asked the President of the Board of Trade the relative proportion of the total manufacture of dyestuffs in Great Britain produced by the British Dyestuffs Corporation and other competing manufacturers, respectively, in this country for the years 1921 and 1923?

I regret that I am not in a position to give the information desired. The Board of Trade have no power to require manufacturers to furnish details of their production, and though returns are made voluntarily by a number of concerns, including the British Dyestuffs Corporation, no such information is supplied by some important undertakings. In any event, a comparison of mere totals would be misleading in the absence of any uniform practice on the part of makers as to standards of strength.

How can the Board of Trade intelligently consider the proposed agreement between the British Dyestuffs Corporation and the Interessen Gemeinschaft unless they have this information?

I can only say the Board of Trade is able to form certain estimates of production, and before any decision is arrived at on the subject of the question, it is possible that further information may be obtained.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that no synthetic indigo dye is allowed to be imported into the United Kingdom through other than Government channels, he will state the quantity of synthetic indigo imported into the United Kingdom during the year 1923; what was the total value at which such importations were credited to the German indemnity account; what was the total value at which such importations were debited to the Dyestuffs Corporation; to what purpose has the difference in value been applied; and what was the total value received by the British Dyestuffs Corporation for the sale of such importations?

It is believed that the total importation of synthetic indigo during 1923 amounted to 413 tons. With regard to the remaining parts of the question, I think the hon. Member has in mind a special transaction. No reparation dyestuffs are normally sold to the British Dyestuffs Corporation, but in 1922, with the approval of the users, a special transaction was entered into to sell to the Corporation a quantity of 333 tons of synthetic indigo dye which was requisitioned from Germany. In the absence of complete returns from the Reparation Commission the Board are unable to furnish the value in sterling This special parcel of indigo was sold to the British Dyestuffs Corporation at cost plus freight and charges plus 5 per cent. on the gross cost. The difference between cost and selling price will be brought to account by the Board in the Reparation Dyestuffs Trading Account. With the approval of indigo users in this country the Corporation agreed to re-sell these dyes in combination with a quantity of their own products at prices not to exceed 1s. 3d. per 1b. in the case of sales to large consumers. That transaction has not been repeated.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the value of the export and import trade, respectively, done between this country and Russia during the months of April and May last?

The exports from the United Kingdom registered as consigned to Russia were valued at £89,326 in April and £143,213 in May in the case of domestic produce and manufactures, and £280,724 and £242,052, respectively, in the case of foreign and colonial merchandise. The imports into the United Kingdom registered as consigned from Russia were valued at £877,650 in April and £721,883 in May.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can now state when the division will begin of the £300,000 set aside for belated reparation claims?

I regret that it is not possible to fix a date when the distribution of the £300,000 will be begun. The assessment of the large number of claims received is proceeding with all possible dispatch, and the distribution will be made as soon as practicable.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that even a delay of a few days is a matter of great misfortune to thousands of those concerned?

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think, in view of the fact that claims have been in for so long, that it would be wise to employ further people to expedite the settlement of the claims?

Is it the policy of the President of the Board of Trade to rule out the claims of those people whose properties were destroyed and who were not insured under the Government scheme?

I am afraid, with regard to the last question, it is not possible to deal at all fairly with it, inside the limits of an answer. It is not quite true to state that the Commission ruled out all properties which were not insured—it is more complicated than that. With regard to the question of staff, I may say that a very considerable staff has been employed since 1st June upon these claims alone. I have given consideration to the question of whether an even larger staff could not usefully be employed and, on that point, I am bound to say I have not been able to see my way to ask for a larger staff, because this is business of a kind which cannot be dealt with by inexperienced clerks. I believe the work is going on as expeditiously as is possible with a mass of 35,000 claims. With regard to the question as to the few days' delay which is of such importance to these poor people, I am sorry to say the delay has been a long one but I am not responsible for it. We are tackling this matter with the utmost possible despatch and I hope we can begin the distribution in the Autumn, probably in October.

rose—

We have already spent a very long time on this question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that there are eight coastguard cottages standing empty on Canvey Island, Essex; and if, in view of the need for adequate housing accommodation, he will take steps to let the cottages at reasonable rents?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative and to the last part in the negative. The cottages are in the auctioneer's hands for sale by public auction, which it is anticipated will take place during the next few weeks.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the working classes need houses to let, not houses to sell?

These houses will be sold in order that they may be let by the people who buy them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether all Lascars signed on the ships on passage to this country are signed on the so-called Lascar agreement, by which the owners are liable for providing passages back to India for the Lascars; and whether any similar obligation is imposed on owners who sign on Arabs and other Asiatics other than Lascars?

In the case of all native seamen shipped in India, Ceylon, Aden or in the Straits Settlements there is an obligation to repatriate, and this obligation is also often inserted in agreements opened at Chinese ports. Apart from this, Asiatic seamen arriving in this country who are unable to prove British nationality may be, and generally are, refused permission to land and are sent back at the expense of the ship.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make these return passages applicable to all coloured races; and is he not aware that in certain ports there are crowds of coloured people, setting up grave social conditions, and that it generally falls upon private charity to get them home again?

I will certainly inquire. The effect of my answer is that the obligation of repatriation is in practice on the shipowners already.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what sums were realised in 1922, 1923, and 1924, respectively, from the fees of sailors under examination for lifeboat work; what was the cost of the examining officers for the same years; and whether he can now see his way to abolishing this charge?

The receipts from fees for examinations for certificates as lifeboatmen were, in the financial years 1921–22, 1922–23, and 1923–24, respectively, £11 5s., £382 2s., and £1,649 2s. It is not possible to give the exact cost of this particular service, but it certainly exceeded the amount of the fees. The Board of Trade were able to reduce the fee on 1st May from 2s. to 1s., which is well below the cost of the service, but I am afraid it is not possible to go further.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is an imposition upon the men, who can only do this when they are out of work; and will he make representations to the Treasury to see if the fee cannot be waived?

I will see whether anything further can be done.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many persons are at present employed in the Russian Claims Department; and what time he estimates to be necessary for the completion of the investigation of these claims and their classification so that they may be submitted to the Soviet Government?

The number of persons on the whole-time staff of the Russian Claims Department is three, with the addition of such assistance as is required from time to time from the staff of the Clearing Office. The claims have already been classified, and particulars of the amounts claimed in the various categories have been furnished to the Soviet delegation. With regard to their further investigation, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Erdington on the 18th June, a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of prosecutions directed and convictions obtained during the last three years for offences against the provisions of the Registration of Business Names Act, 1916; and what proportion of such offenders were aliens?

As the answer to this question is rather long, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The number of prosecutions directed by the Board of Trade during the last three years for offences against the provisions of the Registration of Business Names Act, 1916, is 32, involving the issue of 42 summonses. The result of these prosecutions may be stated shortly as follows:

Twenty-six convictions were obtained, 6 summonses withdrawn, for various reasons, 3 summonses dismissed, 3 summonses not served because the defendants could not be traced. Two summonses were dismissed under the Probation of Offenders Act, and in two cases the defendants were bound over, but ordered to pay the costs. The number of aliens who were convicted in the foregoing proceedings was two.

In addition to the prosecutions directed by the Board of Trade, proceedings have in numerous cases been taken by the local police authorities throughout the country, but I have no information as to the nationality of the defendants in those proceedings, or the result.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is now able to give the Report promised some time ago upon the development and results of agricultural co-operation in the Orkney Islands?

; In the Debate on the 26th March my hon. Friend made an interesting statement on the successful results of agricultural co-operation in Orkney. I have requested the Board of Agriculture for Scotland to arrange for the collection of information on the subject. When the information is received, I will consider the best method of making it available.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has under consideration any plan to enable poor fishermen to obtain the 50 per cent. of the purchase price of the gear which is necessary before they can take advantage of the Government scheme?

I do not anticipate any modification of the terms of the scheme being made, but I would point out that under those terms a considerable proportion of the fishermen will be entitled to loans of 75 per cent. of the price of the nets.

Would it not be possible for the right hon. Gentleman to come to some arrangement with the industry which manufactures the nets, whereby some credit could be given to these men?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, unless arrangements are made to provide for the case of the men who cannot put down cash, the scheme will certainly fail to meet the case of the needy men?

In order to meet the case of the needy men, 75 per cent. of the total cost is being provided in such cases as those to which the two hon. Members have alluded.

In order to come under the scheme, must the applicant live north of the Tweed? Is it confined to Scotland?

I think the hon. and gallant Member knows very well that it is confined to Scotland.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what steps he is proposing to take to prevent a rise in the prise of fishing gear as a result of the purchase of gear under the Government's scheme?

I made a statement in the Debate on the 28th May, with a view to making it plain that the Government expected the net makers to refrain from any action which would lead to unreasonable prices being charged as a result of the assistance to be rendered by the Government. This question has been, and is being, carefully watched by the Fishery Board, and they have reason to believe that nets will be available at a reasonable price, not in excess of the rate which was current when the adoption of the scheme was announced.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that he, like his right hon. Friend, is able to stop the operation of the law of supply and demand?

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is yet in a position to state when he proposes to introduce his Bill to amend the Small Landholders (Scotland) Acts?

The Bill to which the hon. and gallant Member refers was introduced yesterday.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether financial assistance has been applied for or given by local authorities under the provisions of Section 2 of the Housing, Etc., Act, 1923, in the case of houses erected in connection with small holdings and land settlement schemes in Scotland; if so, in how many cases such assistance has been rendered; and whether, under the Government's new housing proposals, it is proposed to continue to local authorities the power to render assistance by way of grant or otherwise in such cases?

As regards the first and second parts of the question, 31 certificates approving for subsidy purposes under the Housing Act of 1923 plans of houses to be erected by smallholders have been issued by local authorities. No certificates have been issued in connection with houses included in land settlement schemes. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for the Western Isles (Mr. Livingstone) on the 17th instant.

May we take it that under the new proposals no provision is going to be made for these small landholders?

The grant for small landholders does not come under the new Housing Bill.

asked the Secretary for Scotland the number of small landholders settled on land acquired by the Forestry Commissioners in Scotland since the establishment of the Commission in 1919, and the number of small landholders settled under joint schemes framed by the Scottish Board of Agriculture and the Forestry Commissioners during the same period?

I have been asked to reply to this question. Three statutory small landholders have been settled on land acquired by the Forestry Com- missioners in Scotland since the establishment of the Commission. Under the joint schemes, 49 new holdings have been created and 23 enlargements.

asked the Secretary for Scotland the amounts outstanding due to local authorities in Scotland in respect of schemes approved by the Unemployment Grants Committee; and when it is proposed to make payment of the sums due to these local authorities?

I am informed that in respect of schemes approved by the Unemployment Grants Committee on the basis of a grant of 60 per cent. of the wages bill, a total sum of, approximately, £1,000 may ultimately be payable on claims which have been submitted. In respect of approved schemes on the basis of a grant towards loan charges, only a few claims, representing a small amount, are undisposed of. In both cases payment will be made when a final settlement of the amounts has been made with the local authorities. In a considerable number of cases, claims have not yet been submitted by the local authorities.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when payment will be made in the cases of the local authorities who have submitted their claims?

May I ask if, included in these few, there happens to be the scheme of the Kirkcaldy Corporation, in which a sum of £80,000 is involved, and if the negotiations are not being carried on by the Member for the burgh with the Unemployment Grants Committee and are due to have a satisfactory settlement?

My information, in regard to the question put by the hon. and learned Member for East Fife (Mr. Millar), is that very little is outstanding regarding the cases put by him. With regard to the question put by my hon. Friend the Member for Peebles (Mr. Westwood), that is a matter which is being discussed with another Department, and I would rather not enter into a discussion of it.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the terms of his letter of 22nd May, 1924, relative to foxes in Berwickshire and the repudiation of responsibility on the part of the Berwickshire Hunt to pay compensation to the smallholders of Lamberton, owing to their boundary line being over three miles from that place, he will declare foxes to be vermin within a three-mile radius of Lamberton so as to permit of their extermination by those who suffer from their depredations?

I have no power to make any Order in this matter, either generally or as regards any particular area, but I am advised that foxes may be regarded as vermin, and they may, therefore, be destroyed as such.

asked the Secretary for Scotland the numbers of persons employed on the sheep farms on the Holy Loch, purchased by the firm of Bryant and May, Limited, and now in process of afforestation; and if he can say how the figures compare with the numbers employed on the same lands prior to their purchase for afforestation?

I have been asked to reply. The Forestry Commissioners have been informed by Bryant and May, Limited, that the number of persons employed on the land on the Holy Loch purchased by them for afforestation is 27, and that prior to their purchase of the land the number employed thereon was, they understand, four in the winter and seven in the summer.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many people are being given temporary employment in addition to the numbers given permanent employment by Messrs. Bryant and May?

No, but I will inquire, and let the hon. Member know.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what compensation is to be paid to those Commoners of the New Forest whose grazing and other rights are being damaged by the contemplated military manœuvres arranged to take place in that district during August and September next?

An agreement has been made with the Verderers of the New Forest, providing for the payment of compensation to the Commoners for any interference with their rights or injury to their stock. Compensation officers are being appointed, who will personally investigate claims and, where possible, settle them on the spot.

Could the hon. Gentleman state by what date these claims have to be sent in?

No, I could not at this moment. The fact is that there are two agreements in respect of this matter, one between the Verderers and the Secretary of State, and one between the Verderers and the local command. The latter one deals with considerable detail, but I do not think there is any difficulty about the date at all.

Will the hon. Gentleman keep in mind that, though these Verderers do ably represent the Commoners in many respects, the Commoners have private claims, and I hope he will not rule out a private claim by a Commoner simply because the Verderers have made a separate agreement with the War Office?

I will bear that in mind I would remind the hon. and gallant Gentleman that in 1908, I think it was, similar manœuvres or training on a small scale took place, and on that occasion there was a quite satisfactory arrangement made on the question, and I do not think there is any doubt that the same will be the case on this occasion.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether his attention has been called to the fact that certain colliery owners in the Somerset coalfield are refusing to comply with the terms of the new national agreement; and, in view of the owners' threat to close certain of these mines, what steps he proposes to take to save this possible loss of employment, coal, and capital to the nation?

I understand that the Mining Association and Miners' Federation are jointly making every effort to secure due observance of the terms of the wages agreement; and that a meeting is being held this afternoon between representatives of owners and workpeople in Somerset to discuss the difficulties that have arisen in that district, and, I hope, to remove them.

Does that conference which is taking place this afternoon also apply to the Bristol coalfield, which is equally suffering from the trouble mentioned in the question?

I understand that the question of the difficulty in the Bristol district is also a subject of discussion.

Will the Department which the hon. Member represents, or some representative on his behalf, be attending that conference?

No. This is a conference between the Mining Association and the Miners' Federation, and it would serve no useful purpose to intervene.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can state the present position of the strike at Dechmont colliery, Loanend?

I understand that the colliery is still idle.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what the Miners' Federation officials are doing in this matter, and whether any steps are being taken to bring this dispute to an end?

The hon. Member cannot control the Miners' Federation.

Is it not a fact that pressure is continually being brought to bear upon certain workmen to compel them, against their will, to join the unions?

That is not before the House.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is in a position to announce the result of his examination of the question of compelling motorists to insure against accidents; and whether he is prepared to introduce legislation?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on the same subject on the 20th May. The practical and administrative difficulties are very considerable, and, in any case, legislation would not be possible at present.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will introduce legislation to permit the use of the Road Fund for the purpose of planting trees along the new arterial roads of the country, and to permit local authorities to spend money on tree-planting alongside the roads within their jurisdiction?

I informed the right hon. and gallant Member on the 13th May that I was seeking an opportunity to introduce a short Bill dealing with this and one or two other uncontroversial matters. I still have hopes that this may be possible even during the present Session.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the present position of the negotiations between the Ministry of Transport and the local authorities with reference to the construction of the Liverpool to Manchester road?

Negotiations are still in progress. In order to ensure that the most advantageous line shall be adopted for the proposed road, having regard to possible mining developments, I am obtaining from an eminent mining engineer a report, which will, I hope, serve to expedite the discussion.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what is the attitude now of the Lancashire County Council and Liverpool in respect to this road; is he aware that the time is going on, and unless something is done we shall have the work carried on to the winter, and the unemployed still waiting?

I am anxious to expedite the work, but it must be done properly, and it is very important to have the view of this mining expert.

When the hon. Gentleman says that it must be done properly, has he in mind the fact that negotiations have been going on now for over two years? [HON. MEMBERS: "What was your party doing?"]

Is it not the fact that the chief opposition comes from the Manchester City Council?

I do not want to blame anybody yet.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the approximate estimated cost of the sections of the Glasgow-Edinburgh road within the counties of Linlithgow and Midlothian respectively; and what is the contribution these counties are making towards the cost of the work?

The sections of the Glasgow-Edinburgh road within the counties of Linlithgow and Midlothian are estimated to cost £745,000 and £116,000 respectively. Contributions will be made by the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, as unemployed men drawn from these two cities will be engaged on the work. The two counties mentioned, while not assisting the scheme financially, will be prepared to assume responsibility for the maintenance of the road when completed.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is prepared to introduce legislation to give power to his Department or to local authorities to compel railway companies to provide footbridges over dangerous level crossings?

I cannot undertake to introduce legislation on the lines suggested by the hon. Member. I would remind him that the provision of footbridges at level crossings would usually be of the nature rather of a convenience than of a necessary precaution.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in many cases there is great danger? The railway companies absolutely refuse to do anything of this kind. Can he take steps to see that something should be done?

Will the Minister, seeing that the companies refuse, consider the question of the nationalisation of the railways so that the community can look after its own interests?

Would the hon. Gentleman institute an inquiry and have a Report?

Will the hon. Gentleman take into consideration the fact that men who use the level crossings very often lose as much as 20 minutes out of their dinner hour in waiting for a train to go through, and that a footbridge would obviate this?

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that fast-moving traffic is frequently held up for long intervals in main thoroughfares during the busiest time of the day by hand carts, donkey carts, lorries, and other slow-moving vehicles; and will he consider the possibility of putting such regulations in force as will ameliorate or remove this evil?

I have at present no powers in the matter.

I did not hear the answer of the hon. Gentleman; may I have it?

I did not give any, except that I have no powers.

Will the hon. Gentleman have powers in the new Traffic Bill?

When I get it.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the whole object of motor omnibuses is to speed up the traffic?

The matter will doubtless be discussed this afternoon, when the Bill is before the House. Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will help it to get through?

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the grave risks run by all motor traffic travelling on the new concrete roads in wet weather; and whether, in view of this danger to the public, he will consider the question of cancelling contracts for such roads and substituting therefor contracts for roads with a less slippery surface?

A slight degree of slipperiness in certain states of the weather is, I fear, part of the price we have to pay for the smooth, durable surface which modern traffic demands. I am not aware that concrete roads are peculiar in this respect, and I see no grounds for advocating the cancellation of contracts.

Would the hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of putting down a surface in some way like that put down in the United States?

Would the hon. Gentleman consider inviting the contractors to use the very admirable method used on the Great North Road of rolling the surface when the tar is slightly wet with a corrugated roller?

I am advised that there is nothing particularly wrong. If hon. Members will give me specific cases I will deal with them.

Will the hon. Gentleman come for a drive with me in my motor car on one of the roads, and I will illustrate what I mean?

He would be afraid to trust himself with you.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that recently a lorry conveying workmen went through the hedge on this Great North Road owing to the slippery condition of the road, and that a special notice had to be put up?

Would the hon. Gentleman consider enforcing a skid on one front wheel, as is now applied to the licensed vehicles in London?

Hon. Members should give their experiences to the Minister in private.

They would be helpful, I assure you, Sir.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the management of the London and North Eastern Railway Company are proposing to close down the Springhead Locomotive Works at Hull, which serves the Hull and Barnsley section of the line, to discharge a large number of the men, and to transfer the remainder to Darlington; that the works employ 250 men; that all the young apprentices will be thrown on to the streets and thus lose their chance of becoming skilled workers; and that, with regard to the men's proposed transfer to Darlington, there is little housing accommodation available in Darlington, and that will mean that the men must leave their families at Hull and go into lodgings in Darlington, which will mean extra expense on all concerned; and whether, in view of the state of employment, he will bring his influence to bear upon the railway company concerned to reconsider this policy, at any rate, until trade improves or, alternatively, will he suggest the taking over of the works by the Government for the use of the State?

I am aware that the London and North Eastern Railway Company propose to close down the Springhead Locomotive Works at Hull, and to concentrate at their Darlington works the locomotive work in the company's north eastern area. The railway company state that they have endeavoured to secure that these arrangements, which have been in contemplation since the amalgamation of the Hull and Barnsley Railway with the North Eastern Railway in 1922, shall be carried out so as to involve as little hardship to individuals as is possible in the circumstances, and that positions will be found for all of the apprentices. The company realise that there are difficulties connected with the housing question, and the men who have been offered positions in another town have been promised the payment of a lodging allowance for a period, together with free conveyance by rail of their household furniture. There are, however, about 80 men, who have joined the company's service within quite recent years, for whom, so far as can be seen at present, the company fear they will not be able to find vacant positions.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware, when he talks about compensation being offered to these men, that all that is offered is 15s. for two weeks and 7s. for three months, that the most inexpensive lodgings available in Darlington are 25s. a week, and that many of these men are ex-service men; and will he ask the company to postpone this matter until trade is better and employment can be found for them?

Can the hon. Gentleman use his influence with the railway company to delay the closing of these works, which will obviously cause a great deal of unnecessary suffering and hardship in the city?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it is believed that the closing of the Springhead works and the use of a single works for the whole of the North-Eastern district will still further curtail the bad goods services about which he has received so many complaints, and cannot he inquire into that before these works are closed?

Is it not a fact that one of the main reasons put forward in favour of the Railways Bill was that the railway companies should be enabled to concentrate their shops and so effect considerable economies for the benefit of everyone concerned?

Is it not the case that those who advocated the passing of that Bill declared that it would help to relieve unemployment?

I have answered the Question on the Paper as well as I was able, but I have been asked since to see some representatives of these men, and, while I cannot say that I can do anything for them, I will listen to them, and if I can help them I will do so.

Does not the hon. Gentleman consider that the railway company might themselves build houses for their men? If the agriculturist can house his workers, why cannot the railway company do so?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that when the £60,000,000 compensation was given to the railway companies, they promised that it would be a means of providing more employment, while this is going directly to throw men out of work?

That is a matter of argument.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make inquiry into the number of passengers carried on the London, Midland and Scottish trains between Glasgow and London and vice versa; whether the number of trains has been reduced; and is he aware that in many trains the third-class passenger accommodation is very inadequate?

I have received no recent complaints of inadequate accommodation in the trains between Glasgow and London, but I am making inquiries into the matter. It would assist me if my hon. Friend could furnish me with any specific information he may have on the point.

Is the Minister of Transport aware that, when the Bill of the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company came before this House, they promised the hon. Member for Batley (Mr. Turner) that they would provide lavatory accommodation on the third-class trains between Liverpool and Bradford, that they have not done so, and that there is an express journey of over two hours without any lavatory accommodation whatever for third-class passengers?

In point of fact, has not every single complaint that has been made to the London, Midland and Scottish Company been immediately attended to?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, since the opening of the Wembley Exhibition, the company, instead of increasing their train service, have withdrawn the last train from Glasgow to London and vice versa, decreasing their trains from four each evening instead of increasing them, and thereby causing the unemployment about which we hear so much?

I am not aware of that, but if hon. Members will give me specific information I will deal with it.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will state, approximately, how much of the £60,000,000 granted in 1921 to the railway companies still remains unspent by them on repairs and replenishment of rolling stock, per- manent way, and other works for which the money was granted; and what action his Department has taken in order that the companies should put all necessary work in hand at once?

The hon. Member will Observe from Section 11 (4) of the Railways Act, 1921, of which I am sending him a copy, that the lump sum of £60,000,000 may be applied in such manner and in such proportion and at such time or times as the directors of the companies concerned may determine. I am not in a position to give the figures for which he asks. With regard to the latter part of the question, the Government have discussed with the companies the question of the works of all kinds which could be undertaken by them at the present time or in the near future.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the railway companies, in their annual balance-sheet, show the balance of this amount that they still have in hand?

Could the hon. Gentleman find out, for the information of the House, how much of this money has been spent?

That question had better be put on the Paper.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the bad state of the roads of Devonshire; whether any funds have been allocated to roads in this country from the Road Fund; and, if so, how much; and whether steps can be taken to secure an improvement by more efficient methods of construction and repair and an increased grant, if necessary?

No reports of an exceptional character have reached me regarding roads in Devonshire, but I am aware that there is scope for improvement. I am glad to observe that the county council have approved a scheme, estimated to cost £1,000,000, and spread over the next few years, for the modernisation of their main roads. Assistance towards this project will be forthcoming from the Road Fund, in addition to the grants which are made towards the normal county programme of road maintenance and improvement, estimated to cost £377,770 for the year 1924–25.

The grants made from the Road Fund during 1923–24 were as follows:

	£
County Council	169,751
District Authorities	53,428
Total	£223,179

I have every reason to hope that the expenditure now contemplated will bring about a marked improvement in the condition of the highways in the county.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the question is not so much one of expenditure of money as of methods of repair and construction?

Should there be so much need for the county councils to spend money now that some hon. Members have lost their licences?

Can the right hon. Gentleman state whether the contribution towards the £1,000,000 from the Road Fund is on a 50–50 basis, or, if not, on what basis it is?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the contribution from the Road Fund is wholly disproportionate to the burden thrown upon the ratepayers in Devonshire for the maintenance of the roads?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can issue a statement showing the percentage of completion of the various road schemes now in progress in the London area and the time each scheme has been under construction; and when it is expected to complete it?

I hope the Noble Lord will not press for such a return at the present moment. The Annual Report on the Administration of the Road Fund for 1923–24 is in course of preparation and will contain a section dealing with the progress of the various arterial road schemes in the neighbourhood of London.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will make represen- tations to the Port of London Authority that, in view of the distress in consequence of unemployment in the Tilbury district, they will, other things being equal, give preference to local people, both in employment and contracts, on the new works and extensions which are about to be carried out?

I understand from the Port of London Authority that the contractors for the works to which my hon. Friend refers will be required to undertake that a majority of the unskilled men employed on the works, with the exception of certain classes of men having special qualifications, will be recruited through the local Exchanges in order that London labour may, so far as is practicable, be employed. As regards the actual selection of the contractors, I do not think that I could usefully attempt to fetter the discretion of the authority.

Will preference be given to unemployed ex-service men? Might I have an answer?

That does not arise here

asked the Prime Minister when it is proposed to introduce legislation abolishing the thrift disqualification for old age pensioners?

As I stated last Thursday, the Financial Resolution dealing with this matter will be placed first Order on the Paper to-morrow.

The question is one of abolition, not of a Resolution?

The matter can be discussed to-morrow.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, when he proposes the abolition of the thrift penalty in connection with old age pensions, he will also take into consideration the modification of the Regulation compelling residence in the United Kingdom for a prior aggregate period of not less than 12 years; and whether any instances have been brought to his notice in which this Regulation works harshly?

I assume that the hon. Member refers to the provision in the Old Age Pensions Acts that it shall be a statutory condition for the receipt of an old age pension by any person that, if he is a natural-born British subject, he has, since attaining the age of 50 years, had his residence in the United Kingdom for an aggregate period of not less than 12 years. This represents a modification of the previous provision following a recommendation of the Departmental Committee on Old Age Pensions of 1919, who reported that they did not consider a condition of this kind unreasonable. I am only aware of one case in which this provision is alleged to have worked hardship, and as at present advised, I am not prepared to modify it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will, when considering the means limit of the old age pensions, take into consideration the penalty inflicted on our aged poor who for certain reasons have to resort to Poor Law institutions and thereby suffer the loss of the whole pension, thus throwing them wholly on the local rates; and if he will now make provision to remove such disqualification?

I would ask my hon. Friend to await my statement to-morrow.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many persons, of both sexes, are in receipt of old age pensions in each of the county boroughs of Bolton, Northampton, Reading and Warrington?

I regret that the information requested by the hon. Member is not available, as the collection of the annual statistics as to the number of pensioners of each sex resident in county boroughs, etc., was discontinued in 1921 as an economy measure.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to state who will be the representatives of Great Britain at the meeting of the Assembly of the League of Nations next September; and, if not, whether he is considering the advisability of making the delegation non-party in character and of following precedent in the appointment of a woman delegate?

I have nothing at present to add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on the 14th May to the hon. Member for North Hackney.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state if the Press is correctly informed in stating that the Prime Minister himself hopes to be able to go?

I am not aware of any information that has been given to the Press to that effect, but I think my hon. Friend will be satisfied with the personnel of the deputation when the Prime Minister has made his announcement.

asked the Prim Minister whether an opportunity will be provided for discussing the work of the British representative on the Council of the League of Nations?

The Government regret that, owing to the heavy Parliamentary programme, they cannot grant facilities for such a Debate; but this question could be raised in Committee of Supply, if there were a general desire for a discussion.

Have the Government got any policy at all in this matter?

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that his predecessor did, in fact, provide such time, and is it not important that the Labour Government should show itself equally anxious to have a Debate?

Our predecessors were able to send the Housing Bill to a Committee upstairs last year.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give a day during the first week in September?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is yet in a position to state the policy of the Government with regard to the optional clause upon compulsory arbitration of the protocol of the permanent court of international justice?

The decision of His Majesty's Government on this important matter may have far-reaching consequences and time must be allowed them to consider it in all its aspects. It is also necessary to consult with the Dominions. When my right hon. Friend is in a position to do so, he will make a statement to the House.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, in connection with reassessments of property for the purpose of Income Tax, demand notices for Income Tax on an increased assessment have been issued to persons in the North Newcastle Division and elsewhere where these persons have given notice of appeal and such appeals have not yet been heard or determined; and will he give instructions for these notices to be suspended in the meantime?

It is not the practice to issue a demand for Income Tax based on an assessment in relation to which there is an outstanding notice of appeal, except where there is evidence that the taxpayer has no intention of pursuing his objection. In any case, it is still open to the taxpayer, on receipt of the demand note, to require his case to be heard by the local Income Tax Commissioners, and, meanwhile, no steps would be taken to enforce payment of the tax. If the hon. Member has in mind any case in which he considers that demands for payment of tax are being improperly pursued, and will let me have the necessary particulars, I will gladly have the matter investigated, and will communicate the result to him.

If I send the right hon. Gentleman specific cases, will he undertake to inquire into them?

I have already stated in my reply that I will gladly investigate such cases.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now state, for the year 1921–22, the amount of actual income under each schedule of the Income Tax, as shown for previous years in Table 58 on page 119 of the Sixty-fifth Report of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue?

With my hon. Friend's permission, I will circulate the figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to Table 58 of the 65th Report of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue, if he will sub-divide the actual income under Schedule D into income for profits, employments, and interest, respectively, and add the figures for 1921–22?

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

I am not clear as to the precise nature of the difficulty to which the hon. Member refers, but, if he will furnish me with the particulars of any case which has given rise to the question, I will have inquiry made and will communicate the result to him in due course.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the case of the Ancient Order of Foresters, who for more than 20 years have paid £7 10s. per annum in respect of Inhabited House Duty on their premises in St. Nicholas Street, Leicester, when there has been no liability to pay such duty; and will he state why the application for the repayment of the money thus paid in ignorance has been refused?

I am having inquiry made into this case and will communicate the result to the hon. Member in due course.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Board of Customs and Excise has issued new Regulations affecting the collection of the Entertainments Duty, providing for the examination of the books of all places of entertainment, whether their charges are exempt from the tax or not; and whether Members will be permitted an opportunity of examining their nature?

The Commissioners of Customs and Excise will not in future require the examination of the books of entertainment proprietors who do not charge more than 6d. for admission.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the promise by the entertainment industry to pass on to the public the benefit of the reduction of the tax was conditional upon the complete abolition of the tax and not on partial reduction; and whether he will state exactly what promise was given in this matter and by whom?

As I stated in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Bristol East on the 19th June, before making my Budget proposals I obtained an undertaking from a representative deputation of the entertainments trade that if the Entertainments Duty were reduced the public would get the benefit.

Has the right hon. Gentleman evidence that that is being carried into effect?

Of course I have not been idle in investigating the allegations which are being very widely made that the reduction is not being passed on, but up to the present I have no reason to think that in the vast majority of cases it does not pass on.

Has the right hon. Gentleman investigated the cases brought to his notice, and can he say when he will be able to make a statement on that particular aspect of the matter?

Every specific case brought to my notice is investigated.

Is the right hon. Gentleman confining his inquiries merely to picture houses and theatres, and is he giving any attention to branches of sport? Has his attention been called to the statement of the Football Associations of England and Scotland that they do not intend to reduce their gates by the amount of the tax?

Is it not a fact that these people made no promise except on the condition of complete abolition?

I may say in reply to the last supplementary question that there can be no misunderstanding on that matter. I had a deputation from the entertainments trade when the Budget was under consideration, and it is quite true that they said that their undertaking would be conditional on the total abolition of the tax. Of course, their demand was for the total abolition of the tax, but I made it quite clear in my reply to them that I should expect the reduction to be passed on in one form or another, and that was accepted.

Will the Chancellor of the Exchequer assure the House that the stages of the Budget have not proceeded to that extent that this tax cannot be dealt with by the House if the answers are unsatisfactory?

I do not think I ought to give a reply to that question, but, of course, it can be raised in the discussions during the Committee stage of the Finance Bill. We have had representations, not merely from cinemas, but from sports associations, and these are also being considered.

Do I understand that the theatres definitely accepted the new conditions after the right hon. Gentleman's announcement in the Budget statement?

No, Sir; the interview to which I referred took place before the Budget statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the new policy of the Royal Mint in entering into competition with private enterprise in medal making as exemplified by the exhibits of the Royal Mint at the Royal Academy; and whether this action on the part of a Government Department in competing with private enterprise has his approval?

The present practice of the Royal Mint with regard to medals was reviewed by my predecessor, and after full consideration I have not seen any reason to take a new decision upon it. I am advised that there is no reason to think that the production of good medals by private firms will be checked, but rather the contrary.