asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, seeing that the Almiralty affirms that the deductions which are made from established men's wages are not made towards the superannuation allowances of these men, he will explain why an established man is placed in a worse position financially than a hired man seeing that his work is in no sense inferior?

The hon. and gallant Member presumably refers to a letter sent to him last month, but he has apparently not fully appreciated its terms. As stated in the letter, the real position is that normally when a hired workman is placed on the establishment the conditions of his service are radically altered, and one of the new conditions is that he shall receive less pay than the corresponding hired man. I understand that such an arrangement exists in the case of other employés of His Majesty's Government, and I can see no resason for proposing any change.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that coopers, plumbers, painters and blacksmiths, who joined the Royal Navy before 1915, count the whole of their service towards progressive pay, whereas joiners are only allowed to count a maximum of three years towards progressive pay; and whether, seeing that all artisans who joined the Service subsequent to October, 1918, are given equal conditions, he can see his way to remove the alleged difference of treatment?

I presume that the hon. Member refers to the advancement to higher grades in the artisan branches. The conditions of service in the different artisan branches Varied considerably before the new scheme was introduced in October, 1918, when voluntary transfer to the new scheme was permitted subject to conditions which naturally varied according to the circumstances in each of the old system branches. There do not appear to be any grounds for considering that the conditions were unreasonable and no rating was compelled to come under the new scheme. I do not, therefore, propose to take any further action.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the dockyard pre-War pensioners who are entitled under the recent Act have received their increases; and, if not, whether he will expedite the payment of the increases due?

I am happy to be able to inform the hon. and gallant Member that nearly all the cases of dockyard pensioners eligible for consideration under the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1924, have now been dealt with, and that payment has been authorised at the increased rate where an increase has been found to be payable. A small number of cases involving special considerations still remain outstanding, and these are being expedited. I may explain that a certain number of pensioners have been found to be ineligible for an increase by virtue of the operation of Section 1, Clause 1 (i) of the Act which limits the amount of an increased pension to that which would have been payable had the individual retired on 1st July, 1923, with a pension calculated upon the salary and emoluments upon which his pension was originally awarded together with the amount of War bonus reckonable for pension on that date.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what amount has been expended in connection with the plans made for enlarging the naval base at Singapore; what amount will have to be provided to complete the scheme; and whether it is contemplated that either Australia or New Zealand will contribute any proportion of the total cost?

The reply to the first part of the question is £90,500. In regard to the second part, the original estimate made in 1923 amounted to £11,000,000 spread over nine years. As regards the last part, it will be within the recollection of my hon. Friend that before the plans for developing the Singapore Base were suspended by the late Government, both Australia and New Zealand expressed their willingness to contribute. While contributions from these Dominions would still be welcomed, it will be necessary, of course, for their Governments to review the matter in the light of their present financial commitments in connection with naval defence, and it would be premature to forecast what decision they will arrive at.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that pensioner employes in certain naval establishments are being called on periodically to declare the amount of pension of which they are in receipt; and whether he will issue instructions that this information is to be obtained by the particular establishment from the pensions department direct?

I regret that I am not able, from the information supplied in the question, to ascertain the procedure to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. If, however, he will supply me with particulars of a few instances I will look into the matter further.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will consider the grant of a step of regimental rank, without right to pay or allowances in respect thereof, to retired officers of the Militia, Special Reserve, Yeomanry, Volunteers or Territorials, re-commissioned during the War, who were over the age of 50 years when re-commissioned, who rendered approved service for not less than three years between 4th August, 1914, and 11th November, 1918?

I do not think that the concession suggested would be practicable, especially at this distance of time. As the hon. and gallant Member is aware, officers ceasing to be employed at the end of the War were entitled, subject to certain conditions laid down by Army Order 376 of 1918, to retain the highest rank to which they attained during the War. Many of the officers now in question probably benefited by this rule.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the decision to give no medal or badge to soldiers who enlisted for oversea service voluntarily during the War, but who did not go abroad, is final or if such decision may still be open to review?

The question of issuing a medal for the performance of general military duty at home during the Great War has been, after full examination, decided in the negative. I am aware of the considerations urged on the subject, but I am unable to hold out any prospect that the decision given will be varied.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Territorial medal for services overseas given to those who volunteered for, and actually proceeded on, service overseas before certain dates in 1914, being at the outbreak of War members of the Territorial Army, will be granted to certain members of university or public school training corps who went as officers with Territorial battalions sent to India immediately after the outbreak of War, and served with those battalions as officers in 1915?

No Sir; I regret that I am not in a position now to re-open the question of the conditions on which this medal was granted. Pre-War service in the Territorial Force was an essential condition of the grant, and it is not practicable now to extend this condition to cover pre-War service in other branches.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the cemetery at Lancashire Landing is now completed; and what facilities, not necessarily of a financial character, are open to the relatives of soldiers buried in such cemetery to visit the spot?

The cemetery in question is complete with the exception of a few headstone tablets which will be fixed as soon as weather conditions permit. As regards the second part of the question, I am informed that the facilities for visiting Gallipoli vary with the time of year and other circumstances. I would suggest that any intending visitor should write to the Secretary, Imperial War Graves Commission, 82, Baker Street, W.l, and should, before embarking, communicate with the Deputy Director of Works, Imperial War Graves Commission (G), Turkish Post Office, Box 13, Chanak, Dardanelles, in time to enable the boat to be met, and the Turkish authorities warned.

asked the Minister of Pensions (1) whether, in view of the hardships which exist in many cases where appeal tribunals have rejected claims, he will allow cases to be re-opened where new evidence is available or the disability has increased since the appeal was heard;

(2) whether, in view of the grave hardships frequently occurring through the operation of the time limit with regard to appeals against final awards, he will appoint a Committee to reconsider the whole matter, particularly the effect the present system has on cases where an ex-service man's condition becomes materially worse or a second disability arises, and an Article 9 claim is ruled out because it is alleged that the second disability was considered in the original award?

I cannot usefully add anything to the full replies given to the hon. Member by the late Minister of Pensions on 2nd October, of which I am sending the hon. Member copies.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the different fees charged by secondary and grammar schools in various parts of England and Wales, ranging from £6 and more in some counties to £i 1s. or less in others, he will confer with the local education authorities in the less-favoured districts with the object of reducing their fees, so that intelligent children of poorer parents in all counties should be given an equal chance of secondary education?

I have under consideration the whole question of facilitating access to secondary schools, and I hope to confer with local education authorities on this and other matters in the near future.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many children are expected to enter and to leave the public elementary schools during each of the next three financial years?

I am afraid that I have no figures at my disposal which would enable me to give a precise answer to the question. The hon. Member will, however, find certain relevant information on pages 11 to 13 of the Memorandum on the Board's Estimates, 1924–25, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that there are 220,000 men who farm between five acres and 50 acres per man; and whether he is prepared to give this body of men representation at the proposed agricultural conference?

According to the Ministry's Returns for the 4th June, 1924, the number of Agricultural Holdings in England and Wales above five and not exceeding 50 acres was 191,471. As regards the second part of the question, so far as I am aware, the only organisation of national importance which can claim to represent the occupiers of those holdings is the National Farmers' Union, which comprises a considerable number of smallholders among its members, and which, as the hon. Member is aware, has been invited to appoint representatives to the conference.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the agricultural interests of the northern counties, particularly that of stock-breeding, will be represented on the proposed agricultural conference which will inquire into the questions of increased food production and the provision of reasonable wages to the workers?

In order to give the greatest freedom to the deliberations of the proposed agricultural conference, I have left to the various organisations invited to the conference an entirely free choice as to their representatives within the numbers laid down. It will be for the various organisations of landowners, farmers and workers themselves to ensure that the various interests within their respective branches of the industry have an opportunity of expressing their views.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps are being taken for the representation of the interests of Scottish agriculture on the national conference which His Majesty's Government has summoned; and whether any provision has been made for the representation of the interests of the smallholders?

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to summon a conference representative of Scottish agricultural interests; and, if so, what will be the terms of reference?

"To consider what measures, if any, are necessary, either by the State or by the agricultural industry itself, or by both in concert (i) to maintain and (ii) to increase the area of arable land in Scotland, and by what further measures the economic maximum production of food from all the agricultural land of the country can be stimulated."

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any representations have been received from local authorities by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries requesting the reinstatement of the Ministry's Tuberculous Order No. 9,160, dated 24th June, 1914; and what attitude His Majesty's Government propose to adopt towards the question?

Representations have been received from a number of local authorities and other bodies in favour of the revival of the operation of the Tuberculosis Order of 1914. The provision of the necessary funds for the payment of compensation to owners of animals slaughtered under the Order may require further legislation, and the financial aspect of the question is now under consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, with reference to the subsidy for factories erected in connection with the sugar-beet industry, the Government will stipulate for a preference being given to reasonable British tenders for the machinery; and whether he has ascertained if British tenders have been or are about to be asked for in the case of each of the factories about to be erected in this country?

I have been asked to reply. The Government have already announced that in the case of new sugar factories it will be a condition of the payment of the proposed subsidy that not less than 75 per cent, of the value of the machinery and plant shall be of British manufacture, unless the Minister of Agriculture for any special reason dispenses with this condition. In the case of one of the proposed new factories I am satisfied that, in view of the definite commitments which were entered into prior to the decision to impose a condition as to British machinery, I ought to exercise my dispensing power, and I have agreed to do so. Application has also been made in respect of two other proposed factories, and this application is at present under consideration.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any proposals have been put forward or arrangements made by his Department to encourage the growth of sugar-beet seed in this country; and what quantity of seed will be required to supply the six sugar-beet factories which it is understood are likely to be at work shortly in Great Britain?

I understand that the question of the practicability of growing sugar-beet seed in this country is under consideration between the National Farmers' Union and certain of the seed firms and research stations. Pending this consideration, I am unable to say in what direction the1 Ministry can assist any proposals that may be put forward. With regard to the last part, it is hardly possible at the moment to say how many sugar factories will be in a position to contract with farmers for growing beet in the coming season, and therefore the acreage under beet next year cannot yet be exactly estimated. The normal rate of sowing seed would be about 10–12 1bs. per acre.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will take into consideration the matter of the goat belonging to Dr. Edith Leonard, of Southampton; whether he is aware that Dr. Leonard can produce evidence that there is no infectious disease of any sort among the cattle of Madeira; that her goat is a pedigree animal of value, and that, furthermore, during its stay in Madeira has given birth to a kid by a pedigree British goat previous to leaving this country, which Dr. Leonard wishes to show at the next Royal Agricultural Show; and whether, in view of the exceptional circumstances attending this case, the Ministry will give Dr. Leonard permission to recover her pets subject to the usual quarantine regulations?

The question of Dr. Leonard's goat was fully and sympathetically considered by my predecessor. I regret that the arrival on the scene of the kid cannot be held to justify departure from the established principles of administration, and I am accordingly bound, as was my predecessor, to prefer the claims of protection against disease to those of Dr. Leonard's natural affection for her goat.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any regulations exist limiting the length and number of barbs on barbed wire used for fencing in grazing or mixed farms; whether he has any information as to the number of hides rendered useless for tanning by barbed wire punctures inflicted on the animal during life; whether he is aware of the increasing number of cases of sheep getting entangled in strands of barbed wire, especially when concealed in thorn fences, and of cattle and horses being lacerated by running into barbed wire fences, especially at night, and that for this reason some states of America have prohibited the use of barbed wire for fencing in favour of plain wire; and whether the Ministry intends to take any action on this question?

The Ministry has from time to time, through farmers' organisations, called attention to the damage to stock which may result from the use of barbed wire fencing, but no Regulations of the kind indicated in the question have been issued by the Ministry. I regret that I have no information with regard to the second and third parts of the question. With regard to the last part, the remedy lies in the hands of stock owners themselves, and I do not think that I can usefully take any action in the matter.

asked the Minister of Agriculture when he proposes to take steps for the imposition of a legal minimum standard of fait-content applicable to both home-produced and imported whole-milk cheese and cream, as recommended by the Linlithgow Committee?

The extensive taking of samples of various kinds of cheese was considered a necessary preliminary to the consideration of this recommendation. The last of these samples are now being analysed by the Government Laboratory, and when a report is received I shall be in a better position' to decide what further action, if any, is desirable.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of county wages committees which have already come to a decision in regard to wages under the Agricultural Regulations Act of last Session, and the alterations, if any, in the wages in each case?

Twenty-seven of the 47 Agricultural Wages Committees have already arrived at decisions in regard to the minimum rates of wages they propose to fix for adult male workers. No complete particulars are available as to the average wages now being paid, but from such information as is in the possession of my Department it would appear that the proposed minimum rates represent increases varying from 1s. to 5s. per week.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he can make any statement as to the present situation in regard to the prevalence of foot-and-mouth disease?

Four areas are at present under restrictions. Thirty-seven outbreaks have occurred since 1st October last, the last being confirmed on the 10th in Norfolk.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he can make a statement as to the progress being made by the scientific committee of investigation into foot-and-mouth disease?

Experiments with small animals have been in progress at four laboratories for some months. An experimental station to acoommodate larger animals is nearing completion, and will be ready early in the New Year. The Committee proposes to issue a first progress report covering its work to the end of March next. Until then it will be difficult to make any statement as to the results achieved.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Danish farmers are sending pork and bacon to England at less than cost price, and that they are being subsidised by the Danish Government for that purpose; and, seeing that a number of ex-service men have staked their all in this industry, will he have inquiries made into this matter?

I have been asked to reply. I am unable to say whether the prices realised in this country for bacon and pork are remunerative to Danish farmers. So far as I am aware no subsidies are paid by the Danish Government in respect of bacon and pork exported to this country. I will, however, make further inquiries and communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the feeling aroused against the continuance of the exportation of horses for slaughter on the Continent; and if he intends to introduce legislation to put an end to this traffic?

I am fully in sympathy with humanitarian activities, and am giving the question of the export of horses to the Continent my very careful consideration. With regard to the last part, I am not yet in a position to make any announcement as to whether or not legislation will be introduced on this question.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will propose such alterations in connection with the protocol for the pacific settlement of disputes drawn up by the League of Nations as would ensure that matters of policy such as the question of the maintenance of a white Australia shall not be submitted for review by this body?

His Majesty's Government have not yet had time to settle their policy in regard to the Geneva protocol, but my hon. Friend may rest assured that such questions as the one he raises are mot likely to be overlooked.

asked the Prime Minister whether there is in the hands of His Majesty's Government any evidence connecting the murder of Sir Lee Stack with the late Egyptian Ministry?

No, Sir, as the conduct of the investigations regarding this crime is the responsibility of the Egyptian Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government intend to set up a Committee to examine and report on the question of the participation of the Dominions in decisions with regard to foreign affairs?

If, as I gather, the hon. Member is referring to the proposals for a preliminary inquiry into the system of consultation with the Dominions on matters of foreign policy, which were outlined by the right hon. Member for Derby (Mr. J. H. Thomas) in this House on 29th July, the answer is that His Majesty's Government are in communication with the Dominion Governments, and hope to be in a position to make an announcement shortly.

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to introduce legislation dealing with the appropriation of payments arising out of the Chinese (Boxer) indemnity fund; and whether, in making provision for the distribution of receipts from this fund, he will have adequate regard to the legitimate claims of British bondholders?

A Bill is being introduced to-day under which a Statutory Committee is to be set up to advise the Secretary of State as to the utilisation of the funds. This Committee will no doubt consider any claims brought before it, if they prove to come within its terms of reference.

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to take any steps to inquire into the genuineness or otherwise of the alleged letter from M. Zinvoieff to the British Communist party, published during the recent General Election?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied as to the authenticity of the Zinovieff letter?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is in a position to make a statement as to the authenticity of the Zinovieff letter?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the reply of M. Rakovsky to the first Note addressed by His Majesty's Government to the Russian Government in regard to the alleged Zinovieff letter, which reply was published in the Press, was ever received and acknowledged by His Majesty's Government?

All these questions relating to the Zinovieff letter will no doubt be raised in the Debate next week, and I think it will be convenient if I leave them to be answered by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State in that Debate.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is intended that the Cologne occupied area should be evacuated by British troops on the date mentioned in the Treaty of Versailles?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply being given to-day by the Prime Minister to the similar question addressed to him by the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy).

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government consider the Sudan as an integral portion of the British Dominions beyond the seas; if so, will he inform the House the date on which the decision to annex the Sudan was taken; and whether the decision has been communicated to other Powers?

The status of the Sudan is defined in the Anglo-Egyptian Agreement of 1899 and remains unaltered. In these circumstances the second and last parts of the question do not arise.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware of the grievances of the Indian recruited European officers of the Indian service of engineers as regards overseas pay, leave conditions, and technical allowances; and whether it is proposed to adopt paragraph 50 of the Report of the Lee Commission, which recommends that all concessions proposed for European officers shall be granted to European officers appointed by the Government of India on the basis of non-Asiatic domicile?

Memorials have been received from India-recruited European officers of the Indian service of engineers on the matters referred to, and are at the present time under the consideration of my Noble Friend. I may say at once, however, that the proposal of the Lee Commission that technical pay should be abolished and that the basic pay applicable to all members' of the Indian service of engineers should be raised by Rs.75 per mensem has been accepted.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether there was any arrangement written, verbal, or implied, at the time of the funding of the British debt to the United States of America in 1922, that corresponding relief would be given to Great Britain in the event of better terms being offered to other countries; and whether he has ascertained on what grounds the French Government ranks its debt to the United States of America before the one owing to this country?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I am not aware that the French Government ranks its debt to the United States of America before its debt to this country, and I know of no ground on which such a position could be justified.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he proposes to reimpose the duties which have been operative under the Finance Act (No. 2), 1915, known as the new duties; when legislative proposals with this object will be introduced; and whether he will expedite legislation in the interests of those industries whose efficiency has been prejudiced by the removal under the late Government of these duties?

It would, I think, be more convenient if my hon. Friend would be good enough to await the statement which the Government will make during the Debate on the Amendment to the Address standing in the name of the hon. and gallant Member for Leith (Captain W. Benn).

asked the Chancellor of the. Exchequer what was the estimated amount of arrears of direct taxation outstanding on 31st March, 1924 and 1923, respectively; and how much of these arrears had been collected by 6th December, 1924, and the corresponding date in 1923?

The latest revised estimates of the amounts of Income Tax and Super-tax due to be paid (namely, amounts in respect of which a demand for payment had been issued) but not paid by 31st March are as follows:

I regret that it is not possible, without a disproportionate expenditure of time and labour, to divide the receipts of these various duties since the 1st April last between payments of arrears and payments in respect of tax actually demanded for the first time since that date. The information asked for in the second part of the question is, therefore, not available.

The following estimates have been made of the arrears of Super-tax, Excess Profits Duty and Corporation Profits Tax due to be paid, but not paid, at 30th November, 1924:

I regret that I am unable to give similar 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 have fallen to a comparatively small sum.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury in what grades the 251 permanent women at headquarters and the 1,782 permanent women ex-headquarters, referred to in the White Paper of 1st August, 1924 (Cmd. 2233), are graded; and what are the numbers, respectively, in each grade?

I have been asked to reply, as the question apparently refers to the staff of the Ministry of Labour. The information required is as follows:

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of unsettled claims in the reparation claims department?

It would not be possible to arrive at exact figures without the expenditure of considerable time and labour, which, I am afraid, could hardly be justified. It is estimated, however, that about 400 claimants under the First and Second Reports of the Royal Commission have not yet been paid their awards, for various reasons. It is also estimated that there are some 24,000 belated claimants whose claims will rank against the £300,000, of whom 6,800 have already been paid grants out of the £300,000.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) the number and amount of unsettled claims for reparation sent in by members of the fishing industry;

(2) the number and amount of the unsettled claims for reparation sent in by members of the mercantile marine?

I regret that here, again, it will not be possible to give the information asked for. To obtain this information, it would be necessary to institute a detailed examination of the files of the Reparation Claims Department, and this would occupy a considerable amount of time. It would seriously interfere with the distribution of the £300,000 for belated claimants, to which the Reparation Claims Department is devoting its energies; and, in these circumstances, it would hardly appear to be justified.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the amounts now being paid out on account of enemy action claims are final payments or payments on account?

The payments referred to are in final settlement.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether it is his intention to lay a profit-and-loss account of the British Empire Exhibition upon the Table of this House; whether such an account will include a statement of the profits of Messrs. Lyons realised in the exercise of their catering monopoly at the Exhibition; and what proportion, if any, of such profits will belong to the Exhibition authorities?

I am informed by the British Empire Exhibition authorities that it is their intention to publish a statement showing the financial position of the Exhibition up to the 1st November as soon as the final figures are received from the auditors, but that the statement in question will not show what profits, if any, were made by the caterers in the exercise of their concession at the Exhibition. I am further informed that it will show the total amount paid to the Exhibition authorities by concessionaires in accordance with the contracts made with them.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the danger involved in the growing use of preservatives in food imported or otherwise, he will take an early opportunity of introducing legislation on the subject?

I am advised that the majority of the recommendations of the Committee can be carried out by Regulation, and I am now engaged on the draft of suitable Regulations.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has yet received the Report of the Departmental Committee under the chairmanship of Lord Meston relating to grants-in-aid and Exchequer contributions to municipal authorities; and, if so, whether it is proposed to publish its conclusions?

The Report has not yet been received.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will prohibit the use of all wet concrete blocks for house building and sanction the dry method?

I have no information which would justify the prohibition of the use of concrete blocks made by the wet process, although the dry method of manufacture is that almost invariably adopted for housing work.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the urgent need for more accommodation and the fact that many houses are standing empty waiting to be sold, he will consider the desirability of introducing a Measure next Session for the part rating of empty houses?

I doubt whether the remedy proposed by the hon. Member is a practical one, and I cannot undertake to introduce legislation for the purpose suggested.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the present nature of the housing question, he will consider making a grant for immediate erection of types of ferro-concrete and other cheap houses to enable local authorities to see sample houses in being, with full particulars as to price, labour, and time required for their construction?

I will give very careful consideration to my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that the total number killed at mines and quarries in 1923 was 1,387, or 227 more than in 1922, the number injured and incapacitated for more than seven days was 218,891, or 28,642 more than in 1922; will he state if his Research Department has attempted to ascertain the cause of this increase in the death and accident rate; what is the reason for it; and what steps he is taking, if any, to reduce these accidents?

I am well aware of this increase and am much concerned at it, though it is partly, of course, the normal result of the greater volume of employment in 1923. I hope too that, for the rest, it may prove to have been a chance fluctuation such as is frequently met with in accident statistics. I need hardly assure the hon. Member that the causes of accidents and methods of preventing them are the constant preoccupation of the Mines Department and the Safety in Mines Research Board, but I cannot attempt, within the compass of a question, to tell him all that is being done. He will find full particulars in the Annual Reports of the Department and Board and the Inspectors of Mines.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received and considered the Report furnished by Miss Margaret Bondfield and the other members of the Overseas Settlement Delegation who visited Canada, with a view to obtaining first-hand information with regard to the system of child migration in that Dominion, and, if so, whether it is proposed to lay the Report before Parliament?

I have received the Report of the Delegation on the system of child migration in Canada, but have not yet had an opportunity of considering its recommendations. The Report will be laid before Parliament. It will be obtainable on application at the Vote Office to-morrow, Friday, at 5 p.m., and will be available for comment in Saturday morning's Press.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if there is any prospect of the removal of rubber restriction in the Malay States and Ceylon?

I have received no representations from the Governments of those territories which would suggest that any such action is advisable under present conditions.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he proposes to re-erect the barricades in Downing Street which were in place during a previous Government?

I have been asked to reply. No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Transport the amount expended by the Southern Railway in repairs and renovation out of the sums awarded by the State after the War for war services?

I am not in a position to furnish my hon. Friend with the information desired, but I would refer him to Section 11 of the Railways Act, 1921, of which I am sending him a copy. This Section leaves the directors a wide discretion as to allocation of the money which was paid as a settlement of claims arising out of the War.

asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been called to the complaints of the travelling public with regard to the Southern Railways; and, if so, whether he has made or is making any representations to the company on the subject?

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the failure of the Southern Railway during the six months ending 30th November, 1924, to provide a satisfactory train service for the important suburban districts in which that railway operates; and, if so, whether any representations have been made by him to that company as to these matters in general, and especially as to the un-punctuality of the trains and the overcrowding of the compartments?

Several complaints with regard to the train services on the Southern Railway have recently been brought to the notice of the Ministry of Transport. Under the provisions of the Railway and Canal Traffic Act, 1854, and of Section 16 (1) of the Railways Act, 1921, of which I am sending the hon. Members a copy, statutory jurisdiction over questions relating to railway facilities rests with the Railway and Canal Commission, and not with me, but I am glad to lend my good offices in the matter so far as I usefully can. I may add that the railway company have assured me that all possible steps are being taken to alleviate the overcrowding of which complaint has been made.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the recent appeal of the East London coroner that the Government should give effect to the proposed London County Council bye-law to prevent vehicular traffic from passing a tramcar at a stopping place on the near side; whether he is aware of the saving of life due to the enforcement of such a bye-law in Glasgow; and whether he will take immediate steps to authorise the proposed London County Council bye-law and enforce such a bye-law throughout the country?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second in the negative. With regard to the last part, I am not satisfied that such a regulation is necessary or desirable either in the interests of public safety or of traffic by road.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the number of accidents at cross roads all over the country; whether his Ministry investigates the (circumstances of all such accidents; and whether, when the conformation of the roads or the nature of the surroundings is shown to have contributed to them, he makes any representations to the local authorities concerned with a view to securing improvement?

Although all accidents are not necessarily brought to my notice, my Department maintains a close watch on the reports which appear in the Press, and in the more serious cases an officer of the Ministry investigates the circumstances. In cases where road conditions are in any way a contributory cause, representations are made to the responsible highway authority, and, if necessary, assistance is given towards remedying the unsatisfactory conditions. I would, however, remind my hon. Friend that, except for the powers recently conferred under the London Traffic Act, 1924, I have no authority to cause inquiries to be made into road accidents, but I hope to introduce legislation for this purpose.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction of residents in the Twickenham area in regard to the supply and cost of electric current, which is now charged for at the rate of 11d. per unit, although the supplying company is paying 10 per cent, on share capital; and whether he will make inquiries into the matter?

A number of complaints on this subject from residents in the Twickenham area have been brought to my notice. I would point out that the powers I possess are to regulate the maximum prices which may be charged, and under the Electricity (Supply) Acts these charges may be review id after a period of three years on the representations of either (i) the undertakers, or (ii) a number of consumers, or (iii) the local authorities. The present maximum prices in this area are regulated by an Order made by my predecessor in December, 1920, but the actual charges in force are below that maximum. It is open to the consumers or the local authority to apply for a revision of that maximum. No such application has, however, been made.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he proposes to take to remove abuses which experience shows to exist in the administration of unemployment benefit, and especially to insure that the working community shall not be called upon to keep those men and women who have not taken the trouble to adapt themselves to available work?

I am looking carefully into the administration of unemployment benefit, and if I find any abuses I shall not hesitate to correct them, or, if necessary, to come to Parliament for further powers. If my hon. Friend will give me particulars of the cases he has in mind I shall be glad to inquire into them.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is proposed to re- commence the issue of the Abstract of Labour Statistics; and, if so, when the next number will be published?

It has been decided to resume the issue of the Abstract of Labour Statistics, and the compilation of a new edition is now in hand, with a view to publication in the early part of next year.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of male and female sorting clerks and telegraphists, respectively; the approximate number that participate in performing counter duties; and the approximate number of counter duties?

The authorised numbers of sorting clerks and telegraphists are 16,616 male and 6,131 female officers. I regret that no statistics are available at head quarters as to the number of officers participating in counter duties and the number of counter duties.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the conditions under which the staff work is carried on in the basement room of the postal order branch in the money order department in Manor Gardens, which is occupied only by sorting assistants; and whether since in this room the floors are damp and there is only artificial light with very little air, he will investigate the complaints without delay?

The term basement can hardly be applied to the room in question, the floor of which is not more than two or three feet below ground level. In consequence of a complaint from the staff the working conditions were investigated in 1918 by one of His Majesty's Inspectors of Factories, and in the event the Home Office pronounced the conditions to be reasonably good. The room is adequately ventilated, and artificial light is not used except in the winter months. Staff is not employed continuously in the room, but only for a few hours daily. I am aware, however, that there is still some dissatisfaction on the part of the staff, and I am making further inquiry.

also asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the inconvenience that is being experienced by the staff at the Braintree office because of insufficient accommodation; that there is a shortage of fittings for the sorting of letters and parcels; that there is no retiring room for the male staff; that the accommodation at the public counter is also unsatisfactory; that the noise of traffic near to the instrument room causes difficulty in telegraph working; and whether it is proposed to proceed with the building of a new office at an early date?

I am aware that the premises in which the Braintree Post Office is accommodated are unsatisfactory in many respects. Active efforts are being made to obtain a more suitable site, but the matter is not sufficiently advanced for any statement to be made or to the date when building operations are likely to be started.

asked the Postmaster-General if a site has yet been obtained for the provision of a central post office for Tottenham?

The legal arrangements for the acquisition of a site are in hand.