asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the size of the proposed floating dock at Singapore; what size of vessels it will be able to take; when construction will be commenced; and where it will be built?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the estimated ultimate cost on all counts for the construction of the Singapore naval base when fully completed?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) whether the sum of £787,000, stated to be the total proposed expenditure on the Singapore base up to the end of the year 1927–28, includes the cost of a graving dock; and, if not, whether it is proposed to dispense with this type of dock;

(2) the estimated cost of the proposed graving dock at Singapore?

I propose to make a statement to-morrow which will cover all the points raised in these questions, and I will ask the hon. Members to wait for my statement, as I think it will be more convenient than dealing with the matter piecemeal.

I know that the right hon. Gentleman is always very anxious to help Members with information, but his proposal is not convenient, as this information was required for the Debate to-morrow. If the right hon. Gentleman could see his way to give me some information in reply to Question No. 14 I should be very much obliged.

All the questions are so much interlocked that I should have to make a very long statement to make it quite clear. If I can give the hon. and gallant Gentleman outside any information that he wants, I shall be very glad to supply him with it, but to answer these four questions now, I should really have to make the speech which I shall have to make to-morrow.

Might I suggest to you, Mr. Speaker, that if I could have a letter by to-morrow morning it would be useful? In Question No. 14 I am only asking for certain details. If it is contrary to the public interest I do not press it, but, if it is not, I really would like this information now.

Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will speak to me this afternoon on the subject.

With regard to Question No. 20, could we get the estimated figures in the Paper which has been issued?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the protection of the proposed Singapore Base will entail the building of an increased number of submarines?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is yet in a position to give any estimate of the size and the cost of the garrison necessary to protect the proposed Singapore base?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave yesterday to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy).

Does that mean that the Minister and the Government have not the slightest idea?

I think that if the hon. Member will refer to the reply, he will find that the subject is still under consideration by the Committee of Imperial Defence.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any saving on the Dockyard Vote for other dockyards is expected as a result of the establishment of the new dockyard at Singapore; and, if so, at which dockyards will a reduction be possible?

The cost of such work as may in the future be carried out at the Singapore base to the ships of the Fleet will afford corresponding relief to the dockyards now existing. It is not, however, at present possible to say where, and to what extent, this relief will be afforded.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the percentage of increase of the total Departmental staff as on 1st January, 1925, compared with 1st January, 1914; and what steps, if any, are being taken to reduce the staff?

The staff of the Admiralty (excluding industrial grades) at headquarters and the outports on the 1st January, 1925, was approximately 50 per cent. greater than on the 1st January, 1914. The staff is constantly under review, as is evidenced by the fact that there has been a reduction of nearly 200 since the 1st January, 1924.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the personnel of the Navy is down by 30 per cent. during the same period, and is it necessary that there should be such an increased staff to deal with a smaller personnel?

That had better be dealt with to-morrow.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how long the "Hawkins" took to build; how long the sister ship "Effingham" is expected to take to build; and what were their respective costs?

The answer is—"Hawkins," time, three years and two months; total cost, including guns, £1,636,745; "Effingham," estimated time, eight years and three months; estimated total cost, including guns, £2,175,000.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us whether the very great difference in cost is due to the length of time the ship is taking to build?

I should not like to say so offhand.

Would it not be best if these ships were built in Germany?

No, Sir.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that Edward Hughes, late able seaman, official number J. 14,466, who purchased his discharge from the Royal Navy on the 9th February last for pressing domestic reasons, was only 10 weeks short of completing 12 years' service, at the expiration of which he would have been entitled to a free discharge; and whether, in view of the fact that ho was compelled to pay the sum of £24, a sum which he could ill afford, in lieu of 10 weeks' service, some refund can be made to him?

This man would have completed his engagement on the 10th April, but, as stated, preferred for private reasons to purchase his immediate discharge on the terms laid down for a rating with his length of service. The Regulations do not admit of the refund of any portion of the purchase money, though free discharge is granted in exceptional circumstances, which, however, did not exist in this case.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the cost of each air plane and pilot per annum carried in an aircraft carrier in peace time, spreading the whole annual cost of the carrier over the number of aircraft carried, and allowing for interest on first cost and replacement of aircraft for their allotted life and interest on first cost and replacement of aircraft carriers after 20 years, with all the incidental charges of pay allowances, victualling stores, fuel, repairs, and liability in regard to retired pay and pensions?

The present figure is approximately £20,900.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is prepared to consider the suggestion that all ratings discharged from the Royal Navy medically unfit for further service, for reasons beyond their own control, be given a pension at the basic rate in respect of the length of their service, particularly in view of the fact that their careers have been ruined and that their wage-earning capacity has been depreciated?

As the present scales and conditions of pension for disability were determined after very careful consideration, I regret that I am unable to adopt the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, with reference to the deductions which are made from the wages of established men in the Royal dockyards, whether his attention has been called to the answer to Petitions from Dockyard Employes, 1914, wherein it is stated, in reply to a request that pensions be calculated on the hired rate, that the rates of wages of established men take into account that the service is a pensionable one, and that it is a recognised principle that, in consideration of their prospective pensionable rights, pensionable civil servants should receive a lower rate of pay than the hired or un-pensionable servant; whether he will now say by virtue of what provision in the Superannuation Acts the Admiralty makes a deduction from the wages of established men; and, if there is no such provision in the Superannuation Acts, whether he will take steps to give these men the full benefits of the Acts, and further undertake to base their pensions upon their full rate of pay and emoluments

As the hon. Member has been previously informed by my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, he is under a misapprehension in thinking that any actual deductions are made from the wages of established workmen in His Majesty's Dockyards. There is a well recognised distinction made between the rate of pay of a hired man and that of an established man of similar grade for the reason given in the replies to the petitions referred to. The Superannuation Acts do not deal with the emoluments to be received by employes of the Crown while in service, but with the awards to be made after service is completed. The full benefits of the Acts are accorded to the established workmen whose pensions, under those Statutes, are based upon the pay and emoluments actually granted in respect of their employment in established capacities.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will give instructions to his officials at the various ports that no stoker in the Royal Naval Reserve who has completed his second period of five years' service since 1st November, 1914, shall be refused enrolment for a third period simply because he happens to have been, or to be, unemployed?

Under the Royal Naval Reserve Regulations, stokers, during their first three periods of five years' service, must be employed either as firemen, or in a higher engine-room or stokehold capacity, at sea, or as firemen, furnacemen or stokers on shore. Men who are unemployed when they apply for re-enrolment are given three months' grace in which to obtain employment of the above description. Royal Naval Reservists, however, with three years' sea service during the War are not debarred by unemployment from re-enrolment in the Reserve, provided that they are otherwise eligible. It is not considered advisable to extend this concession.

Has the hon. and gallant Gentleman considered that while three months was a suitable period in normal conditions of unemployment, it is not a suitable period in the abnormal unemployment that exists to-day, and can he extend the period to meet the abnormal amount of unemployment?

I will consider that, but I do not think it will be possible to make further concessions.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty at what date the Regulation was introduced preventing the enrolment in the Royal Naval Reserve of men residing at a distance of more than 12 miles from the office of the local registrar at Lerwick; how many men it is estimated will be thereby prevented from enrolling in the Shetland Isles; and what would be the travelling and subsistence expenses of a man coming from 24 miles distance compared with that of a man coming from 12 miles?.

The answer to the first part of the question is 3rd December, 1923. As regards the second part, the fixing of a 12-mile radius actually extended the area of recruitment. The travelling and subsistence expenses referred to in the last part of the question are: (1) for men living on the Island of Mainland, 12 miles from Lerwick, single journey, 2s. 6d.; (2) for men living on the Island of Mainland or other islands, 24 miles distant from Lerwick, 6s. to 28s. single journey.

Does not the hon. and gallant Gentleman think it would be desirable to get these fine seamen into the Royal Naval Reserve by saving somewhat on the staff?

I will consider that

(for Mr. CLARRY) asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state the total storage capacity of oil fuel in the United Kingdom at the present time?

I regret that I am unable to answer my hon. Friend's question as it is not in the public interest to publish any figures as regards naval oil fuel storage.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state the source upon which, in the case of national emergency, we would rely for the supply of oil fuel for the Navy?

I can assure my hon. Friend that every available source of supply would be drawn upon.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of cruisers for the building of which the Congress of the United States of America has voted the money?

Two, Sir, which form part of a programme of eight cruisers to be laid down prior to the 1st July, 1927.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many cruisers are at present being built, or are authorised to be built, by the French Government; and how many are projected?

I would refer the hon. Member to page 23 of Command Paper No. 2349—Fleets (The British Empire and Foreign Countries), from which he will see that France has five cruisers building and four projected, but not yet authorised, which it is intended to lay down between 1925 and 1929.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will state the number of persons who, during the past six months, have been arrested and charged with political offences by the British authorities in the Sudan; what number of persons have been expelled from the Sudan and the nature of their offences; whether any of these persons were State officials; were they allowed any opportunity to appear before a court of discipline or law; and will he publish the names of all officials expelled or in prison, and the nature of the offences charged against them?

I apologise if I am rather indistinct; I will do my best to make myself heard. Ninety-four persons were arrested and charged with offences under the laws of the Sudan since, and in connection with, the disturbances in August last. During the same period 125 persons, almost all employés of the Sudan Government, were repatriated to Egypt because their presence in the Sudan was a danger to public security. The officials in ques- tion were discharged in accordance with their terms of service, and they received the pensions or gratuities to which they would have been entitled had their retirement been due to ill-health and which they would have lost on conviction by a Court of law or discipline. I have not the information asked for in the last part of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give the names of the Powers that have expressed their adherence to the Geneva Protocol?

According to the latest information in my possession, the following countries have signed the Protocol:

Albania.	Greece.
Belgium.	Latvia.
Brazil.	Paraguay.
Bulgaria.	Poland.
Czechslovakia.	Portugal.
Chile.	Serb-Croat-
Esthonia.	Slovene State.
Finland.	Spain.
France.	Uruguay.

I do not think that any have yet actually ratified.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the unanimous decision of the French Government to support the Protocol and to consider reasonable amendments thereto; if this decision will cause the British Government to reconsider their attitude; and if he is prepared to initiate conversations with the French Government with a view to finding a basis for joint support of the Protocol at Geneva?

His Majesty's Government were aware of the views of the French Government before they defined their own attitude. As regards the last part of the question, the objections of His Majesty's Government to the Protocol are so fundamental that the Protocol does not seem to us to afford the best basis for further negotiations. The course which appears to His Majesty's Government to bo more likely to promote the object of security at which the Protocol aims was indicated in the declaration which I read at Geneva on behalf of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information to give the House with regard to his recent visit to Geneva?

I understand that there is to be a discussion on Tuesday next. A printed report on the Council meeting will be presented to the House as usual.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British Government still stands by its obligations as one of the signatories to the Minority Treaties; and, if so, what stops are now being taken to have the treaties carried out?

The Minority Treaties are placed under the supervision of the League of Nations, and appeals from the Minorities are not infrequently submitted to the Council. Even in my short experience of Council proceedings I have had ample evidence of the care and attention which the Members of the Council devote to their consideration. Each ease is necessarily decided on its merits, and no general statement is, I think, possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the British Government will use its influence to secure such action by the League of Nations as may bring about the ratification of the Greco-Bulgarian protocol regarding (he rights of minorities in Greece and Bulgaria, and which protocol was signed by the delegates representing Greece and Bulgaria at Geneva last September.

As the hon. Member is doubtless aware, the Greek Assembly refused to ratify the Protocol as signed by the delegate of (he Greek Government. In these circumstances it was decided at the meeting of the Council of the League of Nations which took place last week, to address to the Greek Government a number of questions requesting certain explanations, firstly as to what measures have already been taken for the practical application of the provisions of the Minorities Treaties, and, secondly, what measures were proposed to meet the future needs of the Slav-speaking minorities.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the great urgency of this matter, in view of the fact that, as I understand, there are at present 1,500,000 Greek refugees unsettled, and 400,000 Bulgarians and that, unless attention is given to this matter, serious trouble may arise?

What I have been trying to explain to the hon. Gentleman is that very serious attention was given to this question last week in Geneva, when it was my rather difficult duty to be rapporteur on this subject to the Council.

Will the Foreign Secretary be good enough to ask His Majesty's Consuls for special reports as to the recent exodus of refugees from Macedonia?

No, Sir, I do not think I am prepared to demand any particular reports from His Majesty's Consuls at this moment. The matter has been considered by the Council of the League, and I abide by the decision of the Council.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government have ever informed the Soviet Government of the points to which they take objection in the treaties concluded by the late Government?

The answer is in the negative. No purpose would be served by discussing in detail treaties that have been rejected as a whole.

Were not the proposals of the Soviet Government more or less contained in those treaties, and is it not, therefore, for His Majesty's Government to explain what their objections are?

That is the question which I have already answered.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, until some further step is taken by His Majesty's Government, the treaty having been rejected, there is no step that the other side can very well take, so that there must be some move from us?

In my opinion, the time has not come when His Majesty's Government can advantageously take any new step. In order that they should be in a position to take, with the possibility of usefulness and fruitfulness, any new step, it would be necessary that our general relations should be more completely amicable and cordial in all parts of the world than they are at present.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what are the present numbers of the personnel of the British and Japanese navies; and what is the expansion provided for in the Japanese navy in the coming years?

The number of officers and men actually borne on Vote A on the 15th February, 1925, was 99,894 for Fleet Services, and 287 R.M. Police, making a total of 100,181. The number of officers and men on the active list of the Japanese Navy on 1st July, 1924, was 72,831. With regard to the second part of the question I have no information.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the existing distress among many unemployed workers in the borough of Southwark who are not in receipt of benefit; and will he consider the immediate necessity of amending the Unemployment Insurance Regulations in order that genuine unemployed workers may not be deprived of benefit and be made to suffer undue hardship?

I am aware of the general position as regards unemployment at Southwark, but I do not think that the present regulations are such as to deprive of benefit genuinely unemployed workers in the insured trades who satisfy the conditions laid down by the Statute. I shall, however, be happy to inquire into any cases of which the hon. and gallant Member gives me particulars.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will arrange to publish in the Labour Gazette monthly a statement as to the numbers on the live registers of the Employment Exchanges who are not in receipt of unemployment benefit?

I am not sure that it would be possible to compile accurate statistics of this description without excessive labour, but I am having inquiry made.

asked the Minister of Labour the total number of unemployed who received unemployment benefit in the second week in March, 1924, and in the corresponding week in March of this year?

At 2nd March. 1925, the latest date for which figures are available, the number of persons registered at Employment Exchanges in Great Britain who had claims to benefit current at that date was 1,169,069, as compared with 1,057,007 at 3rd March, 1924.

Arising out of that very considerable increase in the unemployed, is the Department prepared to put in hand additional schemes for the relief of the unemployed above what was done last year?

I am always ready, as I have told the hon. Member, to consider schemes, but the

Does the right hon. Gentleman think he will be able to find a solution to the unemployed question during his term of office?

I indicated it on Monday at the end of my statement.

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will give the House some information why he did not make this deduction during the last Election.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of insured persons in the various categories who have had their benefit disallowed since the 1st December, 1924, by the Darlaston Employment Exchange, and the grounds upon which benefit has been so disallowed.

As the reply involves a number of figures I will, with the Hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention had been drawn to a resolution passed by the Nottingham and district employment committee condemning Circular 8,213 as harsh and unnecessary; whether he can state how many unemployed are affected by this circular; how many of these are ex-Service men; and to how many of these have offers of work been made in the last 12 months.

I have received the resolution referred to. As the Noble Lord is aware, the requirement to which the resolution refers was announced in this House on 11th February and was explained and discussed in the Debate on 9th March. The number of claims rejected under this requirement up to 2nd March in the area of the Nottingham Employment Exchange was 214. No information is available as to the number of ex-Service men included in this total.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of applicants for extended unemployment insurance benefit during the period 3rd July, 1922. to 8th March, 1925. in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, who have had their claims rejected by local employment committees on the five statutory grounds for rejection?

During the period 3rd July, 1922, to 9th February, 1925, the number of applications for extended benefit rejected in Great Britain was 931,653. It should be noted that this total does not represent that number of different individuals. I cannot give statistics in respect of Northern Ireland. An analysis of the masons for such rejections is available for part of this period only, and as it includes a considerable number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the grievance existing among dock labourers at the Regulations which lay down that a man not signing as unemployed on the day after the holidays loses benefit for all the days of the holidays, even although seeking work during the holidays and unable to obtain it, and that if he works half a day after the holidays he loses all the days' benefit of the holidays, and there is little inducement, therefore, for him to seek work on that day; and whether he has now considered this matter with a view to improvement?

I have not been able to trace any rule which would have the effect suggested in the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is no such thing as holidays where men are casually employed and that on Good Friday the Employment Exchanges are close. The men present themselves for employment, but if they do not sign twice on the day they present themselves there is no record kept, and that means that, Saturday being the only recognised holiday, it does not count, and Monday is a bank holiday. Under the circumstances will he make some alteration?

I think perhaps what the hon Member is referring to—I could not hear everything quite clearly—is the Regulation that applies to men on part time and dock labourers, which is that, where you have a public holiday, they will get unemployment benefit for the period of the holiday provided they are unemployed for 12 days either immediately preceding or after, or partly preceding and partly after, which meets the general case as regards any unfairness as regards holidays as regards dockers and short timers. If there is any special question in addition to that, if the hon. Member, or the hon. Member who put the question, will communicate with me, I will look into that as well.

asked the Minister of Labour if, in view of the time that has elapsed since the passing of the Bill of 1924 extending uncovenanted benefit, he can state what has been the result of the working of this system hitherto, and more especially the extent to which men thus receiving uncovenanted benefit are meeting by stamps the advances made to them; and whether the experience of the working of this Act in any way affects the actuarial estimates which were then formed of the effect of this proposal on the stability of the Unemployment Insurance Fund?

There is, I am afraid, no means of estimating at all accurately the extent to which the individuals who have drawn uncovenanted benefit, or, as it is now described, extended benefit, pay in an equivalent amount by way of contributions. The experience of the seven months since the coming into force of the 1924 Act on 1st August last has not revealed any departure from the actuarial estimates framed in connection with that Act, but I should point out that the volume of unemployment since that date has hitherto been substantially greater than the average assumed for the purpose of those estimates.

asked the Minister of Labour if he can state the estimated number of unemployed persons in the non-insurable trades and industries in Great Britain; and will he state the estimated number of unemployed persons who do not trouble to register because they have exhausted their benefits?

On 2nd March last the number of persons entered on the registers of the Employment Exchanges as non-claimants to benefit was 66,549. I am afraid I cannot give any estimate of the number of unemployed persons not registered at the Exchanges.

asked the Minister of Labour how many men and women over the age of 18 who are employed in all capacities, respectively, by the Bleachers' Association, Limited, Calico Printers' Association, Limited, and Bradford Dyers' Association, Limited, are given three days' work per week and who register at the Labour Exchanges for the remaining three days to entitle them to receive unemployment pay in part; and what is the average weekly total cost, in the aggregate, to the Government?

I regret that the information asked for is not available.

When will it be available? It is a very important matter.

Unless it is absolutely necessary I am afraid it will not be available. It would be exceedingly difficult to get the information, as it would mean analysing the whole of thousands of insurance cards in order to tabulate them according to the particular employment. I am afraid that unless an overwhelming case is made out to me I should hardly like to have the necessary time taken up in getting the information.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the present degree of unemployment is fast killing the apprenticeship system of this country; whether he is prepared to take any steps to revive it; and, in view of the fact that many lads between 14 and 18, who have never been taught any specific trade, are now drawing unemployment benefit, he will consider the practicability of calling a conference of the trade union representatives and employers generally to make openings for these young men?

I have already arranged for an inquiry to be made in the near future with regard to the present state of apprenticeship in the various trades, and as soon as this inquiry is completed I will consider, in the light of the information thus obtained, what action can usefully be taken.

asked the Minister of Labour what new schemes, if any, have been initiated by the Government to provide work for the unemployed since they entered office, independent of or in conjunction with the local authorities; which of these new schemes are in operation; and how many men are employed under them?

I am having the information collected, and will send it to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour how much public money has been spent by the Government in providing money for work for the unemployed either through grants from the Road Board, or through local authorities, or in any other form for the three months December, January, and February, 1924–25; how many men have been employed in work as a result of this expenditure; and how do these figures compare with the corresponding figures for December, January, and February, 1923–24?

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

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that rota committees have refused to count stamps obtained on road work or other relief work as part of the eight, stamps required under the new Regulations; and whether he proposes to issue any instructions on the subject?

Stamps affixed in respect of road work or other insurable relief work are valid contributions. If the hon. Member knows of any cases in which they have not been duly reckoned, and will let me know, I will have inquiry made.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to inform the Middlesbrough Employment Exchange of that fact?

I should have every natural reason to believe that the Middlesbrough Exchange knew that like any other Exchange. If there is any reason to think to the contrary, perhaps the hon. Member will supply me with the facts.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the action of rota committees, who have demanded of young persons attending juvenile training centres that they should also seek for work on those days on which they are required to attend the centres as a condition of receiving insurance benefit; and whether he is prepared to make any statement on the subject?

I am not aware of any cases in which rota committees have required young persons to seek for work on the days on which they are required to attend juvenile unemployment centres as a condition of showing that they are making every reasonable effort to obtain employment. If the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars of any cases of this kind which have come to her notice, I will cause inquiries to be made.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether he is aware that W. Waddell, 87, Newhall Road, Sheffield, aged 38, had never, up to 31st December, 1921, been out of employment; that since that time he has only had odd jobs of short duration, in spite of his having gone to considerable distances from Sheffield in search of employment; that ho has visited local firms three or four times a week: that he has been refused employment at the Tyler Street and Petre Street munition huts on the ground that he is not an ex-service man; that he has repeatedly enquired for work at the Employment Exchange without success; and! whether, as this man is a steelworks labourer and, in view of the latter part of L.E.C. 82/2, genuinely seeking but unable to obtain whole-time employment, page 13, paragraph 8, and the great depression in the steel trade, he will reconsider this case;

(2) whether he is aware that the number of men employed in the iron and steel trade in the Sheffield and Rotherham districts is not materially different from what it has been during the last three or four years, that preference for employment is given to younger men, and that E. H. Wigfall, 19, Carlton Road, age 56, and R. Day, 169, Main Road, age 46. with five children under 14 years of age, have been refused benefit on the ground that they have not been in insurable employment during the last two years; and whether, seeing that continuous visits to the Labour Exchange and to many firms have not enabled them to secure employment, he will have these cases reconsidered?

I am having enquiries made into this case and into those referred to in Question No. 57, and will let the hon. Member know the result in due course.

asked the Prime Minister whether firms engaged on Government contracts are on the King's Roll: and, if not, will he issue instructions to all departments that no further contract is to be given to any firm unless on the Roll?

I have been asked to reply. It has been a rule since June, 1921, that, save in very exceptional circumstances, firms engaged on Government contracts to whom the conditions for membership of the King's Roll are applicable must be on the King's National Roll.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of ex-service men trained under the Government training scheme; the number at present under instruction; the number of such trainees now in regular employment and the number totally unemployed; the number absorbed by firms on the King's Roll: and the number in receipt of guardians' relief?

About 90,000 ex-service men have been trained under the Industrial Training Scheme up to date, and the number at present under instruction is approximately 6,400. No figures are available of the number of ex-trainees now in regular employment or unemployed, but a census taken in March of last year showed that only about 7 per cent. of the men who had been trained were then unemployed. The total number of disabled ex-service men employed with firms on the King's Roll is approximately 350,000, but I have no figures to indicate how many of these are ex-trainees.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it would be advisable to keep some record of these trainees who, unfortunately, get out of employment, with a view to utilising them so that he may know that he has on a register a certain number of trained men for specific work?

We do recommend men as they come out according to the specific work for which they are fitted. On the other hand, it would be a rather difficult matter to keep a register as suggested. It would require a rather vast staff to keep a register of about 90,000 people supplementary to the general register.

It is not a question of keeping a register of 90,000 but a register of those trainees, on whom a large amount of money has been expended, who are unemployed. Cannot something be done on those lines? They are ex-service men.

Is it not a fact that these particulars are kept by the unemployment exchanges?

It is a thing that is worth considering. It means keeping a register of some 90,000 men, because, at any moment any one of them may come out. It is not only the people who come out from time to time. If the hon. and gallant Member for Dulwich will communicate with me I shall be glad to look into the matter.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that between 1920 and 1924 the House of Commons has voted £3,319,600 for the purpose of Civil Liabilities Grants; whether during that period only £2,135,517 has been expended; whether for 1924–25 the amount voted was £165,000, and only £134,000 was expended; and whether, considering the urgent need of utilising this money for the benefit of ex-service men, he will instruct the Civil Liabilities Committee to be more generous and more prompt in dealing with applications?

The figures given in the question are correct, except that the sum of £134,000 is an estimate only. The difference between the amounts included in the original Estimates and the amounts in fact spent is due to the fact that it was impossible to forecast the precise rate at which applications from eligible candidates would be received. This was particularly the case when the scheme started and the disparity is accounted for mainly in 1920–21, when the difference was nearly £1,000,000. In later years, the disparity has not been large considering the circumstances. I have no reason to think that there is any avoidable delay in dealing with applications from the limited class of disabled ex-service men eligible for grant, and I can assure my hon. Friend that full and sympathetic consideration is given to each application, both by the local committees and by the administrative officials.

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the desire existent in this House that the question of the reform of the Second Chamber should be dealt with, he will state if and when this House may expect to hear a statement from the Government in regard to the matter?

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

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise the disappointment which exists in consequence of the shelving of this question by successive Governments?

We have not been in office as many months as we hope to be years.

Will the Prime Minister consider the advisability of leaving things as they are?

asked the Prime Minister, whether he is aware of the hardship suffered by a large section of the travelling public owing to the aboli- tion of the bona-fide traveller clause of the Licensing Acts; whether representations have been made to him on the matter; and what steps does he propose to take?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I do not think that the repeal of the statutory provisions relating to the bona-fide traveller has involved any substantial hardship to the travelling public, and there does not seem to be any sufficient reason for reviving them.

asked the Prime Minister if the forthcoming conference on franchise reform will consider the method of voting at Parliamentary elections as well as the persons who are to vote?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to his question of 26th February last.

May I ask the hon. Member or, through him, his right hon. Friend, if and when I may expect an answer to this very simple question?

Perhaps it will be as well if the hon. and gallant Member would put down a question next week to the Home Secretary.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the desirability of making a public statement indicative of the desire of His Majesty's Government to confer with foreign nations with the object of securing a reduction of armaments in navies, armies or air services?

I think it is already well known that it is the desire of His Majesty's Government to promote the reduction of armaments by any appropriate means, but I am glad of this opportunity of making it clear once more.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether any allowances are granted to officers of the Royal Air Force for proficiency in foreign languages; if so, what is the average amount granted to an officer; and how many officers have qualified for receipt thereof?

As the answer involves giving a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he will state the number of fighting aeroplanes and airships at present in commission and under construction in this country and in France, and the estimated figures under the same headings for the year 1926?

As regards the present strength of the British and French Air Forces, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on the 19th February, to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull. The Royal Air Force, as my right hon. Friend explained recently to the House, will be increased by seven or eight new squadrons in 1925–26; I have no information as to the probable French increase in the same period. It would not be in the public interest to disclose the number of aeroplanes under construction or on order for the Royal Air Force, and I have no information as to the corresponding figures for the French Air Service. There are no airships at present in commission in England, while the French have one rigid airship and seven non-rigid. It is intended to commence the construction of one airship in England this year, and to continue it in 1926.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he will seek to incorporate in international rules a minimum altitude at which passenger-carrying machines on the London-Paris service shall cross the English Channel?

It is not practicable, owing to the variability of atmospheric conditions, to lay clown a minimum altitude below which aircraft must not fly when crossing the English Channel. I may add, however, that higher flying, that is. above rather than below the clouds, will be gradually promoted by the development of aircraft instruments to facilitate navigation in fog.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware of the variability of atmospherical conditions which makes a minimum altitude necessary?

All pilots prefer to fly above the clouds rather than below. Owing to the variability of the atmosphere it is not always possible to fly above the clouds.

Would it not be possible to fix a limit below which pilots must not fly?

No.

Would the hon. Gentleman arrange for aerial police-traps for pilots?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Depart- ment, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, when the central gate of the Admiralty Arch was closed to traffic: whether the gate is to remain permanently closed;. and what is the reason for this action?

The gate in question, which was rarely used by traffic, was closed last month after consultation with the police, partly for the sake of appearance and partly to give additional security to foot passengers. It is proposed that the gate shall remain closed until traffic conditions render its reopening advisable.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I have used it?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider an amendment in the uniform regulations for mercantile marine officers so that when in full-dress uniform they may have the right of wearing a sword?

If my hon. Friend will be good enough to send me his reasons for suggesting this change, I will consider them, but, as at persent advised, I doubt whether the alteration is one which should he made.

asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade if he can now state whether the Regulation restricting those employed on lightships from receiving relations and friends on board these ships will be modified or rescinded?

I am informed by the Trinity House, with whom I have been in communication, that, for the reasons which I have explained to my hon. Friend in answer to his previous question on the 11th instant, they are not prepared to modify or rescind their Order, which in substance has been in force since 1804, restricting those on light vessels from receiving visitors or friends on board their ships. The Elder Brethren add that the conditions at lighthouses and light vessels respectively are entirely different; at the former the risk from the elements is absent and visitors can be received without risk of interference with the duties and the rest of the keepers.

asked the Minister of Health if he will arrange to publish monthly in the "Labour Gazette" a statement as to the number of houses commenced, the number in course of construction and the number completed during the month previous to each issue of the "Gazette"?

My right hon. Friend has consulted the Minister of Labour on the proposal who regrets that owing to the limited amount of space available in the "Labour Gazette" it will not be practicable to publish a statement. My right hon. Friend will, however, be always ready to supply my hon. Friend with the latest information available.

asked the Minister of Health whether the total number of new houses erected in Wednesbury, respectively, by the Wednesbury Town Council and by private builders since the 1st January, 1919?

Since 1st January, 1919, 358 houses have been erected with State assistance by the Wednesbury Town Council and 28 by private enterprise. Complete information as to the number of houses erected in the borough by private enterprise without State assistance is not available, but during the two years ended 30th September last the number so erected was 30.

asked the Minister of Health whether, having regard to the shortage of houses and the heavy burden housing schemes place on the rates in the smaller burghs, he will consider the desirability of amending the Housing Act of 1924 to provide that burghs having a gross valuation of £25,000 or under shall be eligible for the additional Exchequer contribution payable to rural areas?

I have been asked to reply. A proposal to grant a larger subsidy to smaller burghs was carefully considered in connection with both Acts of 1923 and 1924, but it was not found practicable to frame a scheme of special grants to particular areas.

asked the Minister of Health whether any application has been received by his Department from building trade operatives to work overtime; whether this application has been supported by the corporation of the town in question to pay overtime rates;. and what answer, if any, has been made by the Department?

No application has been received by my right hon. Friend's Department from building trade operatives to work overtime. It is understood that the operatives in the direct employment of one corporation have made such an offer. It is for the town council to decide whether they will accept it, and no consent on the part of the Department is required.

asked the Minister of Health whether his Department has received from the Plymouth Town Council a report of the proceedings culminating in the dismissal of Dr. Bushnell; whether he has approved this dismissal; and, if so, whether he will give the doctor an opportunity of having the charges against him specified in order that he may refute them?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, my right hon. Friend's approval is not required to the determination by the town council of their contract with Dr. Bushnell, and the last part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

Is it not a fact that before a medical officer can be appointed by a borough council they must obtain the approval of my right hon. Friend? Has it not been a grave injustice that a medical man can be dismissed without any proper charge being made against him and without his having the opportunity of answering any complaints?

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question was in the negative. The hon. Member is now referring to the question of dismissal. As I have already told him, the consent of the Minister of Health is not required for the termination of a contract. On the question of injustice I can give no opinion.

Will my hon. Friend undertake to secure power, in order that justice may be done in these cases?

Will the hon. Gentleman undertake to interfere as little as possible with local authorities?

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he can now give any information resulting from the scientific investigation being made into the question of the capture of immature herrings in the upper reaches of the Firth of Forth, as the prolonged consideration is causing dissatisfaction amongst the fishermen in those waters?

An Interim Report on the investigations has been received by the Fishery Board for Scotland, but the preliminary conclusions drawn therefrom are not considered by the Board as justifying any restrictive action. The scientific investigations will be continued as expeditiously as possible, but owing to the complexity of the problem they must necessarily occupy a considerable time.

asked the Secretary for Mines what was the total output of the mines in the County of Durham: the total amount received for the sale of the coal produced; and the amount of profit per ton raised, together with the amounts paid for wages to the workmen, for royalties and wayleaves, and for directors' fees for the year 1924?

As the reply involves a statistical statement, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that, with a view to enlarging the post office, at East Grinstead, his Department have ejected the occupiers of two cottages and are proceeding to pull the cottages down, and have refused to erect other houses in place of those pulled down or to reinstate the displaced families; and whether he will give orders forthwith to erect suitable alternative accommodation so as to prevent his Department adding to the already severe house shortage?

It is not practicable to provide for the very urgent needs of the Telephone and Postal Services at East Grinstead otherwise than by an enlargement of the post office over the property purchased for the purpose in 1909. The two tenants in question were not ejected from their cottages, but. gave up possession by voluntary arrangement. The question of the Post Office providing alternative accommodation for them does not therefore arise.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of motorists who were prosecuted for any offences under the Motor Car Acts during the year 1924; the number of fines that were inflicted upon them: the gross amount paid by the motorists in respect of these fines; and the number of prison sentences that were passed on motorists for breach of driving laws during 1924?

According to the police returns made to the Home Office, 123,826 persons were prosecuted under the Motor Car Acts in 1924: 112,091 were fined and six were sentenced to imprisonment without the option of a fine. These figures do not, of course, include offences by motorists—such as drunkenness or offences against the revenue—which do not come under the Motor Car Acts. The total amount in respect of fines paid into the Roads Fund during the year was £109,546. This was mainly in respect of motor cars, but includes also fines for offences in connection with other vehicles.

Does not my hon. Friend think that if motors are not driving to the danger of the public they should not continue to be exposed to these police traps which are set for the purpose of securing fines and benefiting the local rates?

Can the hon. Gentleman state the number of members of the. Government and of their supporters who have been prosecuted?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the amount of gold in this country and in other first-class nations; and, if so. can he state the amount in coin and in bullion?