asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if negotiations are in progress for meeting the grievances as to reparations of Rumania?

The Rumanian Government took part in the Inter-Allied Conference held in Paris in January, which dealt with the distribution of the Dawes annuities and cognate questions. The Rumanian representative signed the Agreement of the 12th January. No subsequent negotiations have taken place.

Can the right hon. Gentleman express any opinion about the disagreement which appears to have arisen between the Rumanian and the German Governments in this matter?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can make any statement as to the progress of the Mosul inquiry; and what action the British Government has taken with regard to the appointments of the Turkish interpreters to the Frontier Commission, to whose presence there was strong local objection?

The Commission appointed by the League of Nations to investigate the Iraq frontier question arrived at Bagdad, after visiting London, Constantinople and Angora, on the 16th January, and is now pursuing its inquiries on the spot. With regard to the second part of the question, His Majesty's Government have registered a protest on the subject. The matter is one within the competence of the League of Nations, who have been fully informed of the facts.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, having terminated the negotiations for the treaties with Russia, any provision has been made for obtaining any payment for British investors and, if so, what are the arrangements?

No such provision has been made.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government are taking any steps to negotiate a settlement of the debts and claims of British nationals against the Soviet Government; and, if so, what stage the negotiations have reached?

No fresh proposals for a settlement have been made by the Soviet Government. If such proposals are made, they will, of course, be carefully considered.

Is it the policy of His Majesty's Government to leave the creditors of Russia to their own devices, and not to help and support them?

If I thought His Majesty's Government could usefully take steps at present, we should take them, but I do not think so. Perhaps the creditors of the Russian Government will not be wholly sorry that I am not pressing forward the solution which the hon. Member desires.

Do I understand that the next step, in the right hon. Gentleman's opinion, lies with the Russian Government? Surely it must lie with us.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government have made, or contemplate, approaches to the Government of Rumania respecting the establishment of a British naval base in the Black Sea, or respecting the utilisation of any existing Rumanian naval base or harbour as a British naval base; also whether His Majesty's Government have received any approaches or offer from the Government of Rumania respecting the establishment of a British naval base, or to the utilisation of any existing Rumanian naval base or harbour in the Black Sea as a British naval base?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any conversations or negotiations are contemplated or have taken place between His Majesty's Government and the Rumanian Government respecting the establishment of a naval base in the Black Sea and the use of such a base, under contingent circumstances, by the British Navy?

There is no truth whatever in these reports.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can say or will ascertain where the trial of Captain Boys, on the charge of casting away the s.s. "Edith Cavell," will be held, and, in view of the fact that 21 months have already elapsed since the loss of the vessel, if he will ascertain when it will be held?

I have requested His Majesty's Ambassador at Paris to ascertain when the trial is to take place, but the French Government have not yet received information on this point from Cayenne.

Can the right hon. Gentleman reply, not only as to when the trial will take place, but as to where it will take place?

No, Sir, I do not know.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will ascertain the total amount of fines inflicted by the Icelandic authorities on British fishing vessels during the year 1924?

The amount was 121,103 Icelandic kroner (approximately £4,500). This figure does not include the Court costs, nor the value of the catch and gear which were confiscated in some cases.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the value of the catch and gear confiscated in most cases exceeds the amount of the fine, and should, therefore, be taken into account in this return?

Will the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the authorities and to the English representatives in Iceland in order that these poor people, who are our own fishermen, may receive better protection and justice from the Icelandic people?

I think that, in the case of a question like the second supplementary question, I ought to have notice. As to the first supplementary question, I have answered the question in relation to the fine, and, in order that there may be no misconception, have said that the fines do not include the seizure of gear and so forth, which I can quite understand might well, in many cases, exceed in value the amount of the fine.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the authorities in Scotland take a leaf out of the Icelanders' book in regard to fining trawlers?

That has nothing to do with the question on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in what manner the Condominium Agreement was given effect to before the war, particularly in reference to the costs and allegiance of the forces in the Sudan and the consideration of irrigation proposals?

The administration of the Sudan was carried on in accordance with the terms of the Anglo-Egyptian Agreement of 1899. The cost of those units of the Egyptian Army stationed in the Sudan were met by the Egyptian Government. The cost of the maintenance of one British infantry battalion and a small detachment of garrison artillery at Khartum was met by His Majesty's Government, though it is to be remembered that the Egyptian Government made an annual contribution of £150,000 towards the total cost of the, British forces in Egypt and the Sudan. In accordance with Article 3 of the Anglo-Egyptian Convention the supreme military command of the Sudan is vested in the Governor-General, to whom all troops stationed in the Sudan owed allegiance. As regards irrigation the Egyptian Department of Public Works were responsible in all matters relating to the supply and distribution of the waters of the Nile.

Have the British Government the right to vary the terms of the obligations of this Condominium Agreement without the assent of the other parties?

The British Government loyally carried out its part in that arrangement. The expulsion of the Egyptian troops from the Sudan was necessitated by the failure of Zaghloul Pasha's Government to observe their side of the bargain and the obligations attaching to it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly reply to my question? Has one party to the Agreement the right to vary its terms without the assent of the other party?

When one party to the Agreement fails to keep its obligations under the Agreement, and works consistently against the Agreement, then the other party is entitled to protect itself. May I add a gentle protest against the habit of the hon. and gallant Member of implying that Ministers are deliberately evading the questions he puts to them?

May I ask, Mr. Speaker, whether a Private Member has not a right to appeal to you for protection against imputations like that?

I saw no reason to interfere with the hon. and gallant Gentleman's question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will state the number of persons who, during the past six months, have been arrested and charged with political offences by the British authorities in the Sudan; what number of persons have been expelled from the Sudan, and the nature of their offences; whether any of these persons were State officials; were they allowed any opportunity to appear before a Court of discipline or law; and will he publish the names of all officials expelled or in prison, and the nature of the offences charged against them?

I am unable at such short notice to answer this question. If the hon. Member will repeat it at a later date, I will endeavour to obtain the information.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information with regard to a new disarmament con- ference, to be summoned by the President of the United States of America, to discuss further limitations of naval armaments; and whether His Majesty's Government intends to make any proposals or suggestions for such a conference?

The matter has been informally mentioned in conversation with the Ambassador of the United States of America, and is at present under consideration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the second part of the question, are we prepared to take any steps in the matter?

I beg the hon. and gallant Gentleman to allow me to confine my answer for the present to what I have just said. I really think no useful purpose would be served by adding to it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly inform me when I may put a further question on this very important matter of disarmament?

I will make a note of the hon. and gallant Gentleman's question and communicate with him if I think I can usefully make any further statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the scope of the League of Nations Conference on the question of the manufacture of armaments on which the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs has been appointed to serve; and what attitude he has been in. strutted to adopt at that Conference?

The purpose of the meeting is to consider the possible basis for a full international discussion of the question of the private manufacture of arms and munitions of war. My right hon. Friend has fully informed himself of the views of the various Government Departments concerned in this question and will be able to give suitable expression to them, but his action must he largely guided by the course of the discussion and the attitude of other nations.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the number of Armenian women and children who are still prisoners in the hands of the Turks; and what measures are being taken by the Government, in consultation with other Powers, under the auspices of the League of Nations, for the rescue and resettlement of these people?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies which were given by my predecessor to the Gentleman who at that time represented North Hackney (Mr. John Harris) and Dewsbury (Mr. Edmund Harvey) on 30th June and 14th July last, of which I am sending him copies, and I have nothing to add to them.

Is it not possible for the British Government to inaugurate some scheme for the relief of these people by means of a financial grant combined with other nations through the League of Nations?

No, I am afraid not, though, of course, what the League of Nations is prepared or able to do I cannot answer for.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that £1,000,000 worth of Turkish Tribute Loan Bonds are held by Europeans resident in Egypt; and whether, in view of this circumstance, he will accelerate negotiations now proceeding with the Egyptian Government on the subject?

I understand that a quantity of the scrip of these loans is held by Europeans resident in Egypt. As regards the second part of the question, the position remains as described in the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Ilford on the 10th instant.

Is there any truth in the report in the "Times" to-day that a writ has been issued against the Egyptian Government?

I do not know. I have had no information to that effect.

Will my right hon. Friend make inquiries?

If my hon. Friend puts down another question, I will make inquiries.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many of the investors in this loan are very poor people?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has arrived at any decision relating to marriage allowance to be granted to naval officers?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is now able to make a statement on the subject of marriage allowance?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the Report of the Committee on Marriage Allowance for Naval Officers is ready; and, if so, when its publication can be expected?

The question of naval officer's marriage allowance is being referred to a Co-ordinating Committee.

How many years has this question been under consideration?

I have been responsible only for a few months.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the expense to which seamen who live in parts of the country far distant from naval headquarters are put when they go for leave at Christmas or other times in the year; and whether he is prepared to consider proposals for reducing this hardship?

It is recognised that seamen who live in parts of the country distant from naval ports are put to considerable expense when they go on leave, but I regret that in present circumstances I can hold out no hope that the Admiralty will be able to contribute to the cost. Under arrangements with the railway companies seamen proceeding on leave can obtain return tickets at one and a third of the single fare.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether work has been recommended on the proposed new naval dockyard and base at Singapore; what progress it is expected will be made this year; and what sum is expected to be spent in preliminary and actual work on the new base during the present financial year?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. If the latter part refers to the financial year 1925–26, I would ask the hon. and gallant Member to wait until the Navy Estimates are before the House.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any Committee has been set up, or is to be set up, to inquire into our present warship strength and shipbuilding programme; and, if so, of whom the Committee will consist?

His Majesty's Government have decided that it is necessary to investigate further the question of replacement.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether a Committee will be set up and of whom it will consist?

No, I cannot give that information.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will take steps to bring to the notice of commanding officers of His Majesty's ships the desirability of exercising the provisions of the King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions, Article 793, Clause 2, in cases where mitigating circumstances can be proved, such as trains held up by fog or other causes, etc.?

Mitigating circumstances such as those mentioned by my hon. Friend are always taken into consideration by commanding officers, and it is not considered necessary to issue any special order to this effect. Ample means exist for anyone who may feel he has been unjustly treated in this or in any other respect to represent his case through the usual service channels.

Will my hon. Friend allow me to bring instances to his notice, and will he act on them if he is persuaded that what he has just said is not absolutely accurate?

Yes, Sir.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether existing Regulations permit of flogging or birching of ratings of the Navy over 18 years of age; and, if so, will he state the number of such ratings who were flogged or birched for the two years ended 31st December, 1924?

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

In view of the fact that there appears to be no use in this Regulation, will the hon. Gentleman see that it is dispensed with?

I am not prepared to give that undertaking.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of a shortage of chief and engine-room artificers in the submarine service, due to lack of volunteers, he will consider the improvement of pay and conditions of service for the purpose of ensuring a sufficient number of volunteers before pressing unwilling men into that service?

The submarines are an integral part of His Majesty s Navy and all ranks and ratings are, and always have been, liable for service in them. Volunteers have been, and still are, taken first. The chief and engine-room artificers are no more affected than everyone else. The Admiralty have always in view the improvement of conditions of service in these vessels, but I am not prepared to recommend an increase in the rate of extra pay now given for such service.

Seeing that we are told these men have always been liable, why the recent Order telling them they are now liable?

I think that had better be put down as a separate question. There has never been any doubt as to their being liable.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that many pensioned chief and engine-room artificers are prejudiced in civil employment through having to get their pension papers attested; and if he will consider whether arrangements can be made that, on special application, the pensioner may be permitted to have his pension paid from time to time to his bankers without the present necessary attestation?

I do not understand how the pensioners are prejudiced, as suggested in the question, but I would draw the attention of the hon. Member to the provisions of the Annual Appropriation Act, under which grants may not be made in respect of Navy or other non-effective services until a declaration in a prescribed form has been made before certain approved attestors, and I regret that no exception can be made to this statutory obligation.

is it not a fact that the officers sign their own papers, and pass them on to their bankers?

I am not aware of that.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of a strong desire that attendance at divine service on Sundays in the Navy should he voluntary; and whether the Board can see its way to give effect to this desire?

I am not aware that this desire is at all general, and I am not prepared to make any alteration in the present Regulations.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this desire was expressed in a recent welfare request as being the opinion of the Navy?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many slips, suitable for building cruisers of the most recent type, are there in each of His Majesty's Dockyards, respectively; how many of these are occupied with essential work which will take some considerable time to complete; and, if there are none at the moment available, when will such a slip be available?

There is a slip at present suitable for building cruisers of the most recent type at Chatham, Portsmouth and Devonport. These slips are now occupied, but all will be available towards the end of 1925.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the grant of £20 to holders of the good conduct medal, sanctioned as a result of the Report of the Jerram Committee, could be extended so as to include all such holders, and not merely those who were actually serving on the 1st May, 1919?

The improvement in naval pay and allowances sanctioned as a result of the recommendations of the Jerram Committee were retrospective generally only as regards men actually serving on the 1st May, 1919, and I regret that no exception to this rule can be made.

Can the hon. Gentleman say why any discrimination is being made, and why this particular date has been fixed?

Some date had to be fixed, and I regret that it cannot be reconsidered now.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that a retired lieutenant has been appointed to the gunnery department of the Admiralty replacing an officer on the active list; whether, in view of the limited appointments of this nature open to lieutenants promoted from the ranks, he will consider the retention of this appointment for officers on the active list; whether he will say how this officer was selected; who made the selection; whether the vacancy was advertised; how many retired lieutenants applied; and if he can give the pay of the officer on the active list and the pay of the retired officer who succeeded him?

As the reply is somewhat long I will, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the retired pay of this officer included in his consolidated allowance, or not, and, if so, why is a retired non-commissioned officer's pension granted him in peace time when it is taken away in war?

The reply is as follows:

A retired lieutenant was recently appointed to the post authorised for a warrant officer or promoted warrant officer for storekeeping and miscellaneous duties in the Naval Ordnance Inspection Depot at Woolwich, in succession to an officer on the Active List. Retired officers are equally eligible with active service officers for employment in the Naval Ordnance Inspection Department. The decision to appoint a retired officer to this post was made on account of the desirability of securing continuity of service in the post. The officer appointed was selected by the Board of Admiralty. The vacancy was not advertised. No retired lieutenant applied specifically for the post referred to. The pay of the officer now filling the post is £576 per annum, inclusive. The pay of his predecessor amounted to £630 7s. 6d. per annum.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether better provision will be made by the Navy for protecting British trade in Chinese waters against piracy?

Since piratical attacks have become frequent a gunboat in reserve at Hong Kong has been placed in full commission and is now performing patrol duties. Four launches, provided by the Hong Kong Government, have also been manned by naval ratings and are regularly escorting convoys. The question of the necessity for additional naval protection is under consideration.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of working days lost through trade disputes for the year 1924 in this country, France, Germany, and the United States of America, respectively?

The number of working days directly lost through trade disputes in Great Britain and Northern Ireland in 1924 at the establishments where the disputes occurred was approximately 8,300,000. Figures are not available as to the number of days lost, in consequence of the disputes, at other establishments. I regret that I cannot supply my hon. Friend with the corresponding figures for France, Germany and the United States, none of these countries having yet issued a report on trade disputes for the year 1924.

If we cannot get these figures from foreign countries, why are we paying a grant each year to the International Labour Bureau?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the figures in his Department show that the number of days lost through labour disputes last year, under the late Government, were fewer than in any year since the close of the War?

The hon. Member has no doubt made inquiries on his own account. If he wishes further information, perhaps he will put down a question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this number is about half the total lost in a Bank Holiday in one year?

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to the number of working days lost by the classes who frequent Monte Carlo and other places in the Riviera?

asked the Minister of Labour the number of young persons under 20 years of age who are at present out of employment; the number of these who are in receipt of unemployment insurance benefit; and the number who, while genuinely seeking work, have never been able to find employment?

Statistics regarding the numbers bf persons under 20 years of age who are registered as unemployed are not available, but it is possible to give figures relating to juveniles between 14 and 18 years of age. At 9th February, 1925, there were 35,880 boys and 34,480 girls below the age of 18 registered as unemployed in Great Britain, and of these 17,762 boys and 13,188 girls were claiming unemployment benefit. No statistics are available as to, the number of juveniles who, while genuinely seeking work, have never been able to find employment.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether his Department has issued special instructions to Unemployment Committees who deal with the cases of juveniles who are alleged to be genuinely seeking work and are unemployed?

Will the right hon. Gentleman get into touch with the education authorities, and will our Government be a little more progressive than the late Government?

When requests are made, will hon. Members put down further questions? In reply to the hon. Member for the Sutton Division (Viscountess Astor) 1 may point out that unemployment work in regard to juveniles, in a very large proportion of cases, is carried on by and with the co-operation of the local education authorities.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are certain industries, such as the jute industry, where 95 per cent. of the boys are discharged upon reaching the age of 18, and cannot possibly find work in their own district?

Raise the school age.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the criticisms which are being made with regard to the way in which the rota committees deal with the cases of men and women whom they do not consider to be honestly endeavouring to obtain work; and whether, in view of the importance of their functions, he can give any statistics showing the number of times they have for this reason refused applications for the unemployment donation?

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 all my information goes to show that the committees do their work impartially and efficiently. We are constantly endeavouring in co-operation with them to ensure as accurate discrimination as possible in judging the claims of applicants. With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply, of which I am sending him a copy, given on Monday last to the hon. Member for Bow and Bromley.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is the rule that a rota committee should notify any recipients of unemployment pay to attend before the committee, before they are struck off the roll?

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider laying down some standard of what constitutes "genuine," for the guidance of the, rota committee, so that they can get some kind of uniform basis for their decisions?

That is a question hardly within the confines of a Parliamentary answer. There is another question on the Paper to-day. The whole matter had better be raised in debate, because it is difficult to do justice to it in reply to an ordinary question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether or not persons should be notified to attend the rota committee before they are struck off the roll?

I will consider the hon. Member's question. As far as I remember the instructions, they are very complicated. Subject to correction, I think benefit is given for a definite length of time, and unless further application is made, it may cease at the end of that time, as, frequently, benefit is allowed for a fixed number of weeks.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the unemployment insurance benefit to which the unemployed man is entitled in respect of his wife or children is paid to a board of guardians when the dependants in respect of whom the benefit is payable are maintained in a Poor Law institution; and, if not, whether the Government will consider the amendment of the present system to secure that the institution maintaining the dependants receives the benefit?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider the desirability of introducing regulations whereby unemployment insurance benefits, to which an unemployed man is entitled in respect of his wife and/or children shall, if such dependants are maintained by a board of guardians in a Poor Law institution, be paid to such board of guardians by the local insurance committee during the period of chargeability?

Under existing legislation dependants' benefit is not payable to an unemployed man in respect of a wife or children who are being maintained by the guardians in a Poor Law institution, and obviously, therefore, could not be paid over to the guardians.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the instructions such as are contained in his answer are really applied?

As far as I am aware, they are applied, and any alteration would, I believe, require legislation.

asked the Minister of Labour under what circumstances is the return fare paid to an unemployed person who is sent by an Employment Exchange to work in another district and, on arrival, finds that there is no suitable vacancy or that the work offered is not paid at recognised standard rates?

Work-people are not sent by Employment Exchanges to take up work at a distance except with their consent and provided there is a definite vacancy for which the workman has been accepted by the employer or the Exchange has good reason to expect that the worker will be engaged on arrival. In the few instances where a workman so transferred by an Exchange fails on arrival to secure employment the Exchange manager is empowered to advance the cost of his return journey. The cost of the advance is not recovered in cases where the, workman is able to show that his failure to secure the employment for which he travelled was not duo to any fault on his part.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take good care that managers of Exchanges are made aware of the powers to that effect? There are large numbers of cases in which—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"]

I will endeavour to take all the care that is possible, because it is a simple and just form of administration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman instruct the officials not to send men when the possibility of securing work is remote?

I am not sure whether that arises on the last question, but in the case of miners in one place going to another the officials of the Union are nearly always consulted, in order to see whether such a suggestion, when made, is justified. [HON. MEMBERS: "No!"]

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is going to arrange that the Employment Exchanges shall find unemployed men for whatever work there is in their area, and abolish the present system of placing the onus upon the man?

The onus of showing that he is unable to obtain employment is placed upon the applicant for unemployment benefit by the Un- employment Insurance Acts, and I am afraid I canot see my way to ask Parliament to alter this requirement.

Is the Minister not going to give consideration to these men who are asked to go eight or nine miles to a place, and who, when they return, are told that they are being looked for? The result is that suspicion is then cast upon them that they are not looking for work at all, and should there not be some recognition of the fact that there is some honesty among these people?

That is a matter which cannot now be debated.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the case of an unemployed man, Mr. Thomas Reid, 2, Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh, who recently obtained work at Seafield but was told that he must get an introduction ticket from Room 16 of the Bureau; that he was then refused a ticket and was told to inform the foreman concerned that when men were wanted the Bureau would send them on; and whether steps are to be taken to ensure in such cases the right to work without interference from the State?

I have been unable to identify the case to which the hon. Member refers. The work mentioned is, however, relief work assisted by a State grant, and it would have been quite irregular for the Exchange to have issued a card of introduction in the circumstances described. It is one of the conditions of State grants that the labour required should be drawn from the Employment Exchange or parish council. This ensures that the work relieves men who are in fact in need of relief, and that labour is not brought in from other areas to the detriment of the residents in the area which is incurring the cost of the scheme. The men sent from the Exchange are usually selected by the local employment committee on review of their circumstance and their industrial suitability, and are sent to the work with an introduction card from the Exchange.

Is it not a fact that this particular man who was resident in Edinburgh did obtain a job at Seafield, and that he was not allowed to take up that job after applying to the Employment Exchange? Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to bring before his colleagues and the Cabinet the necessity of restoring to all men in the country the right to work?

Where a particular locality is responsible for relief work being set up, of which it bears a large proportion of the cost, I do not propose to suggest to my colleagues that, in connection with work in that locality, the people resident in that locality should not have the preference.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that an instruction was issued by the Ministry to the local Employment Exchanges for the summoning of unemployed men over 60 years of age before rota committees, which instruction contained a suggestion for the stopping of benefit to those men; whether he can state who authorised the issue of the instruction; and whether he will place a copy in the Library, or circulate copies to the Members of this House?

No such instruction has been issued.

Why is a man over 65 years of age going to be turned down by the exchange in Govan, and why out of 95 for the whole of Glasgow are 66 men who were over 65 to be turned down in Govan?

That is a matter that has been taken up on their own initiative, so far as I know, by the Govan exchange. So far as the general instructions, covering the cases of applicants are concerned, I could give a copy to the bon. Member if he wishes, and there is one in the Library of the House of Commons at the moment, I think that its number is 82.2.

That is one of the points which I have in mind. I have asked that the instructions should be available to Members in the Library.

They are in the Library.

Will the right hon. Gentleman draw the attention of the Glasgow exchanges to the great dissatisfaction existing there with regard to the large number of men over 65 years of age, who are being refused further benefit by the exchanges in Glasgow on the ground that they may not be any longer employed in their own occupations?

The exchanges in Glasgow and Govan are aware of the general instructions—there are no special ones—under which they are supposed to work, and there is no reason to suppose that they need any special reminder of what they ought to do.

further asked the Minister of Labour whether he has received any complaints regarding the manner in which the firm of Shanks and McEwan, contractors of the Shildhall Docks, Govan, is treating the men sent to it from the Govan Employment Exchange; whether he is aware that this firm is asking the exchange for men, and after employing the men for two or three days, dismisses them as unsuitable, thereby causing the men to lose unemployment benefit; whether he is aware that the rate paid by this firm is 11¾d per hour as compared with 1s. 1d. per hour paid by other contractors on other relief schemes; and, whether, in view of the many complaints made against this firm, he will, in the interest of the Govan Employment Exchange and the men selected by the exchange for this firm, cause an investigation to be made?

I am informed that difficulties have occurred in connection with the employment of men on this work, but that unemployment benefit has not been disallowed where men have been discharged as unsuitable. I have no authority to intervene with regard to the wages paid, but so far as I am aware there is no case of a rate of 1s. 1d. per hour being paid by other contractors executing relief works in the Govan area. Local officers of the Ministry are in touch with the local authority and the contractors, with a view to removing the difficulties referred to, and I do not think a special investigation would serve a useful purpose at the moment.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that while the rate of Is. ld. per hour is paid by Messrs. McAlpine in connection with the new road which is being constructed alongside the Govan Docks, inside the docks over the railings the rate of 11¾d. per hour is being paid by these other contractors? Is he further aware that men in Govan who were employed by Messrs. Shanks and McEwan and were dismissed have lost the unemployment benefit from the exchange because they have been notified as unsuitable?

That is a question which should be put on the Paper.

The Minister in his reply informed the House that this rate which is being paid by the firm of contractors in this case was the rate practically operative in Govan. I have pointed out in a Supplementary question that that is the only case of the payment of that rate, and that other contractors for similar work are paying higher rates. I am asking the right hon. Gentleman further, in view of that, whether he is not prepared to go on with the investigations?

If the hon. endeavouring to obtain this information, which goes to show that what I have received is not correct, I will look into it.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of female applicants whose claims for unemployment pay have been rejected in the Liverpool area during the months of August, September, October, November, and December, 1924, and January, 1925, respectively, on the grounds that they declined domestic service?

I am endeavouring to obtain this information, and will communicate it to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the difficulty experienced by many of the applicants for unemployment benefit of obtaining evidence that they have been genuinely seeking for work; and whether he will consider the advisability of setting up a system of cards, to be issued by the Employment Exchanges, whereby those seeking employment may have them officially stamped or signed at the various works at which they may call?

The suggestion made by the hon. Member has already been considered. It was not thought advisable to adopt it, because of the danger that the procedure would develop into a mere formality. The essence of the matter is that applicants should convince the committees of the genuineness of their search for work and I know no ground for supposing that the committees are unreasonable in their requirements. If, however, the system adumbrated by the hon. Member is different from those already considered I shall be very glad to have it carefully examined if he will discuss it with the Department.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider other methods in respect of this matter, if those suggested by my hon. Friend are not completely adaptable?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that applicants for unemployment relief at Rhyl are compelled to wait in queues in the open street for long periods before payment is made to them; and whether he will take steps to ensure for them whilst waiting privacy and shelter from the weather?

I am informed that early in January some 20 or 30 men waited outside the branch Employment Office premises in Rhyl on the weekly pay day, but in order to guard against the possibility of a recurrence a timing system was adopted, and no waiting in queues has occurred since or is likely in future.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of paying unemployed people on systematic short time at the firms where they have been employed, if the firm will give facilities for paying the money?

asked the Minister of Labour if he can state, separately, the amount received from unemployment insurance from the State, the workers, and the employers for the year ending 31st December, 1924?

During the year ended 31st December, 1924, the contributions to the Unemployment Fund were approximately as follow:

asked the Minister of Labour whether, before coming to the decision with respect to applications for unemployment benefit, in which the statutory requirement regarding the number of contributions paid may be waived, due consideration was given to the long spell of bad trade and to the number of work-people who will be affected; whether any estimate has been made of the number who will be affected; and whether he can state his reasons for making such decision?

All the factors mentioned by the hon. Member were most carefully considered before the decision was reached, so as to avoid hardship to any deserving applicants for benefit, but the statistics do not admit of a precise estimate of the number likely to be affected such as the hon. Member asks for. Beyond what I have already said in my answer to the hon. Member for Bury on 11th February, it is impossible to state the reasons for my decision within the compass of an answer to a question, but I understand that there will be an early opportunity for discussing the whole matter on the occasion of the Vote on Account, and I shall be very willing then to state the reasons fully.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give instructions that this is not to be carried out until the discussion takes place?

I am afraid that they are actually being carried out at the present time, and that, therefore, I cannot state what the hon. Member wishes.

asked the Minister cf. Labour whether he has any information of employers refusing to find work for any men over the age of 40; and, if so, will he consider the advisability of publishing the names of such employers, or of taking such other steps as will prevent the continuance of such a practice?

I have no information such as that suggested. An analysis, however, of a sample number of unemployment figures of last November goes to show that the percentage of unemployment among men whose age does not much exceed 40 is little, if at all, above the average figure for adult male unemployment, but that it is distinctly above the average in the case of men over 60. This was probably the case also before the War, but it is possible that it has been somewhat accentuated by the trade depression. Looking at all the circumstances of the case, I do not think that the adoption of the suggestion of the hon. Member is advisable.

If information can be given of certain firms doing this, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to deal with the matter?

I cannot give any general undertaking, because the circumstances in different cases vary so much that it would be impossible, in justice, to apply any general rule.

Can my right hon. Friend give any information as to the number of men over 60 who are unemployed?

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put that question on the Paper?

asked the Minister of Labour what is the present weekly income and expenditure of the Unemployment Insurance; and what is the present indebtedness of the Fund?

The present weekly income of the Unemployment Fund is about £944,000, and the weekly expenditure under all heads, except compensation for abolition of refunds at 60, is about £1,040,000. The sums paid in compensation have averaged about £100,000 weekly in the last, eight weeks, but, as the hon. Member will appreciate, this is non-recurring expenditure. The indebtedness of the Fund on the 14th February, 1925, was £6,240,000.

For how long has the indebtedness of the Fund been increasing?

Speaking from memory, I would say that it has been increasing for about the last five or six months.

Has the indebtedness of the Fund not been decreased by several millions during the last year, or during the last year or two?

I think not—

Oh!

The hon. Member first said "last year," and then he added, "the last year or two." If he will put down a question asking precisely for the information that he wants I will endeavour to supply it.

asked the Minister of Labour the present number of unemployed persons in the building trade and the weekly amount of unemployment benefit paid to them?

At 26th January the number of persons in the building trades registered as unemployed at Employment Exchanges in Great Britain was 91,818. Separate figures showing the amount of benefit paid in particular trades are not available, but assuming that these workpeople drew the same average amount per head as unemployed workpeople generally, the weekly amount of unemployment benefit paid to them is estimated to be betwen £70,000 and £75,000.

Can my right hon. Friend take any step with the leaders of the trade unions to get these men employed in the building trade?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state the number of men now out of employment in the sugar-refining industry in this country?

I regret that separate statistics are not available in respect of sugar-refining.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of miners unemployed in each district in the months of February, 1924, and February, 1925; and the number of miners who have applied for unemployed insurance benefit and been refused, or whose benefit has been stopped during the last six months?

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

Following is the answer:

The numbers of coal miners registered as unemployed at 28th January, 1924, and 26th January, 1925, in each of the administrative divisions of the Ministry were as follows:

No information in respect of applications for and refusals of unemployment benefit is available in respect of separate industries.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that his Department are using a printed acknowledgment form (U.I. 560) in reply to quite simple applications, on which it states that the Department cannot undertake to give a decision on the point raised, or answer any inquiries, before three months have elapsed; whether he is aware that such a reply gives an impression of slackness in dealing with cases or correspondence; and if he will take steps to expedite their handling and to withdraw this circular?

The statement to which the hon. Member refers is printed at the foot of the acknowledgment form which is given on receipt of an application for compensation under Section 9 of the Unemployment insurance Act of August last. It was estimated that over a million applications would be received in a short space of time, and, in fact, nearly 600,000 have so far been received. To deal very rapidly with all these repayments, each one of which often necessitates fairly intricate calculations, would require a very large temporary addition to the staff, which could not, at the outset, be efficient and which would before long have to be again discharged. Obviously, therefore, a, balance had to be reached between the two desirabilities of dealing with claims at a reasonable speed and of economy in working. The present arrangement is the result, and I think it is without question the most businesslike. It is equally clear that the best way of handling the matter is to deal with the applications in order of receipt and to refuse to deal specially with any of them out of turn. As was announced when the Bill was before the House last summer, it was anticipated that it would take any particular application about three months to be finally computed, and in order to obviate misapprehension and unnecessary correspondence the notice in question with regard to this period of three months was printed on the acknowledgment form. I may add that, out of nearly 600,000 applications received to date, 400,000 have been paid or otherwise disposed of.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can see his way to extend dependants' unemployment benefit in the case of unmarried mothers wholly or mainly maintained by a son whose father has deserted his mother, and of whom all trace has been lost?

The extension of benefit which the hon. and gallant Member has in mind would require fresh legislation. I cannot give any pledge in the matter, but I have noted the point for consideration if, and when, it becomes necessary to propose fresh legislation in connection with Unemployment Insurance.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the very heavy burden placed on local authorities by the terms of the grants made by the Unemployment Grants Committee, he can see his way to extend the said grants to the whole period of such loan instead of to only one-half the period as at present?

This point was brought before the Minister of Health and myself recently by the Association of Municipal Corporations. It was considered very carefully, but as a representative deputation of the association were informed, I am afraid it is not possible to accede to the request.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has seen the letter, dated 20th January last, from the Treasury to the chairman of the staff side of the Whitley Council, referring to the final Report of the Southborough Committee; and whether he proposes to carry out the promise made in the letter?

Yes, Sir. I have seen the letter referred to which expresses the intention of the Government to give effect to the agreement subject to discussion in the House of Commons should the House so desire. I hope, however, that the announcement made yesterday, that if there is a general desire for discussion of this subject an opportunity will be afforded if arrangements are made through the usual channels in the course of the Debate on the Vote on Account for the Civil Services and Revenue Departments, or, failing this, by the Debate on the Consolidated Fund Bill, will meet the wishes of the hon. Member.

Referring to the question to which I have been referred, was the agreement with certain ex-service men's associations made during the General Election, and is it fair to prejudice the discussion which is going cu now by referring to the pledge to which the Government are bound without affording the House a full opportunity for discussion?

The House will have an opportunity for discussion, and I do not see the point of my hon. Friend's remarks.