asked the Minister of Pensions whether in every case where an ex-service man is unable to follow his employment through a disability for which he is receiving outpatient treatment, he will receive full allowances so long as he is receiving treatment and is unable to follow his employment?

I fear that the suggestion would not be in accordance with the long-standing terms of the pension warrants and could not, therefore, he adopted. Perhaps I may refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on the same subject by the right hon. Gentleman, the Member for West Bromwich (Mr. F. O. Roberts).

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into sympathetic consideration the case where a man is refused unemployment benefit because he is not fit to follow his employment, and is also refused treatment allowance by the right hon. Gentleman's Department because he is supposed to be fit for employment?

It is the practice of the Ministry to compensate a man for his disability.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of permitting the panel doctor to be present when examination takes place prior to the allowance being taken away from a man?

I do not think that question arises here, but the medical profession, I understand, are not at all in favour of that proposal.

Is it not the fact that the local panel doctor in many cases has a closer acquaintance with a man's disability than the medical doctor who examines him afterwards?

Gould the Minister not give us an assurance that he will go into this question in order to try and provide some method of relieving these hard cases?

I do not know whether the hon. Member refers to the original question.

Yes.

In that case, it is quite clear that this Ministry must not go into the question of employment, for if we took into account that question of employment, it would be greatly to the disadvantage of many ex-service men who are getting good wages.

further asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the hardship inflicted on certain pensioners undergoing in-patient treatment, he will alter the regulation so that allowances in respect of in-patient treatment shall be calculated from the actual date of admission to the date of discharge, instead of as at present from the Wednesday following such admission or first attendance?

The suggestion referred to by the hon. Member has been fully considered, and I am satisfied that the present arrangement is hest in the interests of the disabled men affected. I may point out that allowances under Article 6 of the Warrant are paid for complete weeks and in advance.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the large number of cases of pensioned ex-service men who have died as a result of their disability, and have left their widows and children destitute by reason of the fact that they married after discharge from the service and their pensions ceased upon death, ho will consider the possibility of continuing payment of the pension in such cases or, at all events of making some provision for these dependants who are now being compelled to seek the aid of the Poor Law?

I could not agree to this proposal. The responsibility of my Department in respect of death as resulting from war service has always been defined by the Royal Pension Warrants as limited to the man's family obligations as existing at the date of the contraction on service of the fatal disability.

As the right hon. Gentleman's reply is unsatisfactory, I beg, to give notice that I will call attention to this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that capacity for self-support is now being regarded as a reason for refusing an award of need pension to the parents of men killed in the War; and if it is the settled policy of the Ministry to refuse need pensions to persons in receipt of unemployment benefit?

The grant of a pension of this class has under the terms of the Pension Warrants always been conditional on incapacity for self-support owing either to age or infirmity, and no change has been made in this respect. It is, on the other hand, a condition of the payment of unemployment benefit that the recipient is capable of work.

also asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that Members of this House who deal with pension cases which raise questions of the reconsideration of claims already dealt with by the pensions appeal tribunals are now being asked to deal directly with the appeal tribunals instead of through the Ministry; and if he will explain the reasons for this procedure?

No change in the practice of the Ministry has taken place. The hon. Member will however, of course appreciate that any complaints about such questions as the procedure of an appeal tribunal are a matter necessarily outside the purview of the Minister of Pensions and to be dealt with by the Lord Chancellor's Department.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that there are a number of ex-disability pensioners who have lost their pensions, although suffering from disabilities due to War service, through failing to comply with the Regulation governing the period in which appeals may be lodged, either through ignorance or other causes; and whether he will consider the introduction of legislation whereby these men may he allowed to state their ease to an appeal tribunal?

I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that, as already stated in the House, arrangements are in operation to put to the tribunal cases in which the appellant can show that on account of some unavoidable cause he was prevented from exercising his right of appeal within the statutory period. This procedure, coupled with the administrative arrangements made for the correction of cases in which a final award is found to have been seriously erroneous, is, in my judgment, adequately meeting the situation. I do not think, therefore, that I could usefully adopt the suggestion in the last part of the question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give a definition of the difficulty?

My difficulty is that, when the House of Commons has passed an Act that there is to be a final limit, it is quite impossible for me to override the Act of Parliament.

Is the difficulty not that, after this House has passed an Act, Regulations are put in force which do not properly interpret the spirit of the Act?

No. Any alterations that have been made have been made in favour of the ex-service men.

In view of the difficulties, will the Minister not consider the introduction of new legislation, having regard to his experience of the working of the matter?

No. In view of such experience as I have had, I am strongly in favour of an arrangement which gives a final assessment to the pensioners, as consider that they derive great benefit from receiving a final assessment.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether pensions awarded through the appeal tribunal date from the actual date on which the pension would have commenced, irrespective of the fact that the pensioner has had to appeal to the tribunal, as was recommended last year by advisory councils.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the full answer which my hon. and gallant Friend gave on the same subject on the 16th December last to the hon. Member for Kirkcaldy (Mr. T. Kennedy), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many out-of-time appeals have been submitted to the appeals tribunal: how many of these have been objected to by the Ministry: and in how many cases have the out-of-time appeals been heard?

I would refer the hon. Member to the very full answer which I gave on this subject on the 12th instant to the hon. and gallant Member for Knutsford (Brigadier-General Makins).

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that the Tottenham and Edmonton local war pensions committee have had two cases brought to their notice in which part of the appellant's medical history, although in the possession of the area officers, has been withheld from the appellant and his representative: and, in view of the suspicions aroused upon this matter, whether he will receive a small deputation from the committee in order that the matter may be satisfactorily cleared up?

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to two cases which last summer were brought to the notice of my predecessor, who, after full inquiry, found that the discrepancy complained of was due to a clerical error. I am satisfied, as was my predecessor, that every care is taken to ensure that a complete precis of all the medical history of the man, as known to the Ministry, is prepared in each ease, and I do not, therefore, consider that any useful purpose would be served by the deputation suggested in the last part of the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the local war pensions committee are not yet satisfied, and that his predecessor, realising that, was willing to receive a deputation, and would have done so had he continued in office?

I cannot undertake to see this committee, but I have myself gone to see these precis being prepared, and I have done all I can to see that they are carefully made out.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the medical history of Corporal Cottaral, of Pontypool, was refused to me by his Department?

If the hon. Member wishes me to answer on an individual case, he must give me notice.

I put the question to the right hon. Gentleman in answer to the reply given to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware of the hardships created by the rigid application of the seven years' limit, especially in the case of the ex-service men who have been under the supervision and care of the Ministry at some period during the seven years, and where there is reasonable cause to believe that the disease for which they apply for pension has existed for some time, and that the failure to apply in accordance with the provisions of the Act has been caused by an inadequate or mistaken diagnosis of their case by the medical men at an earlier date; and what action, if any, he proposes to take to remove these hardships?

am not aware that any such ease has arisen, because ex-service men who are entitled to receive treatment from the Ministry are those who have already been awarded pension for disablement or have made a claim for this purpose. If, however, the hon. Member has any exceptional case in mind in which, owing to a mistake, the claim has not been proceeded with, I shall be glad to consider it.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that cases have been submitted where pensioners have received treatment for neurasthenia, or debility and have been treated at various times during the seven years, and have practically at the end of the seven years been diagnosed as suffering from tuberculosis, and have been ruled out?

That, of course, would be one of the things which could be considered under the arrangement for the correction of errors, which I have already very fully explained to the House.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether any requests have been received by his Department for provision of hostels for either men or women employed at the issue office at Acton; and, if so, whether the matter has received favourable consideration?

I have received no such requests.

But surely the right hon. Gentleman is aware that very many of the staff in this office wish to live in this healthy district, and, if so, cannot he collaborate with the Minister of Health to provide accommodation for them?

Would it not save a great deal of expense if the issue office were distributed' in the regions?

No. I can see many grave disadvantages from following that course, and I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that that was the view taken by the Departmental Committee, which spent many months going into this question.

asked the President of the Board of Education why it was found necessary to appoint as permanent secretary an official with no education experience; whether anyone associated with educational work in England was available; and whether a re-organisation of the work of the Department is intended?

My right hon. Friend has made the appointment referred to after the most careful consideration of all the circumstances. The appointment is not intended to foreshadow a re-organisation of the work of the Department, or to reflect in any way on the existing officers of the Board of Education, in whom he has the fullest confidence—a confidence which is being continually increased by his experience of their work.

Is it realised by the Board of Education that the appointment of a non-educationist at the head of the whole of the education of England is very much resented by all the education authorities throughout the country and by educationists, and was there any special reason why a very able and competent official, with no knowledge of education, was put at the head of a Department that wanted a very human touch?

I think the hon. Member will agree, after consideration, with the opinion of my right hon. Friend, that it is very undesirable that important appointments of this kind in the Civil Service should be discussed in this way.

Is this appointment in keeping with the policy of the Government in appointing people so that they may not bring the prejudice of their education into the job, but come with an unbiased mind or an empty mind?

Is it the rule of this House' that we cannot discuss appointments in the Civil Service?

On a proper occasion, no doubt.

asked the Minister of Health what was the total cost of the medical staff of the Local Government Board in 1914 and 1918, and of the increased medical staff of the Ministry of Health in 1919, 1923, and for the current year; and how many new medical officers have been appointed in the last 12 months?

As the answer is necessarily somewhat long. I will, with permission, circulate it with the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The answer is as follows :

The total cost of the medical staff of the Local Government. Board for salaries and travelling and subsistence expenses was £30,420 in 1914–15 and in 1918–19, including bonus, £35,743. The medical staff of the Ministry of Health cost £56,985 in 1919–20, £121,454 in 1923–24; the estimated cost for the current financial year is £122,910.

My hon. Friend is no doubt aware that the functions of the Ministry of Health include not only those of the Local Government Board but also of the National Health Insurance Commissions for England and Wales. The figures for 1923–24 and the current financial year include the salaries and expenses of the regional medical officers: approximately four-fifths of the total cost of this service is recovered out of National Health Insurance Funds.

Three new medical officers have been appointed in the last 12 months to fill vacancies in existing posts.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will sanction clerks and officials engaged in the Poor Law branch of the Ministry of Health standing as candidates for urban district, borough, and county councils; and if he will sanction clerks in the public health branch standing as candidates for Poor Law guardians?

No, Sir. The Ministry of Health is one Department, and must be regarded as a single whole for the purpose of distributing business amongst its officers in the interest of proper working. Any such arrangement as is suggested in the question would militate against such distribution, and I could not consider it.

asked the Minister of Health what is the percentage of disabled ex-service men, ex-service men without disability and civilians, respectively, engaged to fill unskilled positions, such as liftmen, messengers, doorkeepers, etc., in Government offices since January, 1920?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I regret that I cannot give the figures asked by the hon. and gallant Member in the form of a percentage, but I am informed that all the appointments to posts of messengers, doorkeepers and similar posts of a non-industrial character in Government Departments made by the Joint Substitution Board and the Ministry of Labour in London since January, 1920, were of disabled ex-service men, except in a very few cases where the nature of the employment did not permit of the appointment of a disabled man. In these latter cases a non-disabled ex-service man was appointed. Liftmen are industrial employés, and are appointed by the Office of Works, and I regret I cannot speak as regards them.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will issue a White Paper showing, for the last five years, the total estimated expenditure and the total actual expenditure in respect of each Government Department?

The figures are always given in the annual Appropriation accounts, but if there is any general desire I will consider publishing them in a summarised form in a White Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that in certain cases the medical referee under the Workmen's Compensation Act has been known to be almost a permanent representative of employers in compensation disputes; and will he take steps so that in future all medical referees shall be independent of either employers or employés?

I know of no such cases among the medical referees at present appointed under the Act. It is a condition of the appointment of a medical referee that he shall hold no permanent employment either on the employers' or on the workers' side, and the medical referees are enjoined that in their private practice they should as far as possible avoid cases which are likely to come before them in their official capacity. It has not been found practicable to impose any further restrictions on them.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that in practice medical men who are practically permanent professional representatives of employers in compensation disputes are employed as medical referees in cases over which they may have had some jurisdiction professionally, and, since that creates a grave dissatisfaction in the mind of the injured workman, will he not consider the necessary amendment of this particular part of the Compensation Act?

This question as a matter of fact, will come up to-morrow on a Bill. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will defer his statement till then?

Yes; I hope to be able to tell the hon. Gentleman of at least 10 medical men.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is proposed to schedule miners' silicosis as an industrial disease under the Workmen's Compensation Act?

The reported occurrence of silicosis among coal miners is under investigation by the Health Advisory Committee of the Mines Department, but I am informed that they have not yet come to any definite conclusions. Any further action must await the Committee's Report.

asked the Home Secretary if he can give the information as to the total amount secured as compensation for injury since 1913 or any fixed period of years between that time and the present?

I regret that figures are not available except as regards the seven great groups of industries from which returns are collected under the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1906. The total compensation paid in these industries for each year since 1911 will be found on page 5 of the Volume of Workmen's Compensation Statistics for 1923 which was recently presented to Parliament.

asked the Home Secretary if he will consider the advisability of introducing legislation fixing a legal maximum rate of interest on all money loans?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the possibility of prohibiting the use of the post to moneylenders' circulars, in view of the fact that their despatch to minors through the post has already been stopped?

This matter is receiving consideration.

Can my hon. Friend say whether any decision is likely to be arrived at before the Easter Recess?

My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary realises the great importance of this question and I hope there will be no avoidable delay in reaching a decision.

asked the Home Secretary whether he proposes to introduce legislation for the regulation of moneylending, in view of the revelations at a London inquest in which the coroner stated that the deceased was driven to death by moneylenders?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the remarks of the West-minister Coroner made on Friday last, in connection with the death of a distinguished officer who had been driven to take his own life through falling into the hands of moneylenders, to the effect that it was time that such broadcasting of moneylenders' circulars as obtains to-day should be made illegal; and whether he will introduce legislation on the lines of the Bill introduced last year by the hon. and gallant Member for East Lewisham to stop this?

This matter is under the consideration of His Majesty's Government.

Would it not he quite simple to apply some such regulations as apply to the sending of immoral literature through the post?

As I said before, the Home Secretary attaches very great importance to the whole question, and the matter is now being looked into, and I hope there will be no delay in coming to some decision.

asked the Home Secretary how many of the 66 coin-plaints made by trade unionists to the Registrar of Friendly Societies under the Trade Union Act. 1913, as to the political rules concerning levies have proved to be well founded?

asked the Horne Secretary, in view of the fact that the 66 cases of complaint in, connection with the Trades Union Act, 1913, covering the whole period from then until the present day, were all complaints in connection solely with alleged infringements of the Act, if he can state how many of such cases of alleged infringements were proved and upheld?

The Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies informs me that in 33 cases the complaint was well founded and the matter of complaint was remedied by the trade union concerned; that in 15 cases the complaint was not well founded: that in five cases he asked for further particulars and received no reply from the complainant; that in eight cases the complainant did not pursue the matter after receiving an explanation from the Chief Registrar; and that the total of 66 is completed by five very recent cases which are still sub judice .

Can the hon. Gentleman say from how many million trade unionists these complaints came?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the widespread dissatisfaction among many retired police officers about certain conditions in the Pension (Increase) Acts of 1920 and 1924, which debar them from obtaining the increases given to others under those Acts; also among widows of retired police officers at the restrictions contained in the Police Pensions Act, 1921, by which the older widows were debarred from benefit and left entirely unprovided for; and whether he will take steps to remove these grievances?

With regard to the first part of the question, I would refer to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the 10th instant. The Home Secretary has carefully considered the question of widows' pensions referred to in the second part and regrets that on this matter also he can hold out no hope of legislation.

Is any consideration being given to the appointment of a Committee to examine the anomalies arising out of the Pensions Acts?

I do not know that any Committee is sitting at the present time, but we have the whole question continually under review.

asked the Horne Secretary whether he has taken any action on the suggestion contained in the Report of Major-General Atcherley, His Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary that refresher courses in ambulance work and first-aid instruction should, at suitable intervals, be made open to, or compulsory for, the police force?

My right hon. Friend is at present looking into the whole question.

asked the Home Secretary if he will state what reply his Department has given to the motor associations and other bodies which have urged him to provide white overalls for the police when on point duty?

I do not think my right hon. Friend has received any representations in this sense from the motor associations, at any rate of late.

Is it not the case that wherever these white overalls have been tried throughout the country they have always proved satisfactory?

We have had a good many representations about the wearing of white gloves, but so far as I know we have had practically no representations about the wearing of white overalls.

So far as the wearing of white gloves is concerned, is it not the fact that only one pair was issued to each police station?

asked the Home Secretary it he is now in a position to state when the Committee presided over by Mr. Justice Lawrence, dealing with the question of the defence of poor prisoners, is likely to report?

The Committee presided over by Mr. Justice Lawrence was concerned only with the rules regulating civil litigation by or against poor persons in the Supreme Court, and not with the defence of poor prisoners. The Committee has presented its Report which will be available for the use of Members as soon as sufficient copies have been printed.

asked the Home Secretary if, before issuing licences for taxicabs, he will see that there are larger and clearer figures on the meters of these cabs and a better lighting of these meters at night, so that passengers may without difficulty see what they have to pay?

The Commissioner of Police advises me that with any known type of taximeter it is not possible to obtain larger or clearer figures owing to limited space. The question of more efficient illumination is engaging the attention of the licensing authority.

Is it not possible to enlarge the space and so enlarge the figures so that the light is really thrown upon the meter, and the passengers know what they have to pay?

Is there any connection between this question and the one that immediately follows about night clubs?

I think the question of illuminating is the important question—much more important than the question of size.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that many of these people will never be able to see the figures, however large they are

Speak for yourself!

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that very often the bars—[HON. MEMBERS: "What bars?"]—the bars in front of the glass prevent passengers from seeing the meters? Will he remove these bars?

asked the Home Secretary how many night clubs have recently been raided by the police in London; and whether the names both of the proprietors and inmates arrested for breach of the law have been made public 7

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that six night clubs have been raided in the West End of London since 1st January, 1925. No power of arrest exists for the offences usually committed at these clubs. The names of proprietors and others proceeded against by summons are always given in the Press.

Is it true, as reported in the Press, that the method has been adopted of dressing police officers up like frequenters of these night clubs; and, if that be the case, does not the hon. Gentleman consider it a somewhat un-English proceeding; and would not the publication of the real names of those found in the clubs, and the proprietors, be a more effectual deterrent?

Can the hon. Gentleman inform the House whether any building operatives have been found in any of these night clubs?

As the Noble Lord is aware, the Home Secretary is looking into the whole question, and I anticipate that very shortly a Bill to deal with it will be presented to Parliament.

What is the total number of night clubs in existence known to the Department?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Home Secretary if the conference on franchise questions will include in its reference the question of the method of voting at elections?

My right hon. Friend cannot make any further statement at present on the proposed conference.

Am I to understand that the opinion of the Government is that the present method of voting gives an accurate reflection of the opinion of the electorate?

That is a matter for debate.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in accordance with the Report of the Commissioner of Prisons, Command Paper 2307, any action has been taken on a suggestion of the governor of Cardiff prison, that a leaflet, explaining in simple language the meaning of bail and the methods of obtaining it, should be prepared for the use of prisoners to enclose to their friends and relations; and, if not, whether, in view of the difficulties that arise from the inability of poor and respectable persons to understand technical language and procedure, and their consequent failure to grasp the significance of an appeal from a prisoner, he will consider the preparation of such a leaflet?

A leaflet has been prepared and steps will be taken to make full information on the subject readily available for all who require it.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has issued instructions to keep under observation persons connected with, and the offices of, a new paper, the "Sunday Worker"; if not, under whose authority or instruction was a visit paid by two members of the Criminal Investigation Department to the residence of the owner of the premises in which the offices are situated; on whose authority did they demand access to the offices without either producing a warrant or the permission of the occupants of the said offices; and had these two officers authority to discuss or inquire into the political opinions of the said owner?

I know nothing of the "Sunday Worker," and my right hon. Friend has issued no instructions about it. The Commissioner of Metropolitan Police informs me that no such visit as is described in the question has been paid by any members of his force.

If two persons have visited this lady's house, producing a card alleged to be their authority as Scotland Yard persons, was that a forgery like the other notorious letter?

asked the Home Secretary if he contemplates bringing in legislation in order to obtain greater legitimate freedom and uniformity in times of opening licensed premises?

My right hon. Friend can hold out no prospect of legislation on this subject at present.

asked the Home Secretary if he will consider bringing in legislation to restore the privilege of Sunday opening in the county of Monmouth, in conformity with adjoining English counties?

I can only say I see no chance of any such legislation.

asked the Home Secretary if he can state the number of clubs licensed for dancing and the sale of intoxicants in London at the present time; whether he has any figures of the numbers of dancing clubs in London which are not on the register; and how many dancing clubs have been raided by the police in London and the provinces, respectively, since he took office?

The number of registered clubs in the Metropolitan Police District on the 1st January, 1924, was 1,510. I have no means of knowing in how many of these dancing is carried on. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. As regards the last part of the question, I regret that beyond the figures given in answer to the Noble Lord the Member for Southampton (Lord Apsley), as to raids on night clubs in the West End of London since the 1st January last, I am not in a position to give the figures asked for.

Is there nothing stated on the licence of a club as to whether or not dancing is permitted on the premises? Do not they have to get some sort of permission?

The difficulty is that you do not require a licence for dancing unless it is a public dance. If it is merely a question of a club for private dancing, no licence is required.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the numerous statements in the recent Report of the Prison Corn missioners that young soldiers and sailors were being committed to prison for minor offences which could have been much better dealt with by the military authorities; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I am strongly of opinion that when a young soldier or sailor has been guilty of a minor offence which can be adequately dealt with by his commanding officer, it is generally better that he should be so dealt with than that he should be prosecuted at a police court and sent to prison for his offence, but I do not know how far the cases mentioned in the Appendix to the Prison Commissioners' Report may form exceptions to the general rule, and I will make inquiry in the matter.

asked the Home Secretary if the Government are prepared to take the necessary steps to repeal the existing blasphemy laws?

The Government do not propose to introduce any legislation on this subject?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that within the precincts of this House last night there was a good deal of blasphemy?

asked the Home Secretary whether he will take some action with a view to securing an international agreement with reference to disinfection of dangerous materials, thereby minimising the danger of anthrax?

Repeated efforts have been made by His Majesty's Government to secure an international agreement for the disinfection of dangerous wool and hair, but I regret to say without success. For an account of the action taken I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to pages 11 to 14 of the Report of the British Government Delegates to the last International Labour Conference, which was recently presented to Parliament. I am afraid that there is no ground for hoping that a further attempt at the present time would have any different result.

If nothing can be done internationally will the hon. Gentleman do anything within the ambit of the United Kingdom?

We are always trying to come to some mutual arrangement with other countries, and we shall continue to do so.

In view of the fact that the international difficulties arise through differences between India, Australia and ourselves, will the hon. Gentleman see to it that a conference is called in time to settle the Empire difficulties before the Geneva Conference?

I will bring that to the notice of the Home Secretary.

asked the Home Secretary if he will give an assurance that before any further scheduling of wool by Order in Council or other means he will consult the trades concerned?

Yes, Sir. No new materials would be scheduled for disinfection except after the fullest opportunity had been given to the trades concerned to represent their views.

Is it not a fact that on each occasion which it was proposed to schedule new material the trade has always been consulted?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Home Secretary if, before making an Order in Council that the disinfection of East Indian wool and China and North African goats' hair shall be compulsory in this country, the Government will prohibit the importation into this country of goods made in other countries from similar material, unless the same has been treated in the same manner as required in this country?

Any proposals to this effect would be carefully examined, but there are various important considerations which would have to be taken into account, and my right hon. Friend is not hi a position to give any pledge in the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he is prepared to consider schemes dealing with the intervisitation of suitable children in the higher classes of elementary schools and secondary schools in this country with children in schools in France, Belgium, Germany, and Italy; and if he will adjust the expenditure in some of the sections of his Department to enable savings resulting thereafter to be expended on this practical form of education

As regards secondary schools, there are a number of unofficial schemes at present in operation for the exchange of both teachers and pupils with France; and under a convention between the Board of Education and the French Ministry of Public Instruction a number of young teachers and intending teachers of modern languages are appointed each year to the secondary schools and training colleges of each country. There are, of course. considerable difficulties in the way of the extension of such arrangements in the manner suggested by the hon. Member, but if a local authority were to submit proposals for the purpose my Tight hon. Friend would be prepared to consider them sympathetically and to recognise for grant any reasonable expenditure involved, provided that he were satisfied that the proposals were, in themselves educationally desirable and that the financial and other arrangements contemplated were suitable.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he will make monetary grants towards part cost of valuable technical models and machines which many manufacturing firms would present to technical colleges and institutions in their own localities for use of engineering and other students, but find themselves unable to do so under present conditions?

It is open to a local education authority to arrange for the acquisition of such technical models and machines as they may require for the equipment of technical colleges. Any expenditure reasonably incurred by an authority for this purpose would be recognised as part of their expenditure on higher education for the purpose of the Board's grant. My right hon. Friend is not aware of any grounds for thinking that special provision is required in this connection.

Will the Noble Lady represent to the President of the Board of Education the vital need, in small towns where the type of model is of so expensive a character, as to be beyond the means of the ratepayers, of snaking some grant through the Finance Minister to such bodies?

I am sure my right hon. Friend would take into consideration any cases which were represented to him.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he will say what is the total school population, the number of places provided in special schools for the mentally defective, and the number of children who have been medically examined and deemed suitable, but who, owing to want of accommodation, have been awaiting admission to such schools for six months or longer in Manchester, Leeds, and Birmingham, respectively?

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

Following is the answer :

I assume that the object of the hon. Member's question is to ascertain how many defective children there are in the areas concerned, for how many of such children provision is made in special schools, and how many such children, having been medically examined and certified as suitable for admission to special schools, have been awaiting admission for six months or longer owing to lack of accommodation. According to the latest returns furnished to my Department, the number of children ascertained during 1924, in the areas concerned, to be mentally defective was: Manchester, 1,370; Leeds, 296; Birmingham, 1,220; and the number of children from each of these areas attending special schools for mentally defective children during 1924 was: Manchester, 657; Leeds, 279; Birmingham, 1,186. I am informed by the local authorities concerned that the number of children who have been medically examined and certified as suitable for admission to special schools for mentally defective children, but are at the present moment awaiting admission owing to insufficiency of accommodation, is: Manchester, 537; Leeds, 0; Birmingham, 17. I am not in a position to state for what period these particular children have been awaiting admission.

asked the President of the Board of Education if, in view of the inadequate provision which at present exists for the education of mentally deficient and physically defective children, he will consider taking measures to increase the facilities for the education of these defective children?

This matter is engaging the active consideration of my Department, and my right hon. Friend has recently issued to local education authorities a Circular, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy, drawing their attention to the need for augmenting the provision made for defective children, and asking them to inform him of the lines on which' they are moving and the progress which they make?

asked the President of the Board of Education when the last survey of school buildings was taken; how many education authorities have been notified of the unfit and unhygienic condition of their schools; and what is the number of such schools throughout the country?

A survey was made last year of the worst public elementary school premises in the areas of the London County Council, the county boroughs and the boroughs and urban districts in England which are local education authorities for elementary education. As a result, letters have been addressed to 165 authorities (out of 239), and the number of schools or departments mentioned is 807 (out of 5,760). This figure includes not only schools which, in the opinion of the Board, are altogether unsuitable, but also schools which are structurally unsuitable in part or for their present numbers in varying degrees. A similar survey is in progress in the areas of the county councils in England (apart from London), and it is hoped that the results of the survey of the areas of all local authorities in Wales will shortly be available.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether instruction in the addressing of letters, the use of the postal directory, the use of the telephone, the giving of change, and other simple duties of business life, is given in elementary schools of London or other large towns?

My right hon. Friend has no doubt that most teachers lose no opportunity of giving point to the ordinary instruction in the schools by reference to such operations as those mentioned by the hon. Member.

asked the Prime. Minister whether he has now obtained information to the effect that a metal stamping company, who are the manufacturers of stamped-steel ceilings, had orders from the Gateshead and Newcastle Corporations to fix their ceilings in houses in the corporation's areas waiting for the ceilings in such houses to be finished; that when the employés of the firm started fixing the ceilings the officials of the Plasterers' Union intimated that their men would be called out on strike unless the men fixing the metal ceilings at once ceased from work; that in consequence of this action the orders given to the company have been cancelled, whereby some 45 houses which might have been made ready for occupation in one or two weeks remain unfinished; and whether he will grant facilities for passing the necessary legislation to secure freedom of contract in the building and fitting up of houses and generally to prevent interference by interested parties with the completion of houses urgently needed by the public?

I understand it was proposed as an experiment to try one ceiling of that material in one house. I am informed that the experiment was abandoned by the local authority on objection being taken on behalf of the plasterers. I am unable to say on what grounds the Plasterers. Union claimed to veto the use of a particular material, but as no objection was raised to other substitutes for plastering, and as I am informed that the completion of the houses has not been delayed by this incident, I do not think I can take any further action.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that 45 houses were to be built in this way and could have been so built, and that it was simply because the plasterers thought it was interfering with their work that they put the veto on it, and does he not think that the Weir house—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"] Does not this require the immediate attention of the Government?

In view of the allegations against the men in the question and in the supplementary question, will the right hon. Gentleman ascertain what was the actual reason for the men ceasing work?

I will make further inquiries, and endeavour to ascertain.

Assuming that the facts are as stated, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are now 50 houses open and on exhibition in Gateshead which were finished by direct labour, and if they had been under private contracts they would not have been finished for another three weeks?

asked the Minister of Health if he will consider the desirability of introducing legislation giving local authorities power to compulsorily rent unoccupied houses for the temporary accommodation of persons dehoused during municipal and local schemes of rebuilding, such as that for the Tabard Street area, Southwark?

I have considered the hon. Member's suggestion, but I do not think that it appears a practical solution of the problem of expediting improvement schemes.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of erecting temporary buildings on the waste land in districts such as Tabard Street to alleviate the distress of those poor people during these rebuilding schemes?

That is a matter for the local authority, and not for me.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received the resolution passed by the overseers for the parish of Liverpool that, having regard to the shortage of dwelling-houses, local authorities be empowered to levy rates after an interval of three months on unoccupied dwelling-houses in cases where such houses are deliberately held up for sale; and, if so, whether the Government propose to promote legislation to embody this proposal?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on Thursday last to a similar question by my hon. Friend the Member for St. George's (Mr. Erskine). I am sending the hon. Member a copy of that reply.

Are not the difficulties referred to in the previous answer less than the difficulties of the tenants who want to get houses owing to these houses remaining empty, and does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that it is the duty of statesmanship to overcome the difficulties in order to relieve the hardship which exists owing to the prevailing practice?

I did not consider that the remedy proposed would have overcome it.

asked the Minister of Health whether arrangements have been made for the erection of demonstration houses on the Telford and Wild systems; and, if so, in what towns the houses are to be erected?

I will send the hon. Member a list of the local authorities who have been invited to erect these demonstration houses.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration that the difficulty in regard to getting houses quickly and cheaply is even more urgent in the rural districts, and could he arrange that demonstration houses should be placed within the reach of rural districts?

I have not lost sight of the rural districts, and I have included some amongst those receiving the demonstration houses.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will arrange to include in his periodical statement of the progress of house building under assisted schemes particulars of houses being built by approved alternative methods of construction?

I cannot undertake to furnish detailed information concerning the numerous alternative methods of construction, but I will consider how far it is possible to obtain additional particulars on the lines suggested by the hon. Member.

further asked the Minister of Health whether the promoters of the Atholl and Wild houses are prepared to conform to the wages and conditions prevailing in the building industry?

I understand that the promoters referred to are prepared to conform to the wages and conditions of the building industry so far as these are applicable to their methods of construction.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has yet approved any scheme for the erection of Weir houses; if so, what is the tender price of the houses; what size the houses will be; and for what term of years the money for their construction is being borrowed?

Apart from the houses to be erected in various centres for demonstration purposes, I have not received any applications from local authorities for approval to the erection of Weir houses, but I understand that some authorities are at present considering the matter. I propose to allow a period of 40 years for the repayment of loans raised in connection with this type of house.

Is it not the case that in the opinion of Lord Weir himself the lifetime of these houses will be limited to 30 years?

No; I understand that in Lord Weir's opinion it will be longer than the 40 years.

When will the first demonstration houses be visible?

I believe the houses will be visible very shortly in London.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will make inquiries in selected towns into the rents being charged for houses which have become decontrolled and the number of houses decontrolled?

I have already made some inquiries into this matter, and, judging by the nature of the information obtained, I do not think there would be any advantage in pursuing the investigation.

asked the Minister of Health whether any local authorities are arranging for the erection of houses in agricultural parishes under the terms of the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924; and, if so, whether he will give the names of the local authorities and the number of houses to be built?

1,122 houses have, up to the present, been authorised for erection in agricultural parishes under the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924–980 by local authorities and 142 by private enterprise. I will send the hon. Member a list of the local authorities concerned and the number of houses approved for each.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is his intention to introduce legislation to require local authorities to prepare plans for replanning built-up areas?

I hope, when a favourable opportunity occurs, to introduce a Measure empowering local authorities to town-plan built-up areas.

asked the Minister of Health what local authorities have built, or are building, houses under the Acts of 1923 and 1924 by direct labour: how many houses are being so built; and whether he can give any particulars of the costs?

Fifty local authorities have built, or are building, houses by direct labour in connection with schemes under the Housing Acts of 1923 and 1924. The number of houses included in such schemes is 4,010. Information is not available as to the final costs of houses completed under these schemes.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me—I am sorry if it was not ma de clear in the question—the number of houses under the 1924 Act as distinct from the 1923 Act?

I have not the particulars of the two separately, as I did not understand that they were asked for in the question, but I will ascertain and send the particulars to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to a Report prepared by the Housing Committee of the Newcastle-on-Tyne Corporation on the building of houses by direct labour; and whether he will have a copy procured for the information of hon. Members, to be placed in the Library of the House