asked the Bresident of the Board of Trade if he will state for each of the five years 1909–13, and 1920–24, the quantities of tin oxide imported into the United Kingdom, the average value per ton in each year, and the principal countries of origin?

Tin oxide is not separately recorded in the trade returns of the United Kingdom, and I regret, therefore, that the desired particulars are not available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the new proposed French tariff increases the duty on oil engines imported into France from this country by 400 per cent.: and whether any steps are being taken by His Majesty's Government to modify this heavy burden upon Anglo-French trade

If the French Tariff Bill of November last became law in its present form, the duties on oil engines would be increased to about four times their present figure. The Bill in question has, so far as I am aware, made no progress in the French Legislature, but His Majesty's Ambassador at Paris has been supplied with all necessary information with a view to the matter being brought to the notice of the French Government should occasion arise.

Has our Ambassador been instructed to inform the French Government that we ourselves are going to propose new duties?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that foreign glass and china, like many other articles, are coming unrestrictedly into this country in increasing volume, thereby making it very difficult for such Home industries to survive, he will consider strengthening, with as little delay as possible, the Merchandise Marks Act, more especially when such industries are being worked on piecework without restriction of output?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Moseley (Mr. Hannon) on the 12th February.

When does the right hon. Gentleman think he will be in a position to make a statement in regard to this important matter, which affects so many industries?

The negotiations are going on at the present time, and obviously, until I know the result of the negotiations, and also what are the prospects and possibilities of legislation, in conformity with the general legislative programme of the Government, it would be impossible for me to make a statement.

Does the right hon. Gentleman assent to the proposition in the question, that the Merchandise Marks Act is intended to have a protective effect?

We cannot deal with reflex suggestions of that kind.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, as the capital of the British Dyestuffs Corporation is over £9,000,000 and the annual value of its sales does not exceed £4,000,000, he will instruct the directors appointed by the Government to press for an immediate financial reconstruction to enable the Corporation to sell its productions at competitive prices?

I am not aware that the reconstruction of the capital of the British Dyestuffs Corporation would affect the selling prices of its products, but I know that this matter is having the Careful attention of the directors, and His Majesty's Government have already informed them that the Government are prepared to participate in a reconstruction of capital.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in the case of indigo dye, which is made in this country as well as abroad, the price is considered to be too high in consequence of the capital of the company?

Perhaps, if my hon. Friend wishes to ask a specific question about a specific dye, he will put it on the Paper.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information with regard to the Report recently presented by Mr. W. T. R. Preston, the Commissioner appointed by the Canadian Government to examine the question of shipping rates; and, if so, whether he will inform the, House as to the general findings of the Commissioner?

asked the President, of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that there is a North Atlantic shipping combine directed by British capitalists; that this combine is charging freights to Great Britain as high as 700 per cent. over the rates of 1910: that it is giving preference against British trade; and that the cheapest rate to Britain quoted to one Canadian exporter is via New York and Rotterdam; if the Canadian Government has appealed to His Majesty's Government for collaboration in the steps it is taking to insure cheaper transport of its produce to Britain; and, if so, with what result?

I have seen the Press telegrams relating to this Report on Shipping Rates, but the text of the Report is not yet available in this country, and no official communication has been received with regard to it. In these circumstances it would obviously be impossible for me to make any statement at the present time. But I think there would be general agreement that charges of the kind referred to in the second question, if made on responsible authority, call for full and impartial investigation.

With reference to the last part of the right hon. Gentleman's reply, will he give a personal undertaking to see that these charges, in so far as they vitally affect British trade, will be immediately inquired into when he gets this Report?

I am going into the matter at the present moment.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is no shipping combine between this country and Canada?

The question was put on the Order Paper, and, therefore, I felt bound to answer it, but very much deprecate having to give an answer on a matter of this kind until full information is received and I can make a final and definite statement.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is cheaper to send goods from this country to Canada or the United States than from Liverpool to London?

Is he aware that that is not the opinion of the official adviser to the Canadian Government?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the Spanish Government have appointed a Committee to consider the importation of coal into Spain with a view to curtailment by tariffs or possible prohibition; and, having regard to the present state of our export coal industry, will he consider a means of retaliation in support of the interests of our own people?

My hon. Friend no doubt refers to the Commission the appointment of which is noted on page 205 of the current issue of the Board of Trade Journal. I think I must await information as to the recommendations, if any, put forward by the body in question before considering what action His Majesty's Government should take in the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that proposals are being made to change the basis of the market for tea sales at Mincing Lane: and what steps he proposes to take to maintain the present free and open market for tea?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. If the hon. Member will convey to me any recent information which he has in view, I will cause inquiries to be made.

Ought not the right hon. Gentleman to be aware of the private meeting that was held last December in Mincing Lane to alter the basis of the market, and is he now aware of the agreement of the Indian and Ceylon Tea Association to withhold supplies?

The hon. Member is, apparently, more ready to impart information than to ask for it, but I am glad to have had that supplementary question. My information is that the point of the open market to which the hon. Member refers is completely safeguarded, and that there is no question of there being any departure on that head.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any means of stopping restriction of production of tea by producing companies?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the quantity of granite, unmanufactured and manufactured, imported into the United Kingdom from all sources during the year 1924: and the declared value of these imports, together with the percentage of weight and value of granite consigned from British possessions?

As the answer contains a long table of figures, my hon. Friend will perhaps allow me to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is doing anything

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the president of one of the enemy debt mixed arbitral tribunals has been appointed to a post under the League, of Nations; and, if so, what arrangements have been made to prevent this from interfering with the work of that tribunal?

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs has supplied me with the following answer: The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, an assurance has been given to the effect that the additional functions devolving upon the President of this Mixed Arbitral Tribunal will not be allowed to prejudice the work in his Department to encourage the production of granite in this country, as against importing it?

That is not the question which was asked.

It does not arise here.

The following statement gives the information desired:

of that tribunal. Should it be found that this assurance cannot in practice be fulfilled, then His Majesty's Government will take the necessary steps to secure that the efficiency of the Mixed Arbitral Tribunal is not impaired.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the recommendation of the Select Committee on Estimates has been accepted, and a Third Division of the Enemy Debt Mixed Arbitral Tribunal appointed; and, if so, will he state its composition, the date on which it held its first sitting, the number of its subsequent sittings, and the total number of cases which it has so far settled?

The Third Division of the Anglo-German Mixed Arbitral Tribunal was con- stituted as from 1st February. The President is Monsieur A. F. J. Bagge, the British member, Mr. G. E. Robinson, M.O., and the German member, Dr. H. Detmold. The division is at present engaged in drawing up its rules of procedure and has not yet held any sittings to consider cases.

Can my right hon. Friend give any indication as to when the first sitting will be held?

Yes, I hope it, will sit very soon, and it is proposing to sit from day to day, and deal with cases by way of summary proceedings.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the delays caused by the German clearing office in dealing with British claims under the Peace Treaty; whether the British clearing office have any means of preventing such delays; and, if not, what action could be taken to give the British clearing office more effective power to deal with such eases?

The question of delay in the admission of British claims has received constant attention. As the result of a recent Agreement with the German Government, the work of dealing with outstanding claims has been greatly expedited. In this connection I would point out to my hon. Friend that it is open to claimants to refer their claims immediately to the Anglo-German Mixed Arbitral Tribunal for adjudication, and to apply, should they elect to do so, to have their cases dealt with by the summary process of the new Division of the Tribunal which has now been constituted.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the findings of the court of inquiry which investigated the loss of the ss. "Hartley," which, carrying a cargo of coal, foundered in the English Channel in November last, the whole of the crew with one exception losing their lives; whether he is aware that there have been other similar casualties recently as regards this particular class of coal-carrying vessel and that one of these vessels, the "John Harrison," is now posted as missing; whether any steps are being taken to adopt the measures which the court of inquiry stated would in their opinion have prevented the loss of the ss. "Hartley"; and whether he will go into the general question of the alleged unseaworthiness of vessels of this type?

My attention has been called to the report in the "Hartley" case. The recommendations of the Court are being considered, and a formal inquiry has been ordered in the other case mentioned, that of the John Harrison." I am sending my hon. Friend certain papers showing what has been done recently with regard to coal-carrying vessels. These two cases show I think that the problem has not yet been solved, and every possible step will be taken to find the right solution. In the meantime the extent of the problem should not be overstated, as the very great majority of the vessels carry their cargoes safely all the year round in all weathers.

Does the right hon. Gentleman's reply as to the great majority of vessels apply to these so-called self-trimming vessels?

If he will read the Report of the special Committee which went fully into that matter he will see that that matter was dealt with and that that expert Committee expressed the opinion that there was no greater danger in those cases than in any other process. Perhaps my hon. Friend will read the Report of that Committee and then, if necessary, consult me again.

also asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the coal-laden steamer "John Harrison," now posted as a missing vessel, had no wireless apparatus on board, there being no legal requirement in this respect; that both in this and other maritime countries there are many 'vessels fitted with wireless though of less tonnage than that required by law, namely, 1,600 tons; and, in view of the fact that had the "John Harrison" been equipped with wireless her crew might have been saved, will he consider whether anything can be done to encourage the use of wireless apparatus in vessels which do not reach the tonnage at present prescribed by Statute?

A formal inquiry has been ordered into the circumstances relating to the loss of the "John Harrison." Many vessels below the tonnage limit do, in fact, carry wireless voluntarily, and the policy of the Board of Trade and the Post Office for some time past has been to encourage this tendency as much as they properly can.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to introduce legislation to enforce that all ships should carry wireless for the safety of the people working on them?

No, Sir. This matter has already been very carefully considered, as the hon. Member knows, not only by Committees in this country, but by international conventions

In view of the fact that there is an increasing number of vessels of this size being lost at sea, and the loss of life, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of allowing this House a day for discussing this matter; or will he consider the advisability of setting up a Committee to inquire into the question?

I should not be prepared to give any assent, without notice, to the statement the hon. Gentleman has just made, but it is always open to him or any other hon. Member to challenge the action of the Board of Trade upon the Votes in the usual way.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, arising out of a clause in the Anglo-German Commercial Treaty, he proposes to introduce legislation to amend the law relating to alien seamen; and, if so, can he state when?

The former Enemy Aliens (Disabilities Removal) Bill, which was introduced in this House yesterday, proposes to give effect to Article 4 ( a ) of the Protocol to the Anglo-German Commercial Treaty.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many industries have applied for inquiries under the new safeguarding scheme; and whether it will be competent for representatives to be heard speaking for industries which, although not employing the article under inquiry as a material, would be adversely affected by its taxation?

The inquiries so far received from various industries relate to the nature of the procedure and the form of the evidence to be submitted, and are not definite applications. As regards the second part of the question, the committees will be instructed to report on certain specific questions as laid down in the White Paper. It will be open to a committee to receive any evidence which is directly relevant to these questions; but it is not intended that they should be invited to rove over the field of general policy.

Would the committee be enabled to hear evidence as in the case of fabric gloves from the Bolton people?

Will any limit of time be placed upon the proceedings of this committee?

No. With regard to the limit of time, obviously the committee must take such time as is necessary to make a full investigation and a fully considered report will save time in discussions hereafter. With regard to the point raised by the hon. and gallant Member for Leith (Captain Benn), the committee will hear full evidence on the matters dealt with in the White Paper, and they will not travel outside that.

Is a case like the Bolton fabric gloves case provided for?

My hon. and gallant Friend is well acquainted with the terms of the White Paper. We propose that the industries concerned using a product in their manufacture should he represented, but we do not propose that the committee should be invited to engage in such discursive discussions which are so dear to the hon. and gallant Member's heart.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the case I have mentioned it was necessary for the Government to set up a supplementary inquiry and will that be provided for?

I am aware also that in that case the findings were that it was quite unnecessary that it should ever have been done.

Will consumers be represented on this committee?

That was dealt with yesterday. The hon. and gallant Member could not have heard the debate.

You are getting a bit cheeky, my lad.

asked the President of the Board of Trade under what powers committees of inquiry will be set up in connection with the Government's safeguarding of industries scheme: whether evidence will be given on oath and be subject to cross-examination; and whether the proceedings of the committees will be published?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the evidence given before the committees which he proposes to set up in connection with the safeguarding of industries will be on oath and subject to cross-examination; and whether the reports of the committees will be published?

No special powers are necessary at any time to enable the Government to set up a committee of inquiry on any subject. It intended that witnesses shall be subject to cross-examination. There is no power to require evidence to be given on oath nor do I consider this necessary. The reports of committees will be published.

How many committees is it proposed to set up? Is there any limit to the number or will it be fixed by the number of industries that apply?

The number of committees will vary according to the number of industries which may make out a prima facie case.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that no publicity takes place which is likely to be prejudicial any British industry?

That seems to be a perfectly reasonable request. It is essential that the committee should have all the information relative to the inquiry as laid down in the White Paper, but information of a confidential character, the disclosure of which would be injurious to a particular industry, may be taken in secret.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the War Office will take steps to house their employs at Arbor-field Remount Depot and Bramley Arsenal, many of whom are now crowding out neighbouring villages and in some cases living in condemned cottages

Government quarters are provided at both Arborfield Remount Depot and Bramley Ordnance Depot for the military personnel employed at those places. In the case of the Bramley Depot, Government quarters have been provided for some 39 civilian employés whose duties are of a pivotal nature necessitating residence in close proximity to their work. My hon. and gallant Friend should call the attention of the local housing authorities to the latter part of the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many War Office employés have not quarters, and will he take steps to see that they get. them?

As I have stated in the answer, all the military employés have got quarters, but the civilians have not all got quarters. I have given the civilians all the quarters that are available, and I have no more to give.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, seeing that any broken period of service is proportionately reckonable in calculating an airman's pension, the War Office can see its way to apply the same practice with regard to the pensions of the Army?

As I informed the hon. and gallant Member in reply to his question on the 15th December, last, I see no need to alter the regulations for the reckoning of service for Army pension. The pension codes of the three Services differ in many respects.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give the number of service pensions now being paid; the average amount of such pensions; and how many applications have been refused to men with over 10 years' service?

There are approximately 87,000 service pensions now in payment, the average amount of which is £45 6s. 3d. a year. It cannot be stated how many applications for service pensions have been refused to men who completed more than 10 years' service. The Army pension code only provides for the grant of pensions to men who have completed 21 years' service, or who were prematurely discharged after re-engaging to complete 21 years. The majority of soldiers are discharged at the end of a 12 years' engagement with the colours and in the reserve combined, and these men are not eligible for pension.

asked the Secretary of State for War what regiment is to take the place of the Warwickshire Regiment at Chatham Barracks; and when it is likely to arrive?

The 1st Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, will not be replaced in the Chatham Garrison. The barracks recently occupied by this unit are required for the better accommodation of the Training Battalion of the Royal Engineers.

May we ask if it is not the fact that the next regiment coming there is the regiment of B.F's?

Am I to understand that no more Royal Engineers are being sent to Chatham?

My hon. and learned Friend must give me notice if he wants the number. My answer is that the barracks are required for the better accommodation of the Royal Engineers.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether an officer in the Army during peace time is at liberty to throw up his commission; does such a privilege remain operative right up to the outbreak of war; may a private soldier resign from the Army under similar conditions; and is it possible for officers who are disinclined to carry out duties which may be obnoxious to them to exercise the right to resign their commissions if they so desire

No officer has a right to resign his commission at any time; nor has a private soldier a right to be discharged until the period of his engagement has expired, except the right of a recruit, subject to the provisions of Section 81 of the Army Act, to purchase his discharge within three months after the date of his attestation. An officer cannot resign his commission as an alternative to carrying out duties which may be distasteful to him.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers were executed for offences against military law and discipline during the great War, and how many private soldiers were executed because of similar offences; and how many officers were sent home from their regiments during the same war because of shell-shock or other nervous complaints, and the number of privates returner, for similar reasons?

Two officers and 307 other ranks were executed for such offences. I am not able to give the figures asked for in the latter part of the question as the medical statistics relating to the Great War have not been extracted in detail. Such figures as are available will be found in chapter I of volume II of the Official Medical History of the War, a copy of which is available in the library of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that two private soldiers of the South Lancashire Regiment were arrested in London on 18th May, 1916, for desertion in this country and were then taken to France, tried, sentenced to death, and executed there; and if he will state the reason why these men were taken to France for trial and execution in respect of a crime committed in this country?

I am aware of the facts about these two cases as stated by the hon. Member. The two men deserted at Waterloo Station from a draft proceeding to France to join their battalion. They were arrested together on the 18th May, 1916, and were sent to France because it is the ordinary practice to return a deserter to his unit for trial.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it is any less prudent to shoot these men in France than it would have been to shoot them in this country?

I am not expressing any opinion on the subject.

Does my right hon. Friend think these questions do any good towards peace on earth and good will towards men?

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the total number of boys who have been enlisted in order to receive technical training to enable them to perform skilled work required in the Army; whether any difficulty has been experienced in obtaining the number of boys required, owing to the fact that the Army Council have been unable to give parents an assurance that the training which the boys receive while in the Army would be recognised by trades unions on the boys' discharge to civil life; and what action has been taken in the matter?

Since the introduction of the competitive examination scheme in September, 1923, 1,213 boys have been enlisted for training as apprentice tradesmen. There has been no difficulty in obtaining the required number of boys, as the number of applicants has exceeded the number of vacancies.

Is the suggestion in the question that the trade unions will not recognise them incorrect do I understand?

No, I did not say that at all. I do not know what the trade unions will do, but these boys will not come out of the Army for about 10 years. It is not useful to ask for pledges for so long in advance.

Is it not a fact that the whole idea of the scheme is that these boys should be trained in a useful occupation in which they will be able to earn their living in private life

That is not the primary object. The primary object is to secure really skilled men for service in the Army, and after 10 years service and the training they are getting they will be so skilled that I have no doubt they will easily obtain lucrative employment in civil life.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office why, in view of the fact that there has been an embargo in the past upon the letting of the drill hall in Pelham Road, Gravesend, for political meetings, such a meeting was permitted on the 4th instant, and the fee paid for the use of the hall?

I am informed that the policy of the Kent Territorial Army Association not to allow the use of their drill halls for political meetings was not departed from on the occasion in question when the use of the hall at Gravesend was allowed for a dance organised by the Constitutional Association. There were no political speeches. A charge of 2s. per head was made, the balance, after meeting expenses, being divided between the clubs of the Territorial units. Other political associations have been allowed the use of the hall for purely social purposes.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards the belated claims for reparation for damage by enemy action; is he aware that a great many of these claims are perfectly genuine, that the small additional sum voted does not meet them, and that injustice has been caused; and when Parliament will be asked to vote additional money?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 12th February to the hon. Members for Cardiff East (Sir C. Kinloch-Cooke) and the Isle of Thalia (Mr. Harmsworth).

May we expect any additional grant should we get any reparations from Germany under the Dawes Report; and is the right hon. Gentleman further aware that, in the last Parliament, his own followers were pressing very hard for additional money for grants in hard cases that do come to light?.

That is more a speech than a question.

asked the President. of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the case of Mr. George Durwood, of Broughty Ferry, who was mate upon the trawler "Stork," of Dundee, sunk by enemy submarine action in April, 7917; whether he is aware that, as a result of shock and exposure, this man's voice has been so impaired that the Board of Trade will not allow him to sail as mate; that he has been compelled to attend the Dundee Infirmary for three and a half years; that he claimed the sum of £500 damages, and was offered the sum of £3 on 31st December, 1924, by the Treasury; and if steps will be taken to have this case re-examined?

The answer is rather long, and, with the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

An examination has been made into this case. A claim was lodged by Mr. George Dorward on 20th October, 1920, for loss of effects, and he was paid £20 awarded by the Royal Commission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action in respect of effects lost and being torpedoed in 1916. No mention was made of injury to health at that time, but on 22nd February, 1923, Mr. Dorward made a belated claim in respect of injury to health. On the principles laid down by the Royal Commission, it was only possible to award Mr. Dorward a solatium of £3 out of the £300,000 provided for belated claimants. In the circumstances, the grant to Mr. Dorward cannot be increased; and I understand that he has in fact been for some time sailing as second hand on board a Dundee trawler.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take immediate action to deal with the handicap suffered by the shipbuilding industry in competing with foreign firms by assistance in respect of local rating of business and works premises, and by representations to the Treasury to lower national taxation, especially Income Tax, but with the conditions, first, that the wage rates of the workers shall not be adversely affected in any such scheme nor yet that reserves, if any, of the shipbuilding firms be further depleted?

The reduction of national and local taxation is obviously a matter of great importance, and one to which the efforts of the Government will be constantly directed, but it would clearly not be possible to single out one particular industry for special treatment in that respect.

asked the President 11 the Board of Trade the acreage under wheat in the principal wheat-growing countries for the year ending 1923, as compared with 1924?

The answer contains a table of figures, which my hon. Friend will, perhaps, allow me to circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

According to information supplied to the International Agricultural Institute, Rome, by the Governments of the countries named, the acreage under wheat in the years specified was as stated below:

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the reasons for the proposed duplication of the Territorial Army?

The hon. Member is presumably referring to the statement I recently made to the Council of County Territorial Associations, that in any war of first-class importance the Territorial Army would be required at least to duplicate itself. The reason is, as I stated, that the Territorial Army would be the sole means of expansion in time of war.

Is the right hon. Gentleman telling the House that this is one of the results of our having won the War?

This is not the time for rhetorical questions.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what are the proposals of the Government in reference to the Register House; and whether it is intended to move any of the documents from Edinburgh?

I am not yet in a position to announce the intentions of the Government with regard to legislation respecting the organisation of the Departments in the Register House. I can, however, assure the hon. and gallant Member that the idea of removing any documents from the Record Office in Edinburgh has never been contemplated, and I am glad to take this opportunity of removing misunderstandings on that point.

Does the right hon. Baronet intend to appoint a Registrar Depute or a Curator, both of which posts are vacant?

I have said I am not in a position to announce the Government policy on the question.

In the meantime are the vacancies to remain unfilled?

Is the office not statutory, and why has it been so long left vacant?

The history of the Reorganisation Bill is well known to the right hon. Gentleman. It has been introduced more than once, but so far it has not been proceeded with. As soon as I am in a position to re-introduce it I will do so.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the history of this question is one which has not been at all satisfactory to Scotland, and that a settlement of it is urgent?

I am hopeful that I may satisfy the House.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware of the evidence given by the governor of Duke Street prison at a recent murder trial in Stirling in which reflections were made on the police methods of identification of the accused person; and whether he will cause an impartial inquiry to be made into this matter?

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the evidence given by the governor of Duke Street prison, Glasgow, on 27th January, in which he referred to the means adopted by the police for the identification of a prisoner, subsequently charged with murder; whether he is aware that the governor formed the opinion that the police prompted a witness in regard to identification, and that the governor was so impressed with this that he reported the matter to the Prison Commissioners; and whether, if he has not already done so, he will cause a searching inquiry to be made into the governor's statement regarding the action of the police in regard to their treatment of Mrs. Russell?

The answer to the first part of these questions is in the affirmative. The learned Judge, in his charge to the jury, as reported, expressed the opinion that the allegations made against the police in connection with the identification of the accused were based upon suspicions which were groundless. I do not consider that further inquiry is necessary.

Is the right hon. Baronet aware that this is not the first occasion on which serious allegations have been made at murder trials against the methods of the police of identification, and in view of the interest taken in Scotland on this question, will he not make some inquiry and some definite pronouncement.

I am satisfied that in this case the matter was very carefully gone into, and I have no reason to reopen it.

Is it not the case that the remarks of the Judge upon the police methods of identification were based upon a statement that had been made, or a suspicion by the Governor of the prison, and not on the methods adopted generally, and the question, as I understand it, is, will he take steps to see that a better method of identification is adopted, and will he institute an inquiry to get the best method to set it up?

All I can say is that unless I have some further evidence produced—I am dealing with this case—I see no reason to suppose that what the Judge said was not well founded.

I beg to give notice that on the first opportunity I will raise the question on the Adjournment.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is prepared to consider the institution of a Court of Criminal Appeal for Scotland?

I have appointed a Committee to consider whether it is desirable that further provision should be made for appeal in criminal cases in Scotland. I must await the Report of that Committee before reaching a conclusion on the subject.

Why is it necessary to set up such a Committee when you already have a Court of Criminal Appeal in England? Is there any difference in Scotland which necessitates a Committee being set up to see whether it is necessary?

That is a matter of argument.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has considered the appointment of a committee of inquiry into the questions of land settlement, transport, and postal facilities in the Highlands of Scotland; and, if not, whether, in view of the depopulation of that portion of the country, he will appoint a committee to go fully into these matters?

In view of the inquiries which have been made within recent years into the questions of land settlement and of transport facilities in the Highlands there does not appear to me to be any necessity for the appointment at the present time of a committee of inquiry into those questions. I am, however, examining the whole situation in the light of the existing information. The question of postal facilities is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General.

Will the right hon. Baronet submit the results of those inquiries to the House in a report?

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that there is dissatisfaction among certain of the smallholders of Terregles, near Dumfries, with regard to their condition as to rent, equipment, etc.; and whether any action can be taken by him to improve those conditions?

I am aware that there is dissatisfaction on the part of some individuals among the smallholders at Terregles, but I do not consider that there is any legitimate ground for it. Concessions have been made in proper cases with regard to rents and building annuities, after a hearing by the Land Court, and also in other respects and in my view these have reasonably met the situation. I do not, therefore, see any ground for action on my part.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that there is a demand on the part of education authorities for the re-introduction of the Education (Scotland) Act Amendment Bill, 1918, which was introduced by the Member for South Aberdeen in 1923; and, if so, will he state what action, if any, he proposes to take to meet this demand?

I have arranged to meet a deputation from the Association of Education Authorities at an early date. The Bill to which the hon. Member refers is one of the matters to be discussed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of the education authorities are as strongly opposed to the Bill as it came from another place?

Is it not a fact that there was absolute unanimity on three sections——

No.

I am putting the question to the right hon. Gentleman. Is it not a fact that there was absolute unanimity on three Clauses of the Act, and that it was only on one Clause, dealing with school management committees, that there was any dissatisfaction?

I am open to receive representations on the subject.

asked the Secretary for Scotland how many houses have been built by the county council of Midlothian in the Gala Water district under the various Housing Acts; how many have been built to let; if he knows there is great demand in that area, particularly the Gorebridge district, for houses to let; and what action, if auy, does he propose to encourage this county council to meet the demand for better and more housing accommodation?

Under the Housing Acts no houses have been built in tie Gala Water District by the County Council of Midlothian. According to a return made by the local authority in 1919 the shortage of houses in the district was estimated at 76, 50 of which were for Gorebridge I have no information as to the present shortage, but I am having inquiry made, and if the result so warrants I shall urge the local authority to take the appropriate steps to relieve the shortage by promoting a scheme or schemes under the Housing Acts of 1923 and 1924.

asked the Secretary for Scotland how many houses have been erected in Scotland under the various assisted housing schemes; and how many houses under those schemes are in course of construction?

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

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he can do anything to stop the destruction of undersized fish on the east coast of Scotland, which is doing serious injury to the fishing for larger classes of fish?

It is difficult for me to give a definite reply to the hon. and gallant Member's question in the absence of further particulars as to the circumstances. If he will be good enough to send me information as to the kind of fish, and the locality concerned, I shall be glad to make further inquiries and to send him a reply.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the larger sort of Scottish fish very often fall upon and rend these smaller fish?

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that the grant given by the Government towards the salaries and expenses of medical officers of health and sanitary inspectors in Scotland is less than the grant given towards these officers in England; and will he see that Scotland gets a grant equal to that given in England for this purpose?

The difference between Scotland and England in the matter referred to by the hon. Member arises from the fact that in. Scotland the statutory provisions which regulate the distri

Following is the answer:

At 31st January, 1925, the position of progress with building under the various State-assisted housing schemes in Scotland was as follows:

bution of sums paid into the Local Taxation Account appropriate a fixed annual sum of £15,000 in aid of the cost of medical officers and sanitary inspectors, whereas under the corresponding provisions for England a grant of 10s. per on approved expenditure is paid. A revision of the Scottish scheme of distribution so as to secure a large appropriation to this service would involve reduction of the grants to other services and could only be effected by legislation.

asked the Secretary for Scotland when the publication of the Land Court Report for the year 1924 can be expected; whether it may be available at an earlier date than was the case of the Report for the year 1923; and whether he will consider the advisability of reverting to the practice of having the Report printed in full?

It is not possible at this stage to state definitely when the Land Court Report for 1924 will be ready; it is hoped that it will be available at a much earlier date than the 1923 Report. As regards the last part of the question, if the hon. Member refers to the question of printing, the detailed appendices which at present are neostyled, I have no evidence of any public dissatisfaction with the present arrangements, which have greatly reduced the cost of this volume to the taxpayer.

By how much has the cost been reduced?

I understand by at least £300.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has before him an application from those interested in the herring fishing in Shetland asking for the concellation of licences for whaling in the county; and whether he is prepared to give a decision in the matter at an early date to permit of arrangements being made for the coming season?

I recently dealt with an application made by the Shetland White Fishing and Herring Protection Association to the effect stated in the first part of the question. After carefully considering the question, I intimated to the applicants that I was not prepared to give effect to the application. No outstanding application is therefore before me.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that no school has been provided for the children of the small landholders on the new settlement of Newton, North Uist: and, in view of the fact that there are 23 children, of school age, in this new township, what steps does he propose to take to provide the necessary facilities for education?

The provision of accommodation rests primarily with the education authority, and I understand that they are faking active steps in the matter.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is now in a position to state when Lochboisdale pier, in the island of South Uist, will be reopened for traffic; and, if not. whether, in view of the inconvenience, and loss caused to the traders and general public, he can say how much longer the people of that island are to be deprived of reasonable means of communication with the mainland?

The pier is closed by the instructions of its owner, and I am not in a position to state when it will be reopened nor to add materially to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member's question on the 18th of December.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that the people living on that island are at present being deprived of the only means of communication with people on the mainland, and that it is the duty of the Government to govern and provide these means of communication?

This pier is private property over which we have no control, but the whole matter is receiving careful consideration.

Is it not the duty of the Government to see that the people living there, irrespective of any landlord, are provided by the Government with the means of living there?

asked the Lord Advocate if he is aware of the continued increase of criminal offences against children in Scotland, and especially of the assault on Thursday, 5th February, upon a child aged three years in the Possil district of Glasgow; and will he consider the introduction of legislation to increase the penalties for this form of crime?

The information in my possession does not warrant the view that there is a continued increase in the offence referred to by my hon. Friend Inquiry is at present being made into the Glasgow case mentioned. With regard to the latter part of the question, I would remind my hon. Friend that a Departmental Committee recently appointed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary for Scotland is at present inquiring into the subject of such offences.

Has my right hon. Friend referred to the Return given to this House by his predecessor?

I am aware of the Return to which the hon. Member refers, but it is somewhat misleading in respect of the first column. It does not give the number of cases in which evidence can be got to justify proceedings, but simply the number of cases reported to the police, and it is well known that in some of these instances there has been found no real case at all.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the Departmental Inquiry which ho is setting up will consider net only the question of sentences but also the social conditions from which this crime arises?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a copy of a resolution upon unemployment passed at a town's meeting in Tottenham; and. in view of the amount of unemployment and consequent misery prevailing in Tottenham and other large industrial areas, whether these and similar representations are receiving the attention of the Government?

I have been asked to reply. I have seen the resolution mentioned in the question, and I can assure the hon. Member that the whole matter of unemployment is receiving the continuous attention of the Government.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the sum of money advanced by the State hitherto to the National Unemployment Fund, indicating how much has been repaid; and what sum is still, owing?

I have been asked to reply. The debt of the Unemployment Fund in respect of advances by the Treasury was at its highest point on 10th March, 1923, when the amount was £17,060,000. The amount now owing is £6,240,000.

asked the Prime Minister whether any steps are being taken to expedite the evacuation of Cologne; and whether this step on our part depends on anything, such as the ratification of the Protocol or other measure of security and guarantee, in addition to the stated disagreement on the adequacy of German disarmament?

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the reply which I gave yesterday to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull. The evacuation of Cologne depends solely upon the fulfilment by Germany of the conditions imposed on her under Article 429 of the Treaty of Versailles.

Are we to understand that this question is not being mixed up with the question of security?

No, certainly not.

Will the five years' period be held to have been completed as soon as the conditions with regard to disarmament have been fulfilled, or will they be held not to have begun to run?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Prime Minister if it is the Government's intention to bring in a Measure for electoral reform, so that this House may more faithfully represent the opinion of the electors as expressed at the polls?

The Government do not agree that legislation is required.