asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can state the number of ships of all classes, respectively, including store-carriers, supply ships, and fleet auxiliaries of all kinds, required for the Grand Fleet in 1917 and 1918?

I will, with the Noble Lord's permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement giving the desired figures.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many boys are now under training for His Majesty's Navy, and how many were under training on 28th May, 1914; and why it has been found necessary to detail the battleships "King George V" and "Colossus" as overflow ships to the "Impregnable" training establishment at Devonport?

With regard to the first part of the question, the figures for the 28th May, 1914, are not available. The numbers of seaman class boys under training on the 15th May, 1914, and 15th May, 1924, were 5,712 and 2,803, respectively. The 1914 figures include youths. With regard to the second part of the question, training of boys at Devonport in 1913–14 was carried out in His Majesty's ships "Powerful" and 'Impregnable," and the training A youths was carried out in Devonport Barracks; four seagoing training ships, of the "Edgar" class, based upon Queenstown, were also used. His Majesty's ship "Powerful" has now been done away with and, for reasons of health, a smaller number of boys than formerly is accommodated in His Majesty's ship "Impregnable," while the entry of youths with their shorter period of training has been discontinued on grounds of policy.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that yard-craftsmen in Devonport Dockyard are on duty 24 hours per day on seven days a week; that the average number of hours per week that they work is 100; that they have no specified time for leaving work; that it is a frequent occurrence for them to do 156 hours on duty at a stretch, whilst on occasion they do from 60 to 70 hours at a stretch, during which time each man has to provide his own food to last for three days, which means, in effect, that each man has to support two homes out of the meagre-wages provided; whether he is aware that the total wages and emoluments of these State workers are £ 6s. 10d. per week of 100 hours; that they are only granted six days' leave per annum, and that only when they can be spared; that they are not entitled to sick pay; and whether be can see his way to improve the conditions and wages under which these men work?

Yardcraftsmen are seafaring men, and may be required to be on board their vessels for 24 hours a day, seven days a week; as regards hours of duty, I am unable to concur in the figures given by the hon. Member, and it should be understood that yardcraftsmen, like other seafaring men, are not always actually at work all the time they spend on board their vessels; an allowance is paid, in addition to wages, whenever the men are required to be on board their vessels for periods in excess of 24 hours, whether in port or out of port; allowances, in addition to regular wages, are also paid when duty is unusually arduous or prolonged; the regular weekly wages of an able seaman amount to 51s. 4d. minimum, and of a stoker, 53s. ld. minimum. The annual leave allowed is as stated; the crews are insured under the National Health Insurance Act in respect of sickness. I may add that the most complete machinery exists, in the shape of Whitley Councils and Committees, for the ventilation of any grievances of any classes of employés through their trade union representatives.

In view of the long hours the men work, and the very low wages paid, will he undertake to look into the question; and may I assume that he does not wish to deprive a Member of Parliament of the right of representing his own constituents?

I am always prepared to go into these cases of long hours and under-payment, but the machinery exists, and I have discovered that the most expeditious way to deal with them is through the trade union representatives on the Whitley Council.

Has the case of these men come under the Whitley Council recently?

No.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware of the discontent in the minds of a large number of men working in the Government dockyards, mole especially stokers and crane drivers, in consequence of the long delay in getting any of their grievances settled, even if they have been considered by the Admiralty Joint Industrial Council; if he is aware that the Joint Industrial Council only meet about every four weeks, and if the officials of the Admiralty desire to postpone the case it is another four weeks before it can be heard; if he is aware of the dissatisfaction in connection with the classification of skilled labourers; and whether he will be prepared to receive a deputation of the men in question about the matter?

The answer to the first part, of the question is in the negative. The council meetings are held about every four weeks, and no application has been made by the workmen's representatives to have the meetings convened more frequently. I have no doubt that the trades union members of the Joint Industrial Council would move for expedition if they considered the present arrangements unsatisfactory.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, seeing that the question of granting marriage allowance to naval officers has been for a long time under consideration, he can now make a pronouncement upon the subject?

I regret I am not yet in a position to make any pronouncement.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say when he is likely to be able to make a pronouncement, and will he do so before the reductions take place?

I am afraid I cannot.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty, with reference to the proposed reductions in officers' pay, whether he is aware that in July, 1919, when the new scales were promulgated, the cost of living was 105 per cent. above that of 1914, whereas it is now about 78 per cent. above that of 1914, which is equivalent to a difference of 13·1 per cent.; and whether, seeing that the Order 2,483a stated that 20 per cent. of the new rates of pay and retired pay for officers should he considered as due to the high cost of living and subject after five years to change, either upwards or downwards, according as the cost of living rises or falls, he can see his way to act within the terms of the Order referred to and decrease the pay only by one-fifth of 13·1 per cent., namely, 2.6 per cent., at the outside?

I regret that I am unable to agree in the hon. Member's calculation. It was the clear intention of His Majesty's Government in 1919, that, if prices fell to the pre-War level, 20 per cent. of the present pay of officers should be withdrawn. Under the hon. Member's calculation, approximately 10 per cent. only could be withdrawn in that event, and the full 20 per cent. could not be withdrawn until the actual cost of living fell to zero.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us whether, before deciding to reduce the pay, the fact was realised that the cost of living figures do not include rent, rates and taxes?

All those facts were taken into consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will give particulars of the number of persons employed on the Admiralty staff to-day and the corresponding number in 1914, and also the total personnel of the Navy on each of these dates?

I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate the figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Prime Minister when payment will be made to those affected by the decision in the case of Sutton v. Rex?

I have been asked to reply. £1,220,000 has already been paid to men clearly affected by the decision. Further test actions are about to come before the Courts in respect of men not covered by the decision referred to; and with regard to these I must refer the Noble Lady to the reply given to the questions on the subject asked by the hon. Member for Dulwich and the right hon. Member for the Colchester Division of Essex on the 15th instant, a copy of which I will send her.

As this is a very serious matter for these men, will the right hon. Gentleman expedite it?

I know there has been a very unfortunate delay in this matter, but I am pleased to say that Petitions of Right were presented yesterday and we expect them to be served within the course of the next few days. Replies will have to be furnished within 28 days. Immediately these replies have been furnished application will be made to the Court to expedite the hearing. There will be no delay that can possibly be avoided.

As this question relates to a judgment already delivered, what has the new Petition of Right to do with the men who are affected by that judgment?

Have technical objections been raised to the claims of a great many of the men who thought that they were covered by this decision?

This is a legal tangle which will have to be left to the lawyers.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the Australian Government has now taken a final decision with reference to the construction of cruisers; whether these cruisers will be equal in speed, gun-power and displacement to the five cruisers now building; and whether, in view of this decision of the Australian Government, it is proposed to modify in any way the Naval programme of the Government?

His Majesty's Government have no information as to the present position regarding the proposal of the Commonwealth Government to construct two cruisers. With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of the 2nd April to the hon. Member for Westbury.

Is it not a fact that these two cruisers are in substitution of two ships which are well over 50 years of age, coal burning and of very inferior speed?

Are we to understand that these two cruisers are to be laid down or are they not, and if they are laid down are they not in addition to our five?

The answer to both these supplementary questions is that this is a matter for the Australian Government, and we have no definite information.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, since the present scheme of financing Juvenile Unemployment Centres bears with hardship on the teachers for the purposes of the Superannuation Act, he will consider financing them through the Board of Education?

I have been asked to reply. The grant for Juvenile Unemployment Centres is made out of the Vote for the Relief of Unemployment. The question of making arrangements which would bring the financing of these Centres within the scope of the Vote of the Board of Education is one which I am discussing with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour, but I am not in a position to make any announcement.

Is it not a fact that these teachers are not entitled to he superannuated?

Yes.

asked the Minister of Labour if there are any statistics available to show the average period of training received by unemployed young persons at juvenile unemployment centres?

I am afraid that I have no information other than that given to the hon. Member on 22nd May. I propose, however, to ask the local education authorities concerned whether they have kept any statistics of the kind which the hon. Member has in mind, and I will communicate the result of my inquiries to him.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the West Riding County Council have recently purchased a quantity of railway material and wagon works of foreign manufacture for use in the State-aided relief schemes under their jurisdiction; and whether he will consider the introduction of Regulations whereby State-aided relief schemes, resulting from the necessity of finding employment for the large number of men at present out of work in this country, should be entirely supplied with plant and accessories manufactured in Great Britain?

I have been asked to answer this question. I became aware of the purchase of the plant, to which the hon. Member refers, after the estimate had been accepted by the West Riding County Council. As inquiry showed that in the case of some items the prices quoted for British plant were no less than 50 per cent. above the foreign quotation, I did not feel justified in withholding approval of the Council's action. It will be seen that the circumstances in this case were exceptional. I may add that one of the conditions now attached to all grants made from the Road Fund towards road works expedited for the relief of unemployment is that, not only must all contracts be placed in this country, but all materials and plant used must be of British manufacture, unless the Minister of Transport agrees otherwise. While every effort should be made to assist home industries local authorities must be able to protect themselves against possible combinations to keep up prices.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether this plant came from countries with a low exchange?

And from protected countries.

Is the hon. aware that German firms are writing to the muncipal authorities of this country calling attention to the reduction of the export duty from 26½ per cent, to 5 per cent., and offering cheaper materials on this account?

Can the Minister of Transport tell us whether the personnel of the West Riding County Council is Socialist or anti-Socialist?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Lord Privy Seal made a most definite statement in this House in reply to a question that no money would be advanced of any kind unless the materials were bought in this country?

I do not think that is what he said. I am all for doing the work in this country, but local bodies, and, in fact, everybody else, ought to he protected against rings.

Has the hon. Gentleman any evidence whatever that there is any ring in this case?

asked the Minister of Labour whether the classification according to the occupation of persons insured under the Unemployment Insurance Acts is so arranged as to show the total number of persons engaged in the production and repair of motor vehicles, aircraft, etc.: and, if not, whether the classification only includes persons employed, so far as production is concerned, in factories where motor vehicles are completed?

The classification group which includes the motor industry is composed of all insured persons employed by firms engaged wholly or mainly in the construction and repair of motor cars, motor lorries, motor omnibuses, motor cycles, cycles and aircraft. It also includes workers at motor repair garages, It excludes persons engaged in the manufacture of cycle and motor accessories. The persons classified under this group are not limited to those employed in factories where motor vehicles are completed, but embrace all insured persons, including clerks, maintenance staff, etc., who are in the employ of firms concerned with any stage of manufacture, provided they come generally under the above description. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the official "Classified List of Industry Groups," which gives further particulars.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the number of categories?

If the hon. Member will put a question down I will give him the information.

asked the Minister of Labour how many cases of men recently employed in the motor industry but now unemployed have reported to the Employment Exchanges and what steps is he taking to find these men employment?

The latest analysis of unemployed persons by industries relates to 28th April, and that for the end of May will not be available for some little time. In these circumstances, I cannot say whether there has been any net increase in unemployment in the motor industry since the end of April. As soon as the information is available, I will communicate with the hon. Member. As regards the last. part of the question, I can add nothing to the reply given to a similar question on previous occasions.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is going to take special steps to find employment for the men whose unemployment is wholly due to the recent policy of the Government in regard to the McKenna Duties?

I am not admitting the statement, that is so frequently made, as to unemployment arising out of the policy of the Government, but I am prepared to take any steps that are possible to find employment for anybody who is unemployed, from whatever cause.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether he has any definite plan for these people in the event—

That is a hypothetical question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that last week the Parliamentary Secretary to his Ministry directed my attention, in reply to a question, to the increase in the number of men in this industry who are going to the Exchanges, and how comes it that he now says that no increase has been noticed?

All that I said was, that I was not aware that there had been any net increase in unemployment, but that the figures were not yet prepared, and that, as soon as they are prepared, I will communicate them to the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the unemployment Returns for the week ending 19th May have increased considerably in the Midland area; and will he state the industries which show increases?

The number of persons on the 19th May, 1924. recorded on the registers of Employment Exchanges in the Midlands area was 127,047, an increase of 601 as compared with the 12th May. As statistics on an industrial basis are prepared only at monthly intervals, the most recent date being 28th April, it is not yet possible to state the industries which show recent increases or decreases in the numbers unemployed. If the hon. and gallant Member will put down a question about the middle of June, I will gladly give the information.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the six towns in the Midland area whose chief industry is the making of motor cars, or spare parts of motors, the numbers of unemployed have increased by 2,035?

I am not aware of that fact. I am aware that there has been an increase of one-half per cent. in the area spoken of It is my desire, as keen as that of the hon. Member, to get to know the exact facts at the earliest possible moment so that the House may know what the position is.

asked the Minister of Labour what the cost would be, first, to reduce the waiting time to qualify for unemployed pay to three days and, second, to limit the need to qualify on the present basis to one period in each six months?

It is difficult to form an estimate, but the cost under the first head, at the rates proposed under the Unemployment Insurance Bill now before the House, would probably be from four to four and a-half million pounds per annum, Under the second head the cost is very uncertain, but I should hesitate to put it at less than £3,000,000.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is prepared to consider the position of men and women on half time who work and stand off on alternate weeks during the year; and whether he will consider the best means for reducing the hardship on those who are thus unemployed for several months in the year and yet unentitled to receive unemployment pay?

Insured contributors who work and stand off in alternate weeks are already entitled to benefit in respect of idleness, except for the first of such weeks, which forms the waiting week.

is the right hon. Gentleman fully seized of the hardship arising to those insured persons whose incidence of employment may leave them with a gap of several weeks?

Is it not true that a man, after he has worked three weeks, and having qualified, has to qualify again?

Yes, but this question speaks of people who stand off in alternate weeks, which is a different question.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why, if one member of this Fund is entitled to out-of-work pay if he stands off in alternate weeks, another member, who can only make two days a week over a long period, is not so entitled?

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give particulars of the maximum and minimum rates of unemployment in the building trades during each of the last five years and during the current year?

As the reply is in tabular form, I will, with the permission of the hon. Member, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give the latest estimate of the number of women who are insured persons in the unemployment insurance scheme; how many of them are estimated to be unemployed; and how many of them were in receipt of unemployment benefit at the last date for which he has statistics?

The estimated number of women in insured trades in Great Britain is 2£ millions, of whom 225,026 were registered at Employment Exchanges as unemployed on 28th April. The number of women with claims to unemployment benefit current at that date was 183,718, Many of these women are textile workers on short time.

Have the Government any plan for these women?

That does not really arise out of the question.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that unemployed men who are drawing benefits for self, wife, and children, and who have the opportunity of learning a trade at the Northern Polytechnic, cannot take advantage of this offer, as unemployment benefit is immediately stopped if they do; and, seeing that juveniles must attend a course of instruction to become eligible for unemployment benefit, can he see his way to extend the same system to adults who are anxious to learn trades, and who, if they could depend on unemployment benefit while training as artisans, would have much greater opportunities of getting back into work when trained?

If the hon. Member will send me particulars of the cases he has in mind, I will have inquiries made. While the final decision on such questions rests with the Umpire, the position is that, in general, persons undergoing instruction at technical institutes are not thereby disqualified for benefit, provided, of course, that they remain available for employment.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state the approximate financial relief that West Ham, Birmingham, Sheffield, Manchester, Middlesbrough, and other heavily rated Poor Law areas in South Wales will receive under the new Unemployment Insurance Bill?

I have been asked to reply. The increase of benefits proposed by the Unemployment Insurance Bill is estimated to amount to roughly £10,000,000 per annum with a live regis- ter of 1,000,000. It is not possible to say how much of this sum will be reflected directly in reduction of the poor rate, but obviously it must represent directly or indirectly a substantial measure of assistance in towns with heavy unemployment.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, so far as West Ham is concerned, the Clerk of the board of guardians anticipates that West Ham is to get about £68,000 from the Bill, and that this assistance is not adequate to meet the situation?

I am not aware of the facts, and in any event the case of West Ham and its council is a matter for the Ministry of Health.

May I ask whether there has been any direct or indirect encouragement from his Department or any other Department to boards of guardians to reduce the relief which they are giving to unemployed workmen, in order to save, the rates at the expense of the Unemployment Insurance Fund?

That is a separate question.

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons in this country have their wages regulated in accordance with a sliding scale dependent on the cost of living; and whether it is contemplated making any provision whereby the workpeople so affected will be enabled to enjoy the advantages of the reduced taxation under the present year's Budget?

The number of persons covered by agreements at present in operation between employers and work-people providing for the adjustment of wages with reference to variations in the official cost-of-living index number, is estimated to be between 2£ and 3 millions. As regards the latter part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply, a copy of which I am sending to him, given on 20th May to a similar question by the hon. Member for the Hexham Division (Mr. Finney).

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is the intention of the Government to bring the Maternity Convention decisions before the House for ratification during the present Session; and, if not, whether he can give any assurance that they will be dealt with during the Autumn Session?

I am still in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health regarding the policy to be adopted by His Majesty's Government in ccnnection with this draft Convention. I cannot at present make any further statement.

Is it not a fact that no single country in the world has given effect to the proposals of this Convention, and will the British representative, at the next meeting at Geneva of the Bureau International de Travail, raise the point and get a more practical Convention to which other countries would agree?

asked the Minister of Labour how many of the ex-service members of the staff in his Department now under or about to receive notice of dismissal are single and how many are married men?

151 ex-service members of the temporary staff of the Ministry are now—mainly as a result of the steady diminution in unemployment—under or about to receive notice of dismissal, though it is probable that further employment will be found by the Department for a proportion of these officers before their notice expires. Of these 151, 74 are single and 77 married men.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in one office in Manchester alone, 10 out of 17 ex-service men are under notice, two of them being disabled; and that only four have been offered any alternative employment?

I am not aware of those facts. The hon. and gallant Member did not give them to me in order that I could inquire into the case. I will inquire into it, but the real reason for these officers having to leave is that unemployment is decreasing steadily, and there is no work for them.

Am I to understand that that is why 10 out of 17 are to be dismissed in one office alone?

The dismissals take place on a method arranged between the men themselves and the officials, in strict accordance with the substitution scheme definitely approved by both sides.

Does the right hon. Gentleman take steps to ensure that any particular office is not penalised in the interest of some other office?

Yes, everything that can be done is done to carry out in full honesty the agreement arrived at.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the widespread distress prevalent amongst ex-service officers and men of like educational qualification, he is prepared to extend to them the uncovenanted benefit of the unemployment insurance fund?

Ex-service officers and men of like educational qualification are eligible for unemployment benefit, subject to the same conditions as other applicants. I regret that I cannot see my way to make proposals for the grant of uncovenanted benefit to such of them as cannot satisfy these conditions.

asked the Minister of Health if he is now in a position to state the number of ex-service men and dependants in receipt of Poor Law relief?

I have now received the returns from the several boards of guardians, and I hope shortly to issue a paper giving a summary of the figures obtained.

Will it give particulars of the numbers of aliens in receipt of relief?

It will give all the particulars contained in the return.

The question refers specifically to ex-service men and their dependants. Is it in order for an hon. Member to drag in the question of aliens?

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been directed to the inadequate lavatory accommodation afforded to passengers taking long journeys on railway trains coming by excursion to the British Empire Exhibition; and whether he will make representations to the companies in the matter?

I have been asked to answer this question. One such case has been brought to my notice, and I have, been in communication with the railway company concerned in regard to it. The company have explained that, in view of the pressure brought upon them to provide trains for people wishing to visit Wembley and their anxiety to meet such requests, it is not possible in all cases to provide corridor accommodation on excursion trains, but that where it is not provided they arrange that there shall be a proportion of the coaches fitted with lavatories, and that arrangements are made in such cases to stop the trains at suitable places on the journey for the accommodation of passengers, and I am communicating with the other companies calling their attention to this matter.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that not only in connection with the exhibition, but on journeys say between Glasgow and London, not only is the lavatory accommodation inadequate, but the supply of drinking water, and I should like to ask him to take steps to see that it is supplied?

I will communicate with the railway companies if hon. Members will give me specific cases.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the dispute in the Dutch cotton textile trade has been settled by a reduction in wages of 7½ per cent., and an increase in working hours from 48 to 50½ and whether, seeing that Holland was a party to the Washington Labour Conference and passed an Act legalising the 48-hour week, and that the Dutch Government is now licensing this extension of working hours, he proposes to take any steps to bring the action of that Government before the International Labour Committee of the League of Nations?

I have no information as to the facts in this dispute. In any event, I would point out that in the absence of our ratification of the Eight Hours Convention it would not be possible, even if it were desirable, for His Majesty's Government to take the action suggested.

Do the Government intend to ratify the Convention?

I hope to present a Bill shortly for that purpose.

When will it be presented?

As early as possible.

In view of the importance of an increase in the working hours in Holland and a decrease in wages, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to find out the accuracy of the information—such steps as will benefit British labour?

Yes, I will certainly take all steps to get this information, and, as I happen, from many years' experience, to know how unreliable statements are about Holland, I will take particular pains to Jet accurate information.

asked the Minister of Labour if, and when, he intends to apply the Trade Facilities and Export Credit Schemes to Soviet Russia?

I understand that there is no statutory or other provision excluding the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics from the operation of the Trade Facilities Scheme. As regards the Export Credits Scheme, there is no statutory limitation as to the countries for which credits may be given, but I am informed that the Regulations at present governing the scheme exclude the grant of credits in the case of shipments to Russia. There are difficulties in the way of extending the Export Credits Scheme to Russia, but it is hoped that these difficulties will soon be removed.

In applying either of these schemes to Russia will it be done subject to the same conditions under which they are applied to other countries?

The same conditions, exactly.

Why did the right hon. Gentleman state, on Thursday last, that the scheme had been extended to Russia?

Frankly, it was a mistake.

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain to me why a Socialist Government needs capital?

This is not the time for evening classes in economics.

asked the Minister of Health the number of cases in which he has refused the housing subsidy on the ground that the needs of the district concerned can be met by individual enterprise; and is he aware that more houses could be provided if the housing subsidy were given to all genuine builders, irrespective of whether or not houses are built locally by wealthy individuals who do not need the subsidy?

I should like to express my regret to the House that, through an accident, neither my colleague nor I was able to be present yesterday to answer questions. I hope the House will accept my apology

asked the Minister of Health, in view of the fact that, within the county of Middlesex, one town council and six urban district councils have formally adopted the Small Dwellings Acquisition Act but have made no advances under it, whether, in the interests of those who are anxious to purchase their houses under the Act, he will make representations to those authorities that they should either apply the Act or rescind their resolution of adoption, and thereby enable the Middlesex County Council to do so?

I am advised that a council, having once become the local authority under the Acts, has no power to divest itself of its responsibilities. Communications have been addressed to local authorities with regard to the application of these Acts, but I will communicate with the seven local authorities in question.

Has the Minister any power to compel local authorities to adopt the Act?

So far as I know, I have no power.

asked the Minister of Health if he will take steps to initiate legislation that will result in the occupation of over 250,000 houses at present held for sale; whether subsidies are in prospect to builders who intend building for sale only; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with those builders who have houses kept for sale which have received the subsidy?

I am not aware of the basis of the figures given by my hon. Friend. After careful consideration, I have come to the conclusion that I cannot undertake to introduce legislation this Session to prevent the holding of houses for sale, and I can only concur with the hon. Member in regretting that not even the provision of subsidies has made it possible for the private builder generally to build houses for letting. With regard to the other point raised, I would suggsst that the hon. Member should await the introduction of the Government's housing proposals.

Will the right hon. Gentleman or the Government take steps to prevent houses being decontrolled as soon as they become vacant?

In view of the fact that a great many owners of houses are compelled to sell their houses, owing to the slump in trade, will the right hon. Gentleman advise the municipalities to buy the houses, and let them?

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses completed during the last 12 months by private enterprise, and also by local authorities; and the number of non-subsidy houses with a rateable value of less than £52 per annum completed during the same period?

During the 12 months ended 31st March last 14,371 houses were completed by local authorities and 4,293 by private enterprise with State assistance. In addition, approximately 66,000 houses of a larger type and of a rateable value not exceeding £52 in the provinces and £70 in the Metropolitan Police District were erected by private enterprise.

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses built under the Housing Act, 1923; the cost per house; the amount of subsidy paid for each house or group of houses; and the districts where such houses were erected

Up to the 1st instant 10,519 houses had been completed in England and Wales under the Housing, etc., Act, 1923. These houses are situate in the districts of some 600 local authorities all over the country. Information is not available as to the cost of the houses erected by private enterprise, but the average prices of all houses included in contracts let by local authorities under the Act up to the end of April were £379 for non-parlour houses and £432 for parlour houses. The Exchequer subsidy payable in respect of those houses is at the rate of £6 a year for 20 years for each house.

asked the Minister of Health the number of subsidy houses actually under construction by private enterprise and by local authorities, and the number of non-subsidy houses below £52 per annum rateable value actually in course of erection?

The number of subsidy houses under construction on the 1st instant were: 24,270 by private enterprise; 11,731 by local authorities. On the 31st March last approximately 36,000 houses of a rateable value not exceeding £52 in the provinces and £70 in the Metropolitan Police District were under construction by private enterprise without the aid of subsidy.

asked the Minister of Health when he will be in a position to inform the House as to his proposals for preventing profiteering in materials used in the building industry during the course of His Majesty's Government's house-building programme?

I hope to be able to lay the proposals of the Government before the House before the House rises for Whitsuntide.

Will it take the form of a Bill?

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to introduce this as a separate Bill apart from the Housing Bill?

I understand that the Lord Privy Seal has promised to make a statement to the House to-morrow on this question, and I do not wish to anticipate that statement.

asked the Minister of Health whether the veto on the granting to the building guilds of housing contracts of the form known as basic sum contracts, originally approved by his Department under the late housing scheme, is still in force; and whether local authorities are free under the present housing scheme, and will be free under that now in contemplation, to enter into contracts with the building guilds on the basic sum principle with his approval?

This question is under consideration, and I hope to be able to find means of enlisting the help of the building guilds, but I am unable to make a statement at the present time. I may say generally that I think it is very desirable that contracts should be on a lump sum basis.

How soon does the right hon. Gentleman think that he will be able to announce a decision?

I am afraid that I am not in a position to say how soon.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state the number of houses in respect of which the Exchequer paid all excess over the ld. rate in the years 1020, 1921, 1922 and 1923, without specifying the date when those houses were completed?

The number of houses completed since the beginning of the scheme or under erection at the end of each year, in respect of which the annual deficit in excess of the Id. rate is borne by the Exchequer, is as follows:

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me the monetary charge per annum which is involved in respect of those houses?

Yes, I can give that information if I am asked the question.

asked the Minister of Health the number of brick- fields now making machine-made and hand-made bricks in England, Scotland, and Wales; the number of bricks now being made and if they are making at their full capacity; and whether the Government have considered the advisability of controlling brickfields for the Government's housing scheme so as to prevent a rise in the price of bricks?

As the answer is somewhat long, I will, with the permission of my hon. Friend, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the policy of the Government with respect to the compulsory segregation of persons seriously affected with tuberculosis and in an infectious and incurable condition; and whether he can promise adequate protection to the children and near relatives of such persons who are, through lack of housing accommodation, forced to live in close proximity to such diseased persons?

As regards the first part of the question, this matter will be considered in connection with any proposals for the amendment of the Public Health Acts, As regards the second part, it is for the local sanitary authorities to take all such steps as are practicable to prevent the spread of infection.

Does the right hon. Gentleman say that the Department can do nothing to prevent the premature death of hundreds of people who are caused to die through the unsatisfactory local housing accommodation?

I am sure that the hon. Member will see that very vital principles are involved in his question. First of all, there is the interference by the central authority in the work of the local authority; and, secondly, the right of the local authority to interfere with the liberty of the subject.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that on two occasions the Stamford Town Council have recommended a reduction in the rents of the houses built by them under the housing assisted scheme Regulations; that in Peterborough three reductions have been sanctioned; that in Stamford there is a great disparity between the rents of the council houses and other working-class houses of a similar type; if he is prepared to sanction some reduction in these rents; and, if not, will he state the reason for such refusal?

The rents of the houses at Stamford were reduced with the approval of my Department in July, 1922. I will have inquiry made into the present position and will communicate with the hon. Member later

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the inadequate supply and the increase in the price of bricks, he will arrange for the manufacture of hollow concrete building blocks; and if he is aware that this production of building materials can be carried on all the year round in any of the existing Government War buildings not in use at present?

As at present proposed, it is not the intention of the Government to undertake the direct manufacture of building materials.

In view of the unemployment, and the fact that this would immediately take men off the streets and put them into work, why is it that the Minister of Health or the Government do not do something to take some men off the streets?

I am not questioning the wisdom of employing men in the manufacture of these blocks. I have been asked a question only as to whether the Government were the proper authority to do it One of the reasons for not doing it is that a Government is not a builder of houses. This work should be undertaken by the local authorities or by the builders.

My question does not deal with the building of houses but with the manufacture of building materials. and I want an answer.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that his individualist practice falls behind the practice of the Coalition Minister of Health, who set the Government to building houses?

I am submitting that it is much wiser to allow a local authority in its own area to make concrete blocks near the site of the building by collective or Socialist measures, than to adopt the comparatively foolish method of having the blocks made in London and shipped from here to the north of Scotland.

I want to protest. This is an Irishman's witty attempt to evade a question, but it will not work. The blocks made in Glasgow are made from the destructor clinker of the Glasgow Corporation. If the right hon. Gentleman knew anything about the business he would know that.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is prepared to appoint a court of inquiry to investigate and report upon the prevailing conditions of the public health service of the country?