asked the Minister of Pensions if he is satisfied that the period of 12 months after discharge allowed as a condition of entitlement to pension for the first-known manifestation of pulmonary tuberculosis is sufficiently long; and if, in cases where there is a doubt as to whether such a disability is due to or aggravated by War service, claimants or their dependants will in future get the benefit of the doubt?

The period referred to which was arrived at on the advice of the highest medical authorities was an indication that this disease may remain latent for a considerable time and is merely a definition of the period of time within which the first symptoms of the disease could appear and yet the disease be held to have commenced during War service. In dealing with claims of compensation in respect of this disease, full weight is, however, always given to evidence indicating that the disease was present at an earlier date, although not diagnosed as such until possibly some considerable time after the period referred to.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware of the hardship imposed on claimants to pension who successfully appeal to the Pensions Appeal Tribunal against a decision of the Ministry in regard to the question of entitlement to pension, and to whom pension is awarded from the date on which the appeal is made, instead of from the date of claim; and if he can promise an early amendment of the Regulations in this connection?

The date from which an award of pension in the cases referred to is properly payable is, under the standing practice of the Ministry according to the Warrant, the date from which the claim is established. This general rule has been allowed to be modified in the practice of the Ministry to the extent that in the case of a first claim payment is made from the date of the man's claim, and in the case of an appeal, from the date of the appeal. Exceptional cases in which it appears that the circumstances of the case justify payment of arrears from an anterior date can be, and are, specially considered. As at present advised, my right hon. Friend does not see his way to adopt the suggestion in the last part of the question.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware of the confusion and difficulty occasioned to pensioners and others by the lack of an up-to-date handbook consolidating the numerous Pensions Acts and Regulations; and whether he will take immediate steps to issue such a handbook?

Consolidation of the War Pensions Acts, which would involve legislation, will be considered when a suitable opportunity occurs. In the meantime, the question of issuing some consolidation of the Royal Warrants and the various amendments that have been made to them is under consideration, but I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which was given to him on let May, 1924, which deals with a similar point.

asked the Minister of Pensions if the seven years' limit period respecting claims for pensions is now enforced; and, in view of the feeling against this Regulation and the injustice that may arise in its application, will he take steps to have this Regulation cancelled?

My right hon. Friend could not adopt the course suggested, because the time-limit referred to is a matter of Statute and not of Regulation. I may point out that this time-limit cannot operate to any material extent until 1926.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the service pension of 8d. a day granted to Mr. Wilson, of 49, Brunswick Street, York, 28th February, 1919, having been cancelled on 6th March, 1924, was restored to him as from the latter date; and whether it has since that date been paid to him?

I have been asked to reply. This pension was cancelled by the Chelsea Commissioners on 28th February last, but was restored on 25th September with effect from the day following that to which payment had previously been made. The original authority for payment was lost in transit between the authorising and paying offices, but a duplicate was issued on 13th instant, and the pensioner will shortly receive the arrears due to him.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to submit to the House the Report of the Committee appointed this year to consider questions of Army discipline?

No, Sir, the Committee referred to has not yet reported.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of deputy commissioners of medical services whose tenure of office has been terminated since January, 1924, who have received notice that their 'services will not be required after the expiration of their contracts; how many of these are disabled or have War service; whether any other men with no War disability and less service have been retained; and whether he will investigate any cases which may be brought to his notice?

Since January, 1924, 18 deputy commissioners of medical services have been notified that their whole-time employment will not be continued after the 30th April, 1925. Of this number, 15 served with His Majesty's forces during the Great War, 12 overseas and three on home service, and four are disabled. Of the three non-service officers, one is a retired naval officer who was over age during the Great War. The staff, numbering 203, not under notice, include nine medical officers with no War service, and a number who sustained no disability during their War service, but I am satisfied that the selection was made as the result of comparison of the claims of all members of the medical staff affected in which War service and War disability were given due weight. It was necessary, however, that comparative suitability and aptitude for the particular kind of work to be performed should be the paramount consideration, and in view of the importance of the medical side of the pensions administration it was impossible that there should be any relaxation of this rule.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has under consideration any proposal for the abolition of the Ministry of Pensions?

No, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the examination for ex-service temporary civil servants will be cancelled until the House has had an opportunity of discussing the South-borough Report?

The examination referred to will not take place until the House has been given an opportunity, if it so desires, of discussing the South-borough Report. As stated in reply to a question from the hon. Member for Brighton (Mr. Cooper Rawson) on the 15th December, the recommendations of the Committee are now under consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the internal and what is the external debt of France?

So far as I am aware, no later figures have been published than those given to my hon. Friend by the right hon. Gentleman my predecessor on the 6th August last, which give the public debt of France on the 31st December last as 270,708 million paper francs internal debt, and the equivalent of 38,795 million gold francs external debt. Since 31st December last, French external debt has been increased by a further year's accumulated interest on the debts to this country and the United States, and by the loan of $100 million granted by Messrs. J. P. Morgan. The internal debt has been increased by the recent subscription of about 4 milliards of paper francs. But I have seen no complete statement of the present position.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider, in the case of the smaller Income Tax payers who have been in employment but who, owing to illness or old age, have had to retire and are now living on their invested savings, taxation at the earned rate instead of the unearned rate on such savings up to the limit that they paid at the earned rate whilst in employment?

I will examine this matter, but, apart from the question of principle, upon which I should need time for consideration, there are obvious practical difficulties in the proposal.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to an alleged escheat of real estate to the Crown in the matter of the so-called Page estates; whether any steps have been or will be taken with a view to claiming the property in question on behalf of the Crown; and whether there is any likelihood of a reward being granted to any person for information furnished to the Treasury relative to the case?

This case was first brought to the notice of the Crown about 50 years ago and has been the subject of very numerous representations; the matter has been fully and finally con-sidered by the Treasury, and in conformity with legal advice, no action has been or will be taken by that Department on the allegation of an escheat to the crown. There is no possibility of a grant being made to any person in connection with the matter.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, seeing that the money borrowed from America during the War by this country amounted to £880,000,000, and that the arrangement made between the representatives of the two countries, and the terms of repayment of the principal and interest upon the debt will mean a total payment to America of £2,400,000,000, ho will ask the United States of America representatives to consider schemes which will materially reduce this sum?

As I stated in this House on the 10th December, the settlement with America has been made and must be made good. The total figure of £2,400,000,000 summarises interest payable over a long period of years. The present value of this sum would, in fact, be less than the original sum borrowed by us.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of his statements on the subject of the taxation of land values, it is his intention to increase the revenue of the country by introducing a Clause to tax the value of land when he introduces his Budget?

Sir, I took occasion to inform my constituents in the Epping Division during the recent Election that I was not seeking a mandate from them for the taxation of land values during the present Parliament.

asked the chancellor of the Exchequer whether any grants have been made by the University Grants Com-mission to the board of management of St. Mary's Hospital; if so, whether he is aware that this board of management have decided to exclude women students; and whether, before any further grants are made to the hospital, representation will be made to the board of management with regard to this decision?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the third part, I must point out that the admission of students to university institutions is essentially a matter for decision by the academic authorities, with whose autonomy the Government desire to interfere as little as possible, and I see no reason for taking such action as is suggested. There is no evidence that the facilities for the medical education of women in London are inadequate. The London School of Medicine for Women, which receives a substantial grant from the Government, is a large school, which admits only women, and women students are also admitted to the medical schools attached to the King's College, University College, Charing Cross, Westminster and Royal Dental Hospitals.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will continue the preparation and publication of the memorandum on present and pre-War expenditure, with particulars of Government staffs at certain dates, which has proved of such value hitherto?

I propose to issue in connection with the 1925–26 Estimates a paper giving the main facts shown in the previous papers, though in somewhat different form.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that pre-War pensioners of the Irish Lights Service have not yet received payment of the recent pension increases; and whether he will take steps to remedy the grievance without delay?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Pensions (Increase) Act, 1924, under which increases of pension may be granted, does not, I am advised, apply to the Irish Free State. The Government of the Irish Free State have been asked to agree to the application of the provisions of the Act to pensioners of the Irish Lights Service, but their reply has not yet been received.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury (1) in what branches of the Civil Service deductions are made from the wages of established men, thereby placing them in a lower category as regards payment than those men who have not reached establishment;

The hon. and gallant Member is under a misapprehension in thinking that any actual deductions are made from the wages of established men. It is a general rule in the Civil Service that when a man is established, the conditions of his service are radically altered and one of the new conditions commonly is that he shall receive less pay than the corresponding unestablished men, regard being had to the value of the pension benefits. Pensions are calculated with reference to the emoluments actually assigned to the appointment.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the principles which govern establishment of Government employés; and whether skilled workmen employed in occupations of which the Government does not possess a monopoly are eligible for establishment?

In the case of the clerical and administrative classes of the Civil Service, the general principle governing establishment is that recommended by the Royal Commission on the Civil Service and endorsed by the Reorganisation Committee of the National Whitley Council, namely, that temporary staff should not be engaged on permanent work. In the case of industrial grades, to which the hon. Member refers, where the conditions of service are fixed with reference to conditions in industry generally, it is not the practice to grant establishment to grades below supervisory grades except in the Admiralty where under a custom of long standing establishment is granted to a proportion of skilled workmen.

asked the Home Secretary if he proposes at an early date the introduction of a Bill to give a pension for firemen?

No, Sir, but in the event of a private Member's Bill being introduced and meeting with general support, I should be happy to consider with my right hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury whether time can be given for the Report and Third Reading.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that prisoners who, while in detention awaiting trial at the London Sessions, make application for counsel to defend them under the Poor Prisoners' Defence Act, generally find, on arrival for trial, that there is no counsel available to defend them; and will he take what steps are possible to remedy this?

I am informed that when the plea of a prisoner is taken his application for legal aid under the Act is considered by the Court and, if granted, counsel is at once assigned to him from amongst those present in Court. The trial of the case is then put back until counsel intimates that he is ready to undertake the defence. If there does not happen to be a counsel available in Court, one is sent for, and the prisoner is informed that his application for legal aid has been granted and that the case has been postponed until the defence is ready. I am not aware of any ground for action on my part.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Report of the Committee set up to inquire into the question of the police and prison strikers of 1919 will be available before the House rises for Christmas?

The Report is being laid on the Table to-day, and copies will be available as soon as printed.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed under the trade Treaty between His Majesty's Government and the Government of Germany to remove the restriction against the employment of German seamen on British ships; and, if so, whether the House will have the opportunity of discussing the desirability of retaining these restrictions in view of the fact that over 24,000 British seamen were unemployed on the 27th October?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative. The figure of 24,000, however, which my hon. Friend quotes includes other persons besides seamen.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the murder of a post office runner named Murugandi who was murdered whilst conveying mail bags from Kasipalaiyam to Kurumandur; and whether, in view of the fact that he was killed on duty and made a gallant defence of the mails entrusted to his charge, it is proposed to make provision for his wife and family who are left destitute?

I have seen an account of the murder in an Indian paper, but have no further information. My Noble Friend has no reason to suppose that the matter will not be dealt with suitably by the authorities in India, but special inquiry can be made if the hon. Member so desires.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that industrial interests are not represented on the Committee which is to decide to what purposes the British portion of the Boxer indemnity shall be allocated; and whether, in view of the fact that the question of the application of these funds is of the greatest importance to industry in this country, he can see his way to give representation on that Committee to industrial interests?

One of the members of the Committee will be nominated by the Board of Trade.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he has seen a report of the inquest held at Burton-on-Trent on 8th December on the body of Harry Wilemane, who started work on the night of 1st December driving a pony and a coal tub and three nights later was found dead under a tub with his neck broken; whether he is aware that no explanation was forthcoming of how the occurrence happened; find whether he is satisfied that, in the case of boys commencing dangerous work in the mines, proper and reasonable care is taken in training them for the work before leaving them on their own responsibility and without oversight or assistance?

Yes, Sir. No explanation of this unfortunate accident was forthcoming as no one had seen it happen, but the boy had, I am informed, been properly instructed and supervised in his work at the mine, where he had been employed for four months. The necessity for proper training and supervision of boys is constantly urged by my inspectors, and I have no reason to doubt that mine officials generally provide it.

asked the Minister of Labour to what extent the-hours of labour in the engineering and shipbuilding trades are shorter in Great Britain than in Germany and in Holland; and whether any Government or municipal subsidies are given in respect of shipbuilding or engine building in either of these countries?

The normal weekly hours of labour at present in the engineering and shipbuilding industries in Great Britain and Northern Ireland are 47. As regards Germany and Holland, the normal hours, according to my information, are as follow:

As regards subsidies given in respect of shipbuilding, my information is as follows:

Germany. —Careful inquiry has been made, but there is no evidence to show that either the German Government or German municipalities are now subsidising the German shipbuilding or engine building trades.

Holland .—There is no evidence that a regular system of subsidies in the case of the Dutch shipbuilding or engine-building industries has ever existed. A few subsidies have, however, been paid to shipbuilding yards jointly by the Dutch Government and the municipalities in which yards are situated. These subsidies were based on a percentage of the estimated amount of wages paid. I am informed that this practice has now been abandoned.

asked the Minister of Labour what was the percentage of unemployment in the shipbuilding and engineering trades on the 1st December, 1923, and on the 1st December, 1924; and to what does he attribute the difference?

At 24th November, 1924, the percentage unemployed in Great Britain in shipbuilding was 31–2, and in general engineering 14'6, as compared with 42–4 and 19'9 respectively at 26th November, 1923. The shipbuilding percentage at 26th November, 1923, was inflated by a dispute affecting certain shipyard workers, and at 21st December, 1923, the percentage had fallen to 35–0. The difference in the percentages at the two dates reflects the slight improvement in the trade conditions of both industries which was experienced during the twelve months in question.

asked the Minister of Labour what are the figures of persons employed in the manufacture of motor vehicles at present and the number of unemployed, and the corresponding figures a year ago?

At 24th November, 1924, the estimated number of insured persons in Great Britain engaged in the construction and repair of motor vehicles, cycles and aircraft was 201,790, of whom 17,398 were registered as unemployed. The corresponding figures for 26th November, 1923, are 193,020 and 21,489 respectively. Separate figures for the manufacture of motor vehicles are not available.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons insured against unemployment in industries producing capital goods, i.e ., metal working and constructive industries, in industries producing goods for consumption, e.g., ., food, clothing, etc., and in industries rendering services, and the percentages unemployed in these three groups, respectively, at the end of November, 1924?

While some industries can be grouped in the way suggested by my hon. Friend, others do not fall definitely into any one of the three groups, and their allocation would be largely a matter of individual opinion. In these circumstances, I would suggest that my hon. Friend should examine the table published monthly in the Ministry of Labour Gazette, of which I am sending him a copy, showing the numbers of insured persons, employed and unemployed, under each of 100 industrial heads.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of girl boot machinists registered as unemployed in Maybole and Ayr Employment Exchanges for the weeks ending 11th and 18th October, 1924?

Four girl boot machinists were on the register at Maybole on the 11th and again on the 18th October, 1924. None were on the register at Ayr on either date.

asked die Minister of Labour whether he can make a statement of the policy of the Government in regard to the future of the Trade Boards Acts?

The Government adheres to the principle that the grave evil of sweating must be prevented, and endorses the view which was reached unanimously by the Committee of Enquiry presided over by the present Lord Chancellor, that the Trade Boards system is necessary for this purpose. The Government are satisfied that this principle, which is the one contained in the 1909 Act, can be, and should be, enforced under the existing Acts without any further amendment, and they do not propose to introduce new legislation. In reaching this decision, they have it in mind so far as the existing Boards with minimum rates in operation are concerned, that many of the principal changes advocated by the Cave Committee can be, and in some cases have been, adopted without legislation. As regards the question of the formation of district machinery, this matter is one which must be approached with caution, and is at the moment being carefully considered. It is not a matter which in the main would require new legislation to carry out the Cave Committee's conclusion. So far as the application of the Acts to new trades is concerned, the Government will adopt the principles which were recommended strongly by the Cave Committee in that

( a ) they will only extend the Acts to new trades where it has been clearly ascertained by systematic investigation that sweating conditions prevail in any trade, and

( b ) then only after a public inquiry to examine the facts and to hear objections in any case of doubt.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the current price of Australian butcher meat at the London docks?

The "Agricultural Market Report," issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, reports the following as the average wholesale prices for Australian frozen meat in London during the week ending 10th December: Beef, hindquarters, first quality, 5 ⅝ per lb.; second quality, 5d. per lb.; forequarters, first quality, 5d. per lb.; second quality, 4½d. per 1b. Lamb, first quality, 13½d. per 1b.; second quality, 12½d. per lb. No quotations for Australian frozen mutton are available for this period. I am unable to give prices at the London docks, as transactions there are not matters of public record. The prices quoted relate, I understand, to transactions at the London meat market.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the information in his possession indicates any increase in the prices of the staple articles of food in the coming winter; and, if so, of what nature?

I do not think it is possible to forecast with any certainty the movements in the prices of the articles referred to. It is, however, to be noted that the wholesale prices of foodstuffs have recently shown a slight tendency downwards from the positions reached in October or November.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the directors of British Dyestuffs, Limited, are paid uniform fees for their services; and whether the recent appointments to the directorate come under that category?

The Government Directors of the British Dye-stuffs Corporation receive the same remuneration as the ordinary directors. This applies to the recently appointed Government Director, but I have no information as to any special arrangement as to the chairman of the Corporation.

The figures exclude all direct borrowings by the British Government for national purposes, shares issued to vendors, allotments arising from the capitalisation of reserve funds and undivided profits, issues for conversion purposes, short-dated bills sold in anticipation of long-term borrowings, and loans by municipal and county authorities except in cases where there is a specified limit to the total subscription. The figures for 1923 relate to issues in Great Britain only.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the advantages which would accrue, both to this country and the Dominions, by the storage and marketing of wheat in Great Britain directly from the overseas Dominions; and whether he will examine the possibilities of such storage and marketing for wheat and for other foodstuffs?

This question will no doubt be carefully explored both by the Royal Commission on Food

asked the President of the Board of Trade what amount of new capital for investment overseas was issued on the London market in the year 1913 the amounts issued in the years 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922 and 1923, respectively; and the amounts issued for home investments for similar periods?

The following table compiled from statements issued by the Midland Bank Limited, furnishes particulars of capital issues made in this country in the years specified in the question. New capital issues in the United Kingdom in 1913 and 1919–1923;

Prices, which is now sitting, and by the Imperial Economic Committee.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the net income from overseas investments, the net national shipping income and commissions, and from other services for the years 1913, 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922 and 1923 respectively?

The Board of Trade Journal for 31st January, 1924, contains the following estimates:

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number, weight and value of the steel files and saws exported to Russia during each month since December, 1922?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that on the importation of oil lamps and other similar utensils into this country no mark of origin is now required to be placed on the goods themselves, but only on the large packing cases in which the articles arrive, he will consider the advisability of taking steps to remedy this state of affairs?

There is no power under existing legislation to require that all imported goods should be marked with an indication of the country of origin. I am sending to my hon.

The following statement shows the registered exports from the United Kingdom of files and rasps, and of saws, including saw blades, the manufacture of the United Kingdom, consigned to Russia, during each month from December, 1922, to October, 1924, inclusive. Particulars of the weights of these exports are not available.

Friend a copy of a Memorandum issued by the Customs explaining their present practice. The question of amending the law is being considered.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information as to the reported intention of the South African Government to reduce or abolish the preference at present enjoyed by the exporters of British goods to the Union; and, if not, whether inquiries will be made of His Majesty's Trade Commissioner with regard to the matter?

I have no official information as to the intentions of the South African Government in the matter. As His Majesty's Trade Commissioners have standing instructions to report any developments in tariff questions that come to their notice, I do not think that special inquiries are necessary.

asked the Minister of Health if he will call a conference of the overcrowded boroughs of London with a view to urging upon them the necessity of taking early and full advantage of the Housing Acts in order to relieve the overcrowding existing in their districts?

It is doubtful whether any useful purpose would be served at the present time by calling such a conference as suggested. The Metropolitan borough, councils are fully aware of the facilities provided by the Housing Acts, and my right hon. Friend understands their representatives are attending a conference to-morrow to consider matters connected with them. As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, the London County Council have made considerable provision in various districts for the erection of houses to meet overcrowding need in London, and have recently framed a programme for the erection of 20,000 further houses.

asked the Minister of Health if he has seen the report of the surveyor to the Corporation of Clitheroe, in which it is stated that the highest offer for the building of 20 Class B houses of six rooms by private contractors was £1,313 and the lowest offer £1,255 per house; whether the estimates mentioned exceed, and by how much, the Government's estimate of the fair cost of construction; if he is aware that the local authority has been able to carry out the building of the houses in question 'by the direct employment of labour at a cost of under £700 per house; that proportionate economies have been effected by the same corporation in the building of a number of Class A five-roomed houses by direct labour; and if he will take steps to encourage local authorities to exercise their full powers in the carrying out of building schemes in order to avoid the high charges of building rings?

My right hon. Friend has seen a reference to the report of the borough surveyor in the Press. The prices referred to in the first part of the question relate to houses tendered for in 1921 and were considered by my Department too high for acceptance The local authority were authorised to proceed with the erection of houses by direct labour at a substantially lower limiting figure. My right hon. Friend? has not yet received from the local authority the final accounts for the scheme, so that he is not able to confirm the figure as to the actual cost of the completed houses. He understands, however, that the falling market resulted in a material saving on the original estimate. In 1923 a proposal was approved for the erection of a further number of houses 'by direct labour at a substantially lower figure than the amount of the lowest tender received. My right hon. Friend will be prepared to approve any similar proposals where they represent the most economical method of securing the erection of houses.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that eviction decrees were granted against 20 families in Glasgow on Saturday; and if the Government has any intention of introducing measures to prevent eviction where unemployment has been severe during the past two years?

I am informed that no Ejection Court was held in Glasgow on Saturday the 6th instant, but that on the 3rd, 34 decrees were granted for ejection not sooner than the 6th December. In all the oases, according to my information, continuations had previously been granted, nine of the cases having first been called in Court in the year 1923. As the hon. Member is aware, a wide discretion in regard to granting ejection orders is conferred on the Courts by the Rent Restriction Acts, and special consideration is shown where a plea of unemployment is put forward. I cannot give any undertaking as to legislation on the lines suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Transport whether persons directly interested in motor vehicles are permitted to be members of the licensing committees responsible for the licensing of their vehicles?

I am not aware of any legal prohibition, though I think it is agreed that it is generally undesirable for members of local authorities to take part in decisions on matters in which they have a direct personal interest.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will introduce legislation to make it compulsory that bicyclists and other similar road users should carry a back lamp, as much for their own safety as for the safety of all road users?

As I have already stated, it is hoped to introduce a Bill dealing with road vehicles, when my hon. Friend will have an opportunity of raising his point.

asked the Minister of Health whether any of the casual wards which are stated in the recent survey of the casual wards outside London to be poor as to cleanliness, or in bad condition generally, are infested with lice; and, if so, will he take immediate steps to compel the guardians to provide sufficient means of disinfection, and to bring the wards up to the standard of those other wards where the cleanliness is declared in the survey to be good?

My right hon. Friend is not aware of any case in which casual wards are infected with lice. The second part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Minister of Health (1) whether, in view of the Report recently made to him, or to his predecessor in office, that one-fifth of the casual wards in Hampshire, Hertfordshire, and Norfolk were altogether unheated, he will state the names of the unions with which those wards are connected; and will he at once take measures to secure that they shall be heated;

(2) whether he is aware that the recent Survey of Casual Wards shows that in Sussex there are 20 wards open; that five are in bad condition generally; that four are unheated and without fire or open stoves; that in three night-clothes are not provided for men or women; and that in two no mid-day meal or food ticket is given; whether, seeing that the guardians are specifically required by the Regulations of 1882 and 1914 to give night-clothes and food tickets, and by Statute (34 and 35 Vic, c. 108, s. 9) to provide such casual wards with fittings and furniture as the Ministry of Health think necessary, he will call upon the guardians to provide heating, night-clothes, mid-day meals, or tickets, and to improve the wards which are in bad condition?

I am sending the hon. Member the names of the unions to which he refers. On the general question, I would refer him to the answer given yesterday to the hon. Member for Pontypool (Mr. Griffiths).

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has any information as to the negotiations proceeding or reported between the Government of India and certain parties for the erection of a Beam wireless station in India; whether this scheme will, if accepted, delay the erection of a high-power station in India; Whether it has received the approval of the Admiralty; and whether he is satisfied that the operation of a Beam station will not interfere with broadcasting either in this country or in India?

I have no official information as to the negotiations proceeding with the Indian Government for the erection of a Beam wireless station in India. I understand, however, that the Indian Government intend that a high-power station shall be erected in India without undue delay, whether or not a Beam station is provided; and this course is favoured by the Admiralty. The question whether the operation of a Beam station would interfere with broadcasting would depend in part upon the site of the station, and this is a matter which is being borne in mind in connection with the selection of sites for the Beam stations in this country. I have no doubt it will also be borne in mind by the Indian Government in connection with the selection of sites in India.

asked the Postmaster-General what would be the estimated loss to the Post Office revenue by the reintroduction of the 1d. post?

The estimated loss is about £5,600,000 for a full, year, assuming the halfpenny postcard were restored at the same time.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the printing and binding branch of the Post Office Savings Bank is largely staffed by officers who have been denied the status of established officers; and whether, seeing that the conditions under which the branch is staffed comply with the Treasury requirements for established service, he will take steps to place the branch on the same basis as other sections of the Post Office Savings Bank?

The printing and binding staff of the Savings Bank are engaged on work which is largely of a similar nature to that of the printing trade generally; and in accordance with the usual practice they are employed under the conditions prevalent in the trade. The corresponding staff under the Stationery Office are on a similar footing.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware of the absence of school accommodation on the Shinfield housing estate, Reading, and of the fact that the children have to be conveyed to school by motor omnibus and are not brought home at midday, and that in consequence even the youngest children are away from home from about 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and what steps are being taken to remedy this state of affairs?

I am aware of the circumstances in this case. I have now been informed by the Reading authority that they propose, in the coming year, to take steps to provide a school at Shinfield for infants and junior children residing on the housing estate.

asked the President of the Board of Education what additional accommodation for deaf, blind, mentally defective and physically defective children has been provided during the past 12 months?

The new accommodation for deaf, blind, mentally defective and physically defective children recognised during the past 12 months is as follows: