asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government have arrived at a decision with regard to the proposal of the United States Government to abolish visa fees on passports?

No, Sir; I cannot as yet add anything to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend on the 6th instant. The matter is still under consideration.

Would it not be possible to consider at the same time the abolition of the visa itself between this country and the United States?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affaire whether he has received any report from our Minister in Sofia on the present state of affairs in Bulgaria; and, if so, whether any part of the Report could with advantage be made public?

His Majesty's Minister at Sofia naturally keeps me fully informed of affairs in Bulgaria, but I do not think that it would be in the public interest to publish the reports which he sends me at present.

Is there anything in these reports leading to a recommendation of the extension of the powers to enlist 10,000 additional men beyond the 31st May?

There is a question on the Paper to-day.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Bulgarian Government have asked for any extension of the period during which additional troops may be maintained; and whether His Majesty's Government have had any communication with the Bulgarian Government in the matter?

No such request has been officially made to me, nor do I anticipate that it will be made. The decision of the Ambassadors' Conference definitely fixed for a time for the disbandment of the extra troops, and I have no reason to suppose that any of the Powers represented in the Conference have changed their views of what is necessary and expedient having regard to all the circumstances of the case, both internal and external.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that without these additional troops the Bulgarian Government have at their disposal the force necessary to deal with the internal situation?

That is my opinion.

Have the views of His Majesty's Government on this point been communicated to the Bulgarian Government?

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, and, if so, when, it is proposed to publish the terms of the Allied Note to Germany dealing with German default under the Treaty?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when he will be in a position to publish the terms of the Note to Germany relative to disarmament?

Certainly it is proposed to publish the Allied Note to the German Government, but I am unable to give the date on which publication will be made. The Note must first be despatched and, in common courtesy, duly received at its destination.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether felicitations have been sent on behalf of His Majesty's Government to the new President of Germany on his election; and, if not, when they will be sent?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. It is not the practice of His. Majesty's Government to send their felicitations to the President of a foreign country on his election. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise. There may be special cases in which it may be done, but it is not the practice.

Is there any difference between felicitations sent by His Majesty and felicitations sent by His Majesty's Government?

Yes. There is the difference that one proceeds from His Majesty and the other proceeds from His Majesty's Government.

Is it usual to send felicitations to the head of a State who occupies the throne? For example, do we send felicitations to a king?

I do not carry the whole Protocol in my mind. I must have notice of a question of that kind. I have answered the question on the Paper. It is not our practice to send congratulations from His Majesty's Government on the election of a president in the ordinary course.

Is it not within the memory of the right hon. Gentleman that felicitations were sent by His Majesty's Government to President Ebert; and why were not felicitations sent to his successor?

It is not within my recollection. I do not deny it. The general practice of the Government is as I have stated, but there are special occasions on which, for one reason or another, His Majesty's Government thought it right to make an exception.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Coalition Government, of which the right hon. Gentleman was a Member, sent congratulations to the Polish General Pilsudski when he occupied Kieff?

Notice must be given of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any agreement has been made with the Governments of France and Spain with reference to the operations in Morocco; and, if so, will he furnish particulars to the House?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the number of paid and unpaid officials of foreign nationality employed at the Russian Legation in London; how these numbers compare with other Embassies; and whether the number of unpaid attachés is limited?

As regards the numbers employed in the Soviet Mission, I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Poplar on 10th May; whether these officials are paid or unpaid is no concern, of His Majesty's Government, and I should not think of inquiring.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question regarding unpaid attachés, and how they compare with other Embassies?

Whether their officials are paid or unpaid is no affair of ours, and I do not think that I should be called upon to inquire into it.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Soviet Government have yet acceded to the request of His Majesty's Government for the return of the property of His Majesty's Government and the personal belongings of the former Ambassadors and diplomatic staff of His Majesty's Embassy at Petrograd; and what reasons, if any, have been put forward by the Soviet Government for failing to comply with the usual diplomatic usage in such matters?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, the Soviet Government have given no good reason for their failure to comply with the request of His Majesty's Government, and I am awaiting a report from His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at Moscow, upon the further representations which he has been instructed to make.

Do I understand that the Government are quite powerless in this matter? Have they consulted the Secretary of State in the late Socialist Government?

Is it not a fact that the Soviet Government have offered to replace furniture which was damaged or lost

I know nothing about the offer to replace anything damaged or lost. What I do know is that they have not returned it to the Embassy buildings.

Is it not against the principles of the Soviet Government to return anybody's property?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, if any approach is being made by His Majesty's Government to any foreign government or has been made by any foreign government to the British Government with a view to making any joint demands on the Soviet Government of Russia which would involve interference in the internal affairs of Russia.

No, Sir.

What steps are being taken by His Majesty's Government to clear up the outstanding difficulties between this country and Russia? Are any steps being taken to secure payment for creditors? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the vacillating policy of the Government is resulting in—

The hon. Member had better give notice of his question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that certain naval ratings on the East Indies station have their pay calculated in sterling, but are actually paid in rupees, thereby losing at least 2d. on each rupee; that these naval ratings are assessed for Income Tax purposes on a sterling basis, thus being penalised twice over for serving on this station; and if he will take steps to deal with this disadvantage?

The pay of all naval personnel, irrespective of the station on which they are serving, is based on sterling. Charges such as allotment and Income Tax are also necessarily based on sterling, and it is only in respect of any balance of pay actually paid on the station that profit or loss can occur through the use of currency. The exchanges, in so far as they affect naval personnel, are constantly under review.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the annual cost of the Imperial naval establishment on shore at Singapore; and what is the estimated cost of such establishment when the proposed naval base is completed?

As my hon. Friend is aware, there is at present only a commercial dockyard at Singapore. The only purely Admiralty establishment there is an oil fuel depot, but a beginning is being made of the works for the naval base on the scale indicated in my statement of the 19th March last. The cost of the future establishment will, of course, be dependent on the final scale of development, which is still under consideration.

In the Estimates which have been presented to the public in connection with Singapore, has anything been added in respect of increased annual charges?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, with refer- ence to the floating dock intended for Devonport, what its dimensions may be and whether it will accommodate the biggest ship in the Royal Navy?

The dock's overall length is 680 feet, and the clear width between the walls is 107 feet. It will accommodate all ships except His Majesty's Ship "Hood."

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, with reference to the preparations being made for the reception of a floating dock in Devonport dockyard, whether he will undertake to see that these preparations are completed without delay, in view of the urgent necessity for such a dock in an English national yard and of its importance to the men who man the Devonport ships?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, seeing the difficulty men leaving the Navy have in obtaining employment, he can see his way clear to issue orders to the effect that men within three months of the termination of their continuous service engagement may be given leave to take up vocational training to fit themselves for employment offered them?

I regret that, as the numbers borne on Vote A are based solely on manning requirements, it is impossible to adopt this proposal.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that a number of Admiralty officials have witnessed a series of demonstrations by the Pirbright oil-separating barges operating on Admiralty oil-tankers in Portsmouth harbour; that on the last occasion this company undertook to separate oil ballast from water under conditions laid down by Admiralty officials, and that the conditions were satisfactorily carried out; and, if so, will he take steps to have this or some similar system introduced into oil-burning vessels of His Majesty's Navy in order to prevent the pollution of our coast by oily ballast from these vessels?

There have been several demonstrations of the Pirbright oil-separating barges at Portsmouth, but none of these has been entirely satisfactory. As I informed my hon. Friend on the 14th May, the degree of efficiency necessary to justify adoption of a particular type has not yet been obtained.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the complaint about oil is very general and affects almost all the seaside resorts of the Kingdom?

Yes, Sir. I am aware of that. Immediately any really efficient separator is available the Admiralty will certainly consider it.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this system has been tried by the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company in one of their ships and has been found to effect a tremendous saving, as well as proving efficient; and will the hon. Gentleman make inquiries?

asked the Minister of Labour when he will be in a position to state the result of his negotiations with foreign Governments relative to the ratification of the Washington Hours Convention?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply on this matter given to the Noble Lord the Member for Nottingham South on the 13th May.

Would the right hon. Gentleman state when, if a question is put down, there is likely to be a definite answer?

I will communicate with the hon. and gallant Gentleman or with the hon. Member who put the question if he wishes. It will take some little time.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will consider the appointment of local voluntary committees to investigate in the first place from personal knowledge all applications for uncovenanted benefit?

Such committees already exist in the form of the local employment committees, which are in operation in every area in the country.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in some rural districts it is necessary to travel 20 miles in order to get the necessary interview, and if that interview is successful it is again necessary to travel nine or 10 miles to receive the amount?

Obviously the distances to be travelled in country districts must be greater than in boroughs and closely populated places. If there are any cases of special inconvenience or special hardship which can be avoided, I am always willing to consider some way of getting over them, if the hon. Member will let me know of any such cases.

asked the Minister of Labour how many subscribers to the Unemployment Insurance Fund have as yet drawn nothing in respect of unemployment donation?

I regret that this information is not available. In order to obtain it, the accounts of all insured contributors, numbering many millions, would have to be separately examined.

asked the Minister of Labour if he has received any representations in favour of waiving for a further period of 12 months the provisions of Section 3 of the Unemployment Insurance (No. 2) Act, 1924, requiring payment of 30 contributions to entitle the contributor to receive the benefits provided by the Act; and whether, before taking any such step, he proposes to investigate the whole operation of this Measure?

As I stated in the Debate last Thursday, I propose to introduce a Bill this Session to deal with this point and other matters in connection with unemployment insurance. It will not be possible to have a formal inquiry before this Bill is introduced, but I contemplate setting up a Committee to advise me as to the further proposals which will have to be made before June of next year, when the provision of benefit under the existing law comes to an end.

Has not the Minister received representations from guardians asking him to waive that section?

What section?

The section relating to the 30 contributions?

Yes, I have received representations from many classes of people, and that is one of the reasons why I have stated continually that this Bill, in the existing state of trade, is necessary.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Louisa Nicholls, of 5, Clegg Street, St. George-in-the-East, aged 60 years, after being in one situation as a general servant for five years, was dismissed on account of her employer going abroad; that, after signing on at the Stepney Employment Exchange, she was sent to a situation but was informed by the potential employer that she was not suitable; that she was then sent to a situation in Christian Street, E., where she was asked to work as a general servant from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sundays included, for a wage of 2s. per day; that she refused this situation; that the insurance officer refused benefit on the ground that she was not genuinely seeking employment; that this decision was upheld by the court of referees; and that leave to appeal to the umpire was refused; and whether, in view of the conditions offered, he will have the case reviewed with the object of reinstating Mrs. Nicholls for benefit?

I am having inquiries made and will inform the hon. Member of the result as soon as possible. I should mention, however, that I have no authority to over-ride the decision of a court of referees, and all I can do is to invite the court to grant a rehearing if there are any new facts which seem to justify this course.

In fact, are domestic servants insured against unemployment?

No, Sir.

( for Colonel DAY)asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that three unemployed men, serving on a jury at the Selley Coroners' Court on 8th May, were refused unemployment benefit at the Local Exchange on the ground that the juryman's fee of one shilling, which they received, was deemed to be earnings; whether this action has his endorsement; and, if not, is he prepared to take action to prevent the penalisation of unemployed men who are carrying out a statutory obligation?

Benefit was not refused. The men asked whether benefit would be payable for the day of their attendance on the jury, and were informed that the question of eligibility had to be determined. This was dealt with speedily and benefit was paid without any delay.

(for Mr. NEIL MACLEAN)asked the Minister of Labour the number of women and girls who have been refused benefit during the past four months at the Govan Employment Exchange for declining a situation at Hawick in a fishmonger's shop; and how many of these women were married?

The vacancy referred to. that of fishmonger's assistant, was offered to three married women who had had experience in the occupation varying from three to 14 years. The wage offered was from 40s. to 50s. per week of 55 hours. Benefit was disallowed on refusal, but the Court of Referees subsequently allowed benefit in two out of the three cases.

( for Mr. N. MACLEAN) asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the request for documentary evidence from claimants of benefit to prove they are making genuine efforts to find employment, he will consider the issuing from Exchanges of forms upon which employers can certify that the possessor of the form has made application to him for work; and whether such form will be held as evidence of the genuineness of the claimant's case?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 18th February last to a similar question put to me by the hon. Member for Sunderland (Mr. Luke Thompson).

asked the Minister of Labour (1) the personnel of the Darlaston Labour Advisory Committee, and who constituted the meeting held on 12th May, 1925;

(2) the dates when the Darlaston Labour Advisory Committee met during 1924?

The Darlaston Main Employment Committee in 1924 met on the 25th March, 12th August and 16th December. I am inquiring as to the names of the members present at the meeting of the 12th May this year, and will communicate with the hon. Member. As the list of names of members of the committee is somewhat lengthy. I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his predecessor gave an instruction that this committee should meet at least once a quarter, and in 1924 the committee only met three times?

I am not aware of that instruction.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look it up, and see whether it is correct?

Yes, certainly, if the hon. Member wishes.

Following is the list:

The personnel of the Darlaston Employment Committee is as follows:

Chairman:

Mr. C. W. B. Joynson, J. P., C. C.

Representatives of Employers:

Mr. G. Wiley.

Mr. G. F. V. Richards.

Mr. F. Morgan.

Mr. A. E. Owen.

Mr. T. Stokes.

Mr. A. H. Hill.

Mr. W. Martin Winn.

Mr. A. Humpage.

Mr. W. J. Gill.

Mr. E. A. Richards.

Representatives of Workpeople:

Mr. S. Ashmore.

Mr. B. Turner.

Miss M. Fields.

Miss F. Mills.

Mr. J. Barratt.

Mr. S. Hodson.

Mr. J. Sanders.

Mr. E. Bradley.

Mr. J. S. Howe.

Mr. J. H. Vaughan.

Additional Members:

Captain D. J. Slater, D.P.C.

Mr. A. B. Saunders.

Councillor F. C. Wesson

Mr. C. Foster.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will consider the advisability of publishing as a White Paper the suggested Amendments tabled by the Government to the draft convention on night work in bakeries, together with the correspondence with the International Labour Office relating thereto?

I will consider the hon. Member's suggestion when the time comes for publishing the Report of the Government delegates to the Conference. Most of the documents to which he refers are contained in a publication of the International Labour Office on Night Work in Bakeries, of which I am sending him a copy.

Will the Minister consider the advisability of placing In the Library of the House copies of the Daily Reports issued in Geneva in connection with the International Labour Conference now proceeding?

I cannot give an answer off-hand, but I will consider the matter, and let the hon. Gentleman know.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if any aerodromes were built, or commenced, during the War in the South-West of Ireland; and, if to, what are their names?

Yes, Sir, there were in November, 1918, a. completed aerodrome at Fermoy and an unfinished one, for airships, at Killeagh, 20 miles east of Cork. I am not sure whether the hon. Member's question covers seaplane and kite balloon stations, which had no land aerodromes attached; but if it does, there were seaplane stations at Aghada, near Queens-town, and at Whiddy Isle, in Bantry Bay, and a kite balloon station at Berehaven.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the effects of the late Flying-Officer E. C. Usher-Somers, who was killed at Quetta in August, 1924, realised about £97; and why has this amount not been paid to his relatives?

The credit balance of the officer's estate, including the sum realised for his effects, came to £108 4s. 2d., and payment of this amount was made to the officer's mother last week. This payment has been authorised specially, in order to avoid further delay, although the amount has not yet been remitted from India. The delay is regretted, and inquiries are being made as to the cause.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the number of bombing aeroplanes at present available in the Home Defence Air Force?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of the 24th February last, and would add that the situation has not altered since that reply was given.

Would the right hon. Gentleman say whether these bombing aeroplanes are for defensive purposes?

Yes, certainly.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the number of rounds fired in this country by anti-aircraft guns against hostile aircraft during the late War; and the number of direct hits recorded as a result of such fire?

I have been asked to reply. Records of the number of rounds fired in this country by anti-aircraft guns throughout the whole period of the War are not available, but it is known that between 24th September, 1917, and 5th August, 1918, the number of rounds fired was 155,132. The number of direct hits on enemy aircraft could not be definitely recorded, but 15 aeroplanes were destroyed during the War by antiaircraft fire, and two airships were destroyed by anti-aircraft fire alone and four by guns and aeroplanes jointly. Many other aircraft were seriously damaged though not brought down.

Is it not a fact that no direct hit was achieved by anti-aircraft fire in this country during the War?

If the hon. Member will read my answer, he will see that two airships were destroyed by anti-aircraft fire alone, as well as 14 aeroplanes.

May I ask the Secretary of State for Air whether he does not think that the efficiency of the antiaircraft batteries would be greatly increased if they were under his control, and worked in co-operation with the Air Force?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether his attention has been drawn to the development of the German civilian air service, and to the formation of an air-service combine to cover a great part of Northern Europe under German auspices; and what steps are being taken to safeguard British flying rights in Northern Europe and the development of British aviation in this area?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regard the third part, air agreements have been concluded with Holland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden, and negotiations for an agreement with Germany are in progress. As regards the fourth part, British air services regularly operate to Amsterdam, connecting with the Copenhagen-Malmo air service, and thus providing a through route from London to Scandinavia, and also to Berlin in co-operation with the Deutscher Aero Lloyd A.C., but it has not yet been possible further to develop British aviation in Northern Europe.

I am much obliged to the right hon. Gentleman for the information. May I ask, in regard to these negotiations with the German aircraft companies—I presume that they are with the companies, and not with the Government—is not part of the negotiations with regard to the granting of flying rights over German territory, and is the matter on the way to settlement?

The main negotiations are with the Government, but the British and German companies are also in constant consultation, and I have no reason to think that satisfactory working agreements will not be reached between the companies concerned.

As to the negotiations with the Government, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether they involve some relaxation of the Treaty restrictions? If so, what is contemplated, and when may a result he achieved?

I am afraid that I cannot say when any result will be reached. We are only one party to the negotiations for the relaxation of the Treaty restrictions. The hon. and gallant Member knows that this question has been constantly under consideration for two or three years, and that no one wishes to see a satisfactory result obtained more than myself.

asked the Prime Minister whether the British delegation to the Arms Traffic Conference, now sitting in Geneva, has been instructed to secure exemption from the Convention of warships, aeroplanes, and tanks; and whether other countries have signified their willingness to agree to the inclusion of armaments of all kinds?

As stated in the answer which I gave last Thursday to the hon. Member for Brightside, the instruction to the British delegate was to press, on differing grounds in each case, for the exclusion of warships and aircraft from the scope of the Convention. He was to support the inclusion of tanks the technical committee, which has been considering the question of warships, has voted by a considerable majority in favour of their exclusion. I am not yet aware what has occurred as regards the other two arms. As regards the second part of the question, I am not in a position to state the exact facts, but it may be assumed that some of the delegations have adopted the attitude described in the question.

Surely it is in our interest to have a patrol of warships going to other countries? What is the reason for this instruction to our delegates?

If the hon. and gallant Member will look at my answer to the hon. Member for Brightside, lie will find given, within the limits that are imposed in an answer to a question, the reply to the question that he has put to me.

asked the Minister of Health if he will publish the most recent Returns showing the number of new houses completed under the 1923 and 1924 Acts, respectively?

With my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, I will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the statement:

asked the Minister of Health whether he will have prepared a chart, to be hung in the Tea Room, showing the monthly returns of new houses completed under the 1923 and 1924 Acts, respectively?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is in a position to state the result of his reconsideration of the order authorising oakum-picking as a task for casuals?

My right hon. Friend is not yet in a position to announce a decision on this question.

Does it really take a long time to decide to abolish altogether this degrading punishment?

The hon. and gallant Member is rather fond of making little speeches.

In order to settle this question once for all, will the Parliamentary Secretary himself try to pick a pound of oakum?

rose —

The only question was whether the Parliamentary Secretary was in a position to state the result of his reconsideration. All these other matters cannot arise from that.

I wished only to ask whether the Parliamentary Secretary had tried to pick a pound himself.

The hon. Member has said that before.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the unofficial committee of representatives of agriculture and of the railway companies, set up two years ago to consider questions affecting the transport by rail of agricultural produce, is still in existence?

I understand that the committee in question has not held any meetings for some considerable time. I am glad, however, to be able to announce that arrangements have now been made for the committee to resume at an early date its discussion of the various problems affecting the carriage of agricultural produce and livestock on the railways. I would add that I shall be happy to arrange for an officer to attend any meetings of the committee if so desired and to render any assistance that may be within the power of my Department.

Does not the necessity for this meeting reflect very considerably upon the efficacy of the Railway Rates Tribunal?

That is another little speech.

asked the Secretary for Mines if his attention has been drawn to the official statement summarising the proceedings of the joint sub-committee appointed by the Mining Association and the Miners' Federation regarding the economic position of the coal industry in this country; and whether he has any statement to make concerning the attitude of His Majesty's Government?

I have seen the report referred to. The sub-committee have not yet completed their proceedings and I have no statement to make at present.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that serious unemployment exists in the metropolitan borough of Woolwich; that there are many thousands of men on the books of the Employment Exchange; that these were added to by 25 dismissals from the Royal Ordnance Factories last week; that 26 men are under notice of discharge for the current week; and that further dismissals are expected; and will he make inquiries with a view to seeing whether these dismissals can be suspended and such work allotted to the ordnance factories as will prevent further discharges?

Twenty-two employés were discharged from Woolwich last week; the discharges were largely due to the fact that the work for which they were engaged has been completed. The numbers employed at Woolwich necessarily vary with the amount and nature of the work available, and the hon. Member will appreciate that while it may be necessary to discharge a particular batch of men owing to the completion of an order, this will often be compensated for by the engagement of new entrants for other work. The number of men at present employed at Woolwich is, however, considerably in excess of the number for whom work is likely to be available in future years, and it will be necessary to effect gradual reductions as opportunity offers. The question of providing work for the ordnance factories is constantly borne in mind, and it is hoped to avoid, at any rate during this financial year, discharges on a large scale.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the Reparations Claims Commission is expected to complete its work; how many claims still remain to be dealt with; and how much of the £300,000 is still unallocated?

I am afraid I cannot yet say definitely when the settlement of reparation claims will be completed. There are 415 claims dealt with by the Royal Com- mission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action against the £5,000,000 fund awaiting settlement, and payment of these claims will be made so soon as some further necessary particulars are furnished. As against the £300,000 "belated" fund there are 1,368 claims which have been admitted and will be paid subject to further necessary particulars being furnished, while 1,200 claims are in course of examination. In addition, there are outstanding claims by nearly 2,600 persons who have so far failed to complete and return the forms issued to them. I may add that the number of claims which have been paid amount to 44,918 under awards of the Royal Commission, and to 22,863 under awards on belated claims. With regard to the last part of the question, approximately £37,800 is unexpended out of the £300,000.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the action of the presiding magistrate at the Cowbridge Police Court in ordering out of a Children's Court the accredited representatives of the newspapers; and whether, in view of Section 114 of the Children Act, 1908, he will circularise magistrates calling their attention to the provisions of the law?

The law on this point was clearly stated in a Circular about Juvenile Courts sent to magistrates in April, 1921, and the paragraph was repeated in the Second Report of the Children's Branch, which was also sent to magistrates. My right hon. Friend sees no reason for sending out a further Circular, but he will see that the hon. and gallant Member's question and my reply are brought to the notice of the Cowbridge magistrates.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount per gallon, and the total amount of the bounty on spirits exported during the last 12 months, and the quantity sent to the United States of America, and the bounty paid thereon?

No bounty is paid on spirits exported from this country, but export allowances of 3d. per proof gallon on British plain spirits, mineralised methylated spirits, and rectified spirits of wine, and of 5d. per proof gallon on British compounded spirits are paid as compensation for the enhanced cost of manufacture due to Revenue restrictions. The total amount of such allowances paid during the year ended 31st March, 1925, was £114,566. Separate particulars of the quantity of spirits exported to the United States, and the amount of the allowances paid on such spirits are not available.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of gallons of potable spirits of British origin and manufacture exported during 1923–24 and to date?

The quantities of potable spirits of British origin and manufacture exported from Great Britain and Northern Ireland during the calendar years 1923 and 1924 and during the period 1st January to 30th April, 1925, were 7,223,848, 8,534,492, and 2,865,552 proof gallons respectively.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us how many thousand gallons of Guinness's stout have been sent over to Canada?

How many thousands have been drunk here?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Customs Duty on silk will be imposed upon wood pulp prepared for conversion into artificial silk tissue?

Wood pulp prepared for conversion, but not actually converted, into artificial silk would not be liable to silk duty.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps, if any, he proposes to take to lighten the burden of the new insurance contribution on industry?

This question is at present under consideration.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is in a position to state how many gallons of West Indian rum were exported to Germany during the last 12 months?

The quantity of rum originally consigned from the West Indies and re-exported to Germany from Great Britain and Northern Ireland during the 12 months ended 30th April, 1925, was 262,247 proof gallons.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he has consulted the Industrial Assurance Commissioner with regard to the insertion of a notice in the public Press reminding the holders of lapsed industrial assurance policies that their protection under the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act expires on the 7th June next; and what further action the Government proposes to take to protect the people who otherwise will suffer loss?

I am advised that the statements which have been made as to number of policies affected by the expiration of the date for application on the 7th June are much exaggerated. The only policies affected are life or endowment policies for £25 or less, with premiums payable at intervals of a calendar month or less, which were taken out before the 4th August, 1912, had premiums paid on them for the period between the 4th August, 1912, and the 4th August, 1914, and became claims by the death of the life assured before the 7th March, 1924. I understand that it is possible, though the point has not yet been decided, that owners of policies which have not been duly forfeited can still apply under the general law notwithstanding the expiration of the date limited by the Section. In all the circumstances, I am arranging for the Industrial Assurance Commissioner to put a short notice in some of the most widely circulated Sunday newspapers next Sunday, the 24th May.

asked the Minister of Labour which countries have an eight-hour day or less or a 48-hour week for women, either by legislation, Regulation, or collective agreement?

As the reply to my Noble Friend's question is necessarily rather long, I will, with his permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

The laws or Regulations establishing a maximum working day of eight hours, or week of 48 hours, or less, apply, as a rule, to industrial workers of both sexes. So far as my information goes, legislation laying down the principle of the 48-hour week, or the 8-hour day, has been enacted by the following countries:—France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Holland, Switzerland, Denmark (continuous trades only), Norway, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Greece, Bulgaria, Soviet Russia, Lithuania, the Serb-Croat-Slovene Kingdom, Latvia, Costa Rica, certain States of Mexico, certain provinces of the Argentine Republic, Chile, Ecuador, Panama, Uruguay, and New South Wales, New Zealand and British Columbia. It should be understood, however, that in most cases provision is made for the extension of these hours either by way of overtime or otherwise, and particulars as to such provisions, or as to the hours actually worked, are not available. As regards the United States there is no Federal legislation specifically limiting the hours of women, other than employés of the Federal Government. In all States of the Union except four, laws are in force prohibiting the employment of women for more than a certain number of hours; in 10 of these States the hours are restricted to eight per day, or 48 per week. As regards Great Britain, particulars of the normal working hours fixed by collective agreement, or by Orders under the Trade Boards Acts, are given in a special article in the current issue of the " Ministry of Labour Gazette."

( by Private Notice )asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any statement to make with regard to the future representation of this country in Cairo?

Lord Allenby informed me last autumn of his desire to be relieved as soon as the public interest made his retirement possible. I received the announcement of his intentions with great regret, and, at my request, he has continued to hold the post of High Commissioner up till the present time. His resignation has now been accepted.

His Majesty has been pleased to approve the appointment of the right hon. Sir George Lloyd, K.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., D.S.O., to succeed him.

I need scarcely add that Lord Allenby's retirement and Sir George Lloyd's appointment imply no change in the policy of His Majesty's Government in relation to either Egypt or the Sudan.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a question on this subject was asked him on Monday, and that his Office then replied that they had no information? How was it they could not tell the House of Commons on Monday, although they were able to tell the political agents in the constituency concerned?

I have no knowledge of any information being given to the political agents in the constituency concerned. If that information was conveyed to them, it was premature, because His Majesty's pleasure had not been taken.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us how long the House of Commons is going to be used as a stepping-stone to Colonial Governorships?

You will get your turn yet!