asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that, on account of the transfer of the Royal Marines to Eastney, certain housing difficulties are being experienced by married ranks; and will he give sympathetic consideration to men who are obliged to pay high rents on account of the shortage of housing accommodation by increasing the allowances applicable to such ranks?

No objection has been or will be raised to these men continuing to reside at Gosport, where their homes presumably were at the date of the amalgamation of the Portsmouth and Eastney divisions.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the number of writer ratings now borne and the number that have been invalided during the last five years; and will he enumerate the numbers invalided and the causes for which they were invalided?

The number of writer ratings borne on the 15th September, 1924, was 846. The numbers invalided in the last five years were as follows:

1919	…	…	…	…	127
1920	…	…	…	…	25
1921	…	…	…	…	27
1922	…	…	…	…	15
1923	…	…	…	…	4

I will send the hon. Member details, which are rather long, of the causes of invaliding.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware of the complaints of the staff regarding the accommodation of what is known as the clock store in Chatham Dockyard, shared by a section of two departments, supply and accounting; is he aware that this is not really a storehouse and quite unfitted for office accommodation; that the rooms possess insufficient natural lighting and ventilation; that there is great congestion caused by so many thick supporting pillars, while the sanitary arrangements are very primitive; and whether he will investigate the disadvantage from which the staff suffer with a view to remedial action?

I am investigating this complaint, and will communicate with the hon. and gallant Member as soon as possible.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the number of chief petty officers' and petty officers' messes in the principal establishments in Portsmouth, the number of these messes now on the general messing system and the number of these messes which have at one time been messed on the general messing system and have now reverted to other forms of messing; and if he will cause inquiry to be made as to the reason chief petty officers and petty officers do not desire to be messed from the general mess, with a. view to the system being brought to a state of efficiency where general satisfaction will result?

The information asked for by the hon. Member is being obtained.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that discontent now exists among certain classes of petty officers on account of the fact that a yeoman of signals who refused promotion three years ago in order that he might remain in His Majesty s Yacht Service and who has been retained at the top of the advancement roster is now to be given the first opportunity of advancement when a vacancy will shortly arise for a chief yeoman in His Majesty's yachts; and will he investigate this case with a view to amending the Regulations which permit injustice to other deserving ratings to occur?

My information is that a yeoman of signals in His Majesty's yacht "Victoria and Albert" declined advancement to chief yeoman in April last in conformity with the Regulations, which allow ratings to decline advancement in the general service in order to remain in the yacht, and that he has now become eligible for advancement in a yacht vacancy under the ordinary Regulations of the Service, which apply to all ships. I find it difficult to understand how it can be suggested that discontent has been caused among other ratings by the fact that this particular rating has voluntarily allowed his own advancement to be delayed for several months.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the Regulations governing leave to workmen employed in His Majesty s dockyard admit of workmen being granted leave from their work to attend courses at political colleges and to organise political campaigns; and, if so, whether, in view of the fact that such men receive pay whilst away on leave, he will authorise their places being filled by temporary entries from the unemployed?

The Regulations governing leave to dockyard workmen do not admit of workmen being granted leave with pay for the purposes mentioned.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will consider a revision of naval meal orders whereby naval ratings may present them at any refreshment room on the railway instead of as at present being only permitted to exchange them at the station written on the meal order; and whether any payment is permitted to naval ratings for unused meal orders, that is to say, if on arrival at Waterloo the sailor wishes to have his dinner at that station he need not proceed to King's Cross, the station for his further journey on duty, or Paddington, etc.?

It is not considered desirable to revise the Navy meal order arrangements as suggested. The station specified on the rating's meal order is that at which his commanding officer considers that the meal can most conveniently be obtained on the journey; and difficulties are likely to arise if ratings are given liberty to depart from the programme laid down for them when travelling on duty. Further, it is often necessary to arrange meals in advance in order to secure satisfactory service, and it would clearly be impracticable in such cases to adopt the suggested change of procedure. In actual practice, commanding officers often find it possible to leave individual ratings and small parties free to use their meal orders at any convenient, refreshment room en route, and in such cases names of stations are, of course, omitted from the meal orders. Payment in respect of unused meal orders is permitted when ratings are unable to use them owing to exceptional circumstances, and consequently have to incur expense for meals, but in the case suggested by the hon. Member it would be the sailor's duty to take his meal at King's Cross, if his meal order provided for a meal there, rather than at Waterloo.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether the Talbot touring four-seater car, registered No. XT8501, which was waiting outside the premises of Messrs. Hinds and Company, Limited, Blackheath, near the Kidbrooke Stores Depot, between 11.30 a.m. and 12 noon on Monday, 22nd September, was an Air Ministry car; if not, whether it is in accordance with Air Ministry Regulations for a. uniformed corporal of the Royal Air Force to be detailed to drive a private car for a lady on a shopping expedition; and, if not, will he give directions that such contraventions of the Regulations should cease immediately?

In answer to the first part of the question, the car referred to was not an Air Ministry one. As regards the remainder of the question, I am not in a position to say in what circumstances it was being driven by an Air Force corporal, but I am making inquiries and will inform my hon. Friend of the result.

asked the Minister of Pensions the terms of the Instructions under which the appeal tribunals were given the right to hear the cases of ex-service men whose time limit for appeal expired on the 6th February, 1924, but who claim to have had no reasonable notice of the fact; how many such cases have been heard; and what, respectively, are the percentages of verdicts favourable to these men, unfavourable, and deferred or undecided?

I have no authority to determine the powers of the appeal tribunals, which are statutory, but the Instructions issued to the staff of the Ministry in regard to appeals are to the effect stated in the reply given by me on the 17th July to the hon. Member for the Eastern Division of Bristol (Mr. Baker), of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy. I understand that up to a recent date about 1,200 appeals, in which, on the information before the Ministry, the appeal was out of time, had been before the appeal tribunals; of these, in 254 cases the tribunal held that they were empowered to determine the appeal on merits.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India, if he is able to make an official statement as to the position at present obtaining in Bengal as the result of the rejection by the Bengal Legislative Council of the vote for the salaries of the Ministers and of the consequent resignation of such Ministers?

The position is that the Governor is himself temporarily administering the transferred subjects under the provisions of the Transferred Subjects (Temporary Administration) Rules framed under Section 52 (3) of the Government of India Act.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if it is now proposed to bring the recommendations of the Lee Commission into operation without further delay and whether these recommendations will be adopted in full, including those relating to the medical service?

I am not yet in a position to make any statement on this subject. My Noble Friend the Secretary of State is still in correspondence with the Government of India on certain points, and both he and that Government are desirous that orders on the Report should be issued with the least possible delay.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, in the event of the Government accepting the Lee Commission's recommendation to raise the ordinary uncovenanted service pension by 1,000 rupees per annum, the proportionate pension, which is a proportion of the full pension, will be similarly raised; and, if not, if officers who have retired since April, 1924, on proportionate pensions may draw the ordinary pension which they have earned instead of the proportionate pension?

I regret that, until final decisions on the recommendations of Lord Lee's Commission have been settled, it is impossible to make any statement as to questions consequentially contingent.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether an inquiry has been made as to the desirability of extending the principle of the Evesham custom to all agricultural tenancies and methods of farming?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on the 7th July last to the hon. Member for Denbigh (Mr. Ellis Davies). I have made inquiry, and have received no further evidence of the need for the amendment of the Agricultural Holdings Act in the direction suggested. In these circumstances I do not propose instituting an inquiry into the matter at the present time.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what progress has been made in setting up the central wages board and county wages committees under the Agricultural Wages Act, and the probable date when the new wages rates will come into force?

Regulations governing the constitution and procedure of the Agricultural Wages Committees and the Agricultural Wages Board were published in draft on the 12th August, and after the expiration of the 40 days' notice required by the Rules Publication Act were duly made on the 24th and 27th September respectively. It now rests with the organisations concerned in the nomination of the members representing employers and workers to submit their nominations. As soon as these have been received the constitution of the Committees and the Board will proceed without delay. As the responsibility of fixing; minimum rates of wages rests solely with these bodies when established, I am unable to give any indication as to when such rates are likely to come into operation.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of applications from agricultural co-operative societies for Government loans, and the total amount of advances made to date?

Twenty-three formal applications have been received from societies, and loans to the extent of £14,370 have been provisionally approved.

asked the Minister of Agriculture when the Report on the administration of the Land Settlement Act, 1919, will be published; and also the Report of the administration of the Small Holdings Colonies Acts?

The general Report on the Small Holdings Acts and the Land Settlement (Facilities) Act is in course of preparation, and will, I hope, be ready for publication before the end of the year. The Report of the Proceedings under the Small Holdings Colonies Acts has been sent to press, and will, I understand, be published next week.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number and amount of advances applied for under Section 2 of the Agricultural Credits Act of 1923, which have been granted or are still under consideration since the reduction in the rate of interest to 4 per cent.?

Applications for an advance under Section 2 of the Agricultural Credits Act, 1923, have been received from only one agricultural credit society. Five advances, amounting in the aggregate to £1,977, have been made to this society, which has 35 members holding 1,315 shares. Four other societies have been registered, but have not yet made applications for advances.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the governments of Jugo-Slavia, Poland and Rumania have ratified the 1923 protocol of Innsbruck, which fixed the percentage of responsibility for the old Austro-Hungarian debt to British holders, and set up a caisse de la dette, subject to the approval of the Reparation Commission; whether he will lay a White Paper upon the Table showing what action the Foreign Office has taken to induce Lugo-Slavia, Poland and Rumania to ratify the protocol, and so put into operation the arrangements come to with Lord Goschen's Committee on behalf of British subjects?

I have not been informed of the ratification of the protocol of Innsbruck by any of the States mentioned. As regards the second part of the question, I have no official information of the attitude of the Council of Foreign Bondholders towards the protocol, and in the absence of any representations from them, His Majesty's Government have taken no action in the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the British community in Egypt is disturbed and concerned over the failure of the Egyptian Government to observe their obligations to British subjects in official positions; and whether, in view of these circumstances, he will make urgent representations to the Egyptian Government through the British authorities in Cairo to cause a full and impartial inquiry into the facts concerning the grievances of the British officials in the service of the Egyptian Government, and ensure that such officials may attend by themselves or their duly authorised representatives in order to state their case?

The attention of His Majesty's Government has been drawn both by Lord Allenby and by a specially appointed representative of the officials themselves to the natural anxiety felt by foreign officials as a result of the attitude of hostility which in several instances has been displayed by the Egyptian Government in relation to them. The suggestions made do not commend them- selves to His Majesty's Government to be the best., and they propose to make direct representations on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement to the House as to the present condition of affairs in Georgia?

There is no British representative in Georgia and His Majesty's Government have therefore no official information upon which to base a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any settlement between the British and Hungarian clearing houses has been arrived at with regard to certain British claims for the period between July, 1919, and the date of the coming into force of the Treaty of Trianon in 1921; and, if there has been no settlement, will he ascertain and state the arrangements made for the Anglo-Hungarian Mixed Arbitral Tribunal to deal with individual undecided cases for that period, so as to bring the disagreement to a solution?

I have been asked to reply. A test case is being brought by the British Clearing Office before the Tribunal by arrangement with the Hungarian Government, which has undertaken to accept the decision therein as finally determining the question of principle at issue and to apply it to all outstanding cases of a similar nature.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, prior to the agreement of the Government with the Soviet delegation upon the fishery annex to the Treaty, the matter of Russian obligations for compensation to the owners and crews of British fishing vessels illegally arrested for trawling within the 12-mile limit was discussed; whether any amount has been paid; and, if so, what is the sum?

The hon. Member will find a reply to his question in the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) on the 16th of July.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the amount of the gold belonging to the former Russian Imperial or Provisional Governments referred to in Clause (b), Article 7, of the draft of proposed general treaty between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; where is it held; how was it paid over to this country; was there any unexpended balance of the War loans advanced by the Government of His Britannic Majesty to the former Russian Imperial or Provisional Governments; is such unexpended balance on deposit in British banks; and is the gold referred to in Article 7 composed in all or in part of such unexpended balances?

I have been asked to reply. The amount of gold referred to was £60,000,000, which was placed at the disposal of His Majesty's Government in specie under War agreements, and used during the War. The answers to the fourth and fifth parts of the question are in the affirmative; as regards the sixth part, there is no connection whatever between the gold and these balances.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has received any communications from the Governments of Latvia, Esthonia, Lithuania or Finland upon points in the Russian Treaty affecting their interests?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the bad condition of the road between Lambourn and Newbury, Berkshire; that there is a large and increasing amount of traffic on that road; and whether, in view of the desirability of having a. good direct road between Swindon and Newbury and the opportunity of providing work for the unemployed in the neighbourhood, he will make a special grant for the widening and straightening of this road?

No reports of an exceptional character have reached me regarding this road, though I am aware that in places it is narrow and tortuous. I have already made a grant this year towards the improvement of one inconvenient corner, and if a comprehensive plan of a more general character is submitted by the responsible highway authorities, I shall be glad to consider it.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction in the northern district of Argyllshire with the tolls, tariffs and restrictions upon transport imposed by the company which now owns the bridge across the narrow passage of Loch Etive at Connell Ferry and of the penalties imposed upon traders with wagons and machines; whether his attention has been drawn to a case in which a coffin had to be taken out of a hearse and ferried across the loch by the owner of a neighbouring yacht: is he aware that the company's tariff is 1s. 6d. per mile for a corpse and 10½ per mile if the corpse is that of child under 12 years of age: and will he inquire into this?

I would refer my hon. Friend generally to the reply given to him to-day to another question regarding Connell Ferry Bridge.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the old right of way at Connell Ferry, Argyllshire, was taken over by the Oban-Callendar Railway Company upon the pledge that the bridge the company would erect over Loch Etive would serve the public at reasonable charges; that the present tolls include 10s. for a motor car, 5s. for a horse, 2s. for a sheep, and that every animal taken over the bridge must be led singly upon a halter; that every time a man crosses the bridge in charge of an animal he has to pay 2d. in addition to the charge for the animal, which means 2s. 2d. for the passage of a single sheep; and whether, seeing that these serious restrictions and tolls upon transport operate in restraint of trade in the Appen district, he will say what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

The tolls in question were approved by the Board of Trade in 1914 after a local inquiry. My Department had some correspondence with the Caledonian Railway Company with regard to the tolls in 1922, but it was not then found practicable to make any reduction in view of the increased expenditure on the bridge. I am sending a copy of my hon. Friend's question to the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company, and will communicate further with him in due course.

asked the Minister of Transport the number of road schemes sanctioned between January and October, 1924, the number of men employed, and the estimated cost?

I assume that my hon. Friend's question refers, not only to road schemes primarily initiated for the relief of unemployment, but also to others which local authorities have been encouraged to add to their normal programme, and which will produce a beneficial effect on the labour situation. The total number of such schemes sanctioned between 1st January and 30th September, 1924, is 614. They involve a total estimated expenditure exceeding £11,000,000. I regret I am not in a position to give exact information as to the number of men employed, but I am obtaining an improved return.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is now in a position to sanction the proposed causeway on the River Thames at Erith or, alternatively, will he state the reasons why this improvement is delayed?

This matter is not one within my jurisdiction. I have, however, been in communication in regard to it with the Erith Urban District Council and the Port of London Authority and have suggested to the latter body that in all the circumstances they might reasonably undertake the work of improving the existing landing facilities at Erith. I regret, however, that up to the present the Port Authority have not seen their way to do more than to offer to detail plant and staff for the purpose on a repayment basis.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is now prepared to make any statement on the construction of roads in Scotland; whether his recent visit to the Western Highlands has convinced him of the importance and necessity of a new road to Inverness from Glasgow via Fort William; and the reason for the reduction of the amount of money allocated to the local authorities in Scotland?

My recent visit to the Western Highlands has certainly convinced me of the importance and the necessity for considerable road improvement works, involving, in many cases, the construction of entirely new sections, the realignment of many and the reconstruction of bridges. Such improvements are eminently desirable through portions of the Counties of Perth, Argyll, Inverness, Ross and Sutherlandshire, and my Department is now engaged upon the preparation of a scheme which, I hope, will be presented to me before the House again meets. I am not aware that there has been any reduction of the amount of money allocated to local authorities in Scotland, and I can only assume that my hon. Friend has been misinformed. The facts are that a much larger sum than heretofore has now been made available for Scotland, and is in course of being expended.

asked the Minister of Transport what action, if any, he has taken to give effect to the proposals contained in the Majority Report, dated the 27th June last, of his Departmental Committee on Motor Car Taxation, in reference to the setting up of an investigation into the revision of the Treasury (R.A.C.) rating of horse-power?

I am making inquiries to ascertain whether the organisations representative of motoring interests are of opinion that the question of revision of the formula for taxation purposes should be considered by an expert and technical committee.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what number of vessels belonging to the Southern Railway Company ply between the ports of Dover, Folkestone, Calais and Boulogne; what number of passengers each is licensed to carry; whether in licensing the vessels the Board take any and what steps to secure that proper accommodation is provided for passengers; and whether he will make inquiries as to whether or no the Southern Company habitually carry more passengers than the authorised number; and, in the event of his being satisfied that they do, whether he will order an immediate prosecution of this company?

The following are the five steamers belonging to the Southern Railway Company which ply between Dover, Folkestone, Calais and Boulogne, with the number of passengers they are certified to carry on this service:

		Passengers.
"Biarritz"	…	1,400
"Engadine"	…	1,318
"Maid of Orleans"	…	1,400
"Riviera"	…	1,318
"Victoria."	…	1,268

The steamers are surveyed at least once a year, and the numbers allowed are governed by regulations, of which I am sending the hon. Baronet a copy. There is no reason to think the numbers allowed by these regulations are exceeded, but it has been represented that the numbers allowed are too large, and that the regulations need amendment. This is now being considered by the Board of Trade.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the Post Office accepts a £5 Bank of England note, plus the appropriate pence for poundage, as legal tender at a post office for £5-worth of postal orders; if so, will he state the Section of the Bank Act empowering the postmaster at Cromer, on 26th August last, to insist upon the tenderer endorsing a £5 Bank of England note with his name and address before the counter clerk would accept it in payment for £5-worth of postal orders; whether, in similar cases, refusal to accept payment by a £5 Bank of England note, unless endorsed by the tenderer with his name and address, is the general practice of the Post Office; and whether the public is similarly required to write name and address on currency notes tendered in payment at post offices?

A person tendering a Bank of England note at a post office is not required to write his name and address upon the back. I will make inquiry into the case referred to by the hon. Member.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the great overcrowding which exists in the offices at East Park Terrace, Southampton; whether the complaints of the staff have been brought to his notice as to the condition of the Park Road premises, seeing that these really consist of a disused chapel and schoolroom, both of which are very difficult to heat and ventilate; and, in view of the unsuitability of these premises for an office, will he consider the desirability of investigating the grievances of the staff, with a view to providing better accommodation?

A scheme for rearranging the accommodation at East Park Terrace is in hand, which will afford the normal standard of working space per head of the staff. With regard to the Park Road premises, new heating plant was installed in November, 1922, at a cost of over £350, and the ventilation has recently been improved by the provision of electric fans. I am assured that with these improvement the premises will be reasonably satisfactory.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the unsatisfactory nature of the sectional engineer's office, Post Office Engineering Department, Bateman Street, Cambridge. where the rooms are overcrowded and the sanitary arrangements quite inadequate; that the building, as a hole, is a private house in a terrace and totally unfit for the purpose for which it is being used; and will he investigate the disadvantages from which the staff suffer, with a view to remedial action?

I am aware that congestion exists in the sectional engineer's office at Cambridge, and search is already being made for suitable alternative premises. I will consider whether any steps can usefully be taken in the meantime to improve the existing conditions.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is now in a position to give information as to a publication entitled "Sex Knowledge," sold by the Proletarian Book Store, Glasgow; and whether, if a prosecution was instituted, he will state the result?

A prosecution was brought in the Sheriff Court, Glasgow, against those responsible for the book referred to on the ground of its obscenity. In view, however, of an undertaking given by the accused persons to stop all further publication of the book and to destroy all copies in their hands, Crown Counsel decided that the public interest would he best served by not carrying the proceedings further. The object suggested in the hon. and gallant Member's previous question of restraining the sale of this publication has thus been effected.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether any portion of the proposed special grant. under Section 86 of the Education Act, 1921, will be available for the administrative expenditure of local juvenile organisation committees, or whether it will be confined to organisations represented on such committees?

The special grant in question will be payable to local education authorities in respect of approved expenditure under Section 86 of the Act. The conditions under which it will be payable are indicated in Circular 1338, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy. I am prepared to entertain, in connection with arrangements submitted under the Circular, proposals by authorities to assist local juvenile organization committees in strengthening their administration.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many proposals to establish nursery schools have been received by his Department since he took office; and how many have been sanctioned?

Three proposals to establish nursery schools have been received since 1st January, 1924. Of these, one has already been sanctioned, one will, I hope, be sanctioned shortly, and the third is under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Education which authorities had completely abolished secondary school fees prior to February, 1924; which authorities have since applied for leave to do so; and to which of these sanction has been given?

Prior to February, 1924, fees had been abolished for all ordinary pupils in the areas of authorities in England as follows:

				Schools.
Bradford	…	…	…	9
Halifax	…	…	…	2
Manchester	…	…	…	4
Salford	…	…	…	2
Sheffield	…	…	…	4
Wallasey	…	…	…	2

And in the areas of authorities in Wales as follows:

			Schools.
Glamorgan	…	…	5
Rhondda	…	…	2
Swansea	…	…	2
Merthyr Tydfil	…	…	3
Newport	…	…	1

Since February proposals have been received for the abolition of fees in one existing school in Oldham, one in Smethwick, and four in Cardiff. These proposals have been approved, as have proposals that no fees should be charged in new schools to be opened in Manchester, Oldham and Smethwick. In addition, in the case of one school in Glamorgan and two schools in Rhondda, where the Board's sanction for the abolition of fees had been anticipated, the Board have now given their sanction to their abolition.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what contribution, if any, has been made to the British National Debt by the Irish Free State as provided for in the Irish Treaty; if he is aware that the Irish Free State are redeeming in cash the republican bonds issued by Mr. de Valera in Ireland and the United States: and if he has any information that the obligations under the Irish Treaty should have priority over the republican bonds?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to the hon. Member for South Kensington (Sir W. Davison) on the 13th May. In regard to the second part, I am aware that the Irish Free State Government has taken power to issue certificates in exchange for the bonds floated by the Dail Eireann prior to the Treaty of 1921. The obligations under Article 5 of the Treaty are at present indeterminate, and the question of priority remains unaffected.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can make any statement as to the prospect of the arrest and trial of the persons guilty of killing and wounding British officers and men at Queenstown; and if compensation in full has been given to the victims and sufferers of this outrage?

In reply to the first part of the question. I understand that every possible effort is being made by the Government of the Irish Free State to bring to justice the persons responsible for this outrage, but I am not in a position to say anything as to the prospect of success. As regards the second part, 25 claims for compensation have been submitted to the Compensation (Ireland) Commission. Awards, amounting to £19,140 19s, 7d. have been made by the Commission in 24 of these cases, and paid by the Government of the Irish Free State.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any arrangement has been come to or proposed whereby claims put forward by inhabitants of Southern Ireland for compensation for damage committed by the forces of the Crown are to be settled for a sum of £900,000; how many claims were heard by the Committee appointed to investigate; and whether he is aware that, in one of two test cases put forward, the claimant demanded £25,000 compensation for damage that did not actually exceed £25 and dropped the claim when the rebutting evidence was produced?

As the House is aware, His Majesty's Government are under obligation to refund to the Government of the Irish Free State so much of the sums paid by that Government in respect of the awards of the Wood-Renton Commission as arises out of damage done by servants of the Crown. His Majesty's Government are also under an obligation to pay compensation in respect of matters arising in the area which is now the Irish Free State, such as would have given ground for the award of compensation by a War Compensation Court under the Indemnity Act, 1920. There has further been a difference of opinion between His Majesty's Government and the Government of the Irish Free State as to the meaning and scope of the terms of reference to the Wood-Renton Commission.In these circumstances, His Majesty's Government have provisionally agreed with the Government of the Irish Free State to pay to that Government the sum of £900,000 in full and final discharge of all outstanding liabilities or claims against His Majesty's Government for compensation in respect of property in Ireland, including all outstanding and admitted liabilities under the two headings referred to above, and a contribution towards meeting the claims which, as I have explained, are in dispute. This sum includes the British liability in respect of all awards made by the Wood-Renton Commission under their existing terms of reference since 1st July last, and with the exception of such awards, it is in the nature of a commutation of future liabilities and claims which have not yet been determined, but which it is part of the understanding shall be dealt with by the existing Commission. In reply to the third part, I have no information as to the details of any such cases, but it will, of course, be for the Commission, as hitherto, to determine what compensation ought in reason and fairness to be paid in each ease.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether during his tenure of office he has received reports to the effect that in the Irish Free State the numbers and equipment of the armed forces agreed to under the Treaty have been exceeded, and that German military advisers have been employed in training these forces?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the second, I am informed that one or more German bandmasters are employed, and that a member of my staff who has heard them highly appreciated their performance.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many different nationalities are there in Singapore; and what is the population of each, approximately?

I will send the hon. and gallant Member a copy of the latest census report.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the system of land tenure in Nigeria?

I fear it is impossible to state fully within the limits of an answer the different systems of land tenure in Nigeria, but I will send the hon. Member a statement on the subject.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the publication of Command Paper 2237 explaining the Factories Bill, 1924, he proposes also to issue for the guidance of this House an analysis of the opinions of both employed and employers upon the more important changes proposed in the measure; whether such bodies of employed and employers have in each case been consulted; and, if not, whether they will be?

It is not proposed to issue any such document at present. As regards the second part of the question, every opportunity has been, and will be, given to organisations of employers and employed to make representations in regard to the provisions affecting them.

asked the Home Secretary if he is proposing, to establish a committee on factory inspection and inspectorate; and, if so, what the terms of reference are?

As my right hon. Friend stated in the Debate on the Home Office Vote on the 15th May, it is intended when the Factories Bill is through, or, at any rate, through its main stages, to set up a committee to make a comprehensive survey of the whole position. The terms of reference have not yet been settled.

asked the Home Secretary what cities, boroughs, or places there are in England and Wales where a stipendiary magistrate has been appointed?

Outside the Metropolitan district, there are 13 municipal boroughs and five other special districts for which stipendiary magistrates are appointed. The names will be found in the Law List.

asked the Home Secretary if he is able to see his way to introduce a Bill into Parliament to amend the law relating to Parliamentary and other elections so as to prevent one or more parties influencing the elections by the use of motor cars to take able-bodied people to the polls; and will he, if introducing such an Amendment, make it illegal to use motor cars for the bringing up to the poll of able-bodied voters, and that, except for the personal use of agent or candidate, the only cars used for taking to the poll electors shall be those provided by the returning officers for the purpose of taking infirm people to the poll?

My right hon. Friend cannot at present give any promise of legislation, but I can assure the hon. Member that this important matter will receive full and sympathetic consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department (1) how many circular letters were issued by his Department in September offering surplus copies of the British Industries Fair Catalogue, and how many copies were applied for;(2) how many copies of the British Industries Fair Catalogue were printed; how many given away to buyers at the fair: and how many were sold?

The total number of catalogues printed for distribution at the British Industries Fair was 30,000, of which 12,107 were distributed free to invited visitors. I might explain that these catalogues are primarily intended for free distribution to visitors to the Fair. In addition, 126 copies were sold. Since the close of the Fair 88,243 circular letters have been despatched to firms who have been invited to visit the Fair, and these letters have resulted in the sale of a further 2,393 copies. In addition to the 30,000 catalogues printed for distribution in this country, 10,000 catalogues were printed specially for distribution to commercial houses abroad, and of these 9,285 have so far been distributed. I should add that the production of the catalogue involves no expenditure of public funds—the cost being covered by the receipt from advertisements.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware of the unsatisfactory state of the typing room in the Treasury Solicitor's Department, Royal Courts of Justice, owing to the fact that the premises are used for a record room for files as well as for work, and that 10 girls are working in a small space with restricted ventilation and excessive dust; and whether better arrangements can be made for the comfort of those employed on the work in question?

No representations have been made to me in regard to this matter, but I am causing inquiries to be made, and will communicate with the hon. Member in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, with regard to the decision announced in the letter of 20th August from Sir Eyre Crowe, addressed to the Reverend Hunter Smith at. Lucerne, stating that it had been decided that a British consular office at Lucerne is not necessary, he will reconsider the decision in view of the following facts: that 40,173 British visitors went to Lucerne last year against 18,841 from the United States, who have a Consulate at Lucerne: that there was a British Consul or Vice-Consul at Lucerne from 1886 until the recent resignation of Consul Harley: that three banks at Lucerne have each of them offered to provide office accommodation for the Consulate free and the general inquiries office is prepared to defray all office expenses; and that Lucerne is the greatest holiday centre for British nationals in Europe?

The question of re-establishing a consular post at Lucerne is being considered.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what the duties of the persons shown on page 403 of the Navy List under the Department of the Secretary of the Admiralty and designated welfare staff are: if these appointments are permanent and, if the billets are not filled by active-service ratings, will he consider the possibility of employing active service and pensioner naval ratings in view of the additional efficiency that would result in dealing with naval welfare matters by the employment of such men in possession of technical details affecting welfare requests?

The "hon. Member has evidently been misled by the words "welfare staff.'' The two persons re- ferred to are women, whose duties mainly relate to the female staff at the Admiralty headquarter offices, and are not concerned with "naval welfare" at all.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any steps have yet been taken to apply Paragraph 45 of the Lytton Report regarding ex-service men employed in a technical capacity; and whether he is aware that in some cases technical ex-service men who have been employed for five or six years have been given notice and are being replaced by permanent executive officers with no technical knowledge whatever?

The recommendations in Paragraph 45 of the Third Report of the Lytton Committee have been applied in cases to which they were appropriate. I am not aware of the cases referred to in the second part of the question, but I would remind the hon. Member that the paragraph relates to posts recruitment to which would normally be by nomination or limited competition amongst persons outside the Service and it has no bearing on the filling of posts (which apparently do not require technical qualifications) by permanent civil servants.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps the Government is taking to apply Paragraphs 55 and 56 of the Lytton Report so far as the permanent messenger posts in the Civil Service are concerned?

Posts of established messenger in the Civil Service are now filled by the promotion of unestablished messengers, while unestablished messengers have for some time past been appointed through the machinery of the Joint Substitution Board (except in the case of the Admiralty and War Office, who themselves appoint long-service sailors and soldiers), and such appointments have been confined to ex-service men. The result of these two measures is lo give effect to the intentions of the Lytton Committee.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what standard of salary entitles a civil servant to first- class railway fares when absent on duty; and to what extent the officials of the various Departments are governed by uniform regulation of the travelling and subsistence allowances?

The general rule governing the class of railway travel allowed to civil servants whilst on official duty was stated in the reply to the hon. Member for Lambeth, North, on 8th May last, to which I would refer the hon. Member. It is the general policy of the Treasury to co-ordinate as far as possible the rates of travelling and subsistence allowances payable to officers of similar status in different Departments.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware of the unsatisfactory accommodation provided for the staff of the Customs Statistics Office, in Brewery Block, Dudley House, Endell Street; is he aware that the lavatory accommodation is defective and inadequate, that much of the lighting is bad, that the heating is imperfect, that the ventilation requires considerable attention, and that, owing to the joint operation of many punching machines and tabulators in a crowded room, many of the female staff suffer from nerves; and whether, in view of the complaints which exist with regard to practically every room in the building, he will cause a thorough investigation to be made, with a view to removing the disadvantages under which the staff labour?

my attention has not previously been drawn to this matter, and I am having inquiries made.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that a skilled engineer's wages are 56s. per week, or 17s. over pre-War scale, and that a dustman's wages are 55s. per week, or 27s. over pre-War scale; that the agricultural labourers' wages are 28s. per week, or about 10s. over pre-War scale; and whether the Government proposes to take any steps to remedy the existing inequalities and to secure a reasonable relativity of remuneration between skilled and unskilled labour?

I have been asked to reply. I am aware that the differences between the pre-War and the present rates of wages in the various industries and occupations are unequal. In the case of agricultural workers, wages boards are to be appointed under the recent Act, but I am not prepared to say that similar procedure would be appropriate for the other classes mentioned by the hon. Member, and for the time being, at any rate, I think we shall have to rely on the voluntary adjustment of wages, in accordance with, old-established practice, by the employers' and workers' organisations concerned. I may add that questions relating to industrial remuneration will be discussed by the recently appointed Committee on Industry and Trade.

asked the Prime Minister if an agreement has been made with any European countries for the simultaneous introduction of measures to give effect to the International Convention on Hours of Employment?

The present policy of His Majesty's Government is to give effect to the Washington Hours Convention irrespective of any action which may be taken by other European Governments, and the Hours of Industrial Employment Bill has been introduced for this purpose. When the question of the ratification of this Convention was discussed by the British, Belgian, French and German Ministers of Labour the Conference closed with the unanimous feeling that common ratification was possible.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that unemployment benefit has been refused to Elizabeth McCleary, of Millom, on the ground that she has refused to enter domestic service; that this woman is a trained shorthand-typist with no domestic training, and that even if she had any aptitude for domestic service she would in such service lose the proficiency in shorthand and typing, which it has taken her years to acquire; and will he inquire into the circumstances of this case?

I have had no previous information regarding this case, but I am having inquiries made, and will communicate the result to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that a dependency benefit under the Unemployment Insurance Act has been refused to John Huddleston, of Millom, in respect of his daughter, who has acted, and is still acting, as his housekeeper; and, having regard to the fact that this daughter has practically mothered the rest of her brothers and sisters since her mother's death, will he state upon what grounds dependency benefits are refused in such cases?

This case had not previously been brought to my notice, but I am having inquiries made, and will let my hon. Friend know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of applications for benefit since the passing of the new Unemployment Insurance Act and the number of refusals of benefit at the Parkhead, Bridgeton, and South Side Exchanges of Glasgow, and the ground; of refusal?

The number of fresh applications for benefit at the Employment Exchanges in question was 19,148 during the period 4th August to 22nd September. Statistics of refusal of benefit are kept only in regard to applications for "extended benefit." During the period 1st August to 8th September, 7,919 such applications were referred to the Local Employment Committee, and of these 716 were rejected. Of the 716 rejections, 266 were on the ground that the applicant was not normally employed in insurable employment; 33 because insurable employment was not likely to be available; 175 because the applicant had not had a reasonable period of insurable employment during the preceding two years, having regard to all the circumstances; 129 because the applicant was not making every reasonable effort to obtain suitable employment or not willing to accept suitable employment; and 113 because of failure to appear at the hearing of the case.

asked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been drawn to the case of Donald Kennedy, Milton of Campsie, Stirlingshire; if he is aware that this man, though willing and able to work, has been refused insurance benefit on the ground that he is 67 years of age and unlikely to secure other than casual insurable employment; that he has now been driven to the parish council for relief; and if, seeing that Mr. Kennedy is. tall and strong, and that he has not required the attention of a doctor for the past 27 years, he will have this decision reconsidered?

I regret that I am not at present in a position to add to the information which I have already given my hon. Friend privately, namely, that local Employment Committees cannot see their way to recommend the grant of further benefit, because they are not satisfied that Mr. Kennedy complies with the statutory condition of being normally employed in insurable employment. Further inquiries are, however, in progress, and I will let my hon. Friend know the result.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of miners out of employment in the county of Durham during the month of September, 1924, compared with the month of March, 1924?

The number of unemployed miners on the registers of Employment Exchanges in the county of Durham on 28th September was 24,762, as compared with 4,381 on 24th March, 1924.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of women registered as unemployed in the city of Dundee; and whether he is aware that unemployed women in the Bridgeton district of Glasgow are being asked at the Exchanges if they would be willing to go to Dundee to take up work in that town?

The number of woman on the registers of the Dundee Employment Exchange at 22nd September, was 2,002. As regards the second part of the question, I am making inquiries and will communicate the result to my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Labour how many of the registered unemployed are ex-service men; and what special steps the Government are taking to find them work?

The periodical returns of men on the live registers of the Employment Exchanges do not show ex-service men separately. A special census taken on the 24th March last however, showed that out of 786,610 men then registered as unemployed 285,993 were ex-service men, and probably the proportion is not markedly different among the 887,800 men at present on the registers. As regards the last part of the question, Employment Exchanges are instructed to give preference, other things being equal, to ex-service men when submitting candidates for employment. In addition, Local Authorities receiving grants towards the cost of Relief Works are required in normal cases to engage ex-service men for the work to the extent of 75 per cent. of the numbers taken on. The hon. and gallant Member will be aware of the special efforts on behalf of disabled ex-service men made by the King's Roll National Council and local King's Roll Committees.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of disabled ex-service men who have, within the last six months, been found employment by the Employment Exchanges; how many such men were on the books six months ago; and how many are on them now?

The figures asked for are only available in respect of those on the special register of disabled ex-service men, which includes all those whose disablement is regarded as a definite handicap to them in finding employment. 4,309 men from this register were placed in employment by the exchanges during the six months ended 1st September. The number on the register was 11,091 on 3rd March last, and 13,505 on 1st September.

asked the Minister of Labour if any regulations exist whereby when a dockyard man has paid national unemployment fees from 1912 to the present year, and is now over 50 but under 60, and breaks down in health and is sent to the infirmary or the lunatic ward of an infirmary, his wife can draw his contributions for those years, such contributions being over 500 in number?

I presume the question relates to unemployment insurance contributions and not to health insurance contributions. In general there is no provision for the return of unemployment insurance contributions in such a case. Possibly, however, some payment could be claimed under the provisions made by the Act of July last for compensation for the abolition of the prospective rights to a refund at the age of 60. I will send the hon. and gallant Member a copy of a leaflet explaining the conditions for such payments.

asked the Minister of Health (1) if any urban district councils in Berkshire, with populations of less than 50,000 inhabitants, have taken preliminary steps to prepare schemes under the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924; and, if so, the number of houses in contemplation under such schemes:

(2) which, if any, of the rural districts in Berkshire have taken preliminary steps under the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924, to prepare schemes for the construction of houses for working-class families in agricultural and non-agricultural parishes, respectively?

Since the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act was passed on the 7th August last, most local authorities have been in recess, and there has not been sufficient time for local authorities to formulate completely their proposals under the new Act. Local authorities have been requested to frame their policy so as to provide for continuous house building, and, in addition to submitting proposals for immediate building, to adopt programmes for work which they will be able to carry out effectively during the next two years. I shall be glad to give the House from time to time as complete information as possible.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has taken the neces- sary steps to have a return made at regular intervals of the number of apprentices in the building trade; and whether he will arrange for such returns to be published at intervals of not more than a month?

Steps are being taken to set up the Industrial Committees which I have foreshadowed in connection with the housing scheme and, as part of the arrangements, I hope to provide for the periodical supply of statistics as to the numbers of apprentices.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has read the statement of Sir George Newman in his Report for 1923, to the effect that there are many authorities find medical officers of health who muddle on from hand to mouth, the victims of every passing whim or popular stunt, instead of organising their work as responsible and competent men charged with the duty of directing the public service of their district; whether there is any record at the Ministry of the muddling authorities and incompetent medical officers of health: and, if so, what action he proposes to take, in the interests of the community, to remove the medical officers of health referred to from office and to supersede such authorities?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is "Yes." With regard to the third part, the difficulty is largely due to the passivity of local public opinion on health questions in many areas, and I have this point under consideration. Further difficulty arises owing to the number and size of many of the 1,800 sanitary authorities, a subject which would fall within the scope of the terms of reference to the Royal Commission on Local Government now sitting. There is no question that the large authorities are, as a whole, discharging their duties satisfactorily. In regard to the tenure of office of medical officers of health, I may refer the hon. Gentleman to my answer to the right hon. and learned Member for Ealing on 15th February last.

asked the Minister of Health if the statement in the Annual Report for 1923 of Sir George Newman, to the effect that in hundreds of sanitary districts there is a failure to use the facilities which the sanitary law provides, is based upon official records of the Ministry of Health; and, if so, whether he is prepared to appoint a Royal Commission to inquire generally into the whole question of the administration of the laws relating to public health and housing and the generally unsatisfactory conditions prevailing in the sanitary service?

The answer to the, first part of the question is "Yes." The second part refers to a matter which would fall within the scope of the terms of reference to the Royal Commission now sitting on Local Government.

asked the Minister of Health if he has approved of the terms of the advertisement by the Tetbury Urban and District Councils, dated 11th August, 1924, inviting applications for the position of sanitary inspector to the two councils, the officer appointed to devote his whole time to the duty of his offices, provide his own office accommodation, and pay his own travelling expenses; whether he is aware that the district comprises 14 parishes, with an area of 56,320 acres; that, in addition to his duties as sanitary inspector, such officer will also have to act as housing inspector, inspector of workshops, carry out all orders of the Ministry of Health, perform such other duties as the council may direct, act as surveyor and manager of the sewage outfall works, and as waterworks engineer to the urban council; and that the inclusive joint salary is £251 per annum; and whether he is satisfied that one officer can possibly discharge the duties of all the offices set out and that the salary is an adequate one for the office of sanitary inspector alone?

The reply to the first part of the question is "Yes," but, according to the Department's information, the total area of the two districts is less than 30,000 acres, and not 56,320 acres as stated. I understand that the council have obtained the services of a young and properly qualified officer, whose appointment I am about to approve. The salary rises to £301 per annum.

asked the Minister of Health whether he approved of the terms of the advertisement issued by the Thetford Rural District Council for a sanitary inspector at a salary of £150 per annum, the inspector to pay his own travelling expenses; whether he is aware that the population of the district is 9,353, and the acreage 95,873; whether he is satisfied that the salary is an adequate one, and what proportion is estimated to cover travelling expenses; whether he is aware that the rural district council have appointed an unqualified man; and what action he proposes to take?

The council advertised the appointment without obtaining my right hon. Friend's approval, and he has informed them that he considers the terms offered inadequate. My right hon. Friend is still in communication with the council.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the continuously enlarging financial responsibilities accepted by the State with regard to unemployment, invalidity and old age, he will state the policy of the Government with respect to the procreation of children who, owing to physical or mental deficiencies, become a charge upon the State funds: and whether he is prepared to appoint a Royal Commission to investigate the possibilities of improving the calibre of the nation by restricting the procreation of children to persons possessing a recognised minimum standard of physical and mental efficiency?

As at present advised, my right hon. Friend does not see his way to recommending the appointment of a Royal Commission on this question. I may perhaps add that he is not aware of the existence of any recognised standards of physical and mental efficiency.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any decision has been reached as to the new situation for the school of tank gunnery; and when it is proposed to evacuate the existing school at Lulworth Cove and restore the amenities of that district for the enjoyment of the public?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is the Government's intention to purchase the land adjoining Lulworth Cove at present used as a tank gunnery school, to renew the lease, or to abandon it; and whether he has received any representations from the local inhabitants either in favour or against Government retention of this land?

The Army Council are now considering the question of an alternative site, but I regret that I am not in a position to say more at present. As my hon. and gallant Friends are aware, the finding and acquisition of a site of this character will take some time. In the meantime, the amenities of Lulworth Cove, which is not within the danger area, are but little affected. I have received representations both against and in favour of the retention of the land, and local opinion appears to be by no means unanimous.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the inroads made by the sea last winter in the neighbourhood of the Seabrook lifeboat house and in front of the War Office land and main road at Seabrook, Kent; if he is aware that the breach made by the sea is unrepaired; and whether, in view of the danger of the breach being extended during the forthcoming winter and further damage being done to Government property as well as to property on and adjacent to the high road, he will take immediate steps to cause the necessary repairs to be effected and the sea-wall to be made up?

I am aware of the encroachment of the sea referred to, but the small plot of War Department land affected is not of sufficient importance to warrant expenditure from Army funds in protecting it. The answer to the last part of the question is, therefore, in the negative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received a copy of a resolution passed by a joint meeting of British traders, held on 3rd September, calling for the abandonment of the present system of collecting German reparations by means of a levy, which, they claim, operates as a very serious handicap to British traders in competition with other European countries and with our own Dominions; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second in the negative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can give a list of the commodities which by special order are exempted from the operation of the German Reparation (Recovery) Act, 1921; and if he will give the names of the members of the Board of Trade Committee on whose authority the exemptions have been made from time to time?

I am sending the hon. Member a list of the 16 exemption orders under the Reparation Recovery Act, which are still in operation. The Committee upon whose recommendations these orders are made consists; of the following gentlemen: Mr. H. A. Trotter (chairman), Mr. F. R. Davenport. Mr. Stanley Machin and Mr. D. Withers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the anxiety among friendly societies owing to the failure of the Paymaster-General to give a receipt to the treasurers or trustees of these societies in return for the security deposits placed with the Government under the Industrial Assurance Act of 1923; whether, in particular, he is aware that the Albion Friendly Society, Bolton, deposited £30,000 Funding Stock on 6th December, 1923, and has, so far, failed to secure a receipt for that deposit; and whether he will see that a properly drawn receipt, free of cost, will be supplied which will be accepted by the auditors of the depositing societies?

I have been asked to reply. I am making inquiries into the facts of the ease cited by my hon. Friend, and will communicate the result to him as soon as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he is aware/ of the recent advance in the price of bread and other household necessaries, particularly in the case of those dutiable articles of household consumption on which the duty was reduced by the 1924 Budget; whether he has information indicating that rings exist with a view to taking advantage of the reduction in duty to advance the price; and if he intends to take any action to deal with the situation thereby created?

(2) the average retail price of tea on the day before the present Government came into office, on the day on which the Budget of 1924 was introduced, and on the 30th September, 1924; whether he has information that the advance in price is due to concerted action by those in a position to create an artificial rise in price; and what action, if any, the Government proposes to take with a view to preventing profiteering in essentials?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what were the retail prices of tea on 30th September; and what were the prices on the 31st March last?

The various movements of both retail and wholesale prices are being closely watched, but I must point out that they have not been all in one direction; and it would be incorrect to say that they have been particularly marked in the case of those dutiable articles on which the duty was reduced by the last Budget. With regard to the prices of tea. and sugar on particular dates, I am having a table prepared showing the course of prices at various dates during the present year, but I am not yet able to give average figures for the 30th September as asked for by the hon. Members, and the table shall be completed as soon as possible. I may observe that nothing that can properly be termed an arithmetical average of retail prices for all parts of the whole Kingdom can be compiled, but representative figures shall be given. I have at present no information indicating that the variations in prices, either upward or downward, have been due to other than general economic causes; arid, in particular, I have no evidence that the changes are due to concerted action by dealers whether wholesale or retail. But the subject is engaging the constant attention of the Board of Trade with a view to such action being taken as may be practicable.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the recent Report of the Select Committee on Estimates to the effect that the number of Anglo-Gorman eases in the Enemy Debts Department has been reduced only from 1,580 in October 1923, to 1,467 in March last; and whether the Government propose to endeavour to arrange the institution of a third tribunal in order to expedite the liquidation of claims?

My attention has been drawn to the passage in the Report of the Select Committee on Estimates, to which the hon. Member refers. The consent of the German Government has been obtained to the establishment of a Third Division of the Anglo-German Mixed Arbitral Tribunal, and arrangements are being made to set up the Division at the earliest possible moment.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information as to the extent to which gramophone and other musical instrument factories in this country are engaged in production at the present time?

I am informed that the gramophone and other musical instruments factories are at present very fully employed, in many cases working overtime, and unable to cope with the greatly increased demand. No figures are available as to their actual output.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the circumstances in which a loan of £100,000 was made by His Majesty's Treasury to the Merton Board Mill, Limited?

A guarantee for principal and interest of a loan of £100,000 for ten years to be raised by the company was given by the Treasury in October, 1922, under the Trade Facilities Acts, on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee appointed under those Acts.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that during the last few months thousands of miners have been thrown out of work by coalowners stopping several collieries in the County of Durham; and whether he will appoint a committee to inquire as to the reason of such stoppages, so that it may be ascertained whether the coal companies belonging to these collieries were not in a financial position to keep them working, or whether their object was to stop the least remunerative collieries so that they would make more profit by only working their other Collieries?

I am aware that a considerable number of collieries have been closed during the last few months both in Durham and in other coalfields. I have, however, no power to compel any colliery to continue at work against the judgment of its owners, or to provide them with funds for the purpose, and I fear, therefore, that the inquiry which my hon. Friend suggests could not enable me to take any effective action.

asked the Secretary for Mines what is the average wage cost per ton of coal produced in the eastern, federated, area at present?

The latest information available relates to July, when the average wages cost was 12s. ll¼d. per ton of all coal raised or 14s. 0½d. per ton disposable commercially.

asked the Secretary for Mines the quantity of coal exported to Russia in 1913 and 1923, respectively?

5,998,434 tons of coal were exported from this country to Russia in 1913, and 476,205 tons in 1923. In addition, about one million tons were exported in 1923 to territory which in 1913 was part of the Russian Empire.

asked the Attorney-General if he will make available to Members of the House copies of the information and the instructions to counsel in the proceedings against Mr. Campbell, the editor of the "Workers' Weekly"?

There is no precedent for this application, and if it is to be granted it will create a new practice. If, however, the Leaders of both the Opposition parties will make the request to me, I shall be only too pleased to accede to it.

asked the Attorney-General whether the alleged fact that the article in respect of which Mr. Campbell was prosecuted consisted of a printed extract from some other publication, was supplied by Mr. Campbell to the Director of Public Prosecutions or by some other, and what, person; whether he has caused inquiries to be made in order to ascertain if the publication in question consisted of a leaflet or article circulated by the Communist party or what form it in fact took; and whether, in view of the fact that, although the publication amounted, in his opinion, to a breach of the law, the prosecution was withdrawn because he thought Mr. Campbell could not be made responsible for it, he will now take every possible means of ascertaining who is the first and real author of this incitement to mutiny in order that that person may be brought to justice along with all who are responsible for its publication and circulation?

The information mentioned in this question was not supplied by Mr. Campbell. It was an inference drawn from the fact that the only manuscript that could be found by the police, either at the office or from the printers, consisted of a sheet of paper with a column apparently cut from some other newspaper pasted upon it. It has been found impossible by the police to identify the newspaper from which it was obtained, and the police are unable to identify any person as being the original author of the manuscript.