asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the number and total emoluments of higher division staff employed at the Admiralty in the secretarial, finance, accounting, and contracts departments, respectively?

The finance, accounting and contracts departments of the Admiralty are manned by the executive and not by the administrative class. The number of the administrative class in the Secretariat, excluding the Secretary, are Deputy secretary 1 Principal assistant secretary 2 Assistant secretaries 8 Principals 15 Assistant principals 5

The amount provided in the Navy Estimates for 1924–25 for the salaries of the administrative staff of the Secretariat, including three officers borne in lieu of assistant principals, is £29,694, exclusive of Civil Service bonus. Allowances totalling £1,350 a year, for special services, are payable in addition.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the members of the Royal Artillery band received remuneration at the rate of 18s. 6d. per day for their performance at the British Empire Exhibition; that the trade union rates of pay for similar performances are 30s. and 25s. per day for first and second instruments, respectively; and will he take steps to prevent similar undercutting in the future?

Senior n.c.o.'s of the band referred to received 23s. 6d. and the other ranks 18s. 6d. for the performance in question. I am not aware of the corresponding trade union rates, but I would point out that the undertaking that fair current rates should be paid relates to the fee charged for the attendance of the band as a whole. In the instance in question, the fee charged was £349 4s., and I am informed that the corresponding trade charge would have been £350. The undertaking was therefore substantially implemented, but I may add that, since this particular engagement was accepted, arrangements have been made for communicating to the union in advance particulars of the fees which it is proposed to charge.

also asked the Secretary of State for War, whether he is aware that during the past two months the Royal Artillery band has fulfilled private engagements at the Fishmongers' Hall, Trinity House, the Connaught Rooms, the Trocadero, Lancaster House, Black-heath, the Guildhall, 3, Grosvenor Place, the Carpenters' Hall, Alexandra Palace and the Clothworkers' Hall; and, in view of the unemployment caused amongst civilian musicians by this competition, will he take steps to prevent Army bands in future being placed at the disposal of private individuals and companies?

I am not aware of the particulars of the engagements accepted by the band referred to, this being a matter for regimental arrangement. With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my replies to previous questions on the 14th February and the 7th and 28th July.

The rules governing the employment of military bands in private engagements are as follow: (1) Not less than 20 performers plus bandmaster for indoor engagements are required (25 for performances in the open). (2) The fair current rates of civilian bands in the locality are charged. (For this purpose the band president has to ascertain from the Musicians' Union what their charge would be, and the Army band is not permitted to perform at a figure less than that quoted by the union.) (3) Engagements are not to be sought through the Press or agents. (4) Civilian bands on strike are not to he replaced. (5) All engagements are subject to the performance of military duties.

These rules are designed on the one hand to prevent the possibility of the unfair competition to which the hon. Member alludes, and, on the other, to secure that the public demand for the services of the bands is met, and that the bandsmen are not deprived of their old-standing right, as ordinary citizens, to earn money for themselves in their own time. The rules are, I submit, fair, and I cannot therefore see my way to vary them.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the arbitration court appointed to consider the claims of semi-skilled and unskilled Arsenal workers for increased wages has issued its award; if so, can he state its terms; and what action the Government proposes to take in the matter?

An award on this case has now been made, under date 29th July. It provides that from February last the men covered by the reference shall have restored to them, in respect of the last two reductions of 5s. 6d. each in the engineering war advances, two sums of 2s. 6d. a week each, i.e., 5s. a week in all, less the amount received by way of the special advances already granted by the Department from February last. The necessary steps are being taken to give effect to the award at early as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many discharges have taken place at Woolwich Arsenal since the 1st February last; and how many men over 55 years of age have been dismissed?

The number of discharges from all grades at Woolwich Arsenal which have taken place during the period in question is 645; this total includes 75 men over 55 years of age.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the present

— Examined.* Admitted (from those attending examination). November, 1923: Royal Military Academy (Woolwich) 100 55 Royal Military College (Sandhurst) 196 126 June, 1924†: Royal Military Academy 152 50 Royal Military College 292 176 * These figures do not agree with the total number of candidates attending the examination as some competed for admission to both Royal Military Academy and Royal Military College and in addition also for the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. † These figures are provisional.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of Government factories at present engaged upon the manufacture of ammunition, and the purpose for which such ammunition is intended?

The number of the Government factories in question is two, namely, Waltham Abbey, where the cordite is manufactured, and Woolwich

Army Regulations provide, in the event of Army 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 present Regulation?

The present Regulation is Article 1026 of the Royal Warrant, which provides that a service pensioner re-enlisted on or after 27th September, 1920, shall cease to draw pension (except the pension for distinguished conduct) from the date of re-enlistment. Such a man counts the further service for pension.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many candidates presented themselves for examination at the last two examinations for admission to Woolwich and Sandhurst, respectively; and how many of such candidates were admitted?

The figures are as follow:

Arsenal. The ammunition is required for practice purposes and for the maintenance of the approved reserves.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been called to the case of an ex-service man, Mr. Frederick Charles Bellinger, Hambridge Road, Newbury, late of the Royal Berkshire Regiment, private, No. 16646, who was a war casualty on the 21st December, 1915, wounded in the left leg, and has since been suffering constantly from the injury sustained; whether he is aware that successive medical boards have considered the case in Birmingham, 1916 (in hospital nearly two years), Reading, 1917, 1918 (20 per cent. disability), 1919 (40 per cent. disability), 1920 (20 per cent. disability), 1921 (30 per cent. disability), but that at Chelsea in 1922, a final award has been made, although the man was, and is, permanently disabled; that his leg is useless and gives constant pain; and whether, in these circumstances, he will give the matter immediate reconsideration?

The final award made in this case was arrived at after careful examination by specialists, and was confirmed on appeal by the independent Appeal Tribunal. No complaint has since been received from the man as to his condition in respect of this disability, hut if he considers that his condition has worsened, he should apply to the Area Office for medical treatment, when his condition will be fully and carefully considered.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has ascertained that F. C. Quinton, 7, Berkeley Terrace, Newbury, Berkshire, is still suffering from war disability and consequently has spent a large part of the past 12 months in hospital; and whether, in the circumstances, he will order a further inquiry into the case with a view to this man receiving adequate pension during the period of his admitted disability?

I have not yet been able to complete my inquiries into this case, but I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that Private W. J. Evans, No. 3,905,447, South Wales Borderers, joined the Army in June, 1922, was examined by the War Office medical experts, certified to he in good health and fit for enlist- ment, was sent to India and there contracted a disease, and was discharged in February, 1924, and is now an inmate of Talgarth sanatorium; and on what grounds he declines to grant him a pension and disregard the decision of the Army medical advisers that he was in good health when he joined the Army and his pre-enlistment history being one of excellent health?

This man has been examined specially by the consulting physician to the British Army, and the considered opinion of the medical authorities is that the disability is not attributable to military service. I regret, therefore, that he is not eligible for pension.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that G. H. Boyes, of 25, Amberley Street, Sunderland, who was an in-patient of the Ministry of Pensions Hospital, Newcastle-on-Tyne, up to a few weeks ago, during which time shrapnel was extracted from his back, made an application for a pension in February of this year, and has not received any reply from the Ministry of Pensions to his application; and will he see that prompt attention is given to this case?

Arrangements have been made for the examination of this man by a special medical board in the light of the evidence as to the condition of the case which has been obtained as the result of the treatment given to him. The case will be dealt with as promptly as possible.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will seek power to enable him to allocate part pension to the wife and children when they are deserted by the husband or father who is in receipt of, or is entitled to, a pension?

Legislation would be necessary to enable me to allocate any portion of the man's pension to his wife and children without the consent of the pensioner. While I appreciate the object which the hon. Member has in view, I could not advisedly recommend to the House legislation which would have the effects of abridging the rights of pensioners to the pensions awarded to them.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that a strike has occurred on the Anniesland and Duntocher contracts of Messrs. Sir Robert Macalpine and Company; that the rates paid on these contracts were discussed by the Civil Engineering Conciliation Board as far back as 12th June last, when it was agreed that the claim should he referred to arbitration; and that the strike is due to the delay of Messrs. Sir Robert Macalpine and Company in agreeing to terms of reference; and what steps he is taking to have the matter satisfactorily settled?

I understand that work has been resumed on these contracts pending further negotiations.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that a strike has taken place on the Anniesland and Duntocher contracts of Messrs. Robert M'Alpine and Company; that the rates paid on these contracts were discussed by the civil engineering conciliation board as far hack as 12th June; that the conciliation board agreed to refer the claim to arbitration; that the strike now in progress has been caused by the delay of Messrs. Robert M'Alpine and Company in not agreeing to the terms of reference; that the fair wages clause of this board states that where there are no such wages and hours recognised or prevailing in the district, those recognised or prevailing in the nearest district in which the general industrial circumstances are similar shall be adopted; and whether, as these contracts are for local authorities to whom grants are being paid by the Ministry of Transport, he is prepared, in the event of Sir Robert M'Alpine refusing to agree to arbitration within the next seven days, to notify the authorities for whom this work is being done that no further grants will be paid for these roads unless Sir Robert M'Alpine's firm accepts the conditions laid down by an arbitration board?

I am not aware of all the details recited by my hon. Friend, but I am having full inquiry made in order to elicit the facts for my guidance in dealing with the case.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that the manufacturers of building materials in Scotland threaten to withhold supplies from builders who desire to settle with their workers and resume building operations; and can he do anything to stop this intimidation?

I have no information that action on the lines indicated in the first part of the question is contemplated. If, however, my hon. Friend will furnish me with evidence in substantiation, I shall be glad to consider it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the cause of the loss of £3,399 in the sale of reparation timber during the nine months ended 31st March, 1923?

The payment of £3,399 represents the difference between the actual proceeds of sale of reparation timber and the prices fixed with the concurrence of the Reparation Commission some time before the sales were made. The market price of sleepers fluctuated considerably while deliveries were being made to this country.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the average price per pound, figures, during March, 1924, for tea, coffee, cocoa and sugar; and the precisely comparative figures for these articles during July, 1924?

I have been asked to reply. The averages of the retail prices at 1st March, 1924, and at 1st July, 1924 (the latest date for which information has been obtained), shown by the returns collected by the Ministry of Labour were as stated below: 1st March. 1st July. Per lb. Per lb. s. d. s. d. Tea 2 6½ 2 2¾ Sugar (granulated) 7¼ 4¾ Coffee (loose) 2 2½ 2 1½ Cocoa (loose) 1 1½ 1 0½

The returns received relate to the cash prices of those grades of each commodity most generally purchased by working-class families. The average prices quoted for cocoa are exclusive of proprietary brands, sold by the tin at higher prices, but such information as is available indicates that the prices of these brands have also been reduced in many cases. Information relating to prices at 1st August is now being collected.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the basis of assessment of damage to individuals who have been interned and subjected to suffering as prisoners of war in enemy countries during the late War?

The assessment in each case was arrived at after consideration of the degree of cruelty, violence or maltreatment experienced by the claimant, including consequential injury to life or health, coupled, in some cases, with the period and conditions of forced labour. I may add that the terms of the Treaty of Versailles did not warrant any claim in respect of loss of time or loss of earnings during the period of internment, but allowance has been made for expenses incurred in respect of food and clothing.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many members of the Committee which he has appointed to inquire into the conditions and prospects of British trade have had the practical experience of working-class life that will enable them to represent the workers' point of view in such an investigation?

I should prefer not to attempt to discriminate between the special experience and points of view of the various members of the Committee on Industry and Trade, all of whom will, I am confident, work together for the common good. But my hon. Friend may rest assured that the wage earner's point of view will be well represented and fully considered.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Siberian tinned salmon is being sold in Britain bearing labels indicating that gold medals had been awarded in Edinburgh, 1902; London, 1905; Paris, 1905; Bruxelles, 1905, and Paris 1906, when, as a fact, these medals were awarded to British Columbia salmon on those dates; and whether he proposes to take any steps to protect British consumers from such deception??

I am not aware of the practice referred to by the hon. Member, but if he will send me specimens of the labels in question I shall be happy to consider whether any action can be taken in the matter under existing legislation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the foreign countries which have increased their Customs tariffs against foreign imports of manufactured goods since the War, and the countries in which a corresponding reduction has taken place?

A large number of foreign countries have modified their tariffs since the War, often in an upward direction; but where the duties are specific it is impossible, without an exhaustive examination of the rates of duty over a wide series of articles in the case of each separate country, to say whether there has been a general increase or decrease in the ad valorem incidence of the tariff. Account would have to be taken in such examination of changes of classification and changes in the external value of the currency in terms of which the rates of duty are expressed. In these circumstances it is not possible to give an adequate reply to the hon. Member's inquiry. I should add that detailed particulars of change: in Customs Duties are published, as soon as information is available, in the Board of Trade Journal," and the hon. Member will find articles summarising the more important movements in tariffs in the issues of that journal for 29th December, 1921 (pp. 676–7); 2nd August. 1923 (pp. 116–118), 27th December, 1923 (pp. 685–7) and 26th June, 1924 (pp. 700–2).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the estimated aggregate profits, as computed for the purpose of income Tax, Schedule D, less the amounts allowed in respect of wear and tear of machinery and plant, of the tobacco companies of the United Kingdom for the Income Tax years 1918–19 to 1922–23, inclusive?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave the hon. Member for Deritend (Mr. Crooke) on the 22nd July. I am sending him a copy of that reply.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in contracts affecting the Treasury, such as the Arapuni power scheme, where there are a number of sub-contracts concerning various branches of the engineering or other industries, it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to insist that the whole contract shall be placed in the United Kingdom or whether it permits sub-constracts to be placed in foreign countries provided that the head contractor shall be a British firm?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by me to the hon. Member for Macclesfield (Mr. Remer) on this subject this afternoon.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the average sum of money which the Treasury is called upon to pay per week to pre-War pensioners coming under the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920, specifying the category of the pre-War pensioner in each case, as a result of fresh pre-1920 pensioners attaining the age of 60 years?

The average number of new cases arising each week from the cause mentioned in the question, and the average additional annual expenditure involved by such weekly addition, are as follow: Category. Number of cases. Annual amount. £ s. Army 14 173 10 Police (metropolitan only) 7½25 170 0 R.I.C. 4 84 0

No appreciable increase occurs from this cause in the remaining categories of pensioners, but in addition to the above increases there is an average weekly addition, under all the categories put together, of 27 cases, involving an annual expenditure of £300 in respect of such weekly addition, on account mainly of pensioners falling below the means limits by reason of reduced income on retiring from work for old age.

asked the Minister of Transport how many schemes of trackless trolley cars have been sanctioned within the last 18 months, and in what towns; and whether the working has proved profitable or otherwise in the different places?

Last Session the Corporations of Bradford, Chesterfield, Maidstone and West Hartlepool were authorised by Parliament to construct new or additional trolley vehicle routes, and of these routes some at West Hartlepool have already been equipped for working. The Rotherham Corporation Bill, which received Royal Assent last Friday, empowers the corporation to extend their previously authorised trolley vehicle routes, and other proposals are now before Parliament. Information as to the financial results of working each trackless trolley system opened for traffic is contained in the Annual Return of Tramways and Light Railways (Street and Road) and Trackless Trolley Undertakings. The Return for 1923–24 will be issued as soon as the returns to be furnished by the undertakings have been received and tabulated.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the percentage of the total cost which the Government propose to contribute to local authorities carrying out their new road programme of £13,500,000; what is the percentage of the total cost which the Government propose to bear of the £5,000,000 to be expended on the reconstruction of main trunk roads; and what percentage of the cost is to be borne by the local authorities in both cases?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The percentage to be borne by national funds under this programme will vary in relation to the different classes of work, the resources of the local authorities concerned, and other considerations which cannot adequately be dealt with by way of question and answer.

asked the Minister of Transport how it was that a loss of £2,968 was incurred in connection with Ramsgate harbour during the year ended 31st March, 1923?

The loss was due to the general depression in trade, particularly in the fishing industry at Ramsgate, during 1922–23.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received a resolution passed by the Surrey County Council recommending that in their opinion it is most desirable that prompt legislative action should be taken with a view to requiring the carrying of a reflector by motor vehicles generally; and whether, in view of this and the fact that no by-law can apparently be made by the council, he will take steps to give effect to the resolution so as to minimise the danger of accidents?

I have received the resolution referred to. I am not satisfied that the universal adoption of mirrors or reflectors to enable drivers to see overtaking traffic would generally assist in the prevention of accidents, though their use, in cases where the driver is unable to hear or see signals from behind, is no doubt a convenience to overtaking traffic. I am not prepared therefore to make their use compulsory.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that time will be given during the autumn for the consideration in all its stages of the Criminal Justice Bill [Lords]?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that James Kidman, of 3. Sandpit Lane, St. Albans, was convicted on 17th July last at St. Albans of trading under a title of a limited company, which was not registered, and fined £25 and £3 4s. costs, with the option of 28 days, and that the man was arrested eight days later at St. Albans and sent to prison without any opportunity of finding that sum; and whether steps will be taken to release the man promptly in order to give him an opportunity of finding the amount of the fine and costs?

Having made inquiry into the facts of this case, I have not found any sufficient ground for intervention on my part.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the dangerous nature of the material which caused the disaster at Slades Green on the 18th February; and whether any appropriate steps have since been taken to render the quantities of similar material still lying at the factory innocuous?

I have been asked to answer this question. I am aware of the nature of the material, but I would point out that the accident on 18th February last occurred during the breaking down of material and this process is not being carried on at present. I am informed that the material in question is being stored under safe conditions.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a person whose certificate has been revoked under the provisions of the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act, 1918, Section 1 (1), on the ground that he had shown himself by act to be disloyal to His Majesty, and who is in fact known to have committed treason in that he left the country on the outbreak of war and joined the forces of His Majesty's enemies, has been permitted to land and is now staying in this country on a visit; whether he will take steps to have that person arrested and brought to trial, or whether he will forthwith make an order to have him deported; and whether he will give an undertaking that that person and others guilty of similar offences will not in future be permitted to land on any pretext whatsoever?

I shall be obliged if the hon. and learned Member will communicate to me the name and any other particulars of the person whom he has in mind, so that I may identify the case and examine it thoroughly before communicating finally with the hon. Member.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is considering the advisability of sanctioning the scheme for higher-tops at St. George's non-provided elementary school, Ramsgate; whether he is aware that this particular school is wholly unsuited for such a purpose and that the proposal would be detrimental to the existing secondary schools; and whether, in view of the present administration of education in Ramsgate, he will withhold sanction to this scheme until the local education authority have properly reorganised the administration of education in their area?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Plans for substantial alterations and improvements to the buildings, designed to make them structurally suitable for the purposes suggested, are now before the board. The relations of the proposed higher tops to the existing secondary schools have been discussed by the Ramsgate local education authority with the local education authority for Kent. An agreement has been reached, and I have no reason to suppose that there will be any detrimental competition between the schools. The whole scheme has been very carefully investigated by the board in consultation with the managers and the local education authority who regard the proposed re-organisation of St. George's schools as conducive to the proper coordination of all forms of education in Ramsgate.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is prepared to make any statement regarding the incident which took place on the Bonna. Road, when two khassadars murdered the havildar and took possession of a tower, from which they had to be dislodged by force; how these troops are enlisted, what are their duties, and how they are officered; and whether they are a recognised part of the Indian Army?

No official report on the incident has yet been received The khassadars are tribal levies who are paid by the Indian Government to assist in the protection of roads, and the maintenance of peace and order generally on the frontier. They supply their own arms, ammunition, food and clothing and have their own officers, though they are under the general control of British political officers. They do not form part of the Indian army.

asked the Minister of Health the complete list of rural areas in Oxfordshire which will be eligible for the increased subsidy of £12 10s. under the Housing (Financial Provisions) Bill, as amended?

A statement giving this information will be prepared and sent to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Agriculture to what cause he attributes the loss of £4,028 on the Burley Lodge Farm during the period 5th April, 1919, to 18th May, 1922?

This farm fell into a bad state of cultivation during the War, and, on the suggestion of the War Agricultural Executive Committee, the Commissioners of Woods determined the tenancy at 5th April, 1919, and took the farm in hand. A large expenditure was necessarily incurred in restocking the farm and bringing it into a proper state of cultivation. The loss of £4,028 is attributable to the abnormally heavy fall in prices between April, 1919, and May, 1922. The loss, however, is to some extent compensated by the increased rent since obtained for the farm being now approximately £100 more than the rent under the previous tenancy.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, before it is decided to reduce the wages of postal workers on 1st December in accordance with the official cost-of-living figures, consideration will be given to the fact that such reduction will wipe out the benefit of the reduction in certain food prices resulting from the last Budget?

The suggestion made by the hon. Member is incompatible with the method, applied by agreement to the permanent staffs of the Civil Service as a whole, of awarding a bonus or cost-of-living addition to wages which is varied every six months in accordance with the ascertained variations in the official cost-of-living index figure.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has made local inquiries as to the practicability of restoring in the Western Isles the rural mail services enjoyed before the War, and has he obtained reports on the matter and, in view of the great delay, inconvenience, and loss sustained by the traders and general public owing to the insufficiency of the present services, will he announce the result after investigation and state whether he is now prepared to afford a daily service on each of the mail-car routes?

A detailed examination of rural services in the Western Isles has been made. The process has necessarily occupied a good deal of time. I hope shortly to introduce such improvement as may be found to be justified, having due regard to cost. I cannot say more than this at present; but, as I have already informed the hon. Member, I shall be harpy to discuss the matter with him personally after the Recess.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the relegation of the post offices of Cockermouth and Maryport to the status of sub-offices under Workington has entailed an additional annual cost to the Exchequer of, approximately, £600 per annum; and whether, in view of this and the consequent reduction in postal facilities, he will inquire fully into the desirability of reverting to the status quo ante?

I am not aware that the reduction in status of these offices has involved any additional charge on the Exchequer, but I will inquire into the matter further and communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, when Mrs. Marguerite Harrison entered England in 1921, she travelled on an ordinary or a diplomatic passport?

I have been asked to reply, as the immigration officers at the ports are under my control, but I have no information on the point.