asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the post of Public Health Commissioner at Simla will be vacant in August of this year; and whether those considered for the appointment will require to hold a British diploma in public health?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The appointment is made by the Government of India, and I have no information as to the second part.

Is it not a fact that every junior Commissioner in this service must hold the British diploma in public health before he receives the appointment, and can we not receive an assurance from the Government that this post, which is the best in the Indian Public Health Service, shall not be given to any man who does not hold the same diploma which is required for everybody who joins the service?

I am not aware that the facts are quite as stated by my hon. Friend, but I will draw my Noble Friend's attention to this point.

Why is my hon. Friend not aware of this, when every man who enters the service is made aware of the fact that he cannot enter the service without holding the British diploma in public health, and why should a senior position be given to anyone who dues not hold that diploma?

Is it not a fact that anyone appointed to the service in this country must have that diploma?

Is this appointment made by the Government of India without reference to the Secretary of State, and has the Secretary of State any power of confirmation or refusal of confirmation?

The appointment is made by the Government of India without reference at all to the Secretary of State. With regard to the other questions, the reason I am not aware of this provision is that there are certain exceptions.

Is the hon. Member aware that if the position is as indicated it will effectually stop any recruiting for the Indian Civil Service; and does he know what a danger this is?

Is it proposed to supersede the qualification of the British diploma of public health by some other qualification?

There is no such suggestion as that, but I will promise to bring this matter to the notice of my Noble Friend.

You cannot do it too quickly.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, now that the Punjab Government has notified that it has been Compelled to prosecute the publishers of newspapers containing matter calculated to excite the feelings of one community against another, the Government of India will introduce legislation to put a stop to the license of abuse that since the repeal of the Press Act has been unchecked in the Indian Press?

I have no reason to thank that proposals for such legislation are contemplated.

Will the hon. Gentleman think over this matter, because it is very serious?

Will the hon. Gentleman take into consideration the case of certain Belfast newspapers who are doing the same thing in regard to the Irish Treaty, and why should there be any difference between Ireland and India in this matter?

That is a matter for the Colonial Secretary to deal with.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he can give any information regarding the document signed President in Council, Red Bengal, posted on the walls of public buildings in Calcutta and also sent by post to the police officers, judges of the High Court, and others in Calcutta, announcing a campaign of ruthless assassination of police officers and any others obstructing their comrades or helping the Government; and whether the authors have been traced and arrested or what has been done in the matter?

I have ascertained that the facts reported in the Press as to the circulation of this document, and its terms, are substantially correct. The Bengal Government have declared all copies of the leaflet to be forfeited under the Code of Criminal Procedure, and every effort is being made to trace the offenders. So far as I am aware no arrests have yet been made.

Is there any hope that an arrest will be made? Is there anything going on in Calcutta to put an end to this state of things?

We are making an effort.

Will the hon. Gentleman consult his noble Friend to find out whether it is possible to do anything to prevent this sort of thing occurring in the future?

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if it has now been finally decided whether the railway lines in Kenya and Uganda, authorised under the Supplementary Estimate for £3,500,000 voted last March, are to be constructed by departmental administration, by local partial contracts under the supervision of the existing railway management, or by a single public tender for the complete work?

I am still giving close consideration to this question, which presents many difficulties. In the case of those parts of the extension which lie in Uganda, the Governor of that Protectorate has urged strongly that it is essential in the interests of the natives of Uganda that the conditions of labour should at every stage be under his control, and it is represented, therefore, that the principal of contract is inappropriate even to the extent of small contracts for portions of the earth work. In the case of the portion which will be in Kenya, the same difficulty does not occur, and here I have to consider the arguments, as between a main contract and Government control with small sectional contracts, based on expedition in beginning and completing the work and ultimate economy and efficiency. Any contract, large or small, which I may decide upon will be offered to tender.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if the Material required will be of British manufacture?

That is one of the conditions.

How much of this amount goes to Kenya and how much to Uganda?

I cannot tell the exact proportion.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the estimated sum of £2,500,000 for the Takoradi harbour works includes the erection of necessary administrative buildings, such as the custom house, post office, and harbour offices?

The estimated sum includes the cost of various railway structures and customs sheds which form an integral part of the harbour-works, but not such other administrative buildings as those to which my hon. Friend refers. These latter buildings will no doubt be erected separately by the Colonial Government when the Takoradi township is being laid out and constructed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give particulars concerning the killing of members of a British patrol in Mosul?

I have seen a Press statement on the alleged incident, apparently emanating from a Turkish source. I have received no report from the Acting High Commissioner in confirmation of the statement.

Have we a British garrison at Mosul at the present time?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has determined the constitution of the Committee which he is setting up to inquire into land questions in West and East Africa; and, if so, whether he can now give the names of the chairman and members of the Committee, and the terms of reference?

The Committee will consist of the Right Honourable Lord Islington as chairman, with the following members: Lieut.-Commander R. T. H. Fletcher, the hon. Member for Basingstoke. Mr. J. S. W. Milne, the hon. Member for Kidderminster. Mr. E. D. Morel, the hon. Member for Dundee. Sir Walter Napier. Mr. C. Strachey. Mr. A. Wigglesworth, and Mr. Leonard Woolf. The Committee's terms of reference are are: To consider the systems of native tenure and usage of land existing in the British Colonies not possessing responsible government, Protectorates, and mandated areas in ( a ) West and ( b ) East Africa (exclusive of Somaliland); the laws now in force therein and the effect of their application upon those systems, particularly in regard to the transfer of land to non-natives: To report what amendments, if any, to those laws and what modifications, if any, in local usage are desirable, having regard to the present and future well-being of the native population and to the economic development of the Dependencies concerned.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that on the management of the Pirbright cattle-testing station a loss was incurred in 1922–23 of £1,778 on total outgoings, including interest on capital of £3,081; whether he can give the figures for the year 1923–24; and whether there is any hope of this station becoming self-supporting?

I am aware that a loss of £1,778 occurred in 1922–23 on the working of the cattle-testing station at Pirbright. The charge for interest on capital however was £1,254 and not £3,061 as stated in the question. I regret that the figures for 1923–24 are not yet available. With regard to the last part, I may explain that in view of the falling off in the pedigree cattle trade between this country and South Africa, to which the loss in question is due, the Ministry decided to close the station as from the 31st March last.

When will the right hon. Gentleman have the figures ready for 1923–24?

I understand in a few days.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can state the cause to which he attributes the heavy loss in 1922–23 in connection with the farming operations at the Pirbright cattle-testing stations, amounting to £642 on a total outlay of a little over £1,500; and whether he can give the figures for 1923–24?

The actual loss on the farming operations is £358, excluding interest on capital and headquarters' administrative expenses. The farm in question was being managed for the purposes of the cattle-testing station, and with the shortage of stock at the station had lost much of its usual outlet. In addition, it will be remembered that the period in question was a very difficult one for farmers.

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to continue these stations?

The whole of the stations are now devoted to research in connection with foot-and-mouth disease.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Mrs. Marguerite Harrison was ever in British employ; and whether her reports were ever received by any British Government Department or official?

I presume that my hon. Friend means British Government employ, in which case the answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; no communications of any nature have, so far as can be traced, been received by any Government Department from Mrs. Harrison.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the short time remaining for discussion, he will issue a Paper giving particulars of the financial proposals to be submitted to the House as a result of the Anglo-Russian Conference, so that Members may have time to consider the same before the promised Debate takes place?

Yes, Sir. I propose to have Papers laid before the House prior to the Debate on the results of the Anglo-Soviet Conference.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the Government are aware of any treaties or conventions concluded between signatories to the Treaty of Versailles which have not been registered with the League of Nations in accordance with the terms of the Covenant?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the reports of the existence of a secret treaty between Japan and Soviet Russia; and whether he can make any statement?

My attention has been called to reports of this, nature, but so far as I am aware they are with out foundation.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the decision of the Court of Appeal on Wednesday last in the case of T. J. Brocklebank Limited v. The King, and the observations of Lord Justice Scrutton that the claimants, who in his view had suffered a wrong at law, should be deprived of their remedy by a misunderstanding of the obscure language of the Indemnity Act, and that he expressed his regret that the Government in such circumstances should keep money illegally obtained; and whether he is taking any action in the matter?

I have been asked to reply. My attention has been drawn to the decision of the Court of Appeal in the case referred to and to the observations made by Lord Justice Scrutton. Having regard to the circumstances in which payments in this and similar cases were made, and to the decision of this House expressed by its passing the War Charges (Validity) Bill, I do not propose to take any action.

Are these not rather serious observations by a very distinguished Judge and ought not something to be done when Judges make comments of this kind?

I can only say that full consideration has been given to the observations made by the learned Judge, but this House has come to another decision.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the conflict of expert opinion regarding the effect on military and naval strategy of the construction of a Channel tunnel, and the fact that the extensive and increasing use of aircraft vitiates former objections to the project, the House will be given an early opportunity of expressing its opinion on the scheme?

The Government are not in a position to afford facilities for such a discussion; but, if there be any general desire for a Debate on this matter, it could no doubt be raised on the Appropriation Bill if a request were made through the usual channels for this to be done.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the general interest in the question of the limitation of armaments, he will, when making his promised statement to the House upon the Treaty of Mutual Assistance, provide opportunity for discussion upon the question?

The suggestion has been made that this question may be raised this week in the course of business, which means that a discussion is possible.

Is it still the intention of the Prime Minister to make a statement on this question?

I never said that it was my intention to make a statement on this question, but that if any question were raised I would be prepared to answer it.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will be willing to consider evidence from Mrs. Stan Harding to show that her condemnation and imprisonment in Russia, as the result of the action of a lady who has claimed to be an American Secret Service agent, involves considerations which are more far-reaching than a personal dispute and afford grounds for the submission of her case as an aggrieved British subject to the attention of the Government of the United States

I have found on examination that it is not possible to make the further demands of Mrs. Harding the subject of representations to a foreign Government.

Would the right hon. Gentleman be willing to consider any fresh evidence?

With reference to fresh evidence, if it relates to an assumption that Mrs. Harrison was a secret agent of a foreign and friendly Government, it is impossible, I am informed and advised, to take any steps with regard to it.

Did the Prime Minister bear in mind the con- siderations indicated in his first answer, when he gave his pledge to the National Union of Journalists?

We are all liable to get extra information. I did my best in the circumstances, and I find that it would be most improper to make the representation suggested.

asked the Prime Minister whether, if the Lithuanian Government has now ratified the Memel Convention, he will take immediate steps to accord full diplomatic recognition to the representative of the Lithuanian Government in London?

The Memel Convention has been ratified by the Lithuanian Parliament. As soon as the act of ratification has received the signature of the President, and the formalities have been completed, His Majesty's Government will take the necessary steps in the sense indicated by the hon. Member.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that there is no delay in doing this very much prolonged act of justice to a friendly nation?

It is not a "prolonged act of justice," but the friendly nation has had to bear its share in the responsibility for the prolongation. I have already taken steps to see that t; o unnecessary delay takes place.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the nature of the proposed drainage works to be undertaken in the basin of the Great Ouse; what is the estimated Cost; when work will begin; and how many men is it estimated will be employed, for what length of time, and from what local authorities' areas will the men be drawn?

The proposed drainage works are for the improvement of the tidal channel and of the outfall of the river Ouse. The cost has been roughly estimated at between £1,250,000 and £1,500,000. The other details desired are not available at present.

asked the Minister of Labour the date on which the new unemployment benefit will commence for those who are qualified?

The increased rates of benefit payable under the Unemployment Insurance (No. 2) Act will operate from and including the 14th August, namely, the second Thursday next after the commencement of the Act, which received Royal Assent on Friday, 1st August. My hon. Friend will, of course, observe that the 14th August is the commencing date of eligibility for the new rates of benefit. The first actual payment thereof will normally and generally be Friday, 22nd August.

Will the unemployed receive their pay on the old system until the new one is in operation?

Yes.

Will aliens also receive benefit on the same date?

Those who are entitled to benefit under the Act.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that, out of 991 outbreaks of sheep scab occurring between January, 1923, and April, 1924, 882 occurred in England and Wales, and only 109 in Scotland, making 13 outbreaks for every 200,000 sheep England and Wales and only three for every 200,000 sheep in Scotland; that statistics further show that, of the 109 outbreaks in Scotland, only 27 occurred between January and April, 1924; whether he is aware that, if local authorities in the South of Scotland require double-dipping of sheep in their areas, as is now proposed, in order to comply with Regulations made by local authorities in England and Wales, it will seriously prejudice the sheep-breeding industry North of Stirling, inasmuch as the Regulations will be costly and, in many cases, impossible to carry out for lack of the additional grass parks required; and whether, in view of these facts, he will give effect to the representation of local authorities from both the South and North of Scotland that double-dipping should only be required within a limited distance of farms on which outbreaks have occurred?

The facts stated in the first two parts of the question are correct. With regard to the latter part, the representations received at a recent deputation were to the effect that my Department should take over the control of sheep scab from the local authorities and abolish their power to make Regulations, a request to which I could not accede. The proposal suggested in the last part would not be effective in preventing the spread of sheep scab, which is due chiefly to unreported outbreaks.

Will not the right hon. Gentleman consider whether it is possible in any other way to meet what will really prove to be a very serious handicap on sheep-breeders north of Stirling if these proposed regulations are carried into effect?

My information is that the system of double dipping is very valuable. I think interference with the right of local authorities would be resented, and I am afraid I do not see my way to press further upon them.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will investigate the circumstances that arose at Lochboisdale, South Uist, on the 2nd ultimo, owing to the failure of the mail steamer "Plover" to convey passengers who wished to proceed from Lochboisdale to Castle Bay on urgent business; and, in view of the hardship and expense occasioned by such a deviation from the usual route, is he prepared to make representations to the mail contractors who, by reason of the mails subsidy for conveyance of His Majesty's mails, have a monopoly of the goods and passenger service, to avert a recurrence of like circumstances, and in future to ensure that local officials are notified in advance of any necessary departure from the customary sailings?

I am having this matter investigated, and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will state in detail the improvements secured under the new contract for the mail service in the Western Isles?

The mail arrangements in the Western Isles are somewhat complicated. I am sending the hon. Member copies of the scheduled services under the old and new contracts; and I shall be glad to give him any further information which he may desire after he has seen the schedules.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of creating a special sub-department to deal with the Western Islands of Scotland?

Will the right hon. Gentleman, during the Recess, make a point of visiting this part of Scotland and seeing for himself exactly what the difficulties are?

Will the right hon. Gentleman insure his life before he goes on these boats?

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that the Scottish Education Department at present refuse to supply to the pupils leaving school before the end of the session the results of their leaving certificate examinations; and whether he is prepared to make any recommendation to the Department with a view to the supply of such information to all pupils?

Where a pupil breaks off a leaving certificate course before the period agreed upon for its conclusion, the Department have always refused to certify that he has completed it satisfactorily. The fullest warning as to the existence of this rule is given annually, and I see no reason why it should not continue to be enforced.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will make provision in the Hours of Industrial Employment Bill whereby the existing agreements between employers and their workpeople shall be exempt from the provisions of the said Bill?

The Bill has been so drafted that its passage into law will enable the Government to ratify the Washington Hours Convention. Sub-clause (5) of Clause 2 of the Bill permits the Minister to sanction collective agreements concerning the limit on the working hours, provided that the circumstances render it impracticable to adhere to the rigid eight and 48-hour limits, and that the hours authorised by the agreement do not exceed 48 per week on the average. The suggestion made by my hon. Friend goes considerably further than this, and would, if adopted, possibly preclude ratification. My right hon. Friend is willing to consider any special case, but only on condition that he is not asked to sanction any agreement which would prevent ratification.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of alien musicians employed within the area of Greater London, and also the number of musicians of British nationality within such area who are registered at Employment Exchanges as being out of employment?

I regret that the information requested by the hon. and gallant Member is not available.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of alien waiters employed within the area of Greater London, and the number of waiters of British nationality within such area who are registered at Employment Exchanges as being out of employment?

I regret that the information requested by the hon. and gallant Member is not available The hon. and gallant Member will remember that, in reply to a question on 4th June by the hon. Member for the Eastern Division of Kingston-upon-Hull (Mr. Lumley), it was stated that, according to the 1921 Census, there were 3,536 foreign waiters in England and Wales, and 100 foreign or naturalised waiters in Scotland.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary tell us of any restaurant in London of which she has personal knowledge where there are no alien waiters?

The Parliamentary Secretary has told us that she regretted that no information was available, but surely the Department exists in order to provide such information?

In reply to the last supplementary question, may I say that, to get out these specific statistics would mean a very great deal of work for a staff that is already overworked, and the Minister does not feel that it is incumbent upon him to call for this particular Return at this particular juncture.

Would it not be better to have British employed instead of aliens, and would it not, therefore, be of great advantage to have these details?

Is it not a fact that the restaurants used mostly by hon. Gentlemen opposite are crowded with alien waiters?

On a point of Order. Is it in order for an hon. Member to make an imputation of that kind?

No; it was quite uncalled for.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the evidence he has received of low pay and bad conditions of work in the catering trade, he proposes to set up a trade board?

I have now received evidence with regard to conditions in the light refreshment and dining-room part of the catering trade, which satisfies me that there is a prima facie ease for an inquiry as to whether the Trade Boards Acts should be applied. The necessary preliminary investigation and consultation with the parties concerned will be initiated at the earliest possible moment.

asked the Minister of Labour how many inspectors and investigators are employed in the Trade Board Department; by how many have these numbers increased since he took office; and will he ask the Treasury for a further grant, in view of the bad wages and conditions of many workers?

As the reply is necessarily a long one, I propose, with my hon. Friend's consent, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The total number of inspectors sanctioned for the Trade Board Division of the Ministry of Labour is 60. Of these, three are headquarters staff engaged in general control, and three are engaged from headquarters on special inquiries. 48 officers have either been allocated, or are in process of being allocated, to seven divisions in which inspection has been decentralised, and the remaining six inspectors will be appointed later. The total inspectorate, including the headquarters staff and special inquiries officers, sanctioned when my right hon. Friend assumed office, was 30, though, in addition, 10 officers were working as trade board inspectors on loan from other Departments of the Ministry. Further, as part of the decentralisation of inspection, provision has been made for secretarial assistance in each division.

With regard to investigation, which is carried out not by the Trade Boards Division, but by the Statistics Division, for the general work of investigation (including that in connection with the Trade Boards Acts) carried out by them, the total number of officers sanctioned is 28 (including four officers in control). This figure compares with the total staff of eight in post at the time mentioned in the question.

With regard to the last part of the question, we shall carefully watch the progress made in the work as the result of this increase in staff, with a view to seeing that it is adequate for the present work or any further work which may devolve upon it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has reconsidered his decision to exercise compulsory powers of purchase at Lulworth Cove; what steps he has taken to get another site for War Office purposes; and whether he has consulted the Dorset County Council on the matter?

In reply to the first and second parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of 29th July to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy). The decision then indicated has not been varied, but I shall be prepared to stay proceedings as soon as the owners of the land grant a short lease on suitable terms. During the period of such a lease, an alternative site could be sought for, but in the few weeks since the previous negotiations for a lease failed no effective steps to find such a site have been practicable. With regard to the last part of the question, I am not aware that the Dorest County Council have been consulted, but I am generally acquainted with their view. I should like to point out that the Department does not in any event propose to lease or purchase substantially more land than has been in our occupation for some years past. That land does not include Lulworth Cove itself, and I gather from a report made by two members of the late Army Council, after they had visited the site, that the amenities of the Cove and its approaches are but little affected by the War Department occupation of adjoining land.

As the right hon. Gentleman has had a considerable time to look out for another site, is he not able, the same as any other person, to know when his lease will end or when his tenancy will determine? Is he not aware that the Judge who tried this case gave a judgment against him, and why does he seek to go behind that position? Why cannot he get another site instead of taking this beautiful spot?

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it wise or necessary to flout public opinion in this way?

In answer to my hon. Friend the Member for West Woolwich (Sir K. Wood), I would remind him that he was a Member of successive Governments which held this place for years. I do not know what responsible position he held, but he held quite a big one, and he filled a very large place in the public eye. Under those Governments in which he did occupy such a distinguished position seven or eight years elapsed, and, as a matter of fact, since the decision of Mr. Justice Sankey, only a few days have elapsed, and it has been impossible for me to deal with the matter on any other lines than those that I have defined in this House. In so far as my right hon. Friend the Member for Ross and Cromarty (Mr. Macpherson) is concerned, I am quite sure that there is no desire on the part of this House or of the War Department to flout public opinion, and I have specially arranged that the answers in this House shall be so given as to leave an alternative, which I hope will be reached.

The right hon. Gentleman has just stated that this tank school does not interfere with the amenities of the coast, but does he not think that six-pounder shells, fired, in some cases, 4,000 yards out to sea, interfere with the amenities of the cove and with the fishermen?

If these are the facts, I should certainly think it would interfere with the amenities of the cove.

May we understand that the public will have the same right of access to Lulworth Cove as they had before the War?

I have tried to reassure the House on a matter of much complexity that, in respect of the arrangement of a lease on suitable terms, the War Office will do its best to reach that conclusion. If such a lease can be arranged, none of the public amenities about which so much has been said will be interfered with.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the price of bread is to be raised to 10d. a loaf in London on Monday next; and whether it is disproportionate to the real condition of the world's wheat market?

An announcement appeared in the Press last Friday that the Incorporated Society of Principal Wholesale and Retail Bakers had stated that the leading firms will not increase the price of bread at present; but that a meeting of the society will be held this week, when the question of increasing the price will be considered. I have no further information on the subject, and in the circumstances, the second part of the question does not arise. The matter will, however, be kept closely under observation.

In the announcement to which the right hon. Gentleman has just referred me, was there not the statement made that there will be a meeting on Wednesday of this week, when probably even a bigger increase will be announced than that at first contemplated, and will he fellow the example of the Canadian Government and take some steps in the matter, by way of investigation or otherwise?

I cannot say at present that there will be an investigation until we know a little more about the crops in the northern hemisphere. I mentioned in my answer that there would be a meeting on Wednesday, when the question will be considered. I should like to point out, however, that the price of bread has not been raised in London as regards a large part of the supply. It is only some bakers who have raised the price, and possibly after Wednesday, it will still be possible to make a distinction.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether political exigencies in the United States in regard to the Presidential election have anything to do with the rise in the price of wheat?

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the rise in the price is entirely owing to the foreigner putting up the price of wheat against us?

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that people are entitled to do what they like with their own private property—

Hear, hear!

Let me finish my sentence—as long as hon. Members opposite believe in the present individualist system? Answer that!

As regards the last supplementary question, I will not venture to go into that subject at such short notice. With regard to the previous question, I should like to say that, apparently, the cause of the recent advance in the wholesale price of wheat has been due, in the main, to the prospect of the Canadian harvest rather than of the harvest of the United States. In regard to the other questions, I can only say that the Government at present can do no more than keep the matter under observation, and I shall be very much surprised to learn that the Canadian Government have been able to do anything else. In conclusion, I would point out that the rise in the price of bread that has already taken place is not yet as much as the rise, which we fortunately got rid of, in 1922.

Is this a justification for the high prices?

Having regard to the possibility of just such another manipulation in the next harvest and the next harvest after that, is not the right hon. Gentleman desirous or even anxious to institute some kind of investigation, together with the Government of Canada, to avoid such possible exploitation of the harvest?

Several hon. Members rose—

This is becoming a debate

asked the Minister of Health whether all the brickfields in the country are now working at their full capacity; and, if not, is he taking any steps to see that all the brickfields will turn out the full capacity for his housing schemes?

The Report of the National House Building Committee shows that all the brickfields of the country are not yet working at full capacity. The Government have taken the most practical steps for securing an increase in production, by the adoption in their Housing Bill of a long programme of house building which will enable manufacturers with confidence to develop their resources and increase their output.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider a new system of house building which will supersede bricks altogether?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if the present Air Force Regulations provide, in the event of Air Force pensioners, being recalled or invited to return to service in case of a national emergency, that such pensioners will be entitled to draw their pensions while serving and count their war service for additional pension; and whether he will give the reference to the Regulation?

The question, so far as the Royal Air Force is concerned, is under consideration, and the Regulations contain as yet no provision upon the subject.

Will the hon. Gentleman see that these pensioners are treated in the same way as the Admiralty have treated theirs, and not in the way in which the War Office have treated theirs?

I think the hon. and gallant Member can have confidence in our sense of fairness.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that in the Metropolitan prisons there are insufficient cells set apart for offenders suffering from tuberculosis and that, in consequence, such offenders are put in ordinary cells; and whether prompt steps can be taken to improve the accommodation for those suffering from this disease?

At Wandsworth, Wormwood Scrubs and Holloway the number of special cells for tubercular patients is in excess of requirements. At Pentonvine and Brixton the number of tubercular cases is often somewhat larger than the number of special cells. When this occurs, the cases are either located in adjoining ordinary cells, or are removed to separate rooms in the hospital. In all cases alike the patient receives the appropriate treatment. It is in fact proposed to provide additional special cells without delay.

Are the cells disinfected after the tuberculosis patients have left left them?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Eugene Guidici, who has been in this country for over seven years, is now in the hospital of Pentonville Prison serving a sentence, passed last week, as an alien who has failed to notify; that the sentence is a month's imprisonment and a recommendation for deportation; and that this man is and was at the time of the alleged offence suffering from a mental breakdown; and whether he will take steps to release him in view of the fact that he could have had no criminal intent at the time?

It is true that the offence of which this man was convicted was that of failing to keep his address properly registered with the police; but as is often the case there is a good deal lying behind. The man is somewhat hysterical, but is not of unsound mind and is not unfit for imprisonment. I am satisfied that it is in the interests of this country and probably also of the alien himself that he should be deported at the end of his sentence.

Is the hon. Member aware that this man is at the present time in hospital because he is mentally unstable, and therefore could not have been guilty of the offence with which he is charged?

That is not the information in my possession.

asked the Home Secretary whether the men engaged with the Metropolitan Police for the licensing of stage carriages pass any examination in mechanical engineering or coach-body building, or whether they have worked at either trade; and whether he will consider the appointment in future of men who have worked for more than five years at such occupations, thereby ensuring a reasonable degree of public safety?

The police officers employed in the inspection of public carriages are selected because of their previous experience as motor fitters, engineers' apprentices, or in allied trades. Before these men are promoted to the higher grades, they must produce a certificate from a recognised technical institute showing that they have passed a satisfactory examination in motor car engineering, after not less than a two years' course of instruction. In view of this I do not think it is necessary to lay down a hard and fast rule as suggested at the end of the question.

How long has the Regulation been in force?

I cannot say offhand.

Does the hon. Member's answer apply to those who will have the duty of examining the two-cylinder taxicabs as to their ability to get up to 20 miles an hour?

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the widespread feeling existing that capital punishment has failed to act as a deterrent to homicide; if he is prepared to consider the setting up of a Committee to go into the whole question of capital punishment, including its effect upon the youth of this country; and to consider an alternative punishment to persons found guilty of the capital charge?

My right hon. Friend will consider the suggestion that a Com- mittee should be set up, though he doubts whether such a Committee could obtain any precise information as to the extent to which capital punishment acts as a deterrent.

Will the hon. Gentleman see that this Committee shall also have as one of its terms of reference consideration of the morbid reports in the Press concerning murder trials?

asked the Home Secretary whether he will issue instructions to all prison governors to exclude from any prison in which executions are taking place all reporters and Press representatives, and all persons other than the spiritual advisers of the condemned or those specially authorised to attend under a Home Office Order?

The law gives a discretion in this matter to the Sheriffs who are responsible for executing death sentences. My right hon. Friend cannot override the law.

Cannot the Home Secretary take steps to prevent people who have not a Home Office permit from visiting prisons? I have never heard it suggested yet that he has not that right.

Is the hon. Member aware that under Section 7 of the Capital Punishment (Amendment) Act, 1868, the powers vested in the Home Secretary in regard to this matter are quite absolute?

The information in my possession is that the Section of the Act referred to states that Any Justice and Such relatives of the prisoner or other persons as it seems to the Sheriff or the visiting Justices of the prison appropriate to admit within the prison for the purpose may also be present at the execution. That authority has been given to the Sheriff by statute law and he has exercised it.

Will the hon. Member see that the Sheriffs carry out their duties personally, instead of hiring a hangman?

In the opinion of the Home Office, does it come within that Section if the Sheriff admits members of the Press, as stated from the Front Bench a few days ago?

Has the hon. Member considered the Section to which I have referred, which says: One of His Majesty's principal Secretaries of State shall from time to time make such rules and regulations to be observed at the execution a judgment of death upon a prisoner as he may from time to time deem expedient for the purpose, as well as guarding against any abuse of such execution and of giving greater solemnity to the same.

In the interest of the proper manner of carrying out these executions, is it not necessary that the public should be represented by a reasonable number of members of the Press?

It is a very difficult and technical matter which has been raised by the hon. Member for East Nottingham (Mr. Birkett), and I think I am entitled to receive notice of a question of that kind.

If the hon. Member ascertains that he has the power to exclude persons other than those mentioned in the question, will he do so?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider the advisability of issuing, in a simple and concise form, a statement of the changes effected by the passing of the amended Old Age Pensions Bill?

As my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer informed the hon. Member for Barrow-in-Furness on the 29th July, a leaflet explaining the effect of the Old Age Pensions Bill and how to claim an old age pension will be available at Post Offices and Customs and Excise Offices as soon as possible after the Bill has become law. Another leaflet, similarly explaining the effect of the Bill and how to apply for an increase of pension, will be sent to all existing pensioners whose rate of pension is less than the maximum of 10s. a week, together with a form of application for an increase of pension.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any representations have been received as to the payment of allowances to copying typists who, by reason of their skill in the use of dictating machines, are of greater value to the Department than the majority of their grade; and whether, in view of the recent Report of the Registrar of Friendly Societies, in which he states that £550 a year is saved by the skill of such women, the question of allowances will now be considered?

I have already considered representations that additional allowances should be paid to typists who are employed operating dictating machines. It does not appear that the use of these machines requires any special skill, and I see no sufficient reason for the payment of allowances.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many counsel were briefed in addition to the Attorney-General for the prosecution in the recent trial of Vaquier; and what sums each counsel, including the Attorney-General, so engaged received?

I am informed that three counsel were engaged, in addition to the Attorney-General, at the trial of Vaquier. The question of remuneration has not been settled yet, but as soon as it has been settled, I will let my hon. Friend have the figures.

Is it not the case that the fees to be charged are marked on every brief?

I understand not.

Is the Attorney-General paid by results?

Will the Treasury consider reviving the rules regarding the payment of Law Officers which prevailed when Lord Birkenhead was Attorney-General?

Obviously, I cannot commit the Government to that off-hand. It would require consideration.

It is worth the Treasury's while to economise.

asked tile Prime Minister what arrangements have been made to deal with any serious disturbance in, or urgent matters connected with, the Dominions and Crown Colonies during the absence of the Secretary of State?

I see no reason to anticipate that any serious disturbances will occur. In accordance with the practice first established by Mr. Chamberlain, when he visited South Africa, and followed on subsequent occasions by other Secretaries of State when absent from this country, my noble Friend, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, will attend to Colonial Office business during my absence.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he has any information to give in regard to the claim put forward by the officers of the Silesian Frontier Delimitation Committee; and whether he is aware that these officers were promised favourable treatment as regards Income Tax by responsible officials of the Foreign Office, but that these promises have been overridden by Treasury decision?

I presume that the hon. and gallant Member's question refers to a claim by certain British ex-officials of the Upper Silesian Plebiscite Commission that remittances made by them to this country oat of their emoluments as members of the Commission should be exempt from British Income Tax. These emoluments, so far as not remitted to this country, were not liable to British taxation, but the suggestion that a promise was made of favourable treatment, extending this immunity to remittances, can only be based on a misunderstanding. It would not be within the competence of any Department of State to override the ordinary requirements of the law in this respect.

Can the Financial Secretary say whether the misunderstanding arose on the part of the Department or the individual?

I cannot say, but in any case the parties affected could have no claim to such admittance.

Are they liable to Income Tax?

That is a totally different question, and I think it would be very unsafe to pronounce on it in a short reply.

asked the Prime Minister whether in sanctioning the appointment of a Southern Irish minister plenipotentiary in America to take charge of all affairs relating only to the Irish Free State, the Governments of the other Dominions of the Crown were previously consulted; and, if so, what opinions were expressed by them respectively?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the first part of the statement which I made on 26th June in reply to a question asked by the Leader of the Opposition. At present I have nothing to add to what I then said.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, can he say whether the Dominions concerned were consulted?

My hon. and gallant Friend must know that no statements or communications affecting the Dominions are published without the consent of the Dominions.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there are many millions of Irish people in the United States?

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the definite pledge of the British Government, in their letter addressed to the Irish Provisional Government, dated 26th July, 1922, and re-affirmed by all subsequent British Governments, to the effect that, while the responsibility for meeting claims to compensation rested on the Irish Government, His Majesty's Government could not divest themselves of the duty of seeing that such claims were met equitably and as promptly as unavoidable difficulties allowed, he will appoint a judicial Commission, similar to the Deportee Commission, to fix compensation for personal injuries and injuries to property of loyalists in Southern Ireland from July, 1922, on the basis of pre-truce legislation, together with compensation to persons whose property has been looted and themselves driven out of Ireland in cases where the Criminal Injuries Act provides no remedy, and in other cases where the Irish Government has not provided the protection which it undertook to provide by its Agreement of January, 1922?

His Majesty's Government have repeatedly stated their policy—which is identical with that of their predecessors—in regard to these matters, and they do not consider it necessary to appoint the Commission which the hon. Member desires.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that every month that passes makes the case of these unfortunate people worse; and, further, is he aware that they have not received that justice which several Governments of His Majesty have promised them?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say who is going to compensate the refugees who have been driven out of Northern Ireland? Is it not the case that the Southern refugees can return home because law and order has been established, but that the Northern refugees cannot return home yet?

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the question which I have addressed to him, and say whether these unfortunate people, whose only crime is loyalty to this country, are not entitled to the same consideration as the deportees?

My hon. Friend is aware that the late Government appointed a Committee to deal with that matter. The policy of the late Government is identical with our own. The question now is whether I will appoint another Committee, and to that I cannot give an affirmative answer.

asked the First Commissioner of Works if he will place an enunciator in the Map Room of the Library?