asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the effect of the Safeguarding of Industries Act on X-ray workers in this country; that, in some cases, the actual tax which the consumer has to pay, owing to various accessory charges, may be as high as 60 per cent.; that apparatus which is not being manufactured in this country has this duty charged upon it; and whether, seeing that this makes it difficult for medical men practising X-ray treatment to have the best modern apparatus, he will consider the advisability of removing from the Schedule at any rate those types of apparatus which are not manufactured in this country by British firms?

I am unable to conceive how the actual tax paid under the Safeguarding of industries Act can possibly be at the rate suggested by the hon. Member. I am aware that certain special types of X-ray apparatus are not at present produced in this country, but, having regard to the purpose of the Act in question, I am not prepared to introduce the legislation necessary to give effect to the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is competent under the terms of the recent White Paper for committees to recommend a prohibitive duty in order definitely to exclude foreign importations?

As will be seen on reference to paragraph 8 of Section II of the White Paper, committees are instructed to report what rate or rates of duty in their opinion would be reasonably sufficient to countervail the unfair competition as defined in the White Paper.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many cases there have been since 1918 in which old hulks, which have been removed from one port to another for purposes of breaking-up, have been lost or broken adrift; on how many occasions life has been lost; and how many lives have been lost?

I am not in a position to furnish the information desired by the hon. Member, but I may say that no case similar to that of the "Vernon II," ex-H.M.S. "Marlborough" has occurred in recent years. Cases in which hulks in tow have foundered, or have broken adrift with loss of life, are reported to the Board of Trade, but they are not classified separately in the shipping statistics.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the wages earned and hours worked a week of steel smelters and rolled iron workers in Germany; and what are the wages and hours obtaining in the case of the same classes of workers in this country?

I have been asked to reply. The weekly minimum rates of wages for skilled and unskilled workers in the iron and steel industry for a full week's work in North-Western Germany are;36.96 and 29.12 Reichsmarks, respectively, or 36s. 10d. and 29s. at the current rate of exchange. In addition, certain allowances are paid to married men, which for a man with a wife and two children would amount to 2s. 8d. per week. The normal working hours are 56 per week. Information is not available concerning the average earnings or rates of wages in the various occupations of the iron and steel industry of this country, but for unskilled labourers the recognised time rates of wages at the present time range from 36s. 4d. to 48s. 9d. per week. The working hours are eight per shift for shift workers and 47 per week for day workers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the retail prices of sugar and tea in each of the following months: November, 1923; December, 1923; January, 1924; February, 1924; March, 1924, and April, 1924?

I have been asked to reply. The averages of the retail prices of sugar and tea, as shown by the monthly returns collected by the Ministry of Labour, were as given below. The returns collected are obtained from shopkeepers engaged largely in supplying working-class customers:

Date.	Granulated Sugar.	Tea.
	Per lb.	Per lb.
	d.	s.	d.
1st November, 1923	6½	2	6½
1st December, 1923	6¾	2	6½
1st January, 1924	6¾	2	6½
1st February, 1924	7	2	6½
1st March, 1924	7¼	2	6½
1st April, 1924	7¼	2	6½
1st May, 1924	5¾	2	3¼

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of bricks imported into this country in 1913, and in each succeeding year to date?

The quantities of bricks of brick earth or day registered as imported into the United Kingdom during the years specified were as follows:

Year.				Thousands.
1913	…	…	…	2,814
1914	…	…	…	1,137
1915	…	…	…	114
1916	…	…	…	—
1917	…	…	…	—
1918	…	…	…	—
1919	…	…	…	—
1920	…	…	…	37
1921	…	…	…	3,920
1922	…	…	…	535
1923	…	…	…	7,372
1924	…	…	…	85,042

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give the quantity of condensed milk and dried milk which was imported into Great Britain in 1888, 1914, and the last year for which figures are available?

The following statement gives the available information:

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give for Great Britain, France and Belgium the number of furnaces in blast for the latest available date and a similar

—	Great Britain.	France.	Belgium.
Furnaces in blast:	No.	No.	No.
End of February, 1924	202	134	42
End of February, 1925	164	135	51
Production of Coal:	Thousand tons.	Thousand tons.	Thousand tons.
1923	276,001	37,052	22,554
1924	267,118	43,304	22,984
Production of Metallurgical Coke:
1923	13,419	1,956	4,113
1924	12,753	2,598	4,093
Production of Pig Iron:
1923	7,441	5,345	2,113
1924	7,319	7,534	2,763
Production of Crude Steel:
1923	8,482	5,028	2,260
1924	8,221	6,795	2,815

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the rule laid dawn by the Stationery Office that the four volumes of Statistics of the Trade of the United Kingdom must be

The following statement gives the information for the periods specified:paid for by Members may be dispensed with in favour of those Members who make special application for copies?

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the reply given by my predecessor to Mr. Sturrock on the 1st April, 1924, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what tariff duties are charged by the Irish Free State on boots entering that country from Great Britain?

The duty on boots imported into the Irish Free State from Great Britain or any other country is 15 per cent, ad valorem.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, as the British Paper Makers' Association have estimated, there will be a surplus production of newsprint amountting to over 1,000 tons per day at the end of this year when the mills in course of erection are completed; and, in view of this fact, will he reconsider the decision to grant a credit of £400,000 to a Canadian company for the manufacture of newsprint?

I am informed that the Advisory Committee appointed to consider applications under the Trade Facilities Acts considered all available information including the estimate put forward by the British Paper Makers' Association before recommending that a guarantee should be given in this case. The answer to the second part of the quesiton is in the negative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Wayagamack News Company, Limited, of Three Rivers, Canada, has been granted a credit of £400,000 by the Trade Facilities Advisory Committee, and that this company is the same as the Wayagamack Pulp and Paper Company, Limited, also of Three Rivers, Canada, against whom E. S. and A. Robinson, Limited, of Bristol, were awarded damages for £30,000 odd in May, 1921, by Master Jelf, of the High Court of Justice, King's Bench Division, for breach of contract arising from their failure to deliver paper purchased from them; that when the action commenced they entered appearance, but subsequently refused to recognise the jurisdiction of the Court, and the judgment remains unsatisfied until this day; whether it is the intention of the Govern- meat that companies who do not recognise the jurisdiction of British Courts when proceeded against by British companies should receive credits under the Trade Facilities Act passed by this House; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

A guarantee covering a loan not exceeding £425,000 has been given to the Wayagamack News Company, the, money to be wholly expended in this country on the purchase of machinery and materials. The Wayagamack Pulp and Paper Company, Ltd., provide a guarantee of the loan of £425,000 to the Wayagamack News Company as a supplemental security beyond the assets of the News Company. I am informed by the Trade Facilities Advisory Committee that they were well aware of the litigation referred to in the second part of the question, that they had carefully considered the whole of the circumstances, including litigation now proceeding in Canada, and that they find no reason for amending their recommendation. In reply to the third part of the question in cases of the kind indicated by the hon. and gallant Member all the circumstances are fully investigated before a guarantee is recommended under the Trade Facilities Act. In this case the investigation was made by a committee of business men, and the result was favourable to the applicant. I do not propose to take any action in the matter.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the amount of the honorarium bestowed upon the Chairman and members of a Royal Commission?

No honorarium is given.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what date has been fixed for the return to the gold standard?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on the 26th March to the hon. Members for the Stroud Division (Sir F. Nelson) and Aberdeen East (Mr. Boothby).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what effect the restoration of the gold standard would have on His Majesty's Government's remittances to the United States of America in payment of debt?

The annual remittance to the United States at the present time, if the exchange is at par, would be £33,004,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any steps have been taken by his Department, through chambers of commerce or otherwise, to ascertain the views of leading manufacturers in our staple industries on the probable effect on these industries of a restoration of the gold standard?

Date.			Super-tax assessed and demanded (less tax found due to be remitted).	Super-tax paid.
				Amount.	Per cent.
			£	£
1st January, 1924	…	…	33,466,000	2,493,000	7·45
1st April, 1924	…	…	53,096,000	34,028,000	64·1
31st December, 1924	…	…	60,639,000	56,330,000	93·3

The tax unpaid at each date included not only liabilities which had been recently assessed, but also many which were the subject of inquiry or appeal.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he will consider the question of making the years for assessment of Income Tax and Super-tax coincide, and so enable the one form to be utilised for both purposes instead of the present expensive method of calling for particulars in each case;(2) whether he has been able to further consider the rearranging of the Department for assessing and collecting Super-tax and Income Tax, respectively, so that the whole of the work may be more economically carried out by the one Department, and not, only save the necessary work involved in transmitting all the various accounts from the Inland Revenue Department to the Super-tax offices, but considerably add to the convenience of the taxpayer who would deal with one Department instead of two?

Steps have been taken through various channels to ascertain the views of manufacturers on this matter.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of Super-tax due for payment on 1st January, 1924, was paid between that date and 4th April, 1924; and what proportion was paid between 4th April, 1924, and 31st December, 1924?

On the 31st December, 1924, the approximate total amount of Super-tax assessed and demanded (less tax found due to be remitted) in respect of the year 1923–24 was £60,639,000. The position at the dates stated below was as follows:

I fear I cannot regard my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestions as practicable. In the reply which I gave him on 19th February I indicated that in my judgment the suggestions would not lead to economy, nor do they conform to the conditions imposed by a system of collection of Income Tax at the source.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what, approximately, down to the latest available date, are the proportions of Income Tax collected at the source and from individuals, respectively?

It is estimated that in the year 1923–24 approximately 70 per cent. of the net receipt of Income Tax was collected at the source.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the yield per penny of the Income Tax in each of the financial years 1922–23, 1923–24, and 1924–25?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. T. Williams) on the 31st March. I am sending him a copy of that reply.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the estimated figures for the financial year ended 31st March, 1924, showing the gross income brought under review for Income Tax and Super-tax, the estimated income liable to tax before deduction of personal allowances, etc., and the estimated total net income on which Income Tax was paid?

The following estimates have been made for the year 1923–24:

	£ millions.
Gross income brought under review	3,050
Actual income liable to tax (before deduction of personal allowances, etc.)	2,300
Taxable income	1,300

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the estimated total number of individuals with incomes above the

Taxation Revenue per Heal.
—		U.K.			France.	Germany (Reich).	Italy.	U.S.A. (Federal).
		£	s.	d.	Francs.	Marks.	Lire.	Dollars.
1913 or 1913–14	…	3	11	4	84·5	31·3	53·8	6·8
1919 or 1919–20	…	21	14	5	221·1	—*	179·3	53·8
1920 or 1920–21	…	22	0	8	393·2	—*	248·7	45·2
1921 or 1921–22	…	18	1	10	426·9	—*	313·9	32·5
1922 or 1922–23	…	17	8	1†	467·7	—*	327·7	28·6
1923 or 1923–24	…	16	1	10†	522·7	—*	373·2	29·7
1924 or 1924–25	…	15	7	2†	676·1	Budget estimates 83·9 Reichs marks per head. Actual receipts 11 months to February, 1925 105·1 Reichs marks per head.	341·7‡	26·8‡
*Owing to the depreciation of the paper mark, figures of receipts varied so constantly as to be of little value.
†Excluding Irish Free State.
‡Estimates.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received Mr. Davis's memorandum on control of local authorities by Government Departments, which was recently adopted by the Devon

The estimated number of individuals with incomes above the effective exemption limit (£135 of assessable income) was, for the year 1923–24, 5,000,000, of which 2,400,000 actually paid tax, the remaining 2,600,000 being entirely relieved from tax by the operation of personal allowances, etc. These estimates are subject to revision. I am not yet in a position to furnish similar estimates for the year 1924–25.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the taxation per head of the population in Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and the United States of America for the year 1913 end the years 1919 to 1924, inclusive?

The figures are as follow:County Council and forwarded to him; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action thereon?

I have received the memorandum referred to. While I have every sympathy with the object in view, the whole question of the relations between Government Departments and local authorities is one of great complexity. The memorandum does not appear to me to afford any basis for action.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what principles govern the use of the embargo upon the issue of foreign loans on the London market; and what measures are taken to enforce it?

The placing of foreign loans in London is a matter for the judgment of the market which applies its own tests having regard both to the standing of the borrower and to general credit conditions in this country. It is only in very exceptional circumstances that the Government would depart from what must be regarded as a salutary practice of non-intervention, and then only by the expression of an opinion upon the public interests involved.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether there are any women in the National War Savings Committee performing the same work as men and receiving equal pay, and any women performing the same work but paid at a lower rate; and what is the reason for the difference?

Men and women clerks employed by the National Savings Committee are paid the regulated Civil Service scales for their respective grades. These are not the same for men as for women. The question of differentiation between the sexes was overlooked when the present scales for local commissioners and assistant commissioners were laid down

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of the staff engaged on industrial research; whether any and, if so, what practical suggestions have emanated from the Department in the years 1921, 1922, 1923, and 1924 and have been placed at the disposal of manufacturers in Britain; and whether he has any evidence that new products or improved methods of production have resulted from the information given?

The number of staff at present employed under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research is 606, excluding industrial staff; the industrial staff number 338. It is impossible within the limits of an answer to a question to deal with the other parts of the inquiry. Full information as to the activities of the Department is published in the Annual Reports, copies of which are available for consultation. The Department will be happy, on application, to supply the hon. Member with any supplementary information he may require.

asked the hon. and gallant Member for Tonbridge, as representing the Charity Commissioners, the number of staff employed in the Department at the present time and the corresponding number in 1914, together with the annual cost of the Department for the last year and for the year 1914; if he will state the rental of the buildings used in Ryder Street, S.W.1; and whether these are leased for a. period of years?

The number of the staff employed ill the Department at the present time is 118. In 1914 it was 131. The sum expended in the year 1914–15 for salaries and expenses of the Department as shown in the Appropriation Account for that year was £29,507 lls 11d.; the corresponding expenditure for 1924–25 was approximately £42,156. These sums do not include the expenditure, e.g., office accommodation, stationery, superannuation, etc., met from other votes. The premises in Ryder Street are held on a lease for 21 years from 1924 with breaks by either party at seven or 14 years. I understand that it is not the policy of the Office of Works to disclose the rent paid in respect of individual buildings.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, under the proposals of the Government, a proportion of the cost of superannuating teachers will be transferred to the rates, thus involving an additional rate for elementary education in certain districts; and whether the education committees which were not consulted before the expenditure on teachers' pensions under the Act of 1918 was incurred have agreed to the transfer of the liability?

Provision is made by Section 9 (1) (b) of the Teachers (Superannuation) Bill for contributions towards superannuation by local education authorities and other employers. This course was recommended by Lord Emmott's Committee after hearing evidence from representatives of local education authorities, with whom also I discussed the matter fully in connection with the arbitration on salaries. In response to their representations, it is proposed to postpone the operation of the provision until the financial year 1928–29. The executive committees of the various associations of local authorities have all, I believe, recommended their constituents to accept this arrangement, and the London County Council has already done so.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the profit on the Weekly Bulletin of Empire Study, issued in connection with the British Empire Exhibition; whether it is proposed to continue the publication this year; and, if so, will he consider the desirability of allocating the profits for the purpose of paying the railway fares and other expenses of poor children who might not otherwise be able to visit the exhibition?

I have been asked to reply to this question. According to the statement of the Comptroller and Auditor-General in his Report on the Appropriation Accounts, 1923–24, the net financial result of the venture is not yet available, but it is anticipated that there will be a profit of about £3,000. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative; the third part does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the dismissal of 64 men from the Royal Mint is entirely due to the decline in the volume of work anticipated this year; whether buildings are being extended and new machinery being installed at the Mint; and what prospect he can hold out for the re-employment of those dismissed?

The discharge of 64 temporary employés from the Royal Mint since the beginning of the year is entirely due to the decline in the volume of work, and the prospect of re-engaging them depends on the extent to which additional orders are received. The buildings and machinery are being rearranged and brought up to date with a view to more efficient methods of production.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the particular incidence with which that Clause in the Pensions (Increase) Act, which provides that a pensioner who is over 60 years of age cannot derive any benefit, weighs upon the Royal Irish Constabulary pensioners, because they find it in most cases impossible to get work owing to the hostility against them for their former services on behalf of the Crown; and whether he can see his way to amend the provisions of this Act so that it shall apply to all pre-War pensioners of whatever age?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Reading (Mr. H. Williams) on the 10th February last.

asked the Minister of Health what is the present arrange ment between the parties in the building trade as to the admission of apprentices and new craftsmen?

I will send the hon. Member a copy of a pamphlet issued by the Building Industry Committee which sets out the arrangements which have been made for augmenting the supply of skilled labour in the building trade.

asked the Minister of Health the number of bricks laid and the number of bricklayers employed on Government housing schemes last year; and how the figures compare with the figures for the three previous years?

Statistics giving the information desired by the hon. Member are not available.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in regard to the letting of council houses, he has issued any advice to local authorities as to the preference to be given to applicants with families and also to those living in condemned property in slum areas; and, if not, whether he will consider the advisability of taking action on these lines?

It is a condition of the grant of subsidy under the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924, that reasonable preference shall be given to large families in letting the houses, and the attention of local authorities has been drawn to this provision, which gave statutory sanction to the general practice previously obtaining. I do not think it desirable to restrict further the discretionary powers of local authorities in regard to the control and management of houses erected under the Housing Acts. As regards persons living in condemned houses in slum areas, I require, in connection with a scheme for the improvement of a slum area, that before any persons are displaced such numbers of houses should be provided as would accommodate the number of persons displaced.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of cottages owned by Government Departments or by the Disposals Board and the number unoccupied; and what is the average rent paid or demanded, stating whether the occupier pays rates and water charges, etc.?

I have been asked to reply to this question as practically all the houses owned by the Government, other than those required for Government employés, are in the charge of the Office of Works. There are approximately 11,000 such houses (including hutments) in the charge of this Department and the Surplus Stores Liquidation Department, of which about 350 are unoccupied. The average rent is approximately 9s. per week. In about 80 per cent. of the cases this is inclusive of rates and water charges.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the distance of the neighbouring casual wards from Lichfield, and the number of miles a destitute wayfaring man or woman has now to walk from one ward to another in consequence of the Lichfield ward being closed; and has he received any representation or complaint from any neighbouring board of guardians as to the closure of the Lichfield ward?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have received no representation or complaint as to the closing of the Lichfield wards.

asked the Minister of Health why and when the Lichfield casual ward was closed; whether the closure was due to the application of the guardians and, if so, will he state what representations they made; what accommodation do the Lichfield guardians now provide for poor necessitous wayfarers entitled to relief under 43 Eliz., c. 2, and whether in the workhouse or in common lodging-houses; what provision have they made for midday meals or food tickets, as required by the Regulation of 1914; and, if Lichfield ward was included in the official survey, what, if any, deficiencies were discovered or, if it was closed before the survey, what, if any, deficiencies it had which were known to the Ministry?

I approved of the closing of the Lichfield casual ward for an experimental period of six months as from the 1st January, 1925. Mc application for my approval was made by the Staffordshire Joint Vagrancy Committee with, I presume, the concurrence of the board of guardians, who have made no direct representations to me on the matter. The closure of the wards has been notified throughout the county. I am in communication with the guardians as to the arrangements for dealing with such applications for relief as, notwithstanding this notice, are made to them by casuals, and will let the hon. Member know the result. But I have no reason to suppose that there is any failure on the part of the guardians to provide such relief and to provide the prescribed midday meals on discharge. The only deficiencies reported in the Lichfield ward when the survey of casual wards was made were the absence of wash basins and the absence of a day room for women casuals. The number of women casuals entering the ward did not, however, exceed one per day.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is his intention to introduce an amending Milk and Dairies Bill prior to the coming into force of the Consolidation Act of 1915?

No, Sir; I do not propose to introduce a Milk and Dairies Bill this Session.

asked the Minister of Health whether, on the cancellation of their present scheme of additional benefits under the National Health Insurance Acts as from the 5th of July, 1925, it will be possible for an approved society to transfer the balances on account in respect of non-cash benefits funds remaining at the expiration of their existing schemes to a special assistance benefit fund for the provision of similar non-cash benefits to new entrants or, alternatively, to persons admitted as members in the interval between the date of valuation, 31st December, 1922, and the date of the coming into operation of the new scheme on 6th July, 1925?

The balances in question can only be applied in supplement of sums available for distribution under a new scheme of additional benefits to members qualified to receive them in accordance with the Act and Regulations. A scheme cannot provide for the utilisation of this money for the provision of non-cash benefits to new entrants from the date of their becoming members, but I may point out that persons admitted as members in the years 1923, 1924 and 1925 will be entitled to participate in the benefits provided under the new schemes at varying dates according to the duration of their membership.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the fact that at Orton, Waterville, in the County of Huntingdon, the trustees of Pembroke College, Cambridge, have prohibited the use by inhabitants not living on their property of the pump at which the villagers have obtained water for a hundred years; and will he make inquiries and take such steps as he is able to secure for this village an adequate supply of water?

I have no information in regard to this case, but I will make inquiries of the district council.

asked the Minister of Health whether any assistance by way of grant of public moneys will be given to the British Legion to help in running Preston Hall Colony as a village settlement for ex-service men suffering from tuberculosis; and whether his Department is prepared to assist in the extension of village settlements for persons suffering from tuberculosis?

As regards the first part of the question, a grant of £10,000 is being made from the Exchequer for the erection of additional cottages at Preston Hall, and grants will be available on the ordinary basis in aid of the treatment and training of patients sent to the institution by local authorities. In the case of tuberculous pensioners, the whole cost of their treatment and training will be refunded by the Exchequer. As regards the last part, I propose to defer consideration of this question pending the completion of the extensions now being carried out at the two existing village settlements at the cost of the Exchequer.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the total number of persons employed in the Indian mining industry during the year 1923 showing, respectively, the number of males of 18 years of age or more; the number of males between the ages of 14 and 18 years; the number between the ages of 12 and 14 years; the number between the ages of 10 and 12 years; the number under 10 years of age; and showing, respectively, the number of females employed in the Indian mining industry for the same period and of the same ages?

FATAL ACCIDENTS IN MINES REGULATED BY THE INDIAN MINES ACT.
Year.				Males.		Females.
				Over 18 years of age.	Between 10 and 18 years of age.	Over 18 years of age.	Between 10 and 18 years of age.
1922	…	…	…	197	18	19	7
1923	…	…	…	266	30	50	40

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what are the conditions of recruitment, rates of pay, hours of labour, and welfare conditions of the labourers on the tea plantations of Assam; whether he is prepared to ensure the instruction of the labourers as to the terms of their contract in their own native language; and what steps, if any, are taken by the Government to see that the terms of contract are kept by both employer and employés?

The labourers are recruited by other labourers who have already worked in the tea gardens. For the year ending 30th June, 1924, average monthly wages per man, woman and child, calculated on the basis of daily

The daily average number reported for 1923 is, in round numbers, 147,000 adult males, 80,000 adult females and 7,000 children under the age of 12 years. Separate figures for the ages mentioned are not yet available. The employment in mines of children under 13 has since been prohibited.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the number of fatal accidents in the Indian mining industry for the years 1922 and 1923, respectively, showing the number of adult males, adult females and children of both sexes between the ages of 10 years and 18 years, respectively?

As the reply to this question is in the form of a statistical table, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. A copy of the latest Report of the Chief Inspector of Mines in India is being placed in the Library.Following is the table referred to:working strength and on the basis of the total number on the books, were reported as follows:

Assam Valley Division.
		Daily working strength.			Total number on books.
		Rs.	As.	Pies.	Rs.	As.	Pies.
Men	…	11	5	1	8	12	11
Women	…	9	8	9	6	14	3
Children	…	5	4	9	4	1	8

Surma Valley Division.
		Daily working strength.			Total number on books.
		Rs.	As.	Pies.	Rs.	As.	Pies.
Men	…	8	12	10	6	15	4
Women	…	6	15	5	5	1	5
Children	…	4	11	4	3	1	8

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can now consider the advisability of the provision of quarters free of charge for the general penitentiary staff at Kingston, Jamaica, in manner similar to those provided for the police on the island?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply returned to his question on the 2nd March, 1924, and to the Report from the Governor of Jamaica which was subsequently communicated to him. I am not aware of any later developments which would justify my right Hon. Friend in recommending the Jamaica Government to reconsider its attitude in the matter of free quarters for the penitentiary staff.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give

—				France (Post-war territory and including the Saar).		Germany (Post-war territory and excluding the Saar).
				1913.	1924.	1913.	1924
				Metric Tons.	Metric Tons.	Metric Tons.	Metric Tons.
Coal	…	…	…	43,847,000	44,011,000	140,753,000	118,829,000
Lignite	…	…	…	793,000	944,000	87,228,000	124,360,000

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that Russia, formerly a wheat-exporting country, is

lf, as I suppose, my hon. Friend's question relates to processes of low temperature carbonisation, I would refer him to the reply given on 10th February to my Noble Friend the Member for Shrewsbury (Viscount Sandon). The value of these processes obviously depends upon the extent to which they can be operated commercially at a profit, and, as I have recently informed the House, the Government intend to spare no efforts to assist in developing them and endeavouring to make them a commercial success.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give the coal output per shift per man in France and Germany in 1924; the hours per day worked in both countries; and the average pit head price per ton?

This information, so far as it can be obtained, is given in my reply on Tuesday to the hon. Member for Newport (Mr. Clarry), a copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can give the output of coal and lignite, respectively, in France and Germany for the years 1913 and 1924?

The following are he figures:now a large purchaser of wheat; that China, Japan, and other Eastern countries are changing their present diet to that of flour and butcher meat which they do not produce; whether, in view of a possible shortage and of a rise in the price of these necessities, he will state his view of the matter; and what steps he proposes to take?

The Soviet Government has made purchases of wheat this season, but it would be incorrect to regard Russia normally as a wheat importing country. As regards Eastern countries, there is stated to be a gradual tendency towards an increased consumption of wheat and meat, but so far as can be judged from available statistics such increase as may be taking place is not an important factor in the total supply of the world. The Royal Commission on Food Prices has in preparation a Report dealing with the wheat trade which will enable the whole question of future supplies to be considered.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that during the last few years much arable land has deteriorated owing to the want of re-draining; that the cost of re-draining with tile drains is in the neighbourhood of £16 to £20 per acre; and that this expenditure is in many cases prohibitive and does not give an adequate return on the outlay and what steps he proposes to take in order to prevent much land gradually going back to its natural condition?

I am aware that the cost of tile draining is so high as to be in many cases prohibitive. Mole-draining is, however, an effective and inexpensive substitute. A considerable number of demonstrations of modern methods of mole-draining have been held in various parts of the country, and the Ministry proposes, in conjunction with county authorities, to hold such demonstrations in all districts where instruction is required.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, having in view the fact that foot-and-mouth disease is prevalent on the Continent, if he will state what precautions are taken to prevent infection being brought to this country by trucks and by forage and dead meat carried by the Richborough-Zeebrugge Ferry?

As far as my right hon. Friend is at present advised, the risk of the introduction of foot-and- mouth disease from the Continent has not been sensibly increased by the train ferry. The importation of forage from the Continent (except from Norway) is already prohibited, but the question of the measures to be taken in order to minimise the risk of infection through this ferry is at present under consideration.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether live stock are allowed to be transported to England by the Richborough-Zeebrugge Ferry?

The importation of live cattle, sheep, goats and all other ruminating ainmals and swine is prohibited under the Diseases of Animals Acts. As regards horses, I am informed that the railway companies do not propose to transfer the traffic from their present steamers.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has received any proposals from manufacturers of superphosphates to regulate the price at which their products shall be sold in this country?

Yes, Sir, but the hon. and gallant Member is no doubt aware that an application by the super-phosphate manufacturers, under the Safeguarding of Industries, is at present being heard by a Committee specially appointed by the Board of Trade for the purpose.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the total capital commitments of county councils and councils of county boroughs for the purpose of the land settlement scheme in England and Wales; how many persons have been settled on the land by the councils since the date of inception; what proportion of these are ex-service men; and will he state the average loss per holding after making provision for the repayment of loans and administrative expenses to the council, and the average capital loss per settler?

The total capital commitments of county councils and councils of county boroughs for the purpose of the Land Settlement Scheme in England and Wales amount at present to, approximately, £15,000,000. The number of men settled on the land since the inception of the scheme and still in occupation of their holdings is 18,702, of whom 16,461 are ex-service men. Included in the total are 2,364 persons who have been provided with holdings on land acquired before December, 1918. The normal loss per holding, taking one year with another, averages £33 per annum. It will be impossible to form any estimate of the capital loss until the financial adjustment to be made between councils and the Ministry at 1st April, 1926, has been completed.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he proposes to mike a new survey of the Ouse drainage district to ascertain the lands above the 8-feet level; whether this will be extended to area A; and whether it. is intended to retain area A within the Ouse drainage district?

My right hon. Friend has not had under consideration any such general survey as is mentioned in the hon. Member's question, but only such a survey as may be required to ascertain the lands which were through inadvertence included in the district by the Order of 1920. Even if the survey should be extended to area A it will not indicate any intention to retain area A under the jurisdiction of the present Drainage Board.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether unemployed labour is being used for the Wash Reclamation Schemes; and how many men are at present employed?

I would refer my Noble Friend to the answer given to him on the 30th ultimo, a copy of which I am sending to him.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the threatened eviction of the fishermen of Brancaster, Norfolk, from their shell-fish layings in Brancaster Harbour and also from their whelk huts there; whether he is aware that if these threats are carried out the effect will be the total extinction of the only local industry and the consequent unemployment of a hard-working community of fishermen; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with the matter?

My right hon. Friend's attention was called to the matters referred to in the question a short time ago, and the fishermen were requested and undertook to furnish a plan showing the exact locality of the layings, huts, and road affected, but this has not yet been received. As soon as it arrives my right hon. Friend will go into the matter without delay

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he considers that the air defences of London are adequate; and, if not, whether measures for increasing their strength are being considered by his Department?

I have nothing to add to the statement of my right hon. Friend when introducing the Air Estimates as regards the progress of the scheme for strengthening the air defences of the country. I need hardly say that the defence of London is an integral and important part of that scheme.

asked the Under-Secretarty of State for Air what is the total expenditure on Air Forces, exclusive of civil aviation, for Great Britain and France, respectively?

As regards the expenditure on British Air Forces, my hon. and gallant Friend will find on reference to the Air Estimates for the current year that a gross sum of approximately £20,950,000 (including £3,500,000 for Middle East Defence Services) is taken for this purpose. As regards the French expenditure, I regret that, as I stated in my reply to my hon. and gallant Friend on the 23rd March, it is not practicable to give a figure

asked the Prime Minister whether any proposals have been made for the establishment of a naval base at Darwin and for any Imperial contribution to the cost of the same?

I have been asked to reply. The establishment of a naval base at Port Darwin was originally suggested by Admiral Henderson in 1911. I understand that the Commonwealth Government are not, proceeding with the proposal at present, and no suggestion has been made of any Imperial contribution.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he would he prepared to make a return showing for each year from 1900 onwards the amount estimated and the amount expended on shipbuilding, distinguishing between dockyard and contract work?

This information is given in the Annual Blue Books, "Navy, Dockyard Expense Accounts," which show expenditure contrasted with estimate for New Construction under the following headings of the Programme of Shipbuilding, etc.:

Subhead	A.—Dockyard Built Ships.
Subhead	B.—Contract Built Ships.
Subhead	C.—Others Vessels, etc. (i.e., tugs and small craft, etc.).

asked the Secretary of State for War the amount of rent now owing by the Navy, Army, and Air Force Institute to the War Department land agent for premises occupied by them on Salisbury Plain?

Payment of rent by the Navy, Army, and Air Force Institute in respect of certain premises occupied by them on Salisbury Plain is suspended pending the assessment of a fair rent, which presents special difficulties. Otherwise I am not aware that any rent is outstanding, but I am communicating with the Command on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state specifically whether his Department proposes to use the surplus of soldiers now at Bramley camp to do the work now performed by civilian storemen at the camp?

The surplus soldiers at Bramley are there temporarily, and are not supplanting civilians. They naturally co-operate in the work that has to be done.

asked the Attorney-General if he is aware that frequently when ex-service men receive notice that their final appeal is to be heard they only receive two days' notice; and, as this period may not be sufficient for the applicant to secure adequate assistance at the hearing, whether it is permissible for him to apply for a postponement without any prejudice to his case?

The Statutory Rules of the pensions appeal tribunals provide that

"Each appellant shall receive not lea, than 5 (five) clear days before the date fixed for his appeal, a Notice of Hearing specifying the place where and the date and the time when the appeal will be heard. Such notice shall be in the prescribed form and in the case of a man a railway warrant, where necessary, shall be sent therewith."

This rule is strictly observed unless the appellant or his representative expressly waives it and asks for an immediate hearing on special grounds, e.g., that the appellant is shortly proceeding abroad, or that he is dangerously ill, and it is considered advisable to visit him at once. No case has ever been brought to the notice of the president of the pensions appeal tribunals where an appellant has only received two days' notice, but if he is informed of any specific instance, he will investigate it. The pensions appeal tribunals will always grant an application written or verbal for the postponement of a case on any reasonable grounds.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he has received representa- tions from various branches of the British Legion respecting the hardships imposed upon ex-service men by the incidence of the Royal Warrant respecting the time limit for appeal against final awards; whether he is aware that in many cases the incidence and degree of the disabilities has progressively increased; and whether he will consider the necessary change in the Royal Warrant to meet such circumstances?

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. The time limit referred to is a matter of statute and not of Warrant. I would further point out that medical treatment at the hands of the Ministry with allowances, if necessary, is available in cases of final award, where the disability has exceptionally worsened; and in such cases where, as a result of medical treatment or observation, the Ministry find that serious error occurred in declaring the award final, arrangements are already in operation, as my right hon. Friend has previously stated in this House, whereby further grant of compensation may be made. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that these arrangements are adequately meeting the situation.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware of the growing volume of out-of-time cases which the appeal tribunals consider they are debarred from considering owing only to the expiration of the time limit; and whether he will take immediate steps to amend the law, in order that these cases may be heard?

The facts indicate, I am glad to say, a tendency in the contrary direction to that suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend. The total number of such appeals presented is diminishing, but, as the procedure becomes better known, an increasing proportion represent oases in which the man was genuinely prevented, by unavoidable cause, from appealing within the statutory time. The arrangement for the hearing of such cases, coupled with the further provision made for the correction of cases in which a final award is found to have been seriously erroneous, is, in the judgment of my right hon. Friend, adequately meeting the situation.

asked the Minister of Pensions in how many cases are children's allowances being paid after the child has become 16 years of age; and is there any limit of age beyond which no allowance is paid?

Allowances are being paid in approximately 3,300 cases of children over 16 years of age. Allowances cannot be continued under the terms of the Warrant beyond the age of 21.

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the amount of the voluntary funds at his disposal now as compared with a year ago?

The balance of the voluntary funds not already earmarked for specific distribution is approximately £57,000 as compared with approximately £83,000 a year ago.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that a pension has been refused to Mrs. Lilley, 154, Ashville Road, Leytonstone, E.11, widow of a late able-bodied seaman, No. 182,744, who died on 16th October, 1922, from pulmonary tuberculosis, on account of the fact that his death occurred more than seven years after the termination of his active service; and whether, as the woman has no means of existence and has three children to keep, he will grant the right of appeal to the pensions appeal tribunal?

In the case referred to it has been ascertained that the man made no claim to pension on account of disablement by war service during his lifetime. In the circumstances of the case the widow, I fear, has no title to pension under the Royal Warrant, and consequently no appeal would lie.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many awards under the Dispensing Warrant were made in the 12 months ending 31st December, 1924; and the number of cases dealt with and awards made under the correction of errors arrangements made by his predecessor?

Approximately 1,600 awards were made under special sanction during the twelve months ending 31st December, 1924. Of these 212 were grants made in cases where the final award had been found to be seriously erroneous, under the arrangements initiated by my right hon. Friend and extended by the late Government.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will set out a comparative table showing the difference in the scale of pre-war and postwar invalid pensions payable, rating for rating and rank for rank, in the Royal Nagy for the same type of disability?

Ratings.—The pre-War scale of disability pensions is shown in Article 1931 et seq. of the King's Regulations (1913 Edition), and the post-War scale is shown in full in Order-in-Council of the 6th February, 1922 (Statutory Rules and Orders, No. 132). I regret that it is not practicable to set out a comparative table rating for rating as the rank element involves a very large number of variations which are calculated according to the duration of service in the particular ranks.I may say, however, that the rank element remains substantially the same as under pre-War conditions. The post-War improvement is mainly in respect of the basic "service" element, which now varies from Is. to 2s. 6d. a day (according to length of service), in lieu of 6d. to 9d. under the pre War Regulations, and in the disablement element for attributable injuries which is substantially increased under the post-War Regulations.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction of the pre-War invalided naval officers who were called up for service in 1914 with the inadequacy of the pensions awarded them on their discharge in 1919; and whether he will appoint a Departmental Committee to inquire into the complaints and report?

Pre-War invalided naval officers who served during the War have had their retired pay reassessed on the improved post-War scales, and I am not aware that there is any general dissatisfaction with the terms granted. I do not, therefore, consider that any further action is necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for War the reason why a regular warrant officer, disabled in the War and discharged, gets no service pension in addition to his disability pension, whereas s. regular private under the same conditions is in receipt of both?

The hon. and gallant Member appears to be under a misapprehension. In no circumstances is a disabled warrant officer treated less favourably as regards service pension than a private soldier with equivalent service who is similarly disabled. On the contrary, the conditions governing awards are in some types of cases more favourable for warrant officers than privates. If the hon. and gallant Member has a particular case in mind and will let me have particulars, I will investigate it.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of parishes, giving the names of the parishes, in Cardiganshire which are not provided with a daily delivery of letters?

The desired information is not readily available. I am having inquiries made and will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Postmaster-General what wages, including bonus, are paid to boys employed by the Post Office?

Telegraph messengers are the principal class of boys employed by the Post Office. Their pay varies according to age and the locality of their employment. In London a boy of 14 receives 14s. 5d. a week, and a boy of 18 receives 28s. 10d. a week, at 19, 34s. 3d., and 20, 39s. 8d. In the provinces the rates are somewhat lower.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the last collection of letters in the city is at 7 p.m., and that any letter for post after that time has to be sent to the General Post Office, whence they depart at 1 a.m.; and whether, seeing that this is causing inconvenience to business houses in the city, he will consider the advisability of reverting to pre-War facilities?

The time of the last collections from posting boxes throughout the city is 7.30 p.m. There are collections from a number of the larger branch offices at 8 p.m., and from five branch post offices at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., connecting with late mails despatched to provincial offices at irtervals during the evening. These differ little from pre-War arrangements, and I do not think they can be regarded as inadequate.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether the old elms in the south-east corner of the Regent's Park are being lopped and pollarded in the supposed interest of the flowers; and, if so, whether he will consider the desirability of moving the flower beds elsewhere and leaving the trees unmutilated?

The old elms referred to have been lopped solely with a view to the safety of the public visiting Regent's Park.

asked the Home Secretary the hours of duty per day, the pay, and conditions of service of temporary officers in the prisons service, as distinct from night patrols and stokers?

The hours vary from 8 to 10 a day according to needs. Men receive 8s. a day, and women 5s. 3d. They are engaged on a day-to-day contract.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the amount of money in the existing reserves of the London electricity companies that could be capitalised under the terms of the Bills now before Parliament?

The statistical basis on which the amount is to be calculated is to be prepared by the companies and agreed with the Joint Electricity Authority, subject to an appeal to the Electricity Commissioners, within six months of the establishment of the Joint Authority under the London and Home Counties Electricity District Order which is now before me for confirmation. The amount cannot therefore yet be stated.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his atten- tion has been called to the great increase in the number of taxi-cabs in the London area which, instead of utilising to the full recognised cab ranks, ply for hire by what is popularly known as prowling, especially in the neighbourhood of railway termini; whether he is aware that this tends to congest the streets; and whether he will consult the Commissioner of Police in order to frame measures to increase the number of cab ranks with telephones, and to make their use more general?

I am aware that considerable numbers of taxi-cabs ply for hire in the streets of London by what is popularly known as prowling or crawling, and I quite appreciate that this tends to congestion. The question of Regulations to deal with this matter is specifically dealt with in the Third Schedule to the London Traffic Act, 1925, and is a matter which will in due course be considered by the London Traffic Advisory Committee.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that, as a result a public meeting in North Queensferry recently, a largely-signed petition has been presented to the London and North Eastern. Railway Company, the Dunfermline District Committee of the County Council, and other public bodies, asking for certain improvements to be made on the ferry passage across the Forth; and will be undertake to inquire into the treatment given to passengers using the ferry with a view to their grievances being remedied?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I understand that the Edinburgh City Council and other authorities interested are now discussing with the railway company the question of an improvement of the ferry service.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he has now come to a decision regarding the recent sentence on the old age pensioner in the Edinburgh Sheriff Court; and if he has been able to remit any or all of the punishment?

I have made inquiry regarding this case, but regret that I can find no sufficient reason to justify me in advising any interference with the sentence.

asked the hon. Member for Monmouth, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, if he can state what is the situation, acreage, cost per acre, specifying value of land and cost of planting, the number of plants planted and the number of plants living on the land, dealt with by the Forestry Commission in Cardiganshire since November, 1919?

The Commissioners have not acquired any land in Cardiganshire.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to a resolution passed by the Nottingham board of guardians asking for the suspension of Memorandum U.I. 563, as it has already caused an increase in applications for relief, thus placing what is a national obligation upon the ratepayers; and whether he will consider the advisability of suspending Memorandum U.I. 563?

I would refer my Noble Friend to the reply on this matter given yesterday to the hon. Member for Nottingham West (Mr. Hay (lay), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a number of unemployed men in East Hare who took part in Monday's demonstration to Hyde Park asked to be excused from signing the register on that day and were refused permission; and will he state to the House whether it is his intention to stop their day's pay on this account?

I do not think I should be justified in excusing signature in these cases and accordingly, benefit will not be payable for the day in question.

asked the Minister of Labour the total amount paid for unemployment benefit during the years 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923 and 1924 what sums have in each year been contributed by insured persons, employers and the State, respectively; and what sums have been paid by the trade unions in unemployment benefit?

—	Benefit.			Contributions.
	Direct (by Employment Exchanges, &c.)	Indirect (through Associations under Section 17 of the 1920 Ace).	Total.	Employers.	Employed Persons.	Service Departments (Section 11).	Ex-chequer.	Total.
	£	£	£	£	£	£	£	£
1919–20	869,124	139,702	1,009,126	1,521,626	1,521,626	Nil	912,701	3,955,953
1920–21	30,113,070	4,005,125	34,118,195	4,972,930	4,972,930	1,357,315	2,168,039	13,471,814
1921–22	45,174,415	7,673,799	52,848,214	16,032,709	14,313,306	820,260	11,057,901*	42,224,176
1922–23	38,831,481	3,019,351	41,880,832	17,663,640	15,897,275	443,659	12,166,266	46,170,840
1923–24	33,658,586	2,312,825	35,971,411	19,283,065	17,351,758	273,472	13,184,784	50,096,079
	148,646,976	17,180,802	165,827,778	59,473,970	54,059,895	2,894,706	39,490,291	155,918,862
* State Grant for 15 months.

As regards unemployment benefit paid by trade unions, information is not avail able for all unions, but among trade unions in Great Britain, registered under the Trade Union Acts, comprising over four-fifths of the aggregate membership of all unions, statistics showing the income and the expenditure on various forms of benefit, including unemployment and travelling, and emigration benefit, are published in a statistical summary compiled by the Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour what was the figure representing nominal wages in the month of January, 1924, compared with 1914.; what was the cost of living and what were the real wages; and whether there has been any increase or decrease in real wages since the last General Election?

The in formation available as to wages in 1914 and in January, 1924, is not sufficient to permit a precise comparison to be made of the relative levels of either money wages or real wages in industry generally at the two dates; moreover, the reduction

During the Insurance years 1919–20 to 1923–24, the amount of unemployment benefit paid, and contributions received under the Unemployment Insurance Acts is as follows:in working hours in many industries between the two dates and the greater prevalence of short time and unemployment at the later date affect the comparison. It is estimated, however, that in those industries in which wages were standardised by collective agreement between employers' organisations and trade unions, the average level of weekly full-time wages was approximately 65 to 70 per cent. higher at the beginning of January, 1924, than in July, 1914. The percentage increase in hourly rates was considerably greater. The average increase between these two dates, in the cost of maintaining the pre-war standard of living of working-class families, as indicated by the Ministry of Labour index number, was approximately 77 per cent. "Real" wages for a full week have not changed appreciably, on average, since the last General Election; the average level of weekly full-time money wages, in the industries for which information i, available, is estimated at 70 to 73 per cent. above the level of July, 1914, both at the end of October last and at the present time, whilst the Ministry of Labour cost of living index number was approximately 80 per cent. above the prewar level at 1st November, 1924, and 79 per cent. above the pre-war level at 28th February, 1925 (the latest date for which it has been computed).