asked the Minister of Pensions if he can see his way, by legislative or administrative action, to placing on a permanent and more satisfactory basis the pensions of men suffering from incurable tuberculosis in Preston Hall, near Maidstone?

The men suffering from tuberculosis who are inmates of Preston Hall, are in that institution either for periods of treatment, or for treatment combined with a course of training. Such cases are not, therefore, in a condition in which a final award could properly be determined in the interests of the men themselves.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is now prepared to reconsider the question of allowances to pensioners undergoing home treatment, who, in many cases, are refused any treatment allowance, even when the disability for which they are receiving treatment prevents them following their normal occupation?

I cannot, I fear, add anything to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend in reply to his question on the same point on the 26th ultimo.

Is the mind of the right hon. Gentleman closed entirely to any revision of these cases of hardship?

No, Sir; but I am awaiting the results of the procedure that is now being followed.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the present rates of pensions awarded to sufferers through the Great War are due for revision in 1926; and whether, having regard to the high cost of living, he will take action to stabilise the present rates and allow men who are commuting portions of their pension to commute same on the rates payable under the Royal Warrant, 1919, and not on the rates of the 1918 Warrant as at present?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I do not consider that I could properly take any steps at the present time to anticipate the decision on rates of pension, to the conditions that may obtain in the future. The maximum which may be commuted must, accordingly, continue to be calculated on the basis of the 1918 Warrant rates plus 20 per cent bonus. I may, however, explain that the question of the revision of rates does not otherwise affect commutation, since the capital sum granted is based upon the actual weekly amount of money which is surrendered.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, seeing that pensions awarded under Article 1163 of the Royal Warrant, 1914, are based on pre-War rates, he will take action with a view to ensuring that the men pensioned under this Article shall receive increase of pension in accordance with the Pension (Increase) Act, 1920, and the Pensions (Increase) Bill, 1924?

I presume that my hon. Friend has in mind the cases in which a pension under this Article has been granted since the beginning of the War. The Article 1163 award is a reserved right, and men now drawing a pension at the rates of that Article are, in fact, receiving compensation which is as good as, if not better than, that available for men fulfilling the same qualifying conditions, and dealt with exclusively either by the Ministry's Warrants or post-War Warrants. The awards made in these cases were, therefore, held to be outside the scope of the out the intention of Parliament in the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920. The suggestion made by my hon. Friend, which would affect the Service Departments as well as the Ministry, will he considered when the amending Warrants necessary to give effect to the Bill now before the House are drafted.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that all those ex-service men whose time limit for appeal expired on 6th February, 1924, had no reasonable notice of this fact; and will he give a short extension of time and send to each man an individual notice stating his right of appeal?

The regulations governing the class of case referred to were published in February, 1923, and at the same time notice of the right of appeal was published in six issues of the principal newspapers circulating in London and the provinces and in three issues of the monthly journal of the British Legion. Notices were also displayed in the local offices of the Ministry, and in January last a reminder was circulated to the Press by whom it was given wide publicity. The right of appeal is limited by statute to the period of one year, and I have, therefore, no authority to extend it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the notice in the London newspapers was confined to six inches in one paper, and does he think that their residing all over Great Britain can reasonably be said to have received notice when this was the case; why will he not give individual notice as has been done? He has the addresses of these men.

My information is not in accord with that of the hon. and gallant Gentleman. The notice was issued in six issues of six separate newspapers. In regard to the incidental circumstances of the appeal, the tribunal has now been given the right to hear such cases if they think well.

In those cases in which the right hon. Gentleman promises that the case shall go to a tribunal, although it is out of time, is he aware that the Ministry is still objecting to the appeal being heard by the tribunal on the ground that it is out of time?

No, Sir; we are not definitely objecting: we are simply calling attention to the fact that it is out of time.

Is it not the fact that the tribunal never does hear a case if 6th February had passed before the man made application?

I am not aware of that fact. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will bring cases of the sort to my notice I will have them looked into.

I beg to give notice that at the first opportunity—on the Adjournment, it may be—I shall call attention to this matter.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the general dissatisfaction existing in regard to the system of making final awards to pensioners whose disabilities are assessed at less than 20 per cent., he will take steps to abolish this system at an early date?

I am not at present convinced that the course suggested, which would involve amendment of the Act, is called for. Cases of the class referred to, like those of any other class, in which it is shown that the last award was erroneously declared final, will, it is anticipated, be met by the arrangements which have recently been introduced to deal with cases of serious error. I am carefully watching the operation of these arrangements. I may perhaps remind my hon. Friend that cases of minor disablement have never, under the Pensions Warrants, been entitled to a continuing pension, and their position in this respect has not been affected by the final award.

asked the Minister of Pensions under what authority payment of service pension to invalided Royal Marines is not payable until after 14 years' service, observing that under the terms of Item 15 of the Admiralty Fleet Order No. 2359/1920 provision is made for all continuous service men after 10 years' service, and no distinction is made between seamen and marines?

The Admiralty Fleet Order referred to was, I understand, intended, as indeed its terms clearly in- dicate, to define the rates of pension to be paid in the various cases dealt with, and not to introducce any change in the conditions of eligibility for life pension. Non-continuous service ratings and marines have always been required to render 14 years' service to qualify, and accordingly service allowances are awarded only in respect of such minimum period of service.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that naval officers retired upon the special terms granted in 1922, for the purpose of clearing the lists, as eligible for disability pensions even though seriously disabled; that naval officers who retired under this scheme were not informed that they would forfeit all claim to a disability pension; and whether he will consider a revision of this decision?

The position with regard to these eases was fully explained in the detailed answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend on the 7th June, 1923, a copy of which I am sending him. The officers referred to are not ineligible for disability retired pay, subject to the conditions stated in the answer.

asked the Minister of Pensions what sum would be required to put Bellahouston in a condition to receive the patients from Craigleith hospital?

asked the Minister of Pensions whether any decision has been arrived at in reference to Craigleith military hospital, Edinburgh?

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is satisfied that there is no danger of fire in the Bellahouston premises if the patients are removed there from Craigleith pensions hospital?

I am making comprehensive arrangements for hospital accommodation for my Department in Scotland, which, I believe, will prove satisfactory to all those interested, and which I hope shortly to be in a position to announce. As the matter has been mentioned, I may say that the reports which I have received from my advisers as regards fire precautions at Bellahouston hospital are satisfactory.

Has the right hon. Gentleman yet come to a decision in regard to the Craigleith hospital?

No, Sir; that decision is included in the comprehensive scheme that I am now considering. I hope shortly to make a statement.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a very strong feeling exists in Edinburgh and the East and South-East of Scotland that it is not in the interests of these patients that they should be transferred to the Bellahouston hospital?

Yes; I have personally visited Edinburgh just recently, in fact the whole of the hospitals concerned, and as a result of my personal investigations I am now considering the matter.

If it is proposed to transfer any of these patients to wooden hutments, is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that there is no risk of fire?

I shall be glad if the hon. and gallant Gentleman will leave the matter with the answers I have given There will be more information later.

Is it the policy of the Ministry of Pensions to transfer these cases to a military hospital?

asked the Minister of Pensions what proportion of patients at the Craigleith Pensions Hospital come from the east and south-east of Scotland?

I regret that the information asked for could not be obtained in the short time available, but I will endeavour to ascertain it and will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say by what date he expects to reach a decision with reference to this matter?

If the hon. and gallant Member will repeat his question on this day fortnight, I will endeavour to give him an answer.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether a man who is to-day drawing a disability pension, but who has now for the first time heard about the alternative pension, can apply for such an alternative pension?

The Royal Warrant provides that a disabled pensioner may obtain an alternative pension, if found to be eligible for it, provided that he applies within one year of the first award of disability pension being made. Even if he is not eligible to obtain a pension at the time, but he considers that he may be under the necessity of claiming one at a subsequent date, he may merely record with the Ministry proof of his pre-War earnings, provided again that he does so within the period mentioned. The conditions of the Warrant as regards alternative pension have, from time to time, been extensively advertised in the Press, through the local offices of the Ministry and local War Pensions committees; and, to the fullest extent possible, to each individual pensioner on his first award of pension.

May I take it that the answer is that he can to-day apply for an alternative pension?

Subject to the conditions indicated.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many men are employed at His Majesty's Prison at Maidstone and how many of these are ex-service men?

There are 74 persons employed, of whom 46 are ex-service men. The remaining 28 men have all been employed since before 1915.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether an investigating committee has yet been set up to deal with the case of ex-service men who failed to qualify in the Air Ministry Departmental examination; whether he is aware that frequent assurances have been given to the ex-service men's association that such a committee would be constituted; and what action does he propose to take in the matter?

I have been asked to reply to this question. As the Noble Lord is no doubt aware, Lord Southborough's Committee has now recommended that a further opportunity of competing for posts in the clerical and Departmental clerical classes should be given to ex-service men with certain qualifications as to length of service, and that regard should be had to the manner in which candidates are reported to have performed the duties required of them in a temporary capacity, 25 per cent. of the total marks in the examination being allotted to a Departmental Report as to the candidate's efficiency and capacity. I regard this new scheme as rendering unnecessary any continuation of the Investigating Boards recommended in the Third Report of the Lytton Committee.

Are we to understand that no committee of this sort can be set up whatever, and can the hon. Gentleman assure us that ex-service men who go in for this examination will not subsequently have the result of the examination upset by a viva voce examination?

The short reply is that the latest recommendations of the Southborough Committee will apply to the Civil Service as a whole, and that will be a very much better method than the method which has so far obtained indicated in the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that according to the Southborough Committee's Report only about 5,000 vacancies are allowed to be free for ex-service candidates, and does that really represent the total number of vacancies?

It would be quite impossible, in reply to a question, to discuss the Report of the Committee, though there may be an opportunity later. It is true that the number of applications will be far in excess of any possible number of vacancies in the Service.

What I wanted to ask was whether the right hon. Gentleman was aware that the Southborough Committee said there would be 5,000 vacancies available for ex-service men, and is it not really the fact that 45,000 would be much nearer the mark?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air in how many cases, respectively, women writing assistants are now employed in his Department in posts previously occupied by ex-service men, and in how many cases in future will ex-service men's posts eventually be filled by women; and whether, in view of the large number of unemployed ex-service men on the pool, he will give an undertaking that the number of posts available for ex-service men shall not be reduced by the further employment of writing assistants?

The answer to the first part of the question is, none; as regards the second and third parts, if by "ex-service men's posts" the hon. and gallant Member means posts now filled by ex-service men, there is no intention of discharging any ex-service men to make room for writing assistants, but gradually and as the normal wastage occurs, it is expected that 192 such posts will eventually be filled by women. There is no present intention of increasing the number of writing assistant posts on the headquarters establishment.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many times the standing joint committee for the employment of ex-service men has met this year; whether any Report of the work done by this committee will be published; and, if so, when it is expected that the Report will be available?

I have been asked to take this question, and as the reply is somewhat long, I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

How many times has this committee met?

I think that it would be better for the hon. and gallant Member to wait for the long reply, which contains a number of figures.

Can we know whether the Report of this committee will be published?

I would like notice of that question.

That is in the Question.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Prison Commissioners make it a rule not to employ men who were conscientious objectors in the late War?

The answer is in the affirmative, and the Prison Commissioners in this matter are following the general rule governing the Civil Service.

Am I to understand that if an hon. Member knows of any conscientious objector who is employed, and the right hon. Gentleman's attention is drawn to him, he will at once replace him by an ex-service man?

I cannot promise to do that. I can only promise to investigate any specific case which is brought to my notice.

asked the Home Secretary whether prison warders are allowed to speak to prisoners and give them good advice; if they do so would it be regarded as a, serious offence; and will he state the number of reports, the average fine, and the kind of punishment otherwise imposed on the officers for this offence during the past five years?

Officers would certainly not be reported or punished for speaking to prisoners and giving them good advice.

Is the Home Secretary aware that recently the Commissioners encouraged officers to take action of this kind as opportunity occurred?

May I have an answer to the last part of my question?

I do not think I can add anything to my answer

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that in the recent South African election the South African party polled 33 per cent. more votes than the Nationalists but the Nationalists obtained 20 per cent, more seats; and Whether this phenomenon will cause him to consider the advisability of introducing some scheme upon a correctly proportional system of representation for this House?

I have seen statements in the Press to the effect suggested. The hon. Member was present, I believe, during the Debate on May 2nd on the Representation of the People Bill and will remember that I promised then that the Government would go very fully into the position.

What is the result of the Government's consideration of the question?

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking into consideration the case of Fermanagh and Tyrone, where a Unionist vote to-day is equal to 2½ Catholic votes?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to an interview with Chief Constable Bassom, of the Metropolitan Police, published in a London morning newspaper of 30th June, 1924, condemning proposals made by a Member of this House to the London County Council as to certain traffic considerations in connection with the reconstruction of Waterloo Bridge, and asserting that the chief constable did not believe that Parliament would sanction the proposal as to tramways being extended to the south side of the Strand, not into the Strand, as erroneously stated; whether he is aware that such aspects of traffic policy are subjects of public controversy in London and in this House; and whether he will indicate to the official concerned that it is not desirable for him to take part in such public discussions on matters of policy, particularly as he is from time to time called upon to give evidence to Parliamentary Committees on traffic matters?

I am informed that no such interview took place and that the paragraph in question gives a wholly misleading impression of Mr. Bassom's reply to a telephone inquiry. It is often necessary to communicate with the Press in regard to the details of traffic arrangements but the general rule that public servants should not pronounce upon matters of policy is well known and I have no reason to think that it is not strictly observed at Scotland Yard. I see no reason for any special instructions as the Commissioner of Police has complete confidence in Mr. Bassom's discretion.

Will the officer and the newspaper concerned be advised to take more care in these interviews?

No; I do not think that is necessary in the circumstances of the case.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that of over 22,000 justices' off-licences, granted for the convenience of the public, a steadily increasing number have become tied to brewers; whether he has any information as to the number so tied; and whether he will introduce legislation to prevent further off-licences becoming tied and to facilitate the liberation of off-licences at present tied?

I have no information as to the number of off-licences which are tied to brewers. I see no prospect of the introduction of legislation on the subject by the Government at present.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can now state what proceedings he has instituted with reference to the recent smuggling of machine guns from this country to Russia?

asked the Home Secretary if he can state the port of destination to which the machine guns which were being smuggled out of this country were addressed?

I can at present add nothing to the answer I gave to a similar question on the 30th June.

Can the right hon. Gentleman indicate when he will be prepared to make a statement of policy on this important matter?

We have been making very strict inquiries and we hope to be in a position to proceed in a day or two.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is an impression that arms are being exported to other countries besides Russia, such as Morocco?

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the opinion of the greatest expert on gunrunning in this country?

Does the right hon. Gentleman really mean the House to understand that he cannot answer Question 24?

I have nothing to add to my answer at present.

Is this not a violation of the Arms Traffic Convention?

asked the Home Secretary whether, with regard to the representations that have been addressed to him for some months past in regard to the desirability of including toy pistols and revolvers (which are being imported into this country in large quantities from Belgium and Germany) under the Firearms Act, which representations have been forwarded by responsible persons such as proof masters in this country who have brought forward in support of their request evidence that these pistols are manufactured in such a way that they can be easily converted into lethal weapons, and that their increasing importation into England has caused grave concern to the proof masters in the countries where they are manufactured; whether the authorities at Scotland Yard have been consulted as to the danger of allowing these so-called toy pistols to be imported and sold indiscriminately; and whether he will take immediate steps to bring these articles under the provisions of the Firearms Act?

The authorities of the Birmingham Proof House have urged that these devices, which as usually sold are not capable of discharging missiles, are within the Firearms Act. The question whether they are within the Act is one for the Courts. The police have instructions to prosecute for any noncompliance with the Act in the only circumstances in which the Act would appear to apply, namely, if these devices are sold or possessed after such alteration as to make them lethal weapons capable, of discharging missiles. I could not propose legislation to bring within the Act these devices when not so capable.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make some inquiries as to the extent to which these weapons are being introduced; and will he allow me to submit to him samples of these weapons?

Certainly.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the claim of over £2,000,000 of the ex-Khedive of Egypt, Abbas Hilmi II, against the British Government in respect of valuable private property belonging to him, and consisting of palaces, works of art, land, and properties which were taken from him by the British military authorities during the War, and that it is necessary for the counsel and solicitors in this country who have been retained to represent the ex-Khedive to have constant access to and consultation with him, and for that purpose his presence now in England is essential for the preparation of his case and presentation to the proper tribunal; whether he is also aware that application has been made for a passport to enable the ex-Khedive to come to this country to consult with his legal advisers, and that such passport has been refused, although France, Belgium, Italy, and all other countries in Europe against which no claim is made by the ex-Khedive, have given him facilities to travel and reside in those countries; and whether, seeing that Egypt never was an enemy country, in the interests of justice, a passport will be issued to the ex-Khedive of Egypt to come to England to instruct and consult with his legal advisers so that he may obtain a full and fair hearing of his case?

Yes, Sir, His Majesty's Government are aware of the claim indicated in the question, but are not aware that there is anything to prevent the legal advisers of the ex-Khedive from having access to or consulting their client, or that it is essential for him to come to this country for the purpose; and, after consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, I am not disposed to allow him to come here.

Does the right hoe. Gentleman not agree that this treatment is hardly in accordance with British traditions, and that it is a denial of Justice against a man who has a legitimate claim against the Government, and it is impossible for his legal advisers to be constantly crossing from this country?

I have already intimated that I have consulted my right hon. Friend. This is not a new case. My predecessors both at the Foreign Office and the Home Office could not see their way to give this permission, and so long as my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, for public reasons, cannot agree, it is not always advisable, in the public interest, to state the reasons.

Does the right hon. Gentleman say that it is not in the public interest to state the reasons why this man cannot be permitted to consult his own legal advisers in this country?

Have we not enough trouble in this country already?

Is it true, as alleged in the question, that this gentleman has a free right of travel in France, Belgium and Italy, and, if these countries can act so liberally in this matter, why cannot Great Britain do the same?

Is it not a fact that, since 1896, the late Khedive consistently waged war against this country?

I cannot state what is the position in regard to the countries named by my hon. Friend the Member for Penistone (Mr. Pringle).

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, pending the issue of the Report of the Departmental Committee on the Training of Teachers, he will state on what date the examination in place of the former acting teachers' examination will be held or, alternatively, resume the former examination for a limited period of years?

I may refer the Noble Lord to the answer given on Thursday, the 3rd July, to my hon. Friend the Member for Blaydon (Mr. Whiteley), a copy of which I am sending to him.

asked the President of the Board of Education what is the recognised Board of Education standard of marks necessary for a free place in a secondary school; and how many local authorities are asking that the standard should be raised?

The Board have not attempted to prescribe a minimum number of marks qualifying a candidate for a free place in a secondary school. In the explanatory note to their secondary school Regulations the Board have indicated the general principles which, in their view, should be adopted for determining a candidate's suitability for admission. I am not aware that any local authority has suggested that the standard indicated is too low.

Will the right hon. Gentleman fix a standard?

How can there be a fixed standard?

I have said in my reply that we have indicated the general principles.

Will the right hon. Gentleman indicate a general standard?

Is it a fact that children in secondary schools have not the standard of training to fit them usefully to attend the schools?

Our experience is that the standard is steadily rising all the time.

Will the right hon. Gentleman raise it now at once?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that all these examinations are conducted by local authorities and are all competitive, and that many thousands of children have qualified for whom no places are open?

asked the President of the Board of Education, if he is aware that the National Association of Schoolmasters have no representation on the Burnham Committee; and whether, seeing the association represents a substantial and rapidly growing number of schoolmasters, he will take Steps to have this association adequately represented?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Committee is not a Committee appointed by the Board of Education, and I have no power to modify its composition.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many local authorities have given maintenance allowances to children attending elementary schools; and what was the total cost for I922–23?

During the year 1922–23, 27 local education authorities gave maintenance allowances to children in public elementary schools. The sums expended amounted, approximately, to £18,950.

asked the President of the Board of Education, whether he will introduce a Bill to amend the Education Act by raising the school-leaving age to 15, to come into force at a date not later than, say, August, 1927; and whether in the meantime he will require local education authorities to encourage parents to keep their children at school between the ages of 14 and 15 by the grant of maintenance allowances where necessary?

I am not prepared to propose a general raising of the school age until I have proof of a general readiness to welcome it. I have already explained that I am prepared to consider with sympathy proposals for increased provision of maintenance allowances for children over 14, and the raising of the school age to 15 by local education authorities who wish to do so by by-law. But it would not be good policy, even if possible, to impose upon local education authorities a requirement to provide maintenance allowances.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state from haw many local authorities he has received applications for sanction for by-laws to vary the school age?

At present, two. There are others.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to increase the financial aid to local authorities to enable them to give maintenance grants?

I am considering that question.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the majority of the people in Britain are against raising the school age?

It is not everyone who can speak for "the majority of the people."

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is now in a position to state when the London Education Authority proposes to provide efficient and healthy school accommodation for the children at present compelled to attend the High Street School, Bromley, E., which school has for years past been condemned by the Inspectors of his Department?

The London County Council have already submitted to the Board preliminary plans for the extension of the Old Palace School, one of the objects of which is to reduce the number of children attending the High' Street School, and the Board are now in communication with the Council on the matter. The plans of a new site for the High Street School have also been submitted by the Council, and the Board have agreed to pay grant on the expenditure involved in the purchase.

asked the Prime Minister whether any decision has been reached with regard to the abolition of fees for cadets under training for the Royal Navy, His Majesty's Army, and the Royal Air Force, as in the case of the forces of Japan and the United States of America?

This is an important question on which the Service Departments are in consultation, and there will be no unnecessary delay in reaching a decision.

Will the right hon. Gentleman let me know when a decision has been reached, so that I may put a question down and get the information?

My hon. and gallant Friend has been very industrious in pressing this matter, and I am sure he will not neglect a later opportunity.

asked the Home Secretary how many prisons and reformatories are situated in agricultural parishes and where they are situated?

I will send to the hon. Member a copy of the Directory of Reformatory and Industrial Schools, which shows the situation of each school, and a list of prisons and Borstal institutions as published in the Annual Report of the Prison Commissioners.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also send one to his colleague, the Minister of Health, so that he may get to know how many agricultural parishes will not get desirable rest-houses because of the provision of these undesirable rest-houses in those parishes?

If my right hon. Friend intimates that he Jacks this information, I shall be glad to present him with a copy.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the circulation in the country of the Minister of Health s calculations of the money that could be saved on house building if no interest were paid; and whether the paying of no interest on loans represents the policy of the Government?

My right hon. Friend was concerned to show how large a part of the annual cost of a house is absorbed by interest on loans and, therefore, that practically the whole of the proposed Exchequer subsidy is required to meet the increased charge due to the higher rates of interest now in force than were in force before the War.

May I have an answer to the second part of the question?

That, was, in fact, answered by the Minister of Health a day or two ago in reply to a supplementary. It is not the policy of the Government to advance loans without interest.

May we take it that these widespread figures which the right hon. Gentleman's party are circulating all over the country represent mere stupidity or hypocrisy?

The hon. Member ought to know that those are not phrases which I could pass in a question on the Notice Paper, and therefore they ought not to be introduced into a supplementary question.

As a matter of fact, the House is full of hypocrites.

Will not the banks make loans without interest when the right hon. Gentleman has carried out his policy of nationalising them?

asked the Home Secretary what arrangements have been made with the Isle of Man with regard to the isle's contribution towards the Imperial Exchequer?

The matter is still under consideration.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any information as to the nature of the riot which took place in Fulham in connection with the eviction from Jordan Place; whether any organised body was responsible for the initiation of this riot; whether a police sergeant and several constables were injured in the execution of their duty; and whether any action has been taken against the rioters?

The Commissioner informs me that no riot took place in connection with the incident referred to. Two police officers were slightly injured, and three persons were arrested as a result of a street brawl on 7th July, but this was not directly connected with the eviction. The prisoners appeared at West London Police Court on 8th July; one was sentenced to one month's hard labour and two were fined 40s.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state the difference between a riot and a street brawl?

Can he say whether this organised body came from either Poplar or Battersea?

asked the Home Secretary the number of motor omnibuses licensed by the Metropolitan police during this year; and will he state how many of these belong to the underground combine company and how many belong to other owners?

From 1st January to 30th June, 1924, 2,663 omnibuses have been licensed by the Metropolitan police. Of these, 2,146 belong to the London General Omnibus Company and its allied companies, and 517 to other persons.

asked the Home Secretary the total number of taximeter cabs licensed by the Metropolitan police for London; how many have been licensed during the present year; and whether there is now a new standard of taximeter cab required before a licence is granted?

Motor-cabs licensed during the year ended 30th June, 1924, numbered 7,918; 3,952 of the licences were issued during 1924. Since September last, motor-cabs have had to pass an efficiency test before they are licensed.

asked the Home Secretary what tests are laid down by the Metropolitan police before they grant a driver's licence for a motor-omnibus or taxi-cab in London; whether there is an age and eyesight test; is he aware that the London County Council grant ordinary motor drivers' licences without any test at all; and whether, in the interest of public safety, steps will be taken to unify the tests for all motor drivers' licenees.

Before a licence is granted by the Metropolitan Police to a person to act as driver of a public carriage, including cabs, omnibuses and tramcars, the applicant must produce a certificate of medical fitness and must also pass a practical test of his ability to drive. When a man reaches the age of 65, or at such other times as the Licensing Authority may direct, a further certificate of medical fitness may be required. The sight-test is that recommended by the Royal College of Surgeons, and requires a standard of acuity with full field of vision. The latter part of the question is primarily a matter for the Ministry of Transport, and has received consideration by a committee appointed by that Ministry.

Is there any regulation to prevent motor-cab drivers smoking when driving fares? [HON. MEMBERS: "Why not?"]

asked the Home Secretary if be has received any recent communications from Labour organisations in Great Britain urging upon him to grant an amnesty to the Irish political prisoners in this country who have been in prison for two years; and if he has decided to accede to these requests?

asked the Home Secretary whether there are any Irish political prisoners detained in the gaols of this country; if so, will he state to the House the number imprisoned; and whether he can see his way to grant an amnesty to these political prisoners?

I have received some resolutions of the kind indicated from Labour organisations and others. Prisoners are not classified according to the motives underlying their offences, even when those motives are known, which is by no means always the case. I am not, therefore, in a position to answer the question as to a number. The reply as to an amnesty is in the negative.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the present Government ought to be more lenient towards political prisoners than the last Government; and, if so, is he prepared only to confine his professions to words?

Did the right hon. Gentleman take any notice of these communications; and, if so, why?

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in the days before he became a member of the Government he was quite capable of classifying political prisoners, and fre- quently pleaded for an amnesty for such prisoners? Why has he now changed?

Is it not a fact that many of these prisoners are detained in custody in the interest of their own safety?

Is it that the right hon. Gentleman does not answer because he cannot, or because he will not?

May I have an answer to my supplementary question?

asked the Home Secretary if he can give for the years 1920, 1921, 1922 and 1923, each year being stated separately, the amount of premiums paid to insurance companies in respect of employers' liability insurance under the Act of 1880, the amounts received by the companies from interest and dividend upon reserves, the amounts spent in working expenses, the amounts distributed as shareholders' profits or placed on reserve, and the total sums paid as compensation, including legal and medical expenses in connection there-

I shall be pleased to circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table giving the information asked for, except for the year 1923, the figures for which are not yet available. I assume that the particulars are desired in respect of insurance under the Workmen's Compensation Acts as well as under the Employers' Liability Act, 1880. As regards the last part of the question, a State system of workmen's compensation insurance is not at present in contemplation.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if it is the case that only about one-third of the amount paid in premiums reaches the victims of industrial accidents?

Is the Home Secretary not aware that there are many organisations for mutual contracting out of these liabilities, showing that contracting out can save the insured people a tremendous amount of money, and will he consider that on Friday week?

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to lay before Parliament the complete correspondence between His Majesty's Government and the Government of Egypt upon the question of the Sudan?

The reply is in the negative. As the hon. Member for York was informed on the 23rd June, it is undesirable that the discussions which the Prime Minister hopes to have with Zaghloul Pasha should be prejudiced in any way by premature statements on any of the points under negotiation.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is in a position to make any statement as to the stoppage or threatened stoppage of civil air traffic into Germany by the German Government; what are the grounds for this; and what is the attitude of the British Government upon this question?

The German Government recently represented that they would not be prepared to renew, after 30th June, their permission for the flight over German territory of aircraft of Imperial Airways, Limited, which were not "civil" aircraft within the meaning of the Regulations (known as the "Nine Rules") imposed an Germany by the Allied Powers to differentiate between "civil" and "military" aircraft. As the outcome of conversations on the question, however, the German Government have now agreed to renew for a further period of three months from 30th June the facilities which they had previously accorded for the operation of British air services over German territory.

Are we to understand that at the end of three months they will again prohibit flying over Germany

The matter will certainly come up again before the expiry of the three months. What will happen then, it is not possible to prophesy.

Is not the trouble that, under the Treaty, we are imposing Regulations on Germany which prevent the development of her civil aviation. Would it not be better to get that modified so that our air companies could operate without fear of stoppage all the time?

That is exactly what we are trying to do.

Do these facilities commence at once?

It is actually in operation now.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what number of bombing aeroplanes it is proposed to maintain at the Worthy Down aerodrome; what is the bomb-carrying capacity of these aeroplanes; and are these bombing aeroplanes intended for offensive or defensive action?

The answer to the first part of the question is that the number and type of machines to be maintained at Worthy Down are not yet decided. The second and third parts of the question therefore do not arise, but it can be assumed that the functions of any squadrons maintained at that aerodrome will be determined entirely by the necessities of the air defence of this country.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of Napoleon's maxim that the best defence is offence?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the Royal Air Force has in stock aerial bombs filled, or intended to be filled, with poison gas?

May I ask you, Sir, whether it is in the public interest to publish to the world at large the details of our armaments?

That is a matter entirely for the Minister, and not for me.

The Royal Air Force has no stock of aerial bombs filled, or intended to be filled, with poison gas.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air the number of boys under 17 who have been recruited into the Royal Air Force for the six months ending 30th June, 1924; and whether any of these boys are being, or will be, trained for service on bombing aeroplanes?

The answer to the first part of the question is that 645 boys of the age of 17, or under at date of attestation, were recruited for the Royal Air Force during the period referred to, but 14 of these have since been discharged. In reply to the second part of the question, none of these boys are under training as pilots, and it is impossible to foresee whether any, and if so, how many, will eventually be employed for aerial work in bombing squadrons.

How many chaplains are there for the instruction of these boys?

When these boys reach the stage of pilots are they instructed in the art of throwing leaflets?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air for what object the Royal Air Force pageant is held annually; and is he satisfied that this object is achieved?

The first and primary object of the pageant is to hold for the Royal Air Force what has been found necessary in all Services—an annual inspection and review—as a means, of ascertaining the degree of efficiency that is being maintained and as a test of individual and collective skill. In this respect this pageant corresponds somewhat to the reviews which take place in the other Services at Spithead and Aldershot. The second object is to allow the greatest possible number of the population of this Empire to witness the display and thus to be enabled to see for themselves the functions of the Royal Air Force. Thirdly, it is a means of raising charitable funds for this new Service. For 1923,£5,247 was thus handed over. If the Royal Air Force Pageant ever ceased to be a "draw" near London, it would then be taken to Salisbury Plain or some other suitable spot, where it would be held annually for the objects I have named.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what is the name of the locality from which a raid took place into the Iraq territory, resulting in the death of 146 men and 127 women and children, and in the course of which all male prisoners and wounded, both men and boys, were put to death; whether he can tell the House the causes which led to this outbreak; whether these raiding tribes are among those who were bombed on any of the five occasions on which bombing has taken place during the past five months; and will he state the date when the above-mentioned disturbance, causing so great a loss of life, took place?

The locality referred to is a desert area lying about 130 miles southwest of Djaliba, which is a railway station 76 miles west of Basra. The raid, which took place on 14th March, can only be attributed partly to the natural turbulence of the tribes and partly to the desire for loot. The particular tribe responsible for the raid has not been bombed at any time.

Is it 14th March this year?

Yes.

Did not the hon. Gentleman inform the House the other day that when these bombing machines were employed no casualties resulted, and that they dropped tracts and not bombs?

I said that the result of our operations this year, since this Government came into office, had not resulted in any casualties.

Does not the hon. Gentleman now inform the House that this raid took place in March of this year, since the Government came into office?