asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in England, exclusive of London, Wales, and Monmouth, there were, according to the official survey, 13 casual wards where women had, for or instead of proper sleeping accommodation approved by the Local Government Board and suitable bed-clothing as required by Article 14 of the Casual Paupers Regulations of 1882, rugs only, and 14 where they had plank beds, a very large number where they had no pillows, and also a large number where they had no night clothes; will he give the names of all these unions; will he state, in each case of rugs only, whether the rugs were placed on the floor and of what material the floor was composed; where pillows were not provided were the women permitted to use their clothes or boots as pillows; where they had no night clothes were they permitted ho retain their own clothes; and will (he arrange for either a woman inspector of the Minister of Health or a sanitary or medical own officer of the local district or county council to visit these wards when the women me in bed, or on the rugs or planks substituted for beds, and report to the Minister as to the condition of the wards and of their inmates?

The lists of unions are given below. Where rugs only were provided, they were placed on the floor. The survey did not indicate of what material the floor was composed. It is understood that where no night clothes were provided the women were permitted to retain their own clothes, but the survey did not require a specific answer to this question, or to the question whether, where pillows were not provided, the women were permitted to use their clothes or boots as pillows. The question of arranging for visits at night is receiving consideration.

1. Casual wards in England, exclusive of London and Monmouth, where women were required to sleep on rugs.

The references in the official survey to casual wards in Oxfordshire and Lincoln-shire were made in error.

2. Casual wards in England, exclusive of London and Monmouth, where women casuals were required to sleep on planks.

3. Unions in England, exclusive of London and Monmouth, in which it was not stated that pillows were provided for women casuals.

4. Casual wards in England, exclusive of London and Monmouth, in which women were not provided with night clothing:

asked the Minister of Health the names of the unions at which, according to the recent official survey, casuals were required to pick oakum; whether he is aware that oakum-picking is not now appointed as a task in ordinary prisons for criminals; whether in any and, if so, what unions stone-pounding is given to casuals as a task; wheher he is aware that stone-pounding was declared by a London stipendiary to be illegal; whether the Local Government Board did afterwards sanction it for some unions; and whether he will abolish both oakum-picking and stone-pounding as tasks for casuals?

I am sending the hon. Member a list of the unions in which, according to the recent survey of casual wards, oakum-picking or stone-pounding was required. My right hon. Friend understands that oakum-picking is no longer prescribed as an ordinary task in prisons. He is not aware that stone-pounding as such has been declared to be illegal, and thinks the hon. Member must have in mind cases in which the prosecution failed not because stone-pounding was illegal, but because the previous approval of the Local Government Board to the imposition of this task had not been obtained. A task of stone-pounding was approved in certain unions after these cases. My right hon. Friend will consider how far it is necessary or desirable to retain these particular tasks, but it must be remembered that they are only alternative tasks and that a casual cannot be required to perform the whole or any part of such task if it should appear that the same is not suited to his age, strength or capacity.

asked the Minister of Health the name of the union or unions in Oxfordshire in which, as stated in the annual official survey, the men and the women admitted into casual wards are provided with rugs only; whether in this union (or unions) the men and women sleep without bedstead, hammock, or mattress; whether he considers this to be proper sleeping accommodation and suitable bed clothing, as required by Article 14 of the Regulations of 1882; and, if not, will he take steps to compel the guardians to provide such proper accommodation and suitable bedding?

The union referred to is Henley-on-Thames. In the women's ward there is a bedstead as well as hammocks, and hammocks are also available for the men, but are, in fact, not used by them. Night dresses are provided for the women, and night shirts, a pillow and three rugs (four in winter) are provided for each male casual. I do not think that the arrangements comply in all respects with the Regulations, and I will take the matter up with the guardians.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Urban District Council of Bingley, with a population of 18,949, are proposing so appoint an additional sanitary inspector at a salary of £175 per annum; whether he approved of the terms of the advertisement; and whether ho is satisfied that the salary is a sufficient one for a whole-time qualified inspector?

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend is aware of the Council's proposal. There are, in addition to the officer whom it is proposed to appoint, two whole-time sanitary inspectors in this district. My right hon. Friend did not consider that the terms offered would prove inadequate to secure a young additional officer with the prescribed qualifications, and, therefore, he has raised no objection to the proposed advertisement.

asked the Minister of Health if he will give facilities for the introduction of legislation requirng manufactured food to be labelled with full details of its contents and ingredients?

Any legislation which may be introduced on these lines would have my right hon. Friend's careful consideration, but he is afraid it is not likely that any special facilities could be given in this connection.

asked the Minister of Health if he will give facilities for the consideration of a Bill to amend the Local Government and Other Officers Superannuation Act, 1922, in respect to inclusion of various sections of local government officers not now included

My right hon. Friend is afraid it is impossible for him to undertake that the Government will give facilities for the consideration of a Bill which he has not yet seen, but if my hon. Freind will formulate his proposals for the Amendment of the Act of 1922 my right hon. Friend will be glad to discuss them with him.

asked the Minister of Health the total number of cases of tuberculosis notified to local municipal dispensaries; the number of cases notified receiving institutional treatment; and the number of beds available for the cases reported during the last three years for which returns are available?

As regards the first part of the question, I may point out that formal notifications of tuberculosis are made to the medical officers of health of sanitary districts, and that although the medical officers of tuberculosis dispensaries receive lists of the notifications, only a proportion of the notified cases are applicants for treatment by local authorities. The number of cases of tuberculosis notified in England and Wales during each of the last three years for which returns are available is as follows:

( a ) the number of tuberculous persons receiving treatment in residential institutions from local authorities, and

(b) the number of beds in approved residential institutions on the dates shown:

asked the Minister of Health the death rate from all causes per thousand persons for the last year for which returns are available; and the death rate from tuberculosis per thousand persons for the same period?

For 1923, the last year for which both rates are as yet available, the figures are as follow:

asked the Minister of Health what percentage of the value of building plans passed in 1913 represented dwelling-houses; and what was the corresponding percentage in 1924?

I have been asked to reply. In 1913 dwelling-houses represented 36 per cent. of the total estimated cost of buildings for which plans were passed in 93 towns from which returns were received. In 1924 the corresponding proportion, in 149 towns from which returns were received, was 65 per cent. In 80 of these towns, for which information is available for both years, the percentages were 38 in 1913 and 64 in 1924. The returns obtained are mainly from the larger towns, but do not include the City and County of London.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the circumstance that the organisation controlling the ironfounding industry in this country has raised the price of nearly every form of metal work used in the erection of houses and the effect that such increase in price will have on the cost of building artisans' dwellings, he will cause inquiries to be made as to the causes of such increase?

My right hon. Friend's attention has been called to a report of the decision of the National Light Castings Association to raise the price of certain light castings used in the production of workmen's houses, and I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which my right hon. Friend made upon the subject in Committee on the 13th instant.

asked the Minister of Health the total estimated increase in population from the Armistice up to December, 1924; the total number of houses completed in that period; and the number demolished during the same period?

The total estimated increase in the population of England and Wales from the Armistice up to December, 1924, is 1,402,000. In connection with State-assisted schemes 263,896 houses have been completed during this period. Complete information as to the number of houses erected without State assistance is not available, but during the two years for which figures are available, namely, to the 30th September last, some 126,000 houses were built by private enterprise without State aid. My right hon. Friend has no information as to the total number of houses demolished during the period, but according to reports of medical officers of health for the years 1920 to 1923 inclusive action by local authorities under Section 18 of the Housing, Town Planning, Etc., Act, 1909, resulted in the demolition of 2,568 houses.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to the growing evil of excessive rent charges for houses becoming decontrolled; and whether he can take action to strengthen the Rent Restrictions Acts to prevent profiteering in low rent houses when they become decontrolled?

My right hon. Friend has received some complaints of excessive rents, but he does not think it is a growing evil. As the hon. Member is aware, it is proposed to introduce a Bill to prolong the Rent Restrictions Act during the present Session, and the whole subject will necessarily therefore come under my right hon. Friend's consideration before long.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the change which has been made in the national emblem of Wales, embodied in the State shield on Post Office stationery, was made after consultation with any official or unofficial representatives of the Principality?

A change in the design of the Royal Arms on official stationery was recommended in 1922 by the Committee appointed to select the best faces of type and modes of display for Government printing. The recommendations of this Committee were further considered by the Standing Committee on, Coins, Medals and Decorations, before the present designs were adopted.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the general dissatisfaction in London with the arrangements made for dealing with the post this Christmas; and what were the causes of the delays experienced in the delivery of letters and parcels?

I am aware of the dissatisfaction, and I regret the cause. The delay seems to have been mainly due to the considerable increase in the number of letters and parcels, as compared with the previous Christmas, and to the fact that an unusually and unexpectedly large proportion of them were posted immediately before Christmas, with the result that the office accommodation proved insufficient for the rapid handling of the great volume of incoming mails. I am having a special inquiry made with the view of minimising the risk of a recurrence.

asked the Postmaster-General how the number and period of employment of temporary men employed last Christmas by the Post Office to deal with the Christmas post compare with previous years?

I regret that detailed figures are not available except in London where the increase was roughly 10 per cent. The period of employment was about the same as in previous years, except in London, where it was somewhat extended.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has considered the possibility of subsidising an air-mail service between Port Said and Karachi to carry Indian mails, and also the possibility of conveying Australian mails by air?

Responsibility, so far as the Government is concerned, for opening up, and, if necessary, for subsidising new air routes, rests with the Air Minstry and not with the Post. Office. If a regular air service to Karachi or to Australia were instituted it would be used for the conveyance of letters prepaid with the requisite air fee.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will have a special inquiry made into the working of the telephone system in the Middlesbrough district, with a view to making improvements in a service to meet the business needs of the district?

The service given at Middlesbrough compares not unfavourably with that given at other large provincial towns. A comprehensive scheme for the provision of automatic exchanges at Middlesbrough and some of the neighbouring towns is under consideration.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the effort now being made to establish telephonic communication between American and German liners and telephone subscribers in their respective countries; and what efforts, if any, are being made to afford similar facilities on British liners?

Similar experiments have been made in this country during the last two years and are being continued. Promising results have recently been obtained, but the matter is still in the experimental stage.

asked the Postmaster-General whether men in receipt of a permanent disability pension and. employed temporarily in the telephone service are eligible for employment upon the establishment staff?

I assume that the hon. Member refers to, disabled ex-service men employed temporarily as night telephonists in the London Telephone Service. Such men have no definite claim to appointment, but they are considered for permanent appointment in their turn as vacancies become available, provided they comply with the standing regulations and are found to be suitable.

asked the Postmaster—General whether it is the practice of his Department to draw the attention from time to time of individuals or firms to the congestion caused by their filling up pillar boxes with letters, etc., intended for transmission through the post; whether, in such cases, it is open to these firms or individuals to arrange for the collection of mail direct from their premises; and, if so, what charges, if any, are made by his Department for such direct collection where it is arranged in consequence of complaints in respect to the filling up of pillar boxes?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; in such cases posters are ordinarily invited to hand in large postings over the counter at the nearest post office, but special collections are made from private premises free of charge if the quantity is sufficient. The usual minimum limit is £10 postage; but some latitude is allowed.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that, cut flowers cannot be sent by parcel post to France, although they can be sent by sample post; and whether, seeing that the limit of size by sample post makes it impossible to send ordinary sized wreaths, and that this limitation prevents the sending, in one package, of a reasonable quantity of cut flowers for placing on British soldiers' graves in France, he will endeavour to secure that cut flowers may be sent by parcel post if addressed to a British cemetery in France?

The regulations of the French Government prohibit the sending of cut flowers by parcel post to France; but for some little time past, parcels containing wreaths and cut flowers addressed to British cemeteries in France have been despatched in ordinary course, and, so far as I am aware, duly delivered by the French authorities. I will have specific instructions issued to ensure the acceptance of such parcels at all post offices in this country, so long as the French Government continue this courteous and kindly exception.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that, on the 1st of July, 1924, the cost of wireless licences was reduced from 15s. to 10s., and that great dissatisfaction exists owing to the refusal of his Department to grant a rebate to licence holders who had been charged the higher rate; and will he give this matter further consideration?

Under the wireless licensing system in force before the 1st July last, two types of licence were issued, one at 15s. and the other at 10s., the latter containing certain restrictions on the apparatus that might be used. A uniform type of licence at 10s. was introduced on the 1st July last by agreement with the British Broadcasting Company. Refundment as proposed would not be practicable under the financial provisions of the agreement between the Post Office and the British Broadcasting Company.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the breakdown of the telegraph cable to Westray, Orkney, in December. 1924, and of the fact that the same cable broke down in December, 1023, and was not repaired till July, 1924; when it is proposed that the telegraphic service to the island shall be restored; and whether, in view of the frequent interruptions to the cable system in Orkney and Shetland, he is prepared to consider the introduction of a system of wireless telegraphy?

The facts as regards the interruption of the Sanday-Westray cable are as stated, and I fear that it will not be practicable to effect repair before May. As regards the question of establishing a general wireless service in Orkney and Shetland, I can add little to the terms of my predecessor's reply to the hon. Member's question of the 4th of March last. So long as the existing cables remain susceptible of satisfactory repair, the inauguration of a wireless system could not be justified on financial grounds.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that farmers who wish to have a telephone installed are charged at the trade rate; and if he will consider the possibility of lightening this harden on agriculture?

I am aware that farmers requiring exclusive telephone exchange lines are charged at the trade rate and I regret that I am not in a position to provide such facilities for them on more favourable terms than for subscribers engaged in other businesses. Farmers and residents in rural districts can have an inexpensive telephone service by means of rural party lines. The charge for this kind of service is £1 a quarter for each station where two subscribers per mile of line beyond a radius of half a mile from the exchange can be found. This subscription also covers free calls to subscribers on the same exchange.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the continuing discontent, in the Cockermouth area of Cumberland at the action of his Department in reducing the status of the Cockermouth post office; that the traders in the town are greatly dissatisfied with the present position; and what action does he propose to take in the matter?

The status of the Cockermouth post office was changed in 1921 in accordance with the general policy of reducing the number of separate administrative centres. The facilities afforded to the public were not affected by the change of status, and I see no good reason for reverting to the former arrangements.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to the inclusion of the whole of the month of March in the period of summer holidays allotted by his Department to its staff during this year, without permitting consideration of representations made by staff organisations; and whether he is prepared to reconsider this decision, in view of the statement of the Postmaster-General on 5th November, 1923, that March was unsuitable for a summer holiday period?

I regret that discussions with the staff associations have not yet resulted in the emergence of any arrangement whereby the old practice of including March in the principal leave period may be avoided, without involving the Post, Office in heavy additional expense. I am afraid the decision must now stand for this year; but I should be prepared to consider any proposals made by the staff for the exclusion of March in future years, if no appreciable expense were involved.

asked the Postmaster-General the extent to which the shortage of spare plant or difficulty in obtaining the necessary wayleaves is causing delay in the installation of new telephones?

At the 31st January there were in hand 2,900 applications for telephones the completion of which was temporarily delayed pending the provision of additional plant or the granting of wayleave. The number of new telephones installed during the last six months of 1924 averaged 17,345 a month.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will consider the publication of a Post Office year book, including full comparative statistics of Post Office work and providing a handy reference book on the Post Office as a whole?

The preparation and printing of a reference book of this kind would entail considerable labour and expense which I do not think the probable demand would warrant.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that a revision of the telegraph force at Belfast is at present under consideration; that, in anticipation of a reduction in staff, male an l female vacancies on the establishment have not been filled for some considerable time; and that an assistant superintendent who attained retirement age has been granted an extension beyond the limit of 60 years; and whether, in view of the stagnation in promotion that exists in the telegraph branch and the general unemployment in the country, he will undertake to call on all officers to resign when they attain 60 years of age?

I am aware of the facts stated by the hon. Member. The Regulations do not require that retirement should be enforced at the age of 60, and I do not consider it would be proper to call upon an officer to retire at that age as a matter of course if his health and efficiency are satisfactory and his services can be retained with advantage to the Department.

asked the Postmaster-General the increases and percentage increases in the chief postal rates, together with the corresponding cost-of-living index numbers, since 1914?

It will be convenient to give the answer in tabular form.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of agricultural labourers at present on the unemployment register or on short time?

At 5th January the number of adult male agricultural labourers on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Great Britain was 676, but as agricultural workers are outside the scope of the Unemployment Insurance Acts, this figure should not be taken as a measure of the whole number of agricultural labourers unemployed. I am unable to give any statistics as to the numbers of such persons who are working short time.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men over 60 years of age who were refused unemployment benefit at the Govan Employment Exchange in the period 2nd February, 1925, and 7th February, 1925; and the total number over 60 years of age who were refused benefit at all the exchanges in Glasgow during the same period?

The number of men over 60 years of age who were refused unemployment benefit at the Govan Employment Exchange during the period from 2nd to 7th February, 1925, was 66. All these men were, in fact, 65 years of age and upwards. The total number over 60 years of age who were refused benefit at all the exchanges in Glasgow during the same period was 95. I understand that the claims of between 300 and 400 applicants over 60 at Govan were recently investigated. As a result, benefit was disallowed in the 66 instances I have mentioned.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the efforts now being made to do away with the local cominittees which consider whether applicants for the unemployment donation are honestly endeavouring to obtain work; whether he is aware that in the opinion of a large number of people any such abolition of the committees would be regarded as a direct incentive to many people not seriously to seek employment; how many people within the last year have applied for the donation but have not received it owing to their refusal by the committee for the reason specified; and whether, in giving this total number, he will give details as to what is the number of girls fit for domestic service who do not sincerely make any effort. to obtain it?

I am aware of these criticisms, but have not found that there is any substantial foundation for them. The rota committees have a difficult task to perform, and in the nature of things it is inevitable, I am afraid, that their recommendations cannot be pleasing to everyone; but generally my information goes to show that the committees do their work impartially and efficiently. I certainly should not propose to abolish the committees. As regards the third part of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the details furnished in reply to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for Bow and Bromley (Mr. Lansbury) to-day. As regards the last part of the question, I am afraid I have no details as to the number of girls fit for domestic service who do not sincerely make any effort to obtain it.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the unemployed registered at. the Levenshulme Employment Exchange, Manchester, are required to attend at the exchange three days a week, whereas at other exchanges in Manchester attendance is only required on two days a week; and whether he will arrange that in future attendance at Levenshulme Exchange shall not be required on more than two days a week?

The normal rule is that proof of unemployment shall be given daily by persons living less than two miles from the nearest local office. Relaxations of daily attendance have been necessitated in different areas for various reasons, but attendance on three or more days a week is practicable at nine local offices in the Manchester district, and endeavours will be made to return to the normal rule of daily attendance, if and when opportunity offers. I see no reason for reducing the number of attendances required at Levenshulme.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that insured persons who are reaching, approximately, the age of 60 years are being summoned to appear before the local employment committees, and are being called upon to prove that under normal conditions they would be employable persons, and if they fail to prove this they are removed from the benefits of the Unemployment Insurance Act; and, if so, what action is he prepared to take to remedy this grievance?

It is a statutory condition for the receipt of extended benefit under the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1924, that the applicant shall prove among other things that in normal times insurable employment suitable to his capacities would be likely to be available for him and local employment committees are not entitled to recommend payment of such benefit to any applicant, whatever his age, who cannot satisfy this condition.

asked the Minister of Labour how many disabled ex-service men have been given employment up to date and are now registered as employed by employers whose names appear on the King's Roll; and how many disabled ex-service men are at present unable to obtain employment

Approximately 350,000 disabled ex-service men are employed by firms on the King's National Roll. The number of disabled ex-service men registered at Employment Exchanges as unemployed is 37,599.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he can take any steps to secure the reopening of the family-group settlement system in West Australia?

The question of reopening family-group settlement in Western Australia is under the consideration of the State Government. Their decision depends largely on the result of the negotiations between the Commonwealth and State Governments, to which I referred in replying to the question asked yesterday by my hon. Friend the Member for Finchley (Mr. Cadogan). Recent Parliamentary Debates in Western Australia suggest that the scheme is likely to be reopened.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department how many British persons have received assistance, either directly or in directly, under the Empire Settlement. Act from the date it came into operation to 31st December, 1924; how much money has been voted annually by Parliament for emigration purposes under the financial provisions of the Empire Settlement Act; how much of this money remains unexpended; and what provision is it proposed to make in the Estimates this year for emigration purposes?

The total numbers of persons who have received assistance under the Empire Settlement Act since the date on which the Act came into operation, up to 31st December, 1924, is as follows:

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been drawn to the hardship inflicted upon men suffering from progressive disabilities by the present terms of the Royal Warrant; and whether he contemplates introducing legislation giving such men the right of further appeal?

Cases in which men are medically found to be deteriorating are not given final awards, but remain under the provisions of the Royal Warrants. In accordance with Ministry practice such men can at any time, if they are worse, apply for medical treatment and, if necessary, a review of their assessed rates of disablement.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if he is aware that at No. 14, Buckingham Gate, which has been purchased by the Admiralty as London offices for Greenwich Hospital, the gas fires are being removed to be replaced by coal fires; and whether, having regard to the efforts which are now being made for the abatement. of coal smoke in London, he will consider the desirability of heating the premises by gas or electricity?

I have been asked to reply. The gas fires were removed during the negotiations for the purchase of the property, presumably by the person owning them. Central heating is to be installed and coal fires will only be used very occasionally.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury (1) whether it is the usual practice in the Civil Service that when a man is transferred from the unestablished to the established list he is automatically placed on a higher scale of pay;

(2) whether, seeing that it is a general rule of the Civil Service that when a man is established he should receive less pay than the corresponding unestablished man, regard being had to pension rights benefits, he will give the references in the Superannuation Acts in question under which such deductions are made legal, seeing that the Acts state that pension should be calculated upon the full salary and emoluments, and that if deductions are made, regard being hail to the pension benefits, the pensions are no longer calculated as laid down in the Acts mentioned?

If the hon. Member will refer again to the reply which I gave him on the 16th December last, he will see that the answer to the first question is in the negative; while as regards the second question he is under a misapprehension in thinking that any deductions are made from the wages of established men.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will give any favourable terms to encourage taxpayers to pay off, or pay in part, their prospective Death Duties during their lives?

The proposal put forward by the Noble Lord is one which has been considered on previous occasions, but I regret that the Government cannot see its way to adopt it.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether it is proposed to bring within the pension scheme the older employés of the County Courts who, under existing legislation, do not appear to come within same?

I have been asked to answer this question. The scheme of reorganisation of the County Court staffs, which represents an agreed settlement with the representatives of the officers concerned, does not provide for the establishment of officers over 55 years of age on the 12th May, 1923. Such officers are, however, eligible for retiring gratuities under specially advantageous conditions. It is not proposed to modify the scheme.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what receipts he expects by way of reparations this year under the Dawes scheme; and how much of the' money received will be applied to the relief of those who suffered by enemy action, including dependants of merchant seamen who are in great distress?

I expect to receive about £6¼ milions by way of reparation from the first of the Dawes annuities in the financial year 1924–25. As regards claims for damage by enemy action, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to questions by the hon. Members for the Isle of Thanet and Cardiff East on the 12th February. Over £5 million has already been allocated to private claims.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the date or dates upon which the loans forming the French war debt to this country were made: the date or dates on which the loans forming the war debt of this country to the United States of America were made; and the date or dates on which the loans forming the French war debts to the United States of America were made?

The loans forming the French war debt to this country were made in numerous instalments during the years 1915 to 1919: the loans forming the war debt of this country and of France to the United States of America Government were similarly made during the years 1917 to 1919 (i.e., after the entry of the United States Government into the war).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of the National Savings Certificates on 31st December, 1924, and 31st December, 1923?

On the 31st December, 1923, £367,449,838, and on the 31st December, 1924, £364,370,210.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, seeing that it is within the competence of the Admiralty without legislative action to establish men without deduction of their pay, he will in future adopt this course, seeing that the ability and character of the established man must be substantiated before he can be placed upon the established list?

I am not prepared to adopt the suggestion that established workmen should be paid the same rates of wages as unestablished workmen in the same grades.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs who are the British delegates representing His Majesty's Government, British employers and British workers at the International Labour Office at Geneva; and by what method are these gentlemen appointed?

I have been asked to reply. The representative of His Majesty's Government on the governing body of the International Labour Office is Mr. H. B. Betterton, C.B.E., M.P., Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Labour. He was appointed by the Government. The governing body includes a representative of the British employers (Mr. James Lithgow) and a representative of the British workers (Mr. E. L Poulton, O.B.E., J.P.). These gentlemen are elected by the employers' and workers' delegates respectively to the International Labour Conference as representing employers and employed generally and not as representing their countries. The British delegates to the International Labour Conference are specially appointed by the Government for each session. At the sixth session of the Conference in June, 1924, the British Government delegates were Miss Margaret G. Bondfield, J.P. (then Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Labour), and Mr. Rhys John Davies, M.P. (then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Home Affairs). The British employers' delegate was Mr. D. Milne Watson, and the British workers' delegate Mr. E. L. Poulton. The employers' and workers' delegates were appointed after consultation with the, National Confederation of Employers' Organisations and the General Council of the Trades Union Congress respectively.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps, if any, are being taken to ensure British traders enjoying equal privileges with Japanese traders in the Russian market; and whether he has under consideration the making of a treaty with the Soviet Republic on the lines of the Russo-Japanese Treaty just concluded?

I have not yet seen the full text of the agreement between Japan and the Soviet Union, but it does not, so far as I am aware, contain detailed provisions for the conduct of trade. His Majesty's Government consider that the Trade Agreement of 1921 does all that is at present possible to foster trade between this country and the Soviet Union, and they do not think the present time opportune for taking up negotiations again with the Soviet Government.

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

No reply has yet been received from the Portuguese Government on this matter?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that large consignments of foreign matches are being imported into this country; whether he is aware that the single boxes are of the same price, but the number of matches in the boxes varies considerably; and whether he is prepared to pass regulations compelling the consignees or importers to state clearly on each box the number of matches in the box, thereby standardising the box and its contents and securing the consumer against the profiteering which at present exists in this industry?

A regulation issued by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise in pursuance of Section 3, Sub-section 4 of the Finance (New Duties) Act, 1916, provides that no person shall import any matches unless each box in which they are contained bears a notification with respect to the average contents of the boxes in a given consignment, and the penalty for a breach of this regulation is £50. It would probably be impracticable where boxes are filled by machinery to state on the box the exact number of matches in it, but I am informed by the Customs authorities that in their experience the statements of average or minimum contents are, in general, approximately accurate. If, however, the hon. Member is aware of cases where there is a serious discrepancy between the number appearing on the box and the number of matches contained in it, and will let me have full information, I will consider the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will furnish particulars of the number of persons engaged in the collection, preparation, and export of the skins of small animals; the number of skins converted into hats and cloaks in this country; the number of skins exported; the number of rabbits imported from Australia and other colonies; the number of persons selling rabbits as food: and the number of persons engaged on the manufacture of silk, bowler, and velour hats in this country?

I regret that some of the information asked for by my hon. Friend is not available, but certain of the particulars he refers to will be found in the following tables:

(1) The total numbers of skins (other than sheep and goat skins) exported from the United Kingdom during the last three years were as follows:

(2) During the same years the numbers of rabbits (frozen) imported from Australia and New Zealand were as stated below:

(3) The estimated number of persons insured under the Unemployment Insurance Acts who were employed in Hat and Cap (including Straw Plait) Manufacture in July, 1924, in Great Britain and Northern Ireland was 33,630. The number engaged in the manufacture of silk, bowler and velour hats cannot be stated separately.

(4) The remaining information asked for in the question is not available. It may, however, be of interest to note that the number of skins (other than sheep and goat skins) undressed and dressed imported into the United Kingdom during the years specified was as follows:

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total amount of hemp imported into Great Britain during the years 1923 and 1924, and the countries from which the amounts were imported, together with the quantities in each case?

The following statement shows the quantity of hemp imported into the United Kingdom during each of the years 1923 and 1924, distinguishing the principal countries whence consigned.

NOTE.—As from 1st April, 1923, imports, if any, from the Irish Free State into Great Britain and Northern Ireland have been included and direct imports, if any, into the Irish Free State have been excluded.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the amount of dumping of foreign goods which is likely to occur in any trade selected for safeguarding, the Government will consider a temporary form of protection of the home market in that trade during the investigation period before the Committee?

In view of the established practice in regard to new duties, I do not think it is possible to adopt the course suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of claims which have been made to the Royal Commission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action; the number of claims settled; the number of claims dismissed; and the total amount of compensation paid?

67,501 claims were considered by the Royal Commission; 45,312 claims were admitted against the £5,000,000 compensation fund, and 22,189 were rejected for the reasons stated in the First and Second Reports of the Commission; the total amount of compensation so far paid out of the £5,000,000 is £4,528,526. Owing to circumstances over which the Board have no control 492 admitted claims have not yet been paid.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his Department has had claims for reparation Nos. S/07370/D and 5/026687/E dealt with; whether he is aware that the claimant, Mrs. Helen Cavell, of 20, Robinson Avenue, Greenock, made a claim on 4th February, 1923, on account of the loss of her husband, a cook on the s.s. "Inveramsey," lost by enemy action on 21st March, 1917; that after two years she was given £4 as compensation for loss of his possessions and £21 on account of his death; and, if so, if he will say whether his Department intend to make any further payment, seeing that Mrs. Cavell claims that her late husband had with him more than £50 worth of possessions and that he was her sole support?

The answer to the first, second and third parts of the question is in the affirmative. As to the last part of the question, no further payment is intended in this case; but I would add that Mrs. Cowell received £300 under the Workmen's Compensation Act, and is in receipt of a Board of Trade pension of £52 7s. 7d. per annum.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, following the example of other capitals, a trial can be made of one-way traffic in certain streets in the centre of London?

One-way traffic has been in operation in Long Acre and in Mare Street, Hackney, for some time past, with, I am informed, very satisfactory results. The question of extending one-way traffic experimentally to other streets is under consideration by the London Traffic Advisory Committee.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can give any information as to the progress made with regard to the London traffic problem generally?

The London Traffic Advisory Committee was only finally constituted at the end of last year, and they are actively engaged. as a whole and through sub-committees, in investigating the many questions that arise under the London Traffic. Act, particularly those under Sections 4, 7 and 10. I think it would be premature at the present time to make any general statement with regard to the London traffic problem.

asked the Home Secretary whether any census of the traffic at Finsbury Park has been taken by the Commissioner of Police during 1923–24; and what the results show?

A census of traffic was taken on 8th July, 1924, at two points near Finsbury Park, namely, Finsbury Park by Stroud Green Road and Finsbury Park by Green Lanes. At the former place 14,762 vehicles of all classes were enumerated; at the latter, there were 14,306.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the danger to pedestrians upon many of the new arterial roads in the neighbourhood of London due to the absence of pavements and street lamps; and whether the Ministry is prepared to make a grant towards the cost of pavements and lighting?

I am not aware of any new arterial roads in the neighbourhood of London where provision for foot passengers has been omitted. The necessity for pavements must be decided in each case on its merits; where they are proved to be necessary I am prepared to consider any applications from the responsible local authority. With regard 10 street lamps, I would remind the hon. Member that I have no power to make contributions from the Road Fund towards street lighting.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will mate representations to the railway companies with a view to having the age for the issuing of children's tickets raised from 12 years to 15 years, so as to bring the railway fares for children in line with the compulsory age for school attendance?

The Railway Rates Tribunal, established under the provisions of the Railways acts 1921, as the authority for dealing with railway companies' charges, have recently approved the railway companies' proposal, of which public notice was given, that half-fares should be restricted to children of three years of age and under 12 years of age. In the circumstances I am not in a position to make representations to the railway companies in regard to the matter.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that it is a common occurrence for a passenger to be seated on the right-hand side of drivers of motor chars-a-bane, thus preventing the drivers from giving the usual road signals; and whether he is prepared to take steps to prevent the continuance of this dangerous practice?

I have every sympathy with the object which my hon. Friend has in view, and the point will be covered by the Road Vehicles Bill, which I hope to have an opportunity of introducing shortly.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the reluctance shown by county councils to the certifying of main roads which pass through land of local authorities, such as urban district councils and municipalities, which are at present liable for these roads; and whether any steps are being taken to get such local authorities to combine and meet the county councils concerned, so that semi-urban roads may be as freely certified as those which are entirely under the county councils?

If I understand the right hon. and gallant Member's question aright, it refers to the "maining" of roads hitherto under the control of district councils. The practice of county councils in regard to the "maining" of such district roads differs considerably in various parts of the country, as does also the attitude of the district councils, but as the county council is representative of the districts composing its area, it does not appear necessary for my Department to intervene in the manner suggested. If the right hon. and gallant Member, however, has any case in mind which presents special difficulty, I shall be glad to investigate it.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will state or issue a Return showing the total mileage in Great Britain of first-class and second-class certified main roads and the estimated annual cost to the taxpayer in each case of the 25 per cent. and 50 per cent. contributed to the costs of maintenance; whether, in the case of roads becoming certified as main roads, any cost for initial conditioning in addition to the cost of maintenance is borne by the State in areas where unemployment is most serious and elsewhere; and whether, where such roads are reconditioned and corners eased, the patches of land are given freely by the adjoining landlord or have to be bought by the county council?

The approximate mileages of Class I and Class II "main" roads in England and Wales are, 16,176 miles Class I, and 6,880 miles Class II. The estimated cost for the 12 months ending 31st March, 1925, of the 50 per cent, and the 25 per cent. contributed from the Road Fund to the costs of maintenance, is £4,952,000 for the Class I main roads and £602,000 for the Class II main roads, including the bridges on these roads. There are no "main" roads in Scotland, and the figures which follow relate to roads maintained by the county councils and district committees. The mileages of Class I and Class II roads maintained by these authorities in Scotland are, approximately, 4,836 miles Class I and 3,173 miles Class and the estimated cost for the 12 months ending 31st March, 1925, in respect of contributions towards maintenance, is £527,000 for the Class I roads and bridges and £103,000 for the Class II roads and bridges. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part, the practice varies. In some cases the necessary land is given without payment; in others it is purchased.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been directed to the unpunctuality of service on the Southern Railway; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I am aware that the Southern Railway has recently received representations as to the unpunctuality of certain trains, and I have discussed the position with the chairman and general manager of the company. They have explained to me that the difficulties have largely arisen from the increased demands made upon their engines by the heavier trains required to deal with the traffic, and that they have made arrangements to increase the number of their locomotives. They anticipate a material improvement in the services from the steps taken.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has made any representations to the Southern Railway Company in connection with the various complaints which have been brought to his notice; and whether the company has given him any assurances as to an early improvement of existing conditions?

I am aware that the Southern Railway has recently received numerous complaints, and I have discussed the whole position with the chairman and general manager. They have explained to me the difficulties which the amalgamated company have had in reorganising the three constituent companies into one. They have also 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 comes into operation, probably in July next.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the Departmental Committee appointed in 1922 to investigate the damage done to houses by the vibration caused by the passage of heavy vehicles on adjacent thoroughfares has yet reported, and, if so, what is the nature of their Report; and whether it is proposed to take any action in connection therewith?

The Departmental Committee have made no recommendation on the point referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend. The progressive improvement in the surface of highways, encouraged as it is by grants from the Road Fund, should have the effect of steadily mitigating the trouble.

asked the Minister of Transport what was the total amount of taxes collected from motor vehicles in 1924; and how much of this amount was paid out to local authorities in grants for keeping up classified and unclassified roads in 1924?

The net receipts from taxes on motor vehicles in respect of the calendar year 1924, amounted approximately to £15,166,700. Taxes on horse-drawn carriages produced £140,700. The total of £15,307,400 is subject to prior charges, payments in respect of which during 1924 amounted to £1,034,400, leaving £14,273,000 available for grants. The payments made by the Ministry during 1924 in respect of road works, including works carried out by the Minister by direct contracts, amounted to £14,420,700.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the large number of workers who, for economic reasons, are compelled to use workmen's trams and trains to reach their work in the central districts of London, and who, in consequence of the early arrival of such trams and trains, are in many cases forced to spend in idleness, sometimes in inclement weather, often as much as an hour before commencing work, he will use his influence with the tramway and railway companies concerned to prevail upon them to issue workmen's tickets up to 8 a.m. instead of approximately 7.30 a.m. as at present, promoting, if necessary, legislation for that purpose?

The question of the times during which workmen's tickets should be in operation on the railways was the subject of reference by the Minister of Transport to the Rates Advisory Committee in 1920, when the Committee, after a full inquiry, reported that each railway company should be left to settle the question for itself provided that it did not fail to offer proper facilities up to a reasonable hour. The Committee considered that one of the chief justifications for the issue of workmen's tickets was that the trains by which they were available were run at hours at which other traffic was relatively light, and they pointed out that an extension of the time within which workmen's tickets are issued in the morning would create a dangerous congestion between 8 and 9 a.m. Similar considerations apply to the tramways, and while I appreciate the circumstances to which my hon. and gallant Friend draws attention, I regret that I cannot see my way to take action in the direction which he suggests.

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made by his Department in investigating the problem of electrical development in the country?

As my hon. Friend is aware, the examination of a problem such as electrical supply is a complicated matter, and I am afraid it is not possible to define the exact progress which is made from day to day. The whole matter is being most carefully investigated and a review of the general position is proceeding.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state, for the year 1924, the number of prisoners who, after serving sentences of imprisonment, were detained prior to deportation; what was the length of sentence in each case; and the length of subsequent imprisonment awaiting deportation?

I regret that the detailed particulars for which the hon. Member asks cannot be given without special research which I hardly think would be justified. I may say that it is often impossible to establish an alien's nationality or complete the arrangements for his deportation by the precise date on which his sentence is due to expire; and in such circumstances it may be necessary to detain him for a further period in prison. Every effort, however, is made to avoid prolonged detention; and where possible to order his temporary release, subject to suitable safeguards, pending the settlement of his case.

asked the Home Secretary the number of probation officers in England and Wales who are attached to religious bodies?

The register of probation officers for England and Wales issued last July gives the names of 847 probation officers, of whom 265 are attached to various voluntary organisations. About 200 of the 265 belong to bodies of a religious character.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the serious effect of silicosis on the curtailment of life in persons engaged in grinding trades, he can see his way to the introduction of a Bill amending the Workmen's Compensation (Silicosis) Act, 1918, so as o cover disablement due to silicosis or silicosis accompanied by tuberculosis in the grinding trades?

The Act of 1918 empowers the Secretary of State to make a scheme for the payment of compensation in any industry or group of industries involving exposure to silica dust. No further legislation therefore is necessary. The question of a scheme for the grinding trades has been referred for advice to the Departmental Committee on Compensation for Silicosis, and further action must depend on the Committee's report.

asked the Home Secretary whether any prison officers over superannuation age limit were retained for further service under the provisions of the Order in Council, dated 10th January, 1910; and, if so, whether such extended service can be calculated for pension purposes?

It is not the practice to retain officers who have passed the age limit at which retirement is compulsory. The hon. Member no doubt refers to the cases of four officers who were recalled to the Service during the War after they had reached the age of 60. In these cases the Treasury have felt themselves precluded by the terms of the Superannuation Act, 1859, from reassessing the pensions.

asked the Home. Secretary whether ex-Warders Richard Bailey (Pentonville), John Williams, the late James Silvester (Parkhurst), and the late Sidney Aggett (Rochester) were officially recalled to the staff of the prison service in 1918 under The Superannuation Act, 1859, Section 11, and re-employed as permanent officers; and whether the second period has been treated for superannuation purposes as temporary or permanent?

The notice sent to these ex-officers stated that it had been decided to recall them to the Service under section 11 of the Superannuation Act, 1859. They were employed on ordinary prison duties. The Treasury have, however, felt themselves precluded by the terms of the Act from counting the additional service for pension, because the officers were over 60 at the date of recall.

asked the Home Secretary the number of prisoners who are at present confined in British prisons on behalf of the Northern Government of Ireland or on behalf of the Free State Government?

I would refer to the reply which was given yesterday to a similar question by the hon. Member for Barrow-in-Furness (Mr. Bromley).

asked the Home Secretary whether he can furnish figures for the years 1923 and 1924 showing the number of aliens employed in the following trades: tailors, waiters, caterers, tobacco, drapery and outfitting, furriers, hairdressers, and artificial flowers?