asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that a claim for an allowance on behalf of the child of the late Private A. E. Best, No. 240,642, Devonshire Regiment, has been rejected; that Private Best enlisted in 1914 as an A1 man; that he subsequently contracted malaria and was also injured in the head; that his health broke down and that he died from cerebral hæmorrhage; and whether he will take steps to secure the grant of an allowance?

As the hon. Member has already been informed, an allowance in respect of this child is not admissible under the terms of the Warrant because, as the Ministry were advised, the father's death was not due to his military service. The decision of the Ministry on this point was upheld by the Pensions Appeal Tribunal who had all the facts before them, and I am not aware of any circumstances which would justify me in reconsidering the decision.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he can give any assurance that the proposed stabilisation of war pensions as from October, 1926, will not involve any decrease in the present scale?

asked the Minister of Pensions when he will be able to inform the House of the changes involved in his proposed scheme for the stabilisation of pensions?

The period of stabilisation already announced will maintain existing rates beyond the date referred to. While the position of pensioners is thus safeguarded, the general question of stabilisation will, in due course, be the subject of consideration by the Government.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the Government will be able to consider the question of stabilisation?

The Government are going to go into this matter, but, as my right hon. Friend knows, there are very grave questions involved before a final decision can be made in a matter so vitally affecting the interests of ex-service men.

Would it not be possible at the same time to appoint a Committee to consider the whole question of pensions?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very great fear amongst ex-service men that a reduction of pensions is intended? Cannot he give some very plain statement that that will not be done?

I am aware of the great fears which have been created for bye-election purposes amongst ex-service men. [HON. MEMBERS: "Withdraw!"] I am entitled to give a reply to the question put to me. My answer is that I am aware of the anxiety created among ex-service men by a statement that there was a "Tory plot against the pensioners," and I am very glad to have been able to relieve their anxiety by telling them that the statement was absolutely untrue.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, while they may not be afraid of a Tory plot, they may be afraid of the Tories reducing their pensions?

I can assure the hon. Member that their position is absolutely safeguarded. This Government is only asking from the Opposition the same consideration which was given to the late Government, namely, reasonable time to settle an exceedingly difficult matter.

Did not this anxiety arise as a result of the fact that in the forms sent to ex-service men there is a statement that this revision is likely to take place in 1926? Will the right hon. Gentleman ask for the deletion of that statement from similar orders sent out, so that the doubt will not be there in future?

The notice drawing attention to the requirements of the Warrant, which was sent out under the late Government, and up to a few days ago, has been altered in form, but until a final decision has been arrived at it is necessary to explain the position to pensioners.

Can I have a reply to my supplementary question? Would it be possible at the same time for the Government to appoint a Committee to investigate the whole question of pensions?

The Government decision not to appoint a Committee has been intimated to the House.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many new war pensions have been awarded since 1st November last; and how many existing pensions have been increased since that date?

During the seven months referred to new awards have been made in 9,566 cases of officers, men, widows and dependants. During the same period 30,000 existing disability awards were increased in assessment.

Can the right hon. Gentleman, inform the House how many assessments have been decreased?

Hear, hear!

The hon. Member for Peckham (Mr. Dalton) had better listen to my reply, and then he will appreciate that his fear is not quite fair.

On a point of Order. Am I not entitled to applaud a question asked by an hon. Member sitting below the Gangway? May we not ask for some courtesy from the Minister?

I did not notice anything disorderly.

I was replying to a very important point raised by my hon. Friend.

Get on with the job!

During the period since 1st November last, 30,000 existing disability pensions were increased and 17,000 were reduced.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has received representations from the Deptford Borough Council and other London municipal bodies urging an amendment of the War Pensions Act, 1921, whereby the time limit imposed in the Royal Warrant should be entirely abolished for officers, men, widows and dependants, and giving officers and men the right of appealing to an independent tribunal in cases where further compensation has been refused after a final allowance, and where the claimant is able to produce medical evidence that the disability has re-asserted itself or become worse, whether such representations have yet been considered; and, if so, with what result?

I have received copies of formal resolutions in the sense suggested which have been passed by the Deptford Borough Council and certain other councils in London, at the instance apparently of the Shoreditch Borough Council. I am taking steps to acquaint the councils concerned with the facts of the position on both the subjects referred to. I would remind the right hon. Mem- ber that the matters referred to were fully discussed in the Debate of the 26th ultimo on the Vote for my Department.

asked the Minister of Pensions why disabled men are now being sent for treatment to the clinic at Bulinga Street, Milbank, who previously attended the clinic at Broad Street; and if, owing to the inconvenience which will be caused to the disabled men if the Broad Street clinic is closed, he will try to arrange that it shall be kept open and the cases for treatment divided between the Bulinga Street and Broad Street clinics?

The number of cases requiring only out-patient treatment is in the natural course diminishing, and in consequence, though every effort is made to meet the convenience of pensioners, the clinic accommodation has necessarily from time to time to be reduced. The Holborn clinic belongs to the British Rèd Cross Society, and they have intimated that they cannot continue the clinic unless the number of patients is increased. With the general decline in the number of cases this is not possible, and consequently the patients have to be diverted to the more permanent clinics of the Ministry—among others that at Bulinga Street, where I may say the facilities for all varieties of treatment and the means of access are particularly good.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mrs. Percival, widow of the late Colonel Percival, on the staff, who was killed in October, 1915; whether, seeing that under the Royal Warrant of 1920 Mrs. Percival became eligible for an alternative pension of £300 a year in lieu of the £216 she is at present receiving, and the Ministry was in full possession of all the details of the deceased colonel's pre-War earnings, any intimation was conveyed to Mrs. Percival that she was entitled to an increased pension; and, if not, will he authorise the issue of an alternative pension, with effect from 2nd July, 1920?

The special rate of pension termed "Alternative Pension" provided by the Royal Warrants of 1919 and 1920 were expressly made dependent on the submission of a claim and proof of pre-War earnings by the pensioner. In addition to the widest publicity given in other directions, a leaflet, drawing attention to the provisions of the Warrant in regard to alternative pension, was sent to every officer's widow on the pension list, addressed to them at the addresses given by them to the Paymasters-General for the purpose of all correspondence regarding their pensions. I have no reason to doubt that this information was sent to the widow referred to, and I should have no authority to authorise an exceptional departure from the provisions of the Warrant in favour of this case.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of cases in which pensions have been refused to the widows of ex-service men; and the number of dependent children thereby affected?

The total number of cases in which claims have been made by widows under the Warrant is approximately 277,000. Of these, not more than about 27,000 have been rejected as inadmissible. I am not, however, in a position to say in what number of cases the widows concerned had any children dependent upon them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has received representations from the Cyclists' Touring Club and the National Cyclists' Union protesting against the issue of posters by several Chief Constables calling upon pedal-cyclists to carry rear lamps or reflectors on their bicycles; and what reply, if any, he is making to these communications?

I received representations from the Cyclists' Touring Club, but it did not appear that the matter called for any action on my part, and I so informed the club.

If there is no legal obligation at present to carry these rear lights, does the Home Secretary consider it suitable that these Chief Constables should send out these orders?

I have no power to direct Chief Constables, other than the Metropolitan Police, either to send out or to abstain from sending out any documents

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these cyclists without red lights on the road are a very great danger to the public?

I entirely concur that they are a danger to the public and even a greater danger to themselves.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that there shall be some order compelling these people, as a protection to themselves and others, to carry these lights?

That would require legislation.

May I call attention to the increasing number of these questions which are put down in regard to particular instances in hon. Members' constituencies, and may I call your attention also to the observations which you made some time ago in reference to this practice?

I cannot do more than repeat what I said the other day. These questions should be put as unstarred questions, but the matter lies in the hands of hon. Members, and not in mine

Is it not a fact that this question does not deal with the constituency of the hon. Member who put it?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that at the inquest on the late Mr. Meggs, employed at the Government disinfecting station at Love Lane, Liverpool, it was recorded that during his employment hæmorrhage of the nose started at 4.30 p.m., when the director in charge of the station rendered first aid but did not call in any medical assistance; and will he state why medical aid was not sought when it was apparent that the deceased was bleeding profusely and gradually becoming weaker?

As the question is not of national importance, and the answer is somewhat long, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The director of the station reports that on the day in question, Mr. Meggs left the works at 4.30 p.m., which is the usual closing hour, but had proceeded only a short distance when severe bleeding of the nose commenced. Mr. Meggs then returned to the works, where he was attended by the assistant director and the works engineer, who did what they could to stop the bleeding. The director was not called to see Mr. Meggs till about 6 p.m. The question of calling in a doctor was considered, but Mr. Meggs himself was against this, and as he showed no signs of weakness and the bleeding was becoming considerably less severe, it was not thought necessary. About 6.15 the bleeding had practically stopped, and Mr. Meggs was then sent home in a cab in the charge of the works engineer. I see no ground for any criticism of the action of the director and other officers concerned, who did everything in their power to help Mr. Meggs.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that under the Workmen's Compensation Act proper provision is not made for the use of X-ray photographs; and whether he will take steps to remedy this?

If, as I assume, my hon. Friend is referring to the use of X-ray photographs in connection with the examination of injured workmen by the medical referees, he has been misinformed. Provision is made in the Regulations whereby, in any case of difficulty, the medical referee can obtain an X-ray examination; and X-ray photographs are in fact frequently arranged for by the medical referees. No representation has been made to me as to the need for any further provision.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that many workmen who are in receipt of partial compensation only, on the grounds that they are certified as fit for light work, are unemployed owing to the refusal of their previous employer, in whose service they incurred their disability, to find them light or suitable work; and whether he is prepared to introduce legislation compelling an employer to provide such work for his own partially disabled men or otherwise to pay such compensation as was due for total disability?

I have no statistics on the point, but I have no doubt great difficulty is often experienced at the present time by partially recovered workmen in obtaining light employment. So far as I am aware, however, this is due to the prevailing industrial conditions and not to any unwillingness on the part of the employers to assist the workmen. As regards the latter part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the question asked by the hon. Member for the Don Valley Division on the 2nd April last. Provision was made in Section 16 of the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1923, by which the partially recovered workman, who fails to obtain work as a consequence wholly or mainly of his injury, is entitled to a continuance of his compensation on the scale for total disablement. That, in my view, is as far as one can reasonably go.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware of the deplorable place of many of these men? Is he not also aware that in many places where new men are actually being set on these men are still being refused employment?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, as the result of the employers refusing to re-employ men, particularly those who have suffered from the disease known as miners' nystagmus, these men are not only deprived of compensation but of any chance of getting any other work?

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that where there is slackness at any of the collieries these men are the first to go?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Act was originally based on the assumption that light work would be given to them?

I do not think that the question as to miners' nystagmus arises out of this question. In reply to the other question, I do think that if a miner fails to obtain work, wholly or mainly in consequence of his injury, he is entitled, though he is only partially injured, to a continuance of his compensation when his failure to obtain work is due to temporary disablement.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in 1923 his predecessor said, in reference to the Compensation Act, that these men, when partially unable to work, should have unemployment benefit; and have the Ministry stopped that unemployment benefit?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the profits of the insurance companies in this matter are sufficient, not only to cover what is asked in this case, but to pay an increased amount?

asked the Home Secretary when the Report of the Chief Factory Inspector will be made available for Members of the House?

I am informed that the Report, which has already been presented, will be available by the end of next week.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has now received from the local authorities concerned replies to the Home Office letter respecting payments to police strikers; and, if so, what is the nature of same?

Yes, Sir. The local authorities are generally favourable to the recommendation of the Mackenzie Committee that police authorities should be given discretion to apply for the benefit of any dependants of the men concerned, the whole or part of the rateable deductions made from their pay, and the question of legislation is now being considered.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, in many prosecutions of carmen for leaving vans unattended, this is due to employers failing to provide van boys; and whether, in future, such failures will be taken into consideration when applying for process?

Where proceedings are necessary for obstruction, the question is not affected by the presence or absence of a van boy, who, moreover, when present, is usually incapable of moving a motor vehicle, and not always competent to control a horse. In cases where the driver of a horse van is reported for being at such a distance from the vehicle as not to have control over the horse drawing it, if a van boy is present, this fact is taken into consideration before proceedings are instituted.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the circular, which is in existence in the Metropolitan police district, stating that special consideration should be given to carmen during the time that they are at meals, so that a prosecution shall not ensue for leaving their vans unattended to, which would not be the case if they had van boys?

Will it be the policy of the Home Secretary to encourage blind alley occupations such as that of van boys?

I am certainly not in favour of blind alley occupations.

Will the right hon. Gentleman extend that circular to the provincial police?

I will look at the circular.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can see his way to sanction the use of an improved whistle for the purpose of calling taxi-cabs during the daytime, as was the custom before War-time Regulations came into force?

I have no power to take any action of the nature suggested. Whistling for cabs is forbidden by a bye-law made by the London County Council under the powers of Section 16 of the Local Government Act, 1888; and the question of revoking or amending the bye-law is one for the London County Council.

Is not this one of the numerous erroneous acts committed by the London County Council?

Is not this wasting the time of the House?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that on the 11th June a number of persons who entered the shop of a newsagent in Lower High Street, Watford, were searched by the police; that a man named A. E. Hatton, who had gone there to buy a paper, though after a search nothing was found on him to indicate that he had any connection with betting, was taken with others to the police station in an open car in full public view, and was detained for some two and a-half hours, losing three hours' work in consequence; and on what authority did the police arrest persons entering a shop offering articles for sale, on the suspicion that some person or persons may be using the place for illegal purposes?

I have made inquiry of the Chief Constable of Hertfordshire and am informed that the police acted under the authority of a justice's warrant to search and arrest, which was obtained on evidence sufficient to afford ground for suspicion.

Is the right hon. Gentle man aware that a lot of people went in to buy a newspaper, including a vanman in charge of a van, who was taken from his work, and although no charge was made against him, was detained for two or three hours, and does he realise that this action might entail the arrest of himself if he went into the shop to buy something?

I will run my own risk. I would like the hon. Member to realise that the Home Secretary is not responsible for the action of the Chief Constable in this matter. I have no power.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that it is a very highhanded action to enter a shop in broad daylight and seize people who come in to buy a newspaper, against whom there is no evidence whatever, and against whom no evidence has been produced even up to the present?

I have no power in the matter. Information was laid before a justice, who granted a search warrant in the ordinary way. The search warrant was executed by the, constable, over whom I have no power.

asked the Home Secretary why the Metropolitan Police interfered with the holding of a Matteotti memorial meeting by the Friends of Italian Freedom at the St. James's Hall, Greek Street, on 14th June?

The Metropolitan Police did not in any way interfere with the holding of this meeting.

asked the Home Secretary if he will state the number of convictions for housebreaking during the past 10 years in Gateshead, Leeds, Old-ham, Wigan, Glasgow, Shoreditch, Sheffield, Rotherham, and Sunderland?

Figures relating to the number of cases of burglary and housebreaking reported to the different county and borough police forces are published yearly in the Judicial Statistics, but I have no information as to the number of persons convicted of these offences in the boroughs mentioned.

Will my right hon. Friend say whether in the towns mentioned the police are below strength?

I must ask for notice of that question.

Would the right hon. Gentleman say why Shoreditch is singled out for this doubtful distinction?

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that a statement was made by the governor of the gaol, in the course of a recent trial at the Gloucestershire Assizes, to the effect that the Prison Commissioners did not wish boys to be sent to Borstal unless they had previously been sent to prison; and whether this statement represents accurately the views of the Prison Commissioners?

The governor's brief remarks conveyed a wrong impression. He was alluding to the fact that it is unusual for first offenders to be sent to Borstal. It is not the case that the Prison Commissioners do not wish lads to be sent to Borstal unless they have previously been in prison. About half the lads now in Borstal institutions have not been in prison, but have either been fined or placed on probation for their previous offences.

Would the right hon. Gentleman make it clear to the officials of his Department what are the principles upon which the Borstal system is founded?

I think the information is clearly in the minds of the officials of my Department, but sometimes is not so clearly in the minds of those who sentence boys.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the provisions made in the Criminal Justice Bill for the appointment of probation officers, any approximate scale of salary has been settled by his Department as suitable to the post; and whether it is suggested that there should be relative uniformity of payment in this respect?

The Criminal Justice Bill will give power to the Secretary of State to make rules for fixing the scales of salary to be paid to probation officers. In framing these rules the scales of salary recommended by the Departmental Committee of 1922, which have already been adopted in London and in some other places, will be taken as a basis. I will send my hon. Friend a copy of this Report.

asked the Home Secretary whether the maximum weights fixed in the Schedule of the Woollen and Worsted Regulations (Lifting of Heavy Weights), 1925, and especially the maximum to be lifted by women and young persons, were arrived at after full medical inquiries; and, if not, on what grounds, physiological or experimental, these were arrived at by his Department?

The answer to the first part of this question is in the negative. The draft Regulations have been proposed at the request of the National Wool and Allied Textile Industrial Council, as the result of an inquiry by a, special Committee of the Council on which both the employers' and workers' sides were represented. This Committee made a careful and extensive investigation, in the course of which they visited a number of works and inquired into the existing methods and practice. It is important to observe that the object of the Regulations is to fix maximum weights which are not to be exceeded.

asked the Home Secretary in view of the fact that during prolonged sittings of the House many of the police constables employed within its precincts are frequently on duty for 16 hours at a stretch, if he will consider whether there is any way by which these prolonged spells of duty can be obviated?

I find that on two occasions only during the present Session have police performed duty for 16 hours or more, the number of men concerned being 12 and 26, respectively. When they are kept late arrangements are made to relieve them from their posts for short periods in addition to the interval which they are normally allowed for refreshment. Men who are not conversant with the duties cannot be used as reliefs, and as late sittings are so uncertain the keeping of a number of men on reserve duty on the chance of their being required would not be justified.

In view of the fact that long spells of Parliamentary duty have now been obviated in the case of members of the party to which the right hon. Gentleman belongs, will he see that a similar concession is given to the constables, who are not attached to his party?

The number of members of my party who are excused attendance is so relevantly unimportant, that I do not think so slight a concession would be of any value to the police force.

Would the right hon. Gentleman say whether, unlike the Members of this House, a constable receives overtime?

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire whether the constables would not appreciate a concession in the way of allowing them, when the House is not sitting, to take time off in a continuous period and to be absent from their duties?

On a point of Order. The right hon. Gentleman used the expression that members of some party were "excused attendance." Is it not a fact that, according to the Rules of the House, though they are not often enforced, leave of absence can be granted only by the House, and not by any Minister?

That remark was made by one of the questioners. I am afraid that that old Rule has gone into disuse.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the unfair posi- tion in which some of the taxpayers in London are placed, owing to the present unsatisfactory Regulations governing the hours at which licensed premises in some parts of London have to be closed; and whether he will take steps to have the existing rules altered, in order that, without increasing the hours for trading, there may be a universal hour in London at which licensed premises are closed, both on Sundays and weekdays?

Uniformity of permitted hours could be secured only by fresh legislation, of which I can hold out no prospect at present.

Does my right hon. Friend think it reasonable that an Englishman at 9 o'clock on a Sunday evening, when it is not yet dark, if he goes out for a walk, is not allowed to go into a licensed house on one side of the road but is allowed to do so on the other side of the road?

Can we have the Minister's answer before we have the Noble Lady's text?

All I can say is that Parliament is responsible for the Act that was passed, and that Act cannot be altered without the authority of Parliament.

Do you not think that an alteration should be made?

Would it not be far better for Englishmen if they drank nothing on the Sabbath?

May I ask my right hon. Friend, as representing the Government, whether he thinks that the policy suggested by the Noble Lady would bring in the revenue needed for carrying on the country?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is satisfied that all possible precautions are now being taken to prevent the entrance into this country of known alien Communists?

I am satisfied that the admission of aliens to this country is carefully controlled and that all possible precautions are taken to exclude any who appear likely to engage in activities prejudicial to the national interests.

Will the right hon. Gentleman complete the good work which has already been carried out in this regard with the wholesale approval of the country?

Question Time is not the time for these general observations.

asked the Minister of Labour how many permits were issued in 1924 for the immigration of alien domestic servants; and by what factors he is guided in the consideration of applications?

Permits in respect of 1,230 alien domestic servants were issued in 1924. In considering these applications I am guided, among other considerations, by the evidence available in each case as to the efforts made by the employer to find suitable labour in this country and whether the wages to be paid to the aliens are at least equivalent to those normally received by British subjects for similar work.

asked the Minister of Labour how many permits he has issued in the last six months for the immigration of alien waiters; and on what grounds he has assented to the applications?

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

May I point out that in the first part of this question —[HON. MEMBERS: "Order, order!"] On a point of Order. May I point out that the first part of this question only requires one figure as an answer? May I have that?

Yes, I will give that figure to the hon. Member. It is 84. As to the second part of the question the answer will be found fully set out in the answer which I propose to circulate.

Arising out of the answer to that portion of the question, were any part of these 84 admitted in order to serve the British Empire Exhibition?

The answer to that is given in the second part of the answer to which I have referred. [HON. MEMBERS: "Read it!"]

Take us into your confidence!

I will certainly read it if the hon. Member wishes it to be read. [HON. MEMBERS: "Circulate it!"]

Following is the reply :

From the 1st January last to date 84 permits have been issued in respect of alien waiters in the following circumstances: On condition that facilities were provided for an equal number of British subjects to obtain Continental experience. (Short period permits—generally for six months) 33 Under an agreement with the Swiss Government whereby similar opportunities are provided for British subjects in Swiss hotels. (All permits for maximum period of 12 months) 5 To replace other alien waiters who had returned to the Continent 4 To augment the supply of trained labour for the Empire Exhibition, Wembley, on condition that seven waiters were obtained in this country for each additional waiter from abroad. (Permits for six months only) 40 Specially trained men as "head waiters" for a new French restaurant, the other members of the staff of waiters being found in this country 2 Total 84

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that at the Central Station Hotel and the Gleneagles Hotel, both owned by the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company, British waiters, some of them ex-service men, are being dismissed and their places filled by foreign waiters, and that there are over 150 British male waiters idle in Glasgow; and whether he can state what, if any, action he will take?

I am not aware of the circumstances mentioned, but I will have inquiries made and will communicate the result to the hon. Member.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will investigate the reports of his inspectors upon the visits made on 25th May to the West Ham County Borough elementary schools; whether he will specially consider the Report referring to the Abbey school, where, it is stated, physical training is carried out on the right lines, though much hampered by the absence of a hall and the character of the playground; whether he is aware that West Ham is a very overcrowded area, offering no facilities for extension of school premises; and whether he is prepared to make special inquiries and recommendations on behalf of this area?

My attention has been called to the reports in question. I am afraid that similar conditions exist in the central areas of many cities. It is for the local authorities, in the first instance, to consider schemes for the improvement of their schools, and though I am quite aware how difficult it is to find a remedy, an authority like West Ham will not solve its difficulties by transferring its responsibilities in the matter to Whitehall.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether up-to-date information is available as to the present condition of technical education and the relations between the authorities responsible for technical education and the leaders of industry and commerce in France, Germany, and other industrial countries; and, if so, whether he will take steps to have such information, as far as possible made accessible to the public?

The Board have some general information with regard to the present condition of technical education abroad and the co-operation of industry and commerce with the authorities concerned with it, but they have few detailed particulars as to the precise arrangements made in particular cases. I am endeavouring to obtain further information relating to the arrangements made in regard to particular branches of technical education, and when I obtain it I will consider the question of publication.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that the most important need in connection with maternity cases is for institutional treatment, especially for those with unsuitable home surroundings, and in many cases the need of specialist services, he will take such steps as will encourage local authorities to make additional provision for the care and welfare of mothers both during and after childbirth?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave on this subject to the hon. Member for Stratford on the 20th May. I will send him a copy of the circular to which I drew attention in that reply.

rose.—

The hon. and gallant Member really takes an undue amount of time. The hon. and gallant Member never asks a question without putting a supplementary.

But I had the same answer from the Minister yesterday.

I would ask the hon. and gallant Member to consider his fellow-Members.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the Report of the chief medical adviser for his Department for 1924, in which it is stated that excessive rates of maternal mortality are found in the aggregate in most rural areas, such as Breconshire, Westmorland, Montgomeryshire, Radnorshire, and in highly industrial areas engaged in textile manufacture and coal mining, and especially in such county boroughs as Halifax, Blackpool, Rochdale, Huddersfield, Swansea, Bradford, Bury, Oldham, Dewsbury and Blackburn; and whether he proposes any special measures to afford the people of these areas additional medical or institutional treatment in order to remedy this state of affairs.

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the authorities of most of the areas mentioned are already taking steps, as a result of the issue of the circular to which I referred in my reply to the hon. Member's question of the 20th May, to provide additional facilities for the ante-natal examination and institutional treatment of pregnant women, and the medical officers of my Department pay special

The following figures show the position on the 29th May—the latest date for which the information is available:— 1. Total number of new Pensions granted in consequence of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1924 53,896 2. Summary of the various increases in existing Pensions—

Previous Rate of Pension. Number of Pensions increased. To 2s. rate. To 4s. rate. To 6s. rate. To 8s. rate. To 10s. rate. Total. s. d. 1 0 107 71 33 26 1,309 1,546 2 0 — 382 178 123 5,081 5,764 3 0 — — — — 3 3 4 0 — — 468 273 10,879 11,620 5 0 — — 3 2 12 17 6 0 — — — 519 14,923 15,442 8 0 — — — — 23,360 23,360 Totals 107 453 682 943 55,567 57,752

asked the Minister of Health the total amount paid on account of Poor Law relief attributable directly to unemployment during the quarter ended 31st March, 1925?

The total amount of domiciliary Poor Law relief given in money and kind in England and Wales during the 13 weeks ended the 28th March, 1925, to persons ordinarily engaged in some regular occupation and the wives and dependent children of those persons was £1,194,475.

attention to these points on the occasion of their visits to these areas.

asked the Minister of Health if he can present statistics to the House showing the total number of fresh claims to pensions granted and a summary of the various increases of pensions granted under the application of the 1924 amendment to the Old Age Pension Act?

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

Following is the answer:

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea how much of that sum has been transferred to his Ministry from the Ministry of Labour?

The hon. Member should put that question down.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the gravity of the unemployment situation, the Government will raise the school-leaving age and bring into immediate operation old age pensions at 65 on a scale sufficient to enable elderly persons to subsist without seeking employment?

The cost of these proposals would be prohibitive. With regard, however, to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the Pensions Bill now before the House.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it is much better to reduce unemployment, even though the cost may be great?

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us what would be the estimated cost of putting into operation the proposal in the first part of the question?

I should want notice of that question, I have a great many figures connected with it. In regard to the other supplementary question, what the hon. Member desires is an admirable thing, but I am afraid the cost is prohibitive, and when I use the word prohibitive I mean it is so great that the charges which would be levied on the country and through the country on industry would do more harm than good.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that raising the school age would do good to the physique of our people in the future?

rose —

This is clearly a matter for Debate, and not one which should be raised at Question Time.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the increasing urgency of the unemployment question, he will consider the desirability of summoning a national conference, representative of all sections of the people, with the object of endeavouring to arrive at some measure of agreement as to any possible remedy for a state of affairs which is causing anxiety in the country?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on the 15th June in reply to a similar question by the hon. Member for Gates-head (Mr. Beckett).

Is it not the fact that there is only one real known remedy? [HON. MEMBERS: "Socialism!"]

asked the Prime Minister when it is intended to explain, to this House what steps the Government intend to take to assist declining British industries and to diminish the numbers of the unemployed?

asked the Prime Minister what action the Government proposes to take to reduce unemployment in this country in the manner indicated in the recent Report of the East African Commission?

The policy of the Government will be stated in the Debate on the Motion of Censure on the Paper standing in the name of the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the number of persons who have become ineligible for any further unemployment pay in consequence of their having been convicted of fraud in connection with the unemployment benefit during the years 1921, 1922, 1923 and 1924?

There is no provision in the Unemployment Insurance Acts disqualifying a person for unemployment benefit on the specific ground that he has previously been convicted of fraud in connection therewith. Such a conviction can, therefore, be taken into account only in so far as it may have a bearing on the question whether the conditions expressly laid down by the Acts are fulfilled. I have no figures showing whether any persons convicted of fraud have, in fact, drawn benefit subsequently.

Is it to be understood that, no matter how many times a man is convicted of fraud in obtaining unemployment benefit, nevertheless he can continue after a certain period to draw more? I am asking the hon. Gentleman if that is to be understood to be the law.

No. The hon. and gallant Gentleman is under a misapprehension. The Minister of Labour has to give effect to the statutory requirements set out in the Act. This is one. Whatever the views of the Minister may be one way or another, he cannot take them into consideration.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of miners unem-

asked the Minister of Labour whither he is aware that the Govan Employment Exchange are telling unemployed girls who have no experience of domestic service to go round the residential districts in Dumbreck and Moss Park asking for daily employment, and are refusing benefit to those who refuse; and whether he will inquire into the matter?

I am having inquiry made, and will inform the hon. Member of the result.

Is not this the condition that is being sent round by circular by the Exchanges from the Department of the right hon. Gentleman?

I should not like to accept that without going further into it. I must look at the precise form of it.

Is it not a fact that there are thousands of

ployed in South Wales and other coalfields, respectively, during each month from June, 1924, to June, 1925?

I have been asked to reply, and as the answer necessarily involves a number of figures, I will, with hon. Members' permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

houses where girls could learn to do this work?

I am asking if this instruction has been sent out from the Ministry of Labour.

A very good one too!

Yes, if you were going out with it! Surely the hon. Gentleman ought to know if this instruction has been issued from his own Department as a general order?

The hon. Gentleman has asked me with regard to a specific case. I am inquiring into that case, and I will inform, him as to the result. In regard to the circular in question, I do not carry the full details in my head.

I have asked the hon. Gentleman if this general instruction has been issued from his office. He ought to know that or whether it is merely a local instruction issued by a local manager.

The hon. Member had bettor put that question down to make it clear.

asked the Minister of Health what was the average cost of the houses built under the 1923 Housing Act by means of direct labour; and, if he cannot give these particulars to-day, how soon will he be in a position to do so?

Reliable figures as to the cost of direct labour schemes can only be given when the schemes are completed and the final accounts settled up. When a sufficient number of direct labour schemes have been completed I will see whether it is possible to obtain from local authorities information which will enable such an average cost as the hon. Member desires to be estimated.

How much longer will the House have to wait for this information; and is the right hon. Gentleman not of opinion that a considerable economy might be effected if we knew what these figures were?

Until I have a sufficient number.

asked the Minister of Health how many of the agricultural parishes within the meaning of the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924, have built houses under that Act; how many houses have been built; what are the highest and lowest rents charged for such houses; and how many houses are estimated to be required?

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

Following is the reply.

2,241 houses have been authorised under the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924, to be erected in 355 agricultural parishes in England and Wales. Up to the 1st June contracts had been let or definite arrangements made for the erection of 1,028, and of these 242 had been completed.

Information is not available in a complete form as to rents charged for such houses, but as regards rents charged by certain rural district councils for houses, in agricultural parishes, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which was circulated with the OFFICIAL REPORT on the 11th ultimo, in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Devizes.

No reliable estimate as to the number of houses required in agricultural parishes is available.

asked the Minister of Health how many certificates have been granted under the Rent and Mortgage Restriction Acts of 1920 to 1925 by county council committees to farmers and owners of agricultural cottages for dispossession of tenants; and if he will take steps to ensure that such dispossessed tenants are entitled to have suitable alternative accommodation offered to them before being dispossessed?

I have no particulars as to the number of certificates issued by county agricultural committees under the Acts referred to. The suggestion in the latter part of the question would involve further legislation.

Will the right hon. Gentleman have inquiry made as to how many of these certificates have been issued?

Yes, Sir; I will.

asked the Minister of Health how many deaths were caused in 1924 in England and Wales by bite of an insect.

There were 12 deaths in England and Wales in 1924 which were caused, according to medical certificate or coroner's inquisition, by the bite of an insert.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any research is proceeding as to treatment?

That does not arise out of the question.

asked the Minister of Health what were the prescribed amounts of stone-pounding for casuals detained for an entire day, and what for those detained for one night only, in the orders sanctioning stone pounding, which were issued after the decision in Rex v. Baddeley and before the present Casual Poor (Relief) Order, and, if the amounts varied in different orders, will he state those where the amounts were respectively highest and lowest, giving the names of the unions to which they applied; and whether he will have a copy of the Order circulated to Members of this House?

In the eight instances in which the task was defined by time and not by quantity, men detained one night were required to work for three hours, and men detained two nights, nine hours. In the other instances it is scarcely practicable to identify the highest and lowest amounts of task as there are differences to be considered in the quality of the stone and the size to which it is reduced by pounding. The tasks were authorised by letters of the Local Government Board and not by a formal Order.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that the Report of the Trevethin Committee has been published for over two years and that the Ministry has accepted the Report in principle, with the exception of Clause 14, which has been under their consideration for a prolonged period, a date may be fixed for giving a definite reply to the Ministry of Health's acceptance or rejection of the recommendations contained in Clause 14 of the Trevethin Report?

No, Sir. I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to his question of the 7th May, and to the further answer which I gave on this subject to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the Fareham Division (Major-General Sir J. Davidson) on the 22nd instant.