asked the Postmaster-General the number of telephone operators who will be employed to deal with increased telephone business at the British Empire Exhibition?

Fifteen telephonists have been added to the day staff of the Wembley Telephone Exchange and three telephonists to the night stiff to meet the anticipated in- crease of business. Three telephonists are also employed for demonstration purposes at the exhibit in the grounds.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has considered the possibility of granting permission to the owners of wireless crystal sets to use an aerial in excess of the standard size, in view of the fact that these sets do not cause oscillation, and as the length of aerial determines the result obtained on these sets, which are generally used by people unable to purchase valve sets?

The question of increasing the standard size of wireless aerials has recently been considered, but the conclusion reached was that such an increase would not be in the general interest. Where, however, there are special reasons for requiring the use of a larger aerial, permission is given on application.

asked the Minister of Labour the amount per head of population distributed in 1924-1925 in Great Britain for unemployment benefit and uncovenanted unemployment benefit

The amount of unemployment benefit (including both covenanted or standard and uncovenanted or extended benefit) paid during the financial year 1924-1926 was £40,962,000, and the estimated population of Great Britain in 1924 was 43,627,637. The amount of benefit for 1924-1925 per head of population was, therefore, about 18s. 9½d. Separate figures for the two classes of benefit are not available.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether anything has yet been decided as to the proposed amalgamation of the Royal Corps of Signals and the Indian Signal Corps; and whether attention has been given, to the fact that if this plan is adopted, the question of seniority may inflict considerable hardship upon British officers?

:The amalgamation of the Royal Corps of Signals and the Indian Signal Corps has been decided upon in principle, and details are being worked out. The method of determining seniority is being carefully considered in order that the amalgamation may be carried out without inflicting hardship on any officer.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the increasing practice by manufacturers of cheap headache powders of using anti-pyrine, a poisonous drug; and whether he is prepared to have this drug placed upon the danger list so as to prevent its improper use?

:I learn that antipyrine is an ingredient in certain proprietary headache powders, but I have no information indicating that its use is increasing. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on the 7th instant to a similar question in regard to acetanilide.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Treasury has any knowledge of an estate left by the late John Hobbs, which has reverted to the Crown; and, if so, can he state the value of the estate and the date of its reversion?

Investigation has been made but no trace has been discovered of the estate in question

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the total sum provided for scientific research of all kinds in the Estimates for the present financial year?

:Including the cost of buildings maintained by the Office of Works, but exclusive of the cost of administrative staff (except in the case of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research), it may be stated that a sum of £4,045,000 is provided in Estimates 1925-26 for scientific research of all kinds.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is the total number of officers in the Air Force, and, of this number, what is the average percentage of officers who are not habitually engaged in flying?

:The total number of officers in the Royal Air Force is 3,314, of whom 2,607 belong to the General Duties Branch, and unless excused on grounds of age, medical unfitness, or other special reasons, are required to fly regularly. The difference between these two figures represents 21 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many fatal accidents to both officers and men have occurred in the British Isles, India, and Iraq, respectively, in the years, 1922, 1923, 1924, and 1925; and in how many cases were the occupants of the machines equipped with parachutes?

Following is the information required: