asked the Postmaster-General the amount of the payments made by his Department to British mail steamers carrying the weekly mail from India to Europe during the year 1924; and the amount receivable on this account from the Government of India?

The contract service which is used for the con o veyance of mails between this country and India is a comprehensive one which includes the Far East and Australia. The cost of this service during last year was £252,500, and the contribution of the Indian Post Office was £33,500. About 95 per cent. of this amount was in respect of the conveyance of mails westward, including a certain number for destinations outside Europe.

asked the Postmaster-General why it is proposed to move the administrative staff of the Leicester telephone department to Nottingham; and if he is aware of the considerable opposition to such a proposal in Leicester?

The impending fusion of the Leicester and Nottingham telephone districts is in continuation of a policy of amalgamation whereby administration has been facilitated and the general organisation of the service improved. I am aware that some opposition to the proposal has arisen in. Leicester, but, in view of the success which has attended similar amalgamations, I am confident that there is no ground for apprehension in this case. Adequate arrangements will be made to avoid trouble and inconvenience to subscribers, and, in practice, the changes will be very slight. Although all accounts will be prepared at, and issued from, Nottingham, payment will be accepted at any post office in Leicester. The Postmaster of Leicester, who is in immediate control of the exchange, will attend to any local complaints or inquiries which may be made either verbally or in writing at his office. The sectional engineer and his staff will continue to be located at Leicester, while a competent officer with staff will also be stationed in that town for the purpose of dealing with new business and of calling upon and advising existing subscribers on all matters in connection with their installations.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the inconvenience likely to be caused to business interests in Leicester by transferring the telephone administration elsewhere, he will reconsider his decision?

From experience gained in similar amalgamations of telephone districts it is considered unlikely that any inconvenience will be caused to business interests in Leicester by its fusion with Nottingham for purposes of administration, and I see no reason to reconsider my decision in this case. I am giving the hon. Member further information in a written answer to a question on the same subject.

asked the Postmaster-General if the Government are prepared to install telephone call offices, without any guarantee, in certain isolated agricultural districts which need such facilities for the business purposes of the smaller farmers and smallholders growing vegetable produce and cereal crops?

It is the practice of the Post Office to install telephone call offices without guarantee when the receipts are likely to meet the cost of maintaining and operating the service, and a large number of such offices have been opened in rural areas during the past few years. If, however, the facilities were provided without regard to financial results, heavy losses would inevitably be involved, and I regret that it is not practicable therefore to dispense with some guarantee where a call office is likely to be unremunerative.

asked the Postmaster-General how many wireless telegraphy or telephony licences for the reception of wireless telephony have been taken out; and what is his estimate of the unlicensed wireless sets in use in the country?

The number of wireless receiving licences at present in force is about 1,200,000. The Post Office has no material on which to form an estimate of the number of unlicensed sets in use.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of amateur transmitting licences granted and in force on 7th February, 1925, the number under consideration in his Department, and the number rejected?

Statistics for the 7th February are not available, but on the 20th February, 2,181 sending licences were in force and 126 applications were under consideration. Statistics are not available of the total number of applications refused since the introduction of sending licences, but during the period from the 1st June last to the end of last month, 265 applicants were granted licences and 126 refused.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the proved usefulness to science of amateur wireless experimenters, he will undertake that before their present facilities terminate at the end of April they shall be granted further fully-defined facilities, including the right to work during the daytime, and to use a waveband of between 18 and 21 metres?

Special facilities have been given during the winter months to a number of experimenters for the use of higher power than that authorised in their licences, in order that they may take part in organised experiments in transmission between this country and the United States and other countries. I understand that the winter months are the most favourable for such experiments but if there is a desire on the part of the organisers of the experiments to continue them during the summer months, I shall be happy to consider any definite proposals which they may submit. The hours of working and the wave-lengths to be authorised will have to be determined with reference to the risk of interference with other services.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the regulations of the French postal service are more advantageous in respect of weight and dimensions to the senders of parcels than those of the British postal service; and will he consider the desirability of increasing the weight and size permitted as the maximum for parcels transmitted by post in Britain?

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is now prepared to extend the limits of weight and dimensions allowed for postal parcels from Britain to places abroad, particularly foreign parcels, so as to bring them at least into line with the weights and dimensions permissible in France and other countries, namely, 22 lbs.?

I am aware that larger and heavier parcels are admitted in the French parcel service than in the British parcel post; but the facilities afforded in France for the posting and delivery of parcels are, on the whole, inferior to those provided in this country by the Post Office, and are more analogous to the railway parcel service. I hope to be able to arrange at an early date for the acceptance of parcels up to 22 lbs. for transmission to certain places abroad; but I am afraid that a similar extension of the inland service is not practicable.

asked the Postmaster-General if he would consider the question of introducing a cash-on-delivery system in connection with the parcel post?

The question is already under consideration, but I am not in a position at present to make any statement in regard to it.

asked the Postmaster-General when it is expected that the telephone line to Berlin will be open to the public; and what will be the cost of a three-minutes call?

The Post Office is in negotiation with the Dutch and German administrations for the institution of an Anglo-German telephone service, but it is not yet possible to forecast the date when the service will be available, as a submarine cable between England and the Continent and special land lines in England, Holland and Germany have to be provided. The question of the fee to be charged for a three-minutes call is at present under consideration by the three administrations concerned.

asked the Postmaster-General how the ratio of the numbers of telephones installed in London to the population compares with the similar figures for the City of New York?

At the 1st January, 1924, New York City had 19·9 telephones per 100 inhabitants and the Administrative County of London 7·4 per 100 inhabitants. Later figures for New York City are not available.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will make provision for the daily delivery of mails in rural areas throughout the country?

I could not undertake to provide a daily delivery throughout the country without regard to the cost involved and the number of letters available for delivery in each case, but any applications in respect of particular localities will receive the most sympathetic consideration.

asked the Postmaster-General the value of foreign-manufactured telephone apparatus included in contracts placed with British firms by the Post Office during the past year; and the total value of contracts placed with foreign manufacturers during the same period?

The value of foreign-manufactured telephone apparatus included in contracts placed by the Post Office with British firms during the year ended 31st December last was £11,855. The total value of contracts for manufactured articles placed with foreign manufacturers during the same period was £3,968, of which sum £1,880 was in respect of telephone apparatus.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has considered the draft Report of the Committee appointed by the late Government on the Organisation of Empire Wireless; and what his decision upon it has been?

I read the evidence submitted to the Committee in question and I decided upon changes in organisation, including, among others, the establishment of a separate branch under the charge of an Assistant Secretary, subject to the control of the Director of Telegraphs and Telephones, to administer the overseas telegraph services, including cables and wireless. These changes have been carried into effect.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of persons employed in inspecting amateur wireless stations; how many inspections have taken place during the year ending 31st December, 1924; and what qualifications such inspectors are required to possess?

No officers are employed solely on the inspection of amateur wireless stations. The, work forms part of the normal duties of officers of the Post Office Engineering Department, who are experienced in telegraph and telephone engineering and who have the necessary knowledge of wireless telegraphy to enable them to ascertain whether an experimenter is complying with the conditions of his licence. The number of inspections of experimental stations made during the year 1924 was 584.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that a wounded ex-service man named Francis McKibbin, after being employed as a postman since 1921 at Keighley and Barrow-in-Furness, was discharged from the postal service at the latter place, on account of his wounded condition, on 17th November, 1924, although quite able to carry out the duties of a postman; and whether he will sympathetically consider re-employing this man, who is practically destitute?

Mr. McKibbin was rejected for permanent appointment as a postman on medical grounds by the Civil Service Commissioners who were unable to regard him as physically suitable for appointment to the establishment, even under the modified standard of fitness applicable to persons whose health has been impaired through service during the War. No post office employment in any other

asked the Minister of Transport whether there is any inten-

capacity is available for Mr. McKibbin at Barrow-in-Furness, but I am inquiring whether suitable employment can be found for him elsewhere and I will communicate with the hon. Member in the matter.

asked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been drawn to the proposed entire demolition of Waterloo Bridge; and whether, in view of the great artistic and monumental value of the bridge, he will intervene with a view to its repair and preservation?

I am in close and constant touch with the London County Council, and am confident that any decision at which the Council may arrive will be based on the highest possible expert advice and after fully weighing all the considerations set out in my Noble Friend's question.

asked the Minister of Transport the number of electrical and tramway undertakings, respectively, under public ownership in Great Britain; the number of persons employed; the capital expenditure; and if he can give the corresponding information for the undertakings under private ownership?

The information desired is, according to the latest figures available, as follows:

tion to limit the number of omnibuses now plying on the London streets; and, if so, when?

Acting on the advice of the London Traffic Advisory Committee, I have already made an Order and Provisional Regulations under Section 7 of the London Traffic Act in respect of a considerable number of congested streets, stabilising the position as at 1st January, in so far as omnibus services are concerned. This has been done in order to afford time and opportunity to the Committee to investigate in detail the traffic conditions in particular streets, and to make what recommendations they may consider desirable as to variations in the omnibus services. The Provisional Regulations have been laid before Parliament and I will forward my hon. Friend a print so soon as copies are available.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, with regard to the issue of a form (L.T. 4) to the proprietors of omnibuses plying in the London area, in which form a demand is made for, inter alia, a return of the number of tickets issued during the month, whereby the drawings of each man's omnibus are necessarily disclosed, he will say what is the object of such investigation?

The return to which my hon. and learned Friend refers has been called for in pursuance of Section 8 of the London Traffic Act, 1924. Particulars of the number of tickets issued by the proprietors of omnibuses plying for hire in the London area are required so that the volume of traffic on each route in relation to the number of omnibuses engaged may be ascertained.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the decision of the Ministry to bear the whole cost of the preliminary survey of the proposed road-bridge across the Tay, he is prepared to reconsider his decision that only 75 per cent. of the cost of the survey of the proposed bridge across the Forth shall be borne by the Ministry?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Transport, in view of the many motor accidents, fatal and otherwise, which have taken place in the streets of towns in South Wales, whether immediate steps will be taken for the consideration of such measures as will prevent such acci- dents; whether the Advisory Committee have taken cognisance of the many recommendations which have been made to them from time to time; and whether steps will be taken immediately to place into operation such rules and regulations as in their judgment would reduce the frequent accidents in congested streets?

I presume that the hon. Member refers to the Departmental Committees on the Regulation of Road Vehicles and the Regulation of Public Service Vehicles. The former Committee reported very fully in March, 1922, and I hope to receive a Report from the latter Committee almost immediately.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the increasing number of fatal and other accidents occurring within the Metropolitan area, he will take immediate steps to minimise such risks by issuing instructions that mechanically propelled and other vehicles shall not he permitted to pass stationary tramcars from which passengers are alighting or entering?

I am not satisfied that instructions of the nature indicated are necessary or desirable either in the interests of public safety or of traffic by road?

asked the Minister of Transport what were the prior charges in 1924, amounting to £1,034,400, deducted from taxes of road vehicles before the remainder of the Road Tax receipts were handed over in grants to roads?

The prior charges were approximately as follow:

asked the Minister of Transport how much of the £14,273,000 available for grants to roads was spent by the Ministry in respect of road works; and how much was spent by local road authorities in 1924?

As I have already indicated, in the reply to my hon. and gallant Friend on the 17th February, the amount spent by the Ministry from the Road Fund in respect of road works during the year 1924 amounted to £14,420,700. The figures of the expenditure of local authorities during that period are not yet available. Figures showing the total expenditure on roads and bridges, from the Road Fund and by local authorities, during the financial years 1910–1922 are given in Appendix 12 of the last Report on the Administration of the Road Fund.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the towns of Haverhill, Long Melford and Hadleigh, and the districts surrounding thorn, are still without any Sunday train service; that on weekdays the services are carried out with antiquated rolling stock, without lavatory accommodation and heating facilities; and what steps he is taking in the matter?

The railway company have informed me that a Sunday service in the districts referred to would not, in their opinion, justify the outlay involved. With regard to the rolling stock used on week days, I am informed that steam heating is already provided on the Hadleigh Branch and on certain trains on the Haverhill and Long Melford Branch, and that the fitting of the remaining carriages with heating facilities is in progress. The companies state that lavatory accommodation does not appear to be necessary, as the sections of the line concerned are only 7 and 16 miles.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the suggested scheme in connection with the Severn barrage has been abandoned; if not, what steps are being taken to arrive at a decision; and will he give the amount of money expended up to date in connection with the inquiry?

In accordance with the recommendations of the Water Power Resources Committee, the late Government decided that certain preliminary inquiries should be made with a view to ascertaining whether a Tidal Power Scheme in the Severn Estuary would be practicable and feasible from an economic standpoint. These inquiries, which are at present proceeding under the supervision of a Committee set up by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, have for their immediate object a decision on the question whether, having regard to local conditions, it would be possible actually to erect a barrage in the Severn. I understand that the actual expenditure to date has been 1,500, but further commitments have been entered into amounting to £1,050.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that certain local authorities in Wales are experiencing difficulty in providing the necessary funds to repair and maintain the main roads within their areas; and whether he will consider the advisability of classifying such areas as necessitous and of contributing a higher percentage of the cost?

I am well aware of the difficulties referred to in the first part of the question, and in the case of certain of the local authorities in Wales I have already authorised grants towards tile improvement of important roads at a higher rate than the normal. Grants in excess of the normal percentage can only be made in very exceptional cases, which must be considered on their individual merits.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he intends to introduce a Bill on similar lines to the Roads Improvement Bill which his predecessor introduced last Session?

Yes, Sir. I hope to introduce such a Bill as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Transport why the offer of the Ministry to make a grant for the removal of a dangerous corner on the Bristol-London road at Brislington, Somerset, was withdrawn last October; and whether he is prepared to receive further recommendations on the matter?

Owing to the very large grant from the Road Fund indicated in connection with the improvement of the Bristol-Exeter road, it has not been possible to make a grant towards the cost of improving the corner at Brislington. I propose, however, to reconsider the application as soon as additional funds are available for the purpose.

asked the Minister of Transport what action, if any, has been taken in consequence of the Report of the Committee of 1922 on automatic train control on railways; and the number of accidents due to lack of such control since that Report was trains?

The special attention of the railway companies was called to this Report, and they were asked to consider what action should be taken to give effect to the Committee's recommendations. They have since, as recommended by the Committee, appointed a committee of experts to consider the whole question, and I am informed that the matter continues to receive close attention, but, inasmuch as numerous investigations affecting many departments are involved, definite conclusions have not yet been reached. As regards the latter part of the question, it is not possible to state the number of accidents due to the lack of automatic train control, but I may say that, out of the 16 cases of collision in 1922 and 15 in 1923, into which inquiries were held, such control would, in the opinion of my officers, have prevented, respectively, seven and three.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he intends to make any grants from the Road Fund for the maintenance of existing district roads, and thus relieve the rates, instead of devoting so much of this Fund to the construction of new roads?

In speaking of district roads, I assume that my hon. Friend has in mind particularly those in rural areas. If so, I would remind him that, during the past two years, sums amounting to no less than £3,750,000 have been specially allocated from the Road Fund for the improvement of important roads in rural areas, and I have under consideration the allocation of a further sum for next financial year. As regards the construction of new roads, I might point out that, under Section 3 of the loads Act, not more than one-third of the net revenues of the Road Fund can be devoted to the construction of new roads. In actual fact, more than two-thirds of the revenue has always been devoted to the maintenance and improvement of existing roads, and these grants, whether made to county or district authorities, have the effect of reducing the call on the ratepayer in either his district, or county rate.

asked the Minister of Transport if he has any statistics showing what is the average amount of coal consumed per horse-power produced upon a steam locomotive, and what, is the average amount of coal consumed per horse-power upon electrically driven trains?

The statistics which are furnished to me do not embrace the particulars to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Minister of Transport when the investigation now being made by his Department upon the question of electrical development will be completed; and if he is now prepared to consider representations from all sources relevant to the subject before arriving at any definite conclusions?

As I have already informed my hon. Friend the examination of this problem is a complicated matter and at present it is not possible to say when the investigation will be completed. I am always ready to receive and consider any representations which will help me in arriving at a solution.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has information that the Irish Free State Department has prohibited the importation into the Free State of potatoes from the South of Scotland on the grounds of suspected wart disease; whether the Board of Agriculture for Scotland has made any inquiries into the presence of the disease in the suspected area; and, if so, with what result?

I understand that the Irish Free State has prohibited the importation of potatoes from the South of Scotland on the grounds of suspected wart disease. The Board of Agriculture for Scotland caused an inspection to be made of the only farm from which it was reported by the Irish Department that infected potatoes had apparently been consigned to Ireland. No trace of wart disease was found. I am making further inquiries in the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps are being taken to warn the consuming public that sacks of imported potatoes generally weigh less than 112 lbs., and thus appear cheaper than sacks of home-grown potatoes which contain 112 lbs., in accordance with the provisions of the Corn Sales Act; and whether he has in view an Amendment of the law to apply the provisions of the Corn Sales Act to imported potatoes exposed for sale by retail?

I have been asked to reply. A notice on this subject was issued in the Ministry's Market Report of the 13th February last, and has also been circulated to the Press. I will send a copy to my hon. Friend. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what has been the result of the investigations of his Department in regard to providing standards of quality for whole-milk cheese and single and double cream?

I regret that the preliminary inquiry referred to in my reply to my hon. Friend on 11th December is still incomplete, but I hope that the results may be in my hands shortly.

asked the Minister of Agriculture (1) what is the total liability, after giving credit for any receipts, which has been incurred during the current financial year in connection with outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease;

(2) what proportion of the expenses incurred in connection with the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease during the current year will fall upon the ratepayers?

The total net expenditure on outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease which have occurred in the current financial year to date amounts to £396,200. Under Section 18 of the Diseases of Animals Act, 1894, the State contribution in respect of certain animal diseases in any one year is limited to £140,000, of which £101,000 is available for foot-and-mouth disease. In the absence of special legislation, therefore, any net expenditure in excess of £101,000 will be drawn from the local taxation accounts. At present the sum so required is £295,200.

asked the hon. Member for Tonbridge, as representing the Charity Commissioners, whether any communication has been received by the Charity Commissioners from the Porthcawl District Council regarding a proposal to exchange land at £3,000, now used as allotments, for land valued at £500; whether the Commissioners have taken any action in the matter and, if they have not, whether they will cause careful local inquiries to be made regarding the whole transaction before agreeing to the transfer?

The Charity Commissioners have received communications from the Porthcawl Urban District Council regarding a proposal to exchange land now used as allotments for land valued at £560, but have refused to sanction the proposal on the ground that the allotments were of considerably greater value than the land proposed to be taken in exchange.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the names of the companies to which the beet sugar subsidy will apply, and the names of the companies which have received assistance under the Trade Facilities Act for the setting up of sugar beet factories, together with the respective amounts guaranteed?

The names of the companies to which the beet sugar subsidy will apply are as follows:

1924–25 Season:

Anglo-Scottish Beet Sugar Corporation.

English Beet Sugar Corporation. 1925–26 Season:

Anglo-Scottish Beet Sugar Corporation.

English Beet Sugar Corporation.

West Midland Beet Sugar Company.

Ely Beet Sugar Factory Company.

Ipswich Beet Sugar Factory Company.

The United Sugar Company.

The subsidy will also apply to any other companies manufacturing sugar or molasses from home-grown beet. in the 1925–26 or subsequent seasons in conformity with the conditions under which the subsidy is granted. As regards the latter part of the question, the Treasury have on the recommendation of the Trade Facilities Act Advisory Committee guaranteed the principle and interest of loans of £370,000 to be raised by the Anglo-Scottish Beet Sugar Corporation. Limited, and £150,000 to be raised by the West Midland Sugar Company, Limited, for the purchase of machinery and plant. These were reported to Parliament in House of Commons Papers 121 of 1924 and 24 of 1925, respectively.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give the figures for Great Britain showing the number of insured persons engaged in the construction and repair of motor vehicles, cycles and aircraft, and the number unemployed, at the end of 1923; and the corresponding figures for 1924?

The estimated number of insured persons in Great Britain engaged in the construction and repair of motor vehicles, cycles and aircraft was 193,020 at the end of 1923 1eo2m4: pared with 201,790 at the end of 1924. The number of persons in this industrial group registered as unemployed was 18,904 at the end of 1923 and 15,112 at the end of 1924.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Edward Carroll, of 3], Hamilton Street, has been refused benefit on the ground that he has failed to prove that in normal times insurable o employment suited to his capacities will be likely to be available for him (Clause 2, U.I., 503 a ); that this man has during the past few years worked as watchman for buildings under construction, including the new Employment Exchange at Government that Carroll lost a son in the War, and his three other sons, who also served, are suffering from disabilities, and are therefore unable to give much help to their father; and whether he will have this case reviewed?

I am having inquiry made and will let the hon. Member know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Samuel Galbraith, care of Forbes, 146, White Street, Govan, has been refused benefit under Clause 2, U.I., 503 a ; that on 23rd December, 1020, he had 417 contributions to his credit; that Galbraith worked 30 years with the Fairfield Shipbuilding Company, and became idle on the 10th June, 1921; that he went to Canada to look for employment and drew no benefit, but failing to obtain employment in Canada, returned in May, 1923, and applied to the Govan Exchange in June, 1923, and that this man is 65 years of age; and whether, in view of the circumstances, he will have this case reviewed?

I am having inquiry made and will let the hon. Member know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that 95 men over 60 years have been refused benefit at the local Exchanges in Glasgow and that of that number 65 were refused benefit at one Exchange, that of Govan; why so many men of that age have been refused at Govan; whether he is aware that the committee which heard their cases con- sisted of only one committee-man, and that in a large number of cases the only question asked the applicant was his age; and whether he will have their cases reheard by a properly constituted committee consisting of two representatives?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 18th February which deals with this matter generally. I am having further inquiries made with regard to the point now raised as to the composition of the Committee, and will communicate with him as soon as these are completed.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that James Livingstone, 43, Shaw Street, Govan, has been refused benefit on the ground that he has failed to prove that he is making every reasonable effort to obtain employment suited to his capacities and is willing to accept such employment; that this man worked from 1914 until 1922 in the sawmill at the Fairfield Shipbuilding Company, Govan, and has paid into the insurance fund from its inception; that this man is over 60 years of age but looks physically fit for his employment; and whether he will have this case reconsidered?

I am having inquiry made, and will let the hon. Member know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the number of insured persons between the ages of 50 to 60 and 60 to 70, respectively, the number for the respective years out of employment, and the number in receipt of unemployment pay?

No statistics are available as to the ages of insured contributors, and periodical statistics on this point are not obtained with regard to those unemployed. From a sample analysis based on 1 per cent. of 1,093,000 claimants to unemployment benefit made at the end of November, 1924, it appears that at that date there were about 155,000 claimants between the ages of 50 and 60, and 115.000 between the ages of 60 and 70.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that insured persons out of employment over 60 years of age are being refused unemployment benefit by some local unemployment committees on the ground that they are not likely to obtain employment; and if he proposes to take any steps to meet such cases?

It is a statutory condition which must be satisfied by any applicant for the receipt of extended benefit that he should be able to prove that in normal times insurable employment suited to his capacities would be likely to be available for him. The question whether this condition is fulfilled by individual applicants is remitted to local committees for consideration in the light of local conditions and the circumstances of the applicants.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, at the Inspector's inquiry into the circumstances attending the loss, or supposed loss, of the s.s. "John Harrison," of London, which sailed from the Tyne for Amsterdam on the 26th December, 1924, with a cargo of coal and has not since been heard of, he will ensure that the inspector holding the investigation has the assistance of a shipmaster who has had experience in this type of steamer; and whether, having regard to the recent loss amongst this class of steamer, he will take steps to see that they are fitted with light portable steel hatch covers, the adoption of which is considered by many nautical men as an additional aid to the safety of life and property at sea?

The Board of Trade have on reconsideration decided to order a formal investigation into the loss of the "John Harrison," and the Court will he assisted by Nautical Assessors. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply to the hon. and learned Member for South Shields (Mr. Harney) on 16th February, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Foreign Office keeps the naval and military authorities informed as to the legislation of foreign countries which make their nationals, notwithstanding naturalisation in the British Empire, liable to military service if caught within the jurisdiction of the country of origin of the ancestors of such naturalised persons; and whether he is prepared to recommend that no such naturalised subjects be employed in the diplomatic or consular service or in the Army and Navy in competition with the British-born applicants for employment of British ancestry, who are not subject to military service under a foreign flag if intercepted in transit or on service in such foreign countries?

It is the practice of the Foreign Office to make generally available to the public the legislation of foreign countries on this subject by collecting, translating and publishing periodically in a series of White Papers the texts of the various foreign nationality laws. These laws show the conditions under which foreign nationality is acquired and lost, with the obligations attaching thereto. The regulations for entry into the Diplomatic Service and the Salaried Consular Services preclude the admission of naturalised British subjects or of their sons. As regards the unsalaried Consular Services, a pledge has been given in Parliament that on all occasions where a suitable British subject is available he shall be appointed in preference to a foreigner. I am informed that all candidates for commissions in the Army and Navy must be British subjects and born of British parents. Naval ratings must be British-born subjects, except in certain cases of local native ratings, e.g., on the Africa, East Indies and China stations. Service in the non-commissioned ranks of the Army is open only to persons who are of British nationality whether by birth or by naturalisation.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what practical results have followed recommendations or draft conventions of the International Labour Office at Geneva by their international application; and which, if any, have been made effective in Great Britain or in any British Dominion?

I have been asked to reply. I am circulating in the OFFICIAL. REPORT a statement showing the position in January, 1925, with regard to ratification of the various International Labour Conventions for all countries, including Great Britain and the Dominions. I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that Australia and Canada, being Federal States whose power to enter into conventions on labour matters is subject to limitations, are given by the Treaty of Versailles discretion to treat a draft convention to which such limitations apply as a recommendation only. Recommendations do not require ratification, and a corresponding statement is, therefore, not available with regard to them. It is not possible within the limits of a question and answer to give any detailed account of the practical results that have followed on the adoption of draft conventions and recommendations by the international Labour Conference. But apart from the obligations involved in formal ratification, the work of the organisation has stimulated social legislation in a number of directions.

Following is the statement referred to:

LIST of formal ratifications, deposited with the Secretary-General of the League of Nations, of draft conventions adopted by the International Labour Conference.

(A) FIRST SESSION (WASHINGTON, 1919).

A bridged Title of Convention, Ratifications and Date of Registration.

1. Hours of work in industrial undertakings:

^* Subject to the proviso that ratification shall not become operative until the Convention has been ratified by Great Britain, France, Italy, Germany and Belgium, and also by States immediately bordering on Austria.

† India.—By Article 10 of the Convention the principle of a 60-hour week is to be adopted for all workers in the industries at present covered by the Factory Acts administered by the Government of India, in mines and in such branches of railway work as shall be specified for this purpose by the competent authority.

‡ Subject to the proviso that ratification shall only become operative when the Convention has been ratified without reservations or other conditions by the following States—Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain and Switzerland.

Abridged Title of Convention, Ratifications and Date of Registration.

^* India .—The prohibition of employment of women during the night may be suspended by the Government in respect to any industrial undertaking except factories as defined by the national law.

Abridged Title of Convention, Ratifications and Date of Registration.

(B) SECOND SESSION (GENOA, 1920).

1. Minimum age for admission of children to employment at sea:

2. Unemployment indemnity in case of loss or foundering of the ship:

3. Establishment of facilities for employment for seamen:

(C) THIRD SESSION (GENEVA, 1921).

1. Age of admission of children to employment in agriculture:

2. Rights of Association (agriculture):

3. Workmen's Compensation (agriculture):

4. Use of white lead in painting:

Abridged Title of Convention, Ratifications and Date of Registration.

^* India. —Young persons of not lens than 16 years of age, if found physically fit after medical examination, may be employed as trimmers or stokers on vessels exclusively engaged in the coastal trade of India.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can give the date when it is proposed to proceed with the proposals for the rating of machinery, as recommended by the Report of the Inter-Departmental Committee dealing with that subject?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which was given on the 18th February, in answer to a similar question by the hon. and gallant Member for Leith (Captain W. Benn).

asked the Secretary for Scotland what local authorities are proposing to build houses in agricultural parishes under the terms of the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924?

Definite proposals for the erection of houses in rural areas under the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924, have been made by

^* These proposals were originally made under the Housing, Etc., Act, 1923, and were transferred, with the Board's approval, in terms of Section 2 (4) of the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924.

†These houses, in terms of Section 16 (2) of the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924, are not eligible for the higher subsidy of £12 10s. per annum payable in rural areas.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers and men were allowed to give up service with the forces before finishing their term of enlistment or employment during the years 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923 and 1924; and the reasons given for leaving on discharge from the service?

I have had tables prepared showing, in the ease of the Regular Army, for each of the years referred to (1) the number of officers who resigned their commissions or, retired voluntarily and (2) the number of men who were granted their discharge before completing the period of their engagement. With the hon. Member's permission I will have them circulated in the OFFICIAL, REPORT. The second part of the question could not be answered at all fully without an immense amount of research. Such information as is available as to the reasons given by soldiers for desiring their discharge will be found in the table.

Following are the tables referred to:

asked the Secretary of State for Air if the Royal Air Force has in stock any other types of aerial bomb in addition to the high explosive type; and, if so, what these other types are?

It would not be in the public interest to give the information asked for by the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is the effective range of operation of the latest type of bombing aeroplane now in use in the Royal Air Force?

It would not be in the public interest to publish any detailed information on this subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the number of aeroplones there are in the 18 regular squadrons for home defence; and how many of these aeroplanes are adapted for bombing operations?

The normal strength of the 18 squadrons at present formed for home defence is 12 machines each and nine of these are bombing squadrons.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is now in a position to reply regarding the case of Major T. S. Impey, of the Royal Air Force, who was granted temporary retired pay, but was subsequently informed that that pay would be withheld in view of the fact that he had already received a short service gratuity?

I have been in correspondence with the Air Ministry in regard to this case, but regret I am not yet in a position to give a decision. I will inform my hon. Friend as soon as possible of the result of the further consideration of the case.

asked the Home Secretary the total amount of fines collected for motoring offences in the Royal Parks in 1923 and in 1924, respectively?

I regret that it is not possible to give separate figures for each of the parks, but the total amount of fines in respect of motoring offences in all the Royal Parks during recent years has been, approximately, £1,500 per annum.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the desirability of amending the Shop Hours (Early Closing) Act, 1920, giving the local authority the option of closing on any day of the week at 9 p.m.; and whether he will introduce legislation to give effect to this general request?

Various representations have been received in favour of the present law being amended

to enable Friday or some other day to be substituted locally for Saturday as the late-closing night. This suggestion will be carefully considered when legislation to amend the Shops Acts is undertaken, but I am afraid I see little prospect of my being able to introduce any Bill this Session.

asked the Home Secretary how many people were committed from local Police Courts in this country to quarter sessions or assizes for indecent assaults on children; and how many were convicted in the years 1910, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1914, 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923 and 1924?

A Committee is inquiring into the subject, and will no doubt present statistics relating to it. I would ask the hon. Member to wait till the report is published.

asked the Secretary for Mines the amount of coal exported from South Wales to the following countries (luring the years 1913, 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923 and 1924: Frances, Italy, Germany, Russia, Sweden, Spain, Portugal, Norway, Belgium, Holland, Denmark, Egypt, Argentina and Brazil?

The information is as follows:

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has any figures showing how much the demand for British coal has fallen off as a consequence of the utilisation by France and Italy of water power and electrical energy?

No, Sir; it is quite impossible to make even an approximate estimate. There is no doubt that hydro-electricity has been greatly developed in both countries in recent years, but I have no means of ascertaining the amount actually consumed or its coal equivalent. Moreover, other factors have not remained constant. The consumption of coal in France was greater by 6 per cent. in 1924 than in 1913, and in Italy it was down by only 2 per cent.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is satisfied that the expenditure by coalowners which falls to be taken into account in the ascertainment of miners' wages excludes all expenditure which is on capital account; and, if not, whether he will cause inquiry to be made in order to find to what extent the opening and development of new seams and of improving mining property generally is being treated as a charge on current production?

All questions relating to the application of the wages agreement are matters for the colliery owners and the mine workers themselves to deal with. Provision is made for the appointment by each side in each district of separate accountants with power to inspect the colliery books. No request has been made to me by the Miners' Federation that I should intervene, and I have no reason to believe that there is any necessity for me to do go.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of coke ovens in use; the quantity of metallurgical coke made in the years 1922, 1923 and 1924; and the amount of coke consumed in blast furnaces for the same years?

For the years 1922 and 1923 the information is as follows:

Figures for 1924 are not yet available.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state for the year 1923 the names of the trade unions which have a political fund; the number of members who contribute to the fund; and the number of members who have claimed exemption?

The Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies has furnished the following Return:

In addition to the above there are 27 unregistered trade unions or unregistered federations of trade unions which have a political fund. They include certain registered Unions among their component Unions.

These are as follows:

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that certain ex-service men, including men disabled by wounds, who are employed as temporary Civil Service clerks, are being debarred from sitting at the forthcoming qualifying examination for lack of six months' service before the 31st May, 1924; and whether, having regard to the postponement of the date for entry to the examination from September, 1924, to 24th February, 1925, he is prepared to arrange for a corresponding postponement of the date from which the period of qualifying service is to be reckoned, and to allow such men an opportunity of qualifying?

The question of modifying the qualifying dates for the examination has been fully considered in consultation with the responsible officials of the Association of Ex-service Civil Servants, with the result that it has been found necessary to keep to the dates recommended by the Southborough Committee.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is now in a position to say what alternative employment it is proposed to offer those persons displaced by the closing down of the regional office of the Ministry at Cardiff?

I am glad to be able to say that of the total staff of approximately 185 affected, including 12 single home service men, in the local area offices, who are to be replaced by overseas men from the regional office, it will be possible, to offer alternative employment, either in the Cardiff district or in London, to not less than 153. The balance, for whom no further employment is available, consists of 16 temporary clerks (including 14 home service men), five messengers and 11 women typists. Particulars of the service of these clerks and messengers will be furnished to the local Divisional Selection Committee of the Ministry of Labour in order that they may be considered for any vacancies that may be available in other Departments.