asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can form any estimate of the number of Europeans and Anglo-Indians now unemployed in India; whether his attention has been drawn to the grave conditions arising out of such unemployment; and whether the Government of India is taking any action in the form of creating employment by means of public works or otherwise to meet the present situation?

My Noble Friend has no recent detailed information on the subject, but will ask the Government of India for a report.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is grave distress arising from unemployment in India and that there are some very serious cases in Calcutta?

Yes, Sir, and that is the reason why my Noble Friend is asking for a local report.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to a letter despatched by Ibn Saud, Sultan of Nejd, on the 7th March last to the President of the Central Khilafat Committee, in which serious statements are made regarding the oppression exercised in the past upon pilgrims from India and other places proceeding to the Hejaz, and promising security and peace for the future; whether the Government of India has received any similar communication from Ibn Saud; and, if so, whether it was accompanied by any guarantees?

I have seen a newspaper report of the letter from the Sutlan of Nejd to the Central Khilafat Committee, but am not aware that the Government of India have received any direct communication from Ibn Saud.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can state the amount of coal exported each year from India from 1920 to 1924, inclusive?

The total exports of coal from British India during each of the calendar years 1920 to 1924 are as follows: Tons. 1920 1,222,517 1921 273,648 1922 76,479 1923 136,559 1924 205,518 These figures do not include foreign coal re-exported from India.

Can the Noble Lord say how much of this coal is going to markets hitherto supplied by this country?

Obviously, I should have notice of that question. Perhaps the hon. Member will put a question on this point down on the Order Paper.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can state the present position of the strike at the Presidency Jute Mill, at Rishra?

The strike ended on 22nd May.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information as to how the strike ended? Was it to the satisfaction of the employés, or were they driven back to work?

My Noble Friend telegraphed to India asking how the strike stood, and was informed that it had ended.

What is the present position?

The present position is that the strike has ended.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India how many Indians and how many Europeans have been appointed during the last three years to gazetted posts in the Indian Stores Department; at what salaries they were appointed; and the maximum salary of the post?

Appointments to the Indian Stores Department are made by the Government of India, but I will send the hon. Member a copy of the administration Report of the Department which will perhaps give him sufficient information for his purpose.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the administration Report of the Indian Stores Department published in India at the end of May, 1925, only deals with the activities of that Department during the financial year ended 31st March, 1924; and whether he will endeavour to arrange for the publication of these Reports soon after the close of the financial year with which they deal?

I do not know the exact date of publication, but a copy of the report reached the India Office before the end of April, 1925. The hon. Member's suggestion will be communicated to the Government of India.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can give figures showing the consumption of opium in Calcutta, Rangoon, Amritsar, Bombay, Karachi, and Madras per 10,000 of the population; and whether he can state the normal amount per 10,000 considered adequate by the medical authorities in India.

The amounts consumed in Calcutta (including the suburbs and the towns of Howrah and Bally) and at Rangoon in 1923–24 were respectively 185 lbs. and 226 lbs. per 10,000. Figures for the other four towns mentioned are not available, but the amounts consumed in the districts of Amritsar, Bombay, Karachi and Madras were respectively 56, 86, 43 and 53 lbs. per 10,000. No pronouncement by the medical profession in India of the normal amount per 10,000 considered adequate is on record.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India in what year the payment of an annual subsidy to the Maharajah of Nepal began; whether the present amount of 10 lakhs of rupees has been paid annually since; and for how long it is intended to continue these annual payments?

The annual payment of 10 lakhs of rupees has been made since 1919. The grant is subject to no limit of time.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether in view of the fact that diplomatic relations now exist directly between Afghanistan and Great Britain, in which India is vitally interested, and in view of the fact that the whole cost of the British Legation at Kabul is paid for out of Indian revenues, he will arrange that the diplomatic representation at Kabul is by Indians instead of Europeans?

The facts stated by the hon. Member do not appear to me to constitute a reason for applying a special restriction to the selection of His

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India why prisoners detained under the Bengal Ordinance are not supplied with copies of the allegations framed against them on the terms of which they have been arrested and imprisoned?

I quote for the hon. Member's information the reply given in the Bengal Legislative Council on the 26th February last to the same question: The charges are put to the détenus in order to inform them of the nature of the allegations made against them and to give them an opportunity of making any reply they think fit. This purpose is served by reading the charges over to them, and there is no necessity to give them copies.

Is the Noble Lord aware that it is impossible for these persons who are so charged to obtain fully the nature of the charges which are made against them, and will he see that the charges are supplied to the prisoners in writing?

Majesty's representatives at Kabul, and I am not prepared to suggest it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will state the kind, volume and value of the cotton goods exported from China and Japan, respectively, to India for the year 1924?

As the question involves a tabular statement, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the tabular statement promised:

No. I should not be prepared to ask my Noble Friend to interfere with the discretion of the local Government in this matter. An exactly similar question to this was asked in the local Council and was dealt with by the appropriate Member of the Government, and I am sure with all the facts which there are in connection with the case that there is no need for any alteration of the procedure.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India how many women are working in coal mines in India, and what proportion of these are working underground; how many children under 12 are working in the above mines; and what is the relative number of women and children to men working in the year 1902, and the number of mines worked in 1902 compared with the present time?

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

Following is the reply:

The average daily number of women employed in coal mines in British India in 1923 (the latest year for which figures are available) was 63,411, of whom 40,136 were employed underground. The employment of children under 13 is now prohibited. The average daily number of children under 12 employed in 1923 was 3,850, and the number of men was 115,340. The average daily numbers employed (above and below ground) in 1902 were: men, 59,686; women, 29,158; and children, 3,661. The number of mines worked in 1902 was 305, and in 1923 the number was 942.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the desire to establish air communications with India in the shortest possible time, he is able to state that the Government of India is collaborating fully with the Air Ministry in making arrangements for landing grounds and other necessary requirements?

I am glad to be able to inform my hon. Friend that the Government of India are collaborating fully with the Air Ministry in connection with the establishment of air communications with India.

( for Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY) asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Committee to report on the free admission of Indians to commissioned ranks in the Indian Army, promised by the late Commander-in-Chief and the Home Member of the Government of India, has yet been appointed; and if he can state the names of that Committee?

The hon. and gallant Member presumably refers to the undertaking given by the Government of India in March to consider the appointment of a Committee to examine the means of attracting the best qualified Indian youths to a military career, and of giving them a suitable military education. With my Noble Friend's concurrence, the Government of India have now decided to appoint such a Committee. The Chairman will be Lieut.-General Sir Andrew Skeen, the Chief of the General Staff in India. The Government of India are not yet in a position to announce further details; but the Committee will include non-official members, representing both the military classes of the population and Indian political opinion.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India are aware of the very small proportion of British-produced cinematograph films shown in the cinematograph theatres in India as compared to films of foreign origin; whether he is aware of the probable effects on British prestige of this state of affairs; and whether any steps are contemplated to ensure a greater proportion of British-produced films being shown to the public in India?

I believe that it is the case that in India, as elsewhere, a large majority of the films exhibited are not of British production. The exhibitors, as I understand, have to take what is available, is desired by their customers, and is passed by the censors. A close observation is, however, maintained over the film theatres, and as a recent Debate in the Council of State shows, there is an informed Indian public opinion on the subject. I have also information, not very definite, that the production of films in India itself is increasing.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government have communicated to the Dominions the terms of the proposed European Security Pact and, if so, when the communication was made; and what reply has been received from Canada, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand?

I would refer the hon. Member to the first part of the answer which I gave to him on 18th June. We have so far received no comment on the proposals for a Pact from any of the. Governments referred to.

asked the Secretary of (State for the Colonies whether he will lay before the Board of Trade the special circumstances of Malta, Gozo, and St. Helena, with reference to lace as a household industry, largely organised by charitable enterprise as the means of living at below the wage necessary to maintain health for a large number of women and children, with a view to the complete exemption from duty of hand-made lace from those islands?

I have already brought to the notice of the Board of Trade and Treasury the special circumstances of these industries, but I fear that it would not be possible to give lace produced in any particular Colony more favourable treatment than lace from other sources within the Empire.

Then it comes to this—that the new proposal is one to tax an Imperial product?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he will state the total value of the imports during 1924 of those commodities on which new customs duties are imposed in the Finance Bill?

The total value of the goods imported during 1924 on which new customs duties are proposed in the Finance Bill, so far as these goods are separately distinguished in the trade accounts for that year, was approximately £45,000,000. It is not possible, however, to state the value of the imports of goods containing silk, artificial silk, lace and embroidery, but not classified under these headings.

How, then, did the Chancellor of the Exchequer arrive at his estimate of the revenue in these cases?

I would suggest that the hon. and gallant Member should put that question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if his attention has been drawn to the need for a large increase in the number of sanitary inspectors required in East Africa; and will he state whether any steps are being taken towards meeting this demand by the training of native sanitary orderlies, to work under the supervision of district medical or administrative officers?

This question is dealt with in the Report of the East Africa Commission, and I shall not fail to refer to it in communicating with the various Governments in regard to the Report.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government of Uganda has been approached by the League of Nations with a request for the provision of hospitality at the Entebbe Laboratory for a Commission to investigate sleeping sickness; and what, if any, has been the reply returned?

The appointment of such a Commission was recommended to the Council of the League by the International Conference on Sleeping Sickness which recently sat in London. No actual proposal has yet been received from the League, but I have ascertained that if such a proposal is made, the Government of Uganda will gladly co-operate by placing the laboratory at Entebbe at the disposal of the Commission.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the increase of spindles and the decrease of the cotton crop in the United States, he can do anything to expedite the construction of the new railways in Northern Nigeria, with the object of stimulating the growing of raw cotton?

The position is as stated in my reply to my hon. Friend on the 17th June. It is essential that proper consideration of the best routes be given before any new lines are sanctioned, and I recently asked the Nigerian Government to let me have their recommendations at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what railway construction is in progress in Nigeria at the present time; how long the Eastern Railway has been under construction and when it is likely to be completed; whether the construction is being carried out by Government agency and finance; who are the consulting engineers in this country; and what is the authority supervising the staff employed and the accounts?

The final section, from the River Benue to Kakuri, of the Nigerian Eastern Railway, and a branch line from Kagoro to Bukuru, are under construction. They are expected to be completed in 1926 or 1927. The construction is being carried out by the Nigerian Government and the cost met from Nigerian loan funds. No firm of consulting engineers is employed. Construction is in charge of a chief construction engineer, who is responsible to the Nigerian Government. The accounts are audited by the Director of Colonial Audit, like other Nigerian Government expenditure. The first section of the Nigerian Eastern Railway, from Port Harcourt to Enugu, was commenced in 1913 and opened in 1916. The second section, from Enugu to the Benue, was started in March 1921, and opened in August, 1924.

Do I understand that no consulting engineers are being employed in this country?

The Crown Agents for the Colonies act as consulting engineers.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has received a despatch from the Government of Kenya with regard to the charges contained in Dr. Norman Leys' book entitled "Kenya"?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the fact that in April last 14 men and women, members of an unarmed deputation of strikers, were killed and many more wounded by the military forces at George Town, Jamaica; and whether he will cause a Court of Inquiry to be set up to investigate the whole affair and bring those guilty to trial?

The hon. Member presumably refers to the disturbances which took place at Ruimveldt, in British Guiana, on 3rd April, 1924. If so, an inquiry was held last year, and the Report, which made it clear that the police had taken the only course possible to them in self-defence and for the protection of the public, engaged the attention of my predecessor. I see no reason to reopen the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the custom of the conscription of native labour for road or railway construction was first sanctioned by ordinance in any of the Colonies or Protectorates of Africa; whether it was extended at any time last year; whether he is aware that the custom is specifically allowed by the League of Nations; and whether the use of compulsory labour is, in every case, limited to a maximum number of days in each year?

It has not been possible in the time at my disposal to ascertain the date of the first ordinance of the kind; in the case of Kenya the power was first regulated by law in 1920. No alteration of the law was made last year. The answer to the last two parts of the question is in the affirmative, except that in Sierra Leone there appears to be no legal limitation on the number of days' work which a paramount chief can demand, though no doubt in practice it is limited by custom to a reasonable number. I may add that Papers on this matter, so far as it relates to Kenya, will be laid before Parliament at any early date.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, in view of the fact that only 43,827 persons visited the British Empire Exhibition on Monday, 15th June, and in view of the many complaints of stall-holders of the bad attendances owing to the high cost of admission, he will consider the advisability of recommending to the management authorities a popular price of admission for certain days in the week at the price of 6d.?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether he has any further statement to make with regard to the proposed alteration of either entrance alone or fares and entrance to the British Empire Exhibition?

As the hon. Members will be aware from the Press, the British Empire Exhibition authorities have made arrangements with the railway companies whereby the price of combined return railway and admission tickets issued within the. London zone has been reduced from 2s. 9d. to 2s. or 1s. 6d., according to the length of the journey, and with the tramway and omnibus undertakings whereby combined omnibus, tramway and admission tickets will be available at the same rates. I have brought the suggestion made by the hon. and gallant Member for Central Southwark (Colonel Day) to the notice of the exhibition authorities, but they regret that they are unable to adopt it.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are many hundreds of thousands of people who never have the opportunity of visiting this exhibition, and will he consider recommending that it be thrown open on Sundays?

No, Sir.

That question does not arise here.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the number of cotton spindles and looms in China, Japan, and India, respectively, in 1914 and at the present time?

I will, with pleasure, obtain as full information as I can on the subject of the hon. Member's question. As this will take a few days, perhaps he would be good enough to repeat his question at a later date. I am trying to get the information now.

asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he has received an application from the Porthcawl Rural District Council for an exchange of the charity land of the labouring poor; whether he has received evidence that the proposed exchange would be a violation of the trust; whether he is aware that the Charity Commissioners have already refused the application; and what action he proposes to take?

I have received an application for an exchange of the land to which the hon. Member refers, and also representations to the effect that the exchange would be a violation of the trust. I am aware that the Charity Commissioners have already refused the application, and, before arriving at any decision, I propose to await the result of certain inquiries that I am making in the matter.

May I take it that all the interests concerned will be consulted on this matter before any decision is taken?

Oh, yes; I will take care to see that the fullest audience is given to them.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the estimated total capital cost of each of the beet-sugar factories now in course of erection; and what proportion of such outlay has been or will be expended abroad?

The total estimated capital cost of the six factories now in course of erection is £1,826,000, of which £1,563,000, or over 85 per cent., is being expended in this country. I will circulate the figures for each factory in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us how much of the £1,563,000 which is being spent at home is being expended by foreign capitalists?

I could not tell the hon. Gentleman that without inquiry, but I will certainly make inquiries. I imagine, however, that the money expended here will be equally welcome whether it be expended by foreign capitalists or by capitalists at home.

The point about which I am anxious, and about which the right hon. Gentleman might tell me when he has the information, is as to how much of the subsidy that will be required from the British Treasury is going into the pockets of foreign capitalists?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put a question down asking for the information, when I shall be very pleased to give it.

Following are the figures promised: Estimated total capital cost. Estimated outlay abroad. £ £ Ely 358,100 81,000 Ipswich 377,900 105,000 Bury St. Edmunds 300,000 30,000 Wissington 300,000 30,000 Spalding 245,000 8,200 Kidderminster 245,000 8,200 Total £1,826,000 £262,400

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many unemployed can be put at short notice in drainage and sea defence schemes already prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture, and where these schemes will operate?

My hon. and gallant Friend will be aware that the Ministry's drainage schemes for the relief of unemployment for the season 1924–25 were completed on 30th May, except in a few instances where short extensions were granted. I am at present giving my attention to the whole question of the future of schemes of this nature, but I am not yet in a position to make an announcement.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed workers in the iron and steel trades on 1st November, 1924, and on the latest date for which the information is available?

The number of persons registered as unemployed in Great Britain on 27th October, 1924, at steel melting and iron puddling furnaces, iron and steel rolling mills and forges was 48,557. The corresponding figure for 25th May, 1925, was 48,888.

Do not the imports of manufactured goods of that description represent a higher amount of labour than those quoted by the hon. Gentleman?

That is a matter for the Board of Trade.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any steps have been taken to set up the promised Committee of Inquiry on juvenile Unemployment?

I have been asked to reply to this question. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and I are appointing a Com- mittee, with the following terms of reference: To inquire into and advise upon the public system of education in England and Wales in relation to the requirements of trade and industry, with particular reference to the adequacy of the arrangements for enabling young persons to enter into and retain suitable employment. We hope to be in a position to make an announcement as to the personnel of the Committee at an early date.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether agriculture is brought within the scope of this inquiry?

Yes, Sir.

Am I to understand that the inquiry does not extend to Scotland?

No, Sir. I am not prepared at this moment to say definitely whether or not the inquiry will cover Scotland. Perhaps the hon. Member will put a question to me a little later, and I shall be able to tell him.

asked the Minister of Transport, in view of the financial difficulties presented to urban authorities in launching unemployment schemes in respect of work on second class roads consequent upon the condition laid down in Clause 7 of the Unemployment Grants Committee's Forms (U. G. C, 9 and 10), whether he is prepared to take steps to amend such condition so as to admit of the 25 per cent, grant ordinarily obtainable being available in addition to a sufficient portion of the grant which would be made by the Unemployment Grants Committee if the subject matter of the scheme was otherwise than second class roads, and in order that the combined grants should at least equal the full grant obtainable from the Unemployment Grants Committee in respect of other works?

I am afraid it is not possible to depart from the rule that schemes assisted from the Road Fund cannot in addition draw grants from the Unemployment Grants Committee and vice versa. For this reason schemes coming within the category of normal maintenance and improvement, towards which "classification" grants are made from the Road Fund, cannot obtain further assistance from the Unemployment Grants Committee.

In view of the increasing urgency of the unemployment problem in this country, and the fact that local authorities in those areas most afflicted with unemployment are almost at a standstill in their efforts to provide schemes of work, could not the hon. and gallant Gentleman see whether something cannot be done in this matter?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he is now in a position to announce the result of his inquiries regarding the desirability of preserving the ruins of the home in South Uist of Flora MacDonald, the Highland heroine?

From the inquiries which have been made, it does not appear to the First Commissioner to be necessary that his Department should assume the guardianship of these ruins, but it is proposed to schedule them under the Ancient Monuments Act.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if that Department intend to take any action towards carrying out the recommendation made in paragraph 5 of the Report of the Estimates Committee on the Ministry of Labour?

A scheme for the concentration of the Unemployment and Insurance Department of the Ministry of Labour from Queen Anne's Chambers in semi-permanent buildings on the Montagu House site is in an advanced stage of preparation. Pro- vision for the erection of these buildings has already been made in the Vote for Labour and Health Buildings, Great Britain, for the current financial year.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, when it is anticipated that more suitable accommodation will be available for the office of His Majesty's Inspector of Taxes than 5, Talbot Street, Southport, where 35 officers are working in 11 small rooms, including attics and basement on four different floors of a converted dwelling-house; and whether, in view of the serious effect on the efficiency of the district which must result from a continuance of the present conditions, temporary arrangements can be made pending removal to suitable premises.

A scheme for the provision of more suitable accommodation for the staff in question is at present under discussion with the Commissioners of Inland Revenue; meantime, to improve the existing conditions, arrangements have been made to redecorate certain of the rooms and search is being made for temporary additional accommodation.

Do I gather from the reply that there is no intention of moving the building, the rooms in which are totally insufficient?

We are in search of suitable accommodation, and I hope we shall house comfortably all the staff.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the inconvenience and hardship imposed on the women clerks employed in the central index register section of the National Health Insurance by the recent transfer of this Department from Westminster to Bromyard Avenue, Acton, owing to the long journey to Acton, taking in many instances upwards of three hours each day, and costing from 8s. to 10s. per week in fares, which have to be paid put of their salary of 35s. per week, which after other deductions are made for health and unemployment insurances does not leaves these women with a sufficient amount for their maintenance; and will he look into this matter with a view to redress?

The work in question has recently been transferred from the Central Index Committee to my Department on an agency basis, and the offices at Acton are the only offices available to the Department at which it can be efficiently performed. The officers mentioned by the hon. Member who formed part of the staff of the Central Index Committee engaged on a weekly basis were given the opportunity of continuing the work under the Department in a temporary capacity, and were at the same time informed where the work would in future have to be done. With few exceptions they accepted the work on this condition, and while my right hon. Friend sympathises with any individual cases of hardship, he is afraid that he cannot see his way to take any action in the matter.

Was any question raised as to whether there would be any allowance for travelling expenses for any who went from this quarter?

I have not heard that. If the hon. Member will put that question to me, I will inquire and let him know.

Is there not some compensating advantage in the improvement in health of all whose duties take them to Acton?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether his attention has been drawn to the unsightly condition of Hyde Park and the park of St. James, due to paper and other refuse thrown about by holiday makers; and if he will take steps to preserve the amenities of our public parks by issuing a Regulation on the subject?

The First Commissioner is fully aware of the nuisance caused by the deposit of litter in the Royal Parks, on the collection of which heavy expenditure is continually being incurred. The Rules for the parks already forbid the committal of this nuisance, and it is proposed shortly to seek powers from Parliament enabling these Rules to be given, practically speaking, the effect of Regulations.

Would the hon. Gentleman consider the necessity for educating our school children not to throw paper about the streets, which I think is the crux of the matter?

Would it not be perfectly easy to stop this selfish carelessness by having a few plain-clothes constables to detect the offenders, and summon them?

You might get some in the House of Commons as well.

I think the best method would be to embody the Rules in Regulations with, perhaps, statutory authority.

Will the Minister apply the Rules to Members of this House?

Will the hon. Gentleman also bring to the notice of Members that not only do they throw paper down, but waste a great deal of paper?

Was not that seen at Ascot last week?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, what is the additional cost in wages, lighting, heating and ventilation of a sitting of this House that lasts up to 5 a.m., over and above the cost of an ordinary sitting?

The additional cost, so far as my department is concerned, is approximately £5 per hour for lighting, heating and ventilation, which means that for a sitting lasting until 5 o'clock the following morning the additional cost would be £30.

In view of the desire for economy, and in fairness to hon. Members opposite, seeing that they cannot get to their homes between half-past twelve and six, will the Government investigate whether it is cheaper to take them home by char-a-banc or provide sleeping accommodation, so as to relieve other Members from attending all night sittings which are unnecessary?

This seems like a speech.

Do I understand that no extra cost is incurred in wages, and, if not, will the hon. Gentleman seriously consider making additional payment to the employés who are detained on these occasions?

Wages are not paid by the Office of Works, but by the Serjeant-at-Arms.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of the House meeting at eleven o'clock in the morning?

Can the hon. Gentleman give me an idea what the wages cost, in addition to the £30 he mentioned?

Is not the policy suggested by the hon. Member a penny wise one?

The wages do not come on the Vote for the Office of Works, but on that of the Serjeant-at-Arms.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider how much might be saved by having no Opposition at all?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to consider a revision of the rules as to transport allowances for Members of the House with a view to diminish the incentives for all-night sittings?

I am not clear in what way revision of Members' travelling allowances will achieve the object which my hon. Friend has in view.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the restriction of travelling allowances induces many Members to remain here from the end of "omnibus time" to the end of "no omnibus time"?

How will any increase in transport facilities help when there is no transport?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any of the 759,839 Chinese population of the international settlement at Shanghai own any land or buildings in Shanghai?

The answer is in the affirmative so far as beneficial ownership is concerned.

Have they also the right to be represented on the Municipal Council of Shanghai?

No.

Then is it the case that the reply I received from the Foreign Office last week is incorrect in stating that representation was based upon the ownership of lands and buildings?

It is based upon ownership of lands and buildings as they appear in the ratepayers' list. The beneficial ownership is not always the same as the ownership that appears on the ratepayers' list.

Then is beneficial ownership only that which applies to the Chinese, and European ownership is not beneficial?

European ownership is actual.

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain what actually is the method of representation, and the manner in which representation is given in Shanghai?

If the hon. Member wants further information, it would be more satisfactory to him, and certainly to me, if he would put a precise question on the Paper and I will endeavour to answer it with perfect frankness.

I put a precise question on the Paper last week and the reply I received was that representation upon the Council was based upon ownership of lands and buildings. There was no distinction as to what kind of ownership.

The hon. Member misunderstood the answer given him the other day. That is why I suggest he should put a considered question on the Paper and enable me to give him a considered answer, which I hope will make the matter quite plain.

Might it not be the case that you misunderstood the question, instead of me misunderstanding the answer?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has asked for or will consider asking for a copy of the local police regulations in Shanghai?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if trade unions in Shanghai are legally recognised; and, if not, will he take steps to secure this recognition?

There are no foreign trade unions in Shanghai. The information which I have regarding the position of Chinese trade unions under Chinese law, which is the law applicable, will be contained in the forthcoming White Paper on labour conditions in China.

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the representations made to him by the British Trade Union Congress concerning the situation in Shanghai, whether he is prepared to appoint a trade union delegation to investigate the industrial conditions which prevail in Shanghai?

No, Sir; I cannot accept this suggestion.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many apprentices completed their training in His Majesty's Dockyard, Devonport, during 1922, 1923 and 1924, respectively; and how many of these have been retained in Devonport Dockyard as hired men since completing their apprenticeships, showing the figures in respect of each of the years mentioned?

In 1922, 169 apprentices completed their training and 76 were retained as hired men. In 1923 the figures were 645 and 455 and in 1924, 254 and 248 respectively.

What steps is the hon. Gentleman taking to get these lads work?

I have already answered questions on that subject. Whenever there is a vacancy they have consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty why chief artisans have been withdrawn from sea service and the complements reduced accordingly; whether it is realised that additional sea service for petty officer artisans is caused by this change; and if, in view of the small number of chief artisans allowed in the established numbers, he will take steps to increase the establishment to permit of chief artisans serving in the complements of all destroyer and submarine repair ships and the principal flagships?

The appointments for chief artisans were altered because, with 2½ years' commissions and a larger proportion of ships on foreign service, it was found that a considerable number of these ratings had to be drafted abroad with less than a full commission to serve, and in some cases during the last year of their engagements. The slight increase in sea service for the lower grade of artisan, is, I am afraid, inevitable. It is not intended to increase the establishment of artisans at the present time.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the recommendation of the Royal Commission on Food Prices that the Government should exercise its influence to secure that the economic section of the League of Nations shall make a continuous study of international food problems and prepare periodical Reports for submission to the Council of the League; and what steps His Majesty's Government has taken or proposes to take in the matter?

I think it would be best to wait until the Food Council is established before deciding what action should be taken in this matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that Russia will be able to export about 5,000,000 tons of grain from her 1925 harvest; and whether, in view of the high cost of bread in Great Britain, which presses heavily on the working-class families, the Government will take steps to purchase the whole of Russia's exportable grain and market it in Great Britain at a price to cover the bare expenses?

I have been asked to reply. I am advised that it is too early to form any trustworthy estimate of the Russian grain crop, although reports indicate that if the harvest is favourable there should be some exportable surplus. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative, and in this connection I may point out that the Royal Commission on Food Prices were not convinced that State purchases would result in cheapening the food of the people, and recommended the Government to refrain from embarking upon them.

asked the Prime Minister what are the constitution and duties of the proposed Imperial Civil Research Committee?

The constitution and functions of the Committee of Civil Research are described in a Treasury Minute of the 13th June, which I propose to lay before Parliament without delay. I am sending a copy of the Minute to the hon. Member.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the £1 10s. deposit required from telephone sub- scribers has now been reduced to £1; and, if so, whether it is his intention to refund the 10s. of those subscribers who have already deposited £1 10s.?

The minimum telephone deposit has been reduced to £1, and those subscribers who have deposited £1 10s. will be credited with 10s. through the accounts to be rendered next month, except in cases where the charge for the quarter's calls appreciably exceeds £1 10s.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that his officials are refusing to allow local authorities to permit the erection of wireless aerials on State-aided houses unless the said authorities accept the risk of fire from lightning; is he aware that insurance companies accept such risk without extra premium; is he aware that the prospect of law suits prevents local authorities from insuring at 6d. a house to cover the risk from an aerial; and can he, in view of the hardship involved, see his way to bringing the Government insurance scheme for State-aided houses into conformity with normal commercial procedure?

I think the hon. and gallant Member is under some misapprehension in the matter to which he refers. No objection has been raised by my right hon. Friend's Department to the erection of wireless aerials on State-aided housing schemes provided that the usual precautions are taken for the proper earthing of the installation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the exports and imports, respectively, of the German Republic since 1st January, 1925, to as near a date as possible?

According to the German official trade returns, the total value of merchandise imported into Germany for home consumption from 1st January to 30th April, 1925, amounted to, roughly, 4,400 million gold marks; and the total value of domestic exports during the same period amounted to 2,700 million gold marks.

Can the hon. Member explain how reparations are to be paid, if there is a constant import surplus?

The reparation figures are not included in the figures.

These figures do not include the gold?

I cannot tell off-hand. If the hon. Member will put down a question, I will find out.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the fact that no schools are provided by the West Riding local education authority for the 528 children within their area ascertained to be mentally defective within the meaning of the Education Act, 1921, he proposes to take any steps to ensure that proper educational facilities are provided for such children?

I am informed that the West Riding authority are making arrangements in accordance with the suggestion contained in Circular 1349 (of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy) for the supervision of all mentally defective children in the area whose admission to special schools cannot be secured. The matter is one which I have no doubt will be further dealt with in the programme of educational development which I have asked the authority to submit to me.

Is there any prospect that they are going to build schools in the West Riding? There has been nothing done for these children up to the present. Can the right hon. Gentleman push them on to do something in that direction?

The right hon. Gentleman said the local authority is making arrangements for supervision. Does he mean by that supervision of the education of the children?

If the hon. Member will read Section 1349 he will see what I mean. In reply to the first supplementary, I must say that I have asked the West Riding authorities, as I have asked all local authorities, to submit to me comprehensive programmes for education during the next three years, and I am not prepared to direct their attention particularly to one part of their responsibility, as I am quite sure that the programmes that I shall receive will take into account all those things.

Is it not a fact that the supervision now merely consists in going to get a knowledge of these children and recording it, and that nothing else is done? If the supervision is going to be of that character in the future, of what use is it?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, seeing that a sailor long-service pensioner receives 5d. a day addition to his pension at the age of 55 and 4d. a day at the age of 65 and if the pensioner joins the Royal Fleet Reserve and does a certain number of drills he gets 5d. at the age of 50 and 4d. at the age of 60, he can see his way to institute a similar system in the Army, especially as such a method has the advantage of keeping in touch with the service and preserves their physique and efficiency?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the shortage in Royal Army Medical Corps officers in the Army; how many civilian doctors are employed instead; and what is the extra cost, if any, to the Exchequer?

The shortage of Royal Army Medical Corps officers is 86. Of these 30 would be under instruction at the Royal Army Medical College and elsewhere, leaving a shortage of 56 officers doing duty, which is made up by employing 21 non-regular officers and 35 civilian practitioners. No extra cost to the Exchequer is involved.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many officers and men of the Metropolitan police force were engaged at Ascot for the race meeting, and what was the cost, also from what source the expenses of the police was paid; and whether the whole or part of the expenditure falls to be paid from the police rate of the London and other local authorities in the Metropolitan police area?

The number of police varied from day to day, the maximum being 605, apart from those engaged in regulating traffic on roads within the Metropolitan police district. The cost was approximately £3,800, and was almost wholly borne by the various race course authorities.

Were these extra police doing extra duty or ordinary duty? Was it overtime?

I think it was in ordinary time, but they were paid by the various race course authorities who wanted their services.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the practice of the police in initiating proceedings in courts of summary jurisdiction at the relation of the private individuals whose interests are involved; and whether he will consider, in connection with the Criminal Justice Bill, the advisability of limiting the powers of police officers in this regard to cases of official prosecutions?

I am not aware of any sufficient grounds for initiating legislation in the sense indicated.

Will the hon. Member accept representations to show that information have been laid by police superintendents on information from interested parties, that on occasions the prosecution is ultimately found to be one of a nature which would give rise to an action for malicious prosecution, but that by reason of the information having been preferred in the name of the police the party charged with the offence is barred from his remedy against the real prosecutor?

I shall be glad to receive representations on the subject.

asked the Home Secretary if he will supply figures showing the number of new licences issued each month of 1924 and 1925 to

asked the Minister of Transport if he has been notified that on Monday night, the 15th instant, a man fell out of a train on to the line at Farringdon Street Station,

omnibuses owned by the London General Omnibus Company, Tillings, Southern, South Metropolitan Tramways, Metropolitan, Metropolitan Electric Tramways, British, B.A.T., National, East Surrey Traction Company, Thames Valley Traction Company and other firms, and the total number of licences issued to each of the above firms in January, 1924, and January, 1925?

With the hon. Member's permission, I propose to circulate the figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The figures are as follow:

and was seriously injured; if he is aware that, in consequence of the shortage of gatemen on the District Railway trains, many of the carriage doors are not closed, which is a danger to the travelling public; and if he will inquire into this matter?