asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has now completed the close investigation into the circumstances attending the loss of the hulk, late H.M.S. "Marlborough"; and, if so, whether he will state the result and what further action he proposes to take?

The Board of Trade have collected such information as is available relating to the circumstances attending the loss of the "Marlborough," and have decided to order a formal investigation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the Report of the Census of Production is likely to be ready; and whether it is his intention to publish the full results of the Census of Production taken in 1912?

I regret that I am not in a position to give an approximate date for the issue of the Report on the Census of Production. I hope that some preliminary figures for individual trades may begin to be available about the end of the present year. Much will depend upon the promptitude with which manufacturers and others furnish their returns and the amount of correspondence that will be involved in connection with incomplete or otherwise defective returns. It is proposed to include in the Report comparative statistics for 1912 whenever possible.

Will my right hon. Friend take every step to expedite publication?

Certainly I will. Will my hon. Friend help me in getting over any delays?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the tonnage of merchant shipping under construction in this country on the 1st January, 1925, on the 30th June, 1924, and on the 1st January, 1924, respectively?

The answer contains figures, and perhaps my hon. Friend will have no objection to my circulating it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Does my right hon. Friend propose to take any immediate steps to help the shipbuilding industry in this country out of its present condition?

My hon. Friend asked me for a table of figures. I think I should hare notice of the further question.

May not we expect that the new duty on steel plates will help the shipbuilding industry

Is it not a fact that British-made steel plates are being sold cheaper on the Continent than in this country where they are produced?

Arising out of that question——

It arises out of something which is not relevant.

Following is the answer to the Question on the paper:

According to the returns published by Lloyd's Register of Shipping, the gross tonnages of merchant vessels under construction at shipyards in Great Britain and Ireland on the dates specified, were as follows:

The foregoing particulars relate to vessels of 100 tons gross and upwards, the construction of which had actually been commenced.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will supply the completed figures for 1923 and the figures for 1924 of the value of the import trade in plain net, curtains, other sorts of cotton lace, and in silk and mixed lace?

I understand that my hon. Friend desires the particulars of imports and not exports. The answer contains a table of figures and, with the permission of the House, I will have them circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the right hon. Gentleman at the same time give the figures of the exported goods manufactured out of these imported goods?

If the hon. Gentleman will put down any question relating to the figures, I will do my best to answer it.

Following is the answer:

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of building trade operatives, skilled and unskilled, employed at present on the Catterick Camp extensions, and how much longer will they be required; and the total number of bricks used on these extensions up to the present time, and the number likely to be required to complete the job?

The figures are: Operatives, skilled 618, unskilled 297, who will be required for another three years. Bricks required for work already completed or ordered, 9,500,000; additional bricks required, 15,500,000.

In view of the shortage of houses for civilians, is it not possible for the Army to manage with the accommodation which it had before the War rather than use labour and material wanted for ordinary houses?

It would have been quite possible had we not given up accommodation in Southern Ireland for 25,000 men.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of men sentenced to death and executed for desertion while on active service in this country during the late War?

There were no men executed in the United Kingdom for desertion during the late War.

Does my question not ask whether people were sentenced to death in this country for desertion and not whether they were actually executed in this country? Is it not the fact that people who deserted in this country were executed in France for that desertion?

I was not sure what the hon. Gentleman did mean by his question, and my answer is limited to those executed in the United Kingdom. I cannot give him the figures of those executed in France—if there were any—without a great deal of research, and I am not sure, at the moment, that the labour would be justified.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has under consideration the amalgamation of the Tank Corps with the Royal Artillery?

The present functions of these two branches are quite distinct, and no amalgamation is contemplated.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable difficulty in both arms in securing adequate range practice; and would not such amalgamation assist considerably?

I do not think amalgamation is necessary for that purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any information as to the improvement in the number and type of recruits in the Brigade of Guards since the resumption of full dress; and whether he will take into consideration the advisability of extending this resumption to regiments of the line in His Majesty's Regular and Territorial Army, or, alternatively, of supplying them with some form of smart kit for parade and walking out other than service kit?

Recruiting for the Guards has improved during the period in question, but, as regards the last part of I he question, I regret I am not in a position to give undertakings. I can only say that at the present time money is not available.

asked the Secretary' of State for War whether any decision has yet been come to with regard to the abolition of fees for gentlemen cadets for His Majesty's Army; if he is aware that many young men of promise, including sons of serving officers, are prevented from entering for the officer corps of the Army through lack of means; and if he is aware that in the American and Japanese armies no fees are charged for cadets?

No decision has yet been reached, but in con- sidering the matter all relevant factors will be borne in mind. I am aware of the American and Japanese practice.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this matter has been under consideration for over three years, and when does he expect some decision from the War Office?

Yes, over three years ago a change was made as the result of consideration, and it is that change which is now being reconsidered.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the extent during the last few months of the sale for dress trimming of three species of grebe, none of which are admitted under the schedule of birds legally imported under the Plumage Prohibition Act; and whether any seizures or prosecutions have resulted from the illegal import of these species?

I am informed that during the last few months grebe plumage has been offered for sale by some establishments and that as the result of investigations certain plumage of this kind has been seized, and it has also been ascertained that grebe plumage now on sale has been stored in this country from a date earlier than the 1st April, 1922, when the prohibition against importation first came into operation. The total number of seizures of grebe plumage since the 1st April, 1922, is 14.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the approximate numbers and species of birds illegally imported and confiscated by the Customs officials under the Plumage Prohibition Act since the Act came into force?

As the answer includes a long list of various kinds of birds, I will, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

As the list is so long, may I ask whether it is a fact that these regulations are being evaded in a wholesale manner?

I think the fact that the list is long shows that they are not being successfully evaded, because this list shows the cases where seizures have taken place and where evasion has been prevented.

Following is the answer:

I append a list of birds the plumage of which has been confiscated by the Customs authorities under the Plumage (Prohibition) Act, 1921, during the period since the Act came into operation on 1st April, 1922, to 31st December, 1924. I regret that it is impossible to furnish even approximate numbers of the birds represented by the plumage confiscated.

List of birds the plumage of which has been seized on importation during the period 1st April, 1922, to 31st December, 1924:

Abyssinian Roller.

Albatross.

Barbet (two species).

Black Partridge.

Black Swan.

Bird of Paradise.

Blue Bird.

Blue Jay.

Bower Bird.

Canary.

Cassowary.

Chinese Goldfinch.

Chinese Pond Heron.

Chinese Skylark.

Colibri.

Coot.

Condor.

Crested Crane.

Crowned Pigeon of North Guinea.

Eagle.

Egret.

Emu.

Falcated Teal.

Fieldfare.

Finch.

Flamingo.

Formosan Teal.

Frogopan.

Great Billed Parrot.

Great Indian Bustard.

Grebe.

Greenfinch.

Grey Hen.

Hawk.

Hazel Hen.

Heron.

Humming Bird.

Indian Love Bird.

Indian Roller.

Java Sparrow.

Jungle Cock.

Jungle Crow.

Jungle Fowl.

Kea.

Kingfisher.

Koel.

Kohla Green Pigeon.

Lyre Bird.

Macaw.

Nicoba Pigeon.

Owl.

Parrot.

Parson Bird.

Peacock.

Pelican.

Penguin.

Petrean.

Petrel.

Pheasant, Argus.

Pheasant, Blue Eared.

Pheasant, Chinese Silver.

Pheasant, Copper.

Pheasant, Eared.

Pheasant, Green.

Pheasant, Himalayan.

Pheasant, Lady Amherst.

Pheasant, Reeves.

Pleated Kingfisher.

Red Sided Parrot.

Rhea Darwini.

Roller.

Rook.

Seagull.

Sea Swallow.

Skylark.

Sparrow.

Stone Eagle.

Stork.

Sun Bird.

Swan.

Swanison's Buzzard.

Thrush.

"Tick" Bird.

Vulture.

Wax Wing.

Woodpecker (two species).

White Tern.

Note. —In addition to the birds named, a collection consisting of about 42 birds' skins of various kinds was confiscated on importation.

asked the Minister of Transport the number of persons employed on road schemes assisted by the Minister of Transport for the relief of unemployment in February of last year and at the present time?

I have been asked to reply. The latest figures available are those for the end of December, 1924, and show that on the returns received 17,389 men were employed on Ministry of Transport schemes, as compared with 13,342 in December, 1923. These figures represent the number of men stated by the local authorities to be actually employed on the site of the work at the date of the return and exclude men stood off from the job at that date in connection with arrangements for alternate working or other shift systems. The figures take no account of the employment provided indirectly in the preparation and transport of materials, etc.

Is it not possible to increase those figures, in view of the large amount of unemployment in certain districts, and to put more men on the roads?

I have no doubt that that view will be considered by my right hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, with a view to doing something for unemployment in the immediate future, he will recommend that work be commenced, wherever possible, in eliminating the dangers of level crossings across the main arterial roads by means of bridges or subways?

As part of the general scheme now in course of execution for improving some of the principal trunk roads in the country, arrangements are being made for the elimination of certain level crossings. In addition to this, I am always prepared. within the limits of the funds at my disposal, to give consideration to applications from highway authorities for financial assistance to any practical proposals of a similar nature on re-ads of importance from the point of view of traffic and through communications.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say, from the point of view of practical work being done, how many level crossings are being dealt with at the present time?

I could do that, no doubt, if my hon. Friend would give me notice of the question.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed persons in the coal-mining industry according to the last available Return and the proportion which those persons form of the whole number of unemployed persons at the same date, and give similar particulars for the months of January and July in the years 1922, 1923, and 1924?

As the reply involves a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the statement:

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed persons in the iron and steel industry according to the last available Return, and the proportion which those persons form of the whole number of unemployed persons at the same date?

The number of persons registered as unemployed in Great Britain on 22nd December, 1924, at steel melting and iron puddling furnaces, iron and steel rolling mills and forges was 57,119, which represents 4·7 per cent. of the total numbers registered as unemployed in all industries at the same date.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give comparative figures for the two previous years when publishing the weekly record of unemployment statistics; and, if possible, the numbers on short time that, are working three days each week or less?

The figures now issued include, the corresponding totals for a week ago and a year ago. I think, on the whole, it would riot be advantageous to add to the size of the table by including also the total for two years ago. Weekly statistics with regard to the numbers on short time are not available.

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons are now registered as unemployed; how many are working consistent short time; and what were the corresponding figures for the nearest corresponding date last year?

On 26th January, 1925, the number of persons recorded on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Great Britain was 1,240.922, as compared with 1,320,518 on 28th January, 1924, at which date, however, the figure was temporarily inflated by a trade dispute. There are no reliable periodical figures for persons on short time. According to an analysis of approximately one per cent. of a register of 1,232,000 last November, there were then from 200,000 to 250,000 out of this number on short time or suspended from their employment, and probably the proportion is not very different at the present time.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has now inquired into the abuses attending the export of horses for slaughter on the continent; and whether he will take action in the matter?

I have been giving my careful consideration to this matter, and I propose to appoint a Departmental Committee to inquire into the conditions under which the export of horses to the continent is carried on and to advise whether any further restrictions are necessary.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will lay Papers, before the Committee stage of the British Sugar (Subsidy) Bill, giving a complete account of the trading -operations of the Kelham and Cantley sugar factories since their inception, with copies of balance sheets, including profit and loss accounts, of each year of working, and capital expenditure and depreciation?

With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement as to the trading operations of the Kelham and Cantley factories, prepared from information supplied by the companies.

Will that include a full statement of the operations, including a profit and loss account?

I think it will give the hon. Gentleman all the information he wants: at least, it will give him all the information that I have in my hands to give.

In view of the fact that it is proposed to vote money for these companies and similar companies, ought we not to have full particulars of the financial trading operations before public money is voted?

I have already told the hon. Member that he will have all the information that is at my disposal, and I cannot say more.

Following is the statement promised:

Home Grown Sugar, Limited, the owners of the Kelham factory, was registered in 1920 with a share capital of £500,000, of which £250,000 was invested by the Government and £250,000 by public subscription. The factory operated for the first time in 1921. In 1922 the factory was closed through the urgent necessity of reconstructing the company, to which the Government, had made a further advance of £125,000 on mortgage, and to make alterations and extensions to the machinery. The factory came into operation again in 1923 and 1924.

The results of the first manufacturing season (1921) disclosed a net deficiency of £103,509, after charging £8,908 for mortgage interest and £15,564 for depreciation. In 1922, the reconstruction involved the writing down of the share capital by 15s. per £1 share in order to extinguish past losses and to write down the factory to its then value as it was built in a period of inflated prices. In 1923 a net profit of £8,831 was made after charging £19,852 for mortgage interest and £20,872 for depreciation on the revised values. The amount spent in capital expenditure upon the Kelham factory is approximately £555,000.

With regard to the Cantley factory the following information has been furnished by the owners the English Beet Sugar Corporation, Ltd. It was built by the Anglo Netherland Beet Sugar Corporation, Ltd., in 1911, and during its first four years' existence that company incurred a net loss of £254,364, exclusive of depreciation. The company was reconstructed as the English Beet Sugar Corporation, Ltd., but the factory did not resume operations until 1920, since when it has been in operation each season: During the seasons 1920/21, there was a net loss of £145,892 exclusive of depreciation. In the years 1922/23, the period of the remission of the Excise Duty, there was a net profit of £237,374 after charging depreciation. No dividend on shares has ever been paid by the companies owning the Cantley factory; the capital expenditure to 1923 upon the construction and equipment of the factory and on development expenditure represents at least £675,000. The net loss during the whole period was £162,882, after charging interest on debentures and depreciation for two years only. No account is taken in these figures of losses through writing down the assets on reconstruction in 1916 by £212,304 or of the sum of £98,982 received by the first company on foreign guarantees.

It is understood that a complete history of the Home Grown Sugar Industry has been prepared by the British Sugar Beet Society and that copies of this document have already been circulated to Hon. Members for their information.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he contemplates taking any steps to recover, for the benefit of the taxpayer, the whole or any part of the increase in land values brought about by the subsidisation, with public money, of the sugar beet industry in this country?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Govan (Mr. N. Maclean) on the 16th December.

Is the right hon. Gentleman convinced that the landowners of this country are in greater need of public assistance than the poor masses?

That is a general question, and I am sure I could not enter into it satisfactorily at the present time.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will state the world production of sugar in 1912–13, 1913–14, 1919–20, and subsequent years to date; and the total volumes of beet sugar imported into this country from Europe during the same years and during the period from 1st April, 1924, to 31st January, 1925?

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

No official figures are available regarding the world production of sugar, but the quantities as estimated by trade authorities are as follows:—

Continental countries during the calendar years most nearly approximating to those above was as follows:—

asked the Minister of Transport (1) whether railway users who conform to the procedure laid down by the terms of the Railway Act in regard to grievances against the management, charges, and services of the respective railway companies, and who make their complaints in the manner therein laid down and through the authorised channel, can, in the event of their receiving what they consider to be harsh or unfair decisions, state their case to the Ministry of Transport: and, if so, whether he will be prepared to receive a deputation of railway users on the Southern Railway in connection with their complaints of inconvenient services, unpunctuality, the antiquated and unclean condition of the rolling stock, and the vexed question of season tickets;

(2) whether he is aware that numerous deputations of railway users have laid complaints before the management of the Southern Railway drawing attention in particular to inadequate train service, unpunctuality, and discomfort; whether he is aware that the representations made have produced little or no effect: and whether he will be willing, at a future date to be arranged by him, to receive a deputation of dissatisfied railway users in order that his Ministry may bring some future pressure upon the management of the Southern Railway?

The question of railway charges is one for the Railway Rates Tribunal, and questions as to railway services, facilities and conveniences are matters for the Railway and Canal Commission. I am aware that the Southern Railway has recently received numerous representations on these points, and I have discussed the position with the Chairman and General Manager. They have explained to me the difficulties which the amalgamated company has had in reorganising the three constituent companies into one. They have informed me that they have made arrangements to increase both engines and coaching stock and anticipate a material improvement in the services when the first section of the new electrification of the South Eastern area conies into operation, probably in July next. My hon. and gallant Friend will no doubt wish to give the company a reasonable period in which to review the position, but if it appears that any useful purpose would be served I shall of course be prepared later in the Session to receive any deputation which he or other Members of the House desire to bring to me.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to prevent the curtailment of service in the summer months which took place last summer on parts of the South Eastern system?

That is a matter in which I do not think I have any power, but I will certainly bear the suggestion in mind.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has now any, information as to when the London and North Eastern Railway Company intends to commence the electrification of the suburban line northwards from Finsbury Park?

I am informed by the railway company that the question is still under consideration, but that no decision has yet been reached.

Can my right hon. Friend recollect that 18 months ago, when he was previously in office, it was announced, with much publicity in the Press, that, the London and North Eastern Railway Company had decided to electrify this line, and now, 18 months after, they are still considering it?

Yes, but I also recollect that the Labour Government during their nine, months' tenure of office did nothing in the matter.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman remember that in a previous Conservative Government, before the Labour Government came into office, this question was up and was announced in the Press as likely to give a large amount of employment for skilled men out of work, and now the railway company apparently have not decided to do it? Will the right hon. Gentleman press them for an early decision in this matter?

I am pressing them, but unfortunately the position is that I have very little power.

What is the good of your office?

asked the Minister of Transport if he is satisfied that the number of attendants and platform staff employed on the City and South London Railway is sufficient to ensure public safety in the Opening and closing of carriage doors if he is aware that the carriage doors are mechanically controlled in such a way as to make it possible for passengers to be caught in and injured by the sliding doors; and if he will take steps to ensure that all carriage do-ors shall he either under the control of passengers or of the railway staff in a position to see that the doorways are clear when the sliding doors are opened or closed?

My officers have had the pneumatically-operated doors referred to under close observation during the three or four years they have been in use on the underground railways, and they are satisfied that safety requirements are fully met. I have, however, brought the points raised by the hon. Member to the notice of the railway company, who state that the use of these doors has been free from accident and has proved in other respects satisfactory, particularly in allowing considerably improved doorway accommodation to he afforded, and thereby reducing congestion when passengers enter and leave the trains. The company state further that the action of the doors is fully safeguarded, and that the staff employed is, in their opinion, quite adequate.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the sites for the Canadian and South African beam stations have yet been allocated?

Sites for these stations have been selected and terms of purchase agreed. It is hoped that the legal arrangements for the purchase of the various properties concerned will be sufficiently advanced to enable the sites to be placed at the disposal of the contractors before the end of the present month.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say where these two sites specifically are?

Near Bodmin and near Bridgwater.

asked the Postmaster-General if his attention has been drawn to the inadequate, postal service available for the inhabitants of Brighouse, Yorkshire; whether, seeing that the town has a population Of between 20,000 and 30,000, he could arrange that the postal deliveries should be three a day instead of two and that the last collection of letters at the general post office should not be made earlier than 8.30 p.m.; and whether provision could be made of a direct telegraph service to Brighouse, as at present telegrams have to be telephoned from Huddersfield, this causing delay and grave risk of inaccuracy in transmission?

The present postal facilities at Brighouse are similar to those afforded at other towns of equal size and importance, and as the official status of the office has no bearing upon them, I see no reason to alter that status. It would not be practicable to arrange a later hour of posting than at present for the general night mail despatch from Brighouse, and I regret that an additional despatch at a later hour would not be justified. Very few letters are delayed by the exclusion of certain outlying parts from the second of the three daily deliveries. Telegrams have been dealt with at Brighouse by telephone since January, 1923, and the arrangement has not given rise to any substantial complaint. A telegraph circuit to Huddersfield can, however, be provided without much difficulty or expense, and I am making arrangements for telegraph working to be restored as early as possible.

Will the Postmaster-General receive a deputation from the town council?

Perhaps if my hon. Friend will confer with me first, we can then discuss that specific point.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is able to make any further statement with regard to the possibility of introducing this year Imperial penny postage?

No, Sir.

Is it not a fact that the Dominion of New Zealand, which is the first unit under the British Crown to go back to the Imperial penny postage, is quite satisfied with the result?

We cannot debate that now.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total amount on deposit in the Post Office Savings Bank for Great Britain and Northern Ireland on 31st October, 1923, and the percentage of interest paid on these deposits; and will he increase the percentage of interest on these deposits so that it will more nearly approximate to the interest paid on national savings certificates, seeing that these savings are mostly made by the poorer class of the people?

The amount on deposit on the 31st October, 1923, was approximately £260,000,000 which had risen by the 31st December, 1924, to £280,000,000. The rate of interest is 2½ per cent. per annum. I am not prepared to adopt the suggestion made in the last part of the question for reasons which the hon. Member will find very clearly set out in paragraph 11 of the Report of the Committee on War Loans for the Small Investor (Command Paper 8179 of 1916).

Does not the Chancellor of the Exchequer think that a very great injustice is being done to the poor depositor in this country by his only having 2½ per cent. interest?

No, Sir, I think that is covered by the answer I have given.

Is the hon. Gentleman prepared to consider the desirability of reducing the interest upon war loans to the same figure?

I do not think that that arises out of this question.

Perhaps not, but it arises in the country.

It did not when you were in office !

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he is now in a position to say whether it is intended to arrange that teachers and school children from all parts of the country may visit the British Empire Exhibition in 1925; and, if so, is it intended to announce at an early date that grant will be paid for absence from school, that cheap travelling facilities, and the provision of suitable and reasonable accommodation in London will he provided, so that immediately after the re-opening day they may be ready to take full advantage of such arrangements?

The Department of Overseas Trade is in close consultation with the Board of Education on the subject of the hon. Member's question. I am informed that the Board have under consideration the continuance of the arrangements set out by them in Circular 1327 of the 19th March, 1924, relating to visits of school children to the British Empire Exhibition, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member. There is every reason to hope that a satisfactory decision will be come to, in which case accommodation for parties will be provided, as during last year, in the Children's Camp Hostel, Park Royal, Willesden, whih is within easy reach of the Exhibition, at an inclusive figure of 4s. 6d. for children and 5s. 6d. for teachers per diem, as against 5s. and 6s. respectively last year. The Department of Overseas Trade is in communication with the Railway Clearing House in regard to cheap travelling facilities with a view to arranging similar concessions to those provided last year.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the importance of a decision being arrived at, so that advantage may be taken of it before the Exhibition has passed away?

I am in complete agreement with what my hen. Friend says, and we will take all steps possible to come to a decision, as we are in entire sympathy with his views in this matter.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can make any statement on the subject of marriage allowance in the Royal Navy?

I regret that I am still not in a position to make any statement.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will consider the advisability of combining in one Committee the subjects referred at present to the Southborough and Islington Committees dealing with native affairs in East Africa, since it is impossible to divorce the cognate problems of native labour and native lands?

My right hon. Friend has decided to await the publication of the Report of the Commission which has recently visited East Africa before coming to any conclusion regarding the future composition or terms of reference of the two Committees referred to in the question. It is hoped that the Report of the East Africa Commission will be available in about a month's time, and in the meanwhile Lord Southborough's Committee will remain adjourned.

May we take it from that answer that there is no truth in the suggestion that the services of Lord Southborough's Committee axe no longer required, and that the Committee will continue?

That cannot be taken from the answer. Obviously it depends on the reception given to the report.

There is no question, I presume, of the Southborough Committee's services being dispensed with on that report, on the evidence they have already given?

I should like notice of ilea question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many British subjects are at present attached to the British Embassy in Moscow or other cities and towns in Russia and how many Russians occupying similar positions are at present domiciled in Great Britain?

The answer to the first part of the question is: Moscow, 10; Leningrad, 2; Vladivostock, 3. The corresponding numbers of Soviet citizens are believed to be 22 in London and none elsewhere.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the diplomatic privileges enjoyed by the Russian Embassy in this country are similar or in excess of those granted by the Russian Government to British representatives in that country; and whether the diplomatic privileges in either case exceed those granted to the diplomatic representatives of other Powers?

The privileges enjoyed by the Soviet Union diplomatic mission in this country are similar to those granted by the Soviet Union Government to the British diplomatic representative at Moscow. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether he contemplates appointing, at an early date, an ambassador to the Russian Government?

I have nothing to add to the concluding words of the statement which I made on this subject on the 15th December last.

Is the right hon. Gentleman in a position to state whether any other countries have ambassadors in Moscow or in Leningrad

Oh, yes—certainly.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the position of the Ottoman Four Per Cent. Loan of 1891, and the Ottoman Three-and-a-Half Per Cent. Loan of 1804, secured on the Egyptian tribute, also the position of the guaranteed loan of 1855?

The position created by the contentions of the Egyptian Government in respect of these loans continues to form the subject of careful consideration by His Majesty's Government, who hope within a reasonable period to be n, a position to make a definite statement en the subject.

Is there any allowance in the new Turkish Budget for 1925-26 for this amount.?

I must ask for notice of any cross-examination on the Turkish Budget. I thought I had got free of Budgets.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement as to recent developments in Egypt?

There is nothing that I can usefully add to the statement I made in the House before the Adjournment in December, except that the discussions with the Egyptian Government arising out of the recent crisis are proceeding satisfactorily. As a result of these negotiations, an expert committee is very shortly to meet in Egypt under the neutral presidency of Mr. J. J. Canter Cremers for the purpose of examining and proposing the basis on which irrigation can be carried on in the Sudan with full consideration of the interests of Egypt and without detriment to her natural and historic rights. The other members of the Committee are one representative nominated by the Egyptian Government, and one by the Sudanese Government. The chairman, whose name I have given, is a distinguished Dutch engineer.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the regulations connected with registration in France for British and other foreign nationals after a stay of 14 days has been brought to his notice; and whether he can see his way to make friendly representations to the French Government with regard to certain of these conditions as far as British nationals are concerned?

Representations have already been addressed to the French Government in this matter. It has been ascertained that British passports will be accepted as sufficient proof of identity for the purpose of the new regulations.

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware of the recent increase in blackmailing crimes to which attention has been drawn by several of His Majesty's judges; whether he is aware that only a comparatively small proportion of blackmailers are brought to justice and punished, by reason of the unwillingness of the victim to prosecute; and if he will consider the desirability of introducing such a change in the law as would enable the name and address of the prosecutor in cases of the kind to be withheld from publication?

I have been asked to reply. I agree with what my immediate predecessor said in this House on the subject in reply to a question put to him on the 2nd July last, and I do not think any legislation is necessary.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the reply given by his predecessor was merely a pious expression of opinion that he had no doubt the Press, if the judges were to make a request, would not publish names; and does he really think that the object of getting these people to prosecute will be obtained by a mere pious expression of opinion of that kind?

I trust the piety of my predecessor will be continued by myself. I can only say I have considered the judges' suggestion, and if people will come forward to prosecute, and judges will give adequate sentences, this crime will soon cease.

The question is, will the identity of the person coming forward be withheld from publication? Otherwise, people are prevented from coming forward, and it results in lamentable miscarriage of justice through persons not being prosecuted.

I think in many cases the Press have withheld names. If they decline to do it, and publish the names, then we shall have to consider the desirability of legislation.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consult the stipendiary magistrates, and ask them for their views?

That does not arise

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the recent increase of circulars from moneylenders through the post; and whether he will introduce the necessary legislation to prohibit the issue through the post of circulars of this kind?

I am aware of the great nuisance of these circulars, but I am not certain how far one could stop it by legislation.

Is my right hon. Friend aware not only of the nuisance, but of the untold misery caused to all classes of His Majesty's subjects who have got into the grip of moneylenders, and does ho consider it is a proper thing that the Post Office should be used as a means of advertising this business'

I agree entirely as to the misery, but what I have said is that I am not satisfied how it is possible to stop it by legislation. We cannot prevent moneylenders using the post, but if my hon. Friend has got any suggestions, I shall be most happy to consider them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these moneylenders make use of the halfpenny postage, and the envelopes are open?

The Postmaster-General cannot read every halfpenny communication.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the growth of moneylending among very poor people, who are not safeguarded in any way by the law, that these moneylenders exploit them for very small sums; and will he consider the setting up of a Committee to explore the whole question of moneylending among very poor people?

If the hon. Gentleman will give me any information of any cases, I am quite willing to consider the points he has raised, and the points raised by my hon. Friend, and if necessary, if I get prima facie evidence of the possibility of dealing with if, I shall be quite willing to set up a Committee.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware I have already met the Secretary for Scotland, and I am prepared any day to give evidence. The Secretary for Scotland months ago met me on the subject, and I will ask the right hon. Gentleman to consult with his colleague?

I am afraid the right hon. Gentleman referred to was in the previous Government.

No, in this Government.

If my hon. Friend will meet me, I shall be delighted to meet him.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he proposes to introduce legislation to give effect to the Washington Convention on hours of labour?

I fear I am not yet in a position to make a statement on this matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is intended to set up again the Estimates Committee; and, if so, whether he will consider the advisability of setting it up before Mr. Speaker is moved out of the Chair on the Estimates, and also of carrying into effect the recommendations made by the Select Committee on National Expenditure, as contained in their ninth Report, of Session 1918?

His Majesty's Government propose to ask the House to reappoint the Estimates Committee. There is no reason why it should not be set up before Mr. Speaker is moved out of the Chair on the Estimates, and this was, in fact, done both in 1923 and in 1924. As regards the last part of the question, the powers and terms of reference of the Committee would be the same as in recent years.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that those Members who have served longest on this Committee and its predecessor are very strongly of opinion that the recommendations which were made in the Report to which I have drawn attention in this question should be carried into effect? It is rendering their work exceedingly difficult—in certain respects very difficult —that the policy of appointing an officer parallel to—especially as—[HON. MEMBERS: '"Speech, speech! "]

As in the case with a great many recommendations, some have been carried into effect and some have not. There is, however, a strong feeling in the opposite direction to that expressed by the hon. Gentleman, and I think the best course is to do as I have said in the answer to the question.

asked the Prime Minister if he is now in a position to state what action is to be taken in the matter of temporary ex-service civil servants who are desirous of becoming established civil servants?

I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a Memorandum setting out the action to be taken in connection with, or as supplementary to, the recommendations contained in the Third Report of the Southborough Committee, which has been accepted by the Association of Ex-service Civil Servants as an agreed final settlement of the claims of ex-service men now temporarily employed to permanent situations in the, Civil Service.

Could not the right hon. Gentleman give a definite day for a discussion of this question?

The circumstances have completely changed. My hon. and gallant Friend will realise that discussion does not necessarily tend to agreement, and I think, perhaps, he might be persuaded to agree with me that agreement does not necessarily tend to abate discussion.

Has not a promise already been made to the Federation of Civil Servants that a day would be set apart for discussion?

No; I think my hon. Friend refers to the promise that was given before anything was done to have a decision as to the ex-service men in the Civil Service. In my view that dispenses with the need for discussion. If the hon. Gentleman has anything else in his mind perhaps he will be good enough to let me know.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is prepared to take the necessary steps to revise the old age pension regulations so that the actual income received by old age pensioners may be taken into account when estimating their income, and not a hypothetical sum calculated at the rate of 10 per cent. return on part of their savings?

The provisions to which the hon. Member draws attention are statutory and, therefore, cannot be altered by regulation. The method of calculating means from invested capital or other property not personally used or enjoyed, was adopted after careful consideration as recently as 1910, and on what is at present before me I am not prepared to initiate legislation in the direction suggested by the hon. Member. I would point out that the 10 per cent. basis to which the hon. Member refers is only adopted when the capital exceeds £400, and then only with regard to the excess, and that under the Old Age Pensions Act passed in the last Parliament a deduction not exceeding £39 a year is made from such part of a person's means as is not derived from earnings.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these old age pensioners are suffering a real grievance at the present time, and will he reconsider the matter at an early date?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the old age pensioners are suffering from the way the calculation of the percentage is made? If a man buys a share for £1 and it goes up to 22s. and pays 7 per cent,. he is charged the whole 10 per cent. on his 22s., and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that is a very grave injustice?

That is far too complicated a matter for an unwritten question. Perhaps the hon. Member will put it down?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the increasing unemployment of farm hands in grazing areas, due to the erection of barbed-wire fences and the consequent decrease in the number of hands required for fencing and ditching, he will consider the advisability of levying a duty on barbed wire?

I am informed by the Ministry of Agriculture that there is no reason to believe that the adoption of barbed-wire fences in some parts of the country has had any appreciable effect upon the number of agricultural workers employed. With regard to the last part of the question, I must not anticipate the opening of the Budget.

Is it, not a fact that hedge-trimming has become almost a lost art, and that barbed-wire fencing is largely imported from abroad?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is prepared to consider some amendment to the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920, with a view to alleviating the condition of certain classes of State pensioners

Considerable concessions were made to pensioners by the Act of last year, cud I fear that the Government cannot undertake to introduce legislation to enlarge the scope of the Pensions (Increase) Acts.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that considerable dissatisfaction was expressed by the Conservative party, amongst others, at the proposals of the previous Government, and will he undertake to reconsider them in as generous a spirit as they were criticised?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is prepared to issue a memorandum at an early date showing the probable expenditure during 1924 and 1925 under the various heads of the Consolidated Fund Services?

The Financial Statement laid before the House by the Chancellor of the Exchequer when opening the Budget always includes a statement of expenditure in the past year under the main heads of the Consolidated Fund Services, and also an estimate of the probable expenditure in the year to which the Budget relates. This estimate for 1924–25 will be found in House of Commons Paper 60 of 1924, page 13. I cannot anticipate the Budget statement by giving estimates for 1925–26, The actual issues from the Exchequer are published weekly in the "London Gazette" and, for each completed financial year, are given in the annual Finance Accounts.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the final figures in regard to the last Conversion Loan?

Of the £134,600,000 per cent. Exchequer Bonds, 1925, outstanding, £82,015,000 were converted into £57,720,000 4½ per cent. Conversion Loan and £24,295,000 4½ per cent. Treasury Bonds. These figures are still subject to slight adjustment, but may be taken as practically final. The balance of about £52,500,000 Exchequer Bonds has been paid off mainly as the result of the successful issue of £3½per cent. Conversion Loan, and the rest out of the New Sinking Fund. The total saving in annual interest resulting from these operations is approximately £2,125,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether Section 1, General Provision (236 and 244), Annex II. of the Treaty of Versailles, which states that the German scheme of taxation is fully as heavy proportionately as that of any of Power represented on the Commission, is being carried out?

The Report of the Dawes Committee states that the experts, in drawing up their plan which is now in operation, did their utmost to apply the principle of commensurate taxation in accordance with the Treaty provisions re- ferred to in the question. I would refer my hon. Friend to Command Paper 2105, pages 20 and 46, where the relevant passages in the Dawes Report will be found.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give any report of the results of his conversations with French or other Ministers as to the allocation of reparations and the funding of the debts owing to us?