asked the President of the Board of Trade how many applications have been received under the Safeguarding of Industries Act; and can he state how many have been approved by his Department?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the silk industry has applied for protection under the Safeguarding of Industries Act?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the steel industry has applied for protection under the Safeguarding of Industries Act?

I would refer hon. Members to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for West Middlesbrough (Mr. T. Thomson) and others on the 17th March, of which I am sending them copies. Applications under the White Paper, to which I presume the hon. Member for the Western Isles (Mr. Livingstone) refers, have been referred to Committees in respect of lace and embroidery, leather and fabric gloves and glove fabric, superphosphate, and gas mantles. Only the first of these Committees has reported up to the present, and the Report has been published.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to receive the Report of the Committee which is examining the application for protection made by the superphosphate industry?

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to receive the Report of the Committee which is examining the application for protection made by the gas mantle industry?

I understand that both the Committees mentioned have practically completed their inquiries, and I have no doubt that they will present their Reports as soon as possible.

Has the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries had an opportunity of appearing before the Superphosphate Committee and putting the views of English agriculturists, and, if not, will the right hon. Gentleman arrange that the Minister may have such an opportunity?

The Minister of Agriculture has full knowledge of all the action which has been taken.

Has any evidence been taken from the Ministry of Agriculture in the interests of farmers?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government has yet come to a decision on the Report of the lace inquiry?

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister will make a statement on this subject at the close of to-day's questions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the report recently issued by the War Commissar of when he expects to receive the Report of the committee which is examining the application for protection made by the glove industry?

The Committee is still hearing evidence, and I cannot say how soon its Report is likely to be received.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of bicycles, motor and ordinary, imported into Great Britain for the first four months of 1925, and also for the same period of 1923–24; and the exports for these periods?

The answer is in a tabular form, and the hon. Member will perhaps agree to my circulating it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The following statement shows the numbers of motor cycles and tricars, and of cycles not mechanically propelled registered during each of the periods specified as imported into and exported from the United Kingdom. Separate particulars relating exclusively to motor bicycles and ordinary bicycles are not available:

the Union of Russian Socialist Soviet Republics; and if he will inform the House what is the present active and reserve strength of the various branches of the army of the Russian Soviet Republics?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the total strength of the land forces of the Russian Soviet Republics is estimated at 1,058,000. This figure represents the authorised strength, and excludes the reserve forces.

Have the Government any knowledge why this very large standing army is being kept in existence in Russia, seeing that all the other European armies are being reduced in strength?

HON. MEMBERS: Answer!

asked the Secretary for Scotland when the Report of the Land Court for 1924 will be available?

This Report has been presented to-day, and will be available within a few days.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he can say what progress has been made by the Committee set up to inquire into the transport and mail services in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland?

The Conference referred to in the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary for Scotland on the 26th May has held several meetings and is collecting information necessary to the preparation of its Report. Their inquiries will be conducted as expeditiously as possible.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that passengers on the steamship "Cygnet," carrying His Majesty's mails and plying to Tiree, are asked to pay cabin fares, and that there is a notice that abaft the bridge of the ship passengers must pay cabin fare; whether he is aware that the bridge of the ship is near the bow and forms one side of a square to make a space for the hatch, and that there is very little room for any passengers in the remaining space, and that in rough weather the steerage portion of the boat forward of the bridge cannot be used by anyone; and whether he will inquire into this demand for cabin fares from steerage passengers?

I am informed by the owners that the facts relating to this vessel are as follows: There are two classes of fares, one for cabin and one for steerage passengers. The usual notice indicates the portion of the ship available to cabin passengers only. The main deck is entirely free to steerage passengers, and is well sheltered. A saloon is also provided on the main deck for steerage passengers, and is fitted with sofa seats to accommodate about 30 passengers, a number much in excess of the usual number travelling. The bridge is on the top deck slightly forward of midships and aft of the well of the ship. The portions of the top deck which are alongside and forward of the bridge are also available to steerage passengers.

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the information is that there is no accommodation for steerage passengers in rough weather in this particular vessel?

I am informed that the accommodation is in excess of the usual number of passengers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the considerable sale taking place in birds of paradise feathers, notwithstanding that their importation is prohibited under the Importation of Plumage Act; and is he satisfied that everything is being done to enforce the provisions of this Act?

I am informed that the plumage of birds of paradise has recently been offered for sale at some establishments, but it has been ascertained that this plumage has been stored in this country from a date earlier than the 1st April, 1922, when the prohibi- tion against importation first came into operation. I am satisfied that all possible steps are being taken to enforce the prohibition.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in the case of osprey plumes, at any rate, dressmakers state that they have no difficulty in obtaining ample supplies when required?

I have not had that brought to my notice, but it may be that they were supplies imported prior to the prohibition coming into force. I should be Very glad if my hon. and gallant Friend would give me information on the point.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can make any statement as to the position of negotiations in the coal industry.

I have been asked to reply. I have nothing to add to the reply given by my hon. Friend to the hon. and gallant Member for South Cardiff (Captain A. Evans) on 20th May, except that I understand that the joint sub-committee is meeting again this week.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say how soon it will be possible for a decision on this matter to be arrived at, or for any announcement to be made?

That depends very largely on the joint sub-committee, which is meeting this week.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any guarantee has been given by the Government from any of its departments for the development of plant for coal treatment in the Nottingham district?

The answer is in the negative. I understand that two applications are under the consideration of the Trade Facilities Act Advisory Committee.

Will the matter be submitted to this House, before facilities are given for anything of that kind?

I do not think I could give any such undertaking, at any rate not without notice of the question.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that it is highly desirable that every facility should be given to anyone who will develop the coal trade along the lines suggested in the question?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider having exhibited in the Tea Room a map showing the arterial roads now being constructed under the auspices of his Department and those which are already in use?

It will give me much pleasure to comply with my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the roadmen under the North Isles District Committee of the Shetland County Council are paid 6d. and 7d. per hour, whereas roadmen under the Mainland District Committee receive 9d. per hour for the same class of work; if he can say whether the Government road grants are based upon this differentiation; and whether he can take any steps in the matter?

The grants from the Road Fund are based upon the expenditure of highway authorities, without special reference to the varying rates of pay prevailing in different parts of Great Britain, but all grants are conditional upon the Fair Wages Clauses being inserted in any contracts entered into in connection therewith. I do not control the wages which local authorities pay their employés.

In these circumstances, will the right hon. Gentleman draw the attention of this committee to the fact that the Fair Wages Clause ought to be observed?

If the hon. Member will furnish me with data bearing out his suggestion, I will certainly go into the matter.

I will.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is responsible for the acceptance of the design for the new Lambeth Bridge; and, if not, on whom does the responsibility rest?

The responsibility rests, not with my Department, but with the London County Council.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of a Regulation recently issued that a licence must be fitted on the left-hand side of the handle bar of a motor cycle when used with side-car combination, and that users consider the handle bar a most unsuitable place, as clips for all attachments on a bar are liable to fracture through vibration, and this would involve loss of the licence; and whether he will now give instructions that owners of combinations fitted with a number plate and licence holder combined on the top of the front mudguard of the motor cycle, which is the best and most prominent position, should not be called upon to adopt the more ineffective method provided for in the Regulation referred to?

In the case of a motor cycle with sidecar, the Regulations provide that the licence shall be carried either on the near side of the handlebar of the cycle or on the near side of the combination in front of the driving seat. The latter alternative permits the licence to be carried on the near side of the sidecar body, and from the point of view of the police it is undesirable that there should be more than one alternative position for the exhibition of the licence.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that several thousand cycles are already fitted with the joint number plate above the mudguard, which is the most prominent place?

I was not aware of that fact, but that does not alter the fact that these Regulations are, in the opinion of the police, most desirable. They were submitted to a motor deputation and were approved of by them.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the city of Liverpool and the borough of Birkenhead, alone of the Merseyside boroughs, have signified their intention of bearing a proportion of the cost of the proposed tunnel under the River Mersey; and whether he will make it a condition of any grant towards the cost of the said tunnel that as much as possible of the skilled, and the whole of the unskilled, labour is supplied from the unemployed in Liverpool and Birkenhead?

In view of the fact that some considerable time must necessarily elapse before the actual work of constructing the proposed tunnel under the River Mersey can be begun, I think it would be undesirable to make any conditions at this stage as to the sources from which the labour should be recruited. When the time arrives for putting the work in hand the local authorities which are promoting the scheme and bearing a proportion of the cost will doubtless arrange their plans with due regard to the state of employment in their respective areas.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that heavy motor lorries and vans constantly travel at a rate of upwards of 20 miles an hour, to the great damage of the roads of the country, and of the difficulties of securing a conviction owing to the nature of the Regulations governing a prosecution for exceeding the speed limit imposed on them; and whether he will impose more effective conditions of control and proof of breach of the speed limit in any fresh Regulations under consideration by his Department?

The enforcement of the legal speed limits is a matter for the police. It is admittedly difficult to prove that a speed limit has been exceeded unless accurate timing methods have been adopted, but where the speeds of vehicles have been scientifically checked over a measured stretch of road, I have not observed any reluctance on the part of magistrates to convict. I do not consider that it is desirable to amend the law as regards the legal procedure in these cases.

asked the Minister of Transport when he will be in a position to state the Government's electricity proposals?

I have at present nothing to add to the statements made to the House on the 21st May, when the Estimates of my Ministry were under discussion.

In view of the increasing amount of unemployment, which might be relieved by work of this kind, will the right hon. Gentleman expedite the consideration of this matter?

The consideration of the whole question is being expedited.

Has the right hon. Gentleman been reading the speeches of the Prime Minister about the development of electricity?

Of course. Naturally, I read them with the greatest pleasure.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the formation of a new broadcasting enterprise, known as the Secret Wireless, Limited, whose stated intention is to attack what they term the monopoly at present held by the British Broadcasting Company; and whether he has considered, or intends to consider, the granting of a broadcasting licence to this new company?

Secret Wireless, Limited, is, I understand a company formed primarily for the purpose of developing and exploiting a new system of secret wireless communication; but, so far as I am aware, the system has not yet been developed on a commercial basis. Facilities for the establishment of two low-power experimental stations have been offered to the company, but this offer has not at present been accepted. No application has been made for a broadcasting licence, and the question of granting such a licence would not be entertained pending the inquiry into the future of broadcasting, which will be held this winter.

Is the Postmaster-General aware that opposition to the British Broadcasting Company at the present time is very sadly needed for the purpose of getting improved programmes?

asked the Postmaster-General what names, if any, he has received with regard to Members invited to serve upon the Imperial Wireless Committee; and whether he can give an approximate date as to when it is intended that that Committee should commence its sittings?

I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the Members who have been nominated to the Imperial Wireless Committee. The first meeting of the Committee will be held on the 23rd June.

Following is the list of Members:

Australia:

The Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Cook, G.C.M.G., High Commissioner; and Mr. F. W. Mason Allard, Chairman of Amalgamated Wireless of Australasia, Limited.

Canada:

Mr. Lucien Pacaud, Secretary to the High Commissioner; and Mr. Henry W. Allen, Director of the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company of Canada.

India:

Mr. J. G. P. Cameron, C.I.E., of the Indian Telegraph Department; and Mr. Nigel F. Paton, representing the Indian Radio Telegraph Company.

New Zealand:

Colonel The Hon. Sir James Allen, K.C.B., High Commissioner; and Mr. John Milward, late Manager in the Pacific of the Pacific Cable Board.

South Africa:

Mr. J. S. Smit, High Commissioner; and Mr. H. E. Penrose, representing the South African Wireless Telegraph Company. Colonel E. A. Sturman, C.B.E., Postmaster-General of the Union of South Africa, will also attend the Committee while he is in this country.

Has the Committee been completed?

Yes, and we have representatives on it from all the Dominions.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the need of a new post office, preferably a Crown office, being established in Wood Green to replace the adapted butcher's shop now in use, and to meet the requirements of a populous district and neighbourhood; whether there is any reason why such provision should not be made; and what steps he now proposes to take in the matter, particularly in view of the further duties that will devolve on post office administration if and when the new contributory pension scheme comes into operation?

I am not satisfied that the existing accommodation at the post office in question is inadequate to meet public requirements or that there is urgent need for incurring the heavy additional annual expenditure which replacement of the office by a Crown office would involve, but the matter is being kept under review.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consult the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department as to whether he thinks a disused butcher's shop is sufficient accommodation for a central post office in a large working-class district?

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has received a report of the interview between a deputation from the Swinton Urban District Council and the Rotherham postmaster; whether he is aware that there is little or no improvement in the postal services; that an auxiliary postwoman of proved efficiency has been compelled to resign because of the physical impossibility of carrying out the duties under present conditions; and whether, in view of the fact that the sub-postmistress has written to say that she is prepared to alter her premises so as to satisfy all reasonable requirements, he will advise that letters and parcels shall again be sorted and despatched from the Swinton office?

I have received a report of the interview to which the hon. Member refers. I am assured that the recent alterations have resulted in a distinct improvement in the services at Swinton. The morning delivery which formerly finished as late as 9.35 a.m. is now completed before 9.0 a.m. The auxiliary postwoman referred to was offered, but declined to accept, a duty similar to that hitherto performed by her. It is very doubtful whether adequate accommodation for the postmen could be provided at the Swinton office, even with the improvements now suggested by the sub-postmistress; and in any case, as the new delivery arrangements are more satisfactory on other grounds, I am unable to revert to the former arrangements.

Would the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to meet a deputation from the Swinton Urban District Council because there is a strong feeling of indignation about this matter?

I am always prepared to consider representations, and if my hon. Friend will consult me afterwards, I will try to do all I can in the matter.

asked the Postmaster-General when he proposes to introduce the new Wireless Telegraphy Bill?

I am not yet in a position to make any statement.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the inconvenience and expense entailed on provincial newspapers by the Post Office policy of closing down telegraph offices on Bank Holidays; and whether, seeing that newspapers are dependent upon the Post Office wires for news, he will reconsider this policy?

The restriction of the hours of public business at Post Offices on bank holidays is in accordance with the' settled policy of granting relief from duty on such days to as large a number of the staff as possible, and the arrangements actually in force are considered to suffice for the convenience of the general public. I could not undertake, particularly in view of the heavy loss on Press telegrams, to modify these arrangements generally in the interests of provincial newspapers; but a specified office can be specially opened or kept open for the receipt of Press messages if due notice is given and the cost of the special attendance is defrayed by the proprietors of the newspaper concerned.

The maintaining of a special staff by one newspaper is an almost impossible burden to bear.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that guardians are constantly complaining that many pensioners become chargeable on the rates very shortly after receipt of their quarterly allowances; and will he consider the desirability of paying these pensions weekly through the local Post Offices?

My right hon. Friend is not aware of any complaints of this nature. Pensions paid by the Ministry to or in respect of men of non-commissioned rank are paid weekly through the Post Office, except in a relatively few cases in which the pensioners are either entitled to payment quarterly in advance or are, to meet their own convenience, paid quarterly in arrear.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of any increase in the number of worn-out horses exported to the Continent; whether any organisation concerned with the welfare of animals has made representations in this regard; and is any legislation contemplated that would have as its object the discouragement of this practice?

There has been a marked decrease in recent years in the number of horses exported to the Continent, but a slight increase in the number occurred in 1924 as compared with 1922 and 1923. I would point out however, that no worn-out horses are allowed to be exported, only sound working horses being passed for shipment by the Ministry's inspectors. General representations urging the prohibition of the export of horses which may be slaughtered on the Continent have been frequently received by my Department. With regard to the last part of the question, I cannot anticipate the Report of the Departmental Committee which is at present investigating this trade.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when we may hope to get the Report of the Departmental Committee and is the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals representative entitled to appear before that Committee?

Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will await the answer to the next question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is now in a position to state when the Report of the Committee on the export of horses for butchery purposes is likely to be published?

I understand the Committee are now considering their Report, and I am informed that they hope to present it at the end of the present month.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that he will be able to introduce legislation this Session if the Report indicates the need for legislation?

That is obviously a question which I cannot answer until I have seen the Report, and the question should be put to the Leader of the House.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if, in co-operation with the President of the Board of Education, he will consult with public schoolmasters and others so as to include in his forthcoming small holdings and cottage holdings legislation the most suitable means of encouraging English public school boys to settle upon English land upon terms at least as favourable as those offered under the schemes of overseas settlement now in progress?

I shall certainly be happy to consider my hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the cost of the plant and machinery that has been imported into this country in connection with the construction of sugar-beet factories since the passing of the British Sugar (Subsidy) Act, 1925, and the cost of the plant and machinery that has been supplied by British firms during the same period?

The value of plant and machinery which has been actually imported to the order of sugar beet factory companies since the passing of the British Sugar (Subsidy) Act, 1925, is £126,292. The value of plant and machinery supplied by British firms during the same period is £51,184. I would remind the hon. Gentleman that these figures afford no guide to the total commitments of the various factory companies.

Will the Minister give us an assurance that 75 per cent. of the machinery for these factories will in the future be British made?

I cannot give any assurance other than that contained in the Act of Parliament which imposes that obligation and refers especially to British-made machinery and plant.

Is it not a fact that by obtaining some of the machinery from abroad the factories have been able to get to work much earlier?

With regard to one or two cases the suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend is entirely accurate.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that we have been manufacturing sugar machinery in Glasgow for the last 150 years, and that the whole of the supplies required could have been got in that city; and will the right hon. Gentleman say what steps he is taking to see that the 75 per cent. proviso is being adhered to and what check has he on it?

I have a complete check. I am well aware of the capacity of Glasgow for making sugar machinery, but the difficulty arose owing to the exceedingly rapid development of the sugar-beet industry in this country. There may be one or two cases in which the machinery was supplied more quickly from abroad, and consequently the factories were able to get to work earlier.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if negotiations are proceeding for the sale to a private syndicate of the Government houses situated at Bulwark and Hard-wick, Chepstow; and, if so, is he giving the existing tenants the right of purchase on the same terms and conditions as may be offered to a private company?

( for the FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS): The answer to the first part is in the negative. The second part of the question does not therefore arise.

asked the Attorney-General whether any inquiries are being made as to the possibility of County Court Judges and their officials attempting conciliation as a condition precedent to litigation in connection with rent cases; and whether he can make any statement on this subject?

Provision has already been made by the Rent Restrictions Act, 1923, for arbitration in rent cases as a voluntary alternative to ordinary legal proceedings and I regret that this procedure is not more frequently adopted. What the hon. Member suggests is a new procedure which is not to be voluntary, and is not to be an alternative. I am not aware that inquiries are being made into any other conciliation procedure, and I do not think that any such inquiries would be fruitful.

Has the right hon. and learned Gentleman's attention been drawn to the recently established municipal court in Philadelphia and the success that has resulted from the introduction of that court?

No, I have not had my attention drawn to the municipal court, but it is obvious that to ask the County Court Judges to try a case before it is set down as a matter of litigation is not likely to be very fruitful, except by the good will of the parties. When the parties themselves desire it, they can do it under existing legislation.

asked the Minister of Health if he will inform the House what progress has been made in the provision of houses during the past three months?

During the three months ended 1st May last, 21,674 houses were completed in England and Wales in connection with State-assisted schemes, and 56,202 were in course of construction on the 1st May. Particulars are not available as to the number of houses erected during the same period by private enterprise without Exchequer assistance.

In view of the statement which the hon. Gentleman has made will he, on behalf of the Government, withdraw the imputation of "ca'canny" made against the building industry?

asked the Home Secretary whether the Order prohibiting the entry into this country for short periods of aliens desirous of attending political, Communist, or other Socialist conferences is intended to apply to all persons who may be known to the authorities as persons belonging to the Communist movement, or the advocates of Socialism, or any other political creed?

I presume the hon. Member has in mind the special instructions to which reference was made in this House before the Adjournment. Those instructions related to the exclusion of aliens who might seek to come here for the purpose of attending the Communist Congress which was then pending at Glasgow, and, while their application was limited to that particular purpose, they reflected a general policy which I explained to the House.

What is the use of that policy if the right hon. Gentleman is unable to prevent people going to Glasgow for the conference?

It is not at all certain that it was not able to prevent undesirables from coming here. A very well-known Communist was prevented from coming from Berlin to the conference, and others also.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the advocacy of Communism is illegal?

Obviously, if it had been, the hon. Member might find himself in custody.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, in view of that answer, on what grounds does he stop persons holding Communist views from going to a Communist conference, which I understand is a legal body, meeting in a legal manner in this country?

I have already explained that, while we have to put up with English Communists, we are not prepared to put up with foreign Communists.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take similar steps of exclusion against those who come from reactionary countries to attend conferences in London?

I have asked the right hon. Gentleman whether the prohibition order applies to other political organisations. What I want to get at is whether it is only aimed at revolutionary Communists, and that the same rule does not apply to revolutionary royalists. He has not answered the last part of my question. Portuguese royalists in this country—[ Interruption ]. You ought to answer. The question is on the Paper. [ Interruption. ]

The matter cannot now be further discussed.

On a point of Order. Cannot we have information from the Minister as to whether he is prepared to answer the last part of the question?

He dare not answer.

If the hon. Member is not satisfied with the answer, he can put down another question for the day after to-morrow.

He only dodges it every time. The champion dodger.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the number of persons who have paid for admission to the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley on Tuesdays, 12th and 19th May, respectively, together with the corresponding figures for the same two days last year; and whether the contractors in the amusement park have intimated their intention of closing their stalls until 5 p.m. on Tuesdays should the admission charge of 2s. 6d. be continued?

I understand that the number of persons who paid for admission on Tuesdays, the 12th and 19th May of this year, was considerably smaller than the number on the corresponding dates of 1924. The exhibition authorities have, however, now decided to discontinue the special charge of 2s. 6d. on Tuesdays.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the introduction of a cheap day of admission at the popular price of 6d., so that the working classes can have an opportunity of attending the exhibition?

I will convey the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion to the authorities.

Will the hon. Member appeal to the authorities to allow the exhibition to open on Sunday, the only day when the great mass of the working people are able to get to the exhibition?

When the Money Resolution was discussed, I explained that that would require new legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the value of the total imports and exports of Iraq during 1924 in pounds sterling; and what proportion of this amount was to and from the United Kingdom?

Available statistics for Iraq are given in rupees, but, converted at the rate of Rs. 15 to the £ sterling, the following are the totals of imports and exports to and from Iraq during the calendar year 1924 (excluding currency, but including goods in transit through the country):

Am I to understand that of the £12,000,000 of imports only 13 per cent. are from this country?

33·17 per cent.

Only one-third! Does that include Government stores?

I think that includes everything, except currency.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has any information as to a new system of treatment and care of mental patients recently decided upon by the Government of New Zealand; and whether he can make any statement as to the nature of the proposed new methods?

I have no information beyond what has appeared recently in the Press.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can publish a table showing, in reference to those Colonies and Dependencies which grant preferences on Empire goods in their tariffs, the number of official and non-official members in the governing

asked the Prime Minister whether he has now come to a decision as to the desirability or otherwise of Cabinet Ministers during their term of office contributing articles upon public policy to the newspaper press; whether he has drawn the attention of the Secretary of State for India to the rule held desirable by Members of previous Cabinets; and, if so, with what result?

The Government have carefully considered this question, and have decided to be affirm the principle that Ministers of

council, and the instances in which the decision to grant a preference was carried by the vote of the official members?

Yes, Sir; I am arranging for a table containing the detailed information desired to be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I am not aware of any case in which Empire Preference was carried by official votes, or was not the expression of the genuine views of the communities concerned.

Following is the table:

the Crown, while holding office, should refrain from writing articles for publication in any way connected with matters of current public policy.

May I ask the Prime Minister when that decision was taken, and is he aware of what appears in today's London evening newspapers?

No; I very rarely see the evening papers.

Is the Prime Minister aware that there is a newspaper bill outside bearing the device: "Murder—by Lord Birkenhead," and may I ask what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I do not think murder is a question of public policy.

Are we to understand that the Prime Minister has issued a general prohibition of this practice, or is it to concern only certain aspects of affairs?

I think the answer is perfectly clear. I have answered the hon. Member's question.

Does it apply to the series of articles now being published by Lord Birkenhead in the evening papers?

I am afraid that I do not know what is that series. The phrase I used is, "on matters of current public policy." I think that is quite clear.

Does the Prime Minister consider the question of war, about which Lord Birkenhead has been writing a very great deal, a subject on which a Minister should write at the present time?

That is something which is past

In view of the fact that there is a Bill before this House to abolish capital punishment, does the right hon. Gentleman consider that a Member of the Government should express his views on the subject of capital punishment in articles?

I think we had better wait and see.

Will the Prime Minister read these articles by Lord Birkenhead.

I have a good many things to read.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to appoint a Committee to inquire into the possible simplification of procedure and saving of time generally, and, in particular, as to Divisions for the suspension of the 11 o'Clock Rule and Debate on Motions for Adjournment?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware of the feeling among women electors, as expressed in resolutions of mothers' unions and petitions to Members of Parliament, that immediate steps should be taken to restrain portions of the Press from publishing matter which is injurious to public morals; and whether he will give facilities for the early discussion of the Judicial Proceedings (Regulation of Reports) Bill?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can yet say whether His Majesty's Government can give any facilities this Session for the progress of the Judicial Proceedings (Regulation of Reports) Bill?

I shall answer these questions together. I am not in a position to make any statement at present, but I can assure my hon. and right hon. Friends that this question is under consideration by the Government.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that so important a body as the Council of the Law Society has passed a Resolution in favour of this Bill?

No, I am not aware of that. I shall be glad, if opportunity arise, to give consideration to it, but I cannot at present make any statement on the subject.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer with which foreign Governments, of those who owe moneys to this country, we are in negotiation for the payment of their debts to us; and whether he can report any progress towards the repayment or funding of these debts?

No negotiations are at the moment taking place with the Government of Russia for the repayment of their debts to this country, but with this exception His Majesty's Government is in continuous negotiation with all the foreign Governments owing money to this country. I have at the moment no further developments to report.

Has the right hon. Gentleman observed the statements in the Press with regard to French negotiations with the United States, and, if so, what steps are being taken to safeguard British interests in those negotiations. Are we represented, or in what way will it be done?

No, Sir. We stated very clearly at the beginning of this Parliament what our policy was in regard to the settlement of these Franco American debts, and I have nothing to add to the statement which I made on that occasion.

The right hon. Gentleman has stated that the Government put themselves into communication with the Governments of our debtors. Will he give us the date of that communication?

The French Government made communications to us in the closing days of the administration of M. Clementel, at the Ministry of Finance, and in the interval that has elapsed no new developments have taken place, having regard to the fact that a new Minister of Finance has only just assumed office and has, no doubt, a great pressure of business on his hands at the present time.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he contemplates introducing legislation with a view to making reserves distributed by way of bonus shares liable for Income Tax?

The hon. Member is, I think, under a misapprehension. Under the provisions of the Income Tax Acts, profits are taxed in their entirety at the source, and no question of further liability to Income Tax can arise upon their distribution, whether in the form of bonus shares or otherwise.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now state the particulars of the scheme by which he proposes to relieve the burden upon employers and employed involved in the contributions under the new pensions scheme?

No, Sir; not yet.

May we take it that we shall be informed of the Government's plan, before we are asked to part with the Pensions Bill?

That is a question which should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.

May I ask the Prime Minister whether we shall be informed what is the plan of the Government for relieving industry before the Pensions Bill leaves this House?

I certainly hope that that will be the case.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether it is the practice of Government Departments to keep statistics showing the cost of registration of and the filing of correspondence per letter received; and, if so, whether he can state the average unit cost for all Departments and the costs in the Departments which have the highest and lowest unit figure, respectively?

I regret that no statistics such as those referred to by the hon. Member are kept.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the Government propose to grant security of tenure to the comparatively small number of temporary civil servants who, after qualifying by examination for established posts, have been rejected on medical grounds; and, as these temporary civil servants have proved in keen competition with their fellows that they are educationally qualified for establishment in the Civil Service, will the Government consider favourably granting to these men and women unestablished poets in the class for which they have qualified, as is done in the cases of candidates who have attained the age of 50 years before passing the examination?

In making their selection of temporary ex-service men for permanent non-pensionable employment under the agreement with the Association of Ex-Service Civil Servants of the 12th January last, I have no doubt that Departments will pay special regard to the cases of ex-service men who have been rejected for establishment on medical grounds, but I regret to be unable to extend the arrangement mentioned in the last part of the question to persons who have been unable to satisfy the prescribed tests for establishment.

asked the President of the Board of Education (1) whether he is aware that, in connection with the recent award of Lord Burnham respecting teachers' salaries in the highly-rated area of West Ham, of each £10,000 reduction in salaries the Government receive the advantage of approximately £8,000; and whether, as this area is necessitous, he will grant a higher proportion of this reduction to the local authority;

(2) Whether he has recently received appeals from the West Ham local Education Authority for a revision of the basis of grant for this highly-rated area; whether he is aware that, owing to the vicissitudes of the industrial life of this borough, it has for a long period been a necessitous one; whether he is aware that for the current half-year the precept levied for educational purposes is over one-sixth of the total rates for the borough; and whether he will recommend an increase in the basis of grant for this area?

I will answer these questions together. The fact, stated in the first question, that the National Exchequer already defrays approximately 80 per cent. of the cost of teachers' salaries in West Ham seems to be a sufficient answer to the suggestion, made in the second question, that the grant should be increased. My right hon. Friend has received a communication on the subject from the West Ham Authority, but he is afraid that he does not see his way to adopt the suggestion made in the last part of either of the questions.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, having regard to the long delay in the decision as to marriage allowances for naval officers, he will consider the desirability of making these allowances retrospective when the grant is made?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make any statement.

Is it not a fact that the money required for this purpose has been already granted by this House?

I have already answered a question of that sort. A Vote has been passed by this House for £350,000.

Are they going to get interest on the money which is being withheld from them?

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any forecast as to when he will be able to make a statement?

asked the Undersecretary of State for India whether he is satisfied that the conditions obtaining in the Mandalay Gaol, where the Bengal political prisoners are confined, are satisfactory from the point of view of health and decency?

I have made inquiry and am satisfied that the few Bengal prisoners confined in the Mandalay Gaol are well-treated, and that the conditions of their confinement are healthy and comfortable. They have careful medical attendance, and there should be no occasion for complaint.