asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Mr. T. W. Moor, of Colva, Withington, Hereford, was awarded a final weekly allowance of 7s. 6d. a week for 104 weeks, plus a terminal gratuity of £20; that, on appeal on the 31st August, 1923, the Ministry's award was confirmed; that, at the latter end of September, 1924, he under- went an operation at Birmingham with regard to the said wound; and that, as a result of this operation, he has lost a large amount of muscle, with a consequential serious loss of grip of the right hand; what was the assessment of the medical officer of the Ministry who examined him in Hereford after the operation and the finding of the medical board who examined him in Birmingham; and whether in view of the difference between his present permanent disability and the minor disability for which he was given a final award three years ago, he will allow a reopening of the case?

(for Major TRYON): My right hon. Friend understands that in the case referred to, following a course of treatment which involved a minor surgical operation, the question of the correctness of the assessment of the final award was, in accordance with the usual arrangements, considered by the Ministry. Following medical examination and consideration of the case however, it was found that no material increase of disablement of a permanent nature had resulted and that the man's condition would materially improve. In these circumstances there was no ground for regarding the final award as having been made in error. Should the prognosis of the case, however, not materialise in the manner expected, it will, of course, be open to further consideration.

Will the Noble Lord be good enough to answer that part of the question which asks what was the assessment of the medical officer of the Ministry who examined him in Hereford after the operation?

I am afraid I am not able to answer that part of the question, but I will convey the matter to my right hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Pensions what convalescent treatment and training centres have been closed in the past 12 months, and where they were situated; whether it is proposed to close the remaining treatment and training centres; and, if so, on what date each institution will be closed?

The centres at Barry and Blackpool were closed during 1924. The centre at Epsom is being closed this month. The remaining centre at Birmingham is still required, and no date can at present be assigned for its closing.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, having regard to the relative stability of the cost of living during the past three years, he will consider the desirability of fixing the rates for disability pensions as those laid down in the warrants and Orders in Council for 1919 and 1920 and so relieve pensioners of any anxiety with regard to a prospective reduction of pension on the review due to take place in 1926?

I would remind the hon. and gallant Member that the rates of pension at present payable under the Royal Warrants were fixed at a time when the cost of living was considerably higher than it is now. My right hon. Friend sympathises, however, with the object to which the hon. and gallant Member refers in the last part of his question, and it is the intention of the Government to secure, if practicable, a measure of stabilisation of the rates of pension and other benefits provided by the Warrants on equitable lines.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in cases where the man prior to discharge is found by the military medical board to be suffering from a permanent disability as the result of aggravation caused by service, a permanent pension is awarded if the assessment is more than 20 per cent.; and, if not, whether he will state the practice of the Ministry of Pensions in these cases?

A man in such a case would not necessarily be given a pension for life. The worsening by service of the man's pre-existing ailment or injury might be temporary only and if it were not found to persist pension could not, under the terms of the Warrant, be continued.

Is the Noble Lord aware that in a good many cases where the condition of the men is described as only temporary, it is only temporary from the point of view of advantage to the Ministry?

I will convey those views to my right hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Pensions the total cost per head, including establishment, medical attendance, and food, of the patients in the institution for neurasthenics at Saltash, Cornwall; and whether, if the cost be higher than would be the case if the men were given 100 per cent. pensions, he will, seeing that most of the men have been under treatment and away from their homes the greater part of the time that has elapsed since their discharge from the Forces of the Crown, consider the desirability of awarding life pensions and permit the men to be restored to their families?

The total cost of the treatment given in the institution referred to is 34s. a week per head, exclusive of the personal allowances payable to the men and their families. If such allowances are included in the cost, the amount would, on an average, be in excess, and necessarily so, of the average amount that would be drawn by a pensioner on a pension for total disablement. The patients in this institution are admitted for the purpose of undergoing a specific course of treatment, and it would, therefore, not be in the interests of many of the cases to adopt the course suggested by the hon. and gallant Member, even if it were otherwise practicable. It is not, however, the intention of the Ministry that cases should remain indefinitely or unnecessarily in this or any other institution, and where they can suitably be dealt with by discharge to their homes with an appropriate rate of pension, this course is adopted.

Is the Noble Lord aware that cases in this institution are chronic cases, in which there is no hope of recovery, and will he, in those circumstances, consider the advisability of getting the men returned to their homes?

I am not in a, position to answer that question, but I will draw the attention of my right hon. Friend to what the hon. Member states.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has under con- sideration the closing of the regional headquarters in Birmingham; if so, about what date is it proposed to close; and will provision be made for the further employment by the Ministry of the temporary civil servants at present employed there?

The question of recentralising the pension work of the Midlands Region now done at Birmingham is not at the present moment under consideration. When the time conies for recentralisation, however, every effort will, in accordance with the usual practice of the Ministry, be made to provide alternative employment either in the Ministry of Pensions or other 'Government Departments for all efficient members of the clerical and supervising staff who may be displaced.

asked the Minister of Pensions, in view of the fact that the amount of constant attendance allowance paid to a man who has lost both legs as a result of war service depends upon the extent of the personal assistance ascertained to be required, whether the amount is decided on the recommendation of his medical advisers or upon the Report of the local war pensions committee?

The judgment on which a grant of constant attendance allowance is made is, in the main, subject to the conditions prescribed by the Minister under the terms of the Royal Warrant, that of his medical advisers.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will take steps, in those cases where pensioners through their disability are incapable of adequately presenting their cases before the appeals tribunal, to authorise local pension committees to pay the railway fare of anyone who is prepared to assist an appellant in stating his case?

My right hon. Friend regrets that he can add nothing to the answers which he gave to the hon. Member on the same point on the 18th December last and on the 5th instant.

Will the Noble Lord make representations to the Minister that he should approach the Lord Chancellor, to see if he will move in this direction?

I will convey the hon. Member's suggestion to my right hon. Friend.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that there are a considerable number of partially disabled men whose actual physical disability only entitles them to a small pension, yet is of such a nature as to make it almost impossible for them to find employment; and if he will consider the question of providing special training for men in this category

I have been asked to reply. The industrial training scheme was closed to ordinary applicants on 30th September, 1921, but I am still prepared to consider applications in very special circumstances from men who are prevented by their war disability from following either their pre-War or their post-War occupation and are capable of being trained for a new skilled trade in which there is a likelihood of their finding employment after training.

asked the Minister of Pensions what was the amount spent by the Ministry in the year 1919–20; what was the number of employs in the finance branch in that year; and whether he can furnish approximate figures for the year ending 31st March next?

The net expenditure for the year 1919–1920 was £98,919,662, and the staff attached to the finance division at the headquarters of the Ministry was 426. The corresponding figures for 1924–1925 are £69,000,000 (approximately) and 516. The increase in the staff at headquarters is due to the closing down of certain regions and to the transfer of accounting functions, including audit, with the necessary staff to headquarters from the provinces. The staff in the finance division, notwithstanding the additional functions mentioned, has been reduced by 51 during the past year.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will consider the grant of a bonus to ex-service medical officers now in the employ of the Ministry and under notice of discharge in cases where these officers have five years' service or more under the Ministry, seeing that those fortunate enough to be retained are to receive a rise of pay of £50 per annum in lieu of a bonus based on the number of years served?

It is not customary for temporary civil servants to be paid a bonus on discharge, and my right hon. Friend would not feel justified in urging upon the Chancellor of the Exchequer that the temporary medical officers of the Ministry of Pensions should be specially privileged in this respect. The hon. and gallant Member is under a misapprehension in thinking that the increase referred to in the last part of his question is being granted in lieu of any such bonus. It has been decided upon as part of a general scheme for the future remuneration of the medical officers of the Ministry, which has been framed after consultation with their staff association.

Is this the result of dictation by a trade union?

I shall have to ask for notice of that question.

Is the Noble Lord aware that many of these medical officers have given many years' efficient medical service to the Ministry, and does he consider it fair or reasonable, when their services are dispensed with because of decreased work, to throw them out of employment and give them no bonus or gratuity to enable them to find other work?

Is the Noble Lord aware that some other men who have served other Departments for many years are thrown out of work without any consideration whatever?

That is a matter of argument.

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the present establishment of the finance branch of the Ministry of Pensions; what was the establishment in 1917, 1918, 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923 and 1924; and what proportion have reductions in the establishment of this branch in the last three years borne to reductions in the other branches of the Ministry of Pensions?

As the answer is a long one, comprising a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what arrangements are in existence for dealing with or discussing superannuation questions affecting civil servants and ex-civil servants not represented upon the National Whitley Council?

The discussion of superannuation questions is within the scope of the Civil Service National Whitley Council or the various Departmental Councils. Civil servants who are not represented on those councils and ex-civil servants are free to make representations, should they so desire, through the head of their Department.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, geeing that any broken period of service is proportionately reckonable in calculating an airman's pension, he will apply the same practice with regard to the pensions of civil servants?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave him on the 18th December last. I am not prepared to introduce legislation to amend the Superannuation Acts in the direction suggested in the question.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that it is exceedingly unfair to deprive pensioners of a sum of money which they have earned?

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been drawn to the observations of the Registrar at Liverpool Bankruptcy Court on Tuesday, 3rd March, complaining that the practice of accepting pension papers or drafts as security against loans was prevalent in the Liverpool area, and whether he will institute inquiries with a view to the prosecution of the offenders in the case of pension drafts or papers issued by his Department?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for East Lewisham (Lieut.-Colonel Pownall) on Monday last.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the death of a boy through the accidental firing of a toy pistol which had the barrel stopped up but the end filed off; that a grave view is taken by the police of the dangers of these so-called toy pistols; and whether he will consider the desirability of consulting the proof masters and gun manufacturers in this country with a view to the limitation of the sale of these pistols?

I do not think this accident affords any sufficient ground for legislation in the sense suggested by my hon. Friend.

Has not my right hon. Friend received reports from the police in various parts of the country that these so-called toy pistols can be converted into very dangerous lethal weapons, _and wilt he consult the Commissioner of Police in this city and consider what action he can take to prevent these weapons being broadcast all over the country?

Would it not be open to the hon. Member to introduce a Bill under the Ten Minutes' Rule to prohibit all toys

That is a o matter for Mr. Speaker's consideration rather than my own. Answering my hon. Friend the Member for Moseley (Mr. Hannon), I have not received any reports from the police authorities in this connection, but if he can tell me of any police authority under whom this trouble with toy pistols has occurred, I will communicate with them.

In view of the very unsatisfactory character of my right hon. Friend's reply, I propose to call attention to this matter at the earliest possible opportunity.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has yet considered the resolution of the Durham County Council passed a month ago establishing free secondary education by 1926; and whether he intends to give the necessary sanction of the Board of Education?

The council's application was received at the Board on the 28th February. I have not yet had time to consider it fully, and I should prefer not to make any statement until I have communicated with the council.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether Plymouth has resolved to make its secondary school system entirely free, and by what date it proposes to do so; and whether the Board of Education have given the necessary sanction?

I have received from the Plymouth authority a proposal to abolish fees, as from the 31st July next, in all the secondary schools in their area working under the Secondary School Regulations. I have informed the authority that I cannot give proper consideration to this proposal until I have before me a full programme of the work, in the sphere of elementary as well as higher education, which they propose to undertake in the next few years, and I have offered to discuss the position with them.

asked the President of the Board of Education what is the number of men and women teachers, respectively, in elementary schools who are in possession of a University degree; and what proportions of the total numbers of men and women teachers in these schools do these numbers, respectively, represent?

According to the latest information in my possession, which refers to the date 31st March. 1921, the number of teachers in public elementary schools who stated that they held University degrees was 1,227 men and 685 women, representing, respectively, 3·2 per cent. of the men teachers and ·53 per cent. of the women teachers.

Will the Noble Lord bear in mind the extreme importance

I shall certainly bear it in mind.

Can the Noble Lord tell us the proportion of these with degrees in the London service?

No, I do not think I can. I must ask for notice of that.

asked the President of the Board of Education what is the number of voluntary day continuation schools working in accordance with the Board's Regulations in London, in county boroughs, in boroughs, in urban districts, and in administrative counties other than London, respectively; what is the number of boys and of girls in average attendance, respectively; and how many of the girls receive at least two hours' instruction weekly in domestic subjects?

As the reply to this question contains a number of figures, will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that considerable hardship is sometimes caused to recipients of State scholarships by the payment of the terminal instalment in the middle instead of at the beginning of the term; and whether he will consider the desirability of altering the existing practice in this matter?

The terminal instalments of the Board's grants for maintenance are normally paid to State scholars in November, February and June. I have no reason to think that any particular hardship is caused by the existing practice, but if the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars of any cases in which he considers that hardship has arisen, I will certainly cause inquiries to be made and consider the matter further.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been drawn to a memorandum drawn up by the secretary to the Cambridgeshire education authority on the subject of the village college; and whether the suggestions contained therein are receiving the attention of the Board?

I have read the memorandum, and I am quite prepared to consider, on their merits, any proposals which may be made to me by the authority.

asked the President of the Board of Education what number of places there are in the elementary school at Armthorpe, near Doncaster; and the number of children of school age resident in the same area

The Armthorpe Church of England School is recognised by the Board as providing 133 places. The number of children of school age now resident in the district may be estimated at about 250, and I understand that in consequence of colliery developments the population is increasing considerably. The local authority have issued public notice of their intention to provide a new school for about 1,000 children, and are endeavouring to obtain a site, upon which they propose, in the first instance, to make immediate temporary provision pending the erection of the permanent school. The Board have expressed their willingness to give immediate consideration to these proposals.

Is not the Noble Lord aware that in all these South York shire mining areas the school accommodation problem is very acute, and that the local authorities are always years behind in anticipating requirements? Will he use his influence to see that in future mining districts are not in the same position as Armthorpe is in to-day?

I am very anxious to secure that in any planning of future mining developments proper provision shall be made for schools, but I am afraid it is hardly fair to blame local education authorities if housing outruns the provision of schools, in view of the great difficulty of securing sites and the very great difficulty of getting labour and materials for them.

Was it not known for 10 years that this colliery was going to be put down; and is the Noble Lord not aware that another colliery village, equally large, within a few miles, will be in a few years' time in an exactly similar position to Armthorpe?

asked the President of the Board of Education whether a viva voce examination in French, or whatever other modern foreign language be taken, is included in the regular pass for the first schools examination; and whether he is satisfied that the students are equipped with a good colloquial knowledge of that language?

An oral test is always provided, though it is not always a compulsory part of the examination in the subject. While there is doubtless room for improvement in the teaching of this, as of other subjects, I am confident that substantial improvement has taken, and is taking, place.

Is the Noble Lord satisfied that the children of this country receive the same opportunities in this direction as the children of practically every other country on the Continent?

In educational matters I am satisfied with nothing.

I am referring to a colloquial knowledge of foreign tongues, which are taught in all the countries abroad. Are the children of this country getting similar opportunities?

May I repeat that I am satisfied with nothing in educational affairs.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Board has any information as to the rate of unemployment amongst boys and girls leaving the elementary schools at 14 years of age?

No, Sir. I explained in my statement on 24th February that, though the London County Council had conducted a fairly close inquiry in London, similar figures for the country as a whole were not available.

Would the Noble Lord make representations to the education authorities to endeavour to collect information of this character which would be most valuable, both from an educational and employment point of view?

I am impressing upon the local authorities the necessity of considering and taking action in respect to this question of juvenile employment, but I rather hesitate to ask them to collect statistics, though I agree with my hon. Friend that statistics are a very useful thing indeed.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that hardship is caused in many instances under the Workmen's Compensation Act when the full amount in total dependency cases, fatal, has been paid into Court owing to the length of time that elapses between one Court day and another; and will he cause inquiries Lo be made and, if satisfied that such hardship exists, give power to the Registrar to make a small grant out of the money paid in until such time as the Judge can make the allocation?

I understand that in cases of urgency the Registrar generally communicates with the Judge and obtains his authority to make an advance payment. The matter is not one in which I have any power to issue instructions, but it could be dealt with by rules of Court, and I am informed by the Lord Chancellor's Department that it has been referred to the County Court Rules Committee for consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these sums that are paid into Court for the benefit of the wife and family are only allowed to be invested in 2½ per cent. Post Office Stock instead of general Trustee Stocks?

I think I must have notice of that question.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can state the amount received in premiums by the various insurance and indemnity societies for the purpose of insurance against employers' risks under the Workmen's Compensation and Employers' Liability Acts, for the period commencing 1909 to 1923, inclusive, and the amount paid in compensation to injured workpeople or their dependants for the same period?

The returns made by the insurance companies to the Board of Trade show that the total amount of the premiums paid to the companies during the period mentioned was £70,175,730, and that the total amount paid out under policies was £31,996,049. Payments under policies, however, include legal and medical expenses in connection with claims. I regret that corresponding figures are nor available for the mutual indemnity societies.

Since the amount received by workmen amounts to less than 50 per cent. of the total, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of abolishing these insurances altogether?

I do not see how that would benefit anybody at all.

Why not establish a central compensation depot where people would receive 100 per cent. of the premiums paid?

Certainly I am not prepared to embark on any Socialist legislation.

asked the Home Secretary what is the cause of the delay in the transfer by the Welsh Church Commissioners of the local burial ground at Penmachno to the parish council, as requested by that body?

I am informed by the Commissioners that they have already issued a public notice in this case intimating their intention to transfer this burial ground to the parish council forthwith, and allowing a calendar month for any objections or observations to be made to them on the draft order and plans which have been deposited locally for inspection.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can now state when the Factories Bill will be introduced?

No, Sir. I regret I am not yet in a position to fix any date.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can now state when the Bill for the regulation of so-called night clubs will be brought in; and whether it is proposed to make it applicable to the whole country or only to the Metropolitan police area?

I can add nothing to my answer to the hon. and gallant Member on the 19th February as to the date of the introduction of this Bill. I propose that its provisions shall extend to the whole of England and Wales.

asked the Home Secretary when the black winter gloves are likely to be issued to the Metropolitan police; and the reasons for the delay

More than one half the issue has been made, and it is hoped to complete it within a month. The delay is due to failure of the contractor to make deliveries according to the contract.

Is this due to the contractors having more orders than they can cope with? If so, is it possible for contracts to be handed over to those places where there is unemployment?

I think the hon. Gentleman will be perfectly satisfied when I say that I have been breathing fire and slaughter amongst the contractors.

Is the right hon. Gentleman going to wait till spring or summer before issuing these winter gloves?

Having regard to the weather of to-day, I think they will be in good time. I do not think it can be described as either spring or summer!

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the recent remarks of Judge in the High Court reprobating the tendency of medical experts to set up arbitrary standards of insanity under which almost anybody may be certified insane; and will he introduce legislation entitling a prisoner in regard to whom the issue of sanity has not been raised at his trial, but who is declared by medical experts to be insane shortly after his conviction, to a trial of the issue of his sanity in open Court under the same conditions that the prosecution would have enjoyed had that issue been raised by the defence and contested by the prosecution?

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

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that a lady, T. C., against whose soundness of mind, memory, and understanding no reliable evidence has been adduced, was detained in Hanwell Asylum from 19th December, 1919, until 1st September, 1924; that 35s. per week was stated to have been levied on the ratepayers for the maintenance of this person; that on application for the restoration of her belongings left in their charge she was told that they had been broken up, and was sent clothing, bedding, etc., belonging to another inmate, which she refused to accept; and, in view of the objectionable character of interchanges of this description, will he see that inquiry is made into the circumstances, and take necessary measures to put a stop to such practices whereby boards of guardians are in the habit of evading pecuniary responsibility for property of individuals which the union has refused to hand over to relatives on committal of the inmate to an asylum?

I am informed that there is, in the opinion of the Board of Control, clear evidence that during the time the lady in question was detained at Hanwell she was of unsound mind. With regard to the other matters referred to by the hon. Member the necessary inquiries are baying made, and I will inform him in due course of the result.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in order to keep the streets in a cleaner condition, he will consider the desirability of enforcing on motor omnibus proprietors the necessity of providing receptacles for used tickets, and make it an offence for passengers to throw them on the highways?

It would be almost impossible to enforce any prohibition against depositing tickets on the highway, and it would be undesirable to enact legislation which cannot be enforced.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the streets of London have been described as the dirtiest of any city in the world? [HON. MEMBERS: "No!"]

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in all tramways in Scotland there is always a receptacle in which people can put their used tickets, and the citizens are tidy enough to do it on their own account. Is it not possible that London citizens should be educated up to the same standard?

Perhaps the hon. and learned Gentleman will arrange for a few Scotsmen to come South to teach the people here.

I intend to do my best.

I hope they will take a return ticket!

asked the Home Secretary whether, prior to the issue of Regulations regarding restricted streets, made under the Traffic Act, 1924, his Department made any representations or gave any, and, if so, what, information to the Minister of Transport?

The answer is in the negative. The hon. and gallant Member will be aware, however, that both the Home Office and the Commissioner of Police are represented on the statutory committee which is responsible for advising the Minister of Transport on the subject.

asked the Minister of Transport to extent the white dividing line in the centre of roads for the purpose of guiding motor and other traffic is being made use of; how many local authorities have already adopted it; whether it has the approval of the Ministry; and whether any material has yet been discovered which is impervious to rain?

Isolated experiments have been made in many parts of the country, but I have no exact information regarding the number of local authorities who have adopted the practice. I am inclined to think that, in certain circumstances, the use of the white dividing line tends to facilitate the flow of traffic and to diminish the risk of accident. I am of opinion, however, that the greatest care should be exercised to limit the use of these signs, as their indiscriminate use will only defeat the object in view. I am informed that experiments are now being carried out with lines consisting of white stone setts, but I understand that the results on the road surface have not been altogether satisfactory.

asked the Minister of Transport what sum has, during the last two years, been contributed by the Road Fund towards the maintenance, as distinguished from the improvement, of rural roads not classified as first or second class?

No contributions have been made from the Road Fund towards the ordinary maintenance, as distinguished from improvement, of any roads which are not included either in Class I or Class II. My hon. and gallant Friend will, however, recognise that the grants made to the reconstruction and improvement of important roads in rural areas must have the effect of reducing the future burden of maintenance which falls on the local authorities concerned.

Does the right hon. Gentleman lay it down that no grant shall come out of this fund for the maintenance of roads that are damaged by motors?

I do not lay clown anything for all time, but that has been the practice in the past.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are 140,000 miles of unclassified roads used by motors which get no grant from the Road Fund, and will he give them something out of it

Yes, but I have no more money to distribute.

asked the Minister of Transport the total amount received during the last financial year from the taxation of all kinds of motor transport; the amount contributed from the Road Fund to the county councils for the upkeep and repair of county roads; the amount contributed to district councils for the repair of local roads; the amount contributed to employment schemes; and the amount contributed to roads by the State from other sources other than the Road Fund

As the answer is somewhat long and contains figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the number of people injured by motor traffic who are unable to secure any compensation from the car-owner responsible: and whether he will consider the possibility of making third-party insurance a necessary condition of motor ownership?

I have been asked to reply. I regret that I am not in possession of the statistics for which the hon. Member asks in the first part of his question. So far as my information goes, however, cases of this nature are comparatively rare. I am carefully considering the point raised in the last part of the question.

asked the Home Secretary whether the facts upon which ex-Inspector Syme has been declared by medical experts to be insane are substantially the same facts as those upon which he was recently convicted of an offence in law; if not, will he state whether the symptoms of mental disorder discovered by these experts are symptoms which have arisen since his conviction, or symptoms which existed before and during his trial, but were only pronounced to be certifiable when his situation became such that his medical examiners could not be cross-examined and their evidence rebutted; and will he order a full investigation of the circumstances of this certification?

I would refer the hon. Member to the report of the discussion of this case that took place in this House on the 10th December last. Since that date further observation and an independent examination of Mr. Syme's mental condition has made it more than ever clear that he was rightly certified insane. The second part of the question does not arise, as he was not examined before his conviction.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that the management of a company in the hands of the Receiver is unable to hand over to a hospital money held by it as employés' contributions to a joint hospital fund, and that in some cases money deducted from wages for the purpose of payment to hospitals has been held up nearly two years; and whether, having regard to the fact that such money cannot under any circumstances be regarded as part of the assets of a company, he can arrange for it to be paid over to hospitals without unnecessary delay?

I have been asked to reply. If my Noble Friend will give me particulars of any specific case which he has in mind, I will have it looked into.

asked the Prime Minister when he proposes to intro- duce legislation to secure payment of wages to shipwrecked seamen?

I have been asked to reply. A Bill dealing with this question has been introduced in another place and has made considerable progress.

asked the Prime Minister whether the terms of reference to the Imperial Economic Committee exclude from its purview the consideration of improved methods of marketing British home produce in British markets; and what means the Government propose to adopt in order to extend to this Home produce an encouragement at least equivalent to that given to overseas produce in the proposed State grant of a million sterling?

The terms of reference to the Imperial Economic Committee do not contemplate the consideration of improved methods of marketing British home produce. As my hon. Friend is aware, funds have already been provided for assisting by way of loan cooperative enterprises for the marketing of home produce, and the Ministry of Agriculture is carrying out a series of investigations into the marketing problem as a whole. The first Report will shortly be published, and it will then be possible to estimate what further assistance may be considered necessary in this direction.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that. a colleague of his, the Secretary of State for the Colonies, speaking on 10th February, declared that this Committee might, by organisation and many other ways, do a great deal to help to secure British markets for Empire goods: and when I say "Empire goods," I should like to make it clear that. I do not exclude this part of the Empire, and least of all the produce of its agriculture?

That seems to be a very complete statement of Government policy.

Before any decisions are come to shall we have an opportunity of discussing the various aspects of the ease?

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that financial arrangement is made so that any action which may be found necessary in the interest of British agriculture will not be precluded on financial grounds?

We seem to be going beyond the scope of any answer that I have been authorised by the Government to give to-day.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government still recognise the Soviet Government; and whether the Government's policy is to cultivate peaceful relations with that Government?

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

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what was meant by the Home Secretary on Monday when he said that the war between Russia and the world was definite?

Question Time is not open to that.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation dealing with the management of trade unions and their control of their funds?

I can add nothing to the statement made by the Prime Minister in the course of the Debate of Friday last.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the number of contracts placed abroad recently owing to the inability of home firms to compete in countries where lower wages are paid and longer hours worked; and whether the Government will consider what steps, if any, can be taken in the interests of the unemployed

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the Prime Minister yesterday in reply to questions raising similar matters.

Is it not true that longer hours do not always mean a greater output?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the sustained rise in many food prices, he will represent to the Royal Commission on Food Prices the desirability of expediting their first Report?

I have been asked to reply. The chairman of the Royal Commission has assured me that the first Report will be presented at the earliest possible moment.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that has been the case for the last three or four months, ever since the Commission was started, and that those who expected great things are now becoming disheartened and disillusioned?

I am not responsible for the sentiments of the hon. and gallant Member, but it is true that from the moment the Commission started they have worked at the highest possible pressure, in order to report as soon as posible, and the result will be seen in an early Report.

is the Commission working overtime?

Yes, Sir, and without extra pay.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the Middlesbrough Corporation, under their direct labour scheme for house building, secured an output of over 1,000 bricks laid per day; and will he encourage local authorities to employ direct labour in their building schemes so as to obtain a more rapid production of houses?

My attention has been drawn to a report in the Press on the direct labour housing scheme carried out by the Middlesbrough Corporation, in which it is stated that 1,000 bricks per day were laid by bricklayers on straightforward work. I am quite prepared to authorise local authorities to undertake building by direct labour if satisfied that the authority can make efficient arrangements for the supervision of the work, and that the method is likely to prove financially advantageous to the ratepayers.

asked the Minister of Health if ho is aware of the high rents being charged in some cases for houses decontrolled under the Mortgage and Rent Restrictions Act, 1923; and will he include in his proposed amending Act provisions which will prevent the same?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement I made yesterday.

asked the Minister of Health how many houses have been decontrolled since the Rent and Mortgage Interest Restrictions Act, 1923, came into operation?

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Minister of Health if he can state how many steel houses made by Messrs. J. and G. Weir, Messrs. Braithwaite and Company, and Messrs. James Wild have been authorised to be erected for demonstration purposes, with the help of contributions from the Exchequer, and in what districts?

I will send the Noble Lady a list of the local authorities which have been invited to take part in the experiment for the erection of these demonstration houses.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will take steps to give special facilities to small groups of workers, under the Housing Acts, which would enable them jointly to erect Weir steel houses for their own occupation?

The Housing Acts already provide very considerable facilities, which are being taken advantage of to a large extent, to enable persons to provide houses for their own occupation. These facilities are applicable in the case of steel houses, and I do not think that any special provision is at present required.

asked the Minister of Health whether he proposes to provide any special facilities to enable Members of this House to inspect one of the Weir steel houses somewhere in this neighbourhood?

I understand that the pair of demonstration houses, of the system referred to, to be erected by the London County Council. will probably be put up at Millbank, and will be available for inspection by anybody interested. In the meantime, I observe that a pair of Weir houses are being erected in Grosvenor Gardens just opposite. Victoria Station.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Nissen steel houses erected at Yeovil have been approved for subsidy; and whether this type of house has been considered by the Moir Committee?

The type of house referred to has been considered by the Committee on New Methods of Hours Construction, and at the request of the Yeovil Town Council I approved of their proposal to erect two houses of this type as an experiment. I have agreed that these houses may rank for subsidy

asked the Minister of Health the total amount of the loans granted up to the present date to assist the development of the Welwyn garden city; under which Acts loans are being granted to the Welwyn Public Utility Society; and what are the other public utility societies that are using the facilities offered by Section 5 of the 1923 Act?

I am informed that the total amount of the loans advanced up to the present by the Public Works Loan Commissioners to the Welwyn Garden City Company is £234,970. The Welwyn Rural District Council has been authorised to advance loans to the Welwyn Public Utility Society under Section 5 of the Housing, Etc., Act, 1923. My Department is not necessarily informed by local authorities of the names of societies and others to whom advances are made under that section, and information is not available which would enable me to answer the last part of the question.

asked the Minister of Health if he will give the names of all the promoters of alternative methods of house construction, approved by his Department as eligible for Government assistance, that are not prepared 10 conform to the conditions prevailing in the building industry?

I am not generally in possession of information as to the intentions of promoters of new methods of construction with regard to the conditions of employment which they propose to observe in operating their systems, and I am, therefore, unable to supply the information which my Noble Friend desires.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can arrange, for a moderate charge. to place at the disposal of individuals desirous of building houses in their spare time plans of suitable houses, together with a statement of quantities of materials and the approximate market cost of the same

A large number of type plans have already been issued in manuals, reports and booklets of plans by my Department and by the Ministry of Agriculture. I shall be happy to send my hon. Friend a list of these publications. The materials used in different localities and the prices at which they can be obtained vary so much that any general statement would be of doubtful utility.

asked the Minister of Health if he has considered the disadvantage or otherwise of stamped metal ceilings; whether he is aware that these ceilings permit water to ooze through from one floor to another; that the dripping from the condensation upon them is unhealthy and unpleasant; and that the Gateshead Town Council, after having one trial ceiling fitted, decided lo revert to plaster ceilings; and whether he will issue advice to local authorities considering housing schemes with regard to their utility.

I am aware that, stamped metal ceilings have been criticised on the grounds stated in the question; but I understand that the Gateshead Town Council abandoned the experiment of using them because the local plasterers threatened to strike if it was continued. In answer to the last part of the question, I am quite prepared to give advice where desired to any local authorities in respect of methods of new construction experiments, which I desire to encourage as much as possible.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that a previous answer to that question gave reasons why the local plasterers threatened to go on strike?

I do not think that arises out of this question.

May I ask for what reason, if any, the Plasterers' Union protested, and whether there was a strike or not?

I understand that they threatened to strike, and that in consequence of that the Gateshead Town Council did not go on with the experiment they were trying.

But why?

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the Report of the Auditor-General for New South Wales for the year ending 30th June last, showing that the State brickworks, which had sold 44,763,581 bricks at a price approximately Is. per thousand less than that charged by private firms, made a profit of £27,511; and whether, in view of this example and the shortage of houses and high price of bricks in this country, he will consider the advisability of establishing State brickworks here?

My attention has not previously been called to the Report in question, but full information as to local circumstances would be required before one could safely draw any deduction from the results referred to. In answer to the latter part of the question, it is not the present intention of the Government to establish State brickworks in this country.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the comparative prices of bricks; and whether, seeing that on the 27th February the price of bricks per 1,000 was first hard stocks, 97s., second hard stocks, 92s., and Flettons, 55s. 9d., and on the 6th March was first hard stocks, 105s., second hard stocks, 100s., and Flettons 59s. 6d., in London, he proposes to take any action to prevent profiteering in bricks and other building materials?

The reports which I have received do not confirm any general increase in the price of bricks for this month. The prices quoted in "The Builder" both for 27th February and 6th March, are as follow:

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I took my figures from the last issue of the "Carpenter and Builder"?

I do not know whether the hon. Member suggests that the figures in the "Builder" this week are quite different from the figures published last week. I think he must have taken the figures for an entirely different year.

I do not suggest anything of the kind. The figures I quoted were those given in the last issue of the "Carpenter and Builder."

asked the Minister of Health how many houses have been erected since 1913 under the various Housing Acts by the Rotherham Rural District Council and by the Doncaster Rural District Council; and the number sanctioned and the number in course of erection under these two authorities?

As the answer involves a tabular statement, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Health why the Ministry has not sanctioned the request of the Ainwick Urban Council for sanction for 16 subsidies under the 1923 Act?

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to correspondence which has taken place between my Department and the Alnwick Urban District Council regarding the sale to private persons of 16 plots of land owned by the council. It has been found necessary to suggest a slight modification of the proposed arrangements, but I understand that revised proposals are being submitted by the council, and I anticipate that it will be possible to give approval at an early date.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that there are cases in which, under the 1923 Act, plans for houses and bungalows have been put forward in which, on the figures submitted by the builders and including the subsidy, profits were shown of from 22 to 34 per cent. on cost; and whether he has any means of dealing with such cases?

Individual applications for subsidy under the Housing Acts are made to local authorities, and I have, therefore, no knowledge of the eases referred to by the hon. Member it is for the local authorities administering approved schemes to satisfy themselves that subsidy can properly be granted in a particular case.