asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the fact that a recent Admiralty Order causes a reduction of 1½d. per hour in the wages of men engaged in tanks at Chatham Dockyard applying bitumastic solution and enamel; whether he is aware that the men have to enter these tanks through manholes and apply the solution boiling hot, and that the fumes from the solution are most obnoxious, with the result that the men are frequently overcome and have to be extracted from the tanks to the fresh air; and will he cause an immediate inquiry to be made in order that these men may be adequately recompensed for this dangerous and obnoxious work?

The amount of the allowance authorised by the Admiralty to be paid to workmen applying hot bitumastic compositions in confined spaces has not been reduced. The allowance will be paid when men are employed under the conditions stated in my hon. Friend's question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that His Majesty's Ship "Weymouth" has been ordered to sail for the East with relief crews early in July; that this will entail passage through the tropics at the hottest time of the year; and that owing to the very limited accommodation on board intense discomfort has been suffered on previous voyages made by this ship of a similar character; whether he can state what is the number of officers and men it is proposed to embark on this occasion; what is the normal complement of this ship; what steps it is intended to take to avoid overcrowding on this occasion; and whether the ships of the Royal Indian Marine at present not in use could be used for trooping purposes?

His Majesty's Ship "Weymouth" will leave Chatham for Colombo on or shortly after 17th July. The normal complement is 461; it is expected that the total number of ranks and ratings on board will be about 400. No steps are, therefore, required to avoid overcrowding. The reason for the "Weymouth" sailing before end of the hot weather is that the crew of Majesty's Ship "Colombo" is already overdue for relief. The arrangements to be made for the relief of crews of His Majesty's Ships are continually under review, and suitable merchant vessels are used for the purpose when it can be done economically. The proposed use of a Royal Indian Marine ship would not be economical, since it would be necessary to steam her to England empty before starting the voyage, and back to India after discharging the relieved crews. The Admiralty have received no reports as to the alleged discomfort suffered on previous voyages.

If the hon. Gentleman has particulars forwarded to him of cases where intense suffering has been caused on board this ship through overcrowding, will he look into the matter?

I certainly will.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will follow the precedent established in 1922 and publish, for the information of the men, a list of requests advanced by the 1924 Welfare Conference, without waiting for decisions to be arrived at?

The question will be considered when the requests have been received at the Admiralty.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether any of the tubercular naval invalids included in the 97·9 percentage for 1923, considered to be non-attributable to service, have questioned the opinion arrived at by naval medical boards; and whether an opportunity will be afforded these men to appeal to an independent tribunal if and when the institution of an appeal tribunal is approved?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the question, the matter is still under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty why naval lunatic ratings, whose insanity is attributable to service, have their pensions withheld and appropriated to the cost of their maintenance; and whether he will consider a revision of the Regulations, authorising payment of pensions in those cases to their wives or dependants?

Under Section 335 of the Lunacy Act (53 Vict. c. 5) the cost of maintenance is a first charge against a lunatic's pension and the King's Regulations do not permit the concurrent payment of pension and the provision of free maintenance of the pensioner. I am afraid that I cannot consider revision of these Regulations in the sense suggested, but I would point out that, under present conditions, by reason of the higher rate of an "attributable" pension the wives or dependants of men whose disabilities are due to the service receive higher money allowances from Greenwich Hospital funds.

Can my hon. Friend say whether that also extends to the dockyard men?

I should like to have notice of that question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty from what ships or establishments will the officers and ratings required to put the Admiralty yacht "Enchantress" into temporary commission be drawn; and how is it proposed to make up the lost leave or instruction to these officers and men?

The officers will be taken from those awaiting appointment and the ratings from supernumeraries awaiting draft in depots or from the complements of harbour establishments, which will be temporarily reduced on account of the Reserve Fleet exercises. Any man who may be kept from leave or taken from instruction during the 10 days' commission will return to his depot or establishment afterwards and have whatever leave is due or resume the instruction he was receiving.

Can the hon. Gentleman say from what depot the band will be drawn?

Are we to understand that these officers and men will be on board for only ten days altogether? Will they not have to clean the ship, and so on, afterwards?

They will be on just as long as is necessary for them to do the necessary work, but it will not have any effect on the others. They will be drawn from supernumeraries and those who are awaiting draft.

Does the hon. Gentleman think the Admiralty is justified in putting this ship in commission for ten days at this great expense?

As I have already explained when the hon. and gallant Member was not present, there are other means of inspecting the Fleet which could be undertaken, but which would be much more costly than £1,100 for the ten days.

Is there to be a ballot for those who are to get on the "Enchantress"?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that the Navy, Army and Air Force Institute is at present running the officers' mess of His Majesty's submarine depot at Portsmouth; when authority to undertake this venture was sanctioned by the men's committee; the amount of any loss from this experiment accrued to date; and from what sources this deficiency is being made up?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes are authorised by the Memorandum of Association to undertake business of this nature, and no further authority is, therefore, required. It is not anticipated that this business will result in any loss. I may add that it is, in no circumstances, the policy of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes to continue any business undertaking at a loss.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether any decision has yet been reached with reference to the payment of a marriage allowance to officers of the Royal Navy?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make any announcement on the subject.

Does the hon. Gentleman expect to be able to make an announcement at an early date?

I am afraid not.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the case of Mr. Albert Oldland, of 41, Gerrish Avenue, Redfield, Bristol, who lost his toes due to frost bite during the War, and who is in receipt of a 40 per cent. pension; whether he is aware that as a consequence Mr. Oldland can only undertake light work and has been unemployed, with the exception of a few days, for more than a year; and whether, in the circumstances, it is possible to offer Mr. Oldland a period of training in a light occupation?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave him on 2nd April regarding this case, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that Mr. J. Parkin, 6, York Street, Willington, County Durham, served nearly three years in the fighting line, being twice wounded; that he has been trained and is now employed as a joiner, only receiving 65 per cent. of the district rate of wages for joiners, namely, 5s. 10d. per day; that he is a married man with a wife and three children to support; and will he explain why he has not been granted some Government allowance to supplement these low wages?

Mr. Parkin has been paid full or partial allowances by the Ministry of Labour for the maximum period possible under the Training Scheme for the building trade, and I regret that I have no power to make further payments. The scheme provides for the payment by the employer, at the stage which Mr. Parkin has reached, of 65 per cent. of the district rate, and for progressive increases in the future. The rate for colliery joiners in Willington is less than that for joiners not in collieries, but Mr. Parkin was placed with a colliery at his own request as he receives a free house and coals in addition to his wages.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this man signed an agreement with the Ministry of Labour expecting to be paid an allowance for three years, and that he has only been paid the allowance for 26 weeks?

No, I am not aware of any breach of agreement. If my hon. Friend will give me evidence that a breach of agreement has been made I will see that the matter is attended to.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that 5s. 10d. a day for a married man with three children, who has served three years in the War, and has been twice wounded, a reasonable allowance?

I did not say anything about "a reasonable allowance." What I said was that I regretted I had no power to make further payments.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons, men or women, registered as unemployed in this country in each individual trade separately?

I am forwarding to the hon. and gallant Member a copy of the June issue of the "Ministry of Labour Gazette," which contains, on pages 210 and 211, statistics of unemployment in respect of 100 industry groups. A similar table appears in each issue of the "Labour Gazette."

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that between the 2nd and 9th June the number of unemployed persons rose by 20,085; whether he will indicate in what industries the increase was most severe; and whether he is taking any steps to reduce the number?

I am aware of the increase referred to, but as detailed statistics on an industrial basis are compiled only at monthly intervals, I am unable to state the extent to which particular industries are affected. The steps taken and proposed by the Government for the relief of unemployment have been announced and discussed in the House on several occasions during this Session.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the Midland district unemployment has increased by 11,085 since the beginning of this month; is not that due to the repeal of the McKenna Duties?

I am aware that there has been a considerable increase of unemployment in the Midland district, but it is in the heavy engineering, not the motor industry.

Have you started work on the Wash yet?

Is there no increase of unemployment in the motor trade?

As far as my figures go—I do not suggest that they are perfectly accurate—they show about 500 less in the motor industry.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of unemployed registered for the year ending 31st March, 1924, at Employment Exchanges in the County of London; and can he give approximately the number of men, women and young persons for whom employment was found through these Exchanges during that period?

The total number of registrations in the 12 months ended 7th April, 1924, at Employment Exchanges in the County of London was 796,495, of whom 504,113 were men, 176,044 were women, and 116,338 were juveniles. The numbers of separate individuals registered were probably rather more than half these totals. The number of vacancies filled during the same period was 137,674, of whom 53,670 were men, 38,962 were women, and 45,042 were juveniles. The number of separate individuals placed in employment was probably about 110,000.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that many labour employment committees are demanding the production of documentary evidence that work is being sought; that this is proving a great hardship in many cases, as owing to the number calling at certain works the foremen refuse to grant such evidence; and will he consider placing the onus upon the local committee to satisfy themselves on the accuracy of the statements made by direct application to the employers said to have been visited?

I am aware that in certain cases documentary evidence is called for, but this is only done where the applicant's oral statement has failed to satisfy the committee and they have no other alternative but to recommend the refusal of benefit. The terms of the Unemployment Insurance Acts place the burden of proof on the applicant, and I am unable to transfer it by administrative action to the committee.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some committees, even when documentary evidence is tendered, refuse to accept it

I am aware that many statements are made, but when definite proof is given I am prepared to investigate a case on any occasion. I simply cannot investigate an ex parte statement without any proof being given.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I did, in one case, submit a document to him; and is he aware that the reply I got was that the matter was one for the committee to decide?

Does the Minister circulate his answers to questions of this sort to the various, unemployment committees of the country; and will this be so circulated?

I do not think that the answer to this question need to be circulated to the employment committees of the country. As these committees cannot speak for themselves, may I say that so far as I know the workers' representatives on these committees do their duty; any implication that they do not ought not to be made until something like proof is given.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that men who for 30 years had been working at. Woolwich Arsenal, skilled mechanics, were discharged because they were approaching 60, and having had no work whatever since 1919, are now deemed to be out of an insurable occupation simply because they have been unable to get a job at their own trade; should not guidance be given in cases of that sort?

I think that question had better be put down.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the unemployment benefit of Joseph Hornby has been disallowed owing to the fact that, on the 4th April, in company with other members of the Egremont Fire Brigade, of which he has been 16 years a member, he helped to extinguish a fire which had taken hold of a private dwelling, and for which service he received the usual gratuity of 5s.; that because of this his benefit has been disallowed and will he inquire into this matter?

I find that Mr. Hornby's claim for benefit was disallowed for one day by the chief insurance officer on the ground that on that day, for which Mr. Hornby received payment for his services as a member of the Egremont Fire Brigade, he was not unemployed. This decision was upheld on appeal to the Court of Referees. I have no power to alter this decision, but in order that a final and authoritative decision may be obtained I am arranging for a formal appeal to be lodged with the Umpire.

In view of that answer, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question on tree Estimates.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is taking any steps to prevent the recurrence of errors such as those representing over a half a million sterling referred to in the Unemployment Fund Account, 1923–24, and in the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor-General thereon?

I assume the hon. Member refers to the year 1922–23, not 1923–24. A sum of £468,444 in contributions was paid in error and subsequently refunded, principally on account of the exclusion of permanent railway servants by administrative order and of decisions of the High Court with regard to the definition of domestic service. These erroneous payments were due to temporary uncertainty as to the scope of the scheme. The other material item is £62,645, representing benefit paid in error. This is about one-seventh of 1 per cent. of the amount of benefit paid, namely, about £42,000,000. In paying out so large a sum in more than 50,000,000 separate payments, a small proportion of error is unavoidable, but every effort is made to restrict errors to a minimum.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of Employment Exchanges maintained by his Department in the County of London; the total staff which are employed at the same; and the approximate annual cost of these Exchanges to his Department?

The number of Employment Exchanges in the London County Council area is 23, and on 16th June, 1924, the total number of persons employed was 994, including 54 persons engaged temporarily for emergency work. The annual cost of these Exchanges, almost the whole of which is paid out of the Unemployment Fund, is estimated at £236,900, excluding cost of premises and other charges not borne on the Ministry of Labour Vote.

14 How many ex-service men are on the staffs?

If my hon. Friend puts a question down, I will try and give an answer to it.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of claims of women to uncovenanted benefit which were disallowed by rota sub-committees last month; and whether he will grant the same right of appeal in the case of uncovenanted as in the case of covenanted benefits?

The number of applications by women for uncovenanted benefit which were recommended for disallowance by local employment committees in Great Britain in the month ending 12th May, 1924, was 7,648. The rights of appeal to a Court of Referees and the Umpire are limited by the Acts to covenanted benefit. I do not think it would be appropriate to apply this procedure to uncovenanted benefit, and I may point out that in the case of uncovenanted benefit the decision rests with the Minister, acting on the recommendation of the local employment committee.

asked the Minister of Labour how many married women whose husbands are in employment are in receipt of unemployment donation?

I regret that, without instituting a special inquiry, I am unable to give the information required.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there are any married women receiving uncovenanted benefit?

I cannot say that

Is it not very desirable that the right hon. Gentleman should know that in these days of financial stringency married women, whose husbands are working, should not receive uncovenanted benefit.

Every person paying the same contribution is entitled to the same benefits, whether married or single.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that what I referred to was uncovenanted benefit—that is, that married women should not receive the benefit who have not paid any contributions?

No married woman can get any benefit under any conditions where that benefit is not paid to other persons under exactly the same conditions.

asked the Minister of Labour the principle adopted by his Department when men are transferred from one Employment Exchange to an Employment Exchange in another district for employment on relief work where different rates of pay are in operation; and what rate should be paid, the rate of the district from which the men are transferred or the rate in the district in which they are employed?

The rates of pay are not fixed by my Department, but by the local authority in accordance with the terms of the grant made through the Unemployment Grants Committee or other grant-making Department. The type of case mentioned, which is not of frequent occurrence, would be specially examined by the grant-making authority.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons who have applied for uncovenanted benefit in the following Glasgow Employment Exchanges: South Side, Govan, Bridgeton, Springburn, Glasgow; and what number have been refused in the case of each Exchange?

As the answer involves a tabular statement, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if any intimation has been received from the Russian Government that they are prepared to place orders in this country which will provide work for large numbers of engineering workers provided that credit facilities are forthcoming?

I understand that certain proposals involving the placing of orders in this country for manufactured goods have recently been submitted to the Advisory Committee appointed under the Trade Facilities Acts, and that these proposals are under the Committee's consideration. Pending the examination of these proposals by the Committee, I am not in a position to make a further statement on the matter.

Will the hon. Member use his utmost endeavours to see that consideration is speeded up, seeing that the engineering and shipbuilding industries, which are mainly concerned in the proposals before the Trade Facilities Committee, are the most badly hit by unemployment in this country?

I will call attention to my hon. Friend's statement.

Has the hon. Member any information that the Russian Government have been buying cotton in this country?

Are we to understand that the Trade Facilities scheme has been extended to the Russian Government?

I did not state that, because I do not understand that that has been done at the moment but that does not prevent the consideration of schemes by the Trade Facilities Committee, and they are at the moment examining the question.

When will the hon. Member be able to give us more information?

I have another question by the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) on that matter, but I am not able to say, nor will I be able to say even to him, the exact date when I shall be in a position to give a complete answer.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the time which will probably be required, and the time already taken, to settle the many complicated and difficult questions outstanding between this country and the Union Government of Russia, he will consider immediately extending the Exports Credits Schedule (Overseas Trade, Credit and Insurance Act) to include Russia for the benefit of British merchants and manufacturers?

This matter is receiving the active attention of His Majesty's Government, and an announcement will be made as soon as possible.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that many months of valuable time are being lost and business is constantly being lost to this country in consequence of the delay?

I cannot at the moment say more than is contained in my answer, but I share my hon. and gallant Friend's hope that this matter may be settled as early as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Bristol mineowners have threatened to lock out the miners in the Bristol area unless they consent to dishonour the national agreement recently come to between the mineowners of Great Britain and the Miners' Federation; and whether he will take steps to see that any men so discharged shall receive unemployment pay until such time as they are allowed to resume work?

I am aware that a question has arisen in the Bristol area as to the rates of wages at which the collieries shall continue working. In the event of work being suspended and the men becoming unemployed, the payment of benefit will depend upon whether the conditions as laid down by the Act are satisfied or not. I have no power to vary these conditions, and any question that may arise respecting them must be decided, as required by the Statute, by the insurance officer, subject to the usual right of appeal by the insured person or his association.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire as to whether it is possible so to alter the Statute as to make it impossible for employers to break national agreements which make men suffer as these men had to suffer?

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to complaints about the conditions under which men and women passing through villages in search of work are compelled to sleep in what are known as casual wards; and whether he will cause inspection to be made without warning workhouse masters, especially in the rural areas of Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and Kent?

Complaints of this kind are from time to time received and investigated. The casual wards are regularly inspected by my officers, and the inspections are ordinarily made without previous notice to the workhouse masters.

asked the Minister of Health what number of new working-class houses he estimates to be necessary to make up for present arrears, to replace old houses to be closed between now and 1938, and to meet the prospective increase in population between now and 1939?

Perhaps I may refer the hon. Member to the statement I made on this subject on the Easter Adjournment. While it is not practicable to make a close estimate of the total number of houses required, I am satisfied that the Government are not overestimating in aiming at the production of 2,500,000 houses for Great Britain during the next 15 years in order to meet the needs to which the hon. Member refers.

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking into consideration the new information which is referred to in Question No. 41?

Yes. I am taking into consideration all the information at my disposal.

Does that mean that there will be a much smaller increase in the population during the next 15 years?

I think it would facilitate business if I dealt with Question 41 when we reach it.

Does the right hon. Gentleman still anticipate that 2,500,000 houses will be built in 15 years?

Yes, at least that number.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of Professor Bowley's recent estimate that the rate of increase of the population of Great Britain will steadily become less during the next two decades, and that the population will actually become stationary about 1941; and whether he has taken any steps to investigate this estimate, which has so vital a bearing on the question of how many new houses will be needed during the next 15 years?

Perhaps I may refer the hon. Member to the very carefully prepared statement by the Registrar-General's Department on the factors governing the growth of our population and the tendencies at present discernible, which is contained in Appendix V of the recently issued Report of the Overseas Settlement Committee—Command Paper 2107. The broad conclusions at which the Department arrive are, that we are at present too near the War and too much involved in the abnormalities resulting from it to attempt with confidence any estimate of the future movement of population, but that there is no safe ground for assuming that there has yet been any permanent departure from the conditions which during the last 50 years have resulted in a natural increase of approximately 400,000 per annum for Great Britain

asked the Minister of Health whether he is prepared to introduce legislation which will enable members of local authorities to receive a housing subsidy under the provisions of the Housing Act, 1923, without thereby becoming disqualified?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 13th ultimo to a similar question by the hon. Member for Bedwelty.

asked the Minister of Health with regard to his recent negotiations with the representatives of local authorities as to the terms of his new Housing Bill, whether he will say what steps he took to resist their demand that the subsidy should be limited to the small type of houses specified in the Housing Act of 1923; and, seeing that he refused the request of the local authorities for an extra grant to small urban districts, will he say why he did not also decline their request that the subsidy should be limited to the type of houses specified in the 1923 Act?

I am satisfied that if the local authorities build sufficient of the larger size of houses specified in the Act of 1923, the housing conditions of the country will be much improved. There is nothing in the Act to prevent local authorities building a larger type of house, but it was felt that the country could not subsidise them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that conferences held by 300 local authorities during the present week and last week have repudiated the suggestion he has made that they desire to be tied to this small type of house, and will he reconsider the matter?

I have consulted with associations who legitimately claimed to represent local authorities, and they were unanimous in their demand that the subsidy should be confined to the type of houses already laid down in the Act.

If the right hon. Gentleman finds, on further inquiry, that the municipal associations do not on this particular point represent the feelings of local authorities, will he reconsider the matter?

If the associations of local authorities make representations to me to that effect, I shall certainly view them with the utmost sympathy.

Would it not be possible, where any local authority makes representations, for the Minister to extend it to them?

No, I cannot deal with local authorities separately; I must deal with it as a national question.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Kingston-upon-Thames housing committee submitted certain proposals for the erection of houses, with the respective estimates, for his approval on the 27th May; that after a delay of 18 days request was made by telephone for an immediate answer, and, after a further three days' delay, they were informed that none of the tenders were such that the council would be well advised to accept, and the Ministry would not feel justified in sanctioning a loan to the amount of such tenders; and whether he will in future take steps to avoid such delay over a matter which could easily be decided in a few days?

The application in this case presented difficulties which required special consideration. I am satisfied that every effort is made to deal with correspondence as expeditiously as possible.

Will the Minister tell me what were the special reasons for the delay, and do not such delays give rise to a feeling in the country that the Socialist party are not keen on getting these houses built?

I am sure the hon. Member does not want to reflect on the efficiency of my Department. I can assure him that I have inquired info this case, and the delay, and the cause of it, were quite exceptional, and I have every reason to believe it will not be repeated

Is this one of the examples which enable the right hon. Gentleman to be so satisfied that 2,500,000 houses, at least, will be built in 15 years?

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses built under the 1923 Act which are being occupied as alternative dwellings such as week-end cottages?

I have no information of any houses having been erected for the purpose suggested with the assistance of subsidies granted by local authorities under the Housing Act, 1923.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any reason to suppose that anything of this kind is occurring?

I have already stated that I have no information to that effect.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received a letter from the Tottenham Urban District Council drawing his attention to five cottages in Woodville Grove, Tottenham, which have, remained unoccupied for eight years, and asking for the introduction of legislation to prevent houses remaining vacant for a prolonged period; and whether he can make any statement on the matter?

I have received the letter to which the question relates. As I have indicated in replies to previous questions, I have much sympathy with the suggestion made, but I cannot undertake to introduce legislation on these lines during the present Session.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the housing conditions in Angmering, Sussex, are most unsatisfactory; that a large number of houses in that district have already been condemned for some years, and that no steps have yet been taken to replace them; and will he cause an inquiry to be made into the matter with a view to abating the evil?

I am aware of the housing conditions generally in the East Preston Rural District. The council already have an approved scheme for assisting private enterprise in the erection of houses under the Act of 1923, and I am hopeful that further action will be taken under the extended provisions of the new Housing Bill. In the circumstances, I do not think that, for the moment at any rate, there is need for an inquiry.

Could the right hon. Gentleman order an inquiry into this matter, with a view to giving some relief?

If I find, as a result of further experience, that an inquiry is necessary, I shall have it made.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that houses built by the Building Workers' Guild at Irlam were £260 cheaper than the same size and quality of houses built by profit-making contractors; that houses built by the Office of Works at Pontypridd were £194 per house cheaper than the private contractors' prices; that the direct labour scheme at Norwich saved the city £25,000 on contractors' prices; that direct labour at Tonbridge saved £200 per house; that direct labour at Southgate saved £350 per house; and that direct labour at Bentley saved £200 per house; and if he will see that facilities and encouragement are given to local authorities to set up local works departments?

I am unable to check the figures given by my hon. Friend, and shall be glad to hear from him on what they are based. In some of the cases to which he refers the final accounts of the housing schemes have not yet been received. I am quite prepared to encourage a local authority to undertake building by direct labour if satisfied that the authority can make efficient arrangements for the supervision of the work, and that the method is likely to prove financially advantageous to the ratepayers.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of these figures were given from the Front Bench several years ago by Sir Alfred Mond, when he was in a position to speak with authority on the subject?

Is it not a fact that the figures now quoted do not include overhead or departmental charges at all, and that in many cases the accounts have not yet been settled?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the failures of attempts to build houses in this way?

I had not any previous knowledge of these figures; I have seen them now for the first time. My answer is based on my own experience in other places.

asked the Minister of Health the number of slum areas in the county of London his Department has given sanction to for clearance under the Housing Act of last year; and will he state approximately the number of houses, the total area and the number of persons such clearance schemes have dealt with?

Three schemes in the County of London were confirmed in 1923 and 1924, comprising 668 houses, an area of approximately 13 acres, and a population of 3,760. Several other schemes are under consideration.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Bristol Brick Company, Limited, on 16th June again raised the price of bricks in Bristol by 4s. 6d. per thousand for common engineering and stock bricks, and 5s. per thousand for all other bricks; and whether, in view of the adverse influence this has on the cost of house building, he will take immediate steps to stop these increases by giving municipalities power to take over the brickyards within their area or in their vicinity, or by other means?

I have not received information concerning the particular case to which my hon. Friend refers. As he is aware, I am proposing, in the Building Materials (Charges and Supply) Bill, that the Government should be given extensive powers to deal with unreasonable prices.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can now make any statement as to the effect of the recent inundations in the Midland and West Midland counties?

I am sending the hon. Member a Memorandum based on reports which I have received from my inspectors on this subject.

asked the Minister of Health what the intention of the Government is regarding the suggested compulsory disinfection of East India wool; whether he is aware that if this Regulation is brought into force it is probable that the article secured will be inferior in quality, thus resulting in a serious handicap upon the carpet trade of this country; whether as it is advisable to put all buyers on equal terms if disinfection is proved to be necessary at all, he will consider the possibility of arranging for this disinfection to be carried out at the source of supply; and if he will suspend the bringing of such an Order into force pending full and proper inquiry into the whole matter?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The whole matter is being fully considered and no decision has yet been taken. I am not aware of any foundation for the allegation in the second part of the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that other countries, which are keen competitors with us in this trade, have rejected these disinfection proposals?

Is the right lion. Gentleman aware that the recommendation for the disinfection of dangerous wool was unanimously made by the Departmental Committee on Anthrax; that the disinfection of wool treated in this way will undoubtedly save human life; and that the work of disinfection should be extended to other dangerous wools?

Has there been any suggestion by the workers—

Further questions had better be put down on the Order Paper.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that for different can see both the Japanese and American warship building programmes have been retarded for at least one year; and whether he will consider this opportunity of effecting a saving of money and a bettering of the conditions for an agreement on naval disarmament by deliberately retarding the British shipbuilding programme in answer to the retardation of the programmes of the two next strongest naval Powers?

The answer to the first part of the question is, that Congressional authorisation for the United States building programme has been delayed until December next, and that the Japanese programme has been delayed for a year. As regards the second part, I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member on 19th June and to the replies given by the Prime Minister on 23rd June.

Are we to understand that whatever these other friendly naval Powers do we are still going on with our building programme, quite regardless of these facts?

Is the hon. Member aware that these ships are required for the replacement of obsolete ships and are in no sense being built in competition with other countries?

This matter has already been debated.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the Government have information that Communist organisations in this country have received and are receiving money from foreign revolutionary societies, the Government will set up a Select Committee to inquire into the whole question of revolutionary organisations in this country and their connection with unauthorised or lightning strikes, their organisation, and source of their funds and, in particular, the cause, identity of the individuals, organisations, funds, etc., of the recent strike on the Great Western and Underground Railways, with a view to protecting the public from similar attempts to exploit it in future?

I do not think that the adoption of the Noble Lord's suggestion would serve a useful purpose.

asked the Prime Minister what steps are taken to ensure that State expenditure upon the properties of the Forestry Commissioners, the Crown woods, and the properties of corporate bodies and private individuals are safeguarded from decimation by rabbits and game; if he will say who appoints the Forestry Commissioners; and if he will consider the advisability of securing that this Commission shall be represented by a Minister of the Crown in this House?

Properties on which State expenditure has been incurred for afforestation are protected from such damage as the question refers to by the appointment of keepers and trappers. In accordance with Section 1 of the Forestry Act, 1919, the Forestry Commissioners are appointed by His Majesty under sign manual. The point raised in the last part of the question is under consideration.

Have no complaints whatever been received that considerable amounts of public money spent in afforestation have been wasted because game has destroyed the young trees?

I have no knowledge of such complaints, but I shall be glad to receive any information on the subject.

Does not the keeping of game give employment to a very considerable number of people?

The game is very useful for vermin's food.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the unopposed Second Reading of the Blind Persons Act (1920) Amendment Bill and the necessity for this reform, he can see his way to star this Bill and give it facilities for becoming law this Session?

I regret that I cannot at present add anything to the reply which I gave last Thursday to a question on this subject by my hon. Friend the Member for the Tradeston Division of Glasgow (Mr. T. Henderson). I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Committee of experts on finance, known as the Dawes Committee, while making recommendations as to the capacity of Germany to pay reparations, fails to explain any satisfactory way by which this country may expect reparation payments without serious injury to British industries and employment; and whether, having regard to the experience of Germany in accepting reparation goods after the Franco-Prussian War, the refusal of Japan to have her markets glutted with reparation goods after the Russo-Japanese War, and our own experience after the Treaty of Versailles, he will afford time for discussion of the economic effects of reparations before further instalments are received by this country?

My hon. Friend will have the usual opportunities for raising the very debatable points to which he refers. I cannot, however, undertake to provide special time for such a discussion.

Does that mean that we are to rely on the Consolidated Fund Bill, or something of that kind, to discuss the Dawes Report? Could not the right hon. Gentleman give a special opportunity for discussion

I think that hon. Gentlemen below the Gangway have power to provide an opportunity.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise the importance of the Dawes Report, and that, if the Dawes Report places Germany on a gold basis, it will be to the detriment of the pound sterling?

That is a different point from the one in the question; it is a matter for argument.

Is it not the fact that, when the Prime Minister stated that he was going to put the whole of the weight of the Government behind implementing the Dawes Report and getting it accepted, it met with the general approval of this House, including specific assurances from the Leader of the Opposition?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the part of the Dawes Report dealing with reparations is viewed with very great anxiety, particularly in the shipbuilding yards, in view of past experience of reparations; and, in view of this, will it not be better to provide a day for its discussion, in order that the unemployed workmen may put their point of view through their representatives?

How can it possibly be said that the Dawes Report was received in this House with general acceptance, seeing that no opportunity was ever given for discussing it?

The Estimates are the proper place to discuss that question.

asked the Prime Minister when it is proposed to introduce the Financial Resolutions guaranteeing the principal and interest of the Four and a-half per Cent. Land Stock for the Irish Land Purchase Bill of 1923?

I cannot name a definite date; but the Government hope to find time for the consideration of these Resolutions in the near future.

Could the right hon. Gentleman give us a more definite assurance? For the past three months we have always been told that it would be an early date. Can he say that it will be within the next fortnight or three weeks, without committing himself to one particular day?

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this is now a very long outstanding question, and will he not consider the advisability of settling it once and for all?

As the Session advances we shall, no doubt, receive a fuller measure of co-operation from all quarters of the House in respect of Parliamentary business, and, therefore, we hope that the date is not far off.

Could not the right hon. Gentleman say quite definitely whether it is possible to deal with these Resolutions before the Autumn Session, in order that people in Ireland may know where they are. Sales are being held up at the present moment on account of the uncertainty that exists.

We certainly hope to find time before the Autumn Session.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company are threatening to close down the line between Strathaven and Darvel; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to safeguard the interests of the travelling public and of the farming community, who use the line for the receipt of seeds, manures, and implements, and for the despatch of produce?

I am not aware that the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company have actually threatened to close down the section of line to which my hon. Friend refers, but I understand that they do not consider that full effect has been given to the arrangements under which this line, which was partially closed during the War, was re-opened on the understanding that full use would be made of it by the farmers and others in the locality, and that they propose to discuss the matter with the parties interested.

Am I to understand that the Government looks kindly on a railway company which proposes to take the fat of the land and leave the lean?

So long as he does not include me, my hon. Friend can understand what he likes.

I do not want to enter into a duel of humour with my hon. Friend I should easily lose. But I wish to have an answer to my question. This is not a humorous House

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the formal intimation now communicated by Sir Henry Maybury to the Dundee Town Council, confirmatory of the Minister's own explicit announcement in correspondence with the senior Member for Dundee regarding the proposed Tay Road Bridge scheme, and the town council's previous refusal to act on the lines of sharing cost, the Government will lose no further time in deciding to proceed with the preliminary operations, fully intent, if satisfied therewith, on carrying through the scheme as a Government undertaking?

No time will be lost in proceeding with the preliminary survey. Until I have received an authoritative report on the feasibility of the scheme and on the probable cost if the scheme is, in fact, feasible, I am obviously not in a position to make any statement as to the construction of the bridge or the allocation of the cost.

Why should there be any variation in the announcements of policy in this matter, and why should it now appear that about £10,000 is being sunk in the pay on the chance of local authorities supporting this scheme when in reality they have definitely decided not to support it?

The money is going to be used for the purpose of making investigations, and it is impossible to decide what you will do until you know the result of the investigations.

Is the decision not now to carry through the Parliamentary arrangements and that in the event of the investigations proving unsatisfactory no debit is to be placed against the local authorities, but if satisfactory they are to be called upon to support a scheme regarding the whole undertaking with the conditions which you have now laid down, which they refuse to accept.

The arrangement is that we find the money to make the investigations. If it turns out that the scheme is one which can be gone on with the money we have used becomes part of the cost of the whole thing.

And as stated in the letters the hon. Gentleman sent me, the whole cost will then be shared by the local authorities.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has any statistics as to the approximate number and value of buildings which have been damaged or collapsed as the result of vibration due to heavy motor traffic; and whether the Ministry are taking any action to protect householders and others in this matter by placing a limit on the weight and speed of heavy motors?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part of the question, I may point out that no alteration has been made in the maximum axle weights or speeds of heavy motor cars since 1904, except that the maximum speed of heavy motor cars fitted with resilient tyres and with registered axle weights between six tons and eight tons was raised two years ago from eight miles to 12 miles per hour. I do not think that the remedy lies in the placing of further limitations on the weight and speed of heavy motor cars, but rather in the strengthening and improvement of road surfaces, a process which is being pressed forward as rapidly as circumstances permit.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the report of the court which investigated the circumstances attending the loss, with all hands, of the British s.s. "Rawlinson," has been under his consideration; whether this steamer, prior to going to sea on her last voyage, was inspected by a Board of Trade surveyor or surveyors; whether the Board are intending to take any action respecting the animadversions of the court on the condition of the vessel on sailing; and whether the Board will, in particular, take steps to ensure that the hatches of vessels of this type are effectively covered and secured?

The report of the court on the loss of the "Rawlinson" has been considered. The vessel was not seen by a Board of Trade surveyor when starting on her last voyage. The report of the court again calls attention to the importance of making hatches thoroughly secure, and in this agrees with the committee of experts who reported on this matter in April. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of that report, and he will see that the Committee made four recommendations. The Board of Trade will use every endeavour to have these recommendations carried into effect, and in this they expect to have the active co-operation of shipowners.

Does not the answer to that question convey to my hon. Friend and to his Department the need for increasing the number of surveyors rather than decreasing them as has been done in the past year?

As I said in the Debate on the Mercantile Vote last week, the Board of Trade is considering the question of increasing the staff of surveyors, but I must point out that if you doubled the number of surveyors you could not prevent vessels getting away without being seen.

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that the Board of Trade did all that could be done before this tragedy occurred?

This arises on a class of vessel known as a self trimmer. A Committee was appointed as far back as last December which sat for four months, and I am sending the hon. and gallant Gentleman a copy of their report.