asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that a statement has been made by the Ex-Services Welfare Society that no less than 6,000 ex-service men are at present inmates of pauper lunatic asylums and in daily contact with the ordinary inmates of such institutions, most of whom are incurable; that the cost of maintaining these men is on an average 5s. 5d. per head, and in some cases less than 6d. per day per patient, and the average cost of surgery and dispensary treatment 2d. per week; and will he give his earnest consideration to the matter and frame a scheme under which these men may be removed to more congenial surroundings, where they may have more chance of recovery and receive such treatment as will recognise their right to the greatest measure of comfort, such as would be afforded by segregation, in recognition of their past service?

I am aware of the statement referred to in the first part of the question, and I would add that I deprecate most strongly the term applied to these institutions. Public asylums in this country are carried on at the charge of the county and borough rates and under the control of the county and borough authorities, and the description of them as pauper lunatic asylums on the ground that a proportion of the patients in them are to some extent supported by boards of guardians, is very gravely misleading and needlessly offensive, not only to the relatives of ex-service men, but to those of the many thousands of civilian patients.

Ex-service men, whose unfortunate mental condition has been found to be due to their war service, or aggravated thereby, and who, therefore, as certified patients are, under the general law of the land, in public asylums, are there on the footing of private patients, and the entire cost of their treatment is defrayed by my Department. That cost amounts on the average, not to the figure stated, but to 25s. a week, in addition to which allowances are paid both to the men themselves and to their families.

With regard to the latter part of the question, I would point out that the Government made provision in 1923 for separate special accommodation for those cases in which they were medically advised that a chance of recovery or improvement was offered by special treatment in the form of occupational training and instruction. For this purpose two institutions were opened in which at the present time 415 cases are accommodated. I would add that all cases of ex-service men in public asylums are under periodical inspection by medical officers of the Ministry in conjunction with those of the Board of Control, and every case that appears at all suitable for treatment in some other class of institution is removed from the asylum.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these statements have been made again and again by the Ex-Services' Welfare Society under the name of very respectable persons like Sir Frederick Milner, and does he say that these institutions were not hitherto and until the name was changed precisely the same kind of institutions as were formally known as county asylums? Will the right hon. Gentleman take it from one who has been on a visiting committee for 20 years that there have been a great number of persons in those institutions who have been maintained by the guardians?

It is quite true that a pamphlet was issued by the Welfare Society, but the pamphlet has been withdrawn—and very properly. I may say that I am entirely in agreement with the description of the "Daily Herald" that the pamphlet was a callous one, was not accurate, and was calculated to cause unnecessary pain and suffering.

Is it not a fact that some of these ex-service men are still retained in lunatic asylums where, according to the answer, they were taken?

Under the law all certified men have to be in asylums. When I was Minister of Pensions previously a special place was started for these ex-service men, but their friends often objected to their removal to these special institutions and preferred that the men should be in the county asylums.

Do I understand from the right hon. Gentleman that the reference in the "Daily Herald" was to this question?

No, the reference in the "Daily Herald" was to the pamphlet.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he can now announce the abolition or considerable extension of the time limit allowed in which appeals from the Ministry's decisions can be made to the Pensions Appeal Tribunal?

I fear that I should have no authority to adopt the course suggested, because the time limit is laid down by Statute. At the same time, I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that an arrangement, whereby cases in which an appellant is shown to have been prevented by some unavoidable cause in making his appeal in the time allowed are put to the Tribunal, is in operation. In this connection, I may, perhaps, be allowed to draw the attention of my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer by my right hon. Friend the Member for West Bromwich on the 17th July last of which I am sending him a copy.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are no notices posted up in the different offices of the Ministry of Pensions throughout the country pointing out that the men must make their appeal to the medical board within twelve months? Is the right hon. Gentleman also aware that through the ignorance, in this matter, of these men that thousands of them throughout the country have failed to appeal: that being so, will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration cases of the kind and would he allow an appeal?

I am, of course, going into the question, but I have already pointed out that the Minister is limited in his action by Statute.

In view of the large majority on the opposite side of the House, would the right hon. Gentleman undertake to introduce legislation to give effect to what is required?

I am not prepared to do more than the other side properly did.

Will the right hon. Gentleman not consider the extension of legislation with a view to developing the policy of his predecessor?

I quite realise the point. As I said, I am going very fully into the matter, but it is one of great difficulty.

asked the Minister of Pensions if, in view of the hardship in many cases of ex-service men who have seen active service and whose pensions have either been reduced or discontinued by the appeal tribunals on the grounds that the cause of their ill-health was existent before joining the Colours but aggravated during military service, he will take the necessary steps to secure the rehearing of such cases as soon as possible?

Neither the Ministry nor the statutory appeal tribunals have power to reduce or discontinue a pension on the grounds stated by the hon. Member. On the contrary, compensation is payable under the Royal Warrant for a case of disability aggravated by war service so long as such aggravation persists, on the same terms as if the disability had been caused entirely by war service.

If I send the right Hon. Gentleman the facts of a case I have in mind will he undertake to investigate it and see if something can be done?

I shall be very happy to do so.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Major T. S. Impey, of the Royal Air Force, who after examination on 27th September last, was granted temporary retired pay at the rate of £54 from 31st May, 1924, to 26th September, 1925, but who has since been informed that as he has already received a short-service gratuity of £245 6s. 10d., the temporary retired pay will be withheld; and under what Regulations an officer who has been granted retired pay in respect of disability is deprived of that benefit by reason of having already received a short-service gratuity?

I am looking personally into this case, which is, I understand, one of a type presenting difficulties of rare occurrence. I will communicate as early as possible with the hon. Member.

Will the right hon. Gentleman direct his special attention to this kind of case where a man has received a gratuity for services while apparently in a sound state, and there is subsequently a risk of his being permanently deprived of the payment of compensation?

I am obliged to my hon. Friend for bringing the case to my notice. I am going into the matter.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the question of altering the Regulations which govern the making of education grants by the Special Grants Committee has been under his consideration; and whether any alteration is proposed?

I am not quite clear in what direction the hon. Member contemplates that alteration of the Regulations is called for. Representations on one or two points affecting the Regulations have, I believe, been laid before my predecessor by the Special Grants Committee, which shall receive consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that over 50 per cent, of these cases recommended by the local War Pensions Committee for educational grants are turned down by the Special Grants Committee because they say that the Regulations do not permit the Committee to make the grant? Surely, after 50 per cent, of these cases have been investigated by the local committee, and found to be seemingly eligible, the Regulations should not stand in the way? Will the matter be gone into?

As I have said, I am going into these matters.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that in the instructions issued by his Department to committees assessing pensions to de pendants, it is laid down that the capacity of relatives to contribute to dependants is to be taken advantage of to the fullest extent; and if, in view of the fact that the procedure often involves burdens and hardship upon relatives, has to be con stantly revised owing to their changing circumstances, and is contrary to the spirit of the State's responsibility for the service rendered to the State, he will consider the question of instituting a more humane and sympathetic procedure?

No instruction in the terms suggested by the hon. Member has been issued. The only class of pension now awarded to parents is that determined by the condition of need and incapacity for self-support. This pension, which may amount to 20s. a week, is administered on the basis (laid down by the Select Committee on Pensions in 1919) of the reasonable expectation of support which the deceased son might have been expected to contribute had he survived. While, therefore, some regard must reasonably be had to the other constituents of the family who would under normal circumstances have shared with the deceased son the support of the parent, such share may always be modified where the normal circumstances of the case would not justify the charge and instructions have been issued to this effect. Moreover, I am glad to say that, with the precise object of avoiding the constant review to which the hon. Member has drawn attention, I was enabled to make arrangements in 1923 for pensions of this class to be awarded for prolonged periods, during which they should not ordinarily be subject to review.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a large number of cases have fallen within the indictment contained in the question of pensioners being supported by their relatives, who have fallen on hard times? There is no pension at all. It is very difficult to re-open the question.

If the hon. Gentleman will send me facts of cases I shall be very happy to go into them.

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the total amount disbursed from the King's Fund to disabled men during the current year to date; and what is the balance of this fund and any other voluntary funds now remaining in the hands of the Ministry?

During the current year grants amounting in the aggregate to £25,000 have been made out of Voluntary funds in the hands of the Ministry. The grants have been made to widows and children of disabled men, as well as to disabled men themselves. The balance of the voluntary funds not already earmarked for specific distribution is approximately £58,000.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce legislation to set up unpaid boards throughout the country before whom all aliens must appear by a given date and prove to the satisfaction of the district board that their residence in this country is not against the interests of our own countrymen, failing which proof they will be repatriated?

I do not, as at present advised, consider the legislation suggested either necessary or desirable, but my hon. Friend may be assured that I am giving the closest personal consideration to the whole alien problem.

If the right hon. Gentleman cannot see his way to do so, is it possible for him to create a poll-tax on these gentlemen, who evidently prefer England to their own country?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, owing to the employment of alien seamen by British shipowners, there are many British seamen unemployed in Cardiff and other places?

As regards the first question, I must refer my hon. Friend to the Chancellor of the Exchequer. With regard to the second question, I am aware of the fact.

asked the Home Secretary whether any and, if so, what alteration or modification has been made in the regulations affecting the admission of aliens and, in particular, destitute aliens entering the United Kingdom during the last 12 months; whether, having regard to the number of unemployed British workers, he will consider what further steps he can take under the existing legislation to stem the tide of foreign imported labour; and, if necessary, will he promote such amending legislation as will effect that object?

No alteration of the kind indicated was made in the last 12 months. No alien is allowed to come here to seek employment, and no alien can come to take up employment unless a permit has already been obtained from the Minister of Labour by his prospective employer. Such permits are not issued if British labour is available, and there is not to my knowledge any tide of foreign imported labour flowing into this country. As at present advised, I do not think any fresh legislation is required, though if I think otherwise I shall not hesitate to ask for it.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any destitute aliens were landed in this country during the past 12 months?

Yes, I am afraid I am bound to say that some did creep in—get in. It is the constant effort of immigration officers to find those who come in as stowaways and turn them out.

Can we have the number?

The hon. Member can, if he will, put down a question.

asked the Home Secretary on what grounds it is proposed to deport Messrs. Soermus and Ulman; and whether any definite charges will be made against them?

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received any application from Soermus, the Russian violinist, for an extension of his permit to remain in this country on behalf of himself and Ulman, his pianist; if so, whether it has been refused; and on what grounds?

Neither Soermus nor Ulman is being deported from this country, and no question arises of charging them with any offence; they are both being required to leave at the expiry of the period for which permission was granted them by my predecessor to remain in this country, namely, 31st of this month. They are being treated in the same way as any other alien who has been allowed to land in the United Kingdom subject to a time limit.

May I ask what is the precise objection to extending the period of the permit, if asked for?

Simply that these two gentlemen asked for a permit to come over here some months ago. They were given that permit. Then they asked for an extension, and they got it from my predecessor. Then they asked for another extension and they got it to the 31st December. They were told that was final, and it is my opinion that it is final.

May I draw attention to the last part of my question, which has not been answered? Have they asked for an extension, and why it expires on the 31st of this month? If that application has been made or refused, on what grounds has it been refused?

They have made repeated applications for an extension of the period, and I have personally refused it.

I asked on what grounds had this been done, and that question has not been answered.

I am not prepared to state the grounds upon which I decline to allow any alien to remain in this country.

Is the Home Secretary prepared to apply the same conditions to the case of the ex-King Manuel of Portugal, and is the right hon. Gentleman going to ask him to leave this country?

He is not here under the provisions of the Aliens Act.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not able to give the House any more satisfactory explanation of his refusal to grant an extension than that he has not made up his mind?

That, to some people, is a great advantage.

Will the Home Secretary give some consideration to the fact that Soermus has been domiciled in England previously, that he has an English wife and children who are, to all intents and purposes, English, and that he is a very great musical artist; and that this case deserves very special consideration such as is given to people who are of high social status?

As this question has been put, I ought perhaps to say that Soermus has been once deported from this country three or four years ago. He applied for leave to come back and wrote a letter to the late Prime Minister. It was forwarded to the Home Secretary in the last Government, and he, in his discretion, thought it right to limit the period. It was an application to come back here to see his wife, and it was limited specifically to a certain period of time. That has since been extended and this musician has been playing at concerts here in spite of an undertaking which he gave not to do so. [An HON. MEMBER: "Why should he not do so"] I do not want to be led into a discussion of the alien question, but the object of a great deal of this legislation was to preserve work for British people. As I have already written to hon. Members opposite, I am not prepared to alter my decision, and he will have to leave on the 31st of this month.

I beg to give notice that after Questions I shall ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House on this matter.

asked the Home Secretary the number of aliens who applied for certificates of naturalisation for each of the years ending 31st October, 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923 and 1924; and how many of such applications were granted and how many refused?

It will perhaps serve the hon. Member's purpose if I give the numbers of certificates of naturalisation granted in each of the calendar years named and during the first eleven months of 1924, and also the numbers of refusals.

In 1920, 1921, 1922 and 1923 there were 2,259, 1,247, 894 and 1,125 certificates granted and in the first eleven months of 1924, 878. During the same periods, 331, 200, 85, 120 and 115 applications were refused.

asked the Home Secretary if he can state the number of aliens of German, Polish and Russian nationality resident in this country on 30th September, 1924?

The figures available relate to aliens who are either resident here or are in this country for more than two months and are accordingly required to register. On the date specified the aliens (both male and female) registered included 19,845 Germans, 6,164 Poles and 89,240 Russians.

asked the Home Secretary how many towns have tried the experiment of women police; in how many cases their services have been dispensed with; and if he will give, respectively, the names of those towns where the work of these policewomen has been approved and those where it has not?

I am sending the hon. Member a return showing the forces in which policewomen have been employed since 1919. In most cases I have no information as to the views formed by the several police authorities regarding the policewomen's work, apart from the fact of the authorities having dispensed with them or continued to employ them, as the case may be. Some information is contained in the evidence given before the Committee presided over by my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty, to which my hon. Friend may like to refer.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House what is the general policy of the Government in respect to this matter?

Is it not true that there is an overwhelming opinion that policewomen are not only a national but a moral necessity?

Is the right hon. Gentleman also aware that there is an overwhelming opinion that if the woman is employed as a police officer, she should do the work of a police officer, and not call on a policeman to finish it for her?

Is it not true that women police during the War arrested drunken men when policemen could not do it?

asked the Home Secretary what is the number of women police employed in the Metropolitan police force; and whether he is proposing to increase their number if he decides to increase the number of men in the force?

The present strength is 24. I have decided to increase the establishment to 50, and steps are being taken to recruit up to this figure.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the resolutions which have been passed by town and city councils and other public bodies, calling attention to the dangers constantly arising from the practice of pillion riding on motor bicycles, and calling upon the Government to introduce legislation to make this practice illegal; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take?

I have been asked to reply. I have received certain representations from various quarters on the subject, but on the information before me I do not consider that a case has been made out to justify the prohibition of the practice, which would require legislation.

Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to the fact that, in recent times particularly, a great number of fatal accidents have been caused by this practice?

I do not think the number of fatal cases is greater than it was a year or two ago. I may point out to my hon. Friend that it would require legislation to do this, and if he has studied the Gracious Speech from the Throne he will see that there are one or two items of legislation already outlined there, and therefore there will not be much time to spare.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the remarks of Mr. Justice Swift in the case of Veronica Lewis Simpson upon the fact that accused had been detained in prison awaiting trial from the 7th July to the first week in December, for an offence in which in ordinary circumstances he would have sentenced the woman to one day's imprisonment; and whether he proposes to take any steps to prevent the recurrence of similar cases in the future?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mrs. Veronica Lewis Stephen, who was kept in Holloway Prison for five months awaiting trial at the Surrey Assizes for bigamy, and who was eventually discharged, the Judge remarking that in the ordinary way the sentence would have been one day's imprisonment; and whether, in view of this and similar cases, it is the intention of the Government to promote legislation defining more explicitly than at present the circumstances under which people without means are granted bail on their own recognisances?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the case referred to by Justice Swift at the Surrey Assizes on Tuesday, 2nd December; whether he is aware that this woman, although untried, had been detained in prison for four months; and whether he will take steps to obviate such occurrences?

I will answer this question and Nos. 16 and 17 together. I am making inquiry into the circumstances of this particular case. The Criminal Justice Bill, which has been before the House during the last two Sessions, contains provisions which would to a large extent obviate the prolonged detention of persons awaiting trial. I hope that it may be possible to pass this Measure during the present Session. My Department has from time to time for many years urged magistrates to grant bail in all possible cases, and I propose again to draw their attention to the matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consult with the Lord Chancellor to see whether it would be possible in certain cases where there is a long interval between Assizes to hold special Courts?

That, of course, is a matter for the Lord Chancellor. I am fully convinced that these long gaps without bail are thoroughly wrong, and I will do my best, after consultation with the Lord Chancellor, to stop it.

asked the Home Secretary on what grounds action has been taken to prohibit the sale in this country of a book written by Sefior Ibanez?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to questions on this subject yesterday.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his officers, in calling upon the booksellers in regard to this book, divulged to the booksellers the nature of the book; and does he not think that an undesirable practice?

If any hon. Member desires to impugn the conduct individually of one of my officers, I must have details before I can make inquiries. I am not personally aware of the fact mentioned by the hon. Member.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the urgent need of appeal tribunals in the police force; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take for their establishment?

My attention has been drawn to the matter, and I am giving it my consideration, but I am not yet in a position to make any statement.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, in giving consideration to this matter, take into account not only the London police, but also provincial police forces?

Certainly.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is the intention of the Government to equalise conditions as between those police pensioners who retired before the 1st April, 1919, and those who retired on or after that date; and whether he will state the average pension of a policeman in each of these categories after the same number of years' service in each case?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The maximum pension for a constable in the Metropolitan Police on retirement after 26 years' approved service in March, 1919, was £92 3s. 8d. per annum, and at the present date is £156 10s. 9d., or £165 4s. 8d. if the constable has been granted the special long service increments.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not consider that there is an obvious injustice in making this distinction between two categories of men who have done service of equal value to the State?

I had very great sympathy with this case before I took office, but the point has always to be taken into consideration when the increased pension arises.

Will the right hon. Gentleman specially consider the cases of those men who were actually advised to retire a few days or weeks, and in some cases even a few hours, before this practice came into operation?

If there are cases of that kind, which the hon. and gallant Member can bring before my notice, I will consider them.

In view of the many anomalies which the right hon. Gentleman will discover on this question, will he help himself and the pensioners by having some inquiry made into the matter? Many superintendents who retired before March, 1919, are actually receiving a less pension than constables who retired later.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the cases of those who were retired on the eve of the 31st March, and who were reinstated because they had done such excellent service and were recommended by the local authorities to the Home Office to receive the new scale of pay?

If the right hon. Gentleman is going to consider the case of the ex-pensioners of this country, will he also consider the case of the ex-pensioners of the Royal Irish Constabulary?

I do not think the latter come under my jurisdiction at all. When I say that I will consider this matter, I must ask the House not to take it that I agree that this can be done. All I have promised, in courtesy to my hon. Friends, is that I will consider the case, but the House must understand that this decision was made long before I came into office, and I was not responsible for it.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any information as to the illegal use of licensed hackney carriages for conve3dng voters to the poll at the recent General Election; whether any special observations were made by the police on polling day; and whether any prosecutions have been undertaken?

I only know of three cases in which the police have had occasion to consider the institution of legal proceedings in respect of this offence during the last Election, and I have no information as to the result. The police had no special instructions from the Home Office on the point.

Are the department in fact taking action with regard to the people who use these carriages?

No, the only information I have is that certain chief constables in provincial districts wrote to inquire what the law was on the subject. We told them as best we could, and whether they are taking proceedings or not I do not know.

Is it left to the police to take proceedings?

Anybody may take proceedings in the matter.

But it is the duty of the Public Prosecutor, when these cases are brought before his attention, to prosecute?

No. I think not. I think there is no duty on the Public Prosecutor to prosecute in any of these electoral questions unless there is widespread corruption. Then it becomes a matter for him.

Could the Government bring in a Bill to prohibit anybody being brought to the poll?

Will they bring in a Bill to ensure that everybody goes to the poll?

asked the Home Secretary if he will consider the desirability of making a pronouncement on the question of declaring Saturday, 27th December, a bank holiday, in order to obtain uniformity in the closing of shops on that day?

The declaration of the 27th December as a bank holiday would be a Treasury matter, and I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which is being given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to Question No. 50.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to proclaim Saturday, 27th December, a bank holiday, as was done in 1919?

No, Sir. The arrangement in 1919 was made in view of the special conditions prevailing just after the War, and it is not considered advisable to repeat it.

asked the Home Secretary if he has considered the promise of the hon. Member for Oswestry, when acting as Home Secretary in the 1923 Parliament, to give his attention to the codification of all Acts of Parliament dealing with the question of compensa- tion for injury to workmen; and if he intends taking any steps towards the realisation of such promise?

I appreciate the importance of securing the consolidation of the Workmen's Compensation Acts, and the promise given by a former Home Secretary will be carried out as soon as practicable. I cannot, however, say at present when it will be possible to introduce the necessary Bill.

asked the Home Secretary whether any Irish political prisoners are still imprisoned in this country; if so, how many; and whether any of these have not yet been brought to trial?

There are some convicts who were sentenced to penal servitude in Ireland, and who, owing to the fact that there is no convict prison in Northern Ireland, are serving their sentences in England. I have no information in regard to their offences. As regards persons convicted in England, while I am not in a position to analyse a prisoner's motives, I know of no case which could reasonably be described as political. There are no such prisoners who are being detained without trial.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that between 1920 and 1924 only one promotion to the clerical class from the ranks of typists or writing assistants took place in his Department, contrary to the national Whitley agreement, under which suitable members of the grades concerned were to be promoted while appointments were being made from temporary staff examinations; and whether he will make inquiries as to recent promotions in the Pensions Ministry and Post Office and consider whether similar promotions can be made in his Department to fill a percentage of existing clerical vacancies?

I am aware that only one promotion to the clerical class from the ranks of women typists or writing assistants has taken place in the Home Office. All the present members of the women typing and writing assistant classes have been engaged since the War, and the best qualified of them were serving in the Department as temporary clerks or temporary typists in 1919 or 1920, when examinations for the post of woman clerk were held, for which they were eligible. They either failed to enter for the examination or entered and were not successful, and the fact that none of these women has yet been promoted does not, I think, in the circumstances afford any ground of complaint.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many pilots and observers, respectively, are available on the active or reserve lists and liable to be called up for duty in emergency; and what were the comparable figures in August, 1914?

There are on the active list 1,938 qualified officers and airmen pilots, 274 officers and airmen under instruction as pilots, and 45 officers qualified as observers. In the Reserve there are 548 officers qualified as pilots and 59 qualified as observers. Comparable figures for 1914 are not available without an amount of research which would, I think, not be justified.

Do these figures include officers of the Army and Navy who are qualified?

I am not quite sure whether they do. I think they do, but I will inquire and let my hon. and gallant Friend know.

Would not the encouragement of civil aviation in the Dominions have a good effect in this connection?

That really does not arise here.

asked theSecretary of State for Air, in view of the number of fatal accidents that have taken place, and are taking place, in the Royal Air Force, whether sums of money are invariably payable by way of pension or otherwise to the dependants of officers and men, respectively, when these meet their death from a cause attributable to the conditions of the Service; and, if not, in what conditions they are payable?

The Regulations relating to the grant of pensions and gratuities to widows and allowances to children or dependent relatives of officers and airmen are laid down in Chapter 43 of the King's Regulations and Air Council Instructions for the Royal Air Force, 1924. This volume, which has been laid before the House and is also on sale, shows the conditions governing eligibility for the various grants. A brief summary of the provisions is bound, by itself, to be misleading, but, subject to the hon. and gallant Member's supplementing my answer by referring to the volume in question, I may say that pension and gratuity are issuable to the widows and allowances to the children (subject to age limits) of officers and airmen whose death is directly attributable to the conditions of service, and, if no widow nor child is left, allowances are admissible for other dependants (that is, parents or brothers and sisters) where they were largely dependent on the deceased, and their pecuniary and other circumstances appear to the Air Council to justify the grant.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, when an airman dies in the Service from a cause attributable to the conditions of the Service without leaving a widow or child, the Air Council have no power to grant an allowance to his dependants unless the pecuniary or other circumstances of these justify the grant; if so, whether he will state the basis upon which these pecuniary or other circumstances are gauged; and whether he will take steps to see that power is given to pay an allowance to such dependants in the future wherever these suffer financially from the loss of one who has met his death in the Service and has been accustomed to make an allowance to such dependants?

In answer to the first part of the question, one of the conditions governing the eligibility of depend- ants other than widows and children (that is, parents, or, if there is no parent living, brothers or sisters) for allowances, is that their pecuniary and other circumstances are such as, in the opinion of the Air Council, to justify the grant. In answer to the second part, each case is considered on its merits and in the light of all the varying circumstances, and no basis or formula of universal application can be laid down. In answer to the last part, the Regulations are already designed to afford reasonable relief in the kind of dependency to which the hon. and gallant Member refers, and I do not think that any extended powers are necessary.

Is the right hon. Baronet aware that there are many cases in which the dependants of privates who have been killed have been denied any pension or allowance by his Department, on the ground that they were thought to be sufficiently well off; and will he undertake to regard their cases more sympathetically, in view of the fact that they had hitherto been supported by the deceased?

I should be surprised to find that that is so, but if the hon. and gallant Member can give me any cases I shall be glad to have them looked into.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the Government intend to do with the land and property belonging to the nation at Gretna?

It has been decided to proceed with the sale of the portions of the Gretna property which were not disposed of at the public auction held in July last.

In view of previous statements as to the great advantage of the production of shells under the social ownership of works, would not the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in the interests of the whole State, have that which he found so good in the production of war materials now used for purposes of peace production?

This matter has been very fully considered, and, as the hon. Gentleman knows, an enormous number of suggestions have been made in the time of the late Government for the utilisation of this property, or portions of it, for national purposes or national industry, but every one of those solutions and suggestions has broken down in practice, and it only really remains now to obtain the best possible sum which can be reached by open tender in the market.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a suggestion was made for the production of industrial alcohol, which he, as a War Minister, I make bold to say —[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"] Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that no investigation was made on that by technical men qualified to say whether or not that process could be carried out?

I gave a good deal of attention to the papers on this matter, which had been the subject of much discussion in the late Parliament, and I was convinced that there was really no practical proposal capable of standing examination which would enable these properties to be utilised. A great effort has been made, and we felt that the best thing was to dispose of the property in the ordinary way.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the prices of Government publications vary from about 30 per cent, to 800 per cent, above pre-War charges, and that the subsidy of 50 per cent, to public libraries granted in March, 1924, was practically negatived, so far as the smaller public libraries are concerned, by the withdrawal of the free list; whether he has received an appeal from the Library Association and a supporting resolution from the Association of British Chambers of Commerce on the subject of the distribution and cost of Government publications; and whether, in view of the great importance of such publications, he will consider the advisability of granting an increased subsidy to public libraries and of recognising about 20 public libraries in selected geographical areas as depository libraries where all Government publications could be consulted by the public immediately after publication?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the United States of America law provides for over 600 libraries receiving, if they so desire, one copy of every printed publication of a public character; and whether, in view of the increasing desire on the part of the public for information upon which greater reliance can be placed than is possible with the major part of the public press, arrangements of a somewhat similar character to those in the United States of America can be made, either in the case of all or a limited number of public libraries in Great Britain?

The Library Association have recently renewed to me an application formerly made to my predecessor for the supply of all Government publications free to 20 selected public libraries, but after full consideration I have come to the conclusion that the concession of the late Government in authorising the Stationery Office to supply at half price any publication to any public free library maintained out of the rates, or any library of a university in receipt of Government grants, represents a full recognition of any claim which the ratepayers of any area may have upon the general body of taxpayers in this matter. The question of the prices of Government publications is being kept continually under review, and I may say that, owing to the lower level of contracts now in force, it will be possible to make a material reduction in the scale on which Parliamentary publications are priced as from the 1st January next.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consent to receive a deputation on this matter, and will he give the House an assurance that no Government publication will be priced at any more than the cost of production?

I shall, naturally, be glad to hear any representations on the subject, but I do not think we can make a bigger concession at the present time, considering that libraries have, in the last six months, instead of the subsidy of £250, received for £882 publications which would have cost in the ordinary way £1,780.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consent to receive a deputation?

rose—

If there is a little debate on every question, it gives no chance to other Members who come later on.

He is a new Member, Mr. Speaker.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is able to announce any decision with regard to the holding of the acting teachers' certificate examination in the future?

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Departmental Committee on the Training of Teachers has yet reported; "and whether he is in a position to state if an examination of uncertificated teachers is to be held in the near future?

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Departmental Committee on the Training of Teachers have made any Report yet; and, if not, can he say when a Report may be expected?

I understand that the Report of the Departmental Committee on the Training of Teachers is expected to be ready for presentation some time between Christmas and Easter next. I am afraid that at this moment I can only repeat the opinion expressed in the House on 2nd July last, by the right hon. Member for Newcastle Central (Mr. Trevelyan), and previously by my right hon. Friend the Member for Ripon (Mr. E. Wood), that it is impossible to make any statement on the future of the examination until the Report of the Committee has been received.

Would the Noble Lord say how there is any connection between this Report and his ability to make a statement? These people have always had this examination year after year; why should it be contingent on the Report? Cannot the Noble Lord announce it for one year?

Is the Noble Lord aware that a similar answer was given to a similar question as far back as last February, and may I suggest to him that he should apply some gunpowder to his Department and get a move on?

There is, naturally, a connection between the training of teachers and the examination. With regard to the second supplementary question, it is not a case of Departmental action being slow; it is a case of an independent Committee, which has been asked to report to me, under the chairmanship of Lord Burnham, and which is about to present its Report.

My question refers to a Departmental Committee, not an independent Committee.

I must ask hon. Members to study the Order Paper. It is not fair to other Members that there should he so many supplementary questions.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the position of the Ottoman four per cent, loan of 1891, and of the Ottoman three-and-a-half per cent, loan of 1894, secured on the Egyptian tribute?

The position remains as described in the reply given to a similar question by my hon. Friend in the last Parliament on the 9th October last.

Did redemption of the bonds take place in the month of October in these years 1891 and 1894?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if Portugal has repaid the credits given by the British Export Credit Department in 1922?

The agreement with the Portuguese Government provides that the credit shall be discharged by monthly payments. These payments have been duly made by the Portuguese Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the necessity for economy in public expenditure, he will revoke the decision in regard to the Government meeting the cost of free travel by rail to Members of the House of Commons between London and their constituencies?

This question was fully discussed and the decision left to a free vote of the House. I am not, therefore, prepared to take any steps in the matter as suggested by my hon. Friend.

If it is impossible for the Prime Minister to do that, would it be possible for him to grant a travelling allowance to people going to and from their work, which will be exempted from Income Tax, so that they will not feel that Members of Parliament are put on a preferential basis?

That is a question which should be put to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Will the Prime Minister consider whether London Members could not be granted facilities for travel equal to the other people in the provinces?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the reflections recently made upon some of the higher officials of the Foreign Office in connection with the Zinovieff letter, he will take the first opportunity of allowing the House of Commons to express a vote of confidence in that arm of the Civil Service?

I do not consider the course suggested by my hon. Friend to be either necessary or desirable.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that Coals of a secondary quality, costing about 20s. per ton at the pit-head, are being retailed in London at 47s. to 48s. per ton, he can see his way to extend the terms of reference to the Royal Com mission on Food Prices so as to include an inquiry into this related matter?

The terms of the Royal Commission are already very wide, and, having regard to the desirability of obtaining early reports, I do not think it would be wise to extend the terms of reference, but the question of retail coal prices is not being overlooked.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government has considered the question of evacuating the first zone of occupied territory at the end of the five years as laid down In the Treaty of Versailles; if so, what conclusion has been reached; and if he is aware that this zone is due for evacuation in January next?

The matter is being carefully examined by His Majesty's Government. The hon. and gallant Member will realise that a decision is subject to Allied agreement on a question of fact, namely, to what extent Germany will, by 10th January, 1925, have carried out the conditions precedent to evacuation prescribed by the Treaty of Versailles.

Do we understand that no agreement has been reached, and, if so, is it not possible for our Army to remain in occupation of Cologne indefinitely?

The statements the hon. and gallant Gentleman may have seen are entirely unauthorised and without foundation.

If our Government are satisfied that the Germans have carried out the Treaty, are we not free to carry out our obligation to withdraw?

In that case a very interesting situation will arise.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total of arrears unpaid of Income and Super-tax at 30th November; and what was the similar total on the same date in 1923?

I regret that I am unable to give particulars of the arrears of Income Tax outstanding at 30th November. It is considered, however, that the 'arrears now outstanding (in respect of previous years of assessment) have fallen to a comparatively small sum. The approximate amount of Super-tax estimated to be due to be paid, but not paid, by 30th November last is £9,000,000; at 30th November, 1923, the corresponding figure was about £8,000,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total to the last available date of the receipts on account of Excess Profits Duty; and what is the total of refund?

The gross total receipts of Excess Profits Duty (including Munitions Levy) from its inception to 6th December, 1924, were approximately £1,403,000,000. Total repayments in the same period amounted to £216,000,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the public generally has been given the advantage of the remission of Entertainments Duty, or whether any complaints have reached him on this score?

I understand that my predecessor was satisfied that, generally speaking, the remissions of Entertainments Duty in the last Budget had reached the public. I have not myself been able as yet to form an independent opinion. I have only so far received two complaints in a contrary sense.

In his investigation will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to see whether redistribution of seats has taken place which in fact nullifies the benefit given by the late Chancellor?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the German Government has reduced taxation recently; what is the taxation per head; and is this taxation equal to or greater than the British taxation per head?

I understand that the German turnover tax has been reduced from 2j per cent, to 2 per cent, from the 1st October, 1924, and to 1½ per cent, from the 1st January, 1925, and certain reductions have been made in the Income Tax and the tax on Bourse transactions and some other taxes. With regard to the comparison of taxation per head in Germany and Great Britain, I would prefer not to give any statistical data, on the grounds stated by the right hon. Gentleman my predecessor in a reply to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the Fareham Division on the 8th May last.

Are we to understand that that is carrying out the Treaty of Versailles?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the Custom authorities endeavour to collect a reparation levy of 26 per cent, upon financial bonds imported into this country from Germany, although this duty is not properly chargeable; and whether he will give instructions for this practice to be stopped?

It is not the practice of the Customs authorities, so I am informed, to collect reparation levy upon financial bonds imported from Germany. If the hon. and gallant Member will supply me with details of any case that he has in mind, I will cause inquiry to be made.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the introduction of legislation providing for the compulsory deportation from this country of all known Communist agents of foreign extraction?

I have been asked to take this question. I have considered carefully the powers vested in me under the existing law, and I am of opinion that they are sufficient to enable me to deal suitably with the matter so* far as aliens may be concerned. As regards persons who, though of foreign extraction, are in fact British subjects, the position is quite different, and I am afraid that in their case deportation would not be a practicable course.

Is it a fact that certain Communist agents who were expelled from Berlin were admitted into this country last year, and are they still in England?

I must have notice of that question. I cannot answer for all the acts of my predecessor.

asked the Prime Minister if the inquiry into food prices by a Royal Commission includes investigation into the high rents charged to the majority of retailers?

I have been asked to reply. Any computation of the overhead costs of retailers will necessarily involve consideration of the rents which they pay, and the Commission will no doubt be prepared to hear evidence on this aspect of the matter.

Will the Commission in taking evidence take cases such as I may give now? Are they prepared to consider the fact that in 1913–14 the streets known as Buchanan, Gordon and Jamaica Streets in Glasgow had a rental of £158,000, whereas this year the rental is £239,000? Will that come under their purview or shall we have to bring it before the Commission?

I could not pretend to say anything as to the details of the evidence which will be given. In view of the wide opportunities of the Commission I am sure they will take evidence on any reasonable matter having to do with the inquiry

asked the Prime Minister why no working-class woman who has to manage a working-class house has been made a member of the Food Prices Commission; whether he is aware that it is this class upon whom the excessive prices of everyday necesseries bear most harshly; and whether he is prepared to reconsider the constitution of this Commission with a view to representation upon it of such women?

I have been asked to reply. The Royal Commission has not been constituted on a representative basis, the members having been invited to serve in their individual capacities. Obviously, however, experience of the kind indicated in the question is of the utmost importance, and I understand that the Commission will take an early opportunity of ascertaining the working-class women's point of view.

Since this is not a representative Committee will the Govern-men take steps before the Commission goes any further to place upon that body some of these women who formed the large majority of the women of this country so that they will have an opportunity of going thoroughly into the matter of prices as they affect them.

May I ask what is a working-class woman?

The answer is obvious. You are not a working-class woman.

What is "a working-class woman"?