asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will make inquiries as to why Bhai Permanand, of Lahore, has been refused a passport to England, which he wishes to visit for his health?

I have no information on the subject. The matter is one for the decision of the local authorities, and my noble Friend sees no reason to interfere.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can give any information as to the recent shootings in Alwar State?

I assume that the right hon. and gallant Member refers to a disturbance recently reported in the newspapers, in which two men were stated to have been killed by the fire of State troops. I have not up to the present received any official information on the subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what measure of success has attended the efforts of the Maharajah of Nepal to abolish slavery in the State of Nepal; and if the Government of India are supporting him in this policy?

I have not up to the present received any official information as to the measure of success attained. The Government of India are of course in sympathy with the policy of the Nepalese Government. I do not think that any question of their support arises.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether a memorial from Mr. C. Duncan, late engine driver on the Eastern Bengal State Railway, addressed to the Secretary of State for India on 25th June, 1924, has been received; and what action has been taken?

Mr. Duncan's memorial was withheld by the Government of India in accordance with the Memorial Rules.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the British Administrator of Nabha has refused the request made by Pandit Motilal Nehru to allow two members of the legislative assembly to visit the Nabha camp gaols to ascertain the facts about the alleged ill-treatment of Akalis imprisoned there; and whether he will give instructions for this request to be granted?

I am aware that some requests of this kind have been refused, though I cannot on my present-information identify the particular case referred to by the hon. Member. The Secretary of State sees no reason to interfere with the discretion of the local authorities in the matter.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India how the hours of labour in Japanese cotton mills in Osaka compare with those in Bombay; to what extent the hours are worked by women; and whether women are employed at night?

I am informed that the legal maximum working hours under the Japanese Factory Act are fixed at 12 daily, but that this need mot be strictly adhered to in factories employing only male operatives over 15 years of age. I am further informed that women, in fact, usually work from 10 to 12 hours daily. Women are employed at night. By the Japanese Factory Act Amendment Act of 1921 the legal maximum for women is reduced to 11 hours a day, and night work for women is prohibited; but these changes do not come into force until three years after enforcement of the Amendment Act, which is not in force at the present moment. In India the legal maxima are 60 hours a week and 11 hours a day for adults, and six hours a day for children under 15. Night work for women is prohibited.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India intend to establish a railway clearing house in India; and, if so, at what date?

The question of establishing a railway clearing house in India has been under discussion for some years, but no decision upon it has yet been reached.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to substitute an Indian navy for the Royal Indian Marine; and, if so, whether the naval commanders and other officers of the Royal Naval Marine who may be compulsorily retired will receive adequate compensation, in view of the great difficulty they will experience in obtaining other employment?

A committee appointed by the Government of India, with my Noble Friend's concurrence, to make recommendations as to the reorganisation of the Royal Indian Marine, has recently reported, but no decisions have yet been taken on the Report. If any reductions are finally decided upon, the question of compensation will, of course, be fully considered.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what was the quantity of gold imported into India in the last financial year, and how these imports compare with the years 1913–14, 1922–23 and 1923–24?

The imports of gold into India for the years in question were as follow: Year. Gross. Net. Fine Ounces Fine Ounces. 1913–14 4,593,163* 3,749,437* 1922–23 5,877,753† 5,858,298† 1923–24 4,329,248 4,319,356 1924–25 11,998,409 11,939,617 *The figures for 1933–14 are given in the returns as "ounces" and not "fine ounces," as prior to April, 1921, the practice of recording weights was not uniform at all the ports. † Includes 1,415 fine ounces on Government account.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information with regard to the reported attack of Moorish soldiers from the Spanish Army on the Tangier zone; and whether any representations on the part of the Powers responsible for the administration of the zone have been made to the Spanish Government on the subject of this event?

Confirmation of the report which appeared in the Press have been received from His Majesty's Consul-General at Tangier, and the attention of the Spanish authorities is being called to the incident.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there has been any extension of the general strike in China; and what effect it is having on the trade and commerce?

The information available points to a gradual extension of strikes. It is too early to judge of their effect on trade.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has at any time during recent years received a Report from the British representative in the Argentine concerning the conditions prevailing among the people forming the Welsh Colony in the Chubut Valley; and, if not, whether he will call for such a Report, showing the number of Welsh-speaking inhabitants at present in the Colony, the growth or decline of the Welsh-speaking population, and the cultural and economic conditions prevailing among the colonists?

A Report on a visit paid by His Majesty's Consul-General at Buenos Aires to the Welsh settlement in the Chubut Valley was received in February, 1923. This Report, which appears to supply the type of information desired by the hon. Member, will be communicated to him. Should there be any specific points on which supplementary information is desired by the hon. Member I shall be happy to ask His Majesty's Minister for a further Report?

asked the Minister of Health what is the approximate number of children boarded out with families by Poor Law authorities in England; how many inspectors are employed by the Ministry of Health for the purpose of visiting such children; and how many visits are paid by them in an average year?

On the 1st January, 1925, there were 10,489 children boarded out by Poor Law authorities in England and Wales. There are now 10 women inspectors whose work includes the inspection of boarding-out. Their duties in this connection are to ascertain and report upon the manner in which Boarding-out Committees are carrying out their work and to advise Committees, and they are constantly in touch with such Committees. The actual inspection of individual children and of the homes of foster parents is a duty of the Boarding-out Committee themselves. The Regulations require that each child and its home shall be visited not less often than once in every six weeks by a woman member of the Boarding-out Committee or by a paid woman visitor appointed by the guardians.

asked the Minister of Health whether the new Regulations regarding preservatives in foodstuffs are based on evidence that anyone has ever suffered from boron preservative in food; and, if not, whether he is prepared to withdraw such Regulation?

The harmfulness of boron preservatives was thoroughly considered by the Departmental Committee which inquired into the subject. Their Report, to which I would refer the hon. Member, shows that boric acid in small doses has been known to produce ill effects, and that in continued doses it is likely to impair the health of the consumer.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has seen the report of the chief constable of Kilmarnock in reference to the recent dismissal of two constables from the burgh police; and whether, in view of the public feeling in the town against the chief constable's action, he will publish the report or place it in the Library of the House?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I regard the report as made for my confidential information and am not prepared to make it public in either of the ways suggested.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the 25 general staff officers, paid from Army funds, who received for services as examiners sums ranging from £53 2s. 9d. to £396 4s. were in receipt of full pay according to their rank; whether their appointments were whole-time appointments; and, if so, what was the reason for the extra remuneration during the year 1923–24?

As this question arises on the Army Account, 1923–24, which at present stands referred to the Select Committee on Public Accounts, I propose to defer reply until the Committee have reported.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he adheres to the decision of his predecessors to remove the Royal Tank Corps from the site at Lulworth Cove; and, if so, can he give any approximate date when the camp, which was only acquired as a War measure, will be cleared from this part of the Dorset coast, where it greatly detracts from the amenities of the district.

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; as regards the second part, I can only say that a scheme for securing an alternative site is now being examined.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any decision has yet been reached regarding the appointment of an assistant military attaché in the United States.

The matter is still under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether men in regiments other than the Guards are allowed to act as supers; and whether, in view of the large volume of unemployment prevailing among theatrical employés who in normal times earn their livelihood by acting as supers, he will withdraw the permission granted to Guardsmen to accept engagements in the theatres of London, and issue instructions that officers and men serving in the Army shall not accept other employment to the prejudice of the civilian population?

Guardsmen enjoy no special privileges in this matter, but I am not aware of any case of soldiers being employed as supers except at Covent Garden, where by long established custom Guardsmen are employed as supers from time to time during the opera season. I have made inquiries regarding the employment of these Guardsmen at Covent Garden and, as I have already informed the hon. Member privately, I do not think that, having regard to the intermittent nature of the work, they are keeping civilians out of employment. With regard to the last part of the question, I am not prepared to issue any general prohibition, but soldiers are not allowed to accept outside employment which interferes with their military duties or if there are civilians suitable and ready to take it who would thereby be kept out of employment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) the total cost of medical research work carried out in our Crown Colonies and Protectorates for the years 1901 and 1924, respectively;

(2) the total cost of the administration of medical and sanitary services in the Crown Colonies and Protectorates for the years 1901 and 1924, respectively;

(3) the total expenditure on salaries of medical officers and on salaries of medical staffs, other than doctors, in the Crown Colonies and Protectorates for the years 1901 and 1924, respectively?

As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, the expenditure in question is provided separately in the Budget of each Colony or Protectorate. The process of ascertaining and verifying the figures will involve a great deal of labour, and would not, in view of the additions made to the territories administered by this Department, give a satisfactory standard of comparison. I suggest that it will be sufficient for his purpose if I give him the figures, as far as they can now be ascertained, of the amounts provided for the years 1901 and 1924 for Trinidad, Hong Kong and the Gold Coast, respectively, as representing three of the four important divisions of the Colonial Empire. The fourth, East Africa, was not administered by the Colonial Office in 1901.

My hon. and gallant Friend will understand that in 1901 the expenditure on medical research was not distinguished from other medical expenditure, and it is still the case that a good deal of the research which is done is not, as a rule, separately provided for.

— 1901. 1924. Trinidad: £ £ Staff, Medical Men 18,926 30,034 Others 17,261 40,013 Research Nil. Nil. Total cost of administration of medical and sanitary services. 76,947 152,781 Hong Kong: $ $ Staff, Medical Men 30,155 170,246 Others 96,719 642,652 Research Nil. 59,341* Total cost of administration of medical and sanitary services. 283,127 1,273,640 (1923–24). Gold Coast: £ £ Staff, Medical Men 15,708 63,165 Others 5,072 51,780 Research Nil. 7,348 Total cost of administration of medical and sanitary services. 30,298 236,506 * Bacteriological Department and Government Laboratory.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the great losses incurred by British investors in the Grand Trunk Railway of Canada junior securities and in the Grand Trunk Pacific fourth debenture stock; and can he see his way to make representations to the Canadian Government on their behalf, more especially as it is in contemplation to alter the status of Canadian railway companies at the present time?

I realise the position of the holders of these railway stocks, but the matter is not one in which His Majesty's Government can intervene.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many schools exist in Kenya Colony for the education of native children; how many children attend these schools; and what is the content of the curriculum?

According to the latest available statistics, the number of Government and Government assisted schools for natives is 306, the number of children attending those schools is about 14,200, and the total number of native children receiving instruction in all schools is estimated at about 20,000. The curriculum of the very varied types of school cannot be dealt with in an oral answer.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the religion and nationality, by districts and departments, of classified officials in Palestine?

The most recent information on this subject at my disposal is a list showing religions but not nationalities of the officers of the Palestine Government as in March, 1923. These figures show that out of 2,560 officials, 1,244 were Christians, 678 Jews and 632 Moslems.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in addition to the grants-in-aid, any loans have been made to Palestine?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government is prepared to consider favourably the memorandum placed before them by the Federation of British Industries asking for a Government campaign to stimulate the purchase of British goods?

I have been asked to reply. The proposal has not yet been considered in detail. While I think well-designed advertisement of great value, I am inclined to think that better and more lasting results can be obtained by propaganda in which industries concentrate on particular commodities and particular markets rather than by general appeals.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the report of an inspector of his Department of 25th May, in reference to Elmhurst Road council school, in the county borough of West Ham, states that the school is too small to allow of the provision of a special class for backward girls; and whether he proposes any alterations to remedy such a state of affairs?

The hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension. The Report in question refers not to the size of the school premises but to the difficulty of organising a school in which, although there are considerable differences in the abilities of the scholars, the total numbers in attendance are not sufficient to enable parallel classes to be formed. I will instruct His Majesty's inspector to discuss the organisation of the school with the local education authority.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has considered the Report of his inspector, dated 13th May, 1925, in respect to his visit to the North Street school of the county borough of West Ham; whether he is aware that the Report states that the lowest two classes are taught under difficulties. there being 60 children on the books and are side by side in one room, and the teaching of the babies interferes with that of the other class; and whether, in view of the difficulties of this borough, he can make any recommendations and grant further financial assistance in order to mitigate these hardships?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part, I have already drawn the attention of the local authority to the defects in the premises of this and other schools, but the suggestion that special financial assistance should be afforded is one which I cannot accept.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware of the lack of attendance at school on the part of many of the West Ham children consequent upon their visits to, and working at, fruit and hop picking; whether he is aware that his inspector called special attention to this fact in his Report, dated 26th May, on the South Hallsville School, within the county borough of West Ham; and whether, as it would be a loss of wage if these children did not accompany their parents, he can consider some grant to mothers which would keep both mothers and children from such occupations and allow the children therefore to regularly attend school?

I am aware of the position as represented in the first two parts of the question, but I am afraid that I cannot undertake to apply educational funds to the purpose suggested in the third part.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware that the West Ham Education Committee have had reported to them by the North and South-West Ham After-Care Committees that they have noticed reluctance on the part of boys and girls to apply for work in other districts on the grounds that they cannot afford the fares to and from such districts involved in applying for situations which they are not sure of obtaining; that the West Ham educational authorities have no funds at their disposal for the payment of fares for boys and girls submitted by the juvenile employment bureaux for employment at a distance of more than three miles; and whether the Board of Education would be prepared to make grants to the committee in question for this purpose?

I am not aware that such a report has been received by the West Ham Education Committee, but I believe that the same difficulty has been experienced in other areas. As regards the last part of the question, there does not appear to be any statutory provision which would enable a local education authority to defray or advance travelling fares in connection with applications for employment, and I could not make grants to the authority for this purpose.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will grant the right of appeal to the pensions appeal tribunal to ex-Private Alexander Quick, of 8, Robertson Road, E.15, No. 82,736, who, through illness, has overlooked the fact that his right of appeal expired on 9th January, 1925; and whether, in view of the fact that the disability has returned with increased severity, clemency can be shown?

The right of appeal is exercisable subject to Statute and is not within my discretion. In any case where exceptionally it can be demonstrated that an appellant was prevented by unavoidable cause from making his appeal within the time allowed by Statute, and that he has done so at the earliest possible opportunity, the case may be represented in the ordinary way to the tribunal to be heard on merits by them if they are satisfied as to the facts.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether, in view of the great increase in the figures of recidivism in His Majesty's prisons, especially in the case of women prisoners, many of whom return to prison again and again and for whom some form of detention home treatment is suggested by the Prison Commissioners, he will consider introducing legislation or take such action that will result in the extension of the preventive detention system so as to include the habitual petty offender?

This question is giving me grave anxiety, but I do not feel able to undertake the initiation of such a Measure at the present time.

asked the Prime Minister if he is considering the calling of a National Industrial Conference representative of employers and workers in all trades, together with representatives of the general community, to consider the growing menace of unemployment?

I doubt whether a general conference of this kind would be effective for the purpose in view. I think it is important that there should first be the fullest discussion possible between all parties in individual industries on the lines of the discussions now taking place in certain of the industries in which unemployment is most severe. When these conferences have proceeded further it will be possible to consider whether representatives of other industries can with advantage be invited to participate in the discussions.

asked the Minister of Labour what organisations of employers and what organisations of employés, both in Sheffield, have been represented on the local unemployment committee since the beginning of 1925; and what trade unions in Sheffield have been approached with regard to representation, which of them have accepted representation, and which of them have refused?

The following are the organisations of employers and workpeople at present represented on Sheffield Employment Committee, which was appointed on the 10th January, 1922: Name of Organisation. No. of Rep't's. Employers' Panel: Sheffield, Rotherham, and District Building Trade Employers' Association 1 Sheffield and District Engineering Employers' Association 3 Laminated Railway Spring Makers' Association 1 Edge Tool Manufacturers' Association 1 Sheffield File Manufacturers' Association 1 Master Silversmiths' Association 2 Sheffield Cutlery Manufacturers' Association 1 The Chamber of Commerce 1 Sheffield Furnishing Trade Association 1 Sheffield Grocery and Provision Dealers' Association 1 The Sheffield and District Rolling Mill Proprietors' Association 1 Midland Railway Company 1 15

Name of Organisation. No. of Rep't's. Workpeople's Panel: National Federation of Building Trades Operatives 1 British Steel Smelting Mill, Iron, Tinplate and Kindred Trades Association 1 Amalgamated Engineering Union 1 National Union of Foundry Workers 1 Engineering and Shipbuilding Trades Federation 1 Amalgamated Union of File Trades 1 National Union of General Workers 1 National Union of General Workers (Women's Section) 1 National Union of Gold, Silver and Allied Trades 1 Sheffield United Cutlery Council 1 National Union of Railwaymen 1 Sheffield Federated Trades and Labour Council 1 National Amalgamated Furnishing Trades Association 1 National Amalgamated Union of Shop Assistants, Warehousemen and Clerks 1 National Amalgamated Union of Labour 1 15

Apart from the fact that the Sheffield Federated Trades and Labour Council in January, 1925, nominated a fresh representative to fill a vacancy due to resignation no trade union in Sheffield has been approached with regard to representation during 1925. An application was made to the local employment committee for representation in March, 1925, by the Chapel-town branch of the National Union of Foundry Workers. This application was not entertained by the committee, in view of the fact that the National Union of Foundry Workers was already represented.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the increasing number of fatal accidents in the building industry due to laxity and lack of uniformity in the construction of scaffolding; and will he for the protection of the lives of men employed in this industry, make some Regulations giving definite instructions as to scaffold erection and uniformity of construction which would place all contractors on an equal footing?

The number of fatal accidents reported has been lower in the years following than in those preceding the War. It has recently shown a tendency to rise, but not to an extent greater than would be accounted for by the increased activity in the industry. The importance of precautions in the construction of scaffolding is fully recognised, and Draft Regulations are being discussed at the present time with the industry which contain specific requirements with regard to this matter.

asked the Home Secretary if he is now in a position to give the names of the persons appointed to serve on the Committee to inquire into the question of disinterested management of the drink traffic?

At the request of the Government I have now appointed the following Committee to consider the several systems of disinterested management of public houses; which have been put into practice, whether in connection with private enterprise or otherwise, and to report whether the experience already gained affords grounds for the development of any such system by an amendment of the Licensing Laws: Lord Southborough, G.C.B., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.O., K.C.S.I. ( Chairman ). The hon. and learned Member for Altrincham. The right hon. Sir Montague Barlow,. Bt., K.B.E. Mr. Henry Holman Gregory, K.C. Sir Lynden Macassey, K.B.E. Sir Thomas Paxton, Bt. Sir E. Cooper Perry, M D., F.R.C.P. The hon and gallant Member for the Hallam Division of Sheffield. Miss Madeleine J. Symons, J.P. Viscount Willingdon, G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., G.B.E.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention had been drawn to the increase in the number of persons sentenced to imprisonment for periods of two weeks or less; and, in view of the apparent uselessness of such sentences, both to the State and the prisoners, together with the resulting expenditure thrown upon prison and police funds, will he consider introducing legislation or take such action that will result in fewer persons being dealt with in such a manner?

The subject is one of great importance, but I am not in a position to make any legislative proposals in regard to it at the present time.

asked the Home Secretary how many of the police constables who hold the King's police medal have been awarded the efficiency pay in advance of the period laid down in the Police Regulations as additional recognition of their gallantry?

I have no information on this point. It is a matter for the local police authorities.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the noise caused by lack of efficient silencers, or the provision of cut-outs, on motor cars and motor cycles; and whether, seeing that the police, both in the Metropolitan area and elsewhere, have powers to summon persons using motors causing undue noise, he will cause instructions to be issued that the police shall take more stringent action in such cases?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Gateshead (Mr. J. Beckett) on the 11th instant.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that, when a grant of money is made by the Road Transport Board for road repairs, the Board recommend the use of Trinidad asphalt in preference to English tar and bitumen; that Trinidad asphalt is much more expensive than English tar and bitumen and not so serviceable; and whether he can see his way clear to recommend that the Road Transport Board give preference to British productions?

If, as I assume, the hon. Member refers to grants made to highway authorities from the Road Fund, I can assure him that, far from advocating the use of any material exclusively, it is my policy to encourage the adoption of a wide range of specifications adapted to the varying conditions of individual cases.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received. from the Association of Scottish County Councils a representation in favour of the statutes relative to the construction, use, regulation, and taxation of road vehicles being amended and consolidated; whether he is aware that that association and many road authorities and others interested regard such legislation as urgent; and whether it is his intention to introduce in the present Session, or at some other early date, a Bill dealing with all or some of the branches of the subject indicated in this question?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question are in the affirmative. With regard to the last part, as I have already stated on previous occasions, it is the intention of the Government to introduce as soon as practicable a Measure dealing with the construction, use and regulation of road vehicles. There is no present intention of introducing any substantial modification in the system of taxation.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider the advisability of curtailing grants for new roads until the existing roads have been put into such a state as may be necessary to meet the requirements of modern traffic?

It is my policy to give precedence to the needs of existing important highways, but at the same time it is evident that, in many instances, the needs of modern traffic can only be met by the construction of new roads.

asked (1) the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the county council of Middlesex, relying on Government announcements and the circulars issued by the Ministry of Health, are making every effort to give assistance, both under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts and the Housing Acts, to persons wishing to acquire houses for their own occupation, and in pursuance of such efforts have recently applied to the Public Works Loan Board for a loan to enable them to finance applicants under the said Acts, and have been informed that, while the Board were willing to make advances to the county council for applications under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts, they were not lending money to county councils to enable them to make advances for the like purpose under Section 5 of The Housing Act, 1923; whether this reply was made with the authority of the Treasury, and, if so, what is the reason for such a departure from the Government's declared policy;

(2) the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the Public Works Loan Board, while advancing money to the councils of boroughs and urban districts to enable them to finance persons buying houses under the Housing Act of 1923, declines to afford like facilities to county councils; and whether he will issue instructions to the Public Works Loan Board to advance the required loans to county councils equally with the lesser authorities to enable them to carry out their duties without imposing hardship on persons building or acquiring houses which an increased rate of interest inflicts?

The Public Works Loan Board are exercising their powers of lending subject to Regulations which the Treasury have requested them to observe. The Regulations enable loans to be made under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts to county councils, but do not cover loans to county councils under the Housing Acts. The resources of the Board are limited, and the Regulations are purposely framed to assist the smaller authorities which cannot borrow so readily in the open market as county councils. The Middlesex County Council should be able to borrow directly in the market without competing with the smaller local authorities for advances from the Local Loans Fund.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what saving would be made in the aggregate future debt payments, for principal and interest combined, due from the British Government to the United States Government and in what year the debt would be completely paid off, if the annual payments under the present funding agreement were to be increased by £1,000,000; and what would be the corresponding savings and years of final repayment in each case if the said annual payments were to be increased by £5,000,000, £10,000,000, £15,000,000, and £20,000.000, respectively?

I fear I cannot undertake to answer hypothetical questions of this nature. The hon. Member will find in Command Paper 1912 of 1923 the details of the dollar payments actually due and I should prefer him to make his own assumptions (for example as to rates of exchange and interest) in calculating conjectural variations of this scale.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many persons he anticipates will be relieved from the payment of any Income Tax whatsoever by the increase in the earned income allowances proposed in the Budget, and by the extension of those allowances to persons over 65 years of age with investment incomes of less than £500 per annum.

It is anticipated that, as a result of the proposed increase in the earned income allowance and the extension of that allowance to the invest- ment income of persons over 65 years of age whose total income does not exceed £500, approximately 270,000 persons who at present pay Income Tax will no longer be liable to tax. It is not possible to divide this figure between the two proposals; the number affected by the extension to persons over 65 years of age must, however, be comparatively small.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the cost to the Exchequer of increasing the allowance for children for Income Tax purposes to £50 for the first child and £40 for other children?

It is estimated that the cost of increasing the allowance for children for Income Tax purposes to £50 for the first child and £40 for other children would be about £2,250,000 in a full year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can give the figures of foreign motor cars imported between the date of his Budget statement and some recent convenient

TOTAL IMPORTS OF MOTOR CARS AND PARTS. — May, 1923. May, 1924.* May, 1925. No. Value. No. Value. No. Value. £ £ £ Touring Cars … … … 2,380 393,029 1,202 192,736 3,540 712,945 Commercial Oars … … … 37 6,292 143 23,765 46 9,645 Chassis … … … 995 177,371 1,271 162,010 1,404 227,473 Other Parts … … … — 282,301 — 363,033 — 260,018 Total … … … — 858,993 — 741,544 — 1,210,081 * NOTE.—After the Budget announcement of 29th April, 1924, that the new Import Duties would expire on 1st August, 1924, the imports of these articles, so far as they came within the scope of the duties, were restricted until the latter date.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the cost to the public of the printing and issue of currency notes during the financial years 1923–24 and 1924–25, respectively; and under what head in the finance accounts this expenditure is shown?

The cost to the public of the printing and issue of currency notes was:

date, together with the figures for the corresponding period in 1923 and 1924; whether this year's figures are abnormal; and, if so, whether he is now prepared to take any steps against the importing firms in order to safeguard the revenue and to prevent an evasion of the duties foreshadowed in the Finance Bill?

With the permission of the hon. and gallant Member I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT detailed figures for the month of May in the years 1923, 1924 and 1925. The Chancellor of the Exchequer is carefully considering the question raised by the increase in the rate of importation. I may add, however, that the increase has been much exaggerated in certain quarters. In the six weeks since the Budget the total number of touring cars imported is about 6,000. There is, therefore, no foundation for the statement which has appeared in one newspaper that 60,000 motor cars in excess of the ordinary supply for the season have been shipped to English ports in that period.

Following are the detailed figures referred to:

£ 1923–24 336,357 1924–25 (estimated) 341,000

This expenditure is provided for in the Estimate for the Inland Revenue (Revenue Departments, Vote 2, Sub-head K1), which Department is responsible for placing the contracts for notes. The above figures do not include the cost of destruction of worn notes (£13,641 in 1923–24 and £15,000 (estimated) in 1924–25), for which provision is made in the Estimate for the Poet Office (Revenue Departments, Vote 3).

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the amount advanced under the Trade Facilities Act to date?

Advances are not made under the Trade Facilities Acts. The total amount covered by the guarantees which up to date the Treasury has expressed its willingness to give under those Acts is £60,051,936.

asked the Postmaster-General what was the cost of and what the revenue from Press telegrams during each of the last five years?

The revenue from Press telegrams was £134,000 in 1920–21, £131,000 in 1921–22, £110,000 in 1922–23, £91,000 in 1923–24, and £83,000 in 1924–25. The cost of dealing with Press traffic can only be ascertained by apportionment, and definite figures for each of the last five years are not available; at the present time the cost, so ascertained, exceeds the revenue by about £250,000.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if the Regulation that 75 per cent. of all machinery in the sugar-beet factories must be British embraces the importation of second-hand steel stanchions from the Continent; and whether, if this be not the case, he will inquire if any sugar-beet concerns are now adopting this policy?

It is difficult to lay down a hard-and-fast rule, but I should not ordinarily regard steel stanhcions as "plant and machinery for the manufacture of sugar" for the purpose of Section 1 (2) ( b ) of the British Sugar (Subsidy) Act, 1925. I have already put in hand the inquiry referred to in the second part of the question.