asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the sum of £15,000 per annum, plus all outgoings, paid for the use of St. Ermin's Hotel during the War was inclusive of the £5,000 per annum due to the Ecclesiastical Commission for ground rent?

The ground rent payable was included in the "outgoings," which were paid, in addition to the compensation of £15,500 per annum.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of compensation paid by the Government to the Manufacturers' Estates and Assets Company, Limited, in respect of dilapidations for the use of St. Ermin's Hotel during the War?

The amount paid was £8,401 10s. 11d.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the proposals recently made advocating licence fees for foreign films as the best measure for the assistance of the British cinema film industry; and whether, in view of this industry being so vital on social and national, apart from trading, grounds, he will grant assistance, either on the lines suggested or by some other method, in order to foster its growth?

My attention has been called to the suggestion to which my hon. Friend refers, but, in present circumstances, at any rate, the Government do not see their way to give effect to it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the volume and value of agricultural machinery exported from Great Britain and the United States of America to the Soviet Republics of Russia in the six months ended 31st March, 1925; and, if not, will he furnish figures for the latest date available?

The trade accounts of the Soviet Republics show that during the five months ended 28th February, 1925, there were imported from the United Kingdom into the European and Caucasian territory of the Republics 82 metric tons of agricultural machinery, value at 33,000 gold roubles. Similar imports from the United States are not separately stated, nor does the official monthly summary of the commerce of the United States furnish particulars of such exports to Russia.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that between March and December last year, 3,000,000 dollars worth of agricultural machinery was exported from the United States to Russia?

No, Sir, I have told the hon. Gentleman what information is available from the official report.

Has any payment been made for any of this machinery?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether every facility is accorded manufacturers of agricultural machinery in this country to trade with the Argentine and Russia; and whether, having regard to the extensive unemployment in the engineering trades, credit facilities would be afforded to reliable firms who made application for same?

Information regarding openings for trade in agricultural machinery is furnished by the Department of Overseas Trade in respect of any markets where such openings may occur. As regards credit facilities, the Export Credits Scheme, which is available for the Argentine and other countries, is not open, as the hon. Member is doubtless aware, for transactions with Russia. It is not proposed to make any change in this respect in its administration.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that trade between this country and Russia which would take place, were it not for political reasons arising out of the British Government's attitude, is being deliberately driven away from this country because of the inactivity of the Government?

I do not agree.

asked, the President of the Board of Trade the number of tinplate mills in existence in France, Italy, Germany, Russia, Japan, Norway and Sweden in the year 1913 and in 1925, giving the number for each country named separately?

I am not in possession of the information required by the hon. Member, but am endeavouring to obtain it, and will communicate further with him in due course.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the old age and ill-health of Mrs. Catherine Sayle, of 87, Saxony Road, Kensington, Liverpool, her belated reparation claim in respect of her late son can be reconsidered, having in mind, in addition, the fact that Mrs. Sayle is rarely physically fit to leave home, and was not aware that claims could be entertained until 7th December last?

The first intimation of a desire to claim was not notified by Mrs. Sayle to the Reparation Claims Department until 8th December, 1924, long after the final date fixed for the acceptance of claims against the £300,000 fund provided for solatia to belated claimants. In these circumstances, the answer to the hon. Member's question must be in the negative.

Cannot special consideration be given to this case owing to this old lady's infirmity, and the fact that she was not able to receive the usual notice either through the Post Office or otherwise?

I do not think it would be possible. As the hon. Gentleman knows, the question of whether these belated claims should come in at all has been very carefully considered and a tremendous amount of advertising was done by my predecessor in order to bring the fund under the notice of everybody. We really must fix a definite date.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the hardships and dissatisfaction existing among many members and ex-members of the mercantile marine, their widows and dependants, on account of the meagre payments made in respect of reparation claims submitted to the Royal Commission, and the exclusion of a large number of claims on the ground that they are out of time, the Government will consider a further extension of time and a further supplementary grant?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to questions by the hon. Members for the Isle of Thanet (Mr. Harmsworth) and Cardiff East (Sir C. Kinloch-Cooke) on the 12th February, to which I cannot add anything.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the balance of the original amount of £5,000,000 still unspent, and the balance of the £300,000 still unspent, will be utilised for the purpose of extending benefit to those who have already submitted their claims?

These figures were maximum figures, and where they have to be spread pro rata over a large number of cases it is obviously impossible to arrange for spending right up to the limit.

Is it proposed to utilise the unexpended balance for the purpose of reparation claims?

Oh, no. This money was all advanced out of the taxpayers' pockets as a maximum, and the Sumner Commission did their best to spread it over a large number of claims in proportion to their merits. If you have a small margin it would be a matter of great complication to re-open the whole question and make that insignificant fresh payment to all claimants.

Is not the unexpended balance approximately £500,000, which is not a small thing?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what were the amounts received by the Commissioners and Trustees of the Port of Lancaster in respect of light duties levied on ships loading and unloading in Barrow-in-Furness harbour for the years 1911, 1912, 1913, 1914, 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923, and 1924 respectively; and how was such money expended in each of these years?

The answer is rather long, and contains a number of figures. I will, therefore, with the hon. Member's permission, have it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer :

The amounts of the light duties levied on vessels using Barrow harbour (lees the cost of collection) for the years in question, beginning with the financial year from the 1st May, 1911, to the 30th April, 1912, were as follows:— £ s. d. 1911–1912 1,430 17 0 1912–1913 1,531 5 11 1913–1914 1,583 13 2 1914–1915 1,212 0 2 1919–1920 2,219 10 0 1920–1921 2,080 6 8 1921–1922 1,785 2 8 1922–1923 2,343 18 11 1923–1924 2,547 10 3 1924–1925 1,982 10 1

As regards the last part of the question, these duties were applied by the Commissioners to the purposes prescribed in Section 19 of the Furness Railway Act, 1894. Any duties in excess of £975 per annum are by that Act transferred to the Furness Railway Company (now amalgamated with the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company).

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the next meeting of the Food Commission will be held; and whether any action will be taken to prevent profiteering in articles of food other than meat and bread?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answers which the Prime Minister gave on 11th June to the hon. Member for Hills-borough (Mr. A. V. Alexander), a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make a statement on the Government policy as to a nucleus being trained and retained for operating artillery observation balloons; and whether these could be put into the field immediately on the outbreak of war?

It is not anticipated that balloon units would be required in the opening phases of a war, but they might become necessary as the war progresses. With a view to the development of the art of ballooning and in order to provide a nucleus for expansion after the outbreak of a war, a school of ballooning is being maintained by the Air Ministry.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the name of the hospital referred to on page 7 of the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor-General on Army Accounts, 1923–24, where the staff averaged one for each patient over the year; what was the cost per day for each patient; and what was the nature of the disease or disabilities treated at the hospital?

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

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the poisoning of 40 soldiers of the York and Lancaster Regiment at Cologne, of whom two have died; to what food the poison- ing was traced; whether this food was supplied by the Navy, Army and Air Force Institute or by a private contractor; whether any special instructions are issued to Army cooks on the handling of tinned foods, and, if not, whether he will consider the issuing of such instructions to units in future for display in prominent places in all cook houses; and whether he will lay the result of the court of inquiry at Cologne before the House?

I am at present awaiting a report on this matter which has been called for; I will communicate further with the hon. and gallant Member as soon as possible. I understand that no soldiers died as a result of the poisoning, and that they were all well again the following day, with the exception of one man, who has now recovered.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the War Office consulted Messrs. William Foster and Company, Limited, of Lincoln, who were the originators and builders of the tanks used in the War, before ordering the tanks and engines in 1919 which were, at a later date, condemned as useless for either training or war, and which involved the country in an expenditure of £267,000; whether he is aware that the works of this firm are specially laid out for the building of tanks and similar engines of war, that a large number of their skilled workmen are unemployed, and that there is a large amount of destitution in Lincoln owing to the volume of unemployment; and whether, in the circumstances, the firm of Messrs. William Foster and Company will be invited to tender for such tanks as the Army may require?

I think that this and other questions arising on the Army Accounts for 1923–24 should be deferred until after the Committee of Public Accounts to which it stands referred has reported. I may say, however, that only a small order for tanks is being given this year, and it is not proposed to ask Messrs. Foster and Company to tender for these. I must not be taken as subscribing to the hon. Member's description of the firm as the originators of the tanks used in the War. Messrs. Foster and Company are only one of several firms (and by no means the largest producer) who manufactured tanks during the War.

Were any private firms given an opportunity of tendering to the Government specifications, or is it the fact that no firms were allowed to offer tenders? Is it not also the case that the present Chancellor of the Exchequer said in this House in 1919 that the Government type of tank would make all existing types obsolete; and has not this sum of £267,000 in fact been wasted, and have not all these tanks been scrapped?

I have already pointed out that this matter will come before the Public Accounts Committee and will then be reported on to the House.

Is it not a fact that Messrs. Foster's firm received the largest amount of payment for the patents in tanks?

I should require notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the number of employés, civilian and other, of the War Office who occupy labourers' cottages in country districts; and whether any provision is being made by the War Office to provide housing accommodation for those civilians employed at remount depots and ordnance depots, etc., who are at present occupying cottages needed by agricultural labourers?

War Department employés for whom Government accommodation is not available choose their own place of residence, and I regret that information is not available as to the number of such employés who are occupying labourers' cottages in country districts. In the case of civilian employés whose duties are of a pivotal nature necessitating residence in close proximity to their work, steps are taken as funds become available to erect Government quarters for their occupation.

May I ask the hon. and gallant Gentleman if he is aware that War Office employés from Arborfield Remount Depot, Bramley Ordnance Depot, and other places are occupying agricultural labourers' cottages which are wanted for agriculture by their owners, and whether he will take some steps to deal with this matter by providing houses for their own employés?

My hon. and gallant Friend received an answer on that question a week or so ago, and I can assure him that the matter is fully realised.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the cost of transporting a soldier's wife and three children to India: whether, in the event of the woman refusing to travel to India, she forfeits the marriage allowance for herself and children; and, if so, whether, in the circumstances, the compulsory deduction of 2s. a day from the soldier's pay is still made and forwarded to the wife?

As regards the first part of the question, the cost would depend on the age of the children, but, assuming two of the children are between two and eight years old and the third is over eight years, the cost would be £54, approximately. The answer to the second part is in the affirmative; and, to the third, that, when the soldier's wife is not in receipt of marriage allowance, the compulsory deduction of 2s. a day from the soldier's pay is not made, but the soldier retains the right to allot voluntarily a portion of his pay for payment to his wife.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the marriage allowance payable to the wife of a private in the Army, and the allowance payable in respect of children; and whether a woman who has her home in London is compelled to break up the home and go into barracks in another part of the kingdom when ordered, under pain of forfeiting the marriage allowance?

The marriage allowance for the wife of a private soldier is 7s. a week; the allowance payable in respect of children is as follows:

The allowance is conditional upon the soldier and his wife residing together, unless they are separated by the exig- encies of the service. As a general rule, therefore, marriage allowance is forfeited if the wife fails to accompany her husband to the place where he is quartered; but, if the hon. Member considers that there is any special feature in the case he has in mind, and will let me have details of it, I will have it investigated.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a young recruit of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers stationed at their depot at Omagh, who went in uniform to Bundoran in the Irish Free State, was arrested by the civic guard because he wore the uniform of the British Army; and whether any representations have been made to the Irish Free State authorities in the matter?

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been drawn to the recent incident in which a soldier belonging to the Royal Inniskillings was compelled to discard his uniform by the civic guard of the Irish Free State when he crossed the border of Northern Ireland to the Irish Free State; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Inquiries are being made, but I have not yet obtained all the information asked for. I should be obliged if the question could be repeated in a week's time.

May we know what is the reason for this delay? This incident happened some weeks ago, and surely the War Office must have been able to find out whether or not the facts are as stated in the question, and whether any representations can be made?

I think my hon. Friend will realise the seriousness of this matter, and I hope he will not press me for an answer until we have all the facts before us.

Is it illegal for a British soldier to wear his uniform in any portion of the British Empire?

Not to my knowledge.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that British friendly societies and others who have lent money to Irish municipalities are suffering the deduction from their interest of Irish Free State Income Tax; that they are at present unable to secure repayment of such Income Tax; and whether His Majesty's Government will get into communication with the Irish Free State Government with a view to making reciprocal arrangements with regard thereto?

I am aware of the position that has arisen between this country and the Irish Free State in relation to Income Tax in consequence of the establishment of the Irish Free State as a Dominion with separate powers of taxation. A review of the whole position is now being conducted in conjunction with the Irish Free State authorities.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this review has now been going on for some months, and great hardship has been occasioned to individuals, and should not some conclusion now be arrived at?

I will do my best to accelerate the matter. I quite recognise that there is a good deal of hardship upon individuals.

Does this review concern the Free State alone or other Dominions as well?

No; these are our relations with the Free State.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that the South Liberty Colliery, belonging to the Ashton Vale Iron Company, Limited, has been closed down since June, 1924, and is being, or has been dismantled; that this pit originally employed 500 men and is capable of an output to-day of nearly 2,000 tons per week; that new headgear was installed at a heavy cost in January, 1924; and whether, in order to prevent the destruction of this mineral wealth, the Government will consider the possibility of taking over dismantled pits?

I am aware of the circumstances referred to. The colliery has been closed on the ground that it cannot be worked except at a loss. I cannot agree with the suggestion made by the hon. Member that the acquisition of such mines by the Government would be in the public interest.

Having regard to the immense importance of conserving our mineral wealth, would it not be well to institute an inquiry into the circumstances, in order to ascertain the exact reasons for closing down?

I am afraid the reasons are only too well known, and I do not think an inquiry would serve any useful purpose.

Is the Minister taking any steps to encourage similar experiments to that of the Vauxhall Colliery, which has been so successful, to prevent these mines closing down?

Would it be possible to tell the House what is the real reason for these collieries being closed down?

I believe the real reason is that they were losing very considerable sums of money, and they could not go on doing that.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether or not some collieries have been stopped in Durham county because of the reason he now states, and yet they showed a profit at the last ascertainment?

That is quite possible, for the conditions have become worse.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he will give details of the result of the experiment now being tested of the working of certain coal mines upon an agreed co-operative basis; and, if the experiments are successful, will he institute inquiries if similar principles can be recommended to some of the owners and employés of many other pits now closed?

I have no information on this subject beyond that which has appeared in the Press, except of the arrangement at Vauxhall Colliery, particulars of which I gave in a reply to the hon. Member for Moseley (Mr. Hannon) on 17th March. I do not think that Government action on the lines suggested would be expedient or helpful.

Would the hon. and gallant Gentleman endeavour to engage in similar co-operative experiments to those that are obtaining in Germany and Austria and in other parts of Europe, and apply the lessons gained there to our own country, giving both employers and employés full opportunity?

I am certainly looking out for any co-operative developments in foreign countries, and, if useful, will gladly draw the attention of our people to them.

asked the Secretary for Mines how many coal mines were closed down during the month of May; and if any have been closed during June or if notice has been given of the closing of more coal mines?

Fifty-nine coal mines, normally employing 8,875 wage-earners, were closed during the month of May. No later information is yet available.

Is it not a fact that the reason why many of these coal mines are closing down is due to the reparations in coal demanded for France?

No, that is not the reason. I cannot go into it now, but that is not the reason.

Is it not a fact that the only hope of improving the position is by safeguarding the steel trade, which is the greatest consumer of coal in this country?

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman agree that the reason for the mines being shut down is because of Parliament interfering with the miners' hours of work?

That is raising a large Debate.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, having regard to the fact that the new Lambeith Bridge will be visible from the Terrace of this House, and also to the public desire that any new bridge constructed over the Thames shall be worthy of the capital city, he will invite the London County Council to furnish them with copies of the plans and design of the bridge and its approaches, to be placed in the Library of the House for the inspection of Members?

The design of this bridge and its approaches has not yet, I understand, been worked out in detail, but the London County Council have been good enough to supply me with a copy of the architect's general drawing, which is hung in this year's Royal Academy Exhibition. I am arranging for it to be hung in the Tea Room to-day.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the urgent need for more street refuges in the New Kent Road, Southwark, which necessity was particularly pointed out by Dr. Waldo, coroner, at a recent inquest on Mary Ann Harris, who was knocked down and killed by a motor-van in this thoroughfare; and will he take action with the local authority concerned to provide such street refuges or rests as soon as possible.

The provision of street refuges in New Kent Road has been found impracticable owing to the presence of a double line of tramways in that thoroughfare. Special arrangements have, however, been made to enable persons to cross the road at selected spots under police protection, and I am informed that the question of increasing the number of such crossing places is at present under consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is one of the busiest thoroughfares in the south of London, and that it is almost impossible for old people and children to get across with safety, and will he expedite the arrangements so as to give further protection?

It is a very crowded thoroughfare, I know. With regard to shifting the tramlines, the hon. and gallant Member is as well aware as I am that the rails would have to be slewed around, which would increase the danger.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of putting up boards like they do in Paris, in the Champs Elysées, where the crossings are very dangerous?

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider building a subway, so that these people can get across in safety?

Would it not be far better to pull up the tramlines, which are an obsolete system and a great danger to the passengers?

asked the Minister of Transport what was the total number of fatal accidents on the railways of Great Britain, and the number of persons killed by the said accidents for the three years 1922, 1923, and 1924; and what steps are being taken by the Government to reduce the number and gravity of such accidents?

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the last Annual Report on the Railway Accidents in Great Britain, which contains full particulars of the number of fatal and other accidents on the railways in 1922 and in 1923. The Report also contains information with regard to the steps being taken to reduce the number of these accidents, and in this connection I would also refer the hon. Member to the remarks I made on the subject when the Ministry of Transport Vote was under discussion on the 21st May.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether the proportion of accidents in this country in relation to traffic is higher or lower than in other countries?

I could not answer that without notice.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to a resolution of the Berkshire County Council of 26th May, 1925, that the time has come when the Ministry of Transport should extend the principle of contributions hitherto limited to classified roads and should make grants out of the Road Fund towards the cost of improvement and maintenance of unclassified roads and thereby ease the heavy burden of the cost of road maintenance and improvement borne by the ratepayers, large numbers of whom contribute by motor taxes to the Road Fund; and whether, in view of the large increase in the Road Fund, he will now make a grant on a percentage basis for all unclassified roads?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the last part, I am, as my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, now considering whether and in what manner it would be possible to give increased assistance to unclassified roads, but I am not in a position at this stage to make any definite statement.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he has any power to prevent heavy lorries going on unclassified roads?

Certainly, there are powers vested in the local authorities to make certain representations, and then, after holding a public inquiry, it is in the power of the Minister to prohibit certain classes of traffic going on certain roads.

asked the Minister of Transport what sum of money is to be expended on resurfacing the new Great West Road so as to make it safer for motor traffic in wet weather?

There is no question of resurfacing the new Great West Road, but merely of "gritting" the surface of the carriageway, an operation which is estimated to cost between £2,000 and £3,000.

Will my right hon. Friend consider the advisability of pressing forward the Roads Improvement Bill, so as to save this extra expense in experiments of that kind?

No one will be more pleased than myself when the Bill goes through.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the congested state of traffic traversing London from east to west and vice versa, he has considered the advisability of setting up a Committee to consider the question of diverting the River Thames to the south in a line from a convenient point in western London to the vicinity of Tower Bridge in order that the present bed of the river might be converted into a highway for vehicular traffic?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is now able to state when he proposes to have the model of the New Dock Road placed in the House for Members to view?

I am happy to say that the model has to-day been placed in the Oratory Room, adjacent to the Cloak Room, for inspection by hon. Members. The size of the model precludes its being placed in the Tea Room.

Can the Minister state now whether arrangements have been made with the authorities to commence this road, and when it is proposed to commence it?

That does not arise out of the question.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the increase in the number of traffic accidents at cross roads, he will take such action with local authorities as will result in primary and secondary roads being denoted by signs of a standardised nature, capable of rapid interpretation and visibility, both by day and by night, so that the onus of caution can be made to rest upon drivers entering main roads, and so minimising the worst type of road accident?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for the Clitheroe Division of Lancaster (Captain Brass) on Thursday last, of which I am sending him a copy.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the majority of these accidents occur to people coming up from the side roads into the main roads, not knowing they are approaching a main road?

I think all motorists should approach corners with caution.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the removal of posts at dangerous crossing, and warning, in fact, the crossing traffic and not the main road traffic?

Will he also consider the advisability of putting up notices at least 50 yards before they meet the danger? In the case of most of the notices, you are on the danger when you see the notice.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total number of fatal accidents caused by road motor traffic and the total number of persons killed by the said accidents for each of the three years 1922, 1923 and 1924; and what steps are being taken by the Government to protect the public against the dangers of road motor traffic?

According to the returns presented to Parliament annually, the number of accidents resulting in death caused by mechanically-propelled vehicles other than tramcars in streets, etc., in England and Wales was 1,958 in 1922, 2,205 in 1923 and 2,750 in 1924. The question of strengthening the law is receiving consideration.

Can the hon. Gentleman state how these figures compare with the United States on average, and whether an examination as to physical fitness and efficiency of the motor drivers is not carried out in the United States before a permanent licence is issued?

The hon. Member had better give me notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Transport when the Report of the Advisory Committee on the Traffic Problem is likely to be issued?

The London Traffic Act requires the Committee to make an annual Report of their proceedings to be laid before Parliament. This Report will not be available until next year. The Committee, however, make recommendations to me from time to time on matters which I have referred to them, and I take such action on their recommendations as I consider desirable.

Does the right hon. Gentleman really mean that the Advisory Committee will make no report for 18 months from the time when they were appointed?

It is in accordance with the Act.

It is a bad Act.

asked the Postmaster-General if he has now come to any decision with regard to the recognition of the National Federation of Postal and Telegraph Clerks?

I have decided in certain cases and on certain conditions to grant "local" recognition in the provinces to the National Federation of Postal and Telegraph Clerks, and am in communication with the Federation on the subject.

asked the Postmaster-General if other countries than those referred to in the Board of Trade Journal on 4th June are being invited to accept parcels up to a weight of 22 lb.?

All postal administrations within the Empire, and, with a few exceptions, all foreign countries which accept parcels over 11 lb. in weight, have been invited to exchange with this country parcels up to 22 lb. Additional services will be introduced as and when arrangements can be completed.

asked the Postmaster-General whether it is proposed to transfer various sub-offices at present under Bridgnorth to other head offices; and, if so, for what purpose?

No, Sir.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the new extension to the general post office at Bedford, fronting on to a developing shopping centre, is of ugly design, thus causing dissatisfaction to the inhabitants; and what steps he proposes to take to improve the appearance of this building to meet the wishes of the public?

The building referred to is a telephone exchange, a purely commercial building, and a back addition to the post office, facing a street of minor importance. The situation called for no architectural elaboration, and in view of the call for strict economy and the scarcity of mason labour, it was decided that a plainly-treated brick building would suffice. I do not, therefore, propose to make any alteration.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that Joseph Lythgoe, of 15, Garden Street, Mexborough, who served over eight years in the Army, including two years and nine months in the Great War, from which he was discharged as no longer fit for service, due to broken health, has been an auxiliary postman at Mexborough for four years and four months on a wage of 15s. per week, out of which unemployment contributions are deducted; that several men from Sheffield, Rotherham and district have been given permanent appointments in the Mexborough postal area during this period; and that Lythgoe has no chance of a permanency due to some Regulation; and, in view of the fact that his name is always passed over in favour of men who are wholly disengaged, will he inquire into this case and give the man an equal chance with other applicants for these posts, or at least see that his income for working is equal to unemployment benefits?

As the reply is somewhat long, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will the right hon. Gentleman indicate the main object of his answer, because this man is condemned to this starvation wage for ever unless some change is made in his favour or the Regulation altered?

I am afraid I cannot; to do so would be to repeat the answer. But perhaps I might ask you, Sir, if it was not the practice some years ago, that questions relating to individuals should not be put as "starred" questions?

Following is the reply :

The registration and primary selection of candidates for appointment to full-time situations as postmen rest with the Employment Exchanges throughout the country, and, in fairness to all concerned, candidates are obtained through this source alone, preference being given to disabled men and among those to professional ex-service men. Mr. Lythgoe's employment as an auxiliary postman does not entitle him to any preference over other ex-service men and I am afraid that he cannot be considered for a full-time post unless and until he is put forward by the registration authority. The hon. Member would appear to have been misinformed regarding the length of Mr. Lythgoe's Army service as, according to both the Army records and the man's own statement, his total service with the forces was less than three years.

Mr. Lythgoe's pay is in accordance with the scale laid down for the work he is at present performing and this scale was agreed upon in 1920 with representatives of the staff. I am sorry that it is not possible to pay Mr. Lythgoe at a rate in excess of this scale and that it is not practicable to increase his working hours at present.

asked the Postmaster-General whether accounts opened under the Poet Office Savings Bank are strictly guarded and retained until either the persons who deposited the money have authorised its withdrawal or in case of decease the legally declared authority; is he aware that when persons having accounts with the Post Office Savings Bank become inmates of a county asylum their savings bank books are claimed by the local board of guardians' officials and amounts drawn from the book equal to the charge for maintenance; and whether he will inquire what action has been taken by the West Ham Board of Guardians respecting bank book No. 22,809, which the officer of the guardians requested from the relative of an inmate of the West Ham County Mental Institution?

Generally speaking, savings bank deposits can only be withdrawn by the depositor or his authorised agent, or in the event of his decease by his legal representatives. But as regards insane persons, I would refer the hon. Member to the Regulations under the Savings Bank Acts and to Section 299 of the Lunacy Act, 1890, which provides that where a lunatic is chargeable to a Poor Law union, the guardians may obtain a justice's order for the seizure of such money belonging to the lunatic as the justice may think sufficient to pay the expenses of maintenance. No communication has been received from the guardians with respect to the account in question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that those conditions are not printed on the Post Office books; and is he also aware that in the case I have mentioned the book was obtained by the guardians' representative before any justice's order had been applied for?

As regards the first question, I am not aware of that, and perhaps the hon. Member will put the question down. As to the second, all I can say is, that no communication in regard to this account has taken place with the guardians or anyone else, and, in fact, no money has been withdrawn from it.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will suggest to the Broadcasting Company, in the interests of general education, that their programmes should begin with a short announcement of the anniversaries of the day, such as those associated with political events, science, literature, art, and the Great War?

It is the present practice of the British Broadcasting Company to broadcast an anniversary note each evening after the second news bulletin. The note usually deals in a descriptive manner with one important event associated with the day; and the company consider that these announcements are more likely to hold the interest of listeners than a recital of a list of events.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that, during the discussions at the recent International Labour Conference, reference was made to the failure of this country to ratify the Washington Convention on Hours of Labour; and whether, in view of the importance of this country giving a lead by showing its respect for decisions of international labour conferences, he will consider the desirability of taking the necessary steps to ratify the Washington Convention?

I have been asked to reply. I am in informal communication with the Ministers of Labour in certain other countries on the lines indicated in the statement which I made in the course of the Debate on 1st May. Such exchanges of views necessarily take time, and I am not in a position at present to make any further statement.

Are we to understand that the conference suggested will be held in conjunction with the International Labour Organisation?

I do not wish to answer any hypothetical questions, but the hon. Gentleman may be quite assured that it is not proposed to leave the International Labour Organisation out of any negotiations that may be entered into.

As soon as the right hon. Gentleman has the information indicated in the question and answer, will he notify the House and have it circulated to the Members

Oh, certainly. As soon as it is possible to let the House know, I shall take the earliest opportunity of doing it.

Before the Minister asks the House to ratify the Washington Convention, will he make inquiries to find out whether Germany and America will be willing to conform to the hours laid down therein?

That is amongst the many considerations which enter into the difficulties of the question.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give details of the results of his investigations upon the most suitable systems of switch gearing for electrical transmission; and whether he will offer full facilities for the test of oil medium switch gearing, in view of the essential of cheap and economical power transmission for national electric power requirements in industry before decision is arrived at for recommendation by the Government?

The investigations to which my hon. Friend refers are not mine but are being carried out by the British Electrical and Allied Industries Research Association, which body has for the past five years been engaged on research in connection with switchgear, including switchgear of the kind referred to. I understand that the association are prepared to test switchgear of any kind which may be sent to them.

Is it not the fact that the right hon. and gallant Gentleman is already dealing with Cabinet suggestions in respect of the operation of electricity in this country; and is it not correct to say that this oil method of switching gear, if fully accepted or not, will make the difference as to whether electricity can be efficiently and economically used for power purposes?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will be in a position to indicate to the House in what way the Government propose to afford some temporary relief to industry of the burdens imposed by the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Bill before the House is asked to pass this Bill through all its stages?

Yes, Sir.

Will the announcement be made before the Finance Bill leaves the House?

No, Sir; we are pressing forward the Finance Bill, and it will, possibly, be next week.

If it is necessary to find the money to assist the pensions scheme, ought we not to know something before we finish the provisions of the financial year?

I thought it was one of the oft-repeated arguments of the hon. and gallant Gentleman that the pensions scheme had nothing to do with the Budget.

Apart from that debating point made by the right hon. Gentleman, where, may I ask, is he going to get the money to assist the scheme. Ought we not to know before the end of the Finance Debate?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of accounts of £1,000 or under of registered Five Per Cent. War Stock and 3½ Per Cent. Conversion Loan?

The numbers of accounts of registered holdings of £1,000 or under are approximately 2,647,000 for the Five Per Cent. War Stock, and 127,700 for the 3½ Per Cent. Conversion Loan.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of gold reserve held by France for the years 1913, 1923 and 1924, respectively?

The gold holdings shown in the returns of the Bank of France (excluding gold abroad) were as follow: End of December. Gold Francs. 1913 3,508,000,000 1923 3,676,000,000 1924 3,681,000,000

How much is that in real money?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the advisability of having Members supplied with railway season tickets instead of the present free ticket vouchers; whether he is aware that, for example, the cost of 60 return tickets between Manchester and London is £231 10s., as compared with £124 8s. 6d. for a year's contract; and whether His Majesty's Government would be able, as large traders with the railway companies, to obtain for Members traders' contracts at still less cost?

This matter is occupying my attention, but until further experience has been gained of the extent to which vouchers are used by Members of the present House I do not feel justified in recommending any change in the present system. I hope to re-examine the matter as soon as possible after the House rises for the Summer Recess. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on the 11th June to the hon. Member for North Bradford, of which I am sending him a copy.

Would the right hon. Gentleman circularise the Members of the House and ask them to state, approximately, how many journeys per annum they make between London and their constituencies in order to provide himself with the necessary information on which to base his decision?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the time taken up by going to the booking office and filling up the voucher, and then giving it in exchange for the ticket has on several occasions on a Friday afternoon led to hon. Members missing their trains?

The second supplementary question, if I may say so, rather supplies the answer to the first; because hon. Members are not, in advance, able to say they are going to travel, as it was found in the Parliament before the last when this matter was discussed. It is a natural tendency on the part of any Member to prefer a season ticket because it saves him the trouble of filling up the forms; at the same time it is not fair to the taxpayers of this country that they should be involved in the extra expense.

Would the right hon. Gentleman obtain alternative quotations from the railway companies concerned in the meantime, in order to have the opportunity of comparing the figures?

It will be time enough when we see that on the basis of the season tickets there will be a saving. So far as I can judge at the present time, season tickets, if applied generally, would mean an immense additional cost.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, since he was assured six months ago that the Italian Government intended to initiate discussions in regard to its indebtedness of £550,000,000 to this country, he has received any communications indicating that the Italian Government will give effect to its intention; and, if not, whether the British Government proposes to take the initiative?

I can add nothing at present to the replies which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member on the 24th February and the 30th April last.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman recollect that he used this promise, which he obtained from the Italian Government, to fend off the inquiries which hon. Members desired to make some time ago; and as this promise has not been fulfilled, and seems very unlikely to be fulfilled, can he now say when the Government will take the next step in approaching the Italian Government?

This is rather a difficult matter, raising many international issues. I should gladly give the House any information I have. Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put down the question again in a fortnight's time, and it is possible that I might then be able to add a little to what I have said now.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the activity of the United States Government in pressing for the funding of their European debts, he will take the precaution of securing from the French and Italian Governments an explicit assent to the principle that no step should be taken by those nations to meet their obligations to the United States without a similar step being taken to meet their obligations to this country?

I do not consider it necessary to secure "an explicit assent" from the Governments of France and Italy to a principle, the justice of which is obvious, and upon which the declarations of His Majesty's Government have been unmistakable.

Does the right hon. Gentleman see that at the present time we have no security whatever against the French and Italian Governments entering into separate agreements with the United States? Would it not be an easy matter to secure their assent that they should not do this?

We have all the security implied in the natural strength of our financial relations with those two countries in these matters?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in accepting the estimates of various steel using Departments, such as the Admiralty, War Office, and others, he will assure himself that only British manufactured steel is supplied in these several Departments?

It is the general contract policy of His Majesty's Government to give substantial preference to the home over the foreign manufacturer. In the case of steel orders, the practice of the Departments is such as to secure that, except in rare and minor cases of a special character, only steel of home manufacture is supplied.

If I give my right hon. Friend details of where many major sections of German steel are being used by the Government, will he see that such examples are dealt with, and dealt with in a proper fashion as well.

I shall be very glad to receive any information from the hon. Member.

May I ask if it is a fact that the stern castings of one of His Majesty's battleships now under construction on the Mersey have been manufactured in Germany?

I am afraid I could not answer that without notice.

Yes, that is so.

Having in mind the large amount of unemployment in this country, will the right hon. Gentleman inquire into the matter?

Yes, I will; but I should think a question regarding the stern castings of one of His Majesty's battleships would more naturally be directed, in the first case, to the First Lord of the Admiralty.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the previous business experience of the present nominees of the Government on the board of the Suez Canal Company?