asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the number of full-time pupils per 1,000 of the population attending secondary schools was, in Sheffield, for the years 1920, 1921, 1922 and 1923 lower than in the case of any other education authority in Yorkshire: whether

NOTE.—The Education Committee regard a candidate obtaining 50 per cent. of the total marks obtainable as reaching a satisfactory standard at the Final Examination for Admission to Secondary Schools. In the years 1920, 1921 and 1922, places were awarded to candidates who obtained less than 50 per cent. of the total number of marks possible.

In 1923, 121 scholars, included in the above figures as sitting for the Examination and as reaching a satisfactory standard, did not accept the free places offered to them, and in 1924 the number was 75.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in sanctioning the building of new schools, he will satisfy himself that the employment of the materials and labour required for house building is reduced to the lowest possible limits; and whether he will consider the possibility of using steel and concrete for school buildings?

there has been any improvement in the year ending March, 1924, or since; whether the low percentage is due to lack of accommodation, or to what other reason; and whether, for all the years referred to, he can state for what percentage of those who sat for the final examination for entrance into secondary schools places were available?

I am aware of the position as stated in the first part of the question. Comparable figures are not yet available for the year ended March, 1924, but I have no reason to suppose that they would indicate any material alteration in the position. As the Sheffield Authority have in contemplation the provision of additional secondary school accommodation, it would appear likely that the present situation is due to shortage of supply rather than to lack of demand. With regard to the last part of the question the following information has been supplied by the local education authority in connection with the examinations conducted by them for entrance to secondary schools:—

Cases which involve possible competition between the demands of housing and school accommodation are the subject of constant consultation between officers of the Board of Education and officers of the Ministry of Health. With regard to the second part of the question, it is stated in the prefactory note to the Building Regulations, for both elementary and secondary schools, that the Board will be ready to give careful and, so far as possible, favourable consideration to experimental modes of treatment which may be proposed to meet special exigencies. Their Architect's Department is constantly in touch with the architects of new schools upon the subject, and, in fact, several different methods have lately been tried of employing various materials for this purpose, including those referred to by the hon. Member.

asked the President of the Board of Education the cost per child in average attendance in public elementary schools in England and Wales for the financial year 1913–14, corresponding with the figure £11 5s, 9d. for the year 1923–24, and also the average expenditure per child on the register of public primary schools of France for the year 1912 corresponding with the figure of 271·3 francs for the year 1922?

The cost per child in average attendance in public elementary schools in England and Wales in the financial year 1913–14 was £4 15s. 2d.; the average expenditure per child on the registers of primary schools in France, corresponding to the figure of 271·3 francs, given in my right hon. Friend's reply of 19th February to the hon. Member for Kensington South (Sir W. Davison), is 47·67 francs. My right hon. Friend must, however, repeat the warning which he has already given, that the figure for the two countries afford no reliable basis of comparison.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many assistant principals or administrative cadets have been in his Department promoted to the rank of principal since 1st May, 1921: and how many principals, administrative class, have been promoted, transferred to other appointments, or struck off the establishment during the same period?

One assistant principal has been promoted to the rank of principal since 1st May, 1924, and one principal has been promoted since that date.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many assistant principals or administrative cadets have been, in the department of scientific and industrial research, promoted to the rank of principal since 1st May, 1924: and how many principals, administrative class, have been promoted, transferred to other appointments, or struck off the establishment during the same period?

The answer to both parts of the question is "None."

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, how many assistant principals or administrative cadets have been in his Department promoted to the rank of principal since 1st May, 1924; and how many principals, administrative class, have been promoted, transferred to other appointments, or struck off the establishment during the same period?

The answer to the first part is that there have been no promotions of assistant principals or administrative cadets: and to the second part that one principal has been promoted but none transferred to other appointments or struck off the establishment.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many assistant principals or administrative cadets in his Department have been promoted to the rank of principals since 1st May, 1924: and how many principals, administrative class, have been promoted, transferred to other appointments, or struck off the establishment during the same period?

The answer to each part of the question is "None."

asked the Minister of Pensions how many assistant principals or administrative cadets have been in his. Department promoted to the rank of principal since 1st May, 1924; and how many principals, administrative class, have been promoted, transferred to other appointments, or struck off the establishment during the same period?

No assistant principals or administrative cadets have been promoted to the rank of principal, and no principals have been promoted, transferred, or struck off the establishment in the Ministry of Pensions since the 1st May, 1924.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India how many assistant principals or administrative cadets have been in his Department promoted to the rank of principal since 1st May, 1924; and how many principals, administrative class, have been promoted, transferred to other appointments, or struck off the establishment during the same period?

Since 1st May, 1924, three assistant principals have been promoted to the rank of principal on the establishment of the Secretary of State for India in Council. Since the same date, one principal has been promoted and two have retired on pension.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many assistant principals or administrative cadets have been in his Department promoted to the rank of principal since 1st May, 1924: and how many principals, administrative class, have been promoted, transferred to other appointments, or struck off the establishment during the same period?

The answer is "None."

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many assistant principals or administrative cadets have been, in his Department, promoted to the rank of principal since 1st May, 1924; and how many principals, administrative class, have been promoted, transferred to other appointments, or struck off the establishment during the same period?

One assistant principal has been promoted to be principal, and one principal to be assistant secretary, since the date in question. There have been no principals transferred, or removed, from the establishment.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many assistant principals or administrative cadets have been in his Department promoted to the rank of principal since 1st May, 1924; and how many principals, administrative class, have been promoted, transferred to other appointments, or struck off the establishment during the same period?

The answer is one to each part of the question.

asked the Minister of Labour how many assistant principals or administrative cadets have been in his Department promoted to the rank of principal since 1st May, 1924; and how many principals, administrative class, have been promoted, transferred to other appointments, or struck off the establishment during the same period?

One assistant principal and one principal have been confirmed on their acting ranks of principal and assistant secretary respectively, since 1st May, 1924. In addition, one principal has been given acting rank as assistant secretary. No principal has been transferred to another appointment or struck off the establishment since that date.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how ninny assistant principals or administrative cadets have been in the Department of Customs and Excise promoted to the rank of principal since 1st May, 1924; and how many principals, administrative class, have been promoted, transferred to other appointments, or struck off the establishment during the same period?

No promotions to the rank of principal have been made direct from the assistant principal class since 1st May last, but one senior executive officer, formerly an assistant principal, has been so promoted. Three principals have been promoted since that date and four posts of principal struck off in consequence of reorganisation.

asked the Minister of Transport how many assistant principals or administrative cadets have been in his Department promoted to the rank of principal since 1st May, 1924; and how many principals, administrative class, have been promoted, transferred to other appointments, or struck off the establishment during the same period?

The answers are "One" and "None" respectively.

asked the Postmaster-General how many assistant principals or administrative cadets have been in his Department promoted to the rank of principal since 1st May, 19'24; and how Many principals, administrative class, have been promoted, transferred to other appointments, or struck off the establishment during the same period?

The number in both cases is five.

asked the Postmaster-General the nature of the work of the investigation branch; the number and grading of the staff employed; and from what sources and how much staff are recruited?

The investigation branch is charged with the duty of investigating offences under the Post Office Acts, whether committed by members of the public or by the Post Office staff. The established staff consists of a director, two senior staff officers, eight first-class clerks, 31 second-class clerks, a head assistant and eight assistants. There are also an inspector of police and 20 sergeants of police (not borne on the Post Office establishment) attached to the branch. The second-class clerks are recruited by special selection from other Post Office classes, and the grades above the second-class clerks are filled by promotion. The assistants are recruited by the selection of suitable ex-service men.

asked the Minister of Health how many assistant principals or administrative cadets have been in his Department promoted to the rank of principal since 1st May, 1924; and how many principals, administrative class, have been promoted, transferred to other appointments, or struck off the establishment during the same period?

One assistant principal has been promoted to the rank of principal since 1st May, 1924. No principals have been promoted, transferred to other appointments, or struck off the establishment during this period.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that, according to the last White Paper, issued on the 10th February, 1025, 2,502 non-service men are still retained in the Civil Service; and how many of these are employed in minor, clerical, administrative, and technical grades, respectively?

I am aware that the number of non-service temporary male staff in Government Departments on the 1st December, 1924, is shown in the return as 2,502. I have no recent statistics showing the division of this number among the classes named by the hon. Member, but I may say that 1,091 of the above persons were serving in the Post Office mainly in part-time employment as postmen, etc., or on manipulative duties where ex-service men were not available. Of the residue, a large proportion are technical officers for whom it has been impossible to find competent ex-service substitutes.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury (1) the exact percentage of permanent established posts in the Civil Service which is now, under the ex-service men's agreement, reserved for the manipulative grades of the Post Office; and to what extent are such manipulative grades composed of ex-service men;

(2) whether, seeing that the recent ex-service men's agreement absorbed all permanent establishment for the benefit of ex-service temporaries to the detriment of ex-service men belonging to the manipulative grades in the Post Office, in these circumstances, he will consider the possibility of giving ex-service sorting clerks in the Post Office some measure of participation in the benefits granted?

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension as to the nature of the agreement relating to ex-service temporary clerks which makes no reference to men in the manipulative grades in the Post Office and neither reserves posts for them nor operates to their detriment as he suggests. At present the men in question, in accordance with an agreement reached in the Post Office Departmental Whitley Council, are entitled to 25 per cent. of the vacancies in the clerical class in the Post Office. Their case was the subject of a recommendation in paragraph 26 of the Third Report of the Southborough Committee, and I understand that a Committee of the above Council is at present considering the modifications of the existing arrangement necessitated by that recommendation. I have no statistics showing the precise percentage of ex-service men in the manipulative grades. Of the total male permanent staff of the Post Office on the 1st December last, 58 per cent. were ex-service men.

asked the Home Secretary how many assistant principals or administrative cadets have been, in his Department, promoted to the rank of principal since 1st May, 1924; and how many principals, administrative class, have been promoted, transferred to other appointments, or struck off the establishment during the same period?

Since the date mentioned an assistant principal has been promoted to fill a vacancy for a principal. There have been no other changes in the rank of principal in the Home Office.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the serious condition of the Moreton district of Wirral, owing to continual flooding and to the consequent danger to property and menace to the health of the people; and if he will consider the taking of early action to remedy the position?

I am informed by the rural district council that there has been flooding owing to recent heavy rains. I am communicating with the authorities concerned as to a scheme of sewerage and surface water drainage for the area.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the desirability of introducing legislation to relieve orphanages and other similar institutions from the payment of poor rates, seeing that the existence of such charitable institutions relieves local rates of heavy burdens?

Proposals of this kind have been considered on many occasions, and I am afraid that there are strong objections to their adoption.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the case of Mrs. Pickering, of Winlaton, who was detained by the officers of the Gateshead board of guardians for two days when on a visit to see her husband; and, if so, whether he intends having inquiries made as to the cause of her detention?

My attention had not previously been called to this ease, but since the hon. Member put down this question I have been in communication with the guardians, and I am informed that the officer responsible has been censured by them for his action. I am making further inquiries into the matter.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to the action of the Worksop Board of Guardians in appointing as registrar of births and deaths a man who had not served in His Majesty's Forces during the War, whilst there were three other candidates for the post who had not only excellent professional records but also had served with distinction throughout the War; and if there is any recommendation from his Department to municipal and local authorities to the effect that, wherever possible, the preference be given to ex-service men in making appointments?

My attention has already been drawn to this case: but, as the Noble Lord has been informed, it did not appear that, in view of the lapse of time between the appointment and the date when the facts were brought to my notice, any useful purpose would be served by reopening the matter. The guardians were urged by the Registrar-General in this case, as in the case of all such appointments, to give preferential consideration to any eligible ex-service applicants. As regards the second part of the question, my Department has urged local authorities, in a number of circular letters, to give special consideration to the claims of suitably qualified ex-service men when making appointments.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consult with the Minister of Health and, in view of the shortage of houses, will take steps to prevent the demolition of houses which happen to stand on ground required for new arterial and by-pass roads, and to postpone the demolition of such houses until such lime as the housing problem shall become less acute?

Every effort is made in the construction of new roads by my Department to avoid the demolition of houses, and in cases where this is unavoidable care is taken that alternative accommodation is either available, or is provided. In several cases premises have been allowed to remain on land acquired for the public highway until such time as the widening of the carriageway becomes necessary, or a suitable opportunity presents itself of re-housing the occupants. In the case of road schemes promoted by local authorities I feel sure that similar safeguards are adopted.

asked the Minister of Health the wages cost of the erection of Weir houses and how much additional cost would be involved in the payment of the building trades rates of wages?

It will not be practicable to frame any estimate on the lines desired by the hon. Member, until experience has been gained of the working costs under conditions of production in large quantities.

asked the Minister of Health if he has appointed any person to take the place of Sir Ernest Moir during his absence in South America, as Chairman of the Committee which is inquiring into the alternative methods of house construction; if not, who will occupy this position temporarily; and what is the relation of the Committee to the Building Research Board?

During the absence of Sir Ernest Moir, the Vice-Chairman of the Committee, Mr. G. G. Lynde, M.I.C.E., is acting as Chairman. The function of the Committee is to report on new materials or methods of construction submitted to it; it does not itself undertake research. The Ministry of Health is represented on the Building Research Board which was set up by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research to consider and direct the conduct of research into building materials and methods of construction. The Board is in touch with Sir Ernest Moir's Committee, and is undertaking a number of scientific investigations arising out of its work.

asked the Minister of Health how many houses there are in Devonport still inhabited which have been condemned and which have not been closed because the occupants have been unable to find other accommodation; and how many persons, including children, are occupying these houses?

I have asked the local authority to furnish information on the points mentioned by the hon. Member and will communicate with him again when I receive their reply.

asked the Minister of Health if he can furnish particulars of the number of bricks made in Britain for each of the five years preceding 1914 and the number of bricks imported and whether he can give the number of men engaged in the building industry and the numbers of houses erected in each of the five years preceding the great War, and comparative figures for the years 1920 to 1924 inclusive?

Reliable figures are not available for pre-War production of bricks, but it was estimated that the average production for the three years prior to the War was 2,805 millions per annum. I have no figures as to the output of bricks in each of the years since 1920, but it is estimated that at the present time it is at the rate of about 5,000 millions per annum. The best available figures as to the number of men engaged in the building industry are those given in the Census Returns for 1911 and those showing the estimated number of insured contributors under the Unemployment Insurance Act for 1920, and subsequent years, though it must not be assumed that the statistics from these two sources are strictly comparable.

These are as follow:

ticulars as to Scotland, I would suggest that the hon. Member should address questions to my right hon. Friends the President of the Board of Trade and the Secretary for Scotland, respectively.

asked the Minister of Transport the number of street accidents that have occurred within the county borough of West Ham for 1918 to 1924; is he aware of the increasing congestion of traffic in the Stratford Broadway; and what steps he proposes to take to effect better control of traffic there?

The Returns of street accidents compiled by the Metropolitan Police show the number of accidents in each police division separately. To take out the figures for the county borough of West Ham, which forms only a part of the K division, for the years 1918–1924 would, I am informed, involve considerable labour, which I am unwilling to ask the police authorities to undertake. I am aware of the increasing traffic congestion in Stratford Broadway, and the steps to be taken to mitigate this congestion is under consideration by the London Traffic Advisory Committee.

asked the Minister of Transport the total amount collected within the county borough of West. Ham for the years 1922 and 1924 from motor vehicles; and how much was granted to-the said borough for the upkeep of roads for the same period?

The Road Fund is a national fund, and I deprecate making any statement as to the amount collected in motor vehicle licence duties by any particular licensing authority. I hope, therefore, that the hon. Member will not press for this information. The grants made from the Road Fund to the West Ham Corporation during the financial years 1922–24 amounted to the following sums:

asked the Minister of Transport (1) the amount of taxes collected in Kesteven from motor vehicles in 1924; and how much of this amount was paid out in respect of the Kesteven portion of the Great North Road and the other classified roads under that local authority, respectively;

(2) the amount of taxes collected in the county of Rutland from motor vehicles in 1924; and how much of this amount was paid out in respect of the Rutland portion of the Great North Road and the other classified roads in that county, respectively?

As I have already explained on previous occasions, the Road Fund is a national fund and I deprecate making any statement as to the amount collected in motor vehicle licence duties by any particular licensing authority. I trust, therefore, that my hon. Friend will not press for this information. The following table gives the amounts of grants made from the Road Fund in respect of classified roads to the authorities concerned during the 12 months ending 31st March, 1925:

asked the Minister of Transport whether any grants are made out of the Road Fund to rural district councils direct for the upkeep of rural district council roads; and, if so, what amount was allocated to them last year?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. During the financial year 1923–24, grants amounting to £354,569 were made from the Road Fund to rural district councils in respect of the cost of maintenance and improvement of their Class I and Class II roads. Since June, 1923, and in addition to this amount, a sum of £3,250,000 has been allocated for the improvement of important district roads in rural areas in England and Wales.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received a resolution from the Bootle Town Council in regard to the provision of rear lights on vehicles; and whether he proposes to introduce legislation on this subject during the present Session?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for York (Sir J. Marriott) on 16th February, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is making any provision and, if so, what for housing the workmen at present employed on constructing the new wireless station near Dorchester, or for the staff to be employed at the station when completed; and how many people will be permanently employed there?

The station in question is being erected by the Marconi Company, and is not a Government station.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the latest time at night at which a letter may be posted at the town of Monifieth is 5.30 p.m., whereas at Dundee, only five miles away, the latest hour of posting is 8.30 p.m.; and if, in view of the disadvantages of the early posting now at Monifieth, he can arrange for a later collection of letters?

I am considering the question of a later collection, and will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in the near future, an automatic machine for the supply of postage stamps may be installed at the Bromley Post Office, where the need for such a machine is keenly felt?

The need for an automatic stamp-vending machine at Bromley has not been overlooked, and I hope that one will be provided in the course of a few weeks. The delay is due to an alteration in the design of these machines.

asked the Postmaster-General (1) whether, in view of the successful beam wireless experiments and the adoption of the system for communication with the Dominions, and in view of the comparatively low cost of beam stations, and of the desirability of working the wireless and Post Office cable services interchangeably, he will now take steps to secure that all wireless communications with the foreign countries shall be owned and operated by the Post Office;

(2) whether, in view of the decision that all wireless communications with the Dominions shall be operated as a Government service, he will now take steps to secure that all other wireless services in this country shall be undertaken by the Government in order that complete coordination of all wireless services and the Post Office cable service may be secured?

It was decided some years ago that it was inadvisable to debar private companies altogether from conducting wireless telegraph services with foreign countries. I see no reason at present to depart from this decision. The conditions regarding services with certain countries are at present under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any statistics showing the number of English, Scotch, Welsh and Irish immigrants into the Commonwealth of Australia for the five years ended the 31st March, 1914, and for the five years ended the 31st March, 1924 and, if so, will he give these figures to the House?

I have been asked to reply. According to official statistics issued by the Commonwealth Government, the total number of persons who arrived in Australia from the United Kingdom in the five calendar years 1909 to 1913 was 308,475; and in the five years 1919 to 1923 the number was 192,176. During the same periods the numbers of persons who departed from Australia for the United Kingdom were 96,884 and 81,481 respectively. Figures relating to the periods specified in the question are not available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what public works have been recently, and are now being, carried out by administrative action on the West Coast of Africa

The following major works, constructed Departmentally, have been completed during the past two years, or are still in progress:

Gold Coast

( a ) Those of which the cost is to be met from loan funds:

( b ) Those of which the cost is to be met from surplus balances:

A harbour is also being constructed at Takoradi. This was being carried out Departmentally until August, 1924, but is now being carried out by contract.

Nigeria

Construction of the Eastern Railway from Enugu to Kakuri, with a branch line to Bukuru:

Port Harcourt wharfage scheme.

Ebute Metta Junction and the improvement of the railway to Apapa.

Railway yard at Apapa.

Relaying of the Iddo-Ibadan section of the Nigerian Railway.

Coal and petroleum wharf at Iddo.

Electric light and power station at Iddo.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many of the States of Australasia have abolished capital punishment; when the enactments were made; and what the effect has been upon the commission of crime

The only State in which capital punishment has at present been abolished is Queensland, where it was abolished under an Act of 1922. I have no information to show what the effect has been upon the commission of crime.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the proportion of public revenue raised in the Bahama Islands from duties upon imported alcoholic liquor?

The proportion is high, but as the Customs returns relate in each case to the calendar year while revenue is computed upon the basis of the financial year ending on 31st March, comparison is difficult. I am, however, sending to the hon. Member the relevant figures for the past few years, from which he will observe that the trade in, and the revenue from duties upon, alcoholic liquor imported into the Bahamas has shown a very substantial decline since 1922.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is the total expenditure of the Air Ministry on research for each of the last five years?

Eliminating expenditure on airships and war liabilities, the total expenditure on experimental and research services in each of the last five years has been:

gallant Member will see in Appendix II of the Air Estimates for the forthcoming and the two last financial years a detailed statement of the items included for Estimate purposes in the total sums taken for experiment and research.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the Air Force raised in Malta for service in Egypt and Mesopotamia proved economical and satisfactory; and whether he has under consideration a scheme submitted to him for raising some auxiliary militia units in Malta with a view to saving transport should an acclimatised number of aircraft helpers be suddenly required in hot climates?

Proposals of the nature referred to by my hon. Friend have been received and will be borne in mind. At the present moment I do not consider that the creation of a Maltese reserve would be justified.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can make a statement showing what progress has been made in the development of night flying?

Night flying is regularly carried out as an integral part of the training of the Home Defence Force, and satisfactory progress is being made. Experiments have also been carried out to obtain data in regard to aerodrome and route lighting, the effectiveness of various lighting installations in fog at night, the lighting of the aircraft itself, navigation in general by night and certain other purposes. Further experiments are shortly to be undertaken upon the Paris-London air route with a civil aircraft equipped with various special devices for night flying. Valuable data upon the whole subject have already been obtained and the work is continuing.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware of the evil results that flow from the withholding of the marriage allowance to the married rank and file of the Royal Air Force below the age of 25 years, and of the distress which prevails in the families of those who are below the qualifying age for this allowance; and whether he will press for a reconsideration of the age limit, so that it may be lowered to 21 years?

The age limit of 26 for marriage allowance in the Air Force (as in the Army) was fixed after careful consideration of the whole question and I regret that I do not see any sufficient reason for reducing it to 21.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is the number of regular outgoing and incoming planes making use of the Croydon aerodrome per week during the winter and summer seasons, respectively?

On the assumption that the flights on regular commercial air services to and from the London Airport, Croydon, are in question, the number of aeroplanes outgoing and incoming averaged 161 per week, June to August last, and 47 per week, November to January last.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, having regard to the difficulty which naval officers appointed on staff duties at home are placed to find residential accommodation, he will consider the provision of official residences, which could be rented by these officers during the period that they hold their appointments?

I regret that it would not be practicable to adopt my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Report of the Committee, on Whitley lines, which is investigating the question of leave for women employed in His Majesty's dockyards has yet been received; and, if so, what its recommendations may be?

The Report of this Committee has not yet been received.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, with reference to the women employed in the colour loft in Devonport, whether he is aware that the majority of these women are widows with families to maintain; and whether, seeing that 35s. a week, including War bonus, is a wage insufficient to maintain these women and their dependants, he will take steps to increase this wage, irrespective of what the Industrial Court may decide?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply of the 18th December last; as regards the second part of the question, I see no reason for departing from the practice whereby all claims for increases in wages are dealt with in a regular manner through the machinery set up for the purpose.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number and average amount of need pensions paid during 1923 and 1924 to poor dependants of deceased ex-service men; the number of pensions increased or reduced during the periods; and the average amount of the increases or reductions?

I regret that all the information asked for is not available. I may, however, state that, during the year 1923, on the average, 27,000 pensions of this class, of the weekly value of 11s. 8d., were in payment, as compared with 33,000 such pensions of the weekly value of 11s. 6d. in 1924. I may add that at the end of 1924 about 35,500 of these pensions, of the average value of 12s. 2d. per week, were in issue.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the special grants committee refused the application of Mrs. Jones, 10, Ash Street, Bootle, reference number 3/W/4,422/Mel/L.L., for a grant for the secondary education of her son Cyril; whether he is aware that Mrs. Jones is in receipt of an alternative pension, and that her husband held a position in which he would have received normal increases of salary on account of service which would have enabled him to give his children secondary education; and whether, under these circumstances, he will give instructions for the case to be reconsidered

Grants in aid of the expenses of education are given by the special grants committee under their regulations in special cases where they are satisfied that a child cannot, by reason of the death of its father, receive the same standard of education as it would have received if he was still alive. The widow referred to is in receipt of an alternative pension of £3 4s. a week. Her late husband was earning £3 a week before the War, and I understand that information received from his employers does not confirm the suggestion made by my hon. and gallant Friend in the second part of the question. Having regard to all the circumstances of the case, the special grants committee, who have further considered this application, are not satisfied that a grant would be justifiable.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is able to give the percentage of mortality among disabled ex-service men during the years 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923 and 1924?

During the years in question the death rate per 1,000 of men on the pension list was 13·5, 11·6, 12, 14, 12 and 13·5 respectively.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has statistics to show whether the disabilities from which ex-service men suffer have progressively decreased or increased: and the degree of mortality among those ex-service men who received pensions in 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923 and 1924?

The statistics of my Department, taken over a term of years, show that in the great majority of cases the ailments or injuries occasioned by war service have either reached a stable condition or have materially improved, though necessarily a proportion of the cases have deteriorated. The mortality among men on the pension list in each of the six years from 1919 to 1924 has been 13·5, 11·6, 12, 14, 12 and 13·5 per 1,000 respectively.

asked the Minister of Pensions what are pensions given as an act of grace; under what circumstances are they given; and how many have been given up to date?

The term "act of grace" is not appropriate and I have taken steps to secure a better description of the grants made with special sanction in exceptional cases not covered by the ordinary Regulations in force. The number of cases of all kinds in which such grants have been made during the present financial year is about 1,000 (one thousand).

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether it is the intention of the Government of India to take steps to prevent the sale of opium in that country?

The answer is in the negative. The sale of opium in India is strictly controlled in accordance with the provisions of the Opium Convention of 1912 which are re-affirmed by the Convention recently concluded at Geneva.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the cost of the Indo-European Telegraph Department and the proportion of such cost borne by the Indian and the Home Governments, respectively?

The capital cost of the telegraph lines, cables and wireless installations administered by the Indo-European Telegraph Department on the 1st April, 1924 (after deducting recoveries made from the Government of Persia) was Its Rs. 183,52,517, of which Rs.177,41,391 had been contributed by the Government of India and £47,917 (taken as Rs.6,11,426) by the Home Government. A sum of Rs.19,66,061 was still recoverable by instalments from the Persian Government, Rs. 16,14,516 for the Government of India and Rs.3,51,545 for the Home Government. The cost of maintenance and working has for many years past been more than covered by the revenue receipts.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any decision has yet been arrived at as to the transference of the Indo-European Telegraph Department from the Secretary of State to the Government of India?

No decision has yet been arrived at on the question of the future administration of the Indo-European Telegraph Department.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the numbers of the population of British India who are lepers; and whether the numbers show any sign of decrease over a period of ten years?

The number of persons in British India returned as lepers in the Census in India in 1911 and 1921 distributed according to provinces, is as follows:

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that officers of the Indian Army who joined up between 1860 and 1881 were entitled to a pension of £1,127, called off-reckonings, after 38 years' service; that in 1881 the number of officers who could draw this pension at the same time was so much reduced that officers who had joined after 1870 had little chance of getting it until they were very old; that these officers were offered £750 a year if they retired after 38 years' service instead of £1,127 that these officers in this category who joined up again during the War and who failed to reach the rank of substantive colonel were only granted the same pension as lieutenant-colonels in the Indian Army who had served only 32 years; and that they are now being cut 5½ per cent. on the whole of their pensions of £800, which is equivalent to a reduction of 88 per cent.; and whether, if reductions are inevitable, he can see his way to base them solely upon post-War increases?

Having regard to all the considerations which have to be taken into account, I regret that I do not see sufficient reason for proposing differential treatment in favour of these officers when the final decision is reached on the present provisional reduction.

asked the Secretary for Scotland why the Northern Government of Ireland have been allowed to send North of Ireland prisoners to the Peterhead Prison; and if it is proposed to continue to receive prisoners of the Government of Northern Ireland in British gaols?

Owing to the lack of accommodation in Northern Ireland for persons sentenced to penal servitude, arrangements have been made with that Government for the reception and maintenance in Scottish prisons of some of these prisoners. The question whether further prisoners will be received from Northern Ireland under these arrangements will be considered if and when any application is made by the Government of Northern Ireland for their reception.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will introduce legislation to extend the provisions of the Agricultural Credits Act, 1923, to include advances to present and future buyers of agricultural land?

The provisions referred to were intended to meet the special case of the farmers who bought their holdings during the currency of the Corn Production Acts. The question of extending such provisions to all purchasers of agricultural land raises much larger issues, on which I cannot make any statement at present.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give the estimated quantity of barley produced in Great Britain in 1922, 1923 and 1924, and the average price per quarter?

The estimated production of barley in Great Britain, together with the annual price of British barley in England and Wales during 1922, 1923 and 1924, was as follows:

Returns in the possession of the Ministry of Labour show that the number of male agricultural workers on live registers of Employment Exchanges in Great Britain on the undermentioned dates was as follows:

asked the Minister of Agriculture the estimated number of men engaged as farm labourers on the 31st December, 1922, 1923 and 1924; and the numbers of farm labourers unemployed at the same dates?

The only information collected by the Ministry regarding the number of agricultural workers employed is that obtained in the annual agricultural returns on 4th June. The number of men, excluding the occupier, employed on agricultural holdings above one acre in extent in Great Britain as returned on 4th June in the under-mentioned years was as follows:

asked the Minister of Agriculture what was the cause of the delay between the 2nd December and the 11th December, when the Kesteven and Lindsey Committee and the Holland Committee agreed the rates. etc., for agricultural workers, respectively, and the issue of the order by the Agricultural Wages Board of the 16th February?

The procedure for fixing rates of wages required by the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act, 1924, inevitably causes a considerable interval between the reaching of preliminary decisions by an agricultural wages committee of the rates it proposes to fix and the issue of the eventual order bringing the rates into operation. The committees have to give at least 14 days' notice of the rates proposed, and, after the expiration of that period, have to meet again to consider any objections before they can actually fix the rates and notify them to the Agricultural Wages Board for the making of the necessary Order. In the eases of the areas mentioned, I understand that there was a certain amount of delay, but this was partly due to the fact that the preliminary resolutions passed by the committee had to be put, into due legal shape, and referred back to the committees to ensure that the notice for advertisement correctly interpreted the committee's intentions.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he can inform the House as to the progress made in the reclamation of the Wash?

The work is proceeding satisfactorily. A little less than one-third of the new sea bank has been built, and it is expected that the enclosure will be completed by the end of September this year.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what was the percentage agreed by the caterers at last year's British Empire Exhibition to be handed to the management; what sum does it amount to; and whether the whole or any part has yet been paid?

I am informed by the British Empire Exhibition authorities that in accordance with the terms of the contract made with the catering concessionaires at last year's British Empire Exhibition a percentage of their takings, calculated on a sliding scale, was payable to the exhibition. The sum so payable amounted to £158,000, which has been duly handed to the exhibition authorities, less a small sum which is subject to minor adjustments.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many British subject refugees from Smyrna, who were removed to Malta in September, 1922, after the great fire in Smyrna, are still in Malta; and what their general condition is?

At the end of September there were 382 of these refugees in Malta. I have no later figures. As far as I am aware, the condition of these people is as satisfactory as circumstance permit.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the Government proposes to take the Second Reading of the China Indemnity Bill; and whether, in view of the delay which has occurred in the passing of this Measure, he will expedite its progress?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement as to the Business of the House for next week made by the Prime Minister after questions to-day.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, as a result of the conversations in Paris between British and French Ministers of Foreign Affairs during the second week of July, 7924, any definite understanding was arrived at between the two Governments for concerted action in the event of a declaration by the Reparation Commission of a default by Germany as envisaged in Part. VIII of the Treaty of Versailles?

The understanding arrived at as a result of the conversations referred to was embodied in the Franco-British Memorandum of 9th July, which was issued as a White Paper (Cmd. 2191). I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to paragraph 5 (d) of that Memorandum and also to Article 2 of the Inter-Allied Agreement of 30th August, which appears as Document No. 3 in Cmd. 2259.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any approach has been made to the American Government as to how it would view any participation by this country in anything of the nature of the Protocol and the dependent Conference on Disarmament, so as to secure the benevolent approval by America of any such action on our part?

The possible effects of the Protocol on our relations with other countries in general and with the United States in particular have engaged the close attention of His Majesty's Government. I have, of course, done my best to inform myself of American opinion, but I am not in a position to make any statement as to the views of the American Government.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of Excise Duty collected on natural non-aerated water that has not undergone any process of manufacture for the year 1923–24?

I regret that the information is not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what sum was included in this year's Estimates of revenue for interest on securities held as reserve against currency notes, and how much has been received so far this year?

The sum allowed for in this year's estimate of revenue was £6,000,000 and the amount received to date is £7,120,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the quantities of beer, standard and bulk barrels, spirits, and wine retained for consumption during the calendar year 1924 in Northern Ireland; and the estimated revenue attributable thereto?

The estimated figures are as follow:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give the quantities of barley, unmalted grain, rice, maize grits, and similar preparations, sugar and its equivalents, hops, etc., used during the year ending 30th September, 1924, in brewing and distilling, respectively, and the number of bulk barrels of beer brewed, and the proof gallons of spirits distilled during the same period?

The quantities of certain materials used in brewing and the number of bulk barrels brewed in Great Britain and Northern Ireland during the year ending 30th September, 1924, are as follow:

Britain and Northern Ireland during the year ending 30th September, 1924, are as follow:

asked the President of the Board of Trade what were the separate quantities of foodstuffs used in breweries and distilleries during 1924?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to-day to a question by the hon. Member for Stratford (Mr. Groves). I cannot say what proportion of the various materials used in brewing and distilling could properly he described as foodstuffs.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) the total

debtedness to the United Kingdom of our Allies, showing separately principal and accrued interest; and what the accrued interest would be if calculated at the rate at which the United Kingdom is paying to the United States of America;

(2) if our Allies have now paid us all the sums, other than loans, due in respect of services rendered, and goods supplied by the Ministry of Shipping, Ministry of Munitions, and other Departments; and, if not, what sums are still outstanding?

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement of indebtedness to the United Kingdom of our of our Allies, including sums due to British Departments other than loans. As the War loans to the Allies were made in numerous instalments week by week, and as the rate of interest paid by His Majesty's Government to the United States of America has varied, it would involve a disproportionate expenditure of time and labour to calculate precisely what the amount due for accrued interest would have been if it had been charged at the same rates as those charged from time to time by the United States Government to His Majesty's Government, but such a calculation might reduce the interest figure by something under one-third.

Following is the statement referred to

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the wives of naval and military officers accompanying their husbands on foreign service are subject to taxation on the full amount of their incomes in this country, and that civilians absent abroad for six months are relieved of taxation at home; and whether he will consider if any remedial action can be taken?

Broadly speaking, the Income Tax extends to all income which arises in this country, even if it he enjoyed by a person residing abroad, and also to all income which accrues to a person residing in this country, although it may arise abroad. My hon. and gallant Friend is under a misapprehension in suggesting that civilians absent abroad for six months are relieved of British taxation. I am not aware that there is any discrimination between the wives of naval and military officers on the one hand, and civilians on the other, but if my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind any particular case, and will let me have the necessary information, I will gladly have the matter investigated and will communicate the result to him in due course.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will review the conditions and hours of signing on of both casual and dockyard workers in the county of Durham, with a view to greater opportunities and facilities being thereby available for the obtaining of employment of both types of these workers?

In the county of Durham, as elsewhere, casual workers claiming unemployment benefit are, in general, required to attend daily. Dock workers are required to attend twice daily owing to the method of engagement of this class of workers. These requirements are considered necessary to ensure satisfactory evidence of unemployment, and relaxations are allowed only in special circumstances. These requirements have been so arranged as not to lessen the workers' opportunities of obtaining employment.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has received any complaints from unemployed men in Glasgow regarding the treatment they receive at certain Employment Exchanges; whether he is aware that men are being refused the signatures of foremen to whom they apply in vain for work; and whether he is prepared to give instructions to local officials to make thorough inquiries before depriving such applicants of their unemployment pay?

I am not aware or any complaints from Glasgow on this score. But if my hon. Friend will give me particulars of specific eases I will have inquiry made. The statute requires applicants for extended benefit to prove that they are seeking employment. I have no power to compel foremen to give signatures but members of Local Employment Committees (who are not officials of the Department) have been instructed that documentary evidence of efforts to find work should only be called for when there are grave doubts as to the applicant's bona fides .

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there is a body of men, cooks, waiters, storesmen, groundsmen, and others, numbering about 80, employed at the Ministry of Pensions Hospital at Saltash, Devon; whether he is aware that these men are classed as domestics, although they are not living on the premises, but mostly at Devonport and Plymouth; that they re- ceive a weekly wage and desire to be allowed to pay contributions under the Unemployment Insurance Acts; and whether they can be permitted to do so?