asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is now prepared to appoint a carefully chosen commission to make a thorough and scientific investigation into the economic conditions of the Highland people, with special reference to the Islands, to explore every possibility for improvement, and to report to this House?

By my instructions, the Departments under my control have undertaken an examination of the (question of the economic conditions of the Highlands and Islands, and of possible means of improvement within their respective spheres. I have now under consideration the views of those Departments. In addition, other Departments whose administration extends over Great Britain are concerned and, pending discussions with them which are in progress, I cannot say whether the appointment of a Committee of Inquiry will ultimately be found necessary.

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to appoint a Commission composed of men of knowledge and skill outside his own Department?

Discussion is in progress with other Departments concerned, but I cannot say whether the decision will be in favour of the appointment of a Commission.

Has the right hon. Gentleman already taken steps to secure the survey of agricultural land in Scotland, which he promised during the Debate on the Scottish Estimates?

Is the right hon. Gentleman not perfectly aware that the Highland people no longer have any confidence in Government Departments?

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has received a communication, signed on behalf of the workers engaged on road relief work at South Loch Erisort, in the island of Lewis, complaining that workmen are unable to earn under the contract system more than 4d. or 5d. an hour for work which is a great physical strain upon the men employed, also drawing attention to the shortage and unsuitability of the implements provided and to the fact that the earnings of these men are only paid at the end of five or six weeks' work, and that, owing to this method of payment, these men are unable to secure credit for their daily or weekly purchases; and, in view of these conditions of employment, is he prepared to sanction such increase and expedition of payments as will enable these men to maintain their dependants and themselves in decent circumstances?

I have received recently the letter referred to. I am having inquiry made into the allegations which it contains, and will communicate the result to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, as a result of the inquiries instituted by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland in connection with land settlement and other operations of the Board, he will state the number of cases in which two or more farms or agricultural holdings are in the occupation of the same tenant, and the number of led farms sub-divided by the Board under the powers conferred upon it by Section 7 (16) ( a ) of the Small Landholders (Scotland) Act, 1911?

The Board of Agriculture's inquiries do not enable me to give statistics on the first point mentioned in the question, because the object of those inquiries is the projection of schemes of land settlement, and not the compilation of statistics. On the second point, I am informed that since 1912 the Board have subdivided, either wholly or partially, 74 let farms into smallholdings under the various Land Settlement Acts.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in answer to a previous question he stated that no inquiry was necessary in regard to the number of "led" farms, and that the Scottish Board of Agriculture had already the means of ascertaining the number that existed? Will he now, as he states that he cannot supply the figures, agree to an inquiry as to the number of "led" farms throughout Scotland?

I have given the figures?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he has only dealt with the second part of my question, and that the question relates also to other farms and large holdings, the figures of which ought to be available, and which, I understood, he was prepared to ascertain?

asked the Secretary for Scotland the number of applications made to the Land Courts by smallholders in Scotland for revaluation of their buildings and revision of their rents; the total reductions made by the Courts up to the present date in their fair rents and in their annual liabilities for buildings; and the total reductions made in the capital liabilities undertaken by the smallholders?

Joint applications have been made to the Scottish Land Court by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland and the holders for the valuation of buildings and the fixing of fair rents in respect of 390 holdings. The awards made to date by the Court cover 343 holdings, and involve the following reductions: capital liability for buildings from £312,204 to £109,688; fair rents from £8,557 to £7,419; and building loan annuities from £6,635 to £4,370. In a few cases the figures are not strictly comparable owing, for example, to variations in acreage at the different dates. As the hon. and gallant Member is aware, the rate of interest payable on the reduced capital liability for buildings is 3⅛ per cent. as compared with 1¼ per cent. on the original amount.

asked the Secretary for Scotland how much money has been received from the smallholders for the purchase of seed oats and potatoes unler the scheme of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland; how much has been received from the voluntary funds; and how much of the £100,000 credited to the Board of Agriculture for the purpose of this scheme has been expended?

A sum of approximately £40,000 has been received to date from applicants for seed oats and seed potatoes under the Board of Agriculture scheme. Nothing has yet been received by the Board from voluntary funds, and the amount recoverable from the Committee administering those funds will not be known till all the credit slips issued by the Committee to applicants have been received by the Board. The total expenditure on the scheme cannot be ascertained pending the settlement of outstanding questions as to merchants' accounts and freight and railway accounts.

Is it not clear that the total expenditure will be substantially less than £100,000?

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to expend the whole of the £100,000? [HON. MEMBERS: "Answer!"]

asked the Secretary for Scotland who was responsible for giving orders to the local police at Carfin, Lanarkshire, to invoke Section 26 of the Catholic Relief Act of 1829 in order to interfere with the procession on 22nd June, 1924?

I understand that the attention of the organisers of the procession was drawn to the provisions of Section 26 of the Act of 1829 by the police in the course of their duty and without instruction or order from any outside authority. In consequence of this intimation the procession was not proceeded with on the public road, but was held in private grounds.

How long is it since any Government has dug this ancient weapon out of its armoury?

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the procession carrying the Host is against the law, and that they ought to prosecute them for carrying the Host through the streets?

In reply to the right hon. Member for Central Sheffield (Mr. Hope), the Government have no responsibility for this at all, and, as a matter of fact, I did not know of it till the whole matter was over. With regard to the other point raised in the supplementary question, I may say that I hope this question will be discussed to-morrow night on the Motion for the Adjournment, and we need not now discuss it by question and answer.

Is it against the law or is it not? I want the right hon. Gentleman to answer.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if he is aware that the police definitely stated that they had orders from a higher source, and will he say from what source those orders were received?

The police, as I have already stated, had no orders from a higher source.

In the original answer given by the right hon. Gentleman to the House, he told us that it was due to the danger of obstruction, etc. Do I understand that the Act of 1829 dealt with questions of obstruction?

It is true that in the original answer I pointed out that the police took specific objection, on ground of traffic last year. They discussed that with the authorities involved, and when it was pointed out to the police that they intended to proceed with the procession this year, the organisers received the intimation to which I called attention to-day.

Is it the intention of the Government to introduce legislation to repeal these obsolete laws?

That is a question that requires notice.

asked the Secretary for Scotland how many applications have been received from fishermen for loans to buy herring nets; to how many have loans been granted, and for what amount; and whether, seeing that those most in need of assistance are being shut off from it owing to the condition of putting up one half the cost, he is prepared to make any modification in his previous proposals?

Since the issue of the scheme last month, 15 applications leave been received, nine have been approved, and five are still under consideration. With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the question asked on the same point on 24th June by the hon. and gallant Member for Caithness and Sutherland (Sir A. Sinclair).

Does not the small number of applications received show that the conditions provided are grossly inadequate?

It could show the very opposite to the conclusions my hon. Friend has drawn.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the results of this scheme?

Has not the Secretary for Scotland got information which shows clearly that the construction placed upon the facts by the hon. Gentleman behind him, the Member for Lanark (Mr. Dickson), is the true one?

I have not.

Will the right hon. Gentleman accede to the representations received by him from his Scottish colleagues to make it a workmanlike scheme?

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether he has received a Report on the impure water supply of Garscadden, in the parish of New Kilpatrick, Dumbartonshire; if he is aware that the water tank is badly out of repair; that the roof thereof has fallen in and been left to rot in the water; that adjoining the water tank there are manure-covered fields, closets and refuse heaps; and that the water supply is being contaminated by these; and if he will, in the interests of public health, undertake to send an inspector to the district to submit an immediate report?

I have no recent information as to the condition of the Garscadden water supply. The Scottish Board of Health, however, are calling for an immediate report on the matter from the local authority. On receipt of that report, the suggestion contained in the last part of the question will receive consideration

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in connection with the proposal to introduce legislation to deal with trading profits, he will have regard to the fact that a well-known firm of caterers made profits of £396,684 in 1920, £503,323 in 1921, £595,615 in 1922, and £631,816 in 1923, paid ordinary dividends in these years of 42½ per cent., 42½ per cent., 25 per cent., and 25 per cent., respectively, and two years ago distributed a 100 per cent. share bonus?

I am aware of the particular case to which my hon. Friend refers. In considering the possibility of legislation, and the lines on which it should proceed, all relevant facts will be taken into account.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to a recent announcement that another company is proposing to distribute £8,000,000 in bonus shares, and in these circumstances is not the matter urgent?

I am aware of that statement, but am afraid that I am not able to add anything to the answer which I have given.

Is it not the policy of the Government to encourage private enterprise?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has received a resolution passed by the Empire Congress of the Chambers of Commerce drawing attention to the great handicap to trade between Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, and vice versa, owing to the rate of exchange; if he is aware that this rate of exchange is equal to an export tax on wool and other commodities from these countries of 3 to 3½ per cent.; and whether any steps can be taken in the matter?

The resolution referred to has not yet reached me. As I indicated in a reply to a question asked on 14th May, by the hon. Member for the Ilford Division (a copy of which I am sending the hon. and gallant Member), my attention has been directed to the recent level of the exchanges referred to. The question of overseas exchange was fully discussed at the Imperial Economic Conference, and I understand that the Commonwealth Government have recently taken action in the direction there recommended. It is not a matter with which it is within my power to deal.

Is it a fact that the right hon. Gentleman has received a communication from the Dominions in regard to other important matters at the Economic Conference which have been turned down?

I am afraid on a general question of that kind I must have notice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the report of the German Ministry for economic affairs with regard to the stale of the leather trade in Germany, and in view of the danger of surplus German leather goods being dumped in this country, he is prepared to take any action in the matter?

If the hon. Member can furnish me with fuller particulars of the report to which he refers, I shall be glad to receive them; but at present I do not see that any action on the part of the Government is possible.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman access to the report which has been issued?

No such report has been received at the Board of Trade nor, so far as I can ascertain, at the other Departments. I have seen statements in the newspapers purporting to relate to some such report, but it is not clear what report it is.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to obtain the report?

I will inquire.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can now inform the House of the result of the negotiations with the railway companies whose passenger steamers ply on the River Clyde in respect of the hours of labour worked by engineers and stokers upon these steamers; if he can say how many unemployed engineers could be absorbed into employment if the railway companies observed a 48-hour working week; and if he is aware of the urgency of this question, in view of the holiday season being already well advanced?

I understand that the matter is being carefully gone into by the companies, but I am sorry I am not yet in a position to give the hon. Member the information for which he asks. As regards the latter part of the question, I would refer him to the answer given to him on 26th June.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in another eight weeks' time the summer season will have passed, and if he is going to do anything this summer he must do it now?

I am afraid it is not possible to do anything except try to influence the railway companies concerned. I have no reason to doubt that they are taking the matter into very careful consideration, but it is not possible to re-arrange a service of this kind at a moment's notice.

Could we have the names of the railway companies concerned?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the nature of the subsidy given to British owners to enable them to get three steamers built in Holland?

The question appears to be based on a misunderstanding. The subsidy to which reference was made has been given by the Dutch Government to Dutch shipbuilders.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is proposed to publish the evidence given before the Bankruptcy Committee; and when he anticipates that the Report of the Committee will be ready for publication?

The Committee have only recently begun their inquiry, and I cannot say when they will be in a position to report. The question of publishing the evidence will be considered at a later stage.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether the Regulations published in the Royal Warrant for Pay, 1914, and on Army Form D 446, concerning the recall of Army pensioners to the Colours in case of national emergency, were cancelled before the outbreak of War; and if such cancellation was published in Army Orders and the public Press;

(2) whether, seeing that both the pay warrant and the pension papers of pre-War pensioners stated quite definitely that these pensioners were liable to recall in time of national emergency up to the age of 50 years, and on their failing to do so they would forfeit their pensions, it is now admitted that these Regulations were of doubtful legality; and, seeing that many commanding officers issued telegraphic instructions to pensioners to return to the Colours after the outbreak of the great War, Whether the War Office will regard these Regulations as binding, and deal with these. Army pensioners in the same manner as the Admiralty treated the naval and marine pre-War pensioners at the end of hostilities?

The answer to question No. 12 is in the negative. As regards question No. 14, I think my hon. and gallant Friend is under some misapprehension. The Royal Warrant for Pay, etc., of 1914 purported to render Army pensioners liable to recall and reenlistment on emergency, and further provided that re-enlisted pensioners should draw pension and pay concurrently, but should not count their re-enlisted service towards an increase of pension. In the great War many pensioners re-enlisted voluntarily, but the liability to compulsory recall was of doubtful legality and was, therefore, not enforced by the War Office. I am not aware whether this liability was ever regarded by any commanding officer as enforceable, as my hon. and gallant Friend suggests, but, if so, that fact gave the pensioner concerned no title to be treated as regards his pay and pension otherwise than under the Army Pay Warrant, the provisions of which still fully covered his case. The Navy Regulations were different, and are inapplicable to soldiers.

asked the Secretary of State for War if officers have been awarded modified pensions under the terms recommended in paragraph 32 of the Report of the Ex-Ranker Officers' Committee; and, if so, whether such officers have been permitted to retain war gratuities granted to them according to the commissioned rank held on demobilisation?

Yes, Sir. The Army Council have sent to the Commissioners of Chelsea Hospital all applications which fall to be considered under paragraph 32 of the Report. Their gratuities as temporary officers are taken into account in the assessment of their soldier's pensions, just as was done in the case of soldiers who, by counting temporary commissioned service, were able to make 21 years' service for pension under Army Order 446 of 1920.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the reason for the regulation that under no circumstances can candidates be registered for appointment as barrack labourer after they have reached the age of 45 years unless their substantive rank on leaving the service was not less than warrant officer, Class 1?

I presume that my Noble Friend intends to refer to barrack wardens, and not to barrack labourers. The reason for the rule in question is that it is desired that the men appointed shall not have left the Army too long before, so as to be cut of touch with current Service customs and regulations. Notwithstanding the rule referred to, the number of candidates is out of all proportion to that of the vacancies.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that it is the custom in the British Army in India for the menial work of the various regiments, such as lavatory cleansing, water carrying, etc., to be carried out by native labour, and that the Indian Government make an allowance to pay for suitable native labour to carry out this work in all the depots where British regiments are stationed; that at some of the temporary depots and hospitals where military rank and file are stationed there are no allowances, and the work has to be done by the Royal Army Medical Corps unit, who, if they wish to avoid such work, have to pay from their own mess funds and by subscriptions from the unit for the necessary work to be done; and that there is great feeling among the officers and ranks of the Royal Army Medical Corps in regard to this anomaly; and will he see whether it can be removed?

I have been asked to reply. I have no information on this subject and will have inquiries made if the hon. Member will be so kind as to give me the names of the places to which he refers.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the fact that the recent reduction in the pay of British Army officers consists of a 5¼ per cent cut on the 20 per cent. increase granted to meet the higher cost of living, he will reconsider the decision of the India Office to apply the 5¼ per cent reduction to the whole pay of Indian Army officers?

The revision of Indian Army rates of pay is still under consideration.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider well that Indian officers are among the very poorest of our officers, and that it would be very unfair to charge them on the whole of the pay when this charge is not made to the officers at home?

This point has already been brought to the notice of the India Office.

It is a long time ago since we were informed that this question is still under consideration, and can the hon. Gentleman give us the slightest idea as to when any results of his consideration is going to take place, as this is a very serious matter for the Indian officers?

In any case the revised rates date from 1st July.

Is it a fact that no reduction has taken place in Indian Army officers' pay?

Nothing has been done as yet.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the effect of the payments made for the service of the British debt to the United States of America on the trade between this country and the United States of America; and, if so, what is the effect?

A volume might be written in reply to the hon. and gallant Member's question. I do not think I could be expected to say more in a Parliamentary answer than that one important effect is no doubt to reduce the amount which this country can lend abroad.

Cannot the hon. Gentleman give me one of his famous short answers? Is it having a good or a bad effect on our trade?

Will the hon. Gentleman make representations to America with a view to making better terms or cancelling our debt altogether?

Has not the increased price of grain occurred by reason of the payment of this debt?

This is the first example we have of a modern great payment between States. Cannot the Government tell us whether it is having a good or a bad effect on our trade?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the amount of Government surplus textile materials still held by the Government; the amounts which have been disposed of; and the estimated amount passed on to the trade but still on the market?

I have been asked to answer this question. All surplus Government textiles formerly in the hands of the Disposal Board have been sold. I regret that separate figures of the sales of textiles are not available, and that with the depleted clerical staff it is not possible to undertake this compilation. The total sales of textiles, leather and equipment from the Armistice up to 30th June amounted to £32,404,900. I have no information with regard to the last part of the question.

Can the hon. Gentleman give an approximate figure of the loss to the taxpayer on this transaction?

No, I could not possibly make any statement on that without investigation.

Do we understand the hon. Gentleman to say that his staff is too small to put through the necessary work of his Department?

No, that is not implied. The reply is that we have not the staff to undertake a detailed investigation of this kind.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he will institute an inquiry into the reason why collieries are being closed in Durham county and the miners thrown out of employment?

Such information as I have indicates that any closing of mines that has recently taken place in Durham is temporary, and due to want of trade The conditions are not peculiar to Durham, and no useful purpose would be served by instituting a special inquiry.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that several collieries have been closed, that the men cannot get work, and that it ought not to be left to the coal-owners to close down without any consideration for the men?

I am quite aware of the facts in connection with the closing of mines in the Durham area, but we have no powers to deal with the owners in regard to the question of the closing down of mines.

Will the Minister see that he gets power to deal with these owners?

How can the Minister make people buy coal?

That question by the Noble Lady has no relation, I am afraid, to the question with which we are dealing.

Yes, it has.

It is a question of power to compel coalowners to continue operations, and that is one which requires very careful consideration.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how many pits have been closed in the County of Durham?

I cannot give the figures offhand.

Roughly.

I am afraid I cannot say offhand. I shall be pleased to furnish the figures if the hon. Member will put down a question.

Shall I give them?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these conditions apply in Wales, where collieries are working short time, and that it is due to the fact that France is taking a large amount of reparation coal? Will the Minister suggest to the Prime Minister that that should be taken into account in the forthcoming Conference?

I am afraid that reparation coal, although it does affect certain areas, does not affect them all. Some areas that are not affected by reparation coal are in a worse position than the Durham and South Wales areas.

rose—

We cannot have a general discussion.

asked the Minister of Transport the exact nature of the practical and administrative difficulties which prevent him considering the necessity of compelling motorists to insure against accidents; and whether he will have the problem carefully examined, with a view to legislation at the earliest possible date?

The issues involved do not admit of adequate treatment by way of question and answer, but I believe my hon. Friend has had an opportunity of discussing the matter fully with an officer of my Department.

asked the Minister of Transport if, in view of the present condition of underground railway systems in and around Glasgow, he can bring any pressure upon the railway companies concerned to have these systems electrified so as to bring them up to modern requirements, and thus provide useful work for thousands of unemployed skilled and unskilled workers?

I have brought this matter to the notice of the railway companies concerned and I am informed by the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company that the question of the electrification of the Glasgow Underground Railway systems has received consideration, but that there is no prospect of securing such additional traffic at the present time as would justify the large expenditure involved. The company add that the matter will, however, be kept under notice and reviewed from time to time in the light of changing circumstances.

Seeing that this scheme would employ a great number of skilled and unskilled workers in and around Glasgow, would the hon. Gentlemen's Department be prepared to assist this work, financially?

I should like to see the railway company about that in the first instance.

is the hon. Gentleman aware that the same railway company has had powers to deal with another railway in London and that they have never moved a peg yet?

In view of the hon. Gentleman's statement that the traffic does not justify the expenditure, may I ask whether the company are aware from the evidence already taken that the electri- fication of the railway would bring all the traffic necessary to pay for the expenditure?

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the need for a road refuge at the northern end of Westminster Bridge facing the pier steps; and, if not, whether he will make inquiries as to the practicability of such provision.

As at present advised, I doubt the expediency of increasing the number of refuges at the point mentioned, but as the matter primarily concerns the highway authorities, I would suggest that, if my hon. Friend desires to pursue the matter further, he should address his representations to them in the first instance.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received a communication from the Southwark coroner with reference to the need for road refuges in certain parts of that borough; and whether he proposes to take any steps towards securing the greater safety of foot passengers which such refuges afford?

I have received communications on this subject, which primarily concerns the local highway authorities. I am advised, however, that the construction of additional refuges in parts of Camberwell has not always led to the desired result. I am most anxious to secure the safety of foot passengers, and I hope that the Advisory Committee on London Traffic, if set up, will assist in this as other matters.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the need for additional transport facilities, he will consider the question of re-opening the River Severn to navigation as it was in former days?

The responsibility for the maintenance of the Severn navigation rests with the Severn Commissioners, and I have received no complaints to the effect that the navigation is not being maintained. I should be glad, however, if the hon. and gallant. Member would take an opportunity of explaining to me more fully what is in his mind.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, within the memory of man, the Severn was navigable right up to Shrewsbury; and will he make inquiries and see whether anything can be done?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Severn Commissioners are now in debt to the tune of several hundred thousand pounds?

asked the Minister of Transport if the Railway Rates and Charges Tribunal have in hand the consideration of a statutory schedule of workmen's fares; and, if so, when this tribunal may be expected to report?

The amalgamated railway companies have, in accordance with the provisions of the Railways Act, 1921, submitted to the Railway Rates Tribunal schedules of standard charges proposed to be made, including a schedule of charges for the conveyance of workmen. Before settling the schedules of charges, and appointing a day when the same shall come into operation, the Railway Rates Tribunal are proceeding to determine the standard revenue of each amalgamated company and other preliminary matters, upon which the tribunal is now engaged. I am, therefore, unable to say when the tribunal will be in a position to fix the charges for the conveyance of workmen.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the action taken by the police and the Woburn bench for the technical infringement of regulations made by his Department in respect of the use of red or trade number plates; what are the regulations issued for the use of trade number plates; whether any special instructions have been sent to the police for their guidance in connection with technical breaches of such regulations; and, if so, what is their nature?

I have no information on the proceedings referred to in the first part of the question beyond what has happened in the public Press. I am sending the Noble Lord for his information copies of the Road Vehicles (Trade Licences) Regulations, 1922, and of Circulars issued in connection with them.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, as a result of the action taken in this case, a motorist was fined £7 for giving an unemployed workman a lift? That is the result of the working of his Regulations. Cannot something be done about that?

When the Noble Lord has read the Regulations, perhaps he will show me where that comes in.

I know the Regulations quite well.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is intended to take any steps to eliminate any of the level crossings across the more important arterial roads wherever possible; and whether he is aware that this work would be invaluable for the relief of unemployment?

I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave to the Noble Lord on the 3rd June, regarding the assistance tendered from the Road Fund to local authorities desiring to eliminate level crossings.

Are the Government really in earnest in trying to provide work for the unemployed or are they not? Here is a suggestion worth examining. Why cannot they do something about it?

There is no question of the earnestness of the Government. There is a question of the earnestness of the railway companies.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that if he could give the railway companies some assurance of earnestness, and would contribute to the cost, something might be done? At present the Government are doing nothing.

Has the hon. Gentleman made a definite over to the railways of some contribution?

No.

Will the hon. Gentleman do so, and so bring the matter to a definite issue?

Has the hon. Gentleman any evidence of any proposal by any local authority, and, if so, will he deal with it?

Unless some proposal be put to me, I have nothing to consider.

Is it not a fact that the Minister has no power at all over the railway companies?

asked the Minister of Transport how many accidents are known to have occurred on the Great North Road, near Eaton Socon, which are directly attributable to the slippery nature of the road surface immediately after rain; and how many casualties have resulted?

I regret that I have not any information as to the number of accidents from the cause suggested, but I will endeavour, however, to collect whatever particulars are available of any accidents on the length of road indicated and will communicate them to the Noble Lord.

Will the hon. Gentleman make particular inquiry into the case in which a motor lorry filled with workmen was wrecked, entirely owing to the slippery state of the road, as this was a very serious accident and eight men had to go to hospital as a result?

asked the Minister of Transport whether the Government have decided to introduce a Bill giving power to the Minister of Transport and certain local authorities to plant trees by the roadside; whether any other matters of an uncontroversial character will be included in this Bill; and, if a Bill is to be brought in, will he endeavour to pass the Bill through all its stages before the summer recess, in view of the approach of the tree-planting season?

I am to-day introducing a Bill conferring powers on the Minister of Transport, and on all highway authorities, to plant trees and shrubs by the roadside. I hope that the right hon. and gallant Member who has always so forcibly advocated this improvement to roads will find the proposals satisfactory. The Bill will also include Clauses enabling the Minister to conduct experiments in connection with road and bridge construction, to make inquiries into road accidents, and to assist local authorities in the erection of direction posts and warning signs and in the abolition of tolls on roads and bridges. I hope that the matters covered by the Bill will be regarded as uncontroversial, and that I may have the assistance of the House in passing it into law during the present Session.

Will the authorities at Kew or some similar place be consulted in regard to what are suitable trees for planting?

I regard that as a very important suggestion.

And the hon. Gentleman will not forget the apple trees?

In reference to the question of tolls on bridges, will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there are bridges in Kent on which a toll of 1s. 6d. has to be paid every time a motor car goes over them, and that tolls are levied on every vehicle and foot passenger, and will he take steps to see that there is power in the Bill to deal with these cases?

That cannot be debated until the Bill is brought forward.

asked the Minister of Transport when the Chertsey arterial road will be continued across the Thames; and where it is proposed to place the new bridge?

As I informed the hon. Member on the 27th May, no definite agreement has yet been reached with the road authorities for the actual construction of the new Chertsey road beyond the section already formed in Chiswick. Two new bridges will be required across the Thames—one to connect the Lower Richmond Road with the section of new road in Chiswick—and another in the neighbourhood of the present railway bridge at Richmond.

What is stopping this? Will steps be taken to proceed this year or early next year?

Negotiations are going on.

Is it not a fact that the construction of these bridges would give a great deal of employment to men who are at present unemployed?

It would be a very useful help.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the amount paid to the British Broadcasting Company on account of licence fees up to 31st March, 1924, was £105,483; whether the anticipated revenue for licence fees for the year ending March, 1925, is £400,000; and whether he will carefully consider the desirability of reducing the cost of the licences or alter the proportion payable to the British Broadcasting Company?

The total amount payable to the company in respect of licences issued up to the 31st March, 1924, is about £432,000; but payment is made by monthly instalments in arrear, and the amount actually paid by the 31st March last was £71,450. The amount payable to the company in respect of licences issued during the 12 months ending the 31st March, 1925, is expected to be about £400,000. The fee for constructors' licences—which form the bulk of the licences hitherto issued—was reduced from 15s. to 10s. on the 1st instant, with the consequence that the company's share is reduced from 12s. 6d. to 7s. 6d. The considerations mentioned in the last part of the question will not be lost sight of; but at the present stage it would, I think, be premature to assume that the revenue of the company will be more than is necessary to provide an efficient broadcasting service.

Has the right hon. Gentleman decided to increase the remuneration of the directors of the British Broadcasting Company?

Is not the Broadcasting Company giving very full satisfaction to the public at present, or has the right hon. Gentleman received any complaints?

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that over 3,000 postal sorters are alarmed at the possibilities under the present system of being wrongfully charged with the theft of registered postal packets, and are desirous of laying their views before him; and will he agree to receive a deputation from them at an early date?

I have arranged to receive a deputation.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the post office accommodation at Wellington, Salop, is inadequate; that previous to the War it was decided to remove the post office to larger premises, but, owing to the War, the matter was postponed; and, seeing that the town has grown considerably, will he now take steps to provide a larger and better post office in the town?

The need for a new post office at Wellington, Salop, is fully recognised, and provision for the new building has been made in the current Revenue Buildings Estimates. A site has been acquired, and it is hoped to make a start on the building work this year.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to the difficulty which residents of Stamford Hill are experiencing in securing a telephone service; whether he is aware that some of these residents have been waiting for periods of over three months in order to obtain an installation of a telephone; and what action does he propose to take in the matter?

So far as I am aware all demands for telephone service in the Stamford Hill district are met on the average in less than three weeks; and I shall be glad if the hon. Member will give me particulars of the cases to which he refers where residents have been waiting for three months

Is it not on record in the right hon. Gentleman's Department that one potential subscriber at least has been waiting for five months?

I received a communication from my hon. Friend relating to, I think, Mr. Woolaston. I have made inquiries and there is no record in any of the branches of the Department of this gentleman having made application. He can be supplied with a telephone if he desires it, and I have directed the officials to ascertain as to this.

May I send the right hon. Gentleman the correspondence?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a great conflict between the information in the possession of his Department and the experience of people who make complaints, and will he take steps to ascertain the point of view of the consumer?

I have stated before that I should be very pleased—if hon. Members will supply me with particulars—to have what is necessary done in cases where there is real cause for complaint.

asked the Postmaster-General what sum is now in the Post Office savings banks as compared with the sum at the end of June, 1923 and 1922, respectively, and what number of new depositors have been recorded this year to date, and how many have withdrawn?

The approximate balance due to depositors on the 30th June, 1924, was £274,000,000. The corresponding amounts for the 30th June, 1923 and 1922, respectively, were £270,000,000 and £260,000,000. 677,000 fresh accounts have been opened since the 1st of January, 1924, and 376,000 accounts have been closed during the same period.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the great saving of time gained by the toll telephone system, he can inform the House whether it has been decided to enlarge the area so served?

The capacity of the present toll exchange will not admit of any addition to the number of exchanges included within the toll area; but it is in contemplation to provide a new toll exchange, and the area at present served by the system will then be considerably enlarged, so as to include many additional places within 50 or 60 miles of London.

asked the Postmaster-General if he can state the results of the wireless telephone experiments which have been carried out in recent time with America?

The results of the experiments at present available are encouraging. They are described in detail in an official notice recently issued, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in order to enable Members of Parliament so desirous thoroughly to understand the working of a large modern telephone exchange, he is prepared to issue invitations for visits to be paid to a convenient exchange in the neighbourhood of Westminster?

If any hon. Member who is desirous of visiting an exchange in London will indicate his wishes to me, I will gladly make the necessary arrangements, when a full explanation of the practical working of the system will be given.

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the Dominion status of many parts of the Empire, he will consider the advisability of describing the Secretary of State for the Colonies in future as the Secretary of State for the Dominions and Colonies?

The question of altering the title of Secretary of State for the Colonies has come under consideration from time to time during the last few years, but it has always been felt that there is no pressing need—nor indeed desire—for a change.

asked the Prime Minister whether, seeing that the Government have refused to give special grants to necessitous areas where unemployment is above the average of the rest of the country, he will authorise the Unemployment Grants Committee to give more sympathetic consideration to schemes for the employment of the workless submitted by local authorities under existing regulations?

Special consideration is already being given to schemes submitted by local authorities of areas with excessive unemployment, and also to schemes submitted by other local authorities where these are calculated to provide work in such areas.

May I suggest that special consideration should be given to those areas where there is a large working-class population who are unable to obtain work?

That suggestion is well worth consideration.

Will instructions be given that more sympathetic consideration should be extended in future than has been given in the past to reducing the standard and in giving more grants?

I will present that view in the proper quarter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a grossly unfair proportion of these cases is being thrown on the local authorities, and that the Chancellor of the Exchequer has always refused to take his proper share of the burden?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the economic views of the Minister of Health on housing, as set out in the "New Age"; whether these views represent the opinion of the Government; and whether he will arrange that the Chancellor of the Exchequer will be in attendance on committees to explain their application, in the same way as the legal advisers to the Government are present to explain legal difficulties?

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to an interview in "The New Leader," in which, so far as I can see, my right hon. Friend did no more than supply a number of quite definite facts and figures, for the understanding of which the presence of the Chancellor of the Exchequer does not appear to be necessary.

Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Committee stage of the Bill.

Will the right hon. Gentleman ascertain from the Minister of Health why he is expressing these sentiments at the same time as he is about to make an appeal to the local authorities and private persons to let him have money to get on with housing?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the Government has sold all the vacant houses at Richborough, and whether, in that case, any attempt was made to let them prior to such sale?