asked the President of the Board of Trade when the Reparations Claims Department will conclude its investigations and pay the different applicants; whether the Government proposes to increase the allocation of £300,000, which is admittedly inadequate; and whether, as this matter has now been under consideration for years, an effort will be made to reach a settlement at the earliest possible date?

As to the first and last parts of the question, all the claims lodged with the Reparation Claims Department have been assessed, except some 3,000 of the belated claims; and payment of unpaid claims is proceeding as rapidly as possible. As to the second part of the question, I would refer to the answer given yesterday by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to the hon. Member for Cardiff East (Sir C. Kinloch-Cooke).

If it is found that this £300,000 is inadequate, as I believe is the case, will the Government——

That is the subject of another question later on.

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect the investigation of the belated claims to be completed?

I have a question on that later, but I hope that the whole will be completed and paid before the end of next month.

Is Lord Sumner's Commission still in existence?

No, Sir. Lord Sumner's Commission finished its work, and one of the difficulties was that the whole of the belated claims grant was given out to be dealt with by the Department, but in dealing with these claims they apply the rulings laid down by Lord Sumner's Commission.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in a great number of cases applications have been made by men who are now told that their claims are too late, and will he inquire into that?

I think that as regards that the difficulty is that all claims were put before the Royal Commission and no action in the matter could be taken by the Board of Trade, which has always been the paymaster of the Royal Commission. The Royal Commission then ruled that a whole section of claims must be ruled out as belated. The Government then decided to make a further grant in respect of belated claims, and, therefore, those claims which were originally ruled out by the Commission as belated rank afterwards for the special grant. That is the position.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that many persons who sent in belated claims have not yet heard the result of their claims: and whether he can give any indication of the date by which all claimants will have been informed of the result?

As to the first part of the question, belated claimants whose claims are rejected are so informed immediately a decision is arrived at. As to the second part of the question, it is anticipated that substantially all grants to belated claimants will have been paid before the end of January.

Can it be taken that all those who have received no notificatioi will eventually receive compensation?

No, Sir, that does not follow, because I understand that there are about 3,000 claims which have not yet been adjudicated upon.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will be able to announce the policy of His Majesty's Government in regard to compensation for suffering and damage to civilians by' enemy action during the late War?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Cardiff East yesterday, which was to the effect that I should be glad if the question could be repeated after Christmas.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government take the view that these claimants have a right to a share of reparations or whether the payments are to be merely ex-gratia?

I think that is covered by my desire that the question should be repeated after Christmas.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any steps are contemplated to end the present system under which the pay of shipwrecked seamen ceases from the day their ship is lost?

As stated in the King's Speech, the Government intend to introduce a Bill to give effect to the International Labour Convention, which provides for an unemployment indemnity for shipwrecked seamen.

How long does the right hon. Gentleman contemplate that it will take before the present system is remedied in the direction indicated?

That depends upon the assistance that the Opposition give to business.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there will be no opposition from this side of the House to any such Measure?

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask the Government to take into consideration the giving of adequate compensation for the loss of seamen's kit?

I should require notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is officially examining the invention of Herr Flettner known as the rotor sail; what steps he has taken to have this invention tested with a view to its adoption in the British Mercantile Marine; and what progress has his Department made towards obtaining the apparent advantages of this invention for the British Mercantile Marine?

The examination and adoption of new methods of propulsion for merchant ships is a matter for shipowners and shipbuilders. They are, I know, studying this invention, and I am keeping in touch with the results of their investigations.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know what sum is being asked for the British rights?

No, Sir. What I was more interested in keeping in touch with was whether this was an invention of real value.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider the withdrawal of those pilots' certificates for navigation in British estuaries and ports now held by unnaturalised aliens in charge of foreign ships?

The grant of pilotage certificates to aliens is regulated by Section 24 of the Pilotage Act, 1913, and Section 4 of the Aliens Restriction (Amendment) Act, 1919, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

Have maritime foreign nations given us the same consideration as we give to them in this respect?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider the desirability of recommending the institution of a small tonnage tax upon foreign ships engaged in British coastal trade, in conformity with similar taxes operating against British shipping in coastal traffic of foreign countries, and in order to stimulate British shipping and the increased employment of British seamen?

Discrimination in the matter of tonnage taxes in favour of national ships is a measure which this country has consistently opposed when dealing with foreign countries, and to adopt the proposal suggested would be inconsistent with this policy, and, I think, prejudicial to its success.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many survivors of the "Trevessa" are now living; and what awards or mementoes of their gallantry have been made to them?

The Board of Trade awarded pieces of plate to the master and chief officer of the "Trevessa" in recognition of the fine seamanship and resolution displayed in the voyage of the boats. Out of a total complement of 44, there were 33 survivors, but I am not able to say whether they are all still living.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the steward of this ship, who was mentioned for exceptional conduct, is still unemployed, and will he convey that fact to the various shipowners?

If the hon. and gallant Member has any facts of that kind and will convey them to me, I shall be very glad.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider giving mementoes to those members of the crew who have not received any mementoes?

Very careful consideration was given to this question at the time, and the actual award was itself exceptional in the circumstances. I think that probably the crew themselves recognise that, in honouring those responsible for the conduct of the boats, honour was done, not only to the officers in charge, but to the whole crew.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the Government propose to submit for the approval of Parliament the recommendations of the Imperial Economic Conference?

The Prime Minister proposes to make a statement on this subject in the course of the Debate to-morrow.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the percentage value of imports into the United Kingdom for the years 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922 and 1923 compared with the year 1913, assuming the value in that year to be 100, and the corresponding figures for the same periods in volume;

(2) whether he can state the percentage value of the exports of the United Kingdom for the years 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922 and 1923 compared with the year 1913, assuming the value in that year to be 100; the percentages in volume for similar periods compared with a standard of 100 for 1913; and price levels and volume levels for re-exports?

As the answer to these two questions contains tables of figures, my hon. Friend will, perhaps, agree to my circulating it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer :

As shown in the Board of Trade Journal for 24th January, 1924, and in corresponding issues for previous years, the average values and volume of our trade in the years specified, compared with the year 1913, are as follow:

asked the President of the Board of Trade the percentage increase or decrease in volume of the exports of cotton piece goods from the United Kingdom for the years 1921, 1922 and 1923 as compared with the year 1913?

The exports of cotton piece goods of all kinds from the United Kingdom were 57 per cent., 39 per cent, and 39 per cent., respectively, less in linear yardage in the years 1921, 1922 and 1923 than in the year 1913.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can inform the House of the result of the representations made to the Portuguese Government with regard to the proposed serious increase on the duty of imported files, which might result in files imported from Great Britain being shut out altogether?

His Majesty's Ambassador at Lisbon has been instructed to address representations to the Portuguese Government on the subject and to furnish a report as soon as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in the forthcoming census of production, he will provide for the collection of information showing the cost of rates and taxes upon various staple manufactures?

The suggested inquiry is not covered by the compulsory powers conferred by the Census of Production Act, 1906. The advice tendered to my Department by the Advisory Committee on the Census, and by the various organisations which have been consulted, indicates no general desire to extend the range of the voluntary inquiries to be made in connection with the census so as to cover the charges in respect of rates and taxes falling on each industrial undertaking.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government directors on the board of the British Dyestuffs Corporation have been instructed to support the immediate financial reorganisation of the corporation; and, if not, does he intend to give such instruction?

I understand that the question of the financial reorganisation of the British Dyestuffs Corporation has been receiving, for some time, the attention of the board of the Corporation. They have been informed that the Government are prepared to give favourable consideration to any reasonable scheme with that object in view which may be put forward.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps to have all manufactured goods imported from foreign countries marked or stamped with the name of the country where such goods are manufactured?

My hon. Friend's suggestion would necessitate legislation. The question of amending the existing law is being considered.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these goods come to this country unmarked and are marked here and sold as British-made goods?

No, I am not aware of that, and if my hon. Friend is aware of such cases I shall be glad it he will bring them to my notice.

I will do so.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the loss at sea of the wooden hulk "Marlborough"; if so, will he state the circumstances attending her loss; and whether any and, if so, how many lives were lost?

The hulk "Vernon II," late H.M.S. "Marlborough," left Portsmouth on 28th November in charge of two tugs bound for Osea Island, Essex, to be broken up. From the information so far available, it appears that when off Brighton the master of the hulk decided to return to Portsmouth owing to heavy weather. Six hours later the hulk foundered, and I regret to say that four out of the seven men on board were drowned.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when she proceeded to sea a gale was absolutely certain?

I am having a close investigation made into all the facts and collecting all the evidence, with a view to seeing whether it would be useful to order further investigation into the matter, and I should be glad if my hon. and gallant Friend would defer his question until that evidence is complete.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will introduce legislation for the purpose of securing the efficient inspection and renovation of the gas piping, fittings and appliances on consumers' premises, and the prohibition of the supply and use of unsound types of fittings, of flueless heaters liable to evolve carbon monoxide and of geysers, etc., without proper ventilation?

I do not at present contemplate legislation on this subject, but I am fully aware of its importance, and the Board of Trade are taking steps which they hope will result in the active co-operation of the gas industry and the makers of appliances in securing the objects indicated by my hon. Friend.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when we shall know the result of this action by the Board of Trade?

I hope shortly. It is going on very satisfactorily.

Is it not the fact that the undertakers will look after this matter in their own interests?

I should like to stimulate both parties.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what approaches his Department has made during the past year, since the publication of the Report of the Linlithgow Committee, to induce trading organisations, such as those concerned with dairy produce, provisions, and fruit and vegetables, to publish weekly or daily lists of wholesale and retail prices of foodstuffs, as is now being done by the City Corporation in the case of meat, so that the housewife may be given some authoritative guidance in respect of prices?

I have been asked to reply. As my hon. Friend is aware, this suggestion is not one which was made by the Linlithgow Committee^ and my right hon. Friend does not think it would be desirable to take action in the direction suggested.

If the present lists are so useful to the housewife, why should not the same methods be tried in regard to other trading organisations?

The recommendations applied only to the City Corporation, and the reasons which made it desirable in that case do not necessarily establish that it is desirable in the case suggested in the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps his Department has taken in pursuance of the recommendations of the Linlithgow Committee of July, 1923, to the effect that, in view of the vital bearing of the facts upon food prices and manipulations by foreign trusts, the public should be informed at regular intervals of the total quantities of products of various kinds held in cold storage in this country?

There is, at present, no statutory power to require returns of food stocks held in cold storage. This particular recommendation, together with other suggestions, will be considered by the Royal Commission on Food Prices.

Seeing that it is 18 months since the suggestion was made, would it not be worth while trying to get this information from these organisations?

It has not been 18 months. This is one of the recommendations, and there is something to be said for it from the point of view, not so much of price, as of the ascertaining of supplies, but it would be unwise to legislate in advance of the complete findings of the Royal Commission. One of the first things that was put before the Royal Commission, even before they met, was the complete analysis of the whole of the Linlithgow Report.

asked the Prime Minister whether, following upon the investigations and recommendations of the Linlithgow Committee of 18 months ago, the trade organisations of this country, such as those centred at Covent Garden, have been invited by the various departments of the Government concerned to take steps to bring their methods and accommodation into line with the interests of producers and consumers, with an intimation that, failing internal reform of the defects indicated in the Reports, the Government would be compelled to propose legislative action; and, if so, what organisations were approached, and with what results?

I have been asked to reply for the Minister of Agriculture. The statement which my right hon. Friend circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT in reply to the question addressed to him yesterday by my hon. Friend on the subject of the Linlithgow Committee's recommendations, will, I think, give him the information he requires. If my hon. Friend desires further information on any particular point, perhaps foe will communicate with my right hon. Friend.

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that the reply does not give the information? I will put the question down for the first day of the new Session.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the extensions which it is proposed to make at Catterick Camp are of such immediate urgency as to justify the delay which will be caused in the building of workmen's cottages in the whole of the surrounding neighbourhood, owing to the excessive demands by the War Office on building materials and labour?

No extension of the programme at Catterick Camp is contemplated, but the building scheme already in progress there is urgently required to provide accommodation in partial replacement of that lost in Southern Ireland, and I am therefore not in a position to modify the scheme.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether it is possible to mark time at Catterick in order to allow dwelling houses in the neighbouring districts to be put up with greater speed?

No, I am sorry, but it is not possible to mark time. It is required urgently within the space of time when troops will want to occupy it.

Would it not be possible to use steel and concrete in this camp?

I am not very familiar with the details of the contract at Catterick. It was done when I was not responsible for it. But they are using material on the spot, I think.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many candidates applied for commissions in the Royal Army Medical Corps in the July examination; how many vacancies were advertised; how many officers were appointed; and, of the successful candidates, how many received their medical training in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, respectively?

The figures are: candidates, six; vacancies, 20; appointed, five, of whom two were trained in England, one in Scotland and two in Ireland. I may add that I am personally engaged in endeavouring to remedy the present unsatisfactory position.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that two out of these five have resigned because of the unsatisfactory conditions offered, and will he consider the advisability of cooperating with his colleagues in the other Departments of the Services to remedy what is a common difficulty, that is of recruiting medical officers for the Services?

I will do anything to get more medical officers for our Service, but I am not quite sure that I can accept the suggestion that the conditions of service are exactly the same in the three fighting Services.

Is it not the case that recruiting in the Universities has now come practically to a standstill owing to the system in operation?

I can only repeat that I am personally going into this and I want to find a remedy for it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the evil results that flow from the withholding of the marriage allowance to the married rank and file in the Army below the age of 25, and of the distress which prevails in the families of those who are below the qualifying age for this allowance, and of the effect that this discouragement of marriage must have upon the rank and file in the Army; and whether he will press for a reconsideration of the age limit so that it may be lowered to 21?

I am aware of the considerations urged and I regret that I can hold out no prospect that the present minimum age for the grant of marriage allowance will be reduced.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what is the logic of fixing the age at 25?

I do not think that can be done by question and answer. On some other occasion I shall be glad to discuss it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is proposing to introduce any changes in the section of the official publication on infantry training dealing with street fighting?

No, Sir, no changes are in contemplation.

asked the Secretary of State for War, in view of the recent sale of the Woolwich locomotives, whether he can now state the net cost of the experiment of building these locomotives; and whether this cost allows for all charges, commissions, rates, and warehousing, etc., during the long period the goods were unsaleable?

The cost of manufacturing these engines was £1,339,580, but it is not possible to determine the net result of the entire transaction of manufacture and sale until all the engines have been sold, which is not yet the case.

Have any of these locomotives been purchased by the patriotic railway directors in this country?

I am not quite sure who purchased them. Some, I think, have been sold.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will now review the practice, under Army Order 324, 1919, and Article 2 (Pay Warrant), 1922, of reducing by 5½ per cent, the whole amount of pay of a major who was retired before the War with a fixed pension of £300 a year, had since served throughout the whole War, and had for the last three years been drawing an extra £150, making in all £450, the latter sum of £150 to be revised in accordance with the cost of living; and if he can say by what authority the 5½ per cent is taken off the fixed pension of £300 which was awarded as a result of services rendered before the War without reference to the cost of living?

The officer exercised his option of having his pre-War retired pay re-assessed under the conditions of the Royal Warrant of 13th September, 1919, with the result that it was increased from £300 to £450. In securing this benefit he accepted in their entirety the new conditions, one of which was that rates would be subject to variation with the cost of living I am unable to review this arrangement, the Authority for which is the Warrant to which I have referred.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that officers who retired from the Army before the War received pensions in the nature of deferred pay and these pensions were fixed and determined and were for services already rendered? Further, by what authority does any Department alter a fixed and permanent pension? Is it not a fact that the variable quantity is the £150, which varies with the cost of living?

In answer to the first question, I am aware of all these alterations, but the right hon. Gentleman is wrong in saying the Department has deprived this officer of money to which he was entitled. What the Department has done is to offer him the option of a new contract with a new and higher pension subject to certain provisions as regards deductions, and the officer voluntarily accepted the higher pension and I am not surprised, because he gains by it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this option was forced upon officers of the Army and that not one of them understood that the permanent pension fixed before the War was in any way to be varied?

No, I am not aware of that, and if the right hon. Gentleman has any evidence of it I shall be very glad to consider it, but, as I a minformed, this was an option and was not forced upon hut given to officers and they accepted it when it was for their benefit. In this case it was for his benefit because the officer got £450 a year instead of £300.

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

asked the Secretary of State for War what system is in force for training officers of the Royal Artillery in aeroplane observation duties; how many officers so trained are available for service; and whether the number available is adequate for the present Army establishment?

Officers of the Royal Artillery are seconded to the Royal Air Force for four years, and the number at present so seconded for training is 28. The whole system is under review in conjunction with the Air Ministry.

asked the Secretary of State for War what progress has been made in recruiting the Supplementary Reserve of the Regular Army?

The latest complete returns available, which are those for the week ending 6th December, show that the numbers enlisted up to that date were, Category B, 684 men; Category C, 2,790 men. Recruiting is proceeding steadily and satisfactorily.

asked the Secretary of State for War, in view of Article 170 of the Versailles Treaty prohibiting the manufacture and export of arms, munitions, and war material of every kind, and cases having been brought to light without punishment by the German Courts, whether any action was taken in regard to the case of Zuckermeck, in Berlin, who was exporting armaments, chiefly machine guns, to Lithuania, and who was acquitted by the Assize Court of Charlottenburg on his counsel arguing with success that the export was not prohibited?

Yes, Sir, the Inter-Allied Commission of Control have taken the case up with the German Government and the matter is being pursued.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware of the urgent necessity for legislation to amend the Small Landholders (Scotland) Act, 1911, with a view to safeguarding the principle of fixity of tenure; and when such legislation is likely to be introduced?

According to my present information there does not appear to me to be necessity for such an amendment of the existing law, and I am therefore not prepared to give any undertaking to introduce such legislation.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that this legislation has been promised by two successive Governments, that there is urgent need, and that there are cases of eviction pending now in the Highlands?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his predecessor told this House that he had a Bill drafted in order to remove the difficulty?

I have very carefully considered this question, but as at present advised I see no necessity for this legislation.

Is it not equally of importance to safeguard the principle of freedom of sale and contract?

asked the Secretary for Scotland the reason for the delay in the issue of the Land Court Report for the year 1923; whether he is aware that particular interest is taken in the Highlands of Scotland in certain cases which came before the Land Court during that year; and when this Report is likely to be published?

The delay has been due to discussions as to the scope of the Report and of the Appendices respectively. I hope that the Report will be available next week.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the shape in which this Report was issued last year was useless? A paper of this size (1922 Report ), which should contain information relating to thousands of people in Scotland, is useless for the purpose for which it was intended.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this year we shall have the. Report without its being curtailed?

I understand that the Report will be very full, so far as the Report itself is concerned.

By whom is the Report being curtailed?

I think the hon. Gentleman had better wait and see the Report. If he then considers it is unsatisfactory, I will look into the matter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that last year the Report was curtailed by the Stationery Office in London? Can he say what authority the Stationery Office has, or what knowledge it has of circumstances pertaining to the Highlands?

I understand that the question of curtailment refers to the appendices and not to the Report. The appendices might be curtailed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Report is useless without them?

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that we shall get the full Report this year?

If hon. Members will wait and see the Report, I think they will see that it is a very full Report.

asked the Secretary for Scotland when the Report of the Land Court for 1923 will be issued; and whether the Report will be printed in full?

I hope that the Report will be available next week. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that large numbers of fishermen are unable to participate in the revived prosperity of the industry owing to their inability to replace their lost and damaged gear, and that the scheme for the employment of a credit of £150,000, voted by Parliament last Session for this purpose, has proved unworkable; and whether he proposes to amend the provisions of this scheme?

In view of the revived prosperity in the herring fishing industry I am making inquiry as to the needs with regard to assistance for the provision of nets. I am not aware that the conditions of the existing scheme have rendered it unworkable, and I am not prepared in present circumstances to promise that more favourable conditions will be adopted.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the fishermen who need it most find that this grant given by Parliament last year is totally out of their reach, and will he take steps to bring the grant within the reach of the poorer fishermen who need it most?

Can the right hon. Gentleman state the actual amount which has been paid this year by way of grant?

No, but I will inquire. With regard to the previous question, I may say that the Regulations make very careful provision, particularly for the younger fishermen and those who are unable to get nets. I am looking into the whole matter.

If the right hon. Gentleman considers it necessary for these men to receive assistance for this purpose, does he not think it might be possible for the English fishermen to be assisted?

That is a question for another Minister.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he proposes to take action with reference to the Report of the Committee on Agricultural Education in Scotland; and, if so, what action he proposes to take?

I am considering the recommendations contained in the Report referred to, but am not yet in a position to say what action will be taken on the Report.

asked the Lord Advocate if his attention has been called to a circular widely circulated in Scotland which alleges that the law is being openly and flagrantly defied in the Clydebank area, and which proceeds to ask for money on the basis of that assertion; and if he will take steps to prevent the further distribution of the circular, in view of the recent decision of the Sheriff-Substitute of Dumbarton that property owners in Clydebank have been collecting as rent money to which they were not legally entitled?

I have considered the circular referred to by the hon. Member, and I do not find therein anything to justify my taking action.

asked the Secretary for Mines what he intends to do in respect of shot firing in coal mines, in view of the Report issued by the Mines Department on the explosion at Birley Colliery, Beighton, Yorkshire, on 23rd February, 1924, which points out the extreme danger of shot firing in proximity to breaks?

Further stringent precautions in respect of shot firing in mines where explosions may occur have already been made obligatory by the Explosives in Coal Mines Order of the 1st September last. This Order deals specifically with shot firing in proximity to breaks.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that considerable Parliamentary time and expense would be saved if Members of Parliament on election could each take the oath of allegiance before the returning officer for their district; and will he consider the desirability of making some such change, in the interests of public economy, before the next General Election?

I understand that the arrangements made this time for the swearing-in of Members have worked, as hitherto, most satisfactorily, and were carried out with the minimum of inconvenience to Members themselves. I am not, therefore, prepared to consider the hon. Member's proposal.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the demand of the American Government for a share in reparations in respect of the American Army of Occupation has now been put at the definite figure of £53,100,000; and what is the corresponding figure demanded by this country?

The net amount due to the United States Government for the costs of its Army of Occupation, reckoned in accordance with Article 1 of the Agreement of May, 1923 (Command Paper 1973), is estimated at 1,047,726,332 gold marks (say, £52,400,000), but has not yet been definitely determined. I may add that His Majesty's Government in no way dispute this claim. The net amount claimed by this country for its Army of Occupation (viz., 947 million gold marks, representing a sterling expenditure of about £57 millions) forms a prior charge on British receipts under the Treaty of Versailles which are more than sufficient to cover it.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether America has yet been paid anything in respect of receipts from reparations for the Army of Occupation?

I should like notice of that question.

Has not America made other claims beside this?

Yes. There are some other questions which are now being discussed with the Government.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the expert's report on Rich-borough; and whether a definite decision can be come to so that work there may be put in hand this winter?

It has been provisionally agreed that the Government property at Rich-borough shall be sold to the firm of Messrs. Pearson & Dorman Long, Limited, subject to agreement as to details and to the passing of a Bill in Parliament, of which formal notice has been given in the Press. Subject to the above His Majesty's Government should not be responsible for Richborough after 1st February next, except as regards certain surplus material, stores, etc.

Are the Government yet in a position to make known the terms of the sale?

No, not at present.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many times this particular property has been sold by the Disposal Board?

It has never been sold.

Is it not a fact that the property has been sold, but that the Disposal Board have failed to get any financial guarantee, and on that account the sale has failed two or three times? How, then, can the right hon. Gentleman say that it has not been sold?

There was a proposal for sale, but, unfortunately, it did not go through owing to a technicality on title.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, when drawing up his Budget, he will con- sider the entire removal of the disqualification for thrift in regard to old age pensions?

I can add nothing at present to the indication of the Government's policy in regard to old age pensions contained in the King's Speech.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the United States of America is acting on the provision as to relief from double taxation on the profits from the business of shipping?

An agreement on this matter has been reached with the United States, and I would invite my hon. Friend's attention to the Order in Council, dated 7th November, 1924, entitled the Relief from Double Income Tax on Shipping Profits (United States of America) Declaration, 1924, which is now lying upon the Table.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will

The McKenna Duties continued to be levied until 1st August last. As regards loss of revenue, I can only point out that the removal of the duty on motor cars and motor cycles, parts and accessories, was

give the numbers of motor cars imported into this country and their values for the six months subsequent to the last Budget, and the corresponding figures for the period of the previous year; and can he give the estimated loss of duties during the period on these cars due to the removal of the McKenna Duties?

As the answer contains many figures in tabular form, I will, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether he proposes to reconsider the institution of these duties?

I do not think that that arises out of the question on the Paper.

Following is the answer:

The numbers and values of motor cars and chassis registered as imported into Great Britain and Northern Ireland during the six months May to October, 1923, and the corresponding period in 1924, were as follows:

estimated at the time of the Budget to cost £1,400,000 in the current financial year, and I see no reason at present for revising that estimate.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the estimated net income assessed to Income Tax on which tax became due for payment on or after 1st January, 1924, and also that on which tax will become payable on or after 1st January, 1925?

I regret that in view of the several methods by which Income Tax is collected, e.g ., partly by collection at the source, involving numerous repayments at a later date, partly by collection in one sum, and partly in two or four instalments, etc., it is not possible to furnish the information asked for. The provisional estimate of the taxable income, that is, the income which remains after deduction of various personal and other reliefs and upon which the half standard and full standard rates of Income Tax are finally payable, for the year 1923–24, is £1,300,000,000; the greater part of the tax on this taxable income became due for payment on the 1st January, 1924. I am not yet in a position to make a similar estimate for the year 1924–25.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any arrangement or understanding was arrived at between the late Government and the Government of the Irish Free State as a result of the visit to Ireland of the late Secretary of State for the Colonies in July last, under which the British Treasury should pay, or sanction the payment of, money from Imperial funds to the Irish Free State, the principal or any part of which is to be applied for the purpose of paying compensation to those recently in arms against His Majesty's forces in Ireland, or their supporters; and whether the matter will be submitted to the House before any further action is taken?

In reply to the first part of the question, I understand that the subject of compensation was not mentioned at the Conference which took place in Dublin in August last between the right hon. Member for Derby and the right hon. Member for Burnley and Ministers of the Free State Government.

As the right hon. Member for Derby informed the House in reply to a question addressed to him by the hon. Member for Kirkdale on 2nd October last, His Majesty's Government is under obligation, under the heads of working arrangements for implementing the Treaty and the agreed terms of reference to the Compensation (Ireland) Commission, to refund to the Government of the Irish Free State so much of the sums paid by that Government in respect of the awards of the Commission as arises out of damage done by servants of the Crown, and is also under an obligation to pay compensation in respect of matters arising in the area which is now the Irish Free State such as would have given ground for the award of compensation by a War Compensation Court under the Indemnity Act, 1920.

There has further been a difference of opinion between His Majesty's Government and the Government of the Irish Free State as to the meaning and scope of the terms of reference to the Compensation (Ireland) Commission. In these circumstances His Majesty's Government, after discussions extending over a considerable period, provisionally agreed in August last with the Government of the Irish Free State to pay to that Government the sum of £900,000 in full and final discharge of all outstanding liabilities or claims against His Majesty's Government for compensation in respect of property in Ireland, including all outstanding and admitted liabilities under the two headings referred to above and a contribution towards meeting the claims which, as was explained by the right hon. Member, were in dispute; and this agreement has since been confirmed on both sides. The payments to be made under this arrangement represent a substantial saving on the provision already voted by Parliament for the purposes stated above and as at present advised I do not consider that any Supplementary Estimate will be necessary.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the position of the council of administration of the Ottoman Debt which was set up in 1881 by the Decree of Muharrem, and if any provision has been made for the bondholders?

The Turkish Government have deprived the council of the administration and collection of the revenues assigned to it by the Decree of Muharrem and Decree-Annex of 1903, and have reduced the budget of the council. No provision has been made in the Turkish Budget for the bondholders; the covering law provides that payments in respect of the Republic's share in the foreign debt of the Ottoman Empire are deferred until the distribution of the debt shall have been effected.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount collected under the Reparation (Recovery) Act since 1st April, 1924, and the amount for the same period of 1923?

The amount collected in the period 1st April, 1924, to 10th December, 1924, was £3,551,000. In the same period in 1923 the amount collected was £6,329,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the net balance on account of Excess Profits Duty in the present financial year; and what was the amount anticipated for the year 1924–25 in the last Budget?

The gross receipts and repayments respectively of Excess Profits Duty (including Munitions Levy) from the 1st April to the 6th December, 1924, were £9,665,000 and £7,800,000, leaving a credit balance on that period of £1,865,000, which is approximately equal to the debit balance of £1,867,539 11s. 4d. brought forward from the preceding financial year. The Budget Estimate for the year 1924–25 was £8,000,000.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that he will be able to get the total amount outstanding under this head between now and the end of the financial year?

I could not say whether it would all be brought in the present year or how much of it will be.

Is interest paid on the-amount outstanding?

I would like notice of that question.

Has anything been paid into the Exchequer this year?

Oh, yes, we recover it, and we are continuing to do so.

Paid to the Exchequer or to the Board of Inland Revenue?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the aggregate profits of the brewing companies in the United Kingdom for the year 1913–14, and the latest year for which complete figures are available?

The estimated profits of brewing concerns in the United Kingdom for the years 1913–14 and 1922–23 (the latest year for which figures are available) are as follow:—

Will the right hon. Gentleman remember those profits when the poor brewers come to him and ask to be let off taxes?

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the Committee on Food Prices to look into the question of the price of beer and profits?

Do those profits include the profits made on ginger beer and other mild drinks?

Is it not the case that brewers do not brew ginger beer?