asked the Under-Secretary of State for India why the city magistrate of Peshawar violated the British principle of religious neutrality by issuing an Order, under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, prohibiting local members of the Arya Samaj from holding any public meeting in the city from 1st February till 21st February, by which time the birth centenary of their founder, Rishi Dayananda, which the Arya Samajists wished to celebrate, was over?

The Order was passed because the members celebrating that centenary were displaying at their public meetings objectionable lantern slides, which were causing tension of feelings between the Samaj and the Orthodox Hindus.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India, is aware that the use in India of opium is supported by British officials as a well-established and, on the whole, not an injurious habit; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure that the use of this drug shall be discontinued?

The view of the Government of India, based upon the findings of the. Royal Commission which investigated the consumption of opium in India in 1895, is that centuries of inherited experience have taught the people of India discretion in its use, which, for the most part, is without injurious consequences. The distribution of opium is strictly controlled in accordance with the provisions of The Hague Convention, 1912. My Noble Friend does not propose to interfere with the discretion of the Government of India and Provincial Governments in the exercise of this control.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can state, for the year ended 31st March, 1924, how much (in chests) opium was produced in British India; how much maliva was produced in Rajputana; what quantity of these drugs was shipped to other Governments by agreement; what quantity was auctioned in Calcutta, and to what countries this was shipped; how much morphia was made at the Gazipur Government Factory; and what revenue the Government obtained from morphia in that year?

Figures relating to opium production in India for the first three months of 1924 are not at present available. The total production in British India of raw opium for the calendar year 1923 was 1,887,872 lbs. I am unable to say how many chests this figure represents, as a chest varies in weight according to whether it is intended for internal or external sale. Figures of opium grown in the Indian States of Rajputana are not available. During the calendar year 1923, 4,954 chests (each containing 140 lbs.) were sold under direct sales agreements to the Governments of the Dutch East Indies, Siam, Ceylon, the Straits Settlements, Hong Kong, and British North Borneo. Three thousand chests were auctioned at Calcutta. The countries to which Indian opium sold at auction was exported were Macao, French Indo-China., Japan, Sarawak, and Bushire. During the year ended 31st October, 1923, 130 lbs. morphine hydro-chlorate was manufactured at Ghazipur, and during the same period 92 lbs. of this drug, valued at Rs. 10,905, were sold in India.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he is

GROSS RECEIPTS FROM CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DUTIES ON COTTON MANUFACTURES.
—	1921–22.	1922–23.	1923–24.
Sea Customs.	Rs.	Rs.	Rs.
Cotton twist and yarn, and cotton sewing or darning thread.	5,92,943*	48,86,583	42,74,321
Cotton piecegoods	4,66,60,190	6,38,81,309	6,16,12,136
Cotton thread other than sewing or darning thread, and all other manufactured cotton goods not otherwise specified.	12,76,548	13,92,912	18,62,361
Land Customs.
Cotton goods	2,87,717	1,87,578	Not yet known
Total Customs receipts	4,88,17,398	7,03,48,382	6,77,48,818‡
Excise.
Cotton manufactures	2,19,16,806	1,87,34,207	1,50,00,000†
Grand Total	7,07,34,204	8,90,82,589	8,27 48,818‡
*Subject to duty from 1st March, 1922.
†Revised Estimate, 1923–24.
‡Omitting Land Customs duty for 1923–24.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what proportion of the annual charge on the Indian

I am aware of the differences of opinion in the Dawoodi Bohra community on this matter. According to my latest information, it is still under consideration by the Government of Bombay.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what annual revenue has been derived by the Government of India in the past three years from the Customs and Excise duties, respectively, on cotton goods and cotton yarn?

The figures are as follow:Budget for the British Army in India arises from sea transport of troops and material, and from expenditure other than the pay and maintenance of the troops while on Indian soil?

I regret that the figures for which the hon. and gallant Member asks are not available for the British Army it India as distinct from the Indian Army, since under many important heads, such for instance as the Quartermaster General's Branch, the accounts for the two Services cannot be separated. For the Army in India as a whole, the following are approximate percentages of the total annual charge: Sea transport of troops, 1 per cent.; cost of imported stores, 5 per cent.; freight of stores, 1–6th per cent.; remaining home charges, 6 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, when Knightsbridge barracks were built as quarters for the Household Cavalry, that site was taken from the area of Hyde Park on payment or; riot whether, if Knightsbridge barracks is to be continued for the use of a battalion of Foot Guards, it is intended to carry out the necessary alterations at an early date; whether, if it is not to be continued as barracks, the site will be sold; and, if so, to which Government Department will the sale price be credited?

No payment was made for the site of Knightsbridge Barracks, which remains part of Hyde Park subject only to War Department occupation. The barracks will continue to be required for military purposes, though not necessarily for the accommodation of a battalion of Foot Guards, and such alterations as may be necessary will be carried out in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War, the number of discharges that have become operative at Woolwich Arsenal since 1st November, 1924; and how many affected men over 55 years of age?

The number of discharges from all grades at Woolwich Arsenal which have taken place during the period in question is 378; this total includes 63 persons over 55 years of age. Ten only of the latter were discharged on reduction.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what is the position of men who rejoin the fighting services after a breach of five years with regard to service pay; and, if recruiting officers are authorised to use the inducement of service pay, where this inducement has been wrongly used, will the promise of the recruiting officer be honoured?

I presume the hon. Member is referring to proficiency pay which was substituted for service pay in 1906. The conditions of issue of proficiency pay were amended by Army Order 325 of 1919. A man re-enlisting after the amendment was made is not entitled to draw proficiency pay unless and until he satisfies the new conditions, but his previous service, whatever the length of the break in his service, counts towards the period required under the new conditions. If the hon. Member will bring to my notice any case where a promise of proficiency pay is stated to have been wrongly made, I will have it inquired into.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a number of men who have been employed in France by the Imperial War Graves Commission are likely to be discharged in the near future; and whether any steps have been taken to provide them with suitable employment upon their return to England?

As progress is made towards completion of the work of construction, the staff of the Imperial War Graves Commission is being reduced to that required for permanent maintenance; it will consequently be necessary to dispense with the services of a considerable number of those at present employed. Every possible effort is being made by the Commission to find suitable employment for the men on discharge, and they will welcome any assistance which can be given for this purpose.

further asked whether preference in employment is given by the imperial War Graves Commission in France to men who were previously gardeners in civil life, and particularly to married men, or to men who were labourers and have been promoted, and particularly to single men or men who have married French wives?

In selecting men for first employment on the horticultural staff of the Imperial War Graves Commission, preference is given to men who were gardeners in civil life. As regards retention in employment on reduction of staff as the work decreases, efficiency and conduct are the first consideration, but, subject to this, a preference is given to married men who have settled in the country with their families whatever may be the nationality of the wife. These rules apply equally to gardeners and gardeners' labourers.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that in 1912 an additional 6d. a day was granted, with petty officer rating, to all shipwrights in the Royal Navy who desired to remain in the Navy after completion of 12 years' service; that those who had served their appenticeship in His Majesty's dockyard and desired to go back to the dockyard at the expiration of 12 years' service from the age of 18 were termed old system shipwrights and were not allowed to assume the rating of petty officer or to receive any rise of pay, and, if they had already passed for higher rating, such promotion was immediately stopped; that in 1916 3d. a day was granted to leading ratings and 5d. a day to petty officers, thereby involving a loss of 2d. a day to those men who decided to return to the dockyard; that, when the separation allowance was instituted, old system shipwrights received Is. per week less than petty officers; that in October, 1918, shipwrights received the chief petty officers' rating with all its advantages, but old system shipwrights remained still with only the leading rate; that old system shipwrights who completed 15 years' service and received their medal were not granted their medal gratuity of £20 although this was received by others and did not receive the old medal gratuity of £15; and that shipwrights who joined His Majesty's Navy on conditions identi- cal with those of the old system shipwrights, and whose 12 years' service expired before the outbreak of war, were discharged to His Majesty's dockyard and called up again at the outbreak of war receiving two-thirds of their dockyard pay plus bonus and their naval pay in addition, whereas the old system shipwrights were compelled to remain in the dockyard; and whether he can see his way, in view of all that the old system shipwrights have lost in comparison with the others, to reassess their civil pay and bonus and give them the medal gratuities, so that they may be put, as far as possible, upon the same scale as those who enjoy the more favoured treatment?

When the conditions of service for naval shipwrights were altered in 1913, the men were given every opportunity of deciding for themselves whether to come under the new system or to remain under the old. Having once made their choice, I do not think that they have any reasonable claim fur asking for the question to be reopened. It is not possible to treat those old system shipwrights who were still sewing their first 12 years' engagement when the War broke out as though they had already taken up civil employment in the dockyard. So far as good conduct gratuity is concerned the position is that the new scale associated with the good conduct medal, namely, payment of £20 gratuity concurrently with the award of the decoration, was introduced in May, 1919, and, so far as men already in possession of the medal were concerned, the gratuity was allowed retrospectively only to men (non-pensioners) who were actually serving on the 1st May, 1919. Men discharged or dispersed from the active service prior to the 1st May, 1919, were, therefore, ineligible to receive payment of the gratuity and no exceptions to this rule have been allowed. The old scale of gratuity, namely, £15, was payable only on completion of service for naval pension, and is not, therefore, applicable to naval shipwrights who have not earned a naval pension.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that officers and ratings serving in vessels employed in certain areas may be paid climate pay during certain periods at the following rates: commissioned and commissioned warrant officers 3s. a day, warrant and subordinate officers 1s. a day, and the rest of the ship's company 6d. a day; and whether, seeing that all are alike subject to the same health risks, he can see his way to grant to all the sum of 3s. a day climate pay?

I am aware of the different rates referred to, but I consider that it is only fair that allowances should vary in some proportion to the rank and status of the individual.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will give the regulations which now compel men employed at Cranwell College to pay 2s. 6d. to 6s. per week for accommodation or cubicles when no charge was made on engagement; and whether he will consider the advisability of abolishing the present system which compels these men when requiring medical treatment (emergency excepted) to travel at least six miles to a doctor, instead of obtaining treatment from the Royal Air Force doctors at the college?

As regards the first part of the question, the wages of the men referred to are all-in local rates regulated on the basis of men providing their own accommodation. This involves that if accommodation is given rent is properly chargeable. The charges for this purpose, varying from 2s. 6d. to 6s., according to the type of accommodation provided, include furniture, fuel, light, water, sanitary services, and, where a mess is formed for a number of men, the use of a furnished dining room and kitchen. As regards the second part of the question, the civil employés at Oran-well who are insurable under the National Health Insurance Acts are on the panels of the civilian medical practitioners resident at Sleaford, and one of these doctors is summoned by telephone if a man happens to be sick in his quarter. Such emergency treatment as is necessary in case of accident or sickness is given without charge by the Royal Air Force medical officers, who also sometimes treat minor cases which do not justify the summoning of the panel doctor.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the comments recently made by the Lord Chief Justice as to the undesirability of rearresting a. man who has served his sentence at the prison gates, immediately on his leaving prison, in respect of some other crime of which he had been guilty prior to the sentence which he had just served and of which the police had knowledge at the time of the trial which resulted in his conviction; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on Thursday last to my hon. Friend the Member for the Balham and Tooting division (Sir A. Butt).

asked the Minister of Health of he has received any complaints from parish councils in Wales of undue delay in transferring church cemeteries to the jurisdiction of the parish councils in accordance with the Welsh Disestablishment Act of 1914; and whether he will see that the Commissioners of the Welsh Church Temporalities carry out without further delay the transfer already applied for?

The Commissioners inform me that they have received communications from a, very small number of local authorities pressing for the transfer of burial grounds or portions of burial grounds transferable to them under the Welsh Church Act, 1914. As to the second part of the question, I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member for Denbigh (Mr. Ellis Davies) on the 5th instant.

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

The following table gives the information desired:

asked the Secretary for Scotland the number of houses in Scotland approved for subsidy to 31st January, 1925, under the Housing, Etc., Act, 1923, and the estimated capital value of the subsidies for these houses; and the number of houses approved for subsidy to 31st January, 1925, under the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924, and the estimated capital value of the subsidies for these houses?

The number of houses in Scotland approved for subsidy to 31st January, 1925, under the Housing, Etc., Act, 1923, was 12,473, excluding 1,664 houses transferred to the Act of 1924. The present capital value of the Exchequer subsidies payable on these houses is estimated at approximately £960,420. The number of houses in Scotland approved for subsidy to the same date under the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924, was 3,177, of which 1,664 had been transferred from the Act of 1923. The present capital value of the Exchequer subsidies payable on the above 3,177 houses is estimated at approximately £513,900. Information is not available as to capital values of the additional subsidies granted by the local authorities in respect of these houses. Under the Act of 1923, the Scottish Board of Health had, in addition to the 12,473 houses referred to above, approved proposals for the erection of 6,573 houses under slum clearance schemes. These houses, which are for the purpose of rehousing slum tenants, are entitled to a special Exchequer subsidy amounting to 50 per cent. of the approved annual deficit on the scheme. It is not possible to calculate the present capital value of the Exchequer subsidy in respect of these houses as the total costs have not yet been ascertained.

asked the Secretary for Scotland the total number of houses, State-aided, erected in Scotland under the Housing Act, 1919; the number of houses erected or sanctioned for erection under the 1923 Act by public authorities and private enterprise, respectively; the number of houses erected or sanctioned for erection under the 1924 Act; and the average price for a three-apartment house, January, 1925, and for a four-apartment house, January, 1925, respectively?

The number of houses erected as at 31st January, 1925, under the Housing, Towning Planning, Etc. (Scotland) Act, 1919, was 23,601.

The numbers of houses erected or sanctioned for erection as at 28th February, 1925, under the Housing, Etc., Act, 1923, were as follows:

(1) Additional houses to be built:
(a) By local authorities	6,192
(b) By private enterprise	6,232
Total (excluding 1,698 houses transferred to the Act of 1924	12,424
(2) Number of houses to be built in replacement of houses demolished under slum clearance schemes	6,625

The number of houses erected or sanctioned for erection by local authorities at the same date under the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924, was 5,869, of which 1,698 had been transferred from

the Act of 1923. According to the latest returns available no houses have been erected or sanctioned for erection by private enterprise under the Act of 1924.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many boys and how many girls of 15 years of age and over are in attendance in public elementary schools in England; and how many boys and how many girls under 11 years of age are in attendance in aided secondary schools of the country?

I have no figures of average attendance in public elementary schools by year of age. The number of pupils aged 15 and over on the registers of public elementary schools in England on 31st March, 1924, was:

Boys	5,030
Girls	5,353

The number of pupils in grant-aided secondary schools in England on 1st October, 1924, aged under 11 years, was:

Boys	19,030
Girls	21,122

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of defective children of school age under the heads of blind, deaf and dumb, feebleminded, tuberculosis (pulmonary), cripples (tubercular), cripples (other than tubercular), and other physical defectives, together with the special school accommodation available for each class of case?

I can only give the figures based upon the classification adopted for the purpose of the returns made to the Board. On this basis the figures are as follow:

—	(1) Number her of children.	(2) Accommodation in Special Schools, 31st March, 1923.
1. Blind children	5,401†	3,787
2. Deaf children	5,491†	4,582
3. Mentally Defective children.	29,278	16,392
4. Physically Defective children‡:
(i) Non-tubercular crippled children.	34.591	Hospital Schools.	2,759§
		Cripple Schools.	6,386
(ii) Delicate children.	49,358	Open Air Schools.	4,690‖
NOTES.—
*The figures in column (1) are an estimate based on the returns from Local Education Authorities for 1023, which are the. latest complete figures available.
†These figures include large numbers of children who are only partially blind or deaf.
‡There are also 14,747 children suffering from active or infectious pulmonary or glandular tuberculosis and 7,142 suffering from active non-pulmonary tuberculosis, about 2,000 of whom are in sanatoria which are also recognised as Special Schools. Generally speaking, however, these children fall to be dealt with by the Public Health Committee acting in relation to the Ministry of Health.
§The whole of the accommodation at Hospital Schools is not available for non-tubercular crippled children, as part of it is reserved for other types of case.
‖Supplemented by Open-Air Classes held in connection with ordinary Public Elementary Schools.

It will be readily understood that it is extremely difficult to give really accurate figures of the number of defective children. The whole matter is considered in detail in Section VI of the Report of the Board's Chief Medical Officer for 1923, to which I would refer the hon. Member.

asked the President of the Board of Education the average amount of the pensions which, on the 31st December, 1924, were being paid to teacher-pensioners under the Acts of 1898 and 1912; what is the total amount of the increases under the Pensions (Increase) Acts, 1920 and 1924, which, on the 31st December, 1924, were being paid to teacher-pensioners under the Acts of 1898 and 1912; and what additional amount would be required, if the means limitation in Section 2 of the 1920 Act were repealed, in order to give the increases grantable under the Acts of 1920 and 1924 to all the teacher-pensioners under the Acts of 1898 and 1912?

The average amount of the superannuation and disablement allowances which were being paid on the 31st December, 1924, to teacher-pensioners under the Elementary School Teachers (Superannuation) Acts, 1898 and 1912, exclusive of deferred annuity and increase, was £36 15s. 0d. The total amount of the increases under the Pensions (Increase) Acts, 1920 and 1924, which were being paid on the 31st December, 1924, to teacher-pensioners under the Acts of 1898 and 1912 was £80,216. The estimated additional annual amount which would be required if the means limit imposed by Section 2 (3) of the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920, were repealed in order to give the increases grantable under the Pensions (Increase) Acts of 1920 and 1924 to all teacher-pensioners under the Acts of 1898 and 1912 would, taking the position as it stood on the 31st December, 1924, be £29,000.

asked the President of the Board of Education the amounts paid, or estimated to be payable, in respect of each of the last three financial years, including the current financial year, by way of increased grants in highly rated areas for educational services under the Elementary Education (Substantive Grant) Regulations; to which authorities were such grants paid or payable; and what are the approximate amounts of such grants estimated to be payable in respect of the financial year commencing 1st April, 1925, and the local authorities likely to benefit thereby?

The amounts payable, as far as can yet be ascertained, are:1922–23–11 local education authorities, £120,000.1923–24–16 local education authorities, £156,000.But these figures are subject to revision when the audited accounts are completely received. For the current year 1924–25, if the expenditure of all the local education authorities concerned should accord with their estimates, the amount is roughly estimated at £182,000, and would be payable to 21 local education authorities, but these figures will be subject to revision when the actual returns for the year are received. Particulars of the areas and amounts are appended. The Estimates for 1925–26 are not yet laid, nor have the Regulations for that year yet been issued.

Additional Grants under Article 6 of Grant Regulations No. 1 Estimated to be Payable for the Years 1922–23, 1923–24, and 1924–25.
Local Education Authority.	1922–23	1923–24	1924–25
1.	2.	3.	4.
England.	£	£	£
Isles of Scilly	—	4	15
Durham County	—	—	13,107
East Ham	,8,524	15,926	17,833
St. Helens	—	976	3,058
West Ham	36,210	53,285	54,012
Crewe	—	—	545
Swindon	—	—	769
Edmonton	3,097	4,755	5,546
Erith	—	—	383
Leyton	—	3,643	2,737
Rowley Regis	—	—	1,363
Tottenham	26,203	26,355	27,318
Walthamstow	11,471	16,539	18,842
Wales.
Merthyr Tydfil	9,371	10,455	10,903
Llanelly	—	1,358	1,678
Aberdare	4,933	4,434	4,961
Abertillery	2,505	3,550	2,532
Barry	—	737	187
Mountain Ash	4,155	3,246	4,658
Pontypridd	2,485	2,607	2,400
Rhondda	10,997	8,087	9,459
Total	119,951	155,957	182,306
Number of Local Education Authorities.	11	16	21

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the amount raised from native taxation in Northern Rhodesia; and what is the amount spent by the British South Africa Company, per head of the population, upon native education?

It is estimated that a sum of £100,000 will be raised from native taxation in Northern Rhodesia in the financial year 1925–26. As regards the latter part of the question, I must explain that the British South Africa Company relinquished the administration of Northern Rhodesia as from the 1st of April, 1924. The Government of Northern Rhodesia proposes to initiate a scheme for promoting native education which will entail an expenditure of £7,350 per annum in a full year. £4,914 is being provided for this purpose in the year 1925–26, and, in addition, the Government maintains the Barotse National School at an annual average cost of £3,000, making a total expenditure on native education of £7,914.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, since the Private Enterprise Committee did not entirely conclude its investigations prior to the Election of 1923, he will consider the appointment of an impartial Committee to continue the inquiries which were then set on foot; and whether he is aware that in the case of the former Committee, of which the majority of members were nominated by the Colonial Office, there was a difference of opinion between the official and the unofficial representations?

I am not aware that the Committee's investigations were incomplete, nor that there was any lack of impartiality among its members. The fact there was only one dissentient to the Report indicates that there was no serious difference of opinion. I do not at present see any reason to appoint a fresh Committee.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the recently completed great Cambridge road is entirely without lights; and, in view of the importance of this thoroughfare and in the interests of public safety, whether he will refer this matter to the Advisory Committee under the London Traffic Act?

I would remind the hon. Member that street lighting comes within the purview of the responsible local authorities, who will, I feel sure, take any steps that are necessary in the interests of public safety. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Minister of Transport what has been the gross loss of operating both municipal and other tramway services in England and Wales during 1924; and what proportion of such undertakings have shown any profit on the capital invested?

My hon. and gallant Friend will find the information which he requires in the Return of Tramways and Light Railways (Street and Road), which is issued annually by my Department, The latest Return includes the results of operation for the years 1923–24.

asked the Minister of Transport the number of traffic controllers employed by the London County Council on their tramway services who have met with accidents whilst engaged in their employment during the last 12 months; and whether the accidents have been caused by motor or other vehicles?

I am informed by the London County Council that during the 12 months ended 21st February last two tramway traffic regulators and two ticket inspectors in the employment of the Council were injured—in one case fatally. All these accidents were, I understand, caused by motor vehicles.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will consider introducing legislation compelling the various railway companies to allow all children under the age of 14 years to travel at half fare, as against the present. regulation age of 12 years, seeing than wages are not paid children until the latter age is reached?

The Railway Rates Tribunal, established under the provisions of the Railways Act, 1921, as the authority for dealing with railway companies' charges, have recently approved the railway companies' proposal, of which public notice was given, that half-fares should be restricted to children of three years of age and under 12 years of age. I am not prepared to introduce legislation to override the decision of the tribunal.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the number of men and the number of women in the training grade of the executive class; and when it is anticipated that women will be given the same opportunities as men of entering this class?

The number of men and women in the training grade of the executive class was 3,534 and 26, respectively, on 1st January, 1924. I have no later figures. In view of the existing redundancy in this grade, admission is at present confined to transfers or promotions in the case of men and to transfers and promotions and appointments from the competition held in November and December, 1922, in the case of women. Women, therefore, already have opportunities of entering this class which are not less favourable than those enjoyed by men in comparison.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he would state, with regard to the Public Record Office, how many assistant keepers (second class) had been promoted to the rank of assistant keeper (first class) since 1st May, 1924; and how many assistant keepers (first class) had been promoted, transferred to other appointments, or struck off the establishment during the same period?

One assistant keeper (second class) has been promoted to first class and one assistant keeper (first class) has been struck off the establishment.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the ex-soldier clerks who passed the examination for permanent posts, clerical and Departmental, in July, 1924, can be immediately absorbed in their present posts without sitting for the Southborough examination?

The hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension. The examination of July, 1924, was held only for vacancies in the ex-soldier clerk class of the War Office, which is entirely a Departmental class. A candidate who passed the qualifying standard is not eligible for posts in the clerical class of the Civil Service without sitting for the Southborough examination, but vacancies in the ex-soldier clerk class of the War Office will be filled up to 1st April, 1926, by men taken in order of merit from the list of candidates who qualified at the July examination. At present this class is up to the approved strength, and I regret, therefore, that the immediate absorption of further members is not possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can take steps to remove the disqualification of an old age pensioner imposed after treatment in an institution infirmary for three months, where such patient continues an inmate of the institution; and whether, if he can remove the disqualification, he will, in such circumstances, have it paid to the guardians so long as the pensioner is chargeable?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given on 12th February to similar questions by the hon. and gallant Member for Leicester South (Captain Waterhouse) and the hon Member for the Bedwelty Division (Mr. C. Edwards).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Report of Lord Colwyn's Committee on the National Debt and the Incidence of Taxation may be expected at an early date with a view to its consideration in connection with the forthcoming Budget?

As the Chancellor of the Exchequer stated in his reply to the the Exchequer stated in his reply to the 5th March, he scarcely anticipates that the Committee will be able to complete their labours before the end of this year.

asked the Minister of Pensions (1) whether he will investigate the circumstances attending the letter sent to Mr. J. T. Goff, 145, Henniker Road, Stratford, from the Pensions Issue Office, Acton, objecting to the signature of the hon. Member for the Stratford Division (Mr. Groves) in respect to a pensioner's life certificate, whether he is aware of the Treasury reply, 29th May, 1924, that they are prepared to include any substantial persons ordinarily approached; whether he has decided chat Members of Parliament do not come within such category; and, if not, whether he will instruct his Department to accept such signatures;(2) asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the list of persons qualified to attest pensioners' declarations includes Post Office clerks, policemen, schoolmasters, friendly society secretaries, but excludes borough and county councillors and Members of Parliament; that the hon. Member for the Stratford Division (Mr. Groves) is frequently asked by his constituents who are pensioners to attest their forms; that such forms are returned to the pensioners emphasising that Members of Parliament are not qualified to so sign; and whether as the Treasury stated on 29th May, 1924, that they were prepared to include in the list any substantial persons who are ordinarily approached, he will issue the necessary instructions that the signatures of Members of Parliament must not be so ignored?

The persons by whom declarations may be attested are those named in a warrant issued from time to time under the authority of the Appropriation Act. If there were any general desire on the part of Members, I should he glad to issue a revised warrant in which provision was made for the inclusion of Members of Parliament among the persons before whom declarations may be subscribed; but in view of the very heavy and troublesome work involved it has been assumed that Members would not wish this to be done.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether it is the intention to open the British Empire Exhibition on Sundays this year?

Legislation would be required to permit of the opening of the exhibition on Sundays, and I am informed that the Board of Management, after full and careful consideration of all the circumstances, do not think it desirable to ask that the necessary legislation should be undertaken.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he is aware that the Chilean newspapers regularly publish market prices of American produce, whereas no British prices are published; and will he inquire into this matter in the interests of British trade?

My Department, in consultation with the Foreign Office, has already been investigating the circumstances to which my hon. Friend calls attention, and I am in communication with representative commercial bodies who are interested in the matter.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will reconsider Clause 3, Sub-section (1), of the Wireless Telegraphy and Signalling Bill, with a view to seeing that the rights of the scientists to make experiments in wireless will not be destroyed or seriously hampered

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for the Hillsborough Division of Sheffield (Mr. A. V. Alexander) on the 3rd March.