asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the Canadian Government charge duty on postcards and circulars sent from the Mother Country to Canada; whether the Post Office will warn English business men that such duty will be required before the cards are delivered and collect the duty from them; and whether he can take any steps to secure that the Mother Country shall be treated on similar terms to those in which other nations treat Great Britain in the matter of advertising matter posted abroad?

Particulars are given in the Post Office Guide of the Customs duty charged by Canada on advertising matter received by post from Great Britain and other countries and of the method by which it can be prepaid. The question of the articles included in the Customs Tariff of a Dominion is, of course, a matter for that Dominion.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that a telegram handed in at the House of Commons Post Office at 8 p.m. cannot be accepted for delivery in Tottenham or any district in Greater London the same evening; and whether he will consider the advisability of arranging a later hour than 8 p.m.?

Telegrams are not delivered by messenger after 8 p.m. outside a radius of four miles from Charing Cross. Those addressed to telephone subscribers in any part of London are delivered by telephone from the Central Telegraph Office up to 11 p.m., or later if they are urgent. I regret that I cannot undertake further to extend delivery by messenger after 8 p.m.

asked the Postmaster-General (1) what percentage of women first-class and second-class clerks, respectively, retired from the Post Office Savings Bank in 1913 on account of reaching the age limit, were compulsorily retired on marriage or left voluntarily;(2) what percentage of women higher clerical officers, writing assistants and established typists, respectively, employed in the savings bank department, voluntarily retired from the service in the years 1922 and 1923; and what percentage were compulsorily retired on marriage or on reaching the age limits for retention, respectively?

The information asked for by my hon. Friend in these two questions is given in the following table:

—	Percentage of Age retirements	Percentage of Marriage retirements	Percentage of Voluntary resignations.
1913.
Clerks, First Class.	Nil	·66	Nil
Clerks, Second Class.	Nil	2·33	·87
1922.
Higher Clerical Officers	1·72	Nil	Nil
Writing Assistants Typist	Nil	2·63	1·3
Typists …	Nil	5·5	5·5
1923.
Higher Clerical Officers.	Nil	Nil	Nil
Writing Assistants.	Nil	1·35	1·35
Typists …	Nil	5·88	Nil

asked the Postmaster-General, as there is a wide field for research in the science of radio, especially in coal-mining areas, if he will, in view of the contemplated amendment of the Wireless Telegraph Acts, take steps not only to preserve the right of but to encourage amateur experimenters

There is no intention to place obstacles in the way of useful experiments in wireless telegraphy, and some 2,200 licences for the use of wireless apparatus for experimental purposes are now in force. It is the practice to give permission to qualified experimenters to undertake wireless telegraph experiments in coal mines provided that the consent of the authorities responsible for the safety of the mines is obtained.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that, owing to the closing down of Trimdon Grange Colliery, the miners have to walk six miles to Wingate Employment Exchange three times a week; and whether, in view of the number of men concerned, he will arrange for an Exchange to be opened in Trimdon Grange itself?

The question of providing additional local office facilities, owing to the closing down of Trimdon Grange Colliery, had already received my attention. Arrangements have been made to open a temporary office at Trimdon Grange as soon as suitable premises can be obtained.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that great inconvenience is being caused to the unemployed women and juveniles in Finsbury by reason of having to go to the present Exchange in Pentonville Road; what is the amount of rent and rates paid for these premises; and what would be the estimated cost of providing premises at which the work of the two Exchanges in Finsbury could be merged?

The need for providing better accommodation in this case has been recognised for some time. The matter has been by no means free from difficulty, but a scheme of the kind suggested by the hon. Member is now under consideration and will be pressed forward as rapidly as possible. I do not think it would be desirable to publish the figures of cost for which the hon. Member asks.

asked the Minister of Labour the specific terms of the instruction sent out to a number of large towns which have a large number of women unemployed that a committee should interview every woman who applies for unemployment benefit; and whether Liverpool is one of the areas selected?

In accordance with general instructions applicants for extended benefit, whether women or men, are usually interviewed by the com- mittees from time to time. There is, however, no special instruction relating to women, or confined to certain towns, of the kind which the hon. Member appears to have in mind.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that George M'Inally, 17, Fairfield Street, Govan, left, his employment on 26th December, 1921, as the wage he was being paid was £1 35. 2d. less State insurance, while the district rate is if 17s.; that he was disallowed benefit for six weeks and has been informed that this disallowance will be continued for six months; and whether he can state the grounds upon which a claimant has been disallowed benefit for refusing work at a rate lower than the district rate, or upon what regulation or instruction has benefit been refused for six months?

I am making inquiry regarding this case, and will communicate the result to the hon. Al ember.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the hardship now existing in Barrow amongst unemployed workers who are no longer in receipt of unemployment benefit; and whether he proposes to amend the Unemployment Insurance Regulations so as to ensure that genuinely unemployed workers shall not be deprived of benefit?

I am aware of the general position as regards unemployment at Barrow, but I am not aware that any genuinely unemployed workers who satisfy the conditions laid down by the Statute are deprived of benefit. I shall, however, be happy to inquire into any cases of which the hon. Member gives me particulars.

asked the Minister of Labour if a bricklayer's labourer in receipt of unemployment benefit takes up work as an agricultural labourer, can he receive unemployment relief should he again be thrown out of employment

The answer to this question depends on the facts of the particular case. If on making a fresh claim the applicant had a balance of contributions to his credit, and had paid at least 20 contributions since the beginning of the last insurance year, he would normally be entitled to standard benefit, and the previous period of uninsured work would not be a disqualification, In other cases, the claim would be for extended benefit, and the period of uninsured work would be one of the matters to be taken into account in deciding whether he fulfils the statutory condition that he must be normally employed in insurable employment and will normally seek to obtain his livelihood by such employment. It should be added that a person capable of doing agricultural work and refusing to accept it would not be eligible to receive extended benefit.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the rota committees of Brynmawr and Ebbw Vale, both under the Ebbw Vale Employment Exchange, are withholding unemployment benefit from men who have produced certificates to show they are genuinely seeking employment: and whether he is prepared to issue instructions making it clear that all such persons are entitled to benefit under the amended Act of 1924?

Extended benefit can only be paid to an applicant who fulfils the conditions laid down in the No. 2 Act of 1924, one of which is that the applicant must prove that he is making every reasonable effort to obtain employment suited to his capacities. While the production of documents showing that an applicant has applied for work at a given firm is a useful indication in some cases it is not necessarily proof that this condition is fulfilled. Each case must be dealt with on its merits, and I cannot issue an instruction that in every case in which documents are produced to show that an applicant has applied for work at certain firms benefit should be allowed.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state, in regard to the Sheffield and Attercliffe Exchanges, what was the number of men and women, respectively, on the register of the Exchanges at the end of September and December, 1923, March, June, September, and December, 1924; and for how many employment had been found during each three months?

The figures for the nearest available dates are as followeth:

also asked the Minister of Labour whether he can state for the Sheffield and Rotherham Exchanges, respectively, the number of persons over 18 years of age who were on the register of Exchanges on the 31st December, 1923, and the 29th December, 1924, distinguishing between men and women as well as between those over and under 21 years of age?Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND: The available information is as follows:

Number of Persons aged 18 years and upwards on Registers of Employment Exchanges at Sheffield, Attercliffe and Rotherham.
—	31st December 1923.		29th December 1924.
	Men.	Women.	Men.	Women.
Sheffield	16,431	2,116	15,623,	2,747
Attercliffe	7,013	632	6,950	859
Rotherham	1,972	265	2,853	256

asked the Secretary for Mines in which districts miners are at present working short time; whether he is in a position to state the number of men paid off and working short time, respectively, in each district affected; and what number of men were working full time in these districts during January and the first two weeks of February, 1924, as compared with the same period this year?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I regret that information is not available in the exact form in which the hon. Member asks for it, and it would be difficult to obtain but I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the relevant statistics in the possession of the Mines Department, and I hope that these will serve the hon. Member's purpose.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will supply the number of applicants that have been refused benefits at the Willesden Employment Exchange since 1st December, 1924, to the present date?

During the period 1st December, 1924, to 25th February, 1925, the number of claims for extended benefit rejected at the Willesden Employment Exchange was 242 out of 1,445 cases referred to the Local Employment Committee during the period.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that there is a larger percentage of unemployed in Scotland as compared with other parts of the United Kingdom; and whether he would be willing to appoint a Committee to investigate the causes and to make recommendations as to how local industries might be assisted or resuscitated?

I am informed by the Ministry of Labour that the percentage of unemployment among insured persons in Scotland is at present higher than the percentage for England and Wales as a whole, although for certain districts in England and Wales the percentage is much higher than for Scotland as a whole. While I regret the prevalence of unemployment, which is especially severe in the shipbuilding and engineering trades, I do not think that the course suggested by my hon. Friend would serve any sufficient purpose. The question of unemployment is constantly under examination by the Unemployment Committee of the Cabinet, which is prepared to consider any suggestions which may be made to it.

ALIEN'S ORDER, 1920, ARTICLE 1 (3) (b).
SUMMARY of Permits Granted and Refused during the Period 29th December, 1923–31st December, 1924.
Classes of Labour.	Granted.	Refused.
Domestic servants	1,230	480
Musicians (including soloists)	82	13
Theatrical, vaudeville and concert artistes	1,034	101
Foreign correspondence clerks, volunteer business trainees, etc.	521	143
Telegraph operators (transfers from foreign stations)	61	—
Mosaic, terrazzo and marble workers, etc.	43	20
Engineers (to erect and repair imported machinery—admitted for short periods only).	99	19
Sugar-beet workers (seasonal employment)	73	1
Seine-net fishers, cod-splitters, etc. (seasonal vacancies)	49	—
Hotel and restaurant employes (mainly in exchange for British employes proceeding abroad for experience.	180	50
Teachers of foreign languages'	262	23
Nurses (mainly probationers for training)	17	8
Miscellaneous (including briar pipe makers, chemists, designers embroidery and millinery, glassowrkers, masseurs, social workers, spelter furnace men, tailors, watch and watch case makers, etc)	224	352
TOTALS	3,875	1,210

asked the Minister of Labour what are the conditions on which he issues permits to teachers of French or other languages to undertake work in this country; how many permits were issued to all classes of labour from foreign countries last year; and how many applications were refused?

Permits under Article 1 (3) (b) of the Aliens' Order, 1920, are not ordinarily issued except where suitable persons for the vacant post cannot be obtained in this country. The number of permits issued during 1924 was 3,875; in 1,210 cases permits were refused. Many of the permits issued were granted for a limited period only. Particulars are given in the subjoined table. French teachers are permitted to come to this country to take up posts approved by the Board of Education under an arrangement between the Board and the French Ministry of Public Instruction. Permission is also given to other scholastic establishments to obtain the services of teachers of languages (including permits for a limited period in respect of persons giving instruction in return for opportunities to learn English) if the general conditions are satisfied.

asked the Home Secretary the number of permits for residence now current issued by the Home Office in connection with the Russian trade delegations in Great Britain; if there has been an increase recently or decrease in the numbers of persons so permitted to reside; and are the permits for long or short periods?

As regards the first and third parts of the question. I would refer to the answer given to the hon. Member for South Kensington (Sir W. Davison) on the 17th December last. As regards the second part, I think there has been a tendency to decrease in the applications for visas in this connection; eight have been authorised since the date of the answer referred to.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of entrants for the examinations for admission to the staff college at Camberley in each of the 10 years preceding the War, and the numbers in the years 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923, 1924 and 1925?

The figures are as follow:Statement of candidates examined for admission to the Staff College, Camberley.No examinations were held in 1919 or 1920, but the following numbers were

Year.	Number.
1905	118
1906	108
1907	129
1908	154
1909	150
1910	164
1911	185
1912	184
1913	185
1914	193
1921	145
1922	209
1923	238
1924	269
1925	400

No examinations were held in 1919 or 1920, but the following numbers were admitted to the Staff College, Camberley, by nomination:

For one-year course.
Year.	Number.
1919	110
1920	107
1921	57
For two-years course.
Year.	Number.
1921	54

asked the Minister of Labour whether, with regard to the new scheme of training for ex-service men with pensions of 50 per cent. and upwards, now in operation at Erskine House, Renfrew-shire, he can state the rates of allowance and conditions of work, and the amount charged for maintenance for any trainee whose disability makes it necessary for him to reside at Erskine House?

I regret that I cannot give these details without local inquiry. i am making inquiries, and will communicate the result to the hon. Member

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that six ex-service men, named Taylor, Litt, Herron, Jennings, Burns, and Moore, applied for the special shortened course of training for posts as certified teachers in 1923; that their application was received by the Ministry of Labour too late to be considered in the usual course, but a special case was made and their expenses paid for one year only, although the course sanctioned by the Board of Education must last for two years; that as these men had no means of meeting their expenses for the second year, the United Services Fund sanctioned the payment of £274 4s. 2(1. to meet the situation; and whether he is prepared to reimburse the fund, in view of the fact that the training would have been of no practical use to these men unless they had completed the second year's course?

The men In question chose this course of training in preference to alternative courses which were offered to them. The precise extent of the financial assistance which the Ministry was able to give was very clearly explained to them, both verbally and in writing, by the Southampton University College authorities and by officers of the Ministry of Labour before they made their choice. In these circumstances I regret that I cannot accede to the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion that a further special grant should be made.

asked the Minister of Labour how many trades unions have joined the King's Roll for the employment of disabled ex-service men?

Records regarding employers on the King's Roll are kept locally. I am having an inquiry made as to the number of trade unions who are on the roll, and will communicate the result to my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the regulations under the Weights and Measures Act which govern the use of self-indicating pendulum weighers; whether he is satisfied that they are adequate to protect consumers in retail shops against short weight; and. if not, what steps it is proposed to take in order to ensure that the consumer is fairly dealt with?

Weighing appliances are subject to the Regulations (S.R. & 0. 698/1907) issued by the Board of Trade under Section 5 of the Weights and Measures Act, 1904. Patterns of novel weighing instruments have also to be approved by the Board, under Section 6 of the same Act, before they may be used for trade. The Board have no evidence that pendulum weighers as a class facilitate the giving of short weight.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what was the value in 1913 and 1924, respectively, of the imports into the United Kingdom for home consumption of articles completely manufactured and ready for consumption; and what was the proportion of such imports in each of those years to the total imports for home consumption of manufactures, and all articles, respectively(2) what was the value in 1913 and 1924. respectively, of the imports into the United Kingdom for home consumption of iron and steel goods completely manufactured and ready for consumption; and what was the proportion of such imports in each of those years to the total imports of iron and steel, and manufactures thereof?

As far as the character of goods imported can be correctly judged from the descriptions under which the import entries regarding them are made, the values of goods completely manufactured and ready for consumption, imported during 1913 and 1924. after deduction of the re-exports of similar goods in those years, were as follows:

Goods completely manufactured and ready for consumption.
	£
Net imports in 1913	60,200,000
Net imports in 1994	115,000,000

These goods represented 10.2 per cent. in 1913 and 10.1 per cent. in 1924 of the value of the aggregate net imports of goods of all kinds, and 39.2 per cent. in 1913 and 43.2 per cent. in 1924 of the net imports of "Articles wholly or mainly manufactured."For iron and steel and manufactures thereof, similar figures of net imports are:

Iron and steel goods completely manufactured and ready for consumption.
	£
Net imports in 1913	1,660,000
Net imports in 1924	1,560,000

These goods represented 10.7 per cent. in 1913 and 7.1 per cent. in 1924 of the aggregate net imports of "Iron and steel and manufactures thereof."It should be noted that the figures for 1913 relate to Great Britain and Ireland, those for 1924 to Great Britain and Northern Ireland

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the proportion of United Kingdom exports of iron and steel and manufactures thereof in 1924 to the total exports of similar goods from all countries

Particulars of the exports of iron and steel and manufactures thereof for the year 1924 are at present available for a very limited number of countries only. The following statement shows the exports of this group of commodities from the countries specified below to all destinations during the year 1924.

Country whence exported	Value of Exports	Proportion of Total.
	Million £'s	Per Cent.
Great Britain and Northern Ireland.	74·5	32·5
United States of America·	45·3	19·8
France	27·8	12·1
Germany	43·0	18·8
Belgium	31·5	13·7
Czechslovakia	·1	·1
Total of above	229·2	100·0

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the percentage of British exports to the various countries of the world during 1924 and 1914?

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the Board of Trade Journal for 19th February, in which the percentages of the total exports of British produce and manufactures consigned in 1924 and in 1913 to each country except those of least importance are shown. In view of the great disturbance of our export trade during the latter half of the year 1914, the percentages for that year have not been worked out.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, under the Trade Facilities Act, any grant has been made, or is contemplated, to any sugar estate in the West Indies; and, if so, what is the amount?

As reported to Parliament on 21st July, 1924 (see HOUSE of Commons Paper 121 of 1924), a loan of £115,000 raised by the Jamaica Sugar Estates, Limited, has been guaranteed under the Act. The purpose of this loan is to buy machinery in this country. I am not aware of any other application from West Indian sugar estates.

asked the Home Secretary if any extension of the South Wales Assize Circuit is contemplated to include Monmouth shire; and, if so, the reasons?

I have been asked to answer this question. The reasons which have been urged for and against this proposal are too lengthy to be stated within the limits of an answer to a Parliamentary question. I have no reason to suppose that it is proposed to take any action in the matter in the immediate future.

asked the Prime Minister if he is prepared to fix a date for the discussion of the Motion on the Order Paper relative to the appointment of a Chairman to the Scottish Standing Committee—

"That this House regrets the action of the Chairman's Panel in selecting one of their number who is riot representative of a Scottish constituency to act as Chairman of the Scottish Standing!, Committee set up for the purpose of considering the Scottish Church (Property and Endowments) Bill." [Mr. D. Graham.]

I shall be obliged if the hon. Member will postpone this question, so that it may be answered by the Prime Minister in person.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the quantity of coal consumed by His Majesty's: ships in the years 1910 and 1924?

The quantity of coal consumed by His Majesty's ships in the years 1910 and 1924 was 1,452,000 tons and 312,750 tons respectively.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware of the hardship which falls on married men employed at Dartmouth College, who, owing to the housing shortage, have been unable to find accommodation for their families at Dartmouth are obliged in consequence to maintain two homes and whether he will consider the possibility of erecting cottages is married quarters for college employes and their families?

I regret the hardship suffered by the employes at Dartmouth owing to the shortage of houses, but I am afraid that no departure from the general principle governing the housing of Admiralty civilian employes could be justified. As the Noble Lady is aware, the responsibility for housing is one for the Ministry of Health.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact. that 17 officers are now employed as Assistant Inspectors of Naval Ordnance in the Department of the Director of Naval Ordnance, he will consider whether the storekeeping duties now being carried out by a recently appointed retired officer could be carried cut by one of the 17 inspectors and the miscellaneous duties by another, and a saving thereby effected without loss of efficiency?

I would remind my hon, and gallant Friend that the post referred to is not a new one. The duties attaching to it are quite distinct from those appertaining to the Assistant Inspectors, nine only of whom are employed at Woolwich Moreover, these officers are already fully employed and could not take over any extra work.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the salary paid to the professor of publicity of the Navy, Army and Air Force institutes?

I have been asked to reply. If such an official is employed, it is entirely a matter for the board of management of the Navy, Army and Air Force institutes. The War Office is not concerned with the details of the board's administration.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that during recent years a large number of limestone quarries have been closed in Scotland, and that in many quarters agriculturists have difficulty in obtaining sufficient supplies of limestone; and whether he will consider the question of granting temporary assistance to those who are willing to resuscitate this industry?

I understand that a number of limestone quarries have been closed in Scotland during recent years and that agriculturists in some districts have difficulty in obtaining sufficient supplies. I am prepared to consider any specific proposals which my hon. Friend may submit to me.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what is the amount of grant paid annually by the Scottish Board of Agriculture to the Royal. (Dick) Veterinary College, Edinburgh; and whether it will be affected by the decision to withdraw the annual grant from the Glasgow Veterinary College?

The annual grant paid to the Royal (Dick) Veterinary College by the Board is 4,000 or such smaller sum as will meet the deficit on the maintenance of the college. The grant sanctioned for the current year is £3,722. The reply to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the Government propose to provide compensation to the private omnibus owners whose vehicles it is proposed to remove from the streets and roads of the County of London?

With regard to the question of compensation, I would refer the hon. Member to Section 13 of the London Traffic Act, which specifically declares that nothing in the Act is to be treated as conferring on any omnibus proprietor any right to the continuance of any benefits arising from the grant of licences. The London Traffic Advisory Committee propose to investigate each individual case in which hardship is alleged to have been caused to omnibus proprietors by the recent Order and to report to me thereon.

asked the Minister of Transport how many of the rural district councils received grants for road maintenance, showing England, Scotland, and Wales, separately: how many did not receive grants; and how many applied for grants and did not receive them?

As my hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware, it is only roads included in Class I and Class II which are the subject of grants from the load Fund in respect of main tenance expenditure—as distinguished from expenditure on larger improvements, such as widenings or reconstruction. During the financial year 1924-25, 317 out of 579 rural district councils in England and 38 out of 70 in Wales submitted estimates and received grants in connection with maintenance expenditure on Class I and Class II roads. The remaining rural district councils either have no Class I or Class II roads in their areas or did not provide for expenditure on such roads during that particular financial year. Local highway authorities in Scotland consist of county councils, district committees (which are sub-divisions of the county authority) and burgh councils. There are no authorities corresponding to the rural district councils of England and Wales. Apart from grants towards maintenance, special grants have been made from the Road Fund, to a total of £3,250,000, during the past two years, towards the improvement of important roads in rural areas in England and Wales.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will take into consideration the fact that motor-hearse vehicles used by funeral undertakers are essentially, and only used, for the precise and particular purpose of funerals; and whether, as these vehicles can in no way be considered to be used in the same degree or manner as commercial or touring cars, but must be, stored just as soon as the particular undertaking is concluded, he will consider remitting a corresponding degree of the annual tax in proportion to their lack of general use?

I have been asked to reply. Hearses are not the only specialised motor vehicles used for commercial purposes, and I am not prepared to recommend that they should receive exceptional treatment.

asked the Minister of Transport the invested capitalisation value of railways in the United Kingdom for each year 1914 to 1924, inclusive; the profits earned by the railways; the rate of interest paid to debenture and ordinary shareholders; the amount added annually to reserve funds; the annual increased capitalisation from reserve funds; the numbers of employ´s each year and the total wages paid to employ´es; and the total number of directors each year and the total sum paid annually As directors' fees?

Some of the particulars for which the hon. Member asks are not available, and on other points I am not clear as to his exact meaning, but. much' of the information he seeks will be found in the Annual Railway Returns for the years 1919 to 1923, which also contain the principal total figures for 1913. During the years 1914 to 1918 inclusive the issue of these returns was suspended, and the accounts of many of the railway companies for 1924 have not yet been furnished to me. I hope, however, to issue a. preliminary return about the end of this month.

the Minister of Transport what was the total sum paid in ordinary dividends by the electricity companies in the County of London for the year 1924; and what amount of money was placed to reserve by them in that year?

The accounts of the London electricity supply companies for the year 1924 have not yet been received, and the information asked for is, therefore, not yet available. The corresponding figures for 1923, so far as they are available at the moment, were:

	£
Total sum paid in ordinary dividends	808.000
Total set aside for depreciation and reserve	1,374,000

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any steps have been taken by His Majesty's Government to endorse the proposal made by the Secretary of State for the Colonies in the late Labour Government, to the effect that the problems relating to the Indian population in South Africa should be considered by a non-party conference, on which the Imperial and Indian Governments might be represented; and, if so, whether he will make representations to the Government of the Union of South Africa with a view to no further steps being taken relating to Indian interests in the Union until the whole position has been considered by such a conference?

His Majesty's Government have not suggested a conference such as proposed, and for my own part I feel great doubt whether such a conference would produce any useful result since all the parties are already very well aware of each other's views.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether a seaplane service between Calcutta and Rangoon is now considered practicable; and, if so, whether it is intended to start such a service by Government aid?

Until T have had before me the report by the Director of Civil Aviation upon the results of his visit to the places mentioned in the question, I am unable to make a statement on this subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many munition factories are still at work in Germany?

I have been asked to reply. The Allied Military Committee of Versailles is at present examining the final Report of the Inter-Allied Military Commission of Control on the general inspection carried out in Germany between September, 1924, and January, 1925. Until the Allied Governments have had time to consider this Report together with the recommendations of the Versailles Committee, it would be inadvisable to make any statement regarding the number of munition factories at present at work in Germ any.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that, in connection with the Tientsin-Pukow Railway Chinese Government 5 per cent. Bonds, only those holders of the British part of the issue have been paid: that there are many British holders, also of bonds, in the German issued part of this loan: and that even bonds of this German issue, passed as good by the Chinese Legation, no longer have interest paid on them: and whether, to protect the interests of the British investors in respect of this particular issue, he has instructed, or will instruct. the British Minister at Pekin to make representations to the Chinese Government?

Information was received last summer that the payments on the bonds of the German issue of this loan, which were suspended during the War. were to be resumed as a result of the financial settlement reached last year between the German and Chinese Governments. I have no knowledge of any difficulties having been sub- sequently encountered by British holders of the issue, but if the hon. Member has any specific cases in mind, I should be glad if he would furnish me with particulars.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give an approximate estimate of the population of the nations that are not members of the League of Nations?

If the hon. and gallant Member will consult the Statesman's Yearbook—the only authority at my disposal—he will see that the number is there stated to be approximately 360 millions.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many nations are now members of the League of Nations, and how many have signed and how many ratified the Protocol on Arbitration, and the Conventions on Customs, Ports, and Railways?

There are 55 members of the League. A list will be found in Command Paper 2300. The respective numbers of signatures and ratifications of the various instruments in question are as follows: The Protocol on Arbitration Clauses in commercial and other contracts, 24 and 6. The Convention for the Simplification of Customs Formalities, 37 and 4. The Convention on the International Regime of Railways, 32 and 2. The Convention on the International Regime of Maritime Ports, 25 and 2.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it will be the policy of Great Britain at the corning meeting of the Council of the League of Nations at Geneva to arrange for the early and simultaneous evacuation of the Cologne area by the British and of the Ruhr by the French and Belgian troops, and to facilitate the immediate entry of Germany into the League of Nations?

Neither of the matters referred to is on the agenda of the forthcoming Council meeting. His Majesty's Government have repeatedly declared that they would welcome Germany's entry into the League.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many of the European police officers in Egypt of the rank of bimbashi and upwards have announced their intention of retiring from the Egyptian service at the earliest possible opportunity; and whether he is aware that these officials and many others are doing so because they consider that the position is insecure?

Of 23 European police officers of the rank indicated 21 have opted to retire by or before the middle of July next. In fact, however, only three of the officers will leave the police service this year, as the remainder are willing to accept contracts offered them by the Egyptian Government. I have no detailed information as to the motives which underlay the decisions of these officers, who were no doubt influenced by personal and individual considerations.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further statement to make in reference to his conversations with the American Ambassador regarding a new disarmament conference

No, Sir. Nothing more has passed between us.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any information as to the terms of the treaty recently signed between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and Japan

What is believed to be the most correct analysis yet available of the terms of the treaty appeared in the "Times" of the 23rd of February.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, before submitting to the Dominions the modifications of the Genoa Protocal favoured by the Government, he will also communicate to the House the precise nature and terms of such modifications?

No, Sir. I think the hon. Member will see that I cannot undertake in this or any other matter to lay before this House confidential communications passing between this Government and the Governments of the Dominions in relation to questions of policy which affect the whole Empire, unless when the correspondence is completed all the Governments concerned concur in its publication.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give the necessary orders or directions so as to compel improvements in the Devonshire and other casual wards where the present conditions are contrary to the express provisions of Articles 7 or 14 of the Casual Pauper Regulations Act of 1882?

This matter is receiving my right hon. Friend's constant attention and, as he has previously informed the hon. Member, he will continue to press for improvements.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can arrange in future to obtain particulars of building plans passed by all local authorities so that the statistics published every month in the "Ministry of Labour Gazette" can be complete instead of partial as at present; and whether, in addition, he can obtain statistics of building work started?

I have been asked to reply. The present returns are collected from 149 of the principal towns, covering over two-fifths of the total population of Great Britain, outside London. I do not think the balance of advantage is in favour of extending the basis of collection which was settled in consultation with the Ministry of Health two years ago, with the object of obtaining a large and representative sample, without going to the great amount of trouble and expense that would be involved in asking for a return from every local authority concerned. Figures for the County of London are not obtainable, because, as I understand, prior submission of plans to the local authority is not required there if the provisions of the London Building Act are complied with. With regard to the last part of the question, I do not think I can ask local authorities to undertake the labour which would be involved in furnishing returns of all building work in progress, but returns are obtained by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health as to building progress in connection with State-assisted housing schemes and houses built by private enterprise without State assistance.

also asked the Minister of Health if he can arrange with the Minister of Labour to state in the table published monthly in the "Labour Gazette" how many of the persons in receipt of out-door relief on the selected day in each month are also in receipt of unemployment benefit under the Unemployment Insurance Acts?

I have been asked to reply. The returns from which this table is compiled do not distinguish the numbers of persons receiving unemployment benefit, and I understand from my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health that it would not be practicable to arrange for this to be done. The Ministry of Health publish quarterly returns for England and Wales showing how many of those in receipt of outdoor relief are persons insured under the Unemployment Insurance Acts (whether in receipt of unemployment benefit or not) and the wives and dependent children of those persons, and I am arranging to have a summary of these returns published in the "Labour Gazette." Corresponding returns for Scotland are not available.

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses completed, in building, and sanctioned under the Housing Act of 1923 and under the Housing Act of 1924?

The position of schemes under the Housing Acts of 1923 and 1924 is as follows:

Number of Houses.
	Authorised	Completed.*	Under construction.
Housing, etc., Act, 1923.	184,202	57,882	47,789
Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924.	32,110	824	4,674
	216,312	58,706	52,463
*According, to returns furnished by local authorities showing the position on 1st February last.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can give for England, Wales, and Scotland, for the years 1899–1904, 1904–1909, and 1909–1914, the number of houses erected, the number of marriages, and the estimated population of England, Wales, and Scotland at the commencement of the years 1899, 1904, 1909, and 1915?

Statistics are not available as to the total number of houses erected prior to the War, but the figures in the following table, which are taken from Inland Revenue Returns, as to Inhabited House Duty, show the net increase in the number of houses during the periods in question. The figures for marriages are also included in the table:

England and Wales.
Period.	Net in number of houses.	Number of marriages.
1900–04	581,848	1,297,589
1905–09	513,529	1,332 685
1910–14	303,238	1,407,482

The estimated population at the beginning of the year cannot be stated, but at mid-year it was as follows:

1899	31,881,365
1904	33,639,287
1909	35,423,805
1914	36,960,684

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he will circulate to the Members of this House who apply for it the evidence submitted to the Commission inquiring into the rent problem in the West of Scotland?

I am afraid I cannot undertake to have the evidence given before the Committee published at this stage. I would remind the hon. Member that fairly full reports of the evidence-appear in the daily Press.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is in possession of information to prove that some of the worn-out horses exported from this country are rested for a while and then used in connection with bull-fighting in Spain; and, if so, whether he will take all possible steps to prevent such traffic

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend has no information to show that horses exported from Great Britain are subsequently used for bull-fighting. Owing to the high cost of conveying horses from Northern France or Belgium to Spain it is improbable that such horses reach the bull-ring, and in the last three years only nine horses have been shipped direct to Spain and 15 to Portugal. I would remind the hon. Member that my right hon. Friend is appointing a Departmental Committee to consider the export of horses from this country, and this aspect of the trade will no doubt come before the Committee.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that the House of Commons considered it necessary to raise the amount of income under which old age pensions could be claimed, and that at present the applicant is deemed to be receiving £5 per cent. by way of income on part of his capital and £10 per cent on the remainder, he can consider reducing the rate, in view of the fact that no such income can be secured by the old age pensioner from his small capital?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave on the 10th February to the hon. Member for Middlesbrough West (Mr. T. Thomson) on the same point.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that many houses in London let out in Rats and tenements where the owner or his agent pay the Inhabited House Duty direct to the collector of taxes charge the same as a portion of the rent; and whether he is prepared to take steps that the tenants under such circumstances shall have the full advantage of the abolition of this tax?

I am afraid that I cannot see my way to intervene in the matter to which the hon. and gallant Member refers. It is relatively unimportant and will in any event correct itself in due course.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the present high price of Government publications has seriously restricted their public sale; and can he take steps to reduce the price, having regard to the fact that the productive cost of those sold to the public is represented only by the cost of paper, machinery, and binding?

I am not aware that the increased price of Government pub- lications has seriously restricted their sale. It is frequently observed that a publication which was formerly priced at an abnormally low figure obtained a sale little, if at all, greater than that which it secures at present. As has been explained on previous occasions, the sale copies are charged with a proportion of the cost of composition, press work, paper and binding, and, as nothing is ordinarily charged for compilation or editing, I do not consider this an unreasonable arrangement. The pricing of Government publications is kept under review, and it was found possible to introduce recently a revised scale of charges for Parliamentary publications which shows a material reduction on the scale which had been in force since October, 1921. While the general rule is as I have stated, exceptions are not infrequently made in favour of a lower price where special reasons exist.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the total war aftermath expenditure included in the Estimates for 1925–26 for Civil Service and Revenue Departments, and also the amount of other temporary expenditure due to unemployment, the establishment of Irish self-government, and other transient causes '?

Expenditure on transient. war services has now been reduced to such small dimensions that it is not proposed to show it separately in future. I should estimate the amount in 1925–26 at roughly £2,250,000. This figure does not, of course, cover the cost of continuing war services, borne on the Civil Service and Revenue Department Estimates, such as the cost of War Pensions or the expenditure of the War Graves Commission. With regard to the latter part of the question, I must ask the hon. Member to await the publication of the Estimates.