asked the Minister of Pensions what steps are being taken to make permanent medical appointments under the Ministry; and if English nationality and active service in the late War will be taken into special consideration in making selections for permanent appointments?

It has been decided to create 48 permanent established appointments on the medical staff of the Ministry and to fill those appointments from the existing full-time temporary medical staff. All members of the full-time temporary staff who are within the prescribed age limit of eligibility have been notified of the conditions of the appointments, and a selection committee presided over by the First Civil Service Commissioner is at present engaged in interviewing a selected number of the candidates. All candidates must satisfy the general rule of the Civil Service as regards British nationality, and must have served in His Majesty's Forces in the late War.

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that disabled medical men with several years' war service, who have served on the Board for several years, are gradually being replaced by young men, in many cases engaged in general practice, and with no war service?

That does not apply to this question. This is a question of established appointments and has nothing to do with what my hon. Friend is talking about.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is satisfied that in all cases pensioners or their dependants are capable, of adequately presenting their cases before the Appeals Tribunal; and, if not, will he take the necessary steps to authorise local pension committees to pay the railway fare of any one who is prepared to assist an appellant in stating their case?

Perhaps I may be allowed to refer the hon. Member to the answer given by me to him on the same subject on the 18th December last, of which I am sending him a copy.

If I draw the hon. and gallant Gentleman's attention to cases of real hardship, will he revise the decision he gave last December?

As I pointed out last December, this is entirely a question for the Lord Chancellor. They are not Tinder the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Pensions at all, and we have no authority over them whatsoever.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that previous Ministers of Pensions have authorised the payment of these expenses to witnesses, and is it not in the power of the Minister to sanction the payment of expenses?

No. As I told the hon. Member on 18th December, the tribunal has the discretion to summon before it expert and other witnesses, and to pay their expenses. That is under the jurisdiction of the tribunal and not of the Ministry of Pensions.

Will my hon. and gallant Friend recommend on behalf of the Ministry that an exception should be made according to the terms of this question in the case of men suffering from neurasthenia and mental diseases, and will he make representations to the Lord Chancellor?

I will convey that to my right hon. Friend when he returns.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been darwn to the dissatisfaction felt at the adverse decision in the case of Councillor Henry Barnes, who is suffering from functional paralysis and is completely incapacitated from doing any kind of work; and, in view of the fact that a Harley Street specialist certified that Barnes' trouble was brought about by his war wounds, will he have further inquiries made and reconsider this case?

This case has received very full and careful consideration, but I regret that it has not been found possible to regard the disability claimed as being connected with the wound or with service. Mr. Barnes has a statutory right of appeal, of which he is taking advantage, and the case will be heard by the appeal tribunal in due course.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of appeals made to the assessment appeals tribunals from 1st January to 31st December, 1924, showing the number allowed by the tribunals and the number disallowed?

During the period referred to, 35,390 appeals were decided by the assessment appeal tribunals, thus giving a proportion (excluding statutory final awards) of approximately one appeal out of every seven cases of final award notified. In 13,560 cases, either the appeal was disallowed or the Ministry's assessment was reduced, or the appeal was not proceeded with by the appellant. In 11,360 cases, the finality of the award was confirmed, though the assessment was raised, and in 10,470 cases the appellant succeeded to the extent that the tribunal decided that the cases were not yet suitable for final award.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Mr. Beckett, of Manchester, who has the local contact for the supply of surgical boots to the Ministry of Pensions, lets the work out to sub-contract and that the boots are made by a man named York at Long Buckby: and whether he will have inquiries made, and if it be found that the work is being put out to sub-contract, will arrange for fresh tenders or award the contract to the firm who successfully carried out the contract in previous years?

My right hon. Friend is aware that the firm at present holding the contract for the supply of surgical boots in the area mentioned has, in accordance with what is understood to be customary in the trade, subcontracted for part of the work. The work is being satisfactorily performed and my right hon. Friend is not aware of any reason that would justify him in adopting the suggestion in the last part of the question. When the present contract has expired tenders will, in accordance with the usual practice of the Ministry, be invited from all firms capable of supplying what is required.

Would the hon. and gallant Gentleman receive representations from the union concerned with the matter, in as much as the contract is much below the price being paid by the Ministry?

I will convey that to my right hon. Friend. So long as the Fair Wages Clause is observed all the Ministry are concerned with is that the delivery is up to contract and up to time.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that under the terms of the contract it means that 100 men are being thrown out of work in Manchester?

I did not know that, but if 100 men are out of work in Manchester 100 are being employed at Long Buckby.

Does the Fair Wages Resolution of the House of Commons apply to sub-contracts?

Yes, it applies both to the main contract and the sub-contract as well.

asked the Minister of Pensions the names and qualifications of the members of the Central Advisory Committee; whether the new Committee has yet met; whether any recommendation has been made by the Central Advisory Committee that a pension shall be payable from the date of application for same, and in the case of a widow from the death of her husband in cases where, after the Ministry of Pensions has rejected a claim for pension, the appellant is successful at the appeal tribunal; and, if a recommendation to this effect has been made, whether it is proposed to issue instructions that in these cases the-pension award shall be paid from the date of the original application?

The Central Advisory Committee met on the 17th February. The. matters considered by them did not include the point mentioned by the hon. Member. As the particulars asked for in the first part of the question involve a somewhat lengthy list of names I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the 52 ex-service men, at present inmates of the West Ham Mental Hospital, situate at Goodmayes, Essex, are chargeable to the local Poor Law union or whether they are maintained from national funds; and, if so, to what amount weekly is the local authority reimbursed?

I understand that there are 50 service patients, that is, men whose disability is due to war service, in the hospital referred to for whom the Ministry are paying the cost of maintenance and treatment at the rate of 33s. a week for each patient, in addition to allowances for wives or dependants.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Andrew Paterson, 15, Langlands Road, Govan, is being paid his pension at the rate for a private although he held the rank of company sergeant-major, to which he was promoted on the 18th September, 1916; that all the documents dealing with his hospital and medical treatment recognise his rank; that Army Form W. 3.555 states Andrew Paterson, No. 40,684, company sergeant-major; that his field medical card, Army Form W. 3,118, dated 25th November, 1916, and Army Form W. 3,201, both recognise his rank; and that the Ministry's official form M.P. M.S.D. 62B, date 2nd June, 1924, also recognises his rank as company sergeant-major, Highland Light Infantry; and whether, in view of the documentary evidence which proves this man to have held this rank and to have been sent to his home while holding this rank, he will sec that the pension payable for this rank is paid to this ex-soldier?

It has been necessary to get the man's documents from Scotland and they only arrived this morning. My right hon. Friend has not therefore been able to complete his inquiries into this case. He will, however, communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that the documents give this man the rank that he is entitled to receive his pension for instead of being merely a private I have a copy in my hand.

I told the hon. Member that the papers only arrived this morning, and it has not been possible to examine them thoroughly. As soon as they have been examined I will inform him.

Has not this man been complaining and protesting for quite a time that he was getting a pension at the rate of a private instead of a company sergeant-major, and in that case should not the Minister have taken action long ago?

I shall look into the whole facts of the case as soon as I can.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that ex-Constable Balder-stone, of the Accrington Borough Police, was granted a certificate of approved service to 26th May, 1919, 56 days after the Desborongh scale of pay came into operation; and why, therefore, this officer's pension was not based on this scale instead of on the pre-Desborough scale which he is at present receiving?

As the hon. Member will be aware from the full statement furnished to him by my predecessor, this case is peculiar in that Balderstone retired from the rank of sergeant as from the 31st March, 1919, but was permitted a month later to rejoin the force as a constable, for one month, in order to enable him to qualify for a higher pension calculated upon his actual retiring salary instead of a three years' average. In these circumstances, the Watch Committee came to the conclusion that Balder-stone was not entitled to have his pension reassessed on the basis of the Desborough scale of pay subsequently introduced.

As it is a question of law, will the right hon. Gentleman take the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown in the case?

I hardly think that is necessary. I will consider it with my own legal advisers.

If the Home Office agreed in this case to the reinstatement of the man why did they refuse in the somewhat similar case of Inspector Davies, of the Cardiff Force?

This took place in 1919, when I was certainly not responsible for the Home Office, and it is impossible that I should answer for what happened in a similar case then.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the Metropolitan and City Police Pensioners' Association is confined to men who join the Association within 18 months of leaving the service; and, seeing that police pensioners who have replaced the men in the museums are engaged through this Association, and that men who omitted to join the Association on leaving the Force are thus shut out from these positions, whether, in these circumstances, he would make recommendations to those whose duty it is to engage the police pensioners to give some consideration to those pensioners who, being under 60 years of age, do not benefit by the Pensions (Increase) Acts?

I understand that the trustees of the British Museum would be happy to give consideration to applications from any such pensioners, when there are vacancies to fill.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that Section 23 of the Police Pensions Act, 1921, enables every police authority to make regulations in respect to the mode in which pensions are to be paid, he will take steps to ensure that police pensioners from provincial forces, who in some eases have to submit to a deduction of 5½d. a fortnight from their pensions to cover the cost of poundage and postage, shall be placed in the same position as pensioners from the Metropolitan police, who are paid their pensions in full?

This is a matter which I think should be left to the police authorities under the section to which the hon. Baronet refers.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether such deductions as these were taken into consideration when the pensions were fixed, and if they were not, will he see that in future pensions are paid in full?

I cannot answer as to the question of fact. If my hon. Friend will look at Section 23 of the Pensions Act, 1921, he will see that the local authority have power to make regulations. I do not think I have power to alter them.

In such a case as this, where an obvious injustice is done, have the Home Office not power to put it right?

Is not the right course for someone to intervene in the local authority, some member of the local authority? They may have their reasons: I do not know.

Is not the Act obligatory on local authorities?

asked the Home Secretary whether any and, if so, what property intended for the benefit of the Church under the Welsh Chuch Act has been transferred to the Church Representative Body?

The Welsh Church Commissioners inform me that they have completed the transfer to the representative body of all the properties covered by Section 8 (1) (a) (iv) and (v) of the Welsh Church Act, 1914, and also of all private benefactions covered by Section 7 (3) and (4) of that Act. A number of Orders have also been made in special cases transferring to the representative body certain churches, ecclesiastical residences, private benefactions and lands scheduled under Section 18 (6) of the Act.

further asked the Home Secretary why the churchyards which under the Welsh Church Act were to be transferred to the local authorities have not been transferred to those authorities which have requested the transfers to be made to them in accordance with the provisions of the Act?

The Commissioners inform me that they are proceeding with all expedition to transfer those churchyards, or portions of churchyards, which the local authorities concerned have intimated their willingness to accept. Instructions are issued immediately on receipt of such an acceptance to the Land Valuation Department to make the necessary surveys and reports, and when these are received they are submitted for observations to the parties interested. In a very considerable number of cases further inquiries have been found to be necessary in connection with such matters as boundaries, rights of access and paths, etc. When substantial agreement is arrived at, the Commissioners are depositing draft orders and plans locally for inspection and issuing public notices, giving all persons interested a period of one calendar month for making any objections to the Orders or the plans. Certain of these notices have already been sent out for publication, and others are ready to be issued on receipt of replies from clerks of the authorities concerned. In the absence of any further difficulties, a number of transfers should take effect at an early date. It will be appreciated, however, that in view of possible complications, the Commissioners have to move with the greatest care in the matter.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to a recent case in which a man received a sentence of two months imprisonment for putting a dog into a furnace fire; and if, in view of the inadequacy of the penalties enforceable for crimes of this description under the present Act, he will consider the advisability of introducing amending legislation increasing the penalties that may be given for this class of crime?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for Central Hackney on the 12th February last.

asked the Home Secretary whether Mr. Sean T. D. McCurtain, Member of Parliament for Temporary, is at present confined in Leeds prison and is in a precarious state of health; and if he will state what is the nature of the charge against Mr. McCurtain for which he has been sentenced to imprisonment?

I have been asked to reply, as the question appears to relate to an Irish prisoner named John McCurtain, who was sentenced at Enniskillen Assizes on the 13th March, 1922, to 10 years' penal servitude for feloniously having firearms and ammunition in his possession. John McCurtain is at present in Aberdeen prison. He has recently been medically examined and found to be in excellent health.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any Irish prisoner of this name in Leeds prison?

I thought that had been answered. I transferred it to the Scottish Office. T am sorry that T have not the information.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I asked a question about, this man, and gave the wrong Christian name? I got the proper name and put the question down again. I should very much like to know whether he is the same man of whom we have often heard.

Is this the right name which is given on the paper I hold in my hand?

Yes.

I will have it looked into.

asked the Home Secretary whether the following persons are confined in Maidstone Prison: Doherty, P. Parelly, John Kearney, Jos. McGuire, P. McOoragher, Sean McCarrol, J. McMullen, Dick McVeigh, James Smith, Thomas Trainer, Hugh O'Eourke, and O'Toole; and, if so, whether he will state the nature of the offences for which they have been sent to prison, the terms of their imprisonment, how much longer they have each to serve, and what is the state of their health?

As the answer is rather long, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. If it will relieve the hon. Member's feelings, I may say that all these gentlemen are in good health.

In view of the abnormal conditions under which

asked the Home Secretary what were the terms of the agreement with the Government of Northern Ireland by which political prisoners in Northern Ireland are imprisoned in English gaols?

That does not arise out of the reply given.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to consider making representations to the Government of Northern Ireland to release these prisoners?

This is the same again.

Has the right hon. Gentleman satisfied himself that it is legal for him to retain these men in custody?

I think so.

Owing to the lack of accommodation in Northern Ireland for persons sentenced to penal servitude, arrangements were made with that Government in J923 for the reception of some of these prisoners in prisons in England and Wales. The arrangement is of general application. All expenses are defrayed by the Government of Northern Ireland, who are responsible for any questions in regard to length of sentence. The prisoners are subject to English convict rules, and I am responsible for their custody and treatment.

By what legal authority was such an arrangement entered into between this Government and the Government of another country?

I do not think that there is anything legally wrong.

If that be so, will the right hon. Gentleman say what is the legal authority? Were the Law Officers consulted with regard to it?

I think that it is allowable under the ordinary Penal Servitude Act. It has always been allowable to transfer prisoners from one part of the United Kingdom to another, and Northern Ireland is still part of the United Kingdom.

If Northern Ireland is still part of the United Kingdom, is it not in order to have the question of the release of these prisoners discussed in this House?

That is a matter for me.

As Northern Ireland has been granted a separate Parliament, and it is no longer part of the United Kingdom in that sense, has the right, hon. Gentleman satisfied himself that there is authority? [HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"]

On a point of Order—

The question on the Paper is what were the terms of the agreement? That has been answered. If the hon. Member will hand in a further question, it can be considered.

On a point of Order—

What is the point of Order?

It has been stated by the right hon. Gentleman that Northern Ireland is still a part of the United Kingdom. I have handed in questions on this matter and each time they have been refused on the ground that Northern Ireland is not now a part of the United Kingdom and that we have no authority to deal here with the sentences on these prisoners. Seeing that it is now stated that Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom will questions in reference to these prisoners be accepted now?

I answered that question two days ago. The Government of Northern Ireland have been endowed with separate and responsible powers in reference to these matters in that part of the United Kingdom, and questions about its duties are not in order here.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that interpreters in the Welsh language are no longer provided in the Welsh County Courts, except at the litigants' expense; and, in view of the hardship caused to litigants who are not conversant with the English language, will he consider providing interpreters at the public expense at County Courts in Wales, in conformity with the practice already obtaining at Assizes?

I am obliged to my hon. Friend for bringing this matter to my notice. It has long been, and still is, the rule that interpreters in the Welsh language should, where necessary, be provided for the use of litigants at the public expense in Welsh Courts, and there is no authority for making any charge to any litigant for these services. If my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any breach of this rule, I will communicate with the Lord Chancellor, who will deal with the matter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Wales a Welsh-speaking person is not allowed to take the oath in his or her national language, and an interpreter is necessary as though it were a foreign language? Will the right hon. Gentleman give this matter his earnest consideration?

I will make inquiries.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the tender forms issued by the Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum specify that the cheese is to be American or Canadian and the bacon to be Danish, and that the tendering firms must be on the King's Roll; and whether in future he will arrange, so far as may be possible, that the produce specified should be British, so that the producers, as well as the merchants, should be on the King's Roll?

I am inquiring into this matter, and will be glad if the hon. Member will repeat the question at a later date.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the inconvenience to the public, particularly in cases of sickness, caused by the inability to purchase a bottle of wine or spirts before 10.30 a.m., and between 2.30 p.m. and 6 p.m.; and whether he will consider the desirability of relaxing the Regulations to meet public convenience in this respect?

I have no power to alter the provisions of the Licensing Act, 1921, so as to allow the sale of intoxicating liquor during non-permitted hours; and I am not aware of any such inconvenience as would justify an amendment of the law.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that the Otley Unionist Club third great Derby sweepstake of 4th June, 1924, was declared illegal by judgment of the Court, and instructions given that the money should be repaid to all subscribers; that this has not been done in every case; whether he will make inquiries as to the amount not returned but retained in the funds of the Unionist Club; and whether he will take the necessary steps to see that the judgment is carried out and subscribers repaid the money which is being retained without their consent?

The administration of the fund is in the hands of the administrator appointed in pursuance of the directions of the Court, and I have no authority in the matter. It is, however, understood that the distribution of the assets is now proceeding, but that in view of the large number of subscribers it will take some time before the distribution is completed.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether all the money subscribed has been returned, and whether a part is being retained by this Unionist Club as a political levy?

I am much obliged to the hon. Member for his interest in the Conserative party. I can only repeat that I am not responsible—

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us the information?

Has the right hon. Gentleman any power to return all this money to the rightful owners, because there is a person in my constituency who, not having his right in the sweepstake, proposes to give 10s. to the Socialist funds?

Now I car. understand the anxiety of the hon. Members opposite.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give any estimate of the number of gipsies moving about England and Wales at the present time?

I have no figures and should be sorry to have to make any guess in the matter.

asked the Home Secretary whether he proposes this Session to introduce any legislation for the registration of gipsies?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Home Secretary if he will state how many aliens since 1920, and of what nationalities, have remained in this country, having failed to pass the immigration regulations of the United States Government and been brought back to a British port by the shipping company which accepted them as intending emigrants, and the Governments of their countries of origin having refused to give these people permission to return to their own countries; what steps the Home Office propose to take: and what is the cost of maintaining these people in this country?

The aliens to whom the hon. and gallant Member refers are no doubt those—commonly known as transmigrants—whom the shipping countries carry through this country to the United States of America. No cost to this country is involved, as the companies are under bond to maintain and control these aliens to my satisfaction on their transit either way through the country. I find that of 1,417 transmigrants rejected in the United States of America in the four years 1021–1924 all have left this country again, except three, who have been allowed to remain here, and 23 left over from 1924, who have still to be disposed of. I am not aware that any aliens rejected in the United States of America have been refused admission to their own countries.

Am I to understand that the shipping companies will not be allowed in future to dump these transmigrants within these shores?

They are not allowed to do it now. The figures I have given show that all of them left this country except three, who were permitted to remain here, perhaps by the hon. Member, and 23 left over from last year.

asked the Home Secretary if, in view of the fact that the Committee presided over by Mr. Justice Lawrence has now presented its Report dealing with the position of poor litigants in the High Court, he is now conferring with the Lord Chancellor and the Attorney-General regarding any changes which may be desirable in connection with the provision of adequate legal assistance for poor persons in the lower Courts?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Home Secretary the number of trade unionists who have contracted out of payment to the political fund of their union?

This question was answered by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary on Monday last. I am assured by the Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies that "contracted out" is only a phrase commonly but loosely used to describe men who have been exempted from contributing to the political fund of their union.

Last Monday the Under-Secretary asked me to put the question down for to-day. The bulk of the people in the list published last week were people who were either too old or too young and were exempt by the trade union rules in regard to the levy—[HON MEMBERS: "Speech!"] Can the right hon. Gentleman therefore state the number of trade unionists who have actually claimed exemption?

Did not the right hon. Gentleman in answer to my question on Monday give me the numbers of those who had taken advantage of the exemption rules under the Act of 1913?

I was in bed on Monday. I was not in a position to see any questions, so that the hon. and gallant Member will take the answer of the Under-Secretary.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that every trade union has to register and keep a book of all the members exempted, and send the particulars to the Registrar every 12 months?

That is the case.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the question of instituting a practical test for taxi-cabs in the Metropolitan Police district; if so, will he say how often this test would be carried out; and whether he is aware of the number of decrepit and obsolete taxi-cabs at present plying for hire on the streets of London, and the consequent danger to the public?

The practical test was instituted, after due notice to those concerned, in September, 1923. It is made annually, or at such other times as thought requisite if the efficiency of the engine is open to doubt. Though a proportion of the cabs licensed have been in use for some years, they have passed the necessary tests, and are not dangerous to the public.

asked the Home Secretary if, in view of the fact that it is proposed by the Government to shortly introduce a Bill abolishing the present speed limit, he will instruct the police authorities in the London area not to employ constables and spend public money in setting traps to summon people who arc not driving in a manner dangerous to the public safety, but are exceeding the speed limit of 20 miles per hour, and thereby committing a technical offence?

The police are bound to enforce, to the best of their ability, the provisions of the law as it stands, but ! trust such action has not inconvenienced my hon. and gallant Friend.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it inconvenienced me yesterday to the extent of 40s.? Can he say how many officers of the Metropolitan Police force are employed on this duty, and how many of the 2,000 recruits will be employed on this duty?

I must ask for notice of that question. I was not aware of the untoward incident which occurred to my hon. and gallant Friend yesterday.

I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment at an early date.

asked the Home Secretary if the Government will give sympathetic consideration to a proposal that disabled ex-service men should be allowed to set up kiosks for the sale of newspapers and other small articles at points in public thoroughfares, as in Paris and other cities, where they would not be a hindrance to traffic, thus providing them with a decent means of livelihood and doing away with the sight of crippled men exposed to the inclemency of the weather whilst peddling?

I am advised that it would require legislation to allow the erection of kiosks in any part of the public highways, and I fear that the proposal would involve many difficulties, including objections from shopkeepers and objections as to obstruction of traffic.

Is my right hon. Friend prepared to receive representations on this subject from the British Legion?

Certainly.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the present system of double inquiries of the Coroner's Court and the Police Court in murder trials, which often are held simultaneously, is very unsatisfactory to all concerned; and what steps does he propose to take with regard to the, same?

I hope to introduce a Bill very shortly to amend the law relating to Coroners' inquests which will deal with this matter.

asked the Home Secretary how many International Labour Conventions agreed to by the British representative at Geneva are awaiting ratification; and how many have been submitted under the terms of the Treaty to the competent authority?

I have been asked to reply. Of the draft conventions which have been adopted by the International Labour Conference, nine have not yet been ratified by this country. Of these, the British Government Delegates at Washington, Genoa and Geneva, respectively, voted in favour of six, the vote being qualified in one case by a reservation I am advised that the obligation under the Treaty, to which the hon. and gallant Member refers, is fulfilled, if a draft convention is considered by the Crown, acting on the advice of the Executive Government, for the purpose of deciding whether or not it will ratify. This action has been taken in respect of all the draft conventions. Where a convention, which it has been decided to ratify, involves an alteration in British law not already provided for by Statute, Parliament has been, and will be, asked to pass the necessary legislation before ratification takes place. Moreover, I would remind the hon. and gallant Member that it has been the practice to bring these matters specially before this House in the form of Resolutions asking for approval of the action of the Government.

Are we fulfilling the terms of the Treaty, which says that the convention should be laid before the competent authority for enactment or otherwise, merely by having it considered by the Cabinet, or is not this House the authority to which it should be submitted?

That point was put to successive Law Officers, including the present Lord Chief Justice, and I understand that in all cases the Law Officers decided that the Government were the competent authority.

Is it the intention of the Government to ratify the Eight-hour? Agreement?

That is a question which should be addressed to the Prime Minister.

asked the Home Secretary how many associations of employers are registered by the Registrar of Friendly Societies; how many of these make expenditure for political purposes: and under what regulations?

The Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies informs me that at the 31st December, 1923, 93 associations of employers were on the register of trade unions. Only one of these makes payments in furtherance of political objects, and in this case the furtherance of political objects was duly approved by a ballot taken under the Trade Union Act, 1913.

May we take it that the other employers' associations which make payments for political purposes do so without ballots?

I am afraid that the hon. and gallant Gentleman must take the answer which I gave. There is only one association which makes payments in furtherance of political objects.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of whether the Durham miners have taken a ballot?

I must ask for notice of questions on details of that kind.

asked the Home Secretary if he has communicated to the Dominion Governments the substance of the Debate and the Resolution unanimously passed in this House on 18th February regarding the nationality of married women?

I understand that in accordance with the usual practice copies of the Parliamentary Debates relating to this matter are being sent by the Secretary of State for the Colonics to the Governments of the self-governing Dominions.

Will the Government press the matter on the attention of these Governments?

asked the Home Secretary whether the appointment of Major James, late of the British South Africa Company's police, to the chief constable-ship of Chesterfield, has been in accordance with the statutory Regulation 7, made under the Police Act, 1919, as regards age and previous approved service for purposes of pension?

Yes. Sir. Major Jame6 has had 21 years' service in the Rhodesian police. This does not count as approved service for purposes of pension in the Chesterfield force, but the appointment is within the Regulation.

Is not the appointment of Major James to the rank of chief constable contrary to the spirit of the Regulations, which have been made with the object of keeping these positions open to officers of the British constabulary?

I can only say that it is within the terms of the Regulations which were made by the local authority, and I have merely to approve of it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the tightening up of these Regulations so that disadvantages of this kind to British constabulary may not arise, and debar British officers from reaching the highest posts in the service?

I will consider that.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in the case of William Crossley, aged 19, and Edward Patrick Heggarty, aged 17, who were sentenced to death at Stafford assizes on the 27th of February, any sympathetic inquiry has been made into the life history of these boys; if not, whether such inquiry can be made; and whether he will obtain the fullest possible report as to the influences, or lack of influences, which have led up to the committal of the crime for which they have been convicted?

I can say nothing about these cases as the prisoners have appealed to the Court of Criminal Appeal, but I can assure the hon. Member that the fullest inquiry is made into all the circumstances in every case in which a capital sentence is involved.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the influences to which these boys have been subjected throughout the whole of their lives'!

I can assure my hon. Friend that every possible circumstance in these cases is very carefully considered.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to an electric flashlight advertisement representing a cannon firing an explosive shell which has been erected in proximity to the Cenotaph; and whether he will invite this House to give him power to regulate advertisements of this character?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. There is a Bill at present before the other House which seeks to empower local authorities to restrict or prevent the exhibition of advertisements so as to disfigure or injuriously affect the amenities of any historic or public monument.

Will the Government give facilities for the Bill dealing with this subject?

I think that we had better wait and see what reception is given to the Bill when it comes down here.

In view of the fact that the Cenotaph is a national monument, does the right hon. Gentleman not think that the environment of a national monument should be under the control of the Government?

This is not the time for the raising of that question.

Docs the right hon. Gentleman not think that legislation such as he has indicated is a restriction of private enterprise?

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the recent remarks of the Lord Chief Justice on the cruelty of prison-gate arrests, he will take steps to ensure that this practice is not continued or revived?

I have made inquiry and find that the incident to which the Lord Chief Justice was referring occurred in the year 1920 and that the circumstances were of a quite exceptional character. I am satisfied that the police do their utmost to avoid the necessity of re-arresting a man upon his discharge from prison.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has received a request from the Standing Joint Committee of Industrial Women's Organisations that a woman representative of working women's organisations should be added to the Departmental Committee inquiring into the treatment of young offenders; and whether, in view of the interest taken in this question by these women's organisations, he will give favourable consideration to the request?

Yes, Sir; I received such a request a few days ago, and I replied that the composition of the Young Offenders' Committee, which includes three women, was very carefully considered at the time and that I do not feel able to add to its membership.

Will the right hon. Gentleman not agree that, in view of the representative character of the Standing Joint Committee which seeks representation in this case, the Departmental Committee would be very materially strengthened by the Standing Joint Committee getting what it requires?

The Departmental Committee is not a representative Committee. It is a Committee selected by myself after very careful consideration as one that would be likely to inquire carefully and fully into this difficult question, and I think it is a very well constituted body.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the warning notice issued to registered medical practitioners by the General Medical Council, purporting to give a summary of the resolutions and decisions of the council upon forms of professional misconduct; whether he is aware that in consequence of the issue and circulation of that notice registered medical practitioners are deterred from assisting, by administration of anesthetics or otherwise, qualified but not registered practitioners of osteopathy, bone setting, and other new forms of treatment of human ailments; whether he is aware of the feeling of dissatisfaction amongst the general public and also amongst many medical practitioners with the exercise by the General Medical Council of its functions and powers conferred by Statute of 1858; and whether he is prepared to set up a Commission or Departmental Committee of inquiry into the operation and administration of the various medical Acts, and the exercise by the. General Medical Council of its functions and powers under such Acts, with a view to the introduction of such legislation as may be necessary to ensure the recognition and legal regulation in this country of osteopathy, bone setting and other new methods of treatment, and to safeguard both qualified practitioners and the general public?

I must apologies for the absence of my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister. I understand that the warning notice to which the hon. Member refers was adopted virtually in its present form by the General Medical Council in 1897 and subsequent alterations have been merely verbal. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the third and fourth parts, while the application of the principles laid down in the notice to particular cases may have given rise to criticism, there is no evidence of any general dissatisfaction among the public or the medical profession, and I see no necessity for the appointment of any commission or committee such as the hon. Member suggests.

Would the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to ask the Prime Minister whether he would receive a deputation of some Members of this House?

I suggest to the hon. Gentleman that the most convenient and practical course would be for him to make representations to my right hon. relative the Minister of Health.

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to introduce any legislation this year dealing with the question of a referendum?

No, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister if he proposes to submit any legislative proposals to the House' in connection with the retail sale of coal, with a view to ensuring that householders obtain coal at fair prices?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for South Hackney on 17th February.

asked the Prime Minister whether the British Government has refused to give information to the League of Nations regarding alleged slavery conditions in certain countries as to which they have reports or information?

The answer is in the negative.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that reports have been received?

I do not profess to know all the reports which have been received at the Foreign Office, or the number of them, on any particular subject. That was not the question. The hon. and gallant Gentleman asked me whether the British Government had refused to give information to the League of Nations. It has not made any such refusal.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will state the respective responsibility of the Chancellor of the Exchequer or the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs for taking any further steps in connection with the debts of Italy and France and other nations to this country?

It would be impossible, especially within the limits of an answer to a question, to define the exact degree of responsibility which attaches to the Ministers most directly concerned in a matter of Government policy which must ultimately be one for consideration by the Cabinet as a whole.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state to date what immediate action he is taking on lines of debt settlement with France in view of the engineering competition by French or engineering companies in France with English engineering firms in Durham and Northumberland?

I hope to receive before long a definite response from the French Government to the recent British proposal.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of teacher-pensioners under the Acts of 1898 and 1912 who on 31st December, 1924, were receiving an increase of pension under the Pensions (Increase) Acts, 1920 and 1924; what was the average amount of the increases; and what was the average amount of these teachers' pensions under the Acts of 1898 and 1912, exclusive of deferred annuity, before any increase was granted them?

The number of teachers in receipt of superannuation or disablement allowances under the Elementary School Teachers (Superannuation) Acts, 1898 and 1912, who were receiving an increase of their allowances under the Pensions (Increase) Acts, 1920 and 1924, on the 31st December, 1924, was 3,636, and the average amount of the increases was £22. The average amount of these teachers' allowances under the Acts of 1898 and 1912, exclusive of deferred annuity, before any increase was granted is £36 15s.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware that the service of teachers in juvenile unemployment centres is not recognised for superannuation; and if he is prepared to introduce legislation to remedy this?

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

asked the President of the Board of Education what proportion of the scholars leaving elementary schools proceed to secondary schools; and what is the average age of entrants to secondary schools?

With regard to the first part of the question, I may refer the hon. Member to the reply (of which I am sending him a copy) given by me on 3rd March to the hon. Member for Elland (Mr. W. C. Robinson). As regards the second part of the question, the information in my possession indicates that pupils most commonly enter secondary schools between 11 and 12 years of age. and that about two-thirds of them enter before the latter age.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the right hon. Member for the English Universities (Mr. H. Fisher) set up a Departmental Committee on this matter, and that their conclusion was that 66 per cent, of our children are fitted to go to secondary schools? What steps will the right hon. Gentleman take to bring about that result?

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that many of the children in elementary schools would go to the secondary schools if it were not for the prohibitive fees imposed upon them by the local authorities?

That is a matter for debate.

also asked the President of the Board of Education what proportion of the pupils leaving secondary schools proceed to the universities: and what proportion of those proceeding to the universities hold scholarships or bursaries provided by local authorities?

With regard to the first part of the question, I may refer the hon. Member to the reply, of which I am sending him a copy, given by me on 3rd March to the hon. Member for Elland (Mr. W. C. Robinson). I regret that I have not the information asked for in the second part of the question.

asked the President' of the Board of Education the approximate increase in the cost of elementary education in England and Wales which would be caused by a reduction of one pupil in the average size of classes?

I am not in a position to estimate, even approximately, the increased cost which would be involved in the operation to which the hon. Member refers. Though it is no doubt true, generally speaking, that a reduction of the size of-classes results in an increase in their number and, consequently, in the number of teachers and in the accommodation and equipment required, in practice a redistribution or reclassification of the children would in many cases enable large classes to be reduced in size without a net increase in the number of classes. The extent to which this factor would operate could be determined only by a detailed examination of the particular circumstances of each school or group of schools, which I do not think it would be reasonable to ask local education authorities to undertake.

asked the President of the Board of Education the ratio of men teachers to women teachers in the public elementary schools in the years ending 31st March, 1880; 31st March, 1890; 31st March, 1921; and 31st March, 1924?

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

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the increased grant to the Universities carries with it the obligation to provide more scholarships for successful candidates from secondary or elementary schools?

No, Sir. The grants in question are intended only for the maintenance of the Universities themselves as centres of higher education and research.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will ascertain from selected local authorities the prices at which houses erected for sale by private enterprise and subsidised out of public funds are being sold?

My right hon. Friend has certain information already available on the point referred to by the hon. Member, and will send him particulars of a few selected cases spread over the country as much as possible.