary Secretary had already produced a skeleton Bill on this subject; is it the intention of the Government to bring it forward?

The matter is under consideration.

Is this another case of Ministers snaking statements in public without Cabinet responsibility?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether steps are being taken to carry out the suggestion made by him at a recent meeting of the National Federation of Iron and Steel Manufacturers that the Board of Trade should be informed privately by manufacturers of the loss of orders to foreign firms; and, if effect is given to this proposal, will he arrange for the information so obtained to be published periodically for the assistance and guidance of the manufacturers and trade unions concerned, including particulars so far as available of the different wages and hours of labour obtaining in this country and in the country where tenders are given on account of the lower prices quoted?

The Board of Trade are informed from time to time of cases of the kind referred to in the first part of the question, but I do not think that publicity of the kind suggested in the second part would be in the best interests of British manufacturers.

At the meeting referred to, did not the right hon. Gentleman state that it would be advisable that this information should be procurable, and what steps has he taken to see that that is being done?

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it is about time that he should leave private enterprise to carry out its own business without State interference?

My suggestion was that manufacturers would do well to put the information before the Board of Trade privately in order to avoid publicity, and I still think so.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that the conditions of labour in foreign countries are equally good?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what part of the oil supplies of the world is in the hands of or controlled by the Standard and Royal Dutch oil combines; what steps have been taken by His Majesty's Government to adequately safeguard the supply for national necessities; and what steps, if any, are being taken to encourage research in the direction of the distillation of oil from coal and the production of industrial alcohol?

With regard to the first part of the question, the extent of the known resources of the world in oil is not sufficiently defined to enable me to give exact information. As regards the second part, the decision of the Government to retain their holding in the Anglo-Persian Oil Company is an indication of their desire to maintain an independent source of oil supplies. As regards the third part, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to similar questions by the hon. Member for Springburn on the 12th February, and by the hon. Member for Acton on the 2nd April.

In the absence of accurate and precise information, can the right hon. Gentleman give some approximate information with regard to the first part of the question?

It is a matter of common knowledge that probably half the oil supplies of the world during the past year has been supplied by the two combines named.

Does that include "palm oil"?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the boat belonging to the s.s. "Trevessa" is at the British Empire Exhibition, presumably to commemorate one of the finest feats of seamanship ever performed in the mercantile marine; and whether he can take steps to ensure that this boat is exhibited in surroundings and in a manner worthy of it, and preserved for the nation subsequently?

I am aware that one of the boats of the "Trevessa" is being exhibited at Wembley, and if the Noble Lord will he good, enough to tell me what he has in mind, I will look into the matter. I doubt whether it will be possible to arrange for the permanent exhibition of this boat.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this boat is, at present sitting on the top of a rubbish heap?

asked the Postmaster-General whether, seeing that one of the main objects of the special issue of British Empire Exhibition postage stamps is to advertise the British Empire Exhibition, he will give instructions for these stamps to be on sale at all post offices?

I understand that the authorities of the British Empire Exhibition do not share the hon. Member's view that the sale of the special exhibition stamps at all post offices is desirable in order to advertise the exhibition, and prefer to restrict the sale to the exhibition itself.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he will take steps to secure the application of the Fair Wages Clause to all employments at the British Empire Exhibition?

I am not in a position to intervene in any questions regarding the wages paid to employés at the British Empire Exhibition, but if my hon. Friend will refer to the reply which I gave yesterday in answer to a question asked by the hon. Member for Dewsbury he will see that I have done, and I shall continue to do, everything in my power to provide means for the investigation and settlement of any complaints.

Before the Government make larger grants for exhibitions in future will the hon. Gentleman make representations to the Government to see that they have some power to prescribe the conditions in which that money shall be used as regards the terms upon which the employés shall work?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that public money has been allocated to the British Empire Exhibition and could not the Government have insisted on the Fair Wages Clause being applied?

In reply to the first question I do not suppose that there will be another British Empire Exhibition for a year or two, and I cannot say what will happen in the case of any future exhibition of this kind. In reply to the second question the exhibition was decided on before the Labour Government came into office. These matters had been decided at that time or hon. Members may take it from me that there ought to be a Fair Wages Clause in every contract.

Is it not a fact that the grant has been increased by the Labour Government?

Unfortunately it has not yet been done. The Bill hall yet to be passed, but I wish that it were.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called Ito the fact that candles used for lighting purposes in the mines have risen from 3s. 9½d. to 5s. 8d. per dozen lbs. since December last, and that carbide has risen from 15s. 9d. to 19s. 6d. per cwt. during the past five weeks; and will he consider the advisability of obtaining powers to institute inquiries into the prices charged and the profits made?

I am aware of the recent increase in the price of candles, which I understand is due mainly to the increase in the price of paraffin wax in the United States. As regards carbide, I am not aware of any increase in wholesale prices, but I shall be glad to consider any detailed information which my hon. Friend is able to supply. The subject raised in the last part of the question is under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the tenders for £5,500,000 were called for by the Southern Railway Company in connection with electrification work guaranteed under the Trade Facilities Act; when the contracts in connection with the same were let; and to what portion of the present Southern Railway system does this electrification apply?

I have been asked to reply. I understand that up to the present tenders have been called for and contracts placed at various dates for approximately £2,000,000 altogether. The electrification to which the hon. and gallant Member refers applies to the South Eastern and Chatham section of the Southern Railway within a radius of about 15 miles from London.

Is that being done on the South-Western section?

I do not know, but I shall be pleased to get the information for the right hon. Gentleman.

If that is not being done, may I press the right hon. Gentleman to approach the South-Western Railway Company?

When will the right hon. Gentleman be able to report progress in connection with other schemes of electrification?

The hon. Member must put that question down on the Paper.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will recommend to the railway companies the greater use by the companies of motors, both to deliver farm produce from the stations and, if telephoned up by the farmer, to collect it from the farm?

The railway companies acre under no obligation either to deliver or to collect traffic by road, and, as at present advised, I do not feel that I could usefully make any general recommendation to the companies on the lines suggested by the hon. Baronet, but I am communicating his question to them.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can issue a statement showing what roads have been closed to motor vehicle traffic; to what class of traffic the Order applies in each case; whether he can state for how long such Orders are to apply; and whether it is the policy of his Department that roads shall be closed to motor traffic indefinitely, or whether any conditions are laid down when the Order is made to the effect that the road is to be rendered reasonably fit to take motor vehicle traffic within a reasonable time?

As the answer is a long one, I will, with the Noble Lord's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will the hon. Member answer the last part of the question?

I think the Noble Lord had better see the answer when it is published in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Are more accidents caused by trams than omnibuses or vice versa?

I cannot say.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that certain urban and district councils have expressed their inability, having regard to the financial position which exists in agricultural areas and the serious difficulties which now confront ratepayers, to expend any more money on the maintenance or reconstruction of highways in their district than has been raised on an average basis during the past few years, and that they can accept no responsibility whatever for any deterioration of important highways, in consequence of their inability to shoulder the additional financial burden of the more improved methods of construction, which they now almost immediately be out of date. Each Order is fully advertised, and suitable notice boards are erected on the roads affected.

asked the Minister of Transport the number of persons who were killed in 1923 in street accidents, and also the number of non-fatal accidents, in London and Bristol; whether he has any knowledge as to whether the larger number of these accidents were due to omnibus and other public service vehicles or to commercial vehicles and private cars; and what steps he proposes to take to reduce the possibilities of their continuance?

The figures for the year 1923 are as follow:—

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that many rural district councils have declared themselves unable to spend any more on the upkeep of their roads; and whether he will take steps to have an increased grant given from the Road Board to assist in keeping up the rural roads and finding employment for those out of work?

I am aware of the strain imposed upon some highway authorities by the cost of road maintenance, but I would point out that this burden has been greatly mitigated by the large grants made from the Road Fund since 1921. As I have previously explained, special allocations amounting to 2,750,000 have been made from the Road Fund revenues for 1923–24 and 1924–25, for the improvement of roads in rural areas, and I have under consideration the question whether a further allocation should be made during the current financial year. It must be remembered that resources at present at my command for all purposes are limited.

In view of the fact that the hon. Member is allocating £250,000 less this year than last year and that the need is so great, will he state what increase is going to be given to the rural district councils to meet these very heavy charges?

I cannot say at the moment. I am looking into the matter and there will be no avoidable delay.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the authorities concerned have come to an agreement with regard to the proposed bridge over the River Ouse at Boothferry; if so, whether there is any hope of the work being commenced in the near future; and, if no agreement has been arrived at, will he endeavour to secure agreement in view of the necessity for the bridge in the interest of the convenience of the public and the trade of the district?

Tenders will, I hope, very shortly be invited for the construction of this bridge, and as soon as the cost is thus ascertained, a final conference of the local authorities concerned will be convened, in order that the terms of the agreement which have been under discussion may be confirmed and the work promptly begun.

asked the Minister of Transport what steps he proposes to take to complete the Chertsey arterial road, and have plans been passed to construct the necessary bridge over the Thames at Mortlake?

The county councils of Middlesex and Surrey are co-operating with my Department in the acquisition of land for the new Chertsey Road, a portion of which, in Chiswick, has already been formed. No definite agreement has yet been reached with the local authorities concerned with regard to the construction of the remainder of the road and of the necessary bridges, but I have every confidence that work will proceed at no distant date.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether all temporary officers still employed in the Army in technical departments possess the qualifications necessary for their appointments; and will he take steps forthwith to demobilise any officer who may be so employed and does not possess such technical qualification?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; the latter part, therefore, does not arise, but it is the policy of the Army Council to demobilise a temporary officer as soon as a, qualified Regular officer becomes available.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the Army on the Rhine a Regular officer who held the rank of major during the War and who was fully qualified is now junior to a temporary lieutenant?

I am not aware of that case, but I am aware that there are temporary officers with special technical qualifications. I believe there is one case where an officer has a knowledge of German law and the German language and acts in a magisterial capacity.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many temporary officers have been demobilised from the Army since the present Government assumed office; and what length of time it is estimated will elapse before all those still employed will be replaced by Regular officers?

The answer to the first part of the question is 46. As regards the second part, the replacement of any temporary officer depends on the circumstances of the particular case, and my right hon. Friend regrets that he is not in a position to make an estimate.

I beg to give notice that I will raise this question of the temporary officers, on the Adjournment to-morrow night.

asked the Secretary of State for War what number of officers and other ranks were, on 1st May, 1924, in the British Army of Occupation in Germany?

The numbers of officers and other ranks serving with the British Army of Occupation in Germany on 30th April last were 511 and 8,397 respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many summonses for eviction he has issued since he took office; and whether he has any regard to the size of the family of the person against whom he proceeds?

The number of summonses during the period in question has been about 25, but, as my right hon. Friend stated in Debate last week, to the best of his belief no eviction has been carried out under any of these summonses. As regards the last part of the question, all relevant, considerations, including the size of the family, are borne in mind, and the utmost forbearance is shown.

Inasmuch as the Secretary of State of War is this week proceeding against other people in the same neighbourhood for eviction, will the hon. Gentleman undertake that he will not turn them out into the street until alternative accommodation is found?

I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman refers to people being evicted by the War Office. If that be so, I will refer the matter to my right hon. Friend. I am not quite sure whether these people are being evicted under summonses taken out by the present Government—

Yes, they are.

Or the previous Government.

Is it the policy of the Government to turn these people out without any regard to any alternative accommodation whatsoever?

Is it not a fact that the London County Council, of which the hon. Members for West Woolwich (Sir K. Wood) is such a distinguished ornament, is also evicting people?

No.

Is it suggested that a different policy should be adopted by the Government in Woolwich from that which is adopted in Glasgow?

My answer was that all relevant considerations, including the size of the family, are borne in mind and the utmost forbearance is shown. I cal assure my hon. Friend the Member for Bridgeton (Mr. Maxton) that the point put by him is not overlooked in this matter.

Is it not the definite policy of the Labour party that alternative accommodation should be found before these people are turned out?

May I call your attention, Sir, to the fact that the Prime Minister is never in the House, and that we cannot get our questions answered?

The hon. Gentleman is aware that the Prime Minister, as Foreign Secretary, has certain official duties outside the House to-day. I will call his question again at the end.

later asked the Prime Minister when the Housing Bill will be introduced?

I would ask the hon. Member to await the statement that I am to make on Thursday.

Is the Housing Bill going to be introduced before Whitsuntide or not?

I am glad at any time to enlist the genuine assistance of my hon. Friend with regard to the housing policy of the Government, but at the moment I cannot say more.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the Peerless armoured car at present supplied to yeomanry armoured-car units is of obsolete design and unsuitable for co-operation with cavalry, and that the Peerless engine is of American manufacture; and whether, in view of the depression in the British motor industry, he will recommend that Government orders for the manufacture of armoured cars be accelerated?

My right hon. Friend is aware that the Peerless car is of old design, and is fitted with an engine of American make. As be informed the Noble Lord on 20th May, steps have already been taken towards replacing these cars. With regard to the last part of the question, the present replacement arrangements have been carefully considered from the point of view both of efficiency and economy, and my right hon. Friend cannot at present see his way to vary them.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is very serious unemployment amongst commercial motor-car manufacturers, and will he do what he can in order to assist them?

Is there any reason for wasting money?

This question is a question based on efficiency.

asked the Secretary of State of War whether he has any information with regard to the type of the armoured car now supplied to the German Army and police; the number of cars supplied or under course of construction; and whether a number of a new type of agricultural tractor convertible into armoured infantry carrier tractors are ear-marked for the German Army reserve?

According to my right hon. Friend's information, the number of armoured cars allowed and supplied is: police, 150; Army, nil. The types of the police cars in use are various. My right hon. Friend has no information as to the existence of a new type of agricultural tractor intended for conversion to an armoured infantry carrier.

Are any experiments being conducted in this country with regard to armoured tractors?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he proposes to secure for married officers over 30 years of age in India the same married allowances as they would receive if they were serving in England;

(2) whether, seeing that military pay and allowances in India are based upon an assumed exchange of 10 rupees to the £, and that the rupee is only worth ls. 4d., readjustments of pay will be made to relieve recipients of the burden imposed upon them by the greatly increased cost of living in India?

I am answering these questions at the request of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War. The revision of pay of military officers in India is being considered with special reference to the position of married officers under the War Office system of pay and to the exchange problem, but it will be some time before any announcement can be made.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that, although the ratepayers in the Highland counties of Scotland have to pay high rates for the upkeep of roads for the benefit of motorists, they are frequently unable to obtain for themselves the ordinary transport facilities which are necessary for the development of their land; and whether he can state when the Board of Agriculture will be prepared favourably to consider the schemes for the construction of agricultural roads at Portlovorchy, and between Tarbert, Fanagmore, and Findlemore, recently submitted to them by the Road Board of Sutherland?

I am aware of the position regarding road rates in the Highland counties, but I would remind the hon. and gallant Member that large contributions to the cost of maintenance are made from the Road Fund, and that the benefit of the roads does not accrue exclusively to any one class of users. With regard to the second part of the question, the Board, owing to the heavy commitments on the limited funds which they have available for assisting such works, are unable at present to offer grants in respect of these proposals. Particulars of the applications, however, have been noted for further consideration in the allocation of grants made by the Board in future.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these contributions of which he speaks from Government funds all involve further expenditure by as ratepayers in the Highland counties for the kind of road that they do not re quire, and cannot they be given these facilities for making roads in the country districts which they do require for the work of their small holdings?

Is it not the fact that some of those ratepayers benefit very largely from the motorists who visit that part of the country?

Would Silvertown have equal consideration?

That is a matter for debate.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he proposes to take action on the lines of the scheme prepared by the Scottish Steam Drifters' Association to secure a simple and inexpensive form of procedure for the settlement of disputes arising between Scottish herring fishermen and Dutch fishermen in connection with the loss of nets in the North Sea; and whether he intends to introduce legislation with that object in view?

A scheme on the lines referred to by the hon. and learned Member has been discussed by the Fishery Departments with a representative of the Netherlands Government. The matter is at present under consideration, and I am not yet in a position to say whether an agreement on such lines will be practicable. Pending such an agreement the question of introducing legislation does not arise.

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to facilitate the consideration of the matter, in view of the number of claims pending at the present moment?

asked the Secretary for Scotland the total acreage of deer-forest land in each of the Highland counties acquired compulsorily for small holdings under the Land Settlement (Scotland) Act, 1919?

No deer forest land has been acquired compulsorily by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland for the formation of small holdings, but about 13,000 acres formerly used as deer forests have been made available for purposes of land settlement by agreement.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Committee on Deer Forests recently reported that there is a large quantity of land suitable for small holdings, and will he explain why none of that land has been made available?

The answer to the next question will explain that. It simply amounts to this, that it costs too much money.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that great cost is largely due to the provision in the Act of 1919 in regard to fencing, and will he take steps to amend the law with respect to fencing, and so make the land available?

Are we to understand that it is the intention of the present Government not to put into effect any of the recommendations in the Report of the Committee on Deer Forests, and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Committee was+ composed of men of all parties?

Do the 13,000 acres which have been acquired represent the extent to which the Government are prepared to go, and is not that a very unlucky number?

My right hon. Friend the Member for Ross and Cromarty (Mr. Macpherson) is not to take it that the present Government are not prepared to put any of the recommendations of the Deer Forests Committee into operation.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what was the total sum paid in compensation and for expenses in respect of the Kintail deer forest case arising out of the compulsory substitution of sheep for deer during the War?

The total sum paid under the arbiter's award in respect of compensation was £4,328 3s. 4d. The accounts for expenses have not yet been adjusted.

Is the right hon. Gentle man aware that I had the same reply 18 months ago? Does he expect to have to pay anything more in respect of the expenses of this arbitration?

I have no responsibility for what occurred 18 months ago.

Is it a fact that the expenses have not been adjusted, and how long is it going to take to adjust them under a Labour Government?

Are we to understand that the whole case is closed, and everything has been paid that is going to be paid.

I have already informed the House that the expenses have not been adjusted, so that I do not see how it can be said to be closed.

Does the right hon. Gentleman disclaim responsibility at present for the matter?

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, seeing that the Board of Agriculture has purchased Armadale farm for the purpose of enlarging the inadequately small crofts held by the crofters Strathy East and Strathy West, in Sutherlandshire, he can state if the original plan has been departed from and the farm is now to be divided among a section of the applicants; and whether he is prepared to put in operation the purpose for which the Board purchased the farm, and enlarge the holdings of, approximately, 100 crofters in the area?

My hon. Friend will be glad to know that it is not proposed to depart from the plan of carrying out a scheme for the improvement of existing crofts of several townships, including the two mentioned in the question.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has received any Report from the General commanding in Northern Ireland, or if he will ask for any, as to the number of fully-armed men in the A, B, and C class, respectively, of the special constabulary in that area, the number of rifles, machine-guns, and other equipment they possess, which were allocated from military stores, and the number transferred from the late Royal Irish Constabulary Force?

May I ask, Mr. Speaker, whether this is not entirely a matter for the Government of Northern Ireland, and, if it is, whether you will allow the question to be put?

imagine that the question relates to the General commanding His Majesty's forces in Northern Ireland.

I have been asked to reply. Any question with regard to the numbers, organisation and equipment of Special Constabulary in Northern Ireland is not a matter for the Imperial Government, but for the Government of Northern Ireland, on whom Parliament has by the Government, of Ireland Act placed the responsibility for the maintenance of law and order. As regards the latter part of the question, I do not know what equipment is now in the possession of the Special Constabulary, but I may say that before December, 1922, ordnance stores to the value of over £600,000 were allocated by the War Office under a loan arrangement to the Government of Northern Ireland, and ordnance stores of the Royal Irish Constabulary to the value of about £170,000 were handed over.

I must confess that I as misled by the use of the term "General commanding" at the beginning of the question, and I thought, therefore, that it referred to some Report which came to this Government. Apparently that was not so, and the matter cannot be pursued.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he has any statement to make with regard to the figures recently presented on behalf of the Minister of Finance in the Parliament of Northern Ireland as to the financial contribution of Northern Ireland during the years 1922–23 and 1923–24?

My attention has been called to the statement mentioned, which covers a somewhat different period from that dealt with in my answer to the hon. Member of the 6th May. The discrepancy in respect of the year 1923–24, to which reference was made on behalf of the Minister of Finance, appears to be due, as suggested, to the fact that certain grants issued from the British Exchequer on the 31st March last were brought to account in the Northern Irish Exchequer in the current financial year.

Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to the Northern Ireland Special Arbitration Committee, which reported on the 4th September last that "the contribution for 1922–1923 was revised and stands at six millions"?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Free State is bankrupt?

It is issued as a White Paper by this House.

The hon. Member had better put a question down.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether arrangements have been completed with the Dominion Governments and Emigration Departments to assist in providing passages, etc., for destitute able-bodied unemployed who desire to emigrate; and whether any grants will be provided by the Dominion Government to reduce the expenses of emigration payable by parish councils under Section I of the Poor Law Emergency Provisions Continuance (Scotland) Act?

I have been asked to reply. Under the Empire Settlement Act, 1922, the Imperial Government has entered into agreements with certain Overseas Governments for the grant of assistance to suitable persons approved by them who desire to settle overseas. It is hoped to issue a circular to the parish councils at an early date indicating the nature of the assistance provided under these agreements.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that London taximeter cabs have to pay £14 per annum horse-power tax, whereas the rest of Great Britain only pay £12; and can he see his way to reduce the London tax to £12, thus bringing London into line?

have been asked to reply. I am aware of the difference in the excise licence duty for taxi-cabs between London and the provinces, but this question is one that is under the consideration of the Departmental Committee.

Would it not be possible to put this very sensible suggestion into practice? I have been promised consideration of it time and again.

Does not the point of the question arise under the Finance Bill, and not necessarily under a Report that we have been expecting for some years?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer approximately what percentage of the cost of articles produced and manufactured in Great Britain has to be paid in local and imperial taxation?

I regret that the information necessary for such a calculation is not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total annual amount of the local and Imperial taxation in Great Britain; and what is the amount per head of the population?

As the answer is in tabular form, I will, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the great inconvenience and trouble to both individuals and companies caused by double taxation now in operation between the Irish Free State and Great Britain; and whether, in conjunction with the Irish Free State, he will appoint a Committee to consider and recommend an Amendment to Section 27 of the Finance Act, 1920, by which the system of double taxation will be simplified?

The existence of double taxation is an inevitable result of the establishment of the Irish Free State as a separate Dominion, The system of relief in force is based on recommendations of the Royal Commission on the Income Tax made for the Empire as a whole after an exhaustive examination of the problem. The practical difficulties of the system, which I know to be considerable, are at the moment much magnified by the temporary inexperience of taxpayers as to its working, and the difficulties will certainly decrease. The development of the matter is being carefully watched, but I think it would be premature to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion.

Will the hon. Gentleman put himself into communication with the Income Taxpayers' Society, when he will find that a large number of complaints have been made of the terrible delays which occur to people in getting back the over Income Tax which they have already paid?

Representations have been made on this point, but I am afraid it is a little difficult at the moment to modify the Section embodied after great deliberation in the Act of 1920.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability, instead of the individual having to apply to both Governments for repayment, of an arrangement between the two Treasuries leaving only the extra 6d., or whatever is the amount of the difference between the two, to be demanded from the individual instead of having to pay Income Tax twice?

These matters are under consideration, and I will certainly look into that suggestion.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think it a pity that the Government should lose this opportunity of setting up another Committee?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the cost of issuing 600,000 copies of R. 255 and the net proceeds which accrued to revenue as a result of the advertisement contract for the freehold lands of Canberra; and whether there is any clause in the contract under which he is at liberty to withdraw from its obligations?

Form R. 255 is one of a series of four forms (R. 252, 253, 254 and 255), printed at a total cost of £109, £24 of which being due to the printing of advertisements on the back of the forms. The gross revenue from the sale of the space for advertisements was £884, and the net revenue, therefore, £860. As stated by me on the 6th May, in answer to the hon. Member for I1ford, one-half of this revenue is attributable to the advertisement to which the hon. Member refers. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Is there anything in the contract which would preclude the over-stamping of this part of the advertisement with an intimation that the Government accepts no responsibility for the statements in the advertisement?

No. There is nothing in the contract which would prevent that, and I am very willing to inquire whether that can now be done.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of European Treasury Bills held by the Government, and if they are dated?

The greater part of the war debts of European Allies to this country is held in the form of Treasury Bills, the total of the Bills, which are all dated, being £1,830 million.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the total amount of grants made to the National Federation of Women's Institutes from the Development Fund or other Government sources, and the total amount of grants, if any, made to the Village Clubs Association?

As stated in the answer of the 10th April, 1923, in the initial period of the organisation of Women's Institutes, from October, 1917, to November, 1919, grants amounting to £1,900 were made from the funds of the Food Production Department to the National Federation of Women's Institutes. Subsequently, grants amounting to £33,882 have been made from the Development Fund to the Federation. Grants amounting to approximately £20,611 have been made from the Development Fund to the Village Clubs Association.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that as regards recent reductions in the salaries of temporary civil servants a grade 3 clerk, receiving in round figures some £3 a week, has to suffer a reduction of 4s. 5d. a week, whilst clerks in grades 1 and 2, receiving £4 a week, are mulct to the extent of 11d. and 10d. a week, respectively, and principal officers; drawing between £300 and £700 per annum, are unaffected, as no reduction is made in their salaries; and if he can state on what, basis these reductions are assessed?