asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what instructions the Government have given to their representatives at the International Conference for the Control of Traffic in Arms and Munitions?

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given on the 6th May to the hon. Member for Brightside (Mr. Ponsonby)

asked the Prime Minister whether, seeing that the British representatives at the Arms Traffic Conference in Geneva are drawn exclusively from the fighting Departments, and that the Conference raises important political questions which make the presence of advisers with other than merely technical qualifications desirable, he will consider the desirability of strengthening the British delegation?

I will reply on behalf of my right hon. Friend, who has been unavoidably detained. There is only one British representative, my Noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State for War, who represents His Majesty's Government, and holds his instructions from them. He is assisted by experts of all branches, including members of the political and legal establishments of the Foreign Office. I see no necessity for the adoption of the hon. Member's suggestion

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any States have yet ratified the Opium Conventions recently signed at Geneva; and when His Majesty's Government propose to take this step?

I have been asked to reply. The Convention concluded by the Second Conference remains open for signature until the 30th September next, and cannot, I am advised, be ratified until after that date. As regards the Agreement concluded by the First Conference, I am informed that no State has yet ratified it. His Majesty's Government hope to do so at an early date, but it is necessary first to consult certain of our Protectorates

asked the Minister of Labour whether the British Government delegates to the International Labour Conference at Geneva this month have been instructed to move an amendment to the present draft on nightwork in bakeries that will enable them, if carried, to vote for the Convention?

The Government have tabled certain amendments to the draft Convention on night work in bakeries, and have informed the International Labour Office that, subject to these amendments being carried, they would be disposed to accept the Convention, provided they could be satisfied that the effect of its adoption would not be to cause an increase in the price of bread to the consumer. Since that time the Royal Commission on Food Prices has examined this question, and, in view of its findings, the delegates will state that the Government is unable at the present time to ratify the draft Convention

Have these amendments been published?

I am not sure; I will let the right hon. Gentleman know

asked the Minister of Labour the nature of the instructions issued, or to be issued, to the Government representatives at the International Labour Conference with respect to the proposed draft Convention concerning night work in bakeries?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary to the hon. Member for Newcastle Central on the 7th May

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can state the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards the admission of Germany into the League of Nations?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Cornett on the 4th March last, to which I have nothing to add

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make inquiries into the case of Skipper G. W. Robinson, of the Grimsby trawler "Quercia," who was recently fined 2,000 gold kroner at Vestmannoe, Iceland, for the alleged offence of not having his gear properly stowed away when within the three-mile limit, and ascertain by whom he was tried; and if the British consul was present at the trial

Inquiries were made as soon as this case was brought to my notice, and I am now awaiting a report from the British consul at Reykjavik. The trial was held in the local Court at Westmann Islands, and the British vice-consul was represented at the proceedings

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the so-called Judge who tried this man is a sort of local Pooh-Bah—shopkeeper, Judge, clerk and his own assistant? Will he make inquiry as to the authority of this man in dealing with this case?

I have said that the British vice-consul was represented, and I am awaiting his report. I must dissociate myself from any kind of attack on the local Court

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information about. the reported oppression of the Ukranians by the Polish Government in provinces inhabited by a big Ukranian majority; whether it has been brought to his notice that Ukranian schools are being closed, the Ukranian language is being driven out from schools and Government offices, Ukranian organisations are being suppressed, and newspapers confiscated; and whether His Majesty's Government will take action in the matter under the minority clauses of the Treaty of Versailles or through the League of Nations?

I have from time to time received reports about the treatment of Ukranian minorities in Poland, but my most recent information comes from exclusively Ukranian sources. The Ukranian inhabitants of Poland have no doubt in the past had genuine grievances; but these have not appeared to be such as could be effectively redressed by any intervention of the League of Nations under the terms of the Treaty between the Allied and Associated Powers and Poland of the 28th June, 1919. I am confident that the Polish Government intend to observe the stipulations of that Treaty, and that, should action unhappily be called for, the Council of the League, under whose guarantee its execution is placed, will not be unmindful of its obligations. But no good purpose would be served by inviting its intervention at present

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further information with regard to the recent troubles in Bulgaria?

I have no information beyond that which has appeared in the Press

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to the prospective cruise of an American battleship squadron and other ships to Australia and New Zealand; if he can give any particulars of the cruise; and whether, in view of the importance of our Imperial interests in the Pacific, he can see his way to arranging in the near future for a cruise in those waters by a number of His Majesty's ships, to include battleships, light cruisers, destroyers, submarines, and an aircraft carrier?

The United States Squadron which is shortly to visit Australia and New Zealand waters win probably consist of 11 battleships, 6 cruisers, 28 destroyers, and a number of fleet

auxiliaries, including a fleet base force of 9 vessels, and store, hospital, depot and repair ships. This force will be divided into two detachments, one of which will visit Melbourne and Wellington, while the other will visit Sydney and Auckland between the 23rd July and the 25th August. With reference to the last part of the question, the cruisers of the Special Service Squadron, consisting of 2 battle cruisers and 5 light cruisers, which was completed as recently as 29th September, 1924, includes visits to Australian, New Zealand, and other Pacific ports, and it is not proposed to arrange another cruise of this nature in the near future. His Majesty's Ship "Concord" it at present in Australian waters, and His Majesty's Ship "Delhi" will proceed to Australia at the end of 1925, in accordance with the approved policy for the interchange of Royal Navy and Royal Australian Navy light cruisers

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the decision not to send battleships is in any way connected with the lack of facilities for docking?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, with reference to his statement that the £350,000 provided in the Navy Estimates in respect to officers' marriage allowance would only be required if the proposals put forward by the Admiralty were eventually accepted by the Government, whether he will say what those proposals were for which £350,000 were required?

I regret that I am unable to make a statement of the kind suggested by the hon. Member

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think he owes a statement to the House in respect of the money which the House has voted for this particular purpose? Can he not say what are the proposals?

The House voted the money after I had made a careful explanation, though I was unable to go into details, because I was awaiting a decision, and I am still in that position

But did not the right hon. Gentleman make any calculation on which this £350,000 is based, before he put that figure into the Estimates?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, with reference to the provisions made under Vote 10 in the Navy Estimates for a berth for a floating dock in Devonport Dockyard, whether he will say where this Coating dock is at present; and for what purpose it is now being utilised

This floating dock is at present moored at Portland, pending completion of the berth selected for hey at Devonport

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that the Atlantic Fleet flagship, His Majesty's Ship "Revenge," has completely refitted at Portsmouth and leaves that port on Thursday for Rosyth to be docked; and if he can say why this ship could not be docked at Portsmouth, the headquarters of the Fleet, instead of being sent to Rosyth?

The "Revenge" is not being clocked at Portsmouth, as the only graving clock which will take this ship is required for other services. The vessel could not be docked in the floating dock at Portsmouth, owing to certain work being necessary which can only be carried out in a graving dock

May I impress upon the hon. Gentleman the necessity of having a dock at Portsmouth?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty with reference to the "Bacchus" disaster and the condition in which the dependants of the men who lost their lives now find themselves, apart from the temporary charity provided for them, to state what were the terms of the contract on which these men were employed by the Admiralty; what was their exact rating and status; and whether provision is being made for the said dependants of these men under the Workmen's Compensation Act?

The crew of Royal Fleet Auxiliary "Bacchus" were engaged and signed on an ordinary Board of Trade form of agreement. The actual agreement for this vessel is a foreign going running agreement, which terminates on 30th June next, or on the vessel's first arrival in United Kingdom after that date.

The men lost were rated as follows:

• V. Wakely, third officer.
• C. Stonehouse, junior wireless operator.
• C. Chinn, able seaman.
• A. Edwards, able seaman.
• J. Riddle, water tender.
• E. Tucker, water tender

Their status was identical with that of the crews of the ordinary British merchant ships, and they were paid in accordance with the rates agreed on by the National Maritime Board. The question of making suitable provision under the Workmen's Compensation Acts in the cases of those men who had dependants is under consideration.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, having regard to the success which attended the last tour of the British Fleet round the Empire, he will consider further visits of smaller sections of the Navy to certain of the. Dominions and Colonies in the near future?

By the present distribution of the fleets and ships of the British Navy, and the annual programmes of cruises, practically all the Dominions and Colonies in the Empire are visited by His Majesty's ships at least once a year. Every consideration will be given to requests for additional visits provided that financial and strategical considerations will admit

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it possible that naval detachments might also go round the South American ports? They are the best advertisement we ever had. We, sold more goods than ever before after the last visit.

The hon. Member must realise that we are very much circumscribed by the amount of fuel that we are allowed to burn in the course of the year. We must use it in the most economical way

Is it not the fact that the Prince of Wales is away advertising the British Empire round there, or he will be? I do not see why the Navy should be sent there

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the number of naval ratings invalided since the 1st January, 1925, whose disability was considered by the surveying board to he not attributable to service; and the number of such invalids who have questioned this decision?

The reply to the first part of the question is 470, and to the second part approximately 30 per cent

Does not my hon. Friend think the, time has come for some form of appeal for the invalid naval ratings?

I am afraid I cannot add to my answer

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether ho will consider a scheme whereby the standard of education in the upper nautical division of the Royal Naval Hospital School. Greenwich, shall be increased to that of a higher technical school and a number of annual scholarships established for naval cadetships at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, for the sons of petty officers and men of the Royal Navy, and open to competition to all such boys who have received a higher technical education?

The approximate age at which boys enter Dartmouth is 13½. The approximate age at which boys leave the Royal Hospital School is 15½. Long experience has shown that it is undesirable for cadets to enter Dartmouth except at the normal age. Even if it were considered desirable to adopt the proposed scheme it would be difficult to arrange for special instruction being given to a few boys, and in any case it is extremely doubtful whether such a scheme, if adopted, would be made use of. If there are any boys in the Royal Hospital School who possess the requisite educational and other qualifications for entry as naval cadets, and are within the age limits for entry into Dartmouth, every facilitily would be granted to enable them to attend the necessary interviews and examinations

Is not the trouble that the fees are too high, and that boys whose parents are poor have no chance of getting in?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is intended to hold naval manœuvres or a review of the Fleet during the present year?

The answer is in the negative

asked the First, Lord of the Admiralty whether the Admiralty yacht "Enchantress" is now in commission; why she was not used for the recent official visit, of certain members of the Board to Malta: and to what use is it intended to put her during the rest of this year?

Is it not a fact that if this yacht had been employed on these duties we should not have had the hon. and gallant Gentleman's question, causing extra expense?

No, Sir. The yacht has not been in commission since she was paid off last August. The recent Board visit to Malta was conveniently carried out without the expense of sending her to the Mediterranean. Nothing has as yet been arranged for her use during the rest of the year

In that case, if it is not to be used and was not in use for the Malta visit, why not give it up altogether and save the expense

I said that no decision had yet been made

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, seeing that pensions are awarded to the widows and dependants of retired officers and that the regulations governing the granting of pensions and gratuities to the relatives of officers state that these pensions cannot be claimed as a right but are granted as rewards for good and faithful service rendered by deceased officers and will only be conferred on persons deserving the public bounty, he will consider the desirability of issuing regulations giving to the relatives of men of the lower deck who have given good and faithful service similar privileges in the matter of pensions to those at present received by the relatives of officers?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Devonport on the 12th February last on this subject, and to Clause 16 of the Widows, Orphans and Old Age Contributory Pensions Bill, which is at present awaiting a Second Beading

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will inquire into the complaints from the lower deck that ex-naval ratings are not employed in the office of the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust at Chatham?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of the 1st April to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Southwark

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there are registered at the Ilford Employment Exchange a number of ex-members of the Royal Irish Constabulary, resident on the London County Council Becontree housing estate, who are receiving pensions, some of a considerable amount, for services in the Royal Irish Constabulary, and that preferential treatment is being afforded them when available vacancies arise in the above area; and whether he is prepared to recommend to the officers at the Ilford Employment Exchange that this preferential treatment to pensioned officers of the Royal Irish Constabulary be discontinued, so that vacancies shall be placed in the way of men who have no income or pension?

I understand that three ex-members of the Royal Irish Constabulary are at present registered at the Ilford Employment Exchange, but I can find no evidence of any preferential treatment being given by the Exchange

asked the Minister of Labour how many juvenile unemployed centres are in operation in England; how many pupils are receiving instructions and the number of boys and girls, respectively and what steps are taken to assist them to get work?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 6th May to a similar question put by the hon. Member for Bow and Bromley

With reference to the last part of the question, will further steps be taken in order to deal with the important question of finding work for those attending these centres?

That question was dealt with in the seventh section of my answer to the question put by the hon. Member for Bow and Bromley

Can the Minister do anything to find work'?

The question was whether the Government could not do something more than was indicated in the answer. I am aware of that answer, but 1 ask whether, in view of the urgency of the problem, the Government cannot do more than they promised at that time

Perhaps the hon. Member will turn to that answer. I do not think he is familiar with the facts stated therein. I think he will find that the employment of boys as distinct from men is as high in sonic Exchanges where I have made inquiries as 60 per cent

May I again put my supplementary question? Can the Minister find work?

The Minister's reply referred to a question which was answered last week, and perhaps the hon. Member will read that answer.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mr. A. E. Roberts, of 10, Plough Court. Frank well, Shrewsbury, who, although granted a further period of unemployment benefit on 30th March last, has so far been unable to obtain payment; whether he is aware that efforts to ascertain the cause of nonpayment have been unavailing; and whether, in view of the fact that Mr. Roberts and 'his nine immediate dependants are experiencing great hardships, steps will be taken immediately to investigate the matter?

This case is one for decision, not by me, but by the statutory authorities. The insurance officer has ruled that Mr. Roberts is not entitled to benefit, and is liable to repay certain benefit which has been overpaid; Mr. Roberts has appealed to the Court of Referees, and I will notify the hon. Member of the decision in due course

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give the numbers of insured persons under the National Health and Unemployment Insurance Acts in Orkney and Shetland, Caithness, Sutherland, Rossshire, Invernessshire, Argyllshire and Morayshire, respectively: and what percentage of the population of each county this figure represents in each case?

I am having a table prepared giving the information asked for by the right hon. Member, and will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that, on the 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 27th of April last, trawler owners in Hull were unable to discharge fish from their vessels owing to lack of men; whether he is aware that men usually employed in this class of work were drawing unemployment pay on those same dates; and if he can make arrangements whereby trawler owners can get the labour and men can get the employment they both require

I am informed that there is an agreement between the Owners' Association and an association to which fish-dock workers belong for the supply of labour, but that there has been a shortage of labour on recent occasions. No vacancies have been notified to the local Employment Exchange, although the manager has intimated his willingness to help

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the suffering among the women fish workers at Buckle as a result of the refusal of benefit that the typical cases submitted to the chief referee resulted in a decision that the women were entitled to benefit; and that the Edinburgh office interpreted the referee's decision in a sense hostile to the women: if he has received protests from the employers on the Buckie rota committee: and what steps he proposes to take

I have received a number of representations on this subject from different bodies, including the Buckie rota committee. There appears to be some misapprehension. In the answer given to the hon. Member on the 25th February the rule regarding extended benefit was explained, and the rule regarding standard benefit was explained on Wednesday last in my reply to the right hon. Member for Ross arid Cromarty. The cases which were referred to the Chief Insurance Officer were claims for standard benefit, and the decision that standard benefit could he paid in respect of unemployment during the ordinary season does not necessarily apply to extended benefit, the conditions for the receipt of which are different. What the Edinburgh office did was w make clear for the guidance of the local office the distinction between the rule as to standard and the rule as to extended benefit

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain how he can say that the Edinburgh office made it clear to the authorities at Buckie when as a matter of fact the authorities at Buckie protested against their treatment by the Edinburgh office?

I am not quite clear as to what the hon. Member means. The Edinburgh office tried to make clear the difference between the standard and the extended benefit in this connection. I am not sure what the hon. Member wishes to imply. A complaint was made to me as to the distinction which was attempted to be shown

Is it not the case that the chief referee decided in favour of these girls, but the Edinburgh office virtually decided against them, and as a result the Buckie fish worker women are riot getting any benefit?

How can the right hon. Gentleman justify these people paving contributions for unemployment benefit, and telling them at the same time that they cannot get any benefit in almost every case?

Is it not a fact that under the last Unemployment Insurance Act, where the local or chief insurance office disagrees with a decision of the court of referees, it must, according to the terms of the Act, be referred to the umpire? Will the right hon. Gentleman see if there is still any doubt as regards these Buckie fish worker girls and will he refer it to he decided by the umpire?

Perhaps after the different supplementary questions which have been put to me, the hon. Member will confer with me in order to try to clear up the situation. It is not merely a question of a decision of the Court of Referees being sent to the umpire; that is a question of extended benefit. When it comes to standard benefit, the procedure is different. It is because there has been some misapprehension between standard benefit and extended benefit that I think the present misunderstanding has occurred. The whole position is extremely complicated as regards seasonal workers, and it is because of this complication that the misunderstanding has arisen. I am afraid it is not possible to go into greater detail or to argue the case in reply to a question

This is a case for a private interview

asked the Minister of Labour the number of boys and girls, respectively, who attained the age of 16 years during the year ended 31st December last; and to how many of each of them were unemployment insurance cards issued because they were then in insurable employment

The number of juveniles in Great Britain who attained the age of 16 years during the year ended 31st December, 1924, is approximately estimated at 421,000 boys and 416,000 girls. During 1924 the number of unemployment hooks issued to new entrants to insured trades of 16 and under 18 years was 352,817 to boys and 254,610 to girls. It. is not possible to distinguish separately books issued to juveniles of 16 years

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the number of coalminers reported to be at work and unemployed, respectively, at the end of March, 1925, was 1,122,700 and 148,400, respectively, or a total of 1,271.199 in the industry, and that the corresponding figures for the end of March, 1921, were, respectively, 1,188,500 and 26,400, making a total of 1,214,900; and Whether the number of coalminers has increased by over 56,000 in the past year

The figures quoted by my hon. Friend relate to the number of wage earners returned to the Mines Department. as recorded on the colliery hooks at a particular date, and to the numbers of workers, covered by the Unemployment Insurance Acts, recorded by the Ministry of Labour as unemployed at a proximate, but not an identical, date. These figures are not mutually exclusive, as a colliery worker may be retained. on the colliery books at a particular date and yet be recorded as unemployed, owing to short time or intermittent working. it would not be correct therefore to add the figures together in order to ascertain the number in the industry. I may add that the Mines Department figures include workers under 16 while those for insured unemployed do not, and, on the other hand. the latter include non-manual workers earning less than £250 a year while the Mines Department figures exclude them

asked the Minister of Transport how soon he expects to be in a position to state the Government's plan for providing work for the unemployed in connection with the development of the electrical industry

The whole question of the supply and distribution of electricity is under consideration, and considerable progress has been made, but I am not yet in a position to add anything to the answer given on the 24th February in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Newport. I would, however, remind the hon. Member that the Government are giving financial assistance, through the Unemployment Grants Committee, to electrical schemes which are being expedited for the purpose of relieving unemployment

asked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been called to complaint that jobs are offered to men out of work in the hope that they may be refused and that consequently unemployment payment may be stopped; and whether he will investigate it

I am aware that this suggestion has been made, but I have seen no evidence in support of it, nor do I think it has any foundation in fact. It is the duty of the Exchanges to bring vacancies to the notice of persons on the register in the hope that employment may thus be found for them. If apparently, suitable employment is refused it is of course their duty then to report the matter to the insurance officer, but the decision as to disallowance of benefit is taken by the insurance officer and not by the Exchange, and, as the hon. Member is aware, there are rights of appeal to the Court of Referees and the. Umpire

asked the Minister of Labour whether, under the Regulations, an unemployed worker is entitled to draw uncovenanted benefit, no matter how large the weekly income of his family through the working of other members and the letting of rooms?

There is not at present any disqualification for benefit on the ground of the wages or income of other members of the applicant's family. The letting of rooms might be a ground for the disqualification of the applicant's wife for dependant's benefit, or, if the letting amounted to a business carried on by the applicant, it might be a disqualification of the applicant himself

asked the Minister of Labour the income and expenditure of the Unemployment Insurance Fund for the latest week for which the figures are available, and for each of the previous three weeks; and what is the present indebtedness of the fund?

The average weekly revenue of the Unemployment. Fund for the past three months has been £938,000, as stated in my reply of the 6th May to the hon. Member for Nottingham East. This figure does not vary materially over short periods. The expenditure for the week ending 2nd May, 1925, was £992,000 and for the three preceding weeks £1,010,000, £925,000, and £1,023,000, respectively. This expenditure included about £30,000 weekly of nonrecurrent expenditure on refunds and compensation for future abolition of refunds. The debt on the 9th May, 1925, was £7,620,000

Are we to infer from that reply that the income is now larger than the expenditure?

No, Sir. It is the other way round

If you deduct the £30,000

If I deduct the £30,000 from £54,000, the answer is that in that week it was £24,000 to the bad, and similarly in corresponding weeks

forMr. HAYDAY asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to a recent case where an unemployed man had his unemployment benefit stopped for the time he had served on a jury, for which he received ls. in remuneration; and whether, in view of the financial loss thus thrown upon a family suffering from unemployment, any steps can be taken to continue payment of benefit in such cases?

I am not aware that benefit has been refused in any case of the kind. In two cases recently payment of one day's benefit was suspended while the question of eligibility was decided. The amounts due were paid a week later

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the present practice by many firms in the distributive trade of not paying wages until after closing time on Saturdays is the cause of much inconvenience, and in some cases hardship, to those employed, and at the same time results in a large amount of Sunday trading being necessary; that the various trade associations and grocers' associations, and especially the annual general meeting of the shop assistants' union, suggest that wages should be paid on Friday so that earlier shopping on Saturday may result; and whether he is prepared to amend the existing Trade Board Act by the insertion of a Clause that will definitely provide for payment of wages at a time which will allow those employed the opportunity of purchasing during normal hours and in the open market?

I am aware that resolutions in the sense stated have been adopted by certain trade associations; but the matter would not, in my view, fall within the scope of Trade Board legislation

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has now taken steps to get in touch with foreign Governments with a view to securing simultaneous ratification of the Washington Eight-Hour Day Convention?

I am not yet in a position to add anything to the statement I made on this matter in the. House of Commons on Friday, 1st May

When will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to make any statement at all in regard to his action or inaction?

Perhaps the Noble Lord will repeat his question

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be able to make a statement on this subject

I am anxious to make a statement as soon as I possibly can, but the Noble Lord is aware that when it comes to international negotiations very often it is not possible to issue invitations and to take action of that kind without, first of all, making sure that such invitations will be favourably received

asked the Minister of Labour whether the stoppage of work at the Cement Works, Shepreth, Cambridgeshire, is still continuing; how long this stoppage has now lasted; whether he is aware that the company concerned stands outside the Whitley Council of the cement industry and refuses to pay the rate of wages agreed upon by the Council; that the men have offered arbitration; that the company has refused either to arbitrate or to discuss the points at issue with the men's trade union representatives; and whether he has taken, or proposes to take, any further steps to facilitate a settlement

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that a dispute has been going on for nine weeks at the East Anglian Cement Company, Shepreth, Cambridgeshire; that the cause of this is the firm refusing to pay the recognised rates of wages decided upon by the National Joint Industrial Council for the cement industry; and that repeated offers have been made by the men to submit the matter to arbitration, which the company has refused; and whether he will order a public inquiry into the matter

The facts are substantially as stated by the hon. Members. My Department have been in constant touch with both sides, and their services will remain available for the pur- pose of assisting in reaching a settlement if the parties desire to utilise them. I do not. think that any useful purpose would be served by a public inquiry.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware on more than one occasion efforts have been made to arrive at an amicable settlement, and that the cause of the dispute is the burning question of not carrying out the wages agreed upon by the Joint Industrial Council; and is he not prepared to institute an inquiry in accordance with his powers under the Industrial Courts Act?

I am not prepared to agree that an inquiry, in the present. circumstances, would do any good. If it. would do any good it would be a different matter, but, as circumstances arc. I do not think it would

Will the right hon. Gentleman receive further representations upon this matter, which is causing very serious concern in very wide circles in the Cambridge district, quite apart from any political views

I shall always be very anxious to receive any further: information

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Government has a contract with the East Anglian Cement Company, Shepreth, Cambridgeshire: and whether he is aware that the firm in question refuses to pay the recognised rates of wages decided upon by the National Joint, Industrial Council for the Cement Industry?

I have been asked to reply. This company holds a small contract from the War Department, but no complaint has been received in regard to wages paid under it. If the hon. Member will furnish me with any information to show that less than current rates have been paid, I will have the matter inquired into

I will, with pleasure

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the action on the part of certain representatives of the electrical trades union who, on the eve of the opening of the British Empire Exhibition, removed the fuses and put out of action various electrical appliances both at the Colonial Office exhibit in the British Government Pavilion and elsewhere, on the ground that certain parts of certain electrical apparatus had been made, or partially made, by men who were not members of their union: and what action the Government has taken, or proposes to take, in the matter

I have been asked to reply on behalf of my hon. Friend the Secretary of the Overseas Trade Department. It has been agreed by the British Empire Exhibition authorities that all electrical work in the exhibition, including the Government Pavilion, is to he carried out by members of recognised trade unions. In the case referred to by my hon. Friend, the installation of certain electrical apparatus, which arrived at a late hour on the day prior to the opening, was held up for a short time until arrangements could be made for its installation by trade union labour. There was no interference with the working of any appliances

Has any action been taken with regard to the men who removed these fuses

I will represent that to my hon. Friend.

asked the Prime Minister if lie will consider the introduction of legislation to limit the amount of dividend which may be paid by public or private companies

The answer is in the negative.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that legislation such as is suggested would tend to promote peace in industry?

Would it not be equally fair to ask the Government to limit the amount of losses sustained by such companies

asked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to publish, or to allow access to, the Harmsworth Departmental Committee Report with regard to the case of Miss Violet. DOUGLAS-PENNANT

No, Sir. The Harmsworth Report was not the Report of a Departmental Committee, but a private Report for the information of the Prime Minister of the day, made by a member of his personal staff

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Prime Minister of the day stated that that Report would he published, but that it has never been published, and can he give any reason, seeing the great public interest in this case, and the feeling of intense grievance under which this lady suffers, why her advisers should not have access to this Report?

I have no information beyond that which I have given, but perhaps the question of my hon. Friend would be better put to the. Prime Minister of that clay in a personal communication.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say that the only evidence which the Air Ministry has stated to be alleged against this lady was the evidence of a very junior and inexperienced officer?

I must not be taken as accepting that statement. This matter was very carefully inquired into. I do not want to prolong the controversy, hut I must not be taken as accepting these ex parteallegations

asked the Minister of Labour what steps, if any, he is taking to draw the attention of employers to the appointments hoard of the Officers' Association and to the exceptional facilities provided by that organisation for bringing them into touch with qualified ex-officers in need of employment?

As has been announced in this House and in the Press, the work formerly done by the Ministry of Labour in finding posts for ex-officers has been transferred to the Officers' Branch of the British Legion, who aye now entirely responsible for it. If they desire my help in obtaining publicity among employers, along the same lines as were previously followed by my Department, I shall be glad to consider it

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the difficulty experienced by this Department is that riot sufficient use is being made of the Department by the employers—that they do not notify the Department of vacancies which thy have

As I have said, this is really a matter now for the British Legion, but if they wish me to help them in any way I can, I shall, as I have said before, be very glad to do so.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that married ex-service men are, being engaged through the Employment Exchanges as part-time night, telephonists. per hour; that the hours worked are, approximately, 18 per week: that the men, although only earning 18s. per week, have to pay 4s. per week travelling money; and whether he will see that no unemployed man is disqualified from receiving benefit for refusing to accept such employment

I am aware that employment with the London Telephone service, on conditions corresponding generally to those described, is offered through the Employment Exchanges. The question whether a person who has refused an offer of employment should he disqualified for unemployment benefit is determined, not by me, but by the statutory authorities, who consider each individual case on its merits in the light of the statutory conditions.

Will the right hon. Gentleman do his best to see that any man who refuses to accept a job at 18s. a week, out of which he has to pay 4s. a week to get there and back, is not disqualified from receiving benefit?

As the hon. Member will be aware, I cannot interfere with the actual statutory authorities. On the other hand, I have not had any case brought to my knowledge where, under these conditions, benefit has been suspended on the ground of refusal to accept the employment

asked the Minister of Labour whether all the leading London daily newspapers are now on the King's Roll

The following London daily newspapers are on the King's Roll: "Daily Chronicle,"" Daily Express,'' "Daily Graphic," "Daily Mail "and "Evening News," "Daily Mirror," "Daily News" and "Star,'' '' Daily Telegraph,'' '' Financial Times," "Morning Post,"The" Times," "Westminster Gazette." I am asking the local committees concerned to approach the relatively few papers not or, this list with regard to enrolment

May I inquire whether the "Daily herald" is on?

No, Sir.

What constitutes a "leading daily"?

The hon. Member's own psychology

Would it not be more illuminating if the right hon. Member had given us a list of the newspapers that are not on the King's Roll?

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of a probable stoppage of work of boilermakers employed upon the construction of a new cruiser at Barrow; whether the men have offered to submit the matters in dispute to arbitration; and will he use his influence to secure a satisfactory settlement

I understand that there is a dispute, regarding certain piecework prices to he paid on the work in question, which is being dealt with by the normal negotiating machinery in the industry. In the circumstances I do not think the intervention of the Department would serve any useful purpose.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this firm is the only firm responsible for the building of these new cruisers which is enforcing, or seeking to enforce, these new merchant shipping prices, and is it the fact that they have refused arbitration upon this matter?

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the negotiations are practically finished when the men are balloting today as to stoppage, and will he not, in the circumstances, try to alleviate the position

Tf the hon. Member will confer with me afterwards. I shall he glad. My information was that, so to speak. the resources of ordinary negotiation machinery had not been exhausted, and, of course, in that case, it is always better to let these be utilised to the fullest extent before any other intervention takes place.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this firm is asking for warship painting to be done at merchant rates, which means 15 per cent. less than usual, and is he also aware that neither in this nor in any other country is this done: and, having regard to the Fair Wage Clause, will he bring his influence to hear upon the firm to have regard to that Clause?

The hon. Member is really asking me to pronounce beforehand on a statement from him as to the merits of a dispute one way or the other, and I am sure he will not expect me to do that in this case

Those are the terms of the ballot that the men are taking at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the aerodrome built in the south-west of Ireland during the war is still under his control; what amount was spent on its erection; for what purposes, if any, has it been used: and what is its present use?

As regards the first and last parts of the question, the Air Ministry does not now control any air station in the southwest of Ireland. As regards the second and third parts, if the hon. Member will state the name of the aerodrome which he has in mind, I will endeavour to obtain the information requested

Has there been more than one large aerodrome built in the west of Ireland

The Air Ministry has no control over air stations in the Irish Free State, and, therefore, we have no knowledge of any air stations there at present. If the hon. Member would let me know what air station he has mind, I will let him know about it

Am I to infer that the Air Ministry did not build an aerodrome in the south-west of Ireland?

asked the Minister of Health whether he has any statement to make respecting the progress, if any, of the various bodies of local research regarding cancer; and whether he proposes any Government action in this matter?

My right hon. Friend assumes that the hon. Member refers to the inquiries which are being carried out by certain of the larger local authorities, on the advice of the Departmental Committee on Cancer, which was appointed by his Department. These inquiries have not yet reached the stage at which he could usefully make a definite statement as to progress. As regards the concluding part of the question, I may say that the Departmental Committee are continuing their investigations, and Circulars are being issued from time to time by my right hon. Friend's Department to local authorities giving such available information on the subject as is likely to be helpful to them

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it is a common practice now, in connection with these small local Committees, for funds to be raised by local bazaars and the like I Has he considered it in that light, because I think it is veryinfra digthat a proposal with regard to cancer research should be carried out in that way?

The hon. Member is making a speech

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the estimated deficiency of living rooms for the people of the county borough of West. Ham was in 1921, 59,324; and, as there has been no substantial improvement in the housing conditions of the borough, will he take special steps to call a conference at an early date with this authority and his officers to make arrangements for improvements to be effected?

My right hon. Friend is aware of the figures quoted by the hon. Member, which are taken from the Census Report of 1921. He will be glad at any time to make arrangements for a deputation to discuss their housing difficulties with his Departmint

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the borough of West Ham at the present time there are about 120 vacant houses which the landlords will not let?

That is another matter. I would remind the lion. Gentleman that local authorities can acquire such houses

Does the hon. Gentleman say that it is necessary for the West Ham Town Council to send a deputation to his Department before we know whether the Department will help us or not? I ask for a conference; can we have it?

We shall be very glad to see the authorities concerned at any time in order to discuss their housing difficulties with them

asked the Minister of Health how far, if at all, it is the intention of the Government that assessments determined by the rating authority established under the Rating and Valuation Bill shall be conclusive for the purposes of Schedule A of the Income Tax?

I would refer my right hon. Friend to the provisions of Clause 19 (3) of the Rating and Valuation Bill, which leaves it to Parliament to determine when and subject to what conditions the gross values in the valuation list shall be adopted for purposes of Income Tax

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to complaints made at a meeting of the Chesterfield Board of Guardians on Saturday last as to the wholesale vaccination of the inmates of the workhouse, some of the persons being over 80 years of age and ill at the time; if he is aware that several deaths have followed, believed to have been accelerated if not caused by the vaccination; whether the vaccinations took place at the suggestion of the Ministry of Health; whether he will instruct one of his inspectors to attend the inquiry the guardians propose to hold into the matter; and whether the Report of such inquiry can be communicated to this House?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. My right hon. Friend is informed that, on the occurrence of a case of smallpox in a ward occupied by elderly females, 379 of the inmates of the institution, including elderly persons, were offered and accepted vaccination. Forty-eight of the inmates were not vaccinated, either because this was thought to be undesirable on account of their state of health or because they declined. Since the time when the vaccination was carried out, there has been no death in the institution which could be attributed to, or was accelerated by, vaccination. The vaccinations were carried out on the advice of the medical officer of health of the borough, acting within his routine and prescribed duties. In the circumstances my right hon. Friend does not think it is necessary for an inspector of the Ministry to be present at the guardians' inquiry, though he has asked for a report of the proceedings.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has any information or statistics as to the numbers and causes of prosecutions of casual paupers in the Metropolitan or the provincial unions later than those given in the Local Government Board Report (C 5,813, Appendix p. 332); if so, will he publish them or state where they are to be found; will he cause an investigation to he made whether, and, if so, to what extent, oakum picking, stone breaking and stone pounding have given rise to prosecutions; and will he direct that, from the date when the new order took effect, a record be kept of the prosecutions in each union for refusal or neglect to perform the task and of the nature and amount of the task which was imposed. and of the sex and age, or approximate age, of the persons charged?

I am afraid this information is not available. My right hon. Friend will consider the suggestions made in the latter part of the hon. Member's question

Is it correct for me to assume that the hon. gentleman's Department has recently increased the amount of oakum from 1lb. to 1⅓ lb.?

That of course, is another question, and I should like the hon. Gentleman to put it down?

Would it be open, under the new Order that has been issued, to prosecute a casual woman pauper for not picking the oakum?

That, again, is a matter which does not arise out of the question on the Paper. Perhaps the hon. and gallant Member will put it down?

Would it be possible for the Minister to put on view in the Library a pound of the best oakum and a pound of the most difficult oakum that these people have to pick?

I see no advantages in that

Has the Minister tried picking the oakum himself?

Why cannot the House be allowed to judge, by seeing this oakum, whether it is a reasonable task to which to put these ex-service men? [HON. MEMBERS: "Answer. !"]

May I ask, Mr. Speaker, whether, when a Minister is asked to supply some simple information of this kind, it is not the usual practice in the House for him to give some answer?

I think the hon. and gallant Member must have heard that the Minister did answer. That the reply may not be acceptable to some hon. Members is another matter

asked the Minister of Agriculture what sum has been recovered from the salvage of carcasses of healthy animals in connection with foot-and-mouth disease since 1921?

The net amount received in respect of salvage of carcasses of healthy animals slaughtered on account of outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease since 1st April, 1921, after deducting all relevant expenses, is £588,448

asked the Minister of Agriculture what are the numbers of outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease since 31st December last; and what amount of compensation has been paid?

Twenty-one outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease have occurred in Great Britain since 31st December last, and £29,669 has been paid in compensation in connection therewith.

Are arrangements being made now for the testing of a certain specific, as was promised as far back as February, as a preventive of this disease?

That question was asked and answered, I think, last week—within a few days, anyhow.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what are the numbers of cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats slaughtered in consequence of foot-and-mouth disease since 1921