asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any decision has been arrived at as to the revision of pensions of commissaries, deputy and assistant commissaries of the Indian Army; and, if not, whether an early decision may he expected?

I regret that no decision has yet been reached on this matter. Steps will be taken to hasten it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, considering that when the pay of officers in India was raised in 1919, in conformity with the raising of the pay of officers at home, the increase was calculated at the rate of 10 rupees to the pound sterling, whereas the increase granted to the rank and file was at the rate of 15 rupees to the pound, the new rates of pay for officers in India that are to be brought into force on the 1st July, 1924, will be calculated on the same rate of exchange as that granted to the men?

I regret that I am not at present in a position to state by what method provision will be made for the exchange factor in the forthcoming scales of pay for officers.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the result of the correspondence with the Government of India regarding the position of British members of the All-India services being treated on a different footing to British members of the provincial services in India in the matter of retirement on proportionate pensions under the reform scheme of 1919; and whether the Secretary of State will now give effect to the original proposals of the Government of India and the recommendation of the Joint Committee and withdraw the limit prescribed in 1921?

The question of the position of members of the provincial services is a large one, and consultation is necessary not only with the Government of India but also with the local governments, which are the authorities primarily concerned. This is being undertaken, and I cannot make any statement at present or promise one in the immediate future.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he is aware that famine is prevalent in the Anantapur District of the Madras Presidency; and whether he is satisfied that adequate relief measures are being taken to cope with it?

In reply to inquiry the Government of India state as follows:

"Madras Government report that all possible relief measures have been taken in the two Taluks where famine has been declared. Four relief works opened, gratuitous relief also given. One test work will be opened shortly in another Taluk. 300,000 allotted for loans under Loans Act. Collection of nearly 400,000 current revenue postponed in six Taluks and 45,000 of last year's arrears remitted in one Taluk. Special arrangements made for opening Government Fodder Depot and sale of fodder cheaply, especially to the poorer classes."

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the Government of the United Provinces refused, without giving any reasons, to grant passports to Babu Shiva Prasad Gupta and his wife to proceed to Europe, in spite of the fact that Babu Shiva Prasad Gupta had been advised to take his wife to Europe for medical advice and treatment, and that she could not go to Europe unless he accompanied her; and whether he will make inquiry into the causes of this refusal?

I am aware of the refusal to grant a passport to the persons named, and my Noble Friend has received a report upon the subject, which has satisfied him that it would not be right for him to interfere with the discretion of the Indian authorities in the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Government of Bengal have refused a passport to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to proceed to Europe for medical treatment; and whether he will inquire into the circumstances of this refusal?

I am aware that a passport was recently refused to the Maulana, though the ground on which it was applied for was not that indicated in the question. My Noble Friend is not prepared to interfere with the discretion of the Bengal Government in this case.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Mr. J. W. Miller, of 6, Abbott's Hill, Ramsgate, late sergeant, Royal Field Artillery, No. 23,740, who was finally assessed in July of last year at 15 per cent. to 19 per cent. disability, is now considered locally to suffer from disabilities approximating to 40 per cent. or 50 per cent. disability; and whether, in view of new evidence available, he will cause the case to be reconsidered?

In the case referred to, the present condition of the man is no doubt affected by an injury which he sustained it, November, 1922. The Ministry have rot been able to accept this further injury as due to the man's War service, and an appeal against their decision is now being made to the appeal tribunal.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has been able to arrive at any conclusion on the claim for treatment allowances made by Mr. E. M. Maton, of Monkton Place, Ramsgate?

Further inquiry has been made into the facts of this case, which are unusual, and I am glad to be able to inform the hon. Member that, subject to determination of the precise period for which, under the terms of the Warrant, allowances were due, the appropriate payment will be made.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that certain concessions have recently been made with regard to the final awards of ex-service men; and, as a large number of ex-service men are, on account of technicalities, experiencing much difficulty in getting their cases properly inquired into and are suffering injustice, will he take steps to repeal the Final Awards Act?

General instructions providing for an improved procedure for the correction of awards which are found to have been erroneously declared final, have only been issued within the last few weeks, and further experience is, in the opinion of my right hon. Friend, necessary before it can be determined that any modification of them is required.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he proposes to close down the Wales region; and, if so, before coming to a decision, will he reconsider this matter, with a view to obviating further difficulties, which the already distressed War pensioners of Wales are suffering under?

The comparatively small volume of work now being performed at the Wales Regional Headquarters and the steady decline in that work make it necessary for me to consider whether the expense of this separate establishment is justified. The necessary local offices, medical boards and clinics will remain in Wales, and, before any change is made, my right hon. Friend proposes to consult the Wales Advisory Council. The hon. Member may rest assured that, in coming to a decision, the needs of the War pensioners will receive first consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty, with reference to the pensions of widows of naval officers, in view of the difference in the scales obtaining as between the pre-War and the post-War pensioner; and, seeing that the cost of living is the same for both, whether he can hold out any hope that the scale of the former category will be revised, particularly because hardship prevails amongst a class of deserving widows?

The post-War rates of pensions for widows of commissioned officers of all three Services were fixed by His Majesty's Government in 1920 on the recommendation of an Inter-Departmental Committee which considered the question in all its bearings and also took into account the experience gained by the administration of pensions in cases arising out of the late War. I am not aware of the reasons which led the Committee not to propose an increase in the rates of officers of the ranks specially referred to, but the rates were fixed after very full consideration, and I regret that I am not able to hold out any hope of their improvement. The question of the rates for widows of commissioned officers from Warrant rank, of Warrant officers and of officers of the coastguard is bound up with other questions affecting the Regulations for the award of widows' pensions and children's allowances, but I hope that a decision will be reached shortly.

asked the Parliamentary to the Secretary Admiralty why it is that the widow of a sub-lieutenant, if the death of the latter took place before the 14th August, 1920, receives no widow's pension, whereas if death took place after that date the widow does receive a pension; and whether he will rectify this anomaly?

The widow of a sub-lieutenant who died before the 13th August, 1920, was eligible for a pension if the death took place in circumstances which qualified her for an award of a pension at special rates, but not in other circumstances. Having regard to the age of these officers, provision for pensions at the ordinary rates was not considered necessary. The present Regulations are based on principles common to the three fighting services, and the provision made for widows of sub-lieutenants is applicable also to widows of officers of the sane relative rank in the other services, thus including a number of officers who are considerably older. In practice, the widow of a sub-lieutenant is not likely to qualify for a pension at the ordinary rate, in consequence of the rule as to the husband's length of service.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty why it is that pensions of widows of lieut.-commanders and lieutenants are exactly the same as they were some time before the War, whereas other ranks have had a small increase whether he can see his way to increase the pensions of these ranks; how long widows' pensions of commissioned officers from warrant rank, of warrant officers and of chief officers of coastguards have been under consideration; and when a decision is likely to be reached?

The post-War rates of pensions for widows of commissioned officers of all three services were fixed by His Majesty's Government in 1920 on the recommendation of an inter-Departmental Committee, which considered the question in all its bearings, and also took into account the experience gained by the administration of pensions in cases arising out of the late War. I am not aware of the reasons which led the Committee not to propose an increase in the rates for officers of the ranks specially referred to, but the rates were fixed after very full consideration, and I regret that I am not able to hold out any hope of their improvement. The question of the rates for widows of commissioned officers from warrant rank, of warrant officers and of officers of the coastguard is bound up with other questions affecting the regulations for the award of widows' pensions and children's allowances, but I hope that a decision will be reached shortly.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he has seen the Report of Dr. Glover on the effects of corporal punishment administered in the Navy; and whether, in view of that Report, he will consider reducing the more objectionable features of the punishment in any way?

Some opinions by this gentleman advocating the disuse of corporal punishment generally have been brought to the notice of the Admiralty. As regards the latter portion of the question, the Admiralty sees no reason to abolish the punishment of birching within the narrow limits and subject to the safeguards which have been frequently explained to this House within the last two or three years.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many ratings there are in the Royal Navy under the age of 25 who are married?

The figures are not known.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that it will only cost £7 to raise steam in a sloop, and £9 10s. to raise steam in flotilla leader, for the purpose of conveying the Board of Admiralty round the lines of warships at the forthcoming naval review, what other duties will be performed by the Admiralty yacht "Enchantress," at a cost of £1,100, other than conveying the Board of Admiralty round the lines of warships at the review; and why a sloop and/or flotilla leader cannot be used and money thus saved for the use of the fighting fleet?

My hon. Friend has already stated, in reply to questions from the hon. and gallant Member and others, that His Majesty's Yacht "Enchantress" is to be used during her commission for the official inspection of the naval establishments at Portsmouth by the Board of Admiralty, and for taking a large number of official guests to the review as well as the Board of Admiralty themselves. The hon. and gallant Member is no doubt well aware that the cost of raising steam, which is the operation of preparing the machinery for moving, has no relevance to this matter. It should also be obvious to him that a sloop or flotilla leader could not be used for the conveyance of a large party of official guests, or for the accommodation of the Board of Admiralty for the performance of their official duties during the commission.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will revise the Admiralty Regulations which at present render it impossible for petty officers in many branches to reach the rank of lieutenant until they are nearly 50 years of age, so that capable, efficient, and outstanding petty officers may obtain commissioned rank at an age comparable with that of ratings of the seaman, signal-telegraphist, and regulating branches are promoted to the rank of mate?

The Admiralty regret that they are unable to depart from their decision, communicated to the Fleet in Admiralty Fleet Order 1703/23, not to extend the mate scheme to other branches.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will consider the appointment of warrant cookery officers to all capital ships where the general messing system is in force?

In the opinion of the Admiralty such appointments could not be justified.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the general arrangements that at present exist with regard to accommodation of naval ratings in freight and troopships; and how it is proposed to ascertain whether these arrangements are satisfactory?

The general arrangements for the accommodation of naval ratings in freight and troopships are made by the Board of Trade, and are as laid down in His Majesty's Transport Regulations approved by the Admiralty. Each rating is provided with a hammock billet and a seat at table, and adequate washing and sanitary accommodation is provided. The preparation of the ships is supervised by Government inspectors to ensure that the fittings are in accordance with the Regulations, and a representative of the Admiralty is present at the final inspection held to determine that all the arrangements are satisfactory.

asked the Parliamenary Secretary to the Admiralty if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the beef screen in the Royal Naval Barracks. Portsmouth, is situated adjacent to the building where infectious cases are dealt with, and is also in close proximity to a venereal disease cabin and a public lavatory; and if he will take steps to have the place where the ship's company's fresh meat is handled removed to a more hygienic position?

The answer to both parts of the hon. Member's question is in the negative. The beef screen is at some considerable distance from each of the places mentioned, and its position is considered by the responsible authorities to be hygienic.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the Royal dockyards will be allowed to tender for the 10,000-ton cruiser that the Australian Government has announced its intention of building in England?

In the event of it being decided by Australia to build a 10,000-ton cruiser in Great Britain, in the near future, no suitable building slips will be available in the home dockyards.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if his attention has been called to the Report of the 19th meeting of the naval members of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institute, held on 25th April, 1924, and to the statement contained therein that certain buildings that have been erected out of the canteen improvements fund are now claimed by the Admiralty; if the Admiralty were cognisant of the fact that this money spent in these buildings would automatically become their property, and, if so, why they did not point out to the men that this money was being returned to the Crown; and if the opinion of the Admiralty advisers has been obtained regarding the legality of the expenditure of this money on Admiralty property instead of adding comforts to the men's messes and canteens?

The statement referred to is presumably that on page 38 of the Report quoted. The Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes have been permitted to extend or to add to buildings on Admiralty land out of funds at their disposal. The Admiralty are aware that buildings erected on their land will become their property, and this in a specific case in 1921 was pointed out to the Institute. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative. I may add that the whole question of incidence of charge for canteen buildings is under consideration by the three Services concerned.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many established ropemakers and how many hired ropemakers, respectively, there were on the signing of the Armistice and how many there are at the present date; how many established ropemakers there are now working as labourers in each of the Royal dockyards in which rope is made; whether he is aware that established ropemakers in the Chatham Dockyard, for whom no ropemaking work could be found, were allowed to draw the same money as they did when employed in the ropery, whereas the established rope-makers in Devonport Dockyard, now employed as labourers, have been compelled to suffer a reduction in their pay; whether there is any prospect of their services being required again as rope-makers; whether he can see his way to pay them the money to which their skill as ropemakers entitles them; what are the wages of established ropemakers as compared with those of a labourer; and whether there is any precedent for paying skilled established men the wages of ordinary labourers?

There were 49 established ropemakers and 50 hired rope-makers in November, 1918. Thirty-three established ropemakers are employed at present; there are now no hired ropemakers. No established ropemakers are now working as labourers in His Majesty's dockyards, Chatham and Devonport, but 11 men formerly employed as established ropemakers are now engaged as skilled labourers in the latter dockyard. I am not aware that established ropemakers, in Chatham Dockyard, for whom no rope-making work could be found, were allowed to draw the same money as they did when employed in the ropery; so far as is known all established ropemakers at Chatham Dockyard are, and always have been, employed or ropemaking only. The services of redundant established ropemakers at Devonport Dockyard will be required again in that capacity as soon as Fleet requirements necessitate increased output from the ropery, but until that time it is not possible to pay them wages higher than warranted by the work upon which actually employed. The wages of an established ropemaker amount to 54s. a week; a labourer's pay is 43s. a week. A precedent cannot be given for employing redundant established skilled men as labourers or skilled labourers. These men had, and still have, the option of being dealt with according to precedent which would be to discharge them on reduction with such allowances as they may be eligible for under the Superannuation Acts.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now state the arrangements, if any, arrived at concerning the leasing of portions of Woolwich Dockyard to private firms; and what arrangements he is making in the matter?

The matter is still under consideration, and I am not yet in a position to add anything to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on the 4th June.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has given further consideration to the request of the semi-skilled and unskilled men of the Woolwich Arsenal for an increase in their wages equivalent to the 6s. increase granted to skilled workers by an arbitration court?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been drawn to the dissatisfaction expressed by the semi-skilled and unskilled workers employed at the Government factories at Woolwich, Waltham and Enfield with the refusal of the War Office to concede their full claim to 6s. a week advance in wages; whether he is aware that the present intention of men concerned is to withdraw their labour this week-end; and whether he will state what steps he proposes to take to avoid a development of this dispute and to bring about an amicable settlement?

A deputation representing certain of the workers in question was received at the War Office yesterday. Negotiations are now proceeding, and it is undesirable at the moment to make any further statement.

asked the First Commissioner of Works how many houses with a rent under £50 are owned by his Department; how many of these houses are empty; and whether the policy of his Department is to let or to sell them?

The number of such houses is 9,357, of which 106 are vacant, 82 being available for immediate re-letting and the remaining 22 will also be re-let if no satisfactory offers are received. My Department is legally bound to endeavour to sell the houses on its housing estates, but any vacant house that cannot be sold within a period not in any case exceeding eight weeks is immediately re-let.

asked the Minister of Health what was the average price per superficial foot of non-parlour houses approved by his Department in July, 1919, 1920, 1922 and 1923, respectively; and what increase in the average price has taken place during the last five months in tenders received by his Department?

I am arranging for the information desired by the hon. Member to be ascertained and will circulate it with the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Health the number of apprentices he expects to be admitted to the bricklaying, slating and plastering trades during the next three years; and what will be the usual amount of reduction in the number of workers employed in the same period in the same trades owing to death, disablement, retirement through old age, and other causes?

The particular figures for which the hon. Member asks are difficult to estimate, but I may refer him generally to the figures and estimates given in the Report of the National House Building Committee.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that wooden houses built to house Hanoverian troops during the Napoleonic Wars are still standing and in use; and whether, in view of the urgent and pressing need for houses and the proved success of wooden structures as a temporary measure, he will consider the possibility of their immediate construction and allocation from a central factory for each area?

I am aware that wooden houses may be constructed in such a manner and with such quality of timber as would result in great durability, and I am prepared to consider any proposals that may be made to me by local authorities for the erection of such houses. I do not, however, see my way to adopt the method of supplying them proposed by my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that an application for financial assistance was made recently to the Alnwick Rural District Council to help in the erection of 60 houses which are urgently required for occupation by colliery workers; that this was considered by the Council's Housing Committee, specially formed for dealing with these matters, which decided to recommend the rural district council to provide the necessary assistance, and that, when the question was referred to the full council, the committee's recommendation was overruled and the necessary financial assistance refused; and whether he will consider the advisability of reintroducing Section 5 of the 1919 Act which would enable him to deal directly with the housing needs in eases where councils refuse to operate under the Housing, etc., Acts?

I am not aware of the circumstances referred to in the first two parts of the question—Section 5 of the Act of 1919 is still in force, but I do not think it would enable me to deal with the particular case described by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health if he will accord representation to selected representatives of the Poor Law officers of this country on any committee that may be set up to deal with reform of the Poor Law?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for South Derbyshire (Mr. Lorimar) last Wednesday in reply to a similar question.

asked the Minister of Health whether the terms of reference to the Royal Commission on Lunacy include an inquiry into the conditions which obtain in mental institutions of every hind and the present regime to which the inmates are subject; and whether provision will be made for defraying the expenses incurred by witnesses in coming and staying in London to attend the sittings of the Commission?

The terms of reference of the Royal Commission include an inquiry into the certification, detention and care of persons under the Lunacy Acts, whether in public or private institutions or in single care. Witnesses summoned by the Commission to give evidence before them in London will be repaid their expenses in accordance with the scale prescribed by the Treasury.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will set up a committee to inquire into the necessity for, and the advantages of establishing, a minimum standard in the administration of all health services included in his Ministry in order to secure that the health interests of the public shall be conserved in areas where the local authorities may not be progressive; and whether he will include expert medical officers of health upon such a committee?

As at present advised, I do not think the appointment of such a committee would be of advantage.

asked the Minister of Health if the attention of the Government has been called to the fact that the Conference of Health and Pleasure Resorts has passed a resolution in favour of a Bill amending the Health Resorts and Watering Places Act, 1921, for the purpose of obtaining powers for greater publicity; and whether, in view of this unanimous expression of opinion, the Government will view sympathetically the introduction of a private Measure on the subject at an early date?

I have seen a report of the conference, but have not received any official representations on the matter. Until I know more of the details of the proposals, I cannot pass my opinion on them.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that milk and cream supplied in restaurants is still without any guarantee of purity; and will he take steps to remedy this state of affairs?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on the 18th June last to the hon. Member for Stone (Mr. Lamb).

asked the Minister of Labour if he will investigate the circumstances attending the refusal of unemployment insurance benefit to Miss F. Lewis, 130, Leyton Road, E.15, who was too unwell to attend the court of referees recently and acquainted the appeals officer as soon as possible, appealing for a fresh hearing; and whether he will grant a further appeal?

Instructions for a rehearing of this case were given on the 12th June, but through some mischance failed to reach the officer to whom they were addressed. Arrangements have now been made for a further hearing to take place at the earliest possible moment.

asked the Minister of Labour if steps will be taken to represent to women out of employment the advantages of accepting positions of domestic servants?

It is already the practice of the Employment Exchanges to take every opportunity of bringing to the notice of suitable unemployed women vacancies in domestic service which have been notified to the Exchange.

asked the Minister of Labour if any change has been made in the conditions in which men are selected for employment on schemes assisted by the Unemployment Grants Committee?

The general conditions regarding the selection of men for employment remain unaltered. I may point out that the Unemployment Grants Committee has power to take into account the circumstances, of special cases.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the very valuable information contained in the Report on the relation of wages in certain industries to the cost of production, published in 1891, C. 6535, he will consider the preparation and publication of a Report on somewhat similar lines?

Arrangements are being made by the Board of Trade to take a Census of Production in 1925 in respect of the year 1924. As regards wages, comprehensive statistics are not available for any recent date, but I am considering whether inquiries can be instituted with a view to obtaining some information in respect of the principal industries. My hon. Friend is probably aware that statistics of production and wages in the coal mining industry are regularly published in quarterly Returns prepared by the Mines Department.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the dispute prevailing between the Britannic Assurance Company and its agents and collectors, resultant from the introduction of fresh conditions and wage scales without any consultation with the workers concerned; whether he is aware that this dispute will probably affect 4,000 workers and is likely to cause serious complications to insured persons; and whether he will take the necessary steps to bring both sides together to settle the dispute?

I am aware of the dispute to which my hon. Friend refers. My Department is in touch with the parties, who are aware that the services of the Department are available to them if they so desire.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of persons entitled to reparations for loss and suffering whilst interned in Ruhleben, the gross amount claimed by these persons, the actual amount received by the British Government in respect of these claims, and the actual amount paid over to these persons?

I am asked to reply. Claims in respect of internment are not registered in the Reparation Claims Department in relation to particular camps, and to extract the desired particulars in respect of claimants interned in Ruhleben, as distinguished from other internment camps, would involve an amount of time and labour which would not be justified at the present time, when the Department is working under high pressure.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury (1) on what grounds he justifies the difference in the conditions of service of the permanent and temporary staffs, especially in the matter of holidays, seeing that the former are entitled to pension and have absolute security of tenure, while the latter live under constant anxiety as to the future;(2) whether he is aware that the Treasury have refused even to discuss claims put forward by temporary civil servants, based upon the principle of equal pay for equal work; and whether such refusal was given on his instructions?

As my hon. Friend has previously explained, the grading and classification of temporary civil servants do not correspond with those of the permanent staff, and the conditions of recruitment and service differ substantially. In these circumstances, my hon. Friend is satisfied that it would not be justifiable to attempt to assimilate the rates of pay, and his not prepared to re-open the agreed settlement of the remuneration of the temporary staffs which has just been reached between the latter and representatives of the Treasury, acting under his instructions.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that eight male temporary clerks of ages ranging between 58 and 68 years, and three women temporary clerks, who were deprived by the War of their means of support, employed in the Valuation Office, Inland Revenue, have received notices terminating their services on the ground that they have had no military service, although prohibited by age or sex from rendering such service; and whether he will personally investigate these cases, in view of the fact that the eight male clerks will, in all probability, be unable to obtain employment elsewhere?

I find, on inquiry, that final notice has been given to four of the temporary male clerks and to two of the temporary women clerks in question. These clerks have had extended to them the fullest degree of consideration compatible with observance of the recommendations of the Lytton and Southborough Committees.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the case of a partnership where the provisions of the partnership articles are that the partners divide the profits during their lives and the business goes to the survivor on the death of one of them, death duties are in practice claimed by the Inland Revenue on the decease of one of the partners; and whether, if so, the claim is made that the executors of the deceased partner are liable for the amount by which estate duty is increased by reason of the benefit to the survivor or is the claim made upon the survivor?

I regret that this matter raises questions which could not be answered with certainty except by reference to the actual facts as existing at the date of death of the partner.

asked the Prime Minister whether State and municipal banking form part of the financial policy of His Majesty's Government; and, if so, whether it is proposed to introduce legislation giving effect to it?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave him on the 12th March last and to my reply of the 10th March to the hon. Member for Windsor (Mr. A. Somerville). I would remind the hon. Member that municipal banks are already in existence.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that publication has taken place in other countries, he is prepared to give instructions for the publication in accessible form of the Report of the Commission of Jurists appointed as a consequence of the resolution adopted at the sixth plenary session of the Washington Conference, 4th February, 1922, which Commission sat at The Hague from 11th December, 1922, to 19th February, 1923, and adopted certain resolutions bearing upon the revision of the rules of warfare?

His Majesty's Government have decided that the general report of the International Commission should be published, together with the covering despatch from Sir Rennell Rodd to Lord Curzon.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in addition to the research into whaling that is now to be undertaken in the Antarctic by the scientific staff of the ship "Discovery," he will endeavour to inaugurate some international agreement for a similar inquiry into the whaling, sealing and walrus-killing expeditions in the Arctic, with a view to prevent the extermination of these animals in those regions?

As the Secretary of State for the Colonies is not responsible for the administration of any British territory in or near the Arctic, I do not propose to take any action in the direction suggested.

asked the Attorney-General if his attention has been called to the large number of circulars issued by firms offering to lend money which do not bear the names of the partners in their firms in accordance with the requirements of the Business Names Registration Act, 1916; and, if so, whether he will take steps to require this information to be furnished?

I have been asked to reply. If the attention of the Board of Trade is drawn to any case in which apparently a firm or individual liable for registration under the Registration of Business Names Act, 1916, has failed to comply with the provisions of that Act, inquiries are at once made, and the question of taking proceedings is considered. Perhaps the hon. Member will, accordingly, be good enough to send me copies of any circulars, such as he refers to, which may have come under his notice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can arrange to bring in his Bread Bill at once, making it a penal offence to sell bread in a manner otherwise than by loaves of one pound or an even number of pounds?

The Sale of Bread Bill was introduced on the 16th May last, and will be brought forward for Second Reading as soon as circumstances permit.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there is any proposal to hand over for research work the amount owing by the Government in respect of the cheese subsidy of 1919–20?

I have joined with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture in suggesting to the principal milk distributors that they should consider the advisability of handing over for purposes of dairy research work, at any rate, some portion of, any milk licence fees which are repaid to or retained by them, but I understand that, the replies at present received do not promise a satisfactory result.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the delay in the issue of the Report of the Departmental Committee on the training of teachers, he will announce the date of the next examination for the teacher's certificate for the benefit of uncertificated teachers now engaged in public elementary schools; and whether the Board will issue full particulars of any such examination?

As I have already announced, the Board intend to hold the acting teachers' certificate examination in November, 1924, and the syllabus for the examination was issued more than a year ago; but I am afraid it is impossible for me to make any statement upon the future of the examination after that date until I have received the Report of the Departmental Committee.

asked the Postmaster-General what towns in Kent outside a 25-miles radius from London are connected to London by underground telephone cables, or are about to be so connected?

Canterbury, Chatham, Dover, Faversham, Maidstone, Margate, Ramsgate, Sheerness, Sitting-bourne and Tunbridge Wells are at present connected with London by underground telephone cables, and Folkestone and Tonbridge are about to be so connected.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has had any recent communication from the New South Wales Government in regard to the three boy emigrants who recently committed suicide?

The answer to my hon. Friend's question is in the negative. I understand, however, that there have been three cases of suicides of boy settlers in Australia, two in South Australia and one in New South Wales, on the 7th October, 1923, the 1st January, 1924, and the 24th April, 1924, respectively. I am asking to be furnished with full reports, and when I am in possession of the information I will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that, despite the slump in trade, the existing railway system in this country is unable to carry the present traffic without considerable congestion; whether, in view of the urgent necessity for an expansion of our transport services, he has made any proposals to the railway companies for an improvement of their running roads and stocks; and whether he is doing anything to secure the adoption of new and/or alternative methods for the expeditious carriage of goods?

I have no reason to think that it is the case that the railway companies are unable to deal with the traffic which is now being offered to them, though of course occasional local and temporary congestion may occur owing to special reasons. I frequently have occasion to bring to the notice of the companies proposals for the improvement of existing conditions, but, as my hon. Friend is aware, I have no power to establish or to carry on new transport services.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether it was upon instructions from the Lord Advocate that the police authorities prohibited the annual Corpus Christi procession in the village of Carfin, Lanarkshire; is he aware that this procession has taken place for the last nine years; and why on this occasion the procession has been prohibited?

This matter has only just been brought to my notice, and I am having inquiry made into it.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the political activities of the Russian subject., M. Edvard Soermus, and that this gentleman quite recently took part in a political meeting at Merthyr, where he with his violin led the singing of the Red Flag; and will he refuse extension of the time already allowed to M. Soermus for his stay in this country?

I explained this case fully in my answer to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) last Thursday; and I have nothing to add.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the recent statements by several of His Majesy's Judges with regard to the increasing prevalence of blackmail whereby money is demanded from the victim if he desires to avoid legal proceedings; and whether he will consult the Law Officers of the Crown as to the best method for counteracting the increase of this crime?

Yes, Sir. Some of His Majesty's Judges nave pointed out that the most effective way of suppressing this class of offence is to encourage victims to come forward and give evidence, and I have no doubt that newspapers readily act upon suggestions made to them from the Bench that the prosecutors' names in these cases should not be published. It does not appear to be necessary to consult the Law Officers upon the subject.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the seizure of arms and ammunition which were being smuggled out of the London docks; if he can give any details as to their destination; and the identity of those concerned in the operations?

I cannot add anything to the answer I gave to a similar question in this House on Monday last.

asked the Home Secretary if he will supply a Return to the House showing the total number of licences which have been extinguished since the passing of the Licensing Act of 1904, and the number of new licences granted in each year since that date; and what is the amount of compensation received and paid out of the compensation fund set up by the Licensing Act, 1904?

All available information of the nature desired by the hon. Baronet is to be found in the Annual Volumes of Licensing Statistics (Tables II and IV). No special Return is necessary.