asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what are the functions of the body known as the Section Rh´nane which remains in the Rhineland and is made up largely of former officials of the R6gie 9,

The Section Rh´nane is a battalion of railway technical troops attached to the French Army of the Rhine, and its functions are the normal functions of army railway personnel.

Is not the retention of these railway technical troops on the Rhine now a breach of the London Agreement?

No, Sir, I think certainly not.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is the intention of the Allies to hear representatives of the German Government before laying down in a new note the conditions precedent to the evacuation of the Cologne zone?

This is a matter which must be determined in due course by the Allied Governments in consultation.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman what is the view of the British Government on this matter?

I think there are one or two other questions on the Paper to which I shall give the same answer, and, as regards that, if there is anything to be said on this subject, I think it will be better said in the Debate to-morrow than at Question time to-day.

is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a very favourable statement was made on this matter in another place yesterday?

Yes, sir, I am aware of Lord Curzon's statement in another place; it was made, naturally, after consultation with me.

Is there any reason why statements made in another place should not be given in answer to questions?

I hope the hon. and gallant Gentleman will not take offence at my answer. I really think it will be for the convenience of the House, as we are to have a Debate on Foreign Affairs to-morrow, that. I should be allowed to deal with some of those matters then, rather than that I should attempt to deal with them under cross-examination.

Does the right. hon. Gentleman think it right, that the House of Lords, or the other place, as you are pleased to call it, should be better informed on these matters than we are here?

No, Sir. I am anxious to give this House whatever information I can. Perhaps I may be permitted to add that it would have been greatly to my convenience if we could have had our Debate in this House on the same day as the Debate in the House of Lords, instead of the latter being en the day immediately preceding that on which I have to answer these questions.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will have the Report of General Walsh's Inter-Allied Committee issued as a White Paper?

I would refer the right hon. and gallant Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Middlesbrough West (Mr. T. Thomson) on the 25th February.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is yet in a position to state the nationality of the chairman of the committee appointed by the League of Nations to succeed the Inter-Allied Military Mission of Control when that body has completed its work?

Acting upon the invitation issued to him by the Council of the League of Nations at its meeting on the 9th December last, the President of the Council has made the following appointments, which are due to last for one year, for the Presidency of the League Commissions of Investigations in the four ex-enemy countries:

Major-General W. M. St. G. Kirke, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., of the British Army, for the Commission of Investigation in Hungary.

General Desticker, of the French Army, for the Commission of Investigation in Germany.

General Jean Marietti, of the Italian Army, for the Commission of Investigation in Austria.

Lieut.-General Carl August Hugo Jungstedt, of the Swedish Army, for the Commission of Investigation in Bulgaria.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it altogether desirable that a French General should be in command of a League investigation in Germany?

I entirely support the decision taken, at the invitation of the Council, by the President of the Council.

When the right hon. Gentleman says that these appointments are for one year, is it intended that there should be a change in the nationality of the chairman at the end of a year?

The appointment is fur one year, and it will be open to the Council to make any other appointment at the end of one year. Whether the Council will desire to do or not I am unable to say.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many coloured troops is France now employing in the Rhineland or other portions of occupied German territory; and what is the nationality of these coloured troops-as regards the African contingents?

I naturally cannot undertake to give precise information regarding the composition and distribution of foreign troops. I understand. however, that, while no coloured troops are employed by France in the Ruhr. there are in the Rhineland approximately 19,000. Of these, about 18,000 are natives of Algeria and Tunis, while the remainder are natives of Indo-China.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that a report reached this country recently as to a white woman being disgracefully ill-treated by some of these Moroccan troops, and will he try and get information for the House as to the accuracy of that statement?.

:I have no information.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has called the attention of the Soviet Government to the manifesto concerning Egypt issued by the Communist Internationale, presided over by M. Zinovieff, in which the British air forces are accused of seeking for victims for British bombs; whether he is aware that the Egyptians are incited to wipe out the ghastly crimes committed against the Egyptian people by MacDonald's Government; and whether the Soviet Government accept the document as genuine?

I have not drawn attention to this particular manifesto, but. the Soviet Government must be well aware that, so long as it maintains its connection with the Communist International and aids and abets this kind of hostile and untruthful propaganda, there can be no improvement in its relations with His Majesty's Government. The manifesto was published in the "Pravda" of the 19th December last, and its authenticity is not open to doubt.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any negotiations on the reserved questions are taking place between His Majesty's Government and the Egyptian Government; what subjects are being or have been dealt with; and whether any progress in the negotiations has been made?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The other two parts do not, therefore, arise. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the right hon. and gallant Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Colonel Wedgwood) on the 10th February last.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has yet received any notification of the German Government's willingness to take part in a Conference on disarmament and security; and, if so, what action His Majesty's Government is taking?

The answer is in the negative, but it must not be taken to imply that the German Government would necessarily be unwilling to take part in the Conference on disarmament projected by the League of Nations whenever that Conference is held.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make any statement as to the Government's attitude towards the proposed security pact between Great Britain, France and Germany; and what is the view of the Government as to the guaranteeing of the Eastern frontiers of Germany?

This is a question which I had in mind the other day when I suggested that it had better be dealt with, as far as I can deal with it, in the Debate to-morrow, rather than by question and answer.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the French Government are discriminating against foreigners in France in the matter of rebates on railway fares; and will he make representations to the French Government with a view to our nationals receiving equal treatment with themselves?

His Majesty's Government have no treaty grounds on which to claim national treatment as of right, but representations have been made to the French Government for the benefits, amounting to national treatment, understood to have been granted to the nationals of another Power. The answer of the French Government has not yet been received.

Are these rebates of large amounts?

I cannot answer that question without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the liberty of British newspaper correspondents is being infringed in Italy; and, if so, whether he will make representations to the Italian Government on the matter?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the protest by the Foreign Press Association in Rome on 23rd February regarding the threatening attitude of the Italian Press; and whether the Government is making any representations to the Italian Government with regard to the protection of British Pressmen from attack by Fascisti?

I have read, as no doubt the hon. Members have done, the order of the day recently passed by the Foreign Press Association in Rome, and communicated by them to the Italian authorities as well as to the Press of Italy and other countries. No special representations have been made to me. I understand that the Press Law is now being modified, but British correspondents in Italy, or in any other foreign country, must, of course, conform to the laws in force in that country.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the present whereabouts of what is known as the Wrangel Fleet, which was interned at Bizerta; and whether France, prior to agreeing to surrender this fleet to the Soviet Government, communicated with this country or has communicated any conditions made in regard to the matter?

The ships are still at Bizerta. Before recognising the Soviet Government, the French Government informed His Majesty's Government that recognition would entail the handing over of these vessels. I am not aware of any conditions attaching to the transfer.

Is it not desirable that conditions should be made, in view of the fact that it will profoundly modify the balance of sea power as regards Poland and Rumania?

I cannot, at Question Time, enter into a discussion with my hon. and gallant Friend as to how far these particular ships profoundly modify the balance of naval power anywhere. My information does not lead me to attach very great importance to their naval strength, but in any case that is a matter for the French Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if any representations have been received from the Government of the United States relative to the illicit traffic in alcoholic liquors between the Bahamas and the coast of the United States; and what steps he proposes to take to stop this irritancy of good relations between Great Britain and the United States?

No representations have been received from the United States Government since the conclusion of the Liquor Convention in January, 1924, which has had the effect of greatly reducing the amount of ocean smuggling, and has, I hope, removed any danger of friction that might have arisen from this cause between the two countries.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if Britain has any financial interest or obligation in the Tangier Port Company; and when the new Tangier Statute will come into operation?

On the assumption that in referring to "Britain" the hon. Member means "His Majesty's Government," the answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I regret that I am unable to say when the new Tangier Statute will come into effective operation. It was confidently hoped that this would take place on the 1st March, but so far these hopes have been frustrated.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information to give the House as to the rising in Kurdistan; and whether he anticipates that this rising will have any effect upon the Mosul delimitation or delay a decision?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is in a position to give any further information concerning the revolt against the Turkish Government in Kurdistan?

As I explained on the 2nd March, my information regarding the Kurdish revolt in Anatolia does not extend beyond what has appeared in the Press. I am unable to forecast its effect—if any—on the Turco—Iraq frontier delimitation.

Have we had no news from Bagdad?

It would not come to the Foreign Office from Bagdad; it would go to the Colonial Office.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to whether the Governments of Italy and Rumania have refused to pay their debts?

The answer is in the negative.

Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to the speech by M. Herriot in the Chamber on the 28th of last month, in which he made a categorical statement to this effect?

I have no further information as to that statement.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Committee which was appointed last year under the presidency of Vice-Admiral Sir William Goodenough to inquire into the question of marriage allowances for officers of the Royal Navy has reported; what is the nature of its Report; whether the Report has been published; and why a coordinating Committee is now required again examine into the matter?

The Committee referred to has reported, but as the sole object of appointing it was to assist the Admiralty in formulating proposals on this question. it is not my intention to publish the Report. The Reference of the Admiralty proposals to a co-ordinating Committee is intended to avoid delay, which separate reference to each Department interested would entail.

Without stating nature of the Report, is it not a fact that the Committee reported in favour of the granting of marriage allowances to naval officers?

If I mention any part of it, I might be obliged to publish the whole. It is for our own information, and I do not intend to publish it.

How can the right hon. Gentleman reconcile his statement that the reference in this question to the Committee has been directed to avoid delay with the fact that the subject has already been delayed year after year?

It has never reached the point it has reached now.

What point has it reached now?

Was not an answer given in this House that the Committee was appointed to settle the matter?

It was appointed to advise the Admiralty.

Has not the question been continually raised, and was not an answer given here that it was sent to the Goodenough Committee for a decision?

I cannot answer that offhand, but I think I am right in saying the Goodenough Committee was appointed in order to give the Admiralty definite advice in the matter.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is now in a position to make a statement upon the granting of a marriage allowance to officers in the Royal Navy?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he can make any statement as to the findings of the Co-ordinating Committee of the Services on the question of marriage allowance to officers of the Navy?

I am not in a position at present to make any statement on this subject.

May I repeat the question between now and the date of the Naval Estimates?

Yes, but it would be more convenient if I informed both hon. Members when I am likely to be able to give an answer.

What point have the deliberations reached, and why do the Committee continue to sit on it?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that under the existing Regulations a married roan with children who receives marriage allowance from the Admiralty has that marriage allowance reduced if his wife dies; whether he will approach the Treasury with a view to the rectification of this hardship; and whether he will cause to be reconsidered in this connection the case of Coastguard William G. Lewis, No. 197,020, of the Coastguard Station, Amble, Northumberland?

I am aware of the Regulation in question, which was established only after full consideration of the position arising on the death of a wife. I am not prepared to suggest an amendment of the rule

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the maximum age up to which separation allowance is payable in respect of children of naval ratings; and whether, in the case of the children of naval ratings qualifying by examination at the age of 13 years or under to be sent to a higher grade school until they attain the age of 16 or 17 years, the Admiralty can see its way to continue such allowance to their parents for such period

The maximum age up to which marriage allowance is payable in respect of children is in normal eases 14 years, which is the age at present prescribed generally by the Ministry of Education for compulsory full-time attendance at school. As the conditions governing the award of the allowance apply equally to the three fighting services, it would not be possible to give exceptional treatment to the children of naval ratings.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether a contribution has been offered by Hong Kong towards the cost of the Singapore base and accepted by His Majesty's Government.; if so, he state the amount of the contribution; and whether the offer of land previously made by the Straits Settlements still holds good?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to take this question. The answer is in the affirmative. Hong Kong has generously offered for this purpose a gift of £250,000, representing the profits made by the Colony out of the local scheme of shipping control during the War. This gift has been most gratefully accepted by His Majesty's Government. The generous offer of the Straits Settlements to provide the necessary land still holds good. The site has been acquired at a cost of one and a quarter million dollars (2146,000), and will be handed over as required.

Does the offer from Australia. and New Zealand still hold good?

That does not seem to me to arise out of the question on the Paper.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it right and fair that a profit made out of a scheme of State Socialism such as this should be handed over for the building of a new naval base?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can state the cost, or the estimated cost, of the cruisers "Hawkins," "Effingham," "Frobisher," "Emerald," and "Enterprise," respectively?

As the reply contains many figures, T will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The reply is as follows:

The cost of construction of "Hawkins and "Frobisher" was £1,600,745 and £2,035,915 respectively.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, seeing that any broken period of service is proportionately reckonable in calculating an airman's pension, the Admiralty can see its way to apply the same practice with regard to the pensions of the Navy and Royal Marines?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the last paragraph of my reply of the 15th December last.

Is not my hon. Friend aware of the grave injustice of the present Regulations, which have the effect of depriving the pensioner of the money due to him in respect of his service and of putting that money in the pockets of the Admiralty; and wit'. he see that a more equitable policy is pursued?

I am afraid I cannot agree to that.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will take the necessary action to hasten the issue of pension certificates where applicable and the return of service certificates to naval invalided ratings, observing that unnecessary delay now occurs, and in the case of George Payne, gunner, Royal Marine Artillery, who was invalided on the 14th January, 1925, neither pension or service certificates have yet been received by him; and whether he is aware that the Ministry of Labour refuses to recognise any certificate other than the service certificate, and will not recognise the temporary certificate of the Admiralty, and that consequently naval invalided ratings are in some cases destitute for some weeks?

I regret that, owing to Mr. Payne having received an award from the Ministry of Pensions in regard to a disability, it was necessary for certain inquiries to be made, and some unavoidable delay ensued. His pension papers have, however, now been issued to him. Every effort is made to send out these documents promptly. As regards the latter part of the question. I will have the necessary inquiries made. diplomatic service, of the rank of first secretary and under, who have resigned during the past year, and the number of candidates accepted for the service during the same period?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the number of members of the diplomatic service, of the rank of first secretary and under, who have resigned during the past year, and the number of candidates accepted for the service during the same period?

In the period from the 1st of March, 1924, to the 28th ultimo eight members of the Foreign Office and diplomatic service of the rank of first secretary and under resigned. Three new third secretaries have been appointed during the same period.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government anticipates that the Four-Power Treaty, which provides means for peaceful adjustment of questions arising between the Pacific Powers, will not be renewed in 1931; and are the present safeguards now considered adequate by the Government?

I am unable to anticipate a decision which will be taken in regard to a question not arising until 1933, i.e., 10 years from the date of the deposit of ratifications, but nothing has so far occurred to suggest to me any doubts as to its value or to foreshadow its non-renewal. I am not clear as to the meaning of the last part of the question, but if the hon. Member is referring to safeguards for peace, the Government believe that the treaty will facilitate the peaceful settlement of any difference that may arise between the signatories.

Considering that the Washington agreement for restricting armaments makes warfare in the Pacific very unlikely during the next seven years in which the agreement will run, would it not be better to observe the status quo rather than invite war by going on with Singapore?

Singapore is not proposed as a means of waging war, offensive or defensive, but as a necessary link in Imperial communications.

While that may be the point of view on those benches you have to remember that there are other people in the Pacific who do not have that point of view, and it is difference in point of view that leads to war.

That is exactly why the hon. Member should be very careful as to the colour he gives to these unfriendly suggestions.

What is the difference between your answer and my question so far as colour is concerned, since you intimate that there is no chance and yet you deny the right to other people??

The matter had better be deferred till the Navy Estimates.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in order to prevent the constant violations of the frontier between Yugoslavia and Albania, and the consequent difficulty in obtaining stable government or economic development in the latter country, the British representative will, at the next meeting of the League of Nations Council, suggest the setting up of a Permanent Frontier Commission which shall consist of representatives of both Governments and of a neutral president appointed by the League of Nations

I cannot give any undertaking to adopt my Noble Friend's suggestion.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Portuguese Government has yet passed any legislation which will allow British shipping to enter Portuguese ports on the same terms as registered Portuguese ships; and can he make any statement on the subject?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons in Gateshead have been disallowed unemployment insurance benefit since 1st February; and how many of these are due to the new regulations issued by him?

The number of applications for extended benefit disallowed at the Gateshead Employment Exchange between the 1st arid 27th February was 259; of these. 105 were in respect of persons who had failed to satisfy the new regulations.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the new leaflet, No. 21563, is being sent out to applicants, and the benefit automatically stops without further consideration?

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to draw the attention of committees and their chairmen to the fact that there is a Central Advisory Board in London which gives advice on border-line cases, and will he have the attention of these committees drawn to the fact so that they can obtain advice?

I do not think that arises out of the question at all, but I think local committees are perfectly well aware that they can get advice whenever they wish it, but I am perfectly ready to bring it to their notice if there is any doubt.

The reason I am asking is that I know the chairman of one of the committees who is in comparative ignorance.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this large number who have been thrown out at Gateshead are largely composed of married men, and that it is throwing a serious burden on the Gateshead authorities?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this leaflet issued by him is being sent to applicants, and their relief stops without any further notification? I do not think that was his intention?

I was not aware that it was being sent, but I will inquire into it.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a claim for unemployment benefit by Mr. F. Barker, of the "Golden Fleece" Inn, Calderbridge (Cleator Moor 3181). was disallowed by the umpire, in spite of the fact that the local court of referees went most fully into his case and decided that the man's alternative income did not reach the statutory limit; and whether, in these circumstances, he will take steps to have the case reopened?

I am informed that the umpire had before him the recommendation of the court of referees and all the facts of the case. The umpire is an independent authority whose decisions are not open to review by me. He may revise a decision on new facts being brought to his notice, but so far as I am aware there is no suggestion here that there are new facts to be brought forward.

In view of the undoubted hardship caused in many cases by the existing limit on alternative income, will the right hon. Gentleman consider taking steps to increase that limit somewhat?

If that would need fresh legislation it would have to be considered together with other proposals.

What is the reason for this umpire being outwith the jurisdiction of this House?

The reason for the umpire being outside the jurisdiction or rather his decisions being beyond my review was that he was purposely set up in order that he might look at the cases in as fair and impartial a way as possible, without any bias by anybody.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of insured persons. respectively, whose unemployment benefit has been stopped by the Walworth Employment Exchange since the 1st January, 1925, on the ground that they were not genuinely seeking employment and were not likely to be absorbed into industry; how many of these were over 60 years A age; and how many were ex service men?

At the Borough Employment Exchange, which covers the area of Walworth, the number of applications for extended benefit rejected between 13th January and 9th February on the ground that the applicants were not making reasonable efforts to secure employment was 179, while 13 others were refused benefit on the ground that insurable work was not likely to be available for them. I regret I am not able to state how many of these were over 60 years of age and how many were ex-service men.

Is it not possible for the Minister to make some provision for men who are too old to work at 60, and are too young to receive the Old Age Pension?

Would it not be possible to allow the clerks at the exchange to take down who are and who are not ex-service men who have been struck off?

If need be I shall try to get statistics. The real trouble is that. the clerks at the exchange are very fully occupied at present, and the more returns of information of different kinds one sends for the greater the burdens placed upon them. I always try to get anything which is humanly possible that is of interest to Members, so far as it can be obtained.

Seeing the large number of clerks who are out of work as well as other workers, will the right hon. Gentleman try to get this information and have more men taken on?

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that, through the operation of L.E.C. 82/13 in age groups, nearly 100 Brechin workers, mostly women, in the textile trade have become disqualified for receiving unemployment insurance benefit; and, is it was not until the passing of the 1920 Act that most of these people became insured persons, although engaged in an industry in which they would now be insurable, will he make such alteration in the new regulations as will secure a, continuance of benefit to these unemployed people

The rule to which the hon. and gallant Member refers was announced and explained in my reply to the hon. Member for Bury on the 11th February. The requirement is imposed in exercise of the power given to the Minister of Labour to suspend temporarily the full effect of the condition imposed by the Act of last August, namely, that 30 contributions must have been paid since the beginning of the last insurance year but one. Those who have been disqualified in the Brechin district have been in receipt of benefit out of the Unemployment Fund for so long that I fear that it is impossible to restrict the recent order and allow them to remain on benefit for a further indefinite period.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these women are quite unable to find the necessary number of payments towards the insurance in order to get into benefit?

That must he so in certain of the cases under the new Order, and it must be so in the case of any Insurance Act which is worked as an Insurance Act.

Will the right. hon. Gentleman see his way to change that. Act.!

May I ask who passed that Act?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that one of the effects of his new Regulations increasing the number of stamps required to qualify for unemployment benefit will be to seriously add to the rates of Middlesbrough and other towns where the amount of unemployment has been excessive during the last few years; and will he consult the local employment committees and the boards of guardian in such districts in order to ascertain the probable effect on the local rates before putting these new Regulations into force?

I have no doubt that a certain number of persons at Middlesbrough will cease to obtain benefit as a result of the new rule, but I do not think that the proportion so affected at Middlesbrough will be found to be a high one.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consult the local employment committee and the boards of guardians and see the. disastrous effect that will be caused to the rates?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Glasgow alone 3,000 people extra have been thrown on the Poor Law as a result of the circular?

I am not aware of that, and I should be surprised if that were the case: certainly it is not the case at any one Exchange in Glasgow.

In the whole of Glasgow.

I should be surprised if it were so in Glasgow as a whole.

Will the hon. Member consult the local authorities so that he may have the true facts of the case?

I have the true facts of the case returned to me, and as soon as I am able to collect them I will consult the local authorities. I can only repeat that any extra burden thrown on the poor rate by this circular is infinitely less than the relief which the same local authorities received at a comparatively recent date.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give the House any information as to the number of men likely to be struck off the roll of those entitled to receive unemployment pay on 1st October next, when the Regulation as to 30 stamps comes into operation; will he, in order that men and women likely to be affected may understand the law, state to the House what is the effect of the Regulation which insists that an applicant must have 30 stamps on his card put there during the preceding two years; will he tell the House when the Regulation was first made, and how often its operation has been held up by legislation in this House; and will he, in order to prevent great hardship on individual men and women, and financial burdens being thrown upon boards of guardians and local authorities, introduce a short Bill to amend the law?

It is a matter of considerable difficulty to estimate the numbers affected by this requirement at any particular date, and I am afraid it is impossible to forecast with any accuracy the numbers who would be disqualified under it at the beginning of next October. The requirement was imposed by Section 3 (1) (a) of the Unemployment Insurance (No. 2) Act, 1924, passed on 1st August last. Section 3 (2) of that Act gives the Minister of Labour power to suspend the operation of this requirement in any case in which he thinks fit to do so, in the period up to 1st October next, but not after that date. The period during which the 30 contributions have to be paid is that since the beginning of the last insurance year but one, and may, according to circumstances, be anything from two to nearly four years. With regard to the last part of the question, I can give no undertaking with regard to future legislation.

In view of the universal disapprobation of these regulations, will the right hon. Gentleman consider bringing in a short Bill to enable him to carry on after 1st October, as he will be able to do up to that date?

I do not necessarily accept the view of the hon. Member as regards universal dissatisfaction. There may be a different view from his, but the hon. Member is well aware that one must review the possibilities of what should or should not be done in the light of the position of trade and other circumstances. That is the reason why it is impossible at this stage to give an answer on the point to which he has referred.

Is the Minister aware that since these regulations came into effect 1,000 men and women have come under the boards of guardians in our own localities, because they cannot get unemployment benefit? What good is it to take these people off the unemployment register, if they have to go to the local guardians? You are making the poor keep the poor.

We are the victims of this in Scotland.

I am not aware of the fact mentioned by the hon. Member for Silvertown.

Then you arc not fit for your job.

Can I not put my question?

I called the hon. Member twice, before calling the next question.

I am sorry. I was listening to the reply of the Minister of Labour on Question 40. [An HON. MEMBER: "Get on with it!"]

It's a punch on the jaw that you will get!

On point of Order, Mr. Speaker. Is it in order for hon. Members opposite to threaten us with personal violence from time to time?

Certainly not. The hon. Member is interfering with one of his own colleagues receiving an answer.

I beg your pardon, Mr. Speaker.

It is taking away the time.

On a point of Order. The hon. Member shouted out to Miss Wilkinson: "Get on with it!"

For the insurance year, 1923–1924, the estimated amount of Unemployment Insurance contributions paid by workpeople (i.e., as distinct from contributions paid by employers and the Exchequer) was £13,300,000 by men and £3,300,000 by women. The estimated amount of Unemployment Benefit paid during the same year was, to men £30,400,000 (of which about one-sixth was in respect of dependants) and to women £5.100,000.

Could the right hon. Gentleman give the proportion paid to women on account of dependants?

I cannot answer the hon. Member off-hand, but I will make inquiries as to the proportion.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of men on the Sheffield and Attercliffe Exchanges, respectively, at the end of October, November, and December, 1924, and January, 1925: and how many of these were ex-service men?

As the answer includes a number of figures, I will, with the permission of the hon. Member, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many ex-service men have been thrown on the rates by his own Order?

That does not arise out of the question.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that, in a case where a wife has left her husband and is living with another man. it is possible for benefit to be obtained for her as an unmarried wife of the man with whom she is living, but that the husband who has been left is unable to obtain benefit for his housekeeper. although he would be able to do so if she were living with him as his unmarried wife; and whether he can see his way to propose such an amendment of the law as will prevent this?

The position is not quite as stated by the hon. Member; in particular, benefit is only payable in respect of an "unmarried wife" where the man, who is entitled to claim benefit and is living with her, is a widower or an unmarried man. The matter is very complicated, and I am inclined to think that it would be found that any change in the existing Statute would create greater difficulties than it cured.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that at the beginning of December last Unemploy- ment Benefit claims made by persons who had been abroad within a certain period were suspended, and that fresh regulations were promised for dealing with such cases; whether he is aware that no fresh or amending regulations have yet been announced; and, seeing that some SO to 100 persons in the Dundee district are in consequence suffering privation, will he issue such regulations forthwith?

It has been decided that persons who go abroad, otherwise than on a visit, and subsequently return to this country, cannot qualify immediately for extended benefit, but must first Show over a reasonable period, which for practical purposes may be taken as three months, that they satisfy the statutory conditions. Those whose credit of contributions entitle them to standard benefit are not subject to this requirement.

Can we have a copy of these Regulations placed in the Library?

I am not sure whether there is a copy in the Library, but, if not, I will see that the hon. Member is fully informed about it.

Will it mean that the cases which are still awaiting the right hon. Gentleman's decision will be informed direct, owing to the anxiety of those concerned?

If any hon. Member will bring me particulars of cases on that point, I will see what can be done, and let them have the information as quickly as possible.

What I ask is that those who have been waiting a decision should be informed directly.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons on the register at the Walworth Employment Exchange: how many of these are men, women and young persons, respectively; and how many are reported as working short time in the area mentioned?

On 23rd February the number of persons on the register of the Borough Exchange, which covers the area of Walworth, was 10,429, of whom 7,680 were men, 2,303 women and 446 young persons under 18 years. Statistics of persons working short time, are not available.

asked the Minister of Labour the reasons which compelled him to refuse to receive the deputation of the unemployed who asked for an interview with him on Monday, 23ri' February; and whether he will endeavour to fix an early date when the deputation can meet him?

When the London District Committee of the National Unemployed Workers' Committee Movement asked the Department to receive a deputation, I replied regretting that, owing to pressure of work, I was unable to receive them personally. and offered to arrange for them to he received by a senior officer of the Ministry. This offer was accepted, and the deputation attended and were received on the date arranged, namely. 23rd February. If there are still points on which the deputation seek a personal interview, I shall be prepared to consider the matter, but, as the hon. Member. I am sure, realises, there are many other calls upon my time.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) by what method his Department, selects representatives of workpeople to serve on local employment committees;

I will answer these questions together. Representatives of workpeople on local employment committees arc, appointed by the Minister of Labour usually on the nomination of trade unions or federations of trade unions. The bodies to be invited to make nominations are selected after careful consideration with a view to giving representation to the principal trades and organisations in the area. subject to the necessity for keeping the numbers of members within reasonable limits. If objection were raised from any responsible quarter with regard to any member of a committee, I should be bound to consider it; but in the case of a member representing a particular organisation, the question whether that organisation wished to maintain him as their representative would obviously be one, of the factors to be taken into account.

Would the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to consider representations from the organised trade unionists in the district concerned as of sufficient importance to warrant him in deciding whether a person should or should not be removed from the committee?

Certainly. I have just stated that that is obviously one of the factors to be taken into account.

Will the right hon. Gentleman allow the organised unemployer in the district to have represents-tion on the committee?

What I have said indicates the general scope of what will be considered. The representations should be confined, as far as possible, to the actual trades and organisations representing the workmen.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the Shore-ditch Trades Council, representing a very large number of insured persons, has applied for representation on the local employment committee, and has been refused such representation: and will he take steps to see that this and similar organisations throughout the country are permitted to have at least one work-people's representative on the local employment committee?

I am aware that the Shoreditch Trades Council has recently applied to the Shoreditch Local Employment Committee for representation on the committee and that it was decided by the committee to take no action in the matter. I am not prepared to depart from the general rule that representation of workpeople should normally be obtained from trade unions or federations of trade unions.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that a trades council such as this is the best representation he can find of the workpeople in a given district?

I repeat that as a general rule representation will be looked for from trade unions or a federation of trade unions. While I have not any precise or specific rule on the subject, I hold that trade councils, like other political organisations of the Conservative party and the Liberal party, are not necessarily bodies from which you should get representation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that a trades council is in effect a federation of trade unions?

I am not aware of it, but I will accept the hon. Gentleman's statement on the subject.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it would be possible to exhibit a chart showing the fluctuations of unemployment, in recent years, in the Library or elsewhere, for the information of Members?

I am glad to say I have been able to arrange for the exhibition of such a chart in the Tea-Room of the House.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the number of workers in the coal-mining industry totally unemployed on the 31st January, 1925, and on the corresponding date of 1924: and the amount payable in respect of such unemployed in unemployment insurance benefit?

The total number of coal miners registered as unemployed at Employment Exchanges in Great Britain at 26th January, 1925, was 100,061, compared with 58,289 at 28th January, 1924. These figures include persons claiming benefit who were on short time and not at work on the dates specified. Separate figures showing the amount of benefit paid in particular trades are not available, but assuming that these workpeople drew the same average amount per head as unemployed work-people generally, the present weekly amount of unemployment benefit paid to them is estimated to be between £80,000 and £85,000.

Has the right hon. Gentleman made inquiry as to whether it was necessary to close down these mines?

Another Minister will have to answer that question.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that certain persons who were concerned in the cooperative strike about two years ago have been refused benefit by the Wallsend and Bishop Auckland Employment, Exchanges on the ground that they are not genuinely seeking work; and whether, in view of the fact that the trade union concerned has, in addition to their own efforts, been making strenuous attempts for several months to find them work, he will inquire into the case?

The claims referred to in the question were, in accordance with the usual procedure, submitted to the local employment committee for their recommendation. In view of the fact that in practically every case the workpeople concerned had had no employment, since 1921 and had not even registered for employment at the Employment Exchange from 1021 until claims to benefit were lodged in November, 1924, the committee had no alternative but to recommend disallowance of the claims. I see no ground for differing from the committee.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that between 1921 and 1923 these workers were kept off the insurance funds by their union and as a matter of fact the Unemployment Fund was thereby saved expense for two years, and in view of that circumstance will he bring the facts to the notice of the local committee?

If the hon. Member will supply me with any information in as much detail as possible I will gladly look into it with any additional facts that may be brought forward.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that five women have had their benefit stopped by the Employment Exchange at Wallsend for refusing to take a nursing position at a mental hospital in York; and whether, in view of the fact that two of these girls have recently been in and that two others have to help to support others, which would not be possible on the wage offered, he will inquire into these cases?

I am making inquiry regarding these cases, and will communicate the result to the hon. Member.

Can the right hon. Gentleman issue some kind of order which would prevent girls being refused benefit because they refuse to take work so far away from their homes, when there are already women unemployed in the town in which the posts are offered

The general practice is to try to take into account all personal considerations such as the distance that it is reasonably possible to ask people to go in order to take up work. It is extraordinarily difficult to lay down a general rule, but the instructions are to take those things into account as far as possible.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Powers that took part in the Washington Conference agreed unanimously to the Root resolutions for the purpose of mitigating the horrors of submarine warfare as practised by our enemies in the War, and that all those Powers, with the exception of France, have since ratified those resolutions; and will he state whether he has any information as to the intentions of the French Government in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I understand the position to be that a Bill providing for the ratification by France of the treaty which embodied the resolutions is still before the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Senate.

asked the Prime Minister whether, seeing that applicants desirous of instituting divorce proceedings under the Poor Persons Act are precluded from doing so unless the Government Department concerned is successful in securing a solicitor willing to undertake the necessary legal work, he will state whether the Government provide the requisite legal advice; and will he consider as to the advisability of altering the Act so that poor people may not be precluded from obtaining the advantages of the divorce laws owing to their lack of means?

I have been asked to reply. The arrangements for facilitating litigation by poor persons in the High Court depend upon the rules of the Supreme Court, and not upon Acts of Parliament. Those arrangements have recently been the subject of an inquiry by a committee presided over by Mr. Justice P. 0. Lawrence, whose Report will be in the hands of Members of this House before the end of this week. My right hon. and Noble Friend the Lord Chancellor has under his consideration the question of what proposals he will make to the Rule Committee of the Supreme Court in consequence of the Report.

is the right hon. Gentleman aware that as the law stands it is impossible for these poor people to obtain assistance? What steps do the Government propose to take in order to make Regulations so that these persons who are entitled to assistance may have an opportunity of so doing?

If the hon. and gallant Member heard my reply, he would notice that I said the report of the Committee has been received this week and will reach the House at the end of the week. I am not in a position to state what proposals we shall make until we have considered it.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, having regard to the relative stability of the cost of living for the past three years, he will now arrange for an inquiry into family budgets with a view to establishing a new basis for the future calculation of the cost-of living index number I

An inquiry such as that suggested by my hon. Friend is very desirable as soon as the conditions warrant the considerable trouble and expenditure involved. These conditions, however, must be such as to make the basis of any new figures of lasting value, and include other factors beside comparative stability in the cost of living.