asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is prepared to revert to pre-War practice in regard to passports?

His Majesty's Government are not prepared to revert to pre-War practice, for the reasons given by the hon. Member for Brightside (Mr. Ponsonby), at that time Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in a reply to a question put to him on the 26th February last.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is in a position to make any statement on the Moroccan and Tangier situations?

As regards Tangier. considerable progress has recently been made in organising the new regime, and there is ground for hope that it will shortly come into effective operation. On the general situation in Morocco, I cannot usefully add anything to what my right hon. Friend said before the House adjourned.

is there any further word of an international conference on the whole Morocco situation?

I would rather the hon. and gallant Gentleman put that question on the Paper.

Is there any financial guarantee attached to the Tangier agreement?

That question also will require notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether British policy in connection with Morocco will pay special attention to the security of the Arabs of the Riff from foreign domination, whether it be exercised by Spain, France or ourselves?

It would be altogether improper for His Majesty's Government to intervene in matters concerning the native inhabitants of French or Spanish Protectorates.

Has His Majesty's Government taken any steps to raise the Morocco question at all in Paris, and, in particular, - during the last visit of the Foreign Secretary?

I think I may confidently answer that in the negative.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is widely believed both in Spain and Morocco that British interests are supporting Abdel Krim in his campaign against the Spanish Army, and that this belief is impairing the friendly relations that exist between England and Spain; and will he take steps to make it clear that—

A question almost exactly on those lines is going to be put to me by private notice later on, to which I will presently answer.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that it is widely believed both in Spain and Morocco that British interest are supporting Abdel Krim in his campaign against the Spanish Army, and that this belief is impairing the friendly relations that exist between England and Spain; and if he rill take steps to make it clear that His Majesty's Government will in no way countenance any relations that have been entered into by private persons in this country and Abdel Krim?

On a point of Order. May I draw your attention, Mr. Speaker, to the fact that a question on this subject is on the Paper for to-morrow?

In that case, I think I must remind the House that Members ought to consult. the Order Paper before bringing private notice questions to me. It certainly is not fair for one Member to get in front of another. Is it the hon. Member's question that is on the Paper for to-morrow?

Yes, Sir.

In that case, the hon. Member is quite entitled to ask that the matter should be deferred. Does he do that?

I should be very glad if it were deferred.

Could not this question be put down as a question of urgency?

if a Member has put it down for to-morrow, I do not think it is fair that he should be anticipated by another Member to-day.

But if you consider, Sir, that the question is one of urgency?

The question of urgency does not arise before a quarter to 4 o'clock.

asked the Secretary of State, for Foreign Affairs whether, before the proposed palace for the League of Nations is commenced at Geneva, the British representative will be instructed to press for further consideration of suggestions for the removal of the headquarters of the League to a more accessible centre and one enjoying a more equable climate.

His Majesty's Government are not aware of any desire among the members of the League to move the seat of the League from Geneva, and they are certainly not prepared to make such a suggestion.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how much we have contributed, if at all, to the cost of the erection of this building at Geneva?

I cannot tell my hon. Friend that without notice.

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 Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any agreement has been reached with the French Government with regard to the money raised by the French Customs levies on British goods entering the Ruhr during the recent occupation; whether it has been decided what is to become of this money obtained from British merchants; and in what position the matter has been left?

I. would refer the hon. and gallant Member to Article 12 of the Agreement regarding the Distribution of the Dawes Annuities signed at Paris on the 14th January.

I am aware of that, but may I ask my right hon. Friend whether it is quite clear that the money that was obtained from British merchants during the occupation will actually be returned to the Treasury and eventually to the people who paid it?

Under Article 12 (D), cash receipts in the Ruhr, after the deduction of the civil costs of collection and costs of administration, are paid over towards the satisfaction of the Belgian Priority.

Will that mean that we acknowledge the legality of the original occupation of the Ruhr?

I will not discuss what arises on that, but I will only point out that, from the point of view of the British trader, there is really not very much in it, because, in any case, if the French had not been in the Ruhr, he would have had to pay duty to the Germans.

He paid double duty?

Oh, no!

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons employed on schemes sanctioned by the Unemployment Grants Committee in February of last year, and at the present time?

The latest figures available are those for the end of December, 1924, and show that, on the returns received, 38,605 men were employed on Unemployment Grants Committee Schemes as compared with 30,234 in December, 1923. These figures represent the number of men stated by the local or other 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 on that date in connection with arrangements for alternative working or other shift systems. The figures do not take any account of the employment provided indirectly in the preparation and transport of materials, etc.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in certain districts unemployment is increasing considerably over what it was a year ago, and will he make sympathetic representations to the Unemployment Grants Committee that they have special regard to the claims of these areas?

I am not aware that unemployment is increasing.

It is.

Then I take that from the hon. Member, but at least, in all these cases, we keep a quite careful watch on the different areas, in order to see what the necessity is, and, of course, it depends very largely on the localities themselves as to the applications or otherwise that they may make to the Unemployment Grants Committee.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of applications for uncovenanted unemployment benefit made during the year 1924, and the number of such applications refused on the ground that the applicant was not genuinely seeking whole-time employment?

The number of claims to uncovenanted or extended benefit referred to local employment committees during 1924 was 2,764,000. The number of these claims rejected in the period up to the end of July, on the ground that the applicant was not genuinely seeking whole-time employment, was about 71,000. Owing to changes made by the Unemployment Insurance Act of let August., corresponding figures cannot be given for the rest of the year, but the total number of claims rejected by committees between August and December was 179,000 as compared with 136,000 between January and July.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's Department seriously taken steps to tighten up the work of the unemployment committees and the agencies for the payment of unemployment benefit?

Will the right hon. Gentleman give some guidance to the unemployed as to how they can prove to be genuinely seeking employment.?

I am afraid that is not possible to put in answer to a question, but if the hon. Member will bring it up on any of the occasions for debate when such a discussion is possible, I shall be perfectly glad to deal with it, because one of the objects of the administration is to try as far as possible to discriminate between the people who are deserving, and ought to be legitimately entitled to unemployment pay, and those who are not.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether all these people who are rejected are not required, before they go before the committee or ask for unemployment pay, to register day by day, and that it is the, failure of the Exchanges to provide them with work that keeps them unemployed? [HON. MEMBERS: "No !"] Certainly it is.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the statement that the Rochdale Employment Exchange, by the appointment of a special committee to interrogate each woman applicant for unemployment pay, has resulted in a fall in the number of applicants within 10 days from 1,239 to 40; and whether, with a view to safeguarding the interests of genuine applicants and to conserving public funds, he will use his endeavours to secure that this example should be followed in other parts of the country?

I am very familiar with the statement to which my hon. Friend alludes, and had the facts ascertained some time ago. A subcommittee was appointed, as stated, last December, but its object. was limited to the examination of the cases of about 120 women, not on short time, some of whom it was thought might be made available to meet a shortage of weavers. Between 51) to 60 of these women disappeared from the register at about this time, and it is not, unlikely that their disappearance was due to the inquiries that were addressed to them through the sub-committee, but this is the utmost extent to which a reduction of the register can be attributed to this cause. At the same time a large number of other operatives, previously on short time, went off the register, owing to longer hours of working being started. The reduction of the register owing to this cause during the first fortnight in December probably exceeded 1,200.

The two facts above mentioned had no connection with each other, and their occurrence at the same time was a coincidence. At the same time, I should like to make it clear that I thoroughly approve of the action taken by the local employment committee. Within the limits I have mentioned, the work of the sub-committee was useful, and steps are being taken to suggest similar action in other places where the circumstances are similar.

Has the Minister taken into consideration the serious abuse and injustice due to this method of interrogation; and, further, has he taken into consideration the prejudiced position of an illiterate person in the hands of skilled cross-examiners?

Every attempt is made, so far as I am aware, to see that each case is treated fairly, and the fact that a person is illiterate should not in any way prejudice the claim in any respect.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that an inquisition of this character is likely to keep away the modest, retiring woman who has got a good case, and that that would account. for the decrease in the figures?

I think the answer is definitely, no. I do not think that type of inquiry, which cannot properly be described as an inquisition, is likely to deter a person who is really entitled to benefit, and who can have her case quite easily substantiated.

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman will tighten up the machinery to prevent women drawing the unemployment dole when the husband is at work earning at least £5 a week?

That does not arise. on this question.

rose —

On a point of Order. Is the hon. Member permitted to address the House uncovered, in view of your ruling that ladies may address the House covered? [HON. MEMBERS: "That is a gentleman !" and "Snob !"]

The hon. Member for East Middlesbrough (Miss Wilkinson) is quite in order.

May I ask the Minister of Labour if he can give the House any idea as to the nature of the questions that w ere addressed to these girls by the Committee?

I cannot say offhand, but I will be very glad to try to procure any information of the kind if the hon. Member desires it and will write to me. I would only repeat again, because I wish to make it quite clear, that the object of these inquiries or any other is not to make an inquisition, but is simply to try to discriminate, in the interests of deserving persons, between those who do deserve unemployment benefit and those who do not.

Several hon. Members rose—

This is becoming a Debate; it must be resumed on a more appropriate occasion.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the estimated cost of the five new cruisers now under construction or about to be constructed; and how long the effective life of such cruisers is?

It is not in accordance with the usual practice to give the price of vessels building by contract, but I can say that the cost of each cruiser is expected to lie between 1½ and 2 millions. It is estimated that these vessels will be fully efficient, for 15 years, counting from their date of completion.

Does the right, hon. Gentleman think that these cruisers will serve any useful purpose after they have been completed?

Is there any fixed date when these cruisers will be completed?

They are expected to be completed some time after the year next.

May we take it that no binding commitment of any kind will be entered into in reference to these cruisers until the consent of this House has been obtained?

These cruisers were laid down by the late Government.

Lay all your sins on the late Government?

This is not a sin.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the estimated loss in materials, deterioration and time consequent upon the suspension of the work on the naval base at Singapore; whether operations have been recommenced upon the base; and whether any negotiations have been in progress with the Dominion Governments in respect of contributory payments since the Recess.?

Little direct monetary loss has arisen from the disposal of materials consequent on the suspension of the work on the naval base at Singapore. So far as is known, no deterioration has occurred in the material remaining on hand. There is, however, a considerable indirect loss, which cannot he accurately estimated, due to other causes, such as fruitless employment of staff, cost of passages out and home, compensations to local contractors for minor works contracts which were cancelled and cost of anti-malarial work, erection of temporary buildings, etc., which will have to be done over again. The loss of time will be a: least one-and-a-half years. Operations have not been recommenced at the base, but some preparatory work in connection with the design and arrangements for commencing is in progress. As regards the last part of the question, I have nothing to add to my reply of the 11th December to my hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Sir Newton Moore).

Is His Majesty's Government accelerating work on this base as much as possible?

I think that we are really doing as much as is possible at the present moment.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any decision has yet been come to with regard to the abolition of fees for cadets for His Majesty's Navy; 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 Navy through lack of means; and if he is aware that in the American and Japanese Navies no fees are charged for cadets?

I am unable. at present to add anything to the answer which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member on the 17th December.

Can the right hon. Gentleman hold out any hope for the poor naval officer of today, who cannot afford to put his son into his own Service because of these fees? Is there any hope at all?

I am not prepared to make any statement on the subject.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Government propose to deal with the question of the reform of rating, so that the charges for such national services as education, the relief of unemployment, and the maintenance of main roads shall be more equally borne than is the case at present?

My right hon. Friend hopes to introduce a rating and valuation Bill in the present Session. One of the objects of the Bill will be to secure, as far as possible, uniformity of valuation, which is a necessary preliminary to any revision of the system of local taxation.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how soon after he has uniformity of valuation he will have uniformity of rating?

I am afraid I cannot answer that. I must leave it to the hon. Member's own imagination.

asked tile. Minister of Health the number of houses at present in course of construction under the various State-assisted schemes and the number under construction in February last?

As the answer involves a tabular statement, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is ale statement:

Particulars are not yet available as to the number of houses in course of construction on the 1st February last, but the following table shows the position on the 1st. January, 1924 and 1925:

asked the Minister of Health the cost of building ordinary working-class dwelling houses in January, 1924, and the end of January, 1925; and what action he has taken to keep prices at a reasonably low level?

Particulars are not yet available as to the cost of houses in Contracts let during January, 1925, but the average prices of non-parlour houses included in contracts let by local authorities were:

Is any attempt being made by the Minister or the Government to prevent undue profiteering in building materials, and, if so, will he state what steps have been taken by his Department?

One of the steps taken by the Minister is that all local authorities have been advised that, in order to keep the cost of building at a reasonable level, they should exercise control over the number of houses put out to contract from time to time, and that the demand made upon the building industry should take into account the availability of building materials.

Is it not the fact that the right hon. Gentleman, by requesting local authorities to restrict the number of houses under construction, is injuring public enterprise, and drawing away from municipal housing all the building employés on to schemes where hot1Jics are being erected for sale?

I have no knowledge of any of the facts referred to. If the hon. Gentleman will send any particulars of cases of that kind. I will gladly make inquiries.

Are we to understand that the hon. Gentleman's enthusiasm for keeping prices down has lapsed since he took office.?

No, Sir.

Could the hon. Gentleman tell us the proportion of the increased cost due to the increased cost of building material?

I understand that a large proportion of the increased cost is due to the rise in wages. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"]

asked the Minister of Health what action he has taken, if any, to consult with rural district councils, urban district councils, and other administrative bodies with the view of urging upon them the necessity of operating the 1924 Housing Act and providing houses for letting purposes for Working-class tenants?

A very full circular explaining the provisions of the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924, was issued to all local authorities in August last and considerable publicity has also been given to the Act in the Press. I think that local authorities are fully aware of their powers and under those circumstances further action in the direction suggested does not appear necessary at present.

In view of the replies given to previous questions, is it not the fact that the Government have deliberately discouraged local authorities from building under the 1924 Act?

No, Sir; there is not a word of truth in that statement. Every opportunity has been given to the local authorities to work that, Act, and every fairplay will be given to them.

But did not the hon. Gentleman state to the House that the Ministry had advised local authorities to be careful how many houses they had under construction, so that prices were not likely to rise? Does it not seem inconsistent for him now to say that there was not deliberate discouragement of building under the Act?

No, Sir; the instructions to which I have referred and given to the local authorities were irrespective of the Act they were to build under. No suggestion was made, in the keeping down of costs, that they were to work under one Act or the other.

also asked the Minister of Health how many houses have been sanctioned up to date under the 1924 Housing Act; and can he state the percentage of building labour at present employed in building houses for letting purposes, the percentage employed erecting houses for sale, and the percentage employed on private work other than house building?

28,446 houses have, been authorised under the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924–27,568 to be erected by local authorities and 878 by private enterprise. I regret that statistics are not available bearing on the last part of the hon. Member's question.

asked the Minister of Health what progress has been made to secure dilution in the skilled braches of the building trade, especially in connection with the employment of skilful labourers?

The arrangements so far made with regard to the augmentation of skilled labour in the building trade are set out in a Circular recently issued to local authorities, a, copy of which I shall be pleased to forward to the hon. Member.

Is it not a fact that there are many thousands, if not tens of thousands, of skilled labourers able to do the simple, straightforward work of building workmen's cottages, and are quite able to lay bricks as bricklayers, and ought not these men to be given employment?

Has the hon Gentleman, in considering the question of dilution in regard to the enthusiasm of the Minister for steel houses, considered the propriety of expecting the building trade unions to agree to dilution so long as substituted materials are being used?

In reply to the first supplementary question, it is true that there are a large number of men available, and, I believe, willing, to build houses such as the hon. Member refers to. I should add that under the arrangements indicated in the Circular referred to it has now been arranged that building trade labourers up to any age can be admitted as craftsmen on housing schemes after three years' apprenticeship; the rate of pay during the apprenticeship to be progressive and commencing at not less than that of a builder's labourer.

Cannot these men be admitted at once as bricklayers to build The houses required by the working classes?

Will the hon. Gentleman tell us, was not a scheme placed before the late. Minister of Labour under which the Australian Government trained a number of men between the ages of 18 and 20—men that after three months' training were laying bricks at the rate of 1,000 per day?

It is perfectly true that the Australian Government have insti- tuted a certain scheme for augmenting building labour there; it is certainly a much shorter period than that mentioned in the answer to which I have referred, but not quite in the direction indicated by the Noble Lady.

Can the hon. Gentleman give particulars of the kind of work done by these men, who after being trained for three months, can lay 1,000 bricks per hour—[ Laughter. ] I mean per day?

I think this Debate Lad better be continued at a more convenient date.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what amount of export trade credits he has authorised since taking office; whether he can form any estimate as to the total to date of the bad debts incurred by his Department; and how many applications for State assistance has he been able to refuse?

As regards the first and last parts of the question, 84 applications for credits amounting to £447,206 have been sanctioned since I took office and 39 applications have been refused. In all cases the Export Credits Department has acted on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee. As regards the second part, delays necessarily involved in the liquidation of assets render it impossible at present to give an estimate of the total amount of bad debts which have been incurred.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the amount that has been advanced under the Export Credits Act?

The total sum advanced under the Export Credits scheme amounted to £1,752,150. Might I remind my hon. Friend that the system of advances, as distinct from the granting of guarantees, was discontinued in June, 1922.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the amount that has been advanced under the Trade Facilities Act?

The total amount covered by the guarantees, which up to date the Treasury has expressed its willingness to give under the Trade Facilities Acts, is £54,842,311.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what are the losses up to date?

The determined losses are not very serious, but there are two cases outstanding that will require to be negotiated but I think I must ask for a little more time before I can say anything more definite.

Are the Department still refusing to make grants towards shipbuilding firms?

No, that is not so. That is a matter in the hands of the Trade Facilities Committee. The Treasury does not interfere with their discretion, which is exercised on purely business grounds. The hon. Gentleman will remember that before the House rose there was a discussion on the matter and an endeavour was made to make it clear that the Government are in no way opposed to grants to shipbuilding undertakings if a ease can be proved to the satisfaction of the Committee.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set up a Committee to consider and report on the position of double taxation?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on this subject on the 6th March, 1924. I understand that the report of the Committee of the League of Nations is under consideration, and I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by action at present on the lines suggested.

Would it not be advisable to set up another Committee to go into the League of Nations Report? It is a very important subject.

I prefer to wait till I get the Report.

The Report is already out —in March, 1924.

The whole of the arrangements for the relief of double taxation between this country and Ireland present a very difficult problem. The matter at present is in a fluid state. The Inland Revenue authorities are exploring the whole matter and it would be premature to say anything further.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any further information to give to the House with regard to any suggested dates for the commencement of the paying of French and Italian debts to this country?

I would refer the hon. Member to the Note to the French Minister of Finance of the 6th February, which was published on the 9th February.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information with regard to Italy?

No, I have not.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give an assurance that no steps be taken to concur in any way with the incorporation of Bechuanaland, or Basutoland, or Swaziland in the Union of South Africa before an opportunity has been given to this House to record its opinion on this matter of our responsibility for and to the native races?

In accordance with the pledges given when the South Africa Bill was before Parliament, the House will have the fullest opportunity of discussing and, if they wish, of disapproving any proposed transfer of these territories to the Union.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to subsidise, out of the public purse, other industries in addition to that of beet sugar; and, if so, what these industries are?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative: the second part does not, therefore, arise.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are other industries equally anxious to make large profits out of the public purse?

( on behalf of Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMS) asked the Postmaster-General if he is prepared to accord recognition to the National Federation of Postal and Telegraph Clerks?

I have asked the Federation to let me have some further information bearing on their claim, and, on receipt, of it, I will consider the matter further.

Does my hon. Friend know that negotiations in regard to this matter have been pressing for some years, and that it is nearly time some definite reply was given to this important organisation?

I should like to tell my hon. Friend that I saw a deputation from the Federation two days ago. It was obvious that further information is required, and they promised to let me have it, and I am now awaiting it.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information as to the arrest and imprisonment of Captain Joys at St. Laurent, French Guiana, on charge of wilfully casting away the s.s. "Edith Cavell" on 30th November last; whether the vessel was not in port and in charge of French pilot when she went aground, and whether the owners do not exonerate the master and officers from all blame; whether he can state what steps have been taken to obtain Captain Joys' release, and whether they have been successful?

On a point of Order, Sir. Are you aware that I have a, question in very similar terms to this on the Order Paper, of which I gave notice for to-morrow?

No, I was not aware of that.

The s.s. "Edith Cavell" struck a rock at St. Laurent, in the Maroni River, French Guiana, on 30th November, and, in spite of efforts to get her off, became a total wreck. A French pilot was in charge of the ship at the time. The owners exonerate the master and officers from all blame, but the master and first officer were charged by the local French authorities with casting away their ship and were arrested and imprisoned. On instructions from His Majesty's Government, representations were made to the French authorities by His Majesty's Consul at Paramaribo and the officers were released on hail on the 6th instant. His Majesty's Ambassador at Paris is also in communication with the French Government, who have telegraphed to the Government of French Guiana for full details. The hon. Member may rest assured that His Majesty's Government, are watching the case closely and will take all possible steps to safeguard the British interests involved.

May I draw your attention, Mr. Speaker, to the notices of Motion and Orders of the Day to No. 11, on page 18, for Monday, l6th February, and point out that there is a very similar question down on the Paper. I am very glad, of course, that my hon. Friend put his question, because I only want, to help these men, but the etiquette of the House in these matters is well known. May I also inform you that I put this question at the direct request of the Merchant Service Marine Association, of which I have the honour to be a Vice-President?

I see that the hon. and gallant Gentleman is correct. There is a Question down for Monday, but I do not think, in the circumstances, the hon. and gallant Gentleman objects to the Question having been dealt with to-day.