asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the government of Ibn Saud, Sultan of Nejd, is recognised by His Majesty's Government; and whether he will consider appointing a political officer or diplomatic envoy to the court of this potentate in order to keep a watch on British interests in Arabia?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. His Majesty's Government have not overlooked the possibility of appointing a representative to the court of the Sultan of Nejd. I shall keep this possibility in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the Report of the Mosul Boundary Commission will be published?

No, Sir. The Commissioners have not yet found it possible to name the date when their Report will be ready for submission to the Council of the League of Nations.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the date of the most recent Report he received from His Majesty's Vice-Consul at Cettinje; whether reference is made to the conditions now prevailing in Montenegro; and what, briefly, is the present state of that country?

The last Report received from the British Vice-Consul at Cettinje was dated 11th May and dealt with the conditions prevailing in Montenegro. There is not, as far as I can see, anything exceptional in those, conditions at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can inform the House when the Egyptian elections, which have been postponed beyond the date provided by the constitution, are to be held?

No, Sir. The elections have been postponed by the Egyptian Government pending the enactment of a new electoral law.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any guarantee that there will be no further infringement of the Egyptian Constitution?

No, Sir. It is the desire of the Government not to interfere in the purely domestic concerns of Egypt.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is the policy of His Majesty's Government not to proceed for the present with the resumption of negotiations with the Soviet Government for the purpose of establishing normal commercial and diplomatic relations with the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics and the settlement of debts and claims?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he has taken or proposes to take to improve the relations between this country and Russia?

I would refer the hon. Members to the answer given to the hon. Member for Brightside (Mr. Ponsonby) on 11th March, and to the reply I gave to a supplementary question by the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Ken-worthy) on 18th March.

May we take it that His Majesty's Government have no intention of resuming negotiations with the Soviet Government?

No, Sir. I should, of course, consider any proposals that were made to me, but I have no intention of initiating them.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Russian Soviet Government have done anything towards the acknowledgment of their debts to this country?

Has anybody else? What about France?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Government are prepared to consider claims by Russian nationals for compensation arising from British actions in that country?

If and when the Soviet Government make an offer which His Majesty's Government could accept as a suitable basis for further negotiations regarding claims, then any claims which the Soviet Government might bring forward would be considered.

Are the Government not prepared to make to the Soviet Government any offer of compensation for the damage done by the Chancellor of the Exchequer during his private war against Russia?

I do not think I ought to be called upon to answer a question couched in those terms.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government has made, or is contemplating, any approaches to the Government of Esthonia, or has received any suggestions or offer from the Government of Esthonia, respecting the leasing to Great Britain of the Island of Dago or the Island of Oesel, or both; and whether His Majesty's Government is contemplating or desires to establish an aeroplane base or a naval base, or both, in the Baltic?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the total area of the territory added to the British Empire as a result of the late War?

The mandated territories formerly belonging to Germany and now under British authority (including those in respect of which the Mandates are exercised by the Governments of the Commonwealth of Australia, New Zealand, and the Union of South Africa) have a total area of 837,611 square miles. The only territory directly incorporated in His Majesty's Dominions as a result of the late War is the Island of Cyprus, which was annexed in November, 1914. The area is 3,584 square miles.

May I ask whether that includes the Island of Nauru?

The Island of Nauru is mandated territory. It was formerly one of the German Caroline Islands.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has anything to report with regard to the decisions of the Arms Traffic Conference; and whether the British delegate has been instructed to support the proposal, made by the American delegate, for a convention which would compel all countries to publish the statistics of armament production, both State and private, with which proposal the French delegation has declared its sympathy?

The deliberations of the conference have not yet reached a stage which would enable me to make any statement such as is desired by the hon. Member. As regards the second part of the question, the position is not yet sufficiently clear for it to be possible to issue any definite instructions to the British delegate. The various points under discussion necessarily hang together, and it is difficult to separate and settle them individually until they can be reviewed as a whole.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has any information as to the number of disabled ex-service men employed by those London newspapers which are upon the King's Roll?

I am not sure that the staff employed on London newspapers is separately distinguishable in all cases, but I am making inquiries, and will let the hon. Member know the result. The general minimum qualification is 5 per cent. of the total staff.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the fact that no provision is made in Wigan for the people to be sheltered from the weather when attending the Employment Exchange in Mesnes Street; that it is quite common to see large crowds waiting their turn to be attended to, and that during the past winter people have been compelled to wait outside in very wet weather; and whether he will have inquiries made with a view to better accommodation being provided in the future?

I am aware that there have been queues outside the Wigan Employment Exchange on several occasions during the past winter, but these were chiefly due to applicants attending in advance of their scheduled times. Alterations to the Exchange premises have recently been completed, and certain relaxations as to frequency of attendance have been granted. I am advised that with the improved accommodation and provided applicants attend at the proper time, there should be no undue waiting.

asked the Minister of Labour if his attention has been drawn to the necessity for a substation to be opened at Adlington, Lancashire, as at present the unemployed persons in this district have to travel to Chorley, which means a walk of 8 to 10 miles for the double journey, or travel by train, which costs 9d. for the return journey, three times a week; and whether he will have inquiries made into the needs of this district with a view to proper provision being made for the needs of people who are unemployed?

I have made inquiries and understand that a large colliery in the district has just closed down, throwing about 1,000 workers out of employment. Arrangements are accordingly being made to open temporarily a local office at or near Adlington.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Memorandum of Directions to Local Employment Committees, No. 82/2, which refers to un-covenanted benefit, has been revised and brought up to date since the passing of the Unemployment Insurance Act of last August?

The amendments necessitated by the Act of last August have been made by the issue of further memoranda to the local employment committees from time to time; but a codifying memorandum bringing the whole matter up to date in one document has now been prepared and is being issued. In accordance with the usual practice, a copy will be placed in the Library of the House.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the demoralising effect of the payment of unemployment benefit on the younger part of the population, he will consider the desirability of introducing legislation to limit the payment of benefit to men and women of over 25 years of age?

As contributions have to be paid by persons under the age of 25, I do not think it would be possible, or fair, to refuse to pay benefit to them.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the general agreement as to the demoralising effect of unemployment on these young people, he is doing anything to find work for them?

Is the right hon. Gentleman also aware of the demoralising effect of the inheritance of unearned income?

asked the Minister of Labour whether the proposed Committee to inquire into the working of the Unemployment Insurance Acts will inquire into the practice adopted by trusts and combinations such as the Calico Printers' Association, the Bleachers' Association and the Bradford Dyers' Association, of employing their workmen on three days a week only and putting them on insurance benefit for the remaining days?

This point will be considered, together with others, in settling the terms of reference to the Committee.

asked the Minister of Labour, whether his attention has been called to the large number of insured persons who have been disqualified from insurance benefit by the local employment committees in many parts of the country on the grounds that they were not likely to be employed under normal conditions and who have been able to obtain employment following this decision; whether, when such cases arise, he will be prepared to authorise the payment of benefit up till the time the insured person started work; and will he consider the advisability of withdrawing the above instruction to local unemployment committees?

I am not aware of the existence of cases of the kind indicated. If, however, the hon. Member has in mind any cases in which, in his view, extended benefit has been improperly refused on the ground that the applicant is a person for whom in normal times insurable employment would not be likely to be available, I will cause inquiry to be made and let him know the result.

asked the Minister of Labour which education authorities in Scotland have established juvenile unemployment classes; and what are the number of centres in the area of each authority?

As the reply includes a number of figures, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The answer is as follows:

The following local education authorities in Scotland have established juvenile unemployment centres since 1st April, 1924:

Glasgow—

16 Centres for boys, 13 for girls.

Edinburgh—

2 Centres for boys, 2 for girls.

Aberdeen—

1 Centre for boys, 1 for girls.

Renfrewshire—

1 Centre for boys, 1 for girls, at Greenock.

1 Centre for boys, 1 ^✶ for girls, at Paisley.

1 Centre for boys, 1 for girls, at Johnstone.

Dumbartonshire—

1 ^✶ Centre for boys, 1 ^✶ for girls, at Alexandria.

1 Centre for boys, 1 for girls, at Clydebank.

1 Centre for boys, 1 for girls, at Dumbarton.

Lanarkshire—

1 ^✶ Centre for boys, 1 ^✶ for girls, at Coatbridge.

1 ^✶ Centre for boys, 1 ^✶ for girls, at Motherwell.

1 ^✶ Centre for boys, 1 ^✶ for girls, at Rutherglen.

1 ^✶ Centre for boys, at Hamilton.

^✶ These Centres are at present closed owing to a fall in attendance.

asked the Minister of Labour what was the average attendance at juvenile unemployment centres in Scotland per week for the year ending 31st March, 1925; and what were the proportions of claimants and non-claimants, respectively?

The average weekly attendance (excluding holiday weeks) at juvenile unemployment centres in Scotland during the year which ended on 31st March, 1925, was 1,734, including 1,438 claimants and 296 non-claimants. It should be noted that the Glasgow centres, at which the average weekly attendance was 1,742 (1,378 claimants and 364 non-claimants), did not open until 30th June, 1924.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can inform the House as to the estimated number of women now engaged in industry as compared with the number before the War?

According to the population censuses the number of females of 18 years of age and over in Great Britain who were gainfully occupied increased from 4,471,595 in 1911 to 4,732,636 in 1921, being an increase of 5·8 per cent. I may add that among males of the same ages there was an increase of 6·8 per cent.

Would not those figures to some extent, account for the unemployment figures which we have to-day?

To a certain extent that would be the case, but not entirely, because before the War the normal increase in the population was carried oft by the expansion of industry, and that is not the case now.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is the estimated cost in this financial year of the air defence of Singapore; and will he obtain an approximate estimate thereof on the completion of the base there according to present plans?

As regards the first part of the question, no expenditure from Air Votes is contemplated this year for the purpose mentioned with the possible exception of a sum not exceeding £300 for a detailed survey of the site of the aerodrome. As regards the second part, it is imposible at present to give even an approximate estimate of the cost of the scheme of air defence that may be found necessary.

Is it wise to embark on the construction of a great naval base at Singapore without reckoning the probable ultimate cost of upkeep?

I have already pointed out that no expenditure has yet been involved on the Air Vote.

Would a house in Park Lane be any use if you could not afford to pay the kitchen staff?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can give the proportion of qualified pilots in the Air Force in relation to the number of the other officers and men in the Force; and whether he can give the corresponding proportion for the French Air Force?

The percentage of pilots qualified or at present under training in relation to the total number of officers on the strength of the Royal Air Force is 74, whilst the percentage in relation to all ranks is approximately 8. As regards the second part, in the French Service a large number of the personnel engaged on duties in connection with the Air Service are borne on the military and naval establishments, and it is not possible to give corresponding figures, but the percentage of flying in relation to ground personnel is probably much the same as in the Royal Air Force.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the amount spent in the six months ending 31st March in recruiting advertisements?

The approximate expenditure in respect of the period referred to is £1,620.

Are we getting the necessary number of recruits?

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of doubling this amount in order that men may realise the desirability of fighting for their country?

I will consider my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion, but I would like to point out that the recruiting figures so far are not unsatisfactory.

Will the right hon. hon. Gentleman also consider the advisability of making them accurate? [HON. MEMBERS: " Withdraw! "]

asked the Secretary of State for Air if the repairs to the airship R 33 are being carried out without delay; and can he state when this airship will be ready to continue experimental work?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on the 14th May to the hon. Member for Acton.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the amount spent on the unfinished aerodrome at Killeagh, Ireland; the progress made before its handing over to the Irish Free State; and its condition when handed over?

The answer to the first part of the question is £491,476; to the second, that one shed was half finished, another about one-third finished, and the subsidiary buildings and works were nearly completed when the station was transferred by the Admiralty to the Air Ministry in 1919. As regards the last part, no further work was carried out after the transfer above mentioned, but the aerodrome was raided in 1922, when very considerable damage was done to the buildings, and they were consequently in a dismantled condition when handed over to the Irish Free State Government.

When the aerodrome was handed over, did loose property such as steel girders also become the property of the Free State Government, or did we make arrangements for collecting it?

So far as I remember, everything was handed over to the Free State Government, but I will look into the specific point raised by the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the far-reaching importance to the Empire and of future possibilities, he will publish in the form of a White Paper a Report of his recent trip during the Easter Recess with a sketch map of the ground covered?

The question of the issue of a White Paper in connection with the recent tour by air of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies and myself in the Middle East is at present under consideration by His Majesty's Government, and in this connection I will bear my hon. Friend's suggestion in mind.

asked the Attorney-General whether, in view of the fact that mayors of boroughs and chairmen of district councils are, for the period of their office, placed upon the commission of the peace for their borough or county, the Lord Chancellor will consider the appointment of all Members of this House to the magisterial bench in their own constituencies for the period of their membership?

Mayors of boroughs and chairmen of district councils are, by Statute, justices of the peace during their terms of office. Their names are not placed upon the Commission of the Peace by the Lord Chancellor. Any increase in the number of ex officio justices of the peace such as that suggested by the hon. Member would have to be made under statutory authority. The Royal Commission on the Selection of Justices of the Peace (1910) considered the desirability of increasing the number of ex officio justices and they did not recommend any increase.

Does the Attorney-General not realise that if he carried out my suggestion it would be a great convenience to constituents up and down the country, and it would be a great help not only to them but also greatly assist hon. Members in carrying out their duties?

Is the Attorney-General aware that nearly all the magisterial benches are very much overcrowded?

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if he will inform the House why the design for the Hudson memorial in Hyde Park was not submitted to the Fine Arts Commission; and what action the present Government propose to take with regard to the demand for the removal of the Epstein sculpture?

( for the First Commissioner of Works): The design for the memorial was accepted before the Royal Fine Art Commission was appointed, but it was submitted to an advisory committee, several members of which are now on the Royal Commission. As regards the second part of the question, there is no evidence to show that there is a. general desire for the removal of the sculpture.

Will the Undersecretary take the trouble to stand in front of this memorial for a few hours each day for a day or two so that he may ascertain the general feelings of the public; and will he assure the House that no more memorials or statuary of any kind shall be erected in Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens without Parliament having an opportunity of expressing its opinion?

The Hudson memorial was only unveiled about a week ago, and I ask the House to suspend its judgment until the public have had a longer time to judge.

Will the hon. Gentleman represent to his Noble Friend the undesirability of approving the erection of monuments of any kind in Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park until the matter has been thoroughly discussed in this House?

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that a large number of Royal Academicians and Art experts approve of the Hudson Memorial as a great work of Art?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, seeing that from the Report of the Royal Commission on Food Prices butchers in London working-class districts are making a gross profit of 42 per cent. on chilled beef and 42 per cent. on frozen mutton, he proposes to take any action to restrict such profits?

The Government are carefully considering the whole of the Royal Commission's Report, and an announcement will be made as soon as a decision is reached.

As the majority of those very large profits are extracted from the working-classes, will the Board of Trade hurry up a decision in this matter?

We are doing that.

asked the Minister of Health the average number of deaths due to small-pox in England and Wales, and the average-number of deaths due to vaccination in each of the last ten decennial periods?

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

Following is the answer.

The following are the required figures for the last seven decennial periods. Comparable figures are not available for the decennia prior to 1851–60.

asked the Minister of Health whether a civil servant who is not a contributor under the National Health Insurance Acts may become a voluntary contributor under the proposed Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Bill; and, if so, what contributions he will pay?

A civil servant is excepted from National Health Insurance, but, if his rate of remuneration does not exceed £250 a year, Clause 15 of the Bill provides for his compulsory insurance for widows' and orphans' pensions, or in the case of women for orphans' pensions. The contribution payable will be found from paragraphs ( c ) and ( d ) of Subsection (2) of Clause 15. A civil servant, other than a married woman, whose rate of remuneration exceeds £250 a year, on 4th January, 1926, will have the option of becoming a voluntary contributor if at any time since 15th July, 1912, his remuneration for a period of not lees than two years was at such a rate that he would have been insured under the National Health Insurance Act but for the fact that his employment was covered by a certificate of exception. The rates of contribution payable by men and women in this class will be found from paragraph ( i ) of Sub-section (1) and Subsection (2) of Clause 9 of the Bill.

asked the Prime Minister when it is intended to fill the office of Paymaster-General?

I hope that this office will be filled very shortly.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the great interest that is shown among some of those on the back benches in this appointment?

Is it not the case that the post is an unpaid one?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to instances of persons holding responsible positions under the State resigning their appointments and accepting lucrative positions in private undertakings with which they have been in contact during their official careers on behalf of the public or in a quasi-judicial capacity; whether he is aware that these incidents gravely affect the confidence which the public should have in Government servants; and whether he is prepared to set up a committee to consider what restrictions, if any, should be placed on the liberty of persons in the public service to engage in particular kinds of business on retirement?

Members of His Majesty's Services, civil, naval, military, and air, on retirement or resignation from the public service, are at liberty, in common with their fellow-citizens, to engage in any legitimate occupation, whether political, professional or commercial. I do not accept the implication that State servants are less alive to considerations of honour or good taste than other sections of the community, and I would remind the hon. and gallant Member that they are the inheritors of great traditions. I do not propose to adopt the suggestion contained in the last part of the question.

Would the right hon. Gentleman admit that, when someone in an official positon where he has to give quasi legal decisions subsequently transfers to a firm on whose interests he has to decide, it is somewhat invidious?

I do not know to what the hon. Member is referring.

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will refer to the Debate on the Ministry of Transport Estimates.

asked the Prime Minister what number of persons representing the Italian Government or any department of the same have special diplomatic privileges in this country; and whether such privileges include the admission of correspondence and other literature in sealed bags?

Diplomatic privileges to representatives of the Italian Government in this country are accorded only to the Italian Ambassador and his staff, who at present number 14. The reply to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that in March, 1924, the Electricity Com- missioners desired the Worksop Urban District Council to approach the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Electric Power Company relative to a bulk supply; that the company's terms were found to be prohibitive, and a few weeks ago negotiations were broken off; that on the 31st March last the Commissioners requested the Worksop Council to approach the Rotherham Corporation to ascertain whether a bulk supply could be obtained, and as a result an agreement was arrived at within 10 days respecting terms; if he can state for what reason the Commissioners, having invited the Worksop Council to approach the Rotherham Corporation, now refuse to sanction the agreement; if he aware that, unless something is done quickly, the ensuing winter will find the Worksop Council unequal to giving its customers an adequate supply; and will he instruct the Electricity Commissioners either to allow the Worksop Council to extend its own generating station or permit the Worksop Council and the Rotherham Corporation to carry out the agreement tentatively arrived at?

The negotiations in connection with the provision of additional supplies of electricity required by the Worksop undertaking have been protracted owing to legal and other difficulties. The Electricity Commissioners have now decided to approve the extension of the Worksop generating station as desired by the urban district council, and this decision has been communicated to the council.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Manna has won the Derby?

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to another loss of an original deed deposited at the Brighton post office for stamping; and whether he will, in view of previous losses of valuable original documents and deeds, reconsider the requests previously made for the re-opening of the Brighton stamping office?

I regret to say that a document deposited for stamping was unaccountably lost at the Brighton post office in February last. There is no recollection of any previous occurrence of the kind at that office. The question of opening a stamping office at Brighton is a matter for the decision of the Board of Inland Revenue.

In view of the fact that particulars of previous losses of documents have already been submitted to the right hon. Baronet's predecessor, will he consider these losses in consultation with the Treasury, with a view to another office being opened?

I think my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. The previous losses to which he refers were not, I understand, losses of documents deposited for stamping.

May I ask the right hon. Baronet whether the previous losses did not take place outside the post office from the postal van, owing to the fact that the postal van was left unattended in the street, so that the loss was entirely due to negligence on the part of the service in question?

The hon. Member seems to be giving information.

asked the Postmaster-General the total amount spent by the Post Office in printing during 1923–24 and 1924–25; and what proportion was for printing done by private companies?

The amount spent on printing for the Post Office for 1923–24 (including Departmental charges) was £203,014, of which £74,258 was for printing done by private firms. The corresponding figures (at as close an approximation as can at present be given) for 1924–25 were £225,838 and £76,964.

( for Mr. T. JOHNSTON)asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that there is no postal collection at Inverness for the South between 3.45 p.m. on Saturday and 12.38 a.m. on Monday; and what steps, if any, he can take to provide a later collection upon Saturdays?

I am having inquiry made and will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is prepared to ensure that all persons in the employment of the War Office in occupations to which the Trade Boards Acts apply shall receive rates of wages not less than the minimum rate of wages fixed for that occupation; and what action he has taken to this effect?

The principle on which the War Office regulates wages is that embodied in the Fair Wages Resolution of this House. In fixing wages in accordance with this principle, regard is had to rates of wages fixed by Trade Boards. I am not aware of any case where the War Office pays less than the minimum laid down by the Trade Board concerned.

( for Mr. W. PRESTON)asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why the staff of the Admiralty-has increased from 4,366 on 1st August, 1914, to 7,917 on 1st March, 1925, particularly in view of the limitation of naval activities; and on what work this extra staff is employed?

I fear the reply is somewhat long and, if it be the wish of the House, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. [HON. MEMBERS: "Agreed!"]

The reply is as follows:

I presume that my hon. Friend wishes to compare the total staff of the Admiralty (including both headquarters and the outports) on the 1st August, 1914, with the corresponding staff on the 1st March, i925. If this is so, the figures should be 5,321 and 7,971, respectively.

The increase in work which accounts for the larger staff employed falls under two headings:

(1) Increased or new work devolving on the Department as the result of Acts of the Legislature or decisions of His Majesty's Government, such as Pensions Increase Act, Injuries in War Compensation Act, Merchant Shipping (Salvage) Act, 1916, Representation of the People Act, Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920, Admiralty Pensions Act, 1921, the introduction of marriage allowance, the payment of naval allotments weekly instead of monthly, the periodical revision of naval officers' pay and allowances, and of civil salaries and wages, the extended use of cost accountancy, etc.

(2) The expansion of the naval staff which was practically non-existent before the War, the development of all technical and experimental services due to the introduction of many new weapons and forms of defence, and the much greater complexity of the equipment of modern war vessels, due largely to the great development of electrical science as applied to the naval service.

These developments are responsible for increases of staff which greatly outweigh reductions possible on account of decrease in naval personnel or of ships in commission.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the case of Mrs. G. M. Bloomfield, now serving a term of imprisonment for offences committed against her children at a time of great mental strain brought about through unemployment and poverty; and whether in view of the fact that her children have now recovered and of her own previous good character, he will consider the advisability of making further inquiries into Mrs. Bloomfield's case with a view to the remission of her sentence?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case of Mrs. Gertrude Maud Bloomfield, who was recently charged at the Old Bailey with attempted murder and attempted suicide and sentenced to five months' imprisonment; and, in view of the fact that the evidence showed that this woman committed the crime when on the brink of starvation and suffering from lack of food and that a lady and gentleman have offered to take her to their home at South sea, whether he will give consideration to a remission of Mrs. Bloomfield's sentence?

My right hon. Friend is giving this case his careful consideration, and is consulting the Judge.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is possible to give an approximate sum which would accrue annually if a 10 per cent. tax were imposed upon betting?

I would refer the hon. Member to the proceedings of the Select Committee on a Betting Duty which sat in 1923. He will find there all the available material for framing an estimate of the revenue to be derived from the tax which he suggests.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that enough money is changing hands at Epsom to-day to pay for Imperial penny postage?

It is doubtful how much fresh money is involved in these recurrent transactions. I will leave the hon. Member to form his own opinion as to the amount.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider a tax on racehorses?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the dissatisfaction existing amongst the Royal Irish Constabulary pre-War pensioners owing to the hardship imposed by not receiving their pensions in advance; and will he remedy this by paying the pre-War pensioners in advance, as is done in the case of post-War Royal Irish Constabulary pensioners and Army and Navy pensioners?

I have been asked to reply. A number of inquiries have been received with regard to this point. The position is that the present arrangements were established in 1922 by the Royal Irish Constabulary Pensions Order of that year, which provided for the payment in advance of some, but not all. classes of pensions. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary is advised that payment in advance of the remaining classes could not be authorised without special legislation, and he is not prepared to ask Parliament to re-open the considered decision then reached.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what will be the effect on his original estimated Budget receipts of the modifications he has made in the duties on silk and artificial silk?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement that the Chancellor of the Exchequer made on the Second Reading of the Finance Bill.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware of the dissatisfaction existing among those who invested in last year's Derby sweepstake organised by the Otley Unionist Club, and that a trustee was appointed by the Director of Public Prosecutions to deal with the matter and return subscribers' money; will he state how much of this money has been returned to subscribers; and what steps are being taken to complete such arrangements?

I have been asked to reply. I am informed that this business is being carried through with all possible despatch. 81,031 ticket-holders have been repaid their money less their quota of the expenses incurred in winding up this illegal lottery. Over 8,000 tickets remain to be dealt with. Greater dispatch could only be obtained by increasing the staff employed, and, consequently, increasing the expenses, and so diminishing the amount to be distributed among the ticket-holders. I would remind the hon. and gallant Member that, as the ticket holders took part in an illegal proceeding, they are not in law entitled to repayment of any part of the money they paid out.

As there are over 8,000 ticket-holders whose money is at present being withheld from them, does not the hon. Gentleman think that an increased staff, so that these people might get their money back in the shortest possible time, would help matters?

I may mention to the hon. and gallant Member that they are being wiped off at the rate of about 400 a day, and the business is being done as quickly as possible.

Seeing that this was an illegal transaction, may I ask if the Otley Unionist Club is paying anything towards the expenses in connection with this matter?

No, I believe not.

Can we be assured that the Government are going to no extra expense in connection with the winding up of this illegal lottery, and that no extra charge to the taxpayer will result?

All the expenses are being paid out of the 10s.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give any particulars as to the recent fighting in Iraq?

As already reported in the Press, a regiment of Levy Cavalry was attacked by Kurdish bands in the neighbourhood of Sulimaniyeh on 20th and 21st May. After some sharp fighting, in which aircraft of No. 1 Squadron, Royal Air Force, co-operated, the attack was repulsed. There were no British casualties, but I regret to state that the Iraq forces lost 10 killed and 18 wounded. The marauding bands suffered materially heavier casualties.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will consider whether in the negotiations at present proceeding with Germany it would be possible to introduce a condition assimilating the hours of labour in German industry with those which prevail in this country?

If the hon. and gallant Member has in mind the discussions arising out of the German proposals on the security question, the occasion is not suited to the object which he has in view.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to negotiations between the Spanish Government and Abdel Krim?

I am not in possession of any trustworthy information on this subject.

( for Mr. B. SMITH) asked the Minister of Labour if he can give any indication as to the progress made in the inquiry by the Maclean Committee on Port Labour appointed early last year; and when the presentation and publication of the Committee's Report may be expected?

( for Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND): In two Interim Reports made in June and July last, and published in the July, 1924, issue of the "Ministry of Labour Gazette," the Maclean Committee made recommendations with a view to the establishment of effective registration schemes, which they regarded as a condition precedent to the formation of any reliable opinion on the question of the "guaranteed week." On 22nd May last the Committee held a further meeting to consider the progress made to date by the National Port Labour Joint Council and by employers' and union representatives in giving effect to those recommendations. I understand that the Committee were satisfied generally with the progress reported to them. I have received a copy of a note which the Committee have had prepared showing the position at each port, and I will send a copy to the hon. Member.

( on behalf of Mr. PRESTON) asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the potential relief of unemployment, he will ascertain whether any of the plant and machinery now being imported in connection with the construction of sugar-beet factories could be provided here; and whether, if such be the case, he will make representations to the companies concerned?

(Controller of the Household): I have been asked to reply for the Minister of Agriculture. In the circumstances set out in the answer which I gave on Monday to the hon. Member for Batley and Morley (Mr. Forrest), my right hon. Friend considered it expedient to exercise his dispensing power under Section 1 (b) of the British Sugar (Subsidy) Act, 1925, in favour of three factories in respect of which commitments had already been entered into. These factory companies are, however, alive to the importance of installing British machinery, and have, it is understood, recently diverted some of their foreign orders. In the case of the other four factories under erection, there is no question of waiving the statutory provision, and my right hon. Friend is assured that the macninery being imported is in the nature of specialised plant which could not have been obtained in this country in time if the factories concerned were to be ready for the 1925 manufacturing campaign, and to give considerable employment to British labour this autumn. The information in my right hon. Friend's possession shows that every effort is, in fact, being made by all the companies now erecting factories to employ British material and British labour where practicable.

( for Mr. VIANT) asked the Secretary of State for Air if the site of the airship base in India for the new 5,000,000 cubic feet State airship has been selected as a result of the visit in January last of the Air Vice-Marshal; if any operations have been started; and if sites for mooring masts in other parts, of India have been arranged?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; to the second in the negative. As regards the last part, other sites for mooring masts were examined, but the erection of a mast elsewhere than at Karachi is not contemplated in the first experimental stage.

Can the right hon. Baronet give any approximate idea as to when the first of these airships will be completed?

I would ask my hon. Friend to put down a question to me on that subject, when I will see if I can get any further information.

Besides the mast at Karachi, will there be any intermediate mast in Egypt, Palestine or anywhere else?

Probably there will be an intermediate mast in Egypt.

( for Mr. VIANT) asked the Secretary of State for Air if the nights of R.33 has enabled the Air Ministry to form an opinion as to the reliability and safety of airships for commercial service?

The Air Ministry hope to establish the reliability of commercial airship services, not by means of the flights of any particular ship, such as the R.33, but by a comprehensive programme of experiment and research. The break away of the R.33 has, however, demonstrated that a damaged airship can ride out a storm and return safely to her base, and when this ship has been reconditioned she will carry out a further series of flights for the purpose of obtaining certain essential aero-dynamical and other data affecting design, stresses, etc. Our anticipations as to the reliability and safety of the airship for the operation of commercial services are, I think, justified even on a basis of the experience obtained to date; but I should prefer not to treat the matter as proved until one or more vessels have actually been tried out on a commercial route.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether the Lord Great Chamberlain has caused the subterranean entrance to the House of Commons from Bridge Street to be barricaded up; and whether steps will be taken to secure the rights of the House of Commons to have complete control over its own premises?

The subway in question, which belongs to the London County Council, is closed pending the execution by them of work in connection with the opening of a portion of the subway to the public. It will be re-opened as soon as this work is completed.

That is not what I asked. I asked about the control of the House of Commons.

As a matter of fact, the subway is the property of the London County Council, but before it was closed the consent of the Lord Chamberlain and the Serjeant-at-Arms was obtained.

Do I understand that the London County Council have a right to close a subway into these premises over the rights and wishes of Members of the House?

I have pointed out that the subway belongs to the London County Council but that Members of the House have a right of way, and before this work was undertaken and the subway was closed the consent of the Sergeant-at-Arms and the Lord Chamberlain was obtained.

Is it not a fact that part of the subway is the property of the London County Council while part belongs to Parliament and the Lord Chamberlain? There are two subways, one leading into the underground railway under the Embankment and the other into the House of Parliament, which are linked up and connected?

The subway I am referring to is the subway between the Stephen's Club and the Boadicea Statue.

Is my hon. Friend aware that a tunnel is being driven towards the House of Commons while we are sitting here, and will he send for the Beefeaters to have the matter looked into?

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he will consider the advisability of reimposing the 10-mile speed limit on all motor vehicles now permitted to drive in His Majesty's parks?

The First Commissioner does not consider it necessary to reimpose the speed limit of 10 miles an hour in the Royal parks. The police, however, have strict instructions to see that the legal limit be not exceeded.

( for Lieut.-Commander BURNEY) asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that London refuse being dumped at Little Britain, in the county of Middlesex, is prejudicing the health of the inhabitants of Yiewsley; and, seeing that the local authorities of Yiewsley have no power under their by-laws to prevent this dumping, whether he is prepared to introduce a Bill during the present Session taking power to safeguard the health of the public in this and similar cases?

My right hon. Friend is aware of the case mentioned by my hon. and gallant Friend. The local council have adopted by-laws to prevent nuisances from dumping, and it is proposed to discuss the application of these by-laws with them. My right hon. Friend cannot at present undertake to introduce legislation on the subject.

Is my hon. Friend aware of the danger to public health, and is he prepared to face an epidemic?

I think if the council will follow out the suggestions made in the last part of the question there will be no difficulty in moving the dump under the new by-laws they have now obtained.

( for Mr. BARNES) asked the Minister of Transport whether he will arrange for the model of the new dock road for East London to be exhibited in the Members' Tea Room to enable Members interested to view?

I shall be very happy to make arrangements in accordance with the hon. Member's suggestion.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the fact that last evening a house collapsed on the slum clearance area of Ware Street, Shoreditch, and caused injuries to two children; if he is aware that there are other houses on this area in imminent danger of collapse; and if he will make urgent representations to the London County Council to hasten the rebuilding of this slum area in the interests of public safety?

My right hon. Friend's attention had not previously been drawn to this accident, but he has been in communication with the London County Council, who are investigating the matter and will furnish him with a report. My right hon. Friend is assured that the County Council are taking all possible steps to accelerate the acquisition and demolition of the property in this area. I have just received information from the London County Council to the effect that no one was injured, and in pursuance of their statutory powers they are now taking possession of the building.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the widespread evasion by farmers who refuse to comply with the conditions laid down in the Agricultural Wages Regulation Act, 1924, that his inspectors are ignored by delinquent farmers, who refuse to pay arrears of wages where due, that immediately application is made by one of his inspectors the labourer is dismissed and no arrears of wages are paid, and will he state why Section 9 (4) of the Agricultural Wages Regulation Act has not been enforced?

I regret that I have not received notice of this question or heard anything about it. I will make inquiries.

Notice was sent to the Ministry or the question would not have been submitted. I regret that the letter has not reached the Minister.

The question reached me very late—far beyond the usual time. I was afraid it would not reach the Minister in time.

Is it fair to the great agricultural community that general sweeping assertions of this sort should be made without any particulars being given?

Might I for the benefit of the House state that information is to hand where at least 50 agricultural labourers who have applied for wages which have been settled by their respective Boards have been dismissed, and not only dismissed but turned from their residences as the result of asking for what they are entitled to.

It is so important that a proper question should be put on the Paper.