asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the sudden increase in the price of bread, he will state the storxage capacity for wheat and flour in this country, and the amount of wheat and flour at present in stock?

There is no means of estimating accurately the total storage capacity which might be made available for wheat and flour in case of necessity. It was reported by the Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies that, at one time in 1917, between 14 and 15 weeks' supply of grain and flour was held in this country, in addition to stocks held by bakers and retailers and on farms. As regards the second part of the question, the stocks reported as held in the granaries at the ports on 1st July, 1924 (the latest date for which information is at present available), amounted to rather over 1,000,000 quarters, being greater by more than a half than those similarly held a year earlier. This, however, amounts only to a small proportion of the aggregate amount of wheat and flour in this country at any time.

With regard to the first part of the question, has the right hon. Gentleman made any inquiries as to whether an increase may be apprehended to-day or during the week?

An increase of what?

In the price of bread.

Surely the information as to storage capacity was obtained during the War, and we have later information from the Royal Commission?

I am sorry to say that I cannot find any later information than 1917 that will give an authoritative estimate. That was, of course, a comparatively late period in the War.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at this time of the year the wheat supplies in this country are shorter than at any other time, and that in the winter time farmers hold about 15,000,000 cwts. of wheat in stock on the farms? Now we have not got those stocks, and does it not seem advisable to bring forward some scheme whereby the reserves of wheat should not be allowed to go below a certain point?

The last suggestion raises a very large issue of policy, which has been frequently investigated, and has never been found either desirable or practicable hitherto. With regard to the estimate of the total amount of wheat and grain in this country, I would remind the hon. Member that, whatever may be the actual position of the farmers' supplies in this country, they amount to only a small proportion of the available stock from which the country is fed.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the increased imports of wheat and flour from the Argentine owing to the favourable rate of exchange, he will state what additional area is now under wheat cultivation in that country as compared with last year?

The Argentine wheat crop is harvested in the early part of the calendar year, and no definite information is yet available regarding the acreage under wheat cultivation for the purposes of the next harvest. According to official statistics published by the Argentine Government, the wheat area harvested in that country in the cereal year 1023–4 amounted to 17,216,000 acres, an increase of 1,276,000 acres as compared with 1922–3.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered any scheme for the erection of elevators?

That does not arise.

From the statement which the right hon. Gentle man made just now, that the Government have no more recent record than that for 1917, are we to understand that no steps have been taken to safeguard the archives of the late Ministry of Food?

That does not arise. This question relates to the Argentine.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether the estimated excess in the Argentine wheat crop this year exceeds 5,000,000 tons; and whether this excess is equal to the estimated shortage in the North American crop;

(2) whether, taking the estimated wheat crop of the world this year into consideration, there is anything to account for the recent rise in price beyond the action of speculators on the market in North America?

Should the more authoritative of the recent estimates of the forthcoming harvest in the United States and Canada be realised, the wheat crops of those countries will fall short of last year s yield by about 5,000,000 tons. The estimated total quantity exported or available for export from Argentina from the last crop is also about 5,000,000 tons. The amount by which that crop exceeded the preceding one was 1,500,000 tons. No estimate can at present be formed of the Argentine crop now in the ground, but it is reported that the area is larger than last season and that prospects so far are satisfactory. It is the uncertainty as regards the Canadian crop which had led to the recent rise in prices, but I would remind the hon. Member that the Canadian crops of 1918, 1919 and 1920 were below this year's official estimate. As I have already stated in reply to similar questions last week, the present available information does not indicate that there need be any apprehension as regards supplies in the near future.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the case of Mr. E. Clark Revell, of Liverpool, whose claim for reparations amounting to £640 has been treated as belated although he has submitted evidence to prove that his delay in claiming was due to absence in remote parts; and, if so, will this fact be taken into consideration in assessing the amount to be paid to him?

Mr. Revell's first application to the Reparation Claims Department was on 22nd February, 1923, after the final date for admission of claims (30th December, 1922), and after payment of awards out of the £5,000,000 had commenced. As Mr. Revell had been in England in 1922 from 25th January to 28th February; from 31st July to 14th August; and from 30th September to 9th October, the Royal Commission did not consider that there were exceptional circumstances of excuse for the delay. His claim will receive careful consideration in conjunction with other belated claims. I may add that in 1917 a disablement allowance of £11 a month was awarded to Mr. Revell in respect of nerve trouble caused by the torpedoing of his ship. This allowance was continued for five months, after which the claim was settled by payment of a lump sum of £150. Mr. Revell also received £50 for loss of his effects.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the steamer "Lyntown" left Glasgow in January of this year with a cargo of spirits consigned to Hamburg, and that this cargo was not landed at Hamburg but, notwithstanding the fact that a certificate of landing was given by the British Consul, the spirits were transported in the same ship to the coast of America for sale, free of ditty, on the high seas; and what action does he propose to take to stop this traffic?

I have been asked to answer this question. I find on inquiry that there is no record of a steamer of this name having left Glasgow in January of this year. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the reply given by the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to the hon. Member for Harborough (Mr. Black) on the 29th July.

Will the hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to what action is taken by the Government or by the Department to see that the terms of the bond which is signed by exporters are really carried out, because my information is that they are not?

Certainly, I will make inquiries, but, as I think I informed my right hon. Friend a day or two ago, this matter is under investigation, and it really raises a very large subject.

Is not the question of the bond which is signed by the exporter, in itself, quite a small question; and is the hon. Gentleman aware that in numerous cases the terms of the bond signed by the exporter are not, if my information is correct, carried out?

Certainly, I agree that that is a narrower point, and I will undertake to make inquiry on that, and inform the right hon. Gentleman.

asked the President- of the Board of Trade what are the professions and trades of the members of the Committee of Inquiry upon British Trade?

If the hon. Member will permit me, I will have a statement circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT giving the information for which he asks. Since the announcement which I made last week on the subject of the Committee, Mr. J. T. Brownlie has accepted the Government's invitation to become a member, and the Committee is now complete.

Is it not a fact that there are a great number of very important industries, employing very large numbers of workpeople, who are not represented on the Committee at all?

The number of industries in the country is so large that it is quite impossible to have representatives of even the most important on any committee of inquiry. The Committee has not been formed on the basis of the representation of separate industries, but of several bodies which are competent to consider all the evidence on the subject.

Following is the statement promised:

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the conditions under which cattle are shipped from the ports of Ireland to this country; and will he make representations to the governments of Ireland with a view to improving the conditions?

I have been asked to reply. The transit of animals from Ireland to this country is controlled by Orders issued by the Irish Governments and by my Department. All three Governments maintain inspectors to see that animals are humanely carried and the small number of casualties, for cattle only 1.4 per 1,000, indicates that their efforts are successful. The British and Irish Governments are constantly in communication in order to improve the conditions of the trade, but unfortunately the carriage of animals by sea is exceedingly difficult and when heavy weather is experienced casualties occur even on the largest ships.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what notice was given by the Japanese Government of its intention to enforce the new luxury tariff; whether he is aware that many contracts for forward delivery of British manufactured goods have been cancelled by Japanese buyers; and whether, in view of the hardship caused thereby to British manufacturers, His Majesty's Government will make representations to the Japanese Government with a view to obtaining an extension of the time before the tariff comes into operation?

The Japanese Bill for the new luxury duties was introduced on 6th July, and the duties came into force on 31st July. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the third part, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Maidstone on the 30th ultimo, a copy of which I am sending to him. It will be seen that a concession has already been secured, and that the British Government are endeavouring to obtain some further mitigation of the adverse effect due to the introduction of the new duties at short notice.

Would the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the case of particular trades, like the Birmingham gun trade, which is very seriously affected, and make representations to the Japanese Government to stop the operation of this tariff?

That has already been done. We cannot say what the answer will be, but we are hopeful that some further concession will be made.

What will the approximate increase per cent. be?

I am sorry to say I have not that information. In view of the nature of the duties it would be very difficult to work it out.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider circulating his answers on the subject to hon. Members on the other side of the House to consider in connection with their agitation for Protection?

Does the right hon. Gentleman think this action of the Japanese is a good reason for dropping the duties on Japanese glass-ware coming into this country?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the negotiations between the Army Council and the City Corporation for the purchase of the Deptford cattle market area have been concluded; and, if so, will he state the purchase price and the use to which the property is to be put by the Army Council?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The purchase price cannot be agreed, and will therefore be referred to arbitration. As regards the last part of the question, the premises are to be acquired for the receipt, storage and issue in peace and war of supplies of food and forage, and of medical and other consumable stores.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the Committee which is inquiring into the effect on the staff concerned of Woolwich dockyard will present its final Report; and if the condition of Chilwell depot has been considered by the Committee?

I understand that the Report of the Committee referred to is now in the hands of the printers. The question of the disposal of the Chilwell staff was not within the terms of reference to the Committee and was not considered by them. I would point out that Chilwell is in a different position from Woolwich, especially in view of the fact that it did not exist before the War, and very few of the men employed there have any pre-War service.

Does that mean that ex-service men at Chilwell will be thrown out on to the streets while the country is over-run with aliens?

I do rot know what the hon. Member means by "thrown out on to the streets." The people have been employed, but when the work itself vanishes by effluxion of time it is impossible to keep the people there. That is a policy which, of course, has not been initiated by the present Government, and it was not done because of a double dose of original sin. It is simply because it is inevitable.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to state what action is pro- posed to be taken as a result of his Report to His Majesty in reference to the appeal of Lieutenant Glendinning for a committee, or commission, of inquiry into the allegations made by him against certain officers and others in His Majesty's service?

It is not proposed to take any further action of the nature suggested. I regret that I was unable to advise His Majesty to issue any special instructions in regard to this officer's petition.

Has not my right. hon. Friend considered, in view of the great public interest in this man's case, referring the whole of his complaint to some outside legal gentleman to investigate?

Why has not the public inquiry proceeded? There must be something rotten in the state of Denmark.

I understand my hon. Friend to suggest that it may be possible to refer the whole of the agreed papers relevant to the case to some single authority, not a commission or committee of inquiry, but the agreed relevant papers to some single person, who will go into the whole case and report. If that is the line he suggests, I will certainly give it my best consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now state whether the War Office intends to accept the judgment of Mr. Justice Sankey and evacuate the Tanks Corps from Lulworth?

I would refer the Noble Lord to the reply which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for West Woolwich.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the answer he gave yesterday was not correct. He said the school will not interfere with the amenities of the coast. Has he been able to satisfy himself with regard to the tanks firing?

I did not say they did not interfere with the amenities of the coast. I said so far as the Cove itself was concerned—cove not coast.

Is it not a fact that the retention of this camp for tank purposes is a very great nuisance to fishermen, and also a danger; and is it not a fact that an expert from the War Office itself has declared that the camp is entirely unsuitable for the purpose?

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the date on which separation allowance for Territorial soldiers was put on the same basis as that for Regular soldiers?

This was done in June, 1920, by Army Order 260 of that year.

Was not the right hon. Gentleman's Parliamentary Secretary wrong when he said no such Order was issued in 1920?

I am not at all sure that he said that. I wish the hon. Member had directed my attention to that error, if it was committed, but Members on all sides make occasional mistakes.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will arrange for the publication in the Board of Trade Journal, or in any more convenient form, of the statistical returns made by electric supply companies to the Electricity Commissioners?

I have been asked to answer this question. For some time past the Commissioners have been engaged in compiling administrative, engineering and financial statistics relating to electricity supply undertakings in Great Britain. The compilations are now practically complete and the Commissioners expect to be in a position to publish the statistics within the next month or two.

In what form will they be published?

I am not quite sure about that.

Is it not a fact that publications already exist ties containing most of the information that in is required?

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health the reason why the final instalments of the Dalkeith housing schemes are still unpaid; and, as it is four years since the contracts were fixed, will he now take steps for the remeasurements being completed so that the contractors may receive payment of the amounts still due?

The final measurements for Dalkeith housing scheme under the Housing, Town Planning, Etc. (Scotland) Act, 1919, have not yet been submitted to the Scottish Board of Health for approval. The local authority by whom the final payments fall to be made, have already been reminded on the matter and a further communication has been addressed to them. On receipt of the final measurements they will have immediate attention from the Board.

asked the Secretary for Scotland (1) the number of unqualified teachers in the service of Scottish education authorities in the years 1913–14 and 1923–24 respectively;

(2) the number of qualified teachers in the service of Scottish education authori-

Figures for the year 1923–24 are not yet ready. The following figures for 1922–23 are the latest available:

the years 1913–14 and 1923–24 respectively, distinguishing men and women teachers, graduates, non-graduates and teachers of special subjects?

As the answers to these questions are long and of a statistical nature, I will, with the Noble Lady's permission, have them circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following are the answers:

21. Unqualified Teachers. —There are no available statistics for the year 1913–14 showing the number of unqualified teachers employed, and figures for the year 1923–24 are not yet ready. But of the 25,375 teachers in schools under the management of education authorities at 31st March, 1923, 253 men and 574 women had no definite status under the Department's Regulations. It does not, however, follow that these teachers were not qualified to perform the duties on which they were engaged. More than 40 of them were actually University graduates, while a considerable number were employed in special schools, or as teachers (often part-time) of special subjects, such as music, manual work and physical exercises. 209 were engaged in side schools, and others were serving a probationary period in ordinary schools preliminary to the consideration of their claims for definite recognition.

22. Qualified Teachers. —For the year 1913–14 the only figures available are those relating to teachers in schools conducted under the Day Schools Code, and are as follows:

It should be noted that these figures relate to all schools conducted by education authorities, whereas the figures for 1913–14 refer only to those conducted under the Day School Code. As regards the first Table, it should further be noted that none of the teachers recognised under Article 79 would be recognised under the present Regulations unless they had qualified under Article 71 thereof or become certificated.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has now taken steps to construct the necessary road to enable the children in the Board of Agriculture settlement at Orinsay, Island of Lewis, to attend school; and, if not, when he intends to take the necessary action to enable these children to attend school?

I am informed by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland that the construction of an access path to the township of Orinsay has now been commenced.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what is the present position of the negotiations for the reopening of Lochboisdale pier, South Uist; whether the necessary repairs have been commenced; and, in view of the fact that the pier has now been closed to the usual traffic since the 15th April, and great inconvenience and loss has resulted to the traders and general public of Uist, will he state when the pier is likely to be reopened?

As the answer is long, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

May we know now whether the right hon. Gentleman can tell us when he expects to have this pier reopened? It is causing great distress.

I am quite willing to read the reply. [HON. MEMBERS: "No!"]

Give a summary.

Following is the answer:

The present position of the negotiations for the opening of Lochboisdale pier is briefly as follows. With a view to assisting to meet the difficulties the Board of Agriculture further examined a suggested arrangement for keeping open the eastern part of the pier and were satisfied that it was practicable. They then proposed to the agents of the proprietrix, with the authority of the Treasury and myself, that the question of reopening this part of the pier should be reconsidered on the understanding that, subject to the settlement of the precise terms of their undertaking, the Board would accept liability for any damage to persons, livestock and goods and to steamers and other vessels using the pier. In making this suggestion the Board stated that the question of obtaining powers to constitute a pier authority to take over the pier is receiving attention, but that this would necessarily take some considerable time. In reply the agents of the proprietrix have informed the Board that she does not see her way to take the responsibility of reopening the pier in its present state, even if such an obligation were given by the Board to accept responsibility for all damage. She is advised that a reopening or partial reopening of the pier in its present condition would be highly dangerous and that the pier ought not to be used until it has been thoroughly repaired. The agents add that the proprietrix is most anxious to give every facility for reopening as soon as possible, and she renews her offer to make over the pier either to the Board or to any other public body approved by her. Neither the Board nor any other authority possesses power at present to take over the pier, and while I fully appreciate the difficulties suffered by the public in South Uist, I am unable, in view of the reply to the Board's offer, to say when the pier is likely to be reopened.

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health if he is aware that the Medical Research Council have now completed their inquiry into the cause of spirochætosis, or infective jaundice, which broke out in the East Lothian coalfield over a year ago, and have issued a report; and, in view of its nature, if he will recommend to the Secretary of State for the Home Department the inclusion of this disease under the industrial diseases schedule for compensation purposes?

I understand that the Medical Research Council have not yet completed their investigations or issued a report regarding infective jaundice. The second part of the question, accordingly, does not meantime arise, but the report in question will be considered by the Departments concerned as soon as it is available.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiry again, as I understand the report has been issued?

I can assure my hon. Friend that he is wrong.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to draft by-laws drawn up by the County Council of Fife, under which it is proposed that no locomotives within the meaning of the Locomotives Act, 1865, and the Locomotives on Highwarys Act, 1896, shall, without the permission in writing of the road surveyor of the district committee of the County of Fife, be used on or driven along any highways in the said county at any time or any days between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the months of June, July and August in any year; and whether, seeing that this proposed Regulation will severely handicap the timber industry, which is of great importance to many rural districts, he will withhold his approval of the by-laws until this Regulation has been modified?

I have been asked to reply to this question. By-laws of the nature indicated have been submitted to me for confirmation, and I have also received numerous objections to their confirmation. The matter is at present under consideration, and I will communicate my decision to the Noble Lady in due course.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is the intention of his Department to issue regulations similar to those in operation in Glasgow and elsewhere, whereby mechanically-propelled vehicles are not permitted to pass stationary tramcars engaged in putting down passengers?

I have no power to issue regulations similar to those referred to. It would require legislation to enable me to do so, and I am not satisfied that such legislation is desirable.

May we take it that it is of less importance to protect life and limb in London than in Glasgow?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is prepared to make a statement on the attitude of the Government towards the proposed scheme for the enlargement of the Birmingham-Worcester canal; and whether, in the event of the project receiving the support of his Department, he will expedite the preliminary arrangements by every means at his disposal so that employment may be provided for men now out of work in the coming winter?

I hope shortly to be in a position to announce the decision of the Government with regard to this important scheme, but having regard to the fact that private Bill legislation will be necessary to enable the scheme to be carried out, I am afraid that the proposed works could not in any case be undertaken during the coining winter.

Has the hon. Gentleman considered the statement which he received on the subject from the Corporation of Birmingham a few days ago?

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the danger to school children living at Loughton, near Bletchley, Bucks, in having to cross Watling Street on their way to school; is he aware that the Loughton Parish Council have been trying without success to get a speed limit for motors imposed for the cross-roads at Loughton; and will he take steps to safeguard these children by imposing a speed limit for motors over these dangerous cross-roads?

My attention has not previously been directed to this matter, nor has any application for a speed limit at these cross-roads been received in my Department. Any application in this case would have to be made through the county council.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the school-leaving age having been raised during recent years to 14, he is prepared to make representations to the railway companies with a view to all children of school age being allowed to travel at half fare?

As I informed my hon. Friend the Member for the Houghton-le-Spring Division yesterday, the Railway Rates Tribunal have recently approved the railway companies' proposal that half fares should be restricted to children under 12 years of age. In these circumstances, I am not in a position to make representations to the companies in the matter, but I am sending to them a copy of my hon. Friend's question and this answer.

asked the Minister of Transport the total number of fatal road accidents which have occurred from 1913 to 1923 on the high road from Dalston Junction to Stamford Hill, from thence to the Tottenham boundary, and thence to the Edmonton boundary; what is the average number per mile in each section and the relative traffic density as shown by the last census of traffic; and how far these accidents have been attributed to the condition of the tramway track under the control of the London County Council and the Metropolitan Electric Tramways Company in each section?

I have been asked to reply. The fatalities from 1913 to 1923 are as follow: (1) Dalston Junction to Stamford Hill 16 (2) Stamford Hill to West Green Road 8 (3) Broad Lane to Edmonton Boundary 19 The averages are approximately: Per Mile. First section 12.8 Second section 5.3 Third section nearly 10 In the second section one accident was attributed to the condition of the tramway track belonging to the Metropolitan Electric Tramways Company as lessee.

A census of traffic has not been taken to cover the several sections, but sections 1 and 3 are of heavy density, the other of medium density.

Was there only one accident caused by tramcars or through tramcars?

That is the information at my disposal.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the condition of the crown and approaches of railway bridges on main roads in South Staffordshire; whether he is aware that the railway companies refuse to keep these roads in ordinary repair; and, if he possesses insufficient powers to enforce maintenance in proper condition to meet existing traffic, will he introduce regulations to meet the position?

If my hon. Friend will give me particulars of the bridges in South Staffordshire to which the complaints refer, I will have inquiry made into the circumstances and see whether any action can usefully be taken.

asked the Minister of Transport when it is intended to proceed with the construction of the section of the North Circular Road to connect Essex and Middlesex; whether he is aware that a great extent of this road is completed and is waiting for this connecting link; and whether he is aware that much heavy traffic from East to West has to traverse the City in consequence of the lack of adequate bridges and roads crossing the River Lee?

Tenders are being invited for the construction of this part of the North Circular Road, and the work is to go forward this autumn as one of the schemes to which the London County Council is contributing as a means of absorbing unemployed from the administrative county of London.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can state when the Great Western Road will be open to through traffic?

I would refer the Noble Lord to the answer which I gave on 31st July to the hon. Member for Bromley, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Transport if he can now indicate which level crossings over the main arterial roads he proposes to deal with; when work will be commenced in each case; which level crossings he desires to approach the railway companies about; and what is the attitude of the railway companies towards the proposal generally?

Until negotiations now in progress with highway authorities are more advanced, I am unable to give the Noble Lord the detailed information for which he asks.

May we take it that the Minister will use every effort to press ahead with this during the Recess, and that it will not be pigeonholed and allowed to be forgotten?

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has undertaken to remodel the regulations governing the Special Grants Committee; and whether he will state on what date the amended regulations will be available?

Certain amendments to the Regulations governing the Special Grants Committee have been under consideration, and will be published as early as practicable.

asked the Prime Minister if he intends to provide facilities for legislation in the autumn for the reduction of rents to the pre-war rates in the case of houses built previous to the war; and if he is aware that many thousands of those houses are more than 50 years old, and that they are let at rentals much in excess of that charged in the first five years of their existence?

No, Sir. No such legislation is in contemplation for the Autumn Session.

Is that another Labour scheme gone west?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware how urgent this problem is in consideration of the difficult circumstances in which so many of the working classes are situated to-day?

The Government are well aware of the real grievances referred to in the question; but the present Government cannot command anything like a majority in this House to carry through legislation of the kind.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Government have never announced a policy on this subject, and does he not consider that it is somewhat cowardly—if I may use that expression—to put off the responsibility of the Government on to the other parties in this House?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

In consequence of the sneering remarks from both sides, will the right hon. Gentleman make them—[ interruption. ]

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that great hardship is being felt by a large number of working-class families in industrial areas owing to the high rents they are charged for had old houses, and does not this matter constitute a very urgent problem to be dealt with, a problem more urgent than some of the questions with which the Government have already dealt?

The hon. Member had better put that question on the Paper.

Arising out of the answer to the question, does the right hon. Gentleman not know from the expressions of opinion which he has heard in this House that there is a demand that legislation along the lines indicated should be introduced?

Are the Government in favour of charging pre-War rents for old houses: and do they say that they are not able to do so because they have not got a majority?

I will offer no answer to that—[HON. MEMBERS: "Why not?"]—but it is because of the enormity of the difficulties that I can offer no prospect whatever now of the Government undertaking this in the Autumn Session.

I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Second Reading of the Appropriation Bill.

It would not be in order then to raise any matter which involves legislation.

I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment to-morrow.

This is a matter that requires legislation.

I am concerned now with the question of present legislation, in so far as the present Act provides that, where rents are increased, there should be to a certain degree proper sanitary conditions to justify the increase of rent which is charged?

If I can find that anything of that kind can be done without legislation, I will certainly consider the question.

Should I be in order, on the Second Reading of the Appropriation Bill, in drawing the attention of the Government to the number of houses in an unsanitary condition and asking various questions about the rents of those houses?

I cannot discuss that at Question Time, but I will certainly consider it.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will state the views of the Government as to the early passage of legislation to carry out the intentions of the Irish Treaty?

My right hon. Friend the Colonial Secretary hopes to make a statement on this subject on the Motion for the Adjournment the day after to-morrow.

If a statement is not to be made until the Motion for Adjournment, will it not be too late then to introduce any legislation?

It will not be too late to introduce legislation.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Motion for Adjournment, if carried, terminates the business of the House.

On that Motion my right hon. Friend will make a statement.

Am I not right in assuming that, if the statement is postponed until the Adjournment Motion, no further legislation will be introduced?

I cannot anticipate events so far as to answer that part of the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Treaty of Limerick, which is the only previous treaty Which was ever made with Ireland, was broken before the ink wherewith 'twas writ was dry.

Should not the Members of this House have at least the right of determining whether legislation shall be introduced or not? Should not the House be allowed to express an opinion as to the urgency of this matter, and if it is left to the Adjournment day, then the House will have no such opportunity.

On a point of Order. Is not the hon. Member playing to the gallery? [HON. MEMBERS: "Order!']

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will indicate on what basis his statement was made that it would cost the Exchequer £1,000,000 per annum to allow a rebate of one-half of the Excise Duty at present charged on spirit used in the manufacture of perfumery articles; and whether he is aware that the customs and excise authorities have stated that they have no figures upon which they can estimate the amount of such loss?

No precise official statistics are available, because the spirit used is duty-paid and no longer under Revenue supervision. The figure given by me was the result of Departmental inquiries into the use of spirit in perfumery and the closely allied trade of essences.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to announce the date of publication of the Report of the Meston Committee on Exchequer Grants?

I learn that the chairman of the Committee hopes to submit a Report before Parliament re-assembles in October.

Was not the last reply on this question that the Report would be submitted before we adjourned in the present Session?

I understand that the last reply which I gave to the hon. Gentleman was to the effect that I hoped that before the House rose for the Recess the Report would be available. I have not been able to get it. The hon. Member will understand that the members of this Committee act quite voluntarily, and I cannot tell them to send me in a Report by a definite date. The last report which I had from the chairman was that he was drafting the Report and that he hoped to be in a position to present it before the Autumn Session.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Committee held its last meeting some 18 months ago, and since then there has been ample time to report?

I cannot help being aware of that fact, because it has been stated so very often by the hon. Member, but I can add nothing to what I have said. Two General Elections have attenuated the membership of that Committee very considerably, but I hope that the Report of the chairman will be received before the House reassembles.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any part of the expenses or cost of the entertainment of the Soviet delegation to this country has fallen upon the Exchequer; and, if so, what has, up to date, been the charge upon public funds under either or both of these heads?

I am unable to give any more recent figures than those contained in the reply given by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Ashton-under-Lyne on 14th July.

Does that answer the first part of my question?

I can send the hon. Member a copy of the reply of the Prime Minister. It was to the effect that at that time charges to the extent of £330 had fallen upon the Exchequer, and that this expense was made up of the salaries of two temporary clerks, and of an interpreter and a reporter.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the advisory committee, appointed under the Trade Facilities Act, have reached any decisions with regard to the proposals placed before them by the Russian Government which, it is claimed, would involve placing of orders in this country for manufactured goods?

I regret that I cannot add anything to the answer I gave on this subject to the hon. Member for Barrow-in-Furness on the 7th July last.

Is it correct, as stated in the Press to-day, that the trade negotiations between this country and Russia have broken down?

My hon. and gallant Friend had better await to-day's Debate.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the statement in this morning's Press that His Majesty's Government contemplated handing over to the Soviet Administration in Russia a sum of £10,000,000 now lying in this country to the credit of the former Tsarist Government; and whether, if His Majesty's Government has so decided, the Law Officers of the Crown approve of the legality of the transfer of this amount of pre-War Russian securities to the Bolshevists; and what guarantees are being given by the Bolshevist delegation in relation to Communist propaganda in British Dominions and Dependencies, following upon the receipt of this considerable sum of money?

I must ask the hon. Member to await the full statement on the proceedings of the Anglo-Soviet Conference, which will be made to-morrow.

Will that include a statement about this £10,000,000 of pre-War securities belonging to the Tsarist Government in this country, and as to whether or not His Majesty's Government propose to hand it over to the Bolshevists?

It will be a full statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Treasury is assisting the New Zealand Government in the development of the Arapuni power scheme; whether he is aware that, under the contract placed with a firm in this country, a foreign sub-contractor will benefit to the extent of £200,000 worth of electrical equipment which might have been placed in this country; and whether he will take steps to ensure that British credit shall not be used to the advantage of foreign manufacturers at the expense of British firms?

I understand that the Government of New Zealand have been considering an application for a grant under Section 2 of the Trade Facilities Act, 1924, in connection with this scheme, but no application has yet been received by His Majesty's Government. Grants under that section can be made only in respect of expenditure in this country, and before making them the Treasury must be satisfied, inter alia, that the proceeds of the loan are to be applied in a manner calculated to promote employment in the United Kingdom.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the ether factory at Gretna, owned by the Government, has been disposed of for less than £20,000; whether he will state the amount of the highest bid for this property at the recent sale in Carlisle; the total amount spent by the Government on the factory; and whether he is aware of the keen disappointment felt in the Gretna and Carlisle districts at the sale of the factory?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given on the 29th and 31st July to my hon. Friends the Members for Springburn and Govan. The highest bid at the recent auction was £18,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the greater part of the land used for the Government factories in the Gretna district has been reacquired by the company or persons who sold it to the Government; whether he will state the price at which the land in question was purchased by the Government, and the price at which it has been resold to the present owners; and whether he will state the reserve price placed on the property by the Government?

The statement in the first part of the question is not correct, the greater portion of the undamaged land at Gretna, amounting in all to about 4,600 acres, having, prior to the recent auction sale, been sold to the Board of Agriculture for Scotland for the land settlement scheme, and, so far as can be ascertained without elaborate search, there has only been one case of the kind described. In that instance the Government originally purchased 1,510 acres for £53,000—part of this price representing an allowance for severance, etc. Out of this total 416 acres were, before the auction, sold back to the firm in question, because they were the tenants, for a sum of £15,000. One thousand and eight acres were put up to auction at a reserve price of £11,850 and sold for £13,600. Out of these 1,008 acres, 908 were very much damaged and cut up by buildings, railways, roads, excavations, etc. On the two transactions, therefore, 1,424 acres in all, of which 908 were damaged, were sold at a price of £28,600.

Can we have an assurance that the Government will not part with any more land or buildings at Gretna unless by explicit direction of the Government itself?

The Government have decided that no further sales shall take place until an opportunity is given for a thorough investigation as to whether it is possible to use any property for Government schemes.

Would my right hon. Friend say whether the whole of the sales are in the Scottish part of Gretna or in the Cumberland part?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Government have made assiduous efforts since they came into power to dispose of Government property to private buyers, notably in the case of Sheerness? Is it the policy of the Government to dispose of Government property to private firms?

As far as I am aware, the whole of the property sold at Gretna is on the Scottish side of the border. In regard to the second question, the Government, in whatever decision they take, are always actuated by the desire and the determination to do what is best for the public interest.

Will the Chancellor of the Exchequer endeavour to see that for any land purchased by municipal authorities the purchase price to be paid is universally £13 per acre, which is what was received by the Government in this sale?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the small number of loans under £10,000 that are guaranteed under tire Trade Facilities Act, he will consider the appointing of a committee to examine the whole question, with a view to making the guarantees under this Act available for the smaller traders?

As I have already informed my hon. Friend in Debate, there is no discrimination whatever against the smaller trader, and I fear I cannot accept his suggestion as to the appointment of a committee.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many advances to farmers have been applied for under the Agricultural Credits Act, 1923, and the aggregate amount so applied for;

(2) whether any advances to farmers have been approved under the Agricultural Credits Act, 1923; and, if so, will he state the number and the aggregate amount of such advances approved, and the number and the aggregate amount of such advances actually made?

I will answer these questions together. The number of inquiries has been 1,297. In many cases no definite sum was applied for, so it is impossible to give the aggregate sum covered by these inquiries. 633 loans have been granted, to the aggregate amount of £2,434,316. Of these, 186 have been actually advanced to date to the amount of £663,902.

Can the Financial Secretary tell us whether the applications approved, in respect of which no grants have yet been made, are entirely effective applications, or whether they include applications that have been withdrawn by the applicants or rejected by the Public Works Loan Board on the ground that the applicant cannot produce a 40 years' title?

Obviously to answer that question an analysis of the applications would be necessary. I will see whether the information can be given.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can give the cost to the State of free railway travelling for Members of Parliament between Parliament and their constituencies up to 1st August, 1924; and whether the Treasury can make arrangements with the railway companies which will result in greater saving to the State?

The accounts covering the period referred to have not yet been received from the railway companies. If the hon. Member will repeat his question after the Recess, I hope to be in a position to give him the information for which he asks.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that since this system was introduced the London Members have been worsted?

I do not understand how that is so.

Simply because the Inland Revenue Department refuse to allow us travelling expenses in connection with Income Tax.

Is it not a fact that the Socialist Members are clamouring for free passes over the whole of the railways of England?

Is it still the fact that no single Member of Parliament has signified his intention not to use these passes?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that the 1825 Act dealing with the manufacture and sale of tobacco and cigars imposes a condition upon licensees that the name of the trader must be exhibited over the main entrance of the premises at which such goods are sold; whether his attention has been called to the increasing practice of disregarding the terms of the Act, inasmuch as many persons holding licences do not display their names as provided by the Act; and whether in future issues of licences instructions will be plainly given that the conditions must be complied with?

I am not aware that the requirements of the law are not being met by traders to whom the provisions of the Act referred to by my hon. Friend are applicable, but if he will furnish me with any information on the subject of which he may be in possession I will cause inquiries to be made. I regret that I cannot see my way to adopt the suggestion made in the concluding part of my hon. Friend's question, as I am advised that the mere taking out of a tobacco dealer's licence does not necessarily carry with it the obligation to exhibit a signboard.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any record has been kept of the number of visits paid in recent years to prisons by His Majesty's Judges and by magistrates other than visiting magistrates?

The answer is in the negative.

Does the hon. Gentleman not think it desirable that Judges and magistrates should visit prisons in order to administer justice properly? Will he take steps to invite Judges and magistrates to visit a prison?

How many prisoners have been dealt with in the internment camp at Larne? What arrangements have been made with regard to visits there?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many visits have been paid to prison by members of the Labour party in capacities other than those of visitors?

asked the Home Secretary whether steps have been, or will be, taken to invite all magistrates actually undertaking duties upon the Bench to visit a prison within an early date of their first undertaking these duties?

My right hon. Friend has no reason to suppose that there is any need to remind magistrates of their right to visit any prison to which their Bench may commit prisoners. Magistrates are not appointed by my right hon. Friend, but he will consider, in consultation with the Lord Chancellor, whether it would be feasible to invite newly-appointed magistrates to visit a prison.