asked the Minister of Pensions whether, seeing that there is a shortage of water at the Ministry of Pensions Hospital for neurasthenics at Saltash, and that 450 patients and a large staff have not the necessary supplies, he will allow the patients to return home and continue to draw full treatment allowances?

The temporary shortage of water which prevailed for a few days at Saltash Hospital has now disappeared. The supply for the last fortnight has been normal and is adequate for all requirements. I do not anticipate any further difficulty.

Are any steps being taken to see that this does not happen again?

The water supply of Plymouth is not under my direct charge, but we take all precautions and steps we can to see that the patients are not put to inconvenience.

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the number and amount of fines imposed on disabled men for leaving institutions of the Ministry, without permission, to visit their families at Easter and Whitsuntide this year; whether these fines were deducted from allowances payable to wives and children while the allowances to the men were paid in full; and will he state why it was decided to deduct them from such allowances?

The information asked for in the first part of the question is, I fear, not available. The suggestion conveyed in the second part of the question is entirely contrary to the Regulations of the Ministry, which specifically provide that any fine inflicted shall be recoverable out of the allowances due to the man alone, and not out of those payable under the Royal Warrant to his wife and family, and I am not aware of any departure from this rule.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether sickness grants are still being made to the widows and orphans of men killed in the Great War; and what was the amount disbursed in sickness grants in the six months ending 30th June, 1925?

Supplementary grants in cases of prolonged illness are still made by the Special Grants Committee in exceptional circumstances. The expenditure incurred for this purpose for the six months ended 31st May last—the latest date to which the accounts have been made up—was £l,753.

Who decides the circumstances? Is it the doctors or some board?

It is a matter with which the Special Grants Committee themselves deal.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that, in the event of the death of an officer in the Royal Navy, it is the practice of the Admiralty to issue a form to the widow, which she is asked to complete, when any pension for which she is eligible is automatically issued; and whether he will state the reasons which prevent his Ministry from adopting a similar practice in the case of the widows of naval and military pensioners?

The practice of the Admiralty referred to applies to widows of naval officers in the regular Service, who are ordinary entitled to some award of service or other pension. A similar practice would not be appropriate in the case of widows of naval or military pensioners of the great War dying long after the termination of their war service. In such cases the widow is not entitled to pension unless the circumstances of her husband's death make her eligible for it, and the procedure suggested by the hon. Member could only have the effect in many cases of raising false hopes and causing eventual disappointment.

Would not the adoption of this practice be to prevent any serious difficulty that might arise where the widow fails to exercise her rights?

I do not think that the practice would entirely be to the advantage of widows. We do not find any difficulty about the applications coming in. I think the rights are generally recognised.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will consider the advisability of setting up a Select Committee of Members of all political parties in the House of Commons to go into all matters connected with rules, regulations and Orders issued by his Department?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Prime Minister in this House on the 26th March last, of which I am sending him a copy.

Although the right hon. Gentleman can never expect to give entire satisfaction to every applicant, does he not think that a Committee of this description would at least give all applicants some measure of consolation that fair dealing and even justice was being handed out?

That was not the view of either the late Government or the present Government. This matter, as my hon. Friend knows, was fully discussed during the Debate; but I am making inquiries myself.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether it has been decided to close the hospital at Oulton Hall, near Leeds; if so, on what date does he propose to close it and for what reason; is he aware that Oulton Hall is the only neurasthenic hospital in the county of York; that the hall and grounds have been given free to the nation by the owner to be used for this purpose; that there are 120 patients there and a large number of ex-service men who have received considerable benefit from treatment at this establishment; and that there is no other way in which they can be treated so economically; and will tie reconsider his decision so as to allow the good work to proceed uninterruptedly?

In view of the continuous decline in the number of pensioners requiring the kind of treatment provided at Oulton Hall it has been decided, after a careful review of the position throughout the country, to close this hospital (where there are at present 84 patients, only 42 of whom are drawn from the county of York) at or about the end of this month. In arriving at this decision, the points mentioned by the hon. Member have not been overlooked, but I have had to keep in view the general requirements and the necessity for making the most efficient and advantageous use of the facilities for neurological treatment at my disposal, having regard to the reduced number of cases to be dealt with and their distribution over the country as a whole.

Might I ask the right hon. Gentleman where he proposes to send these war pensioners to now? I think he has not answered the question as to how these people can be better or more economically treated than they are treated at Oulton Hall. Is he aware that there is considerable feeling already in the district on the matter?

I am glad to hear the hon. Member's view—with which I entirely concur—that this hospital has been of great advantage to all concerned. My difficulty, however, is that the number of patients has been continuously declining for a number of years, and it is quite impossible to keep all hospitals open when they are not needed.

Will the same facilities as at present be provided at any other place where you may send these patients?

Yes. I understand that the facilities provided will be as good as those originally provided. In regard to the individual distribution of the men, perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a question.

What is going to happen to this hall and grounds, which we understand were given for this purpose?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put a question down?

It is in my question. This hall and grounds have been granted for this particular purpose, and it is very important that we should continue there in view of the large number of people requiring treatment.

The question does not ask about the destination, but it does contain an accidental error, because the Ministry is not the owner of the house and grounds, which have only been granted on a temporary lease.

For this purpose?

For this purpose!

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that at the junction of Albany Road and Camberwell Road, S.E., several serious accidents, one of them of a fatal nature, have recently occurred; that near this spot is a school for blind children who have to board tramcars at this junction; and will he, in view of these circumstances, arrange for the provision of a police point at this spot?

The accident statistics at this spot show that, having regard to the amount of traffic, there is no exceptional element of danger. Arrangements are already in force for a police officer to assist the children entering and leaving the Boyson Road school for the blind. In addition to this, a police constable from a neighbouring fixed point attends at 8.30 a.m. and assists all children who may arrive by tramcar and have to cross the road after alighting. No accident is recorded in which children attending school were concerned.

Would the right hon. Gentleman see whether some facilities could be given to the children leaving school; that a police officer will be there?

I will inquire, but I am assured by the police that every possible assistance that can be is given.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise the difficulty about the blind children getting across the road?

There has never been an accident yet.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now able to give the date when it is proposed to introduce the Factories Bill?

I regret I am still not in a position to fix a date for the introduction of this Bill.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider deferring the introduction of this Bill until he has been able to incorporate in it some provision to enable satisfactory provision to be made in offices?

I am afraid that that is quite another question.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is intended that the Irish prisoners transported from Ireland to Maidstone gaol shall continue to serve their sentences there; and, in view of the fact that some of them are serving life sentences, will he arrange that the relatives of these prisoners shall be granted free passes to visit them at the intervals prescribed for visits to prisoners?

There is no present intention of transferring these prisoners from Maidstone to another prison. As to the second part of the question, there are no means at my disposal for paying the expenses incurred by the relatives of convicts in visiting them.

Is it not usual to allow access to the relatives of prisoners? Could not the right hon. Gentleman arrange for the same facilities to be given here?

They have access already.

What about free passes?

Free passes certainly mean expense. I have no means at my disposal to pay the railway companies for passes.

Is it not a fact that an Irish prisoner serving his sentence in an English gaol is practically derelict—with no friends?

I do not know what the hon. Gentleman means by being left derelict.

I mean this. His relatives cannot afford to travel at their own expense from Ireland, most of them being poor people; therefore, it means that the relatives cannot visit any prisoner here like the relatives of an English prisoner can visit him.

There is one excellent way to get over that difficulty, and that is not to be sent to prison.

A man who makes a statement like that deserves to go to prison himself. I have been.

As one who has been in gaol—[ Interruption. ]—I know what it is to be in gaol. As one who has been in gaol, and arising out of the Minister's answer, I should like to ask the Minister if it is not the case that they are keeping these prisoners here because there is no accommodation for them in Ireland? That being the case, is it not correct and just that the people in Ireland should have facility for visiting their friends who are jailed in this country.

I have no power over any funds at all except in connection with this country, and I am not disposed to ask this Parliament to give me power to pay the expenses of Irishmen who wish to visit their people.

Is not Northern Ireland part and parcel of Great Britain, and apart altogether from the Irish Free State?

Would not the Minister make representations to the Government of Northern Ireland in respect to these men?

No. I really cannot see why in this business we should give special facilities to these people which are not given to other prisoners.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that, as stated in a recent trial, there is nothing to prevent anyone from starting a charity and living on the proceeds; and if he will appoint a committee to inquire as to what steps can be taken to prevent the misuse of the gifts of the charitable and the prejudice resulting to genuine charitable societies?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies which I gave to the hon. Members for Govan (Mr. Maclean) and Blackpool (Sir W. de Free) on the 18th June.

Do I understand that the Committee is appointed?

Oh, yes; a very strong Committee was appointed about a month ago.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction prevailing amongst the dependants of deceased persons under the Workmen's Compensation Acts with the present method of investing their funds in Post Office savings; and will he device some scheme for investing in the trustee stock bearing a higher rate of interest?

I have no information to the effect suggested in the first part of the question, and the hon. Member appears to be under some misconception. The compensation is not required to be invested in the Post Office Savings Bank, but may, at the discretion of the Court, be invested in certain Government stocks, including the 5 per cent. War Loan, or, with the consent of the Treasury, in various other trustee securities. I am informed by the Lord Chancellor's Department, within whose jurisdiction the matter lies, that this discretion is widely exercised by the Courts.

Is there any power whatever to deal with this matter, because recently I have had to complain about an investment going to a fund where the least possible interest is paid instead of the highest?

As I say, it is under the jurisdiction of the Lord Chancellor, not myself. If the hon. Member will give me particulars of any particular case, I will communicate with the Lord Chancellor at once.

asked the Home Secretary what provision, if any, is made in the rules for the payment of expenses and loss of time to a workman attending a medical referee at the request of an employer, and under an order of the registrar of the County Court, under the Workmen's Compensation Acts?

In cases of industrial disease under Section 8 of the Act of 1906, if the employer appeals against the certificate of the certifying surgeon, he is required to give an undertaking to pay any reasonable travelling expenses incurred by the workman in attending for examination by the medical referee. No similar provision has been made for other classes of cases where the workman may be required, at the employer's instance, to attend a referee, but I have under consideration a fresh regulation on the subject.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the great congestion in some of the London streets at certain hours of the day, he will consider the advisability of employing an Army kite balloon, stationed either in one of the parks or other open spaces, so that the Metropolitan Police may study from the air the congestion points and the reason for their existence, with a view to framing regulations for single-direction roads and alternative routes to relieve the pressure in these areas?

The Commissioner already has this suggestion in mind, and will consider adopting the plan when occasion arises.

Could not the Home Secretary consider the advisability of sending officials up in aeroplanes and arranging for them to telephone back where the congestion is?

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisibility of issuing fresh instructions to the police urging them to insist on slow moving traffic keeping to the kerb?

asked the Home Secretary what the figures were of the final vote in favour of the ratification of the Convention for the abolition of night baking at the International Labour Conference; how many of the votes adverse to ratification represented Governments and which Governments; how many represented the employers; and how many the workers?

The figures at the final vote showed 81 in favour of the draft Convention and 26 against. Of the adverse votes, three were given by delegates representing the British and Indian Governments, and the remainder by employers' delegates. There were a considerable number of abstentions.

asked the Home Secretary what the British Government propose to do in regard to the abolition of night baking; and whether they intend to legislate in order to carry into effect the Convention recently ratified by an overwhelming majority at the International Labour Conference at Geneva?

I would refer the hon. Member to statements made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and myself in answers to questions on the 7th and 13th May. In view of the findings of the Royal Commission on Food Prices, and having regard to the fact that none of the amendments which His Majesty's Government considered necessary were adopted by the Conference, the Government will not be able to ratify the draft Convention. No other steps to prohibit night baking are at present in contemplation.

Is it not the case that when amendments were moved on behalf of the Government the spokesman of the Government said that even if they were carried by the Convention the Government would not ratify them?

It is not within my knowledge, and if the right hon. Gentleman states it to be a fact I will have immediate inquiries made.

I saw it in a report.

Are we to understand that although the Convention has been ratified the British Government refuse to put it into operation and continue to allow night baking?

That is exactly what I said.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether European countries which have ratified this Convention have actually put it into operation?

I do not think there are any at present.

Is it not the fact that a previous Committee approved the abolition of night baking? Was not one of his own colleagues a member of that Committee, and did he not sign the Report?

As a member of that Committee, I would like to ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is aware that it was unanimously decided that, with certain limitations, all-night baking should be abolished in this country—long before there was a question of an international agreement? The right hon. Gentleman's colleague on that Committee acted most enthusiastically in favour of the abolition of night baking.

I do not know whether I can debate the whole subject in an answer to a question. The present Government have decided not to ratify the Convention, and I think any further questions should be put in debate.

In view of the overwhelming opinion in favour of abolition, does not the Home Secretary think the action of the British Government is likely to prejudice the whole future of the International Labour Office?

That is a matter for debate.

asked the Home Secretary what general rules govern the attendance of secret police at meetings; on what subjects they are asked to report; and whether they are employed to register in general opinions expressed, or whether their duties are limited to the prevention of crime and of the advocacy of crime?

It is the duty of the police to obtain ail the information they can with regard to the aims and projects of revolutionaries, in order that they may inform His Majesty's Government on the subject and be forearmed against any attempts to put such projects into effect. It is impossible to state categorically the means by which this duty can best be discharged, and. even if it were possible, it would not be in the public interest to do so.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say clearly whether the purpose of these secret police visits is to register opinions or to prevent the advocacy of violence? That is the question on the Paper.

The object of police attendance at any particular meeting is to inform me of what takes place at that particular meeting; and if there are revolutionary sentiments or revolutionary projects discussed at that meeting, it would then be my duty to see that they are not carried into effect.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say if police duties also include attendance at dinner parties where revolutionary talk may be going on, and if that is extended to the private dining rooms of the House of Commons, where I hold dinners with my revolutionary friends on occasions?

I think the hon. Member may be satisfied that he is quite safe as long as he dines and expresses his revolutionary sentiments in this building.

Can the Home Secretary state at what stage he decides to send detectives? Does he send them, for instance, to Conservative gatherings, or to the Fascisti, to find out if they express revolutionary sentiments, or are they sent merely to gatherings of labour people because they happen to be opponents of his?

The hon. Member is quite mistaken. In the first place, I do not send anybody.

On whose instructions do they go?

They go under the instructions of the head of the police, who is responsible for the preservations of order in this country, under myself, I admit. I have general control, but I do not send in specific cases, and it is his duty to exercise his discretion and not to waste police force time in sending the police where they are not likely to hear any revolutionary opinions.

rose —

This matter can be raised on the Home Office Estimates.

asked the Home Secretary whether, on 3rd October, 1924, he received 32 petitions signed by over 1,100 registered electors, and accompanied by a. certified copy of the Ordnance Survey map, as required by him, asking for an additional order to be made on the local authority, the county council of Berkshire, to provide additional polling districts and polling places in the Abingdon Division of the said county; and what steps have been taken since to consider and act upon the said petitions?

These petitions were received in the Home Office last October and, in accordance with the usual practice, were referred to the county council for their observations. These observations have not yet been received: as the hon. Member is aware, a new council was elected last March, and I am pressing the council to let me have their observations at an early date.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will make it obligatory for local education authorities, when reconstructing or building schools, to provide suitable places where children who live too far away to go home for their mid-day meal can eat their dinners, and also facilities for heating the food the children bring?

The Board have brought the question of the mid-day meal to the notice of local authorities in a recent circular, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Board has taken any steps to enforce the provision of medical inspection for the detection and correction of visual defects in these schools under the 14 local education authorities which the chief medical officer of health, in his Report of 1923, states make no such provision?

I am glad to say that of the 14 local authorities in question, six have, since the Report was issued, provided for visual treatment, and seven others have submitted proposals for such provision. In the remaining case I am advised that any treatment which may be required can be obtained without special provision being made by the authority.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, as a result of the circular issued by him last year, any schemes have been submitted for his approval making provision for the education of abnormal children?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by me on the 25th June last to the hon. Member for North Tottenham (Mr. Robert Morrison), a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many local education authorities have already accepted the new Burnham award on salary scales; whether any, and, if so, what, authorities have definitely refused to accept it; and how many have as yet made no decision?

Some authorities have not yet had time to arrive at a formal decision on the matter, but the information in my possession suggests that the award is meeting with very general acceptance on the part of authorities, and I know of no case where it has been decided to reject it.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of industrial students of technical institutions in Great Britain, for the years 1922, 1923, and 1924, respectively, who also take some university training; and what steps he is taking to ensure greater co-operation of aim and policy between technical institutions and universities?

As the reply to this question is very long, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The reply is as follows:

There are numerous ways in which a technical college student may be con- nected with a university. The University of London recognises teachers in non-university institutions in London and the neighbourhood, including certain polytechnics and similar institutions. In the result of these arrangements the university may admit to its degree examinations as internal students of the university those matriculated students who are taught by recognised teachers in technical colleges. Apart from these arrangements it is open to any technical college to prepare students for the external examinations of the University of London, and in a, number of technical schools and colleges individual students obtain university degrees in this manner. Of the technical college students who obtain internal or external degrees of the University of London, the majority are full-time students without industrial experience, but part-time students engaged in industry are occasionally successful.

Some scholarships are provided by local education authorities in the Lancashire area to enable young men who are engaged in the textile industry to attend the Manchester Municipal College for part-time or full-time study. The full-time students at this college study for the degree or diploma of the University of Manchester.

The Board's Royal Scholarships which are occasionally obtained, particularly in engineering, by students who have attended technical colleges are tenable at the Imperial College of Science and Technology, which is a university institution. Sir Joseph Whitworth's Scholarships, which may be held for university study, are open only to candidates with industrial experience.

The University of Leeds has arrangements for giving credit to study in certain technical colleges before entry to the university, and I understand that some extension of these arrangements is in prospect. Apart from these definite arrangements under which technical college students may obtain university degrees as students in university institutions or otherwise, a few industrial students proceed to university institutions after attending technical colleges.

The number of technical college students who took a university examination other than Matriculation, in the years ended 31st July, 1922, 1923 and 1924, was 330, 271 and 328, respectively. The number of these students who had obtained industrial experience could not be stated without further inquiry. As regards students who obtained Royal Scholarships and Whitworth Scholarships, I am sending my hon. Friend copies of the regulations and syllabuses of the examinations, and of the published lists of awards. He will perceive that the relations of technical colleges to universities are by no means simple or uniform, and only a somewhat elaborate statement, based upon a special and detailed inquiry, addressed to both university institutions and technical colleges, would answer my hon. Friend's question in the very general and vague form in which it is put. I am doubtful whether the importance of the matter would justify such an inquiry.

With reference to the second part of the question, I have no doubt that universities and technical colleges in industrial areas are aware of the advantages of co-operation, and I think it may be left to them to settle their relations to their mutual advantage without my intervention. As regards Scotland, I must refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend the Secretary for Scotland.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in the case of an employer who employs children up to 16 years of age, and then dispenses with their services, seeing that such children are not insurable under either health or unemployment insurance, any provision is in contemplation whereby such employer may contribute to the funds, or whether it is intended that he shall avoid all responsibility?

I understand that the matter referred to in the question has been brought to the notice of the Royal Commission on National Health Insurance, and until the Report of the Commission is issued, I am not prepared to contemplate legislation in the sense suggested by the hon. Member. As regards unemployment insurance, I suggest that he should address a question to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour.

asked the Minister of Health the total amount of Poor Law relief paid on account of unemployment or under-employment during the years 1921, 1922, 1923 and 1924, respectively?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a previous similar question put by the hon. Member for Attercliffe, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the Government has decided to continue the winter land drainage schemes for the alleviation of unemployment which have been in existence for the last two years; and, if not, whether he can suggest any alternative scheme for the benefit of those for whom land drainage would have provided work?

The question referred to by the hon. Member is still under consideration. I hope to be able to make an anouncement at a very early date.

Are the local authorities sending in schemes as much as in the last two years, or is there any lack of schemes?

I cannot answer that without notice.

Can my right hon. Friend see his way to get the Department to pay more than 75 per cent. of the total charge, which falls heavily on individual farmers in some parts of the country?

I cannot give my Noble Friend an undertaking of that kind.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in future, he will circulate to Members of the House any draft orders relating to the tasks of the casual poor and receive their suggestions?

I am afraid I could not undertake to adopt this suggestion.

asked the Minister of Health why he retained the oakum task for women when he had already received requests from the National Association of Masters and Matrons, the Union and Rural District Clerks' Association, and other associations to abolish it, and none in favour of retaining it, especially considering that these two associations were composed of a large number of persons immediately engaged in the work of the Poor Law; and why he increased the task for the one-night visitors?

As I explained to the hon. Member in reply to a previous question, the other associations to whom the draft order was submitted did not suggest the abolition of oakum picking for women casuals. Nothing in the order required a board of guardians who disapprove the task to apply it. I therefore saw no ground for altering the existing regulations on the point. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a previous similar question put by the hon. Member for Houghton-le-Spring, of which I am sending her a copy.

May I ask why, when the right hon. Gentleman receives an overwhelming, in fact a unanimous body of opinion from experts on this matter, he does not consider it necessary to carry out their recommendations?

I do not think the hon. Lady understood the answer which I gave.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received a single representation in favour of this practice?

As that matter was not mentioned, I took it that they did not hold any very strong opinion on that subject.

Has not the Minister of Health been a little casuistical in this matter in stating that it was unanimous, whereas now he states that no strong opinion has been expressed against it?

asked the Minister of Health whether he has any Reports on the conditions under which dried fruits and currants are handled at Smyrna; whether any of such fruits have arrived in this country in an unsatisfactory condition; and, if so, whether he will consider prohibiting their importation into this country?

Yes, Sir. I have received reports as to the conditions under which dried fruit is packed at Smyrna. Samples of the fruit have been, taken from time to time and examined in this country, but no positive evidence of contamination has been found. I am keeping the matter under observation but as at present advised, I do not think that there is sufficient reason for prohibiting the importation of the fruit into this country.

If any of this fruit is proved to be bad or unhealthy, may I assume that it will be confiscated and destroyed?

Might I ask whether some investigation of a very direct character should not be made into the conditions under which these fruits are got and packed?

We have had investigations made, but I do not think we can have any more direct investigations than a careful examination of the food itself.

As there seems to be a great interest taken in this particular question, will the right hon. Gentleman inform the people of this country that they can get all their fruit of this description from Australia?

asked the Minister of Health whether he will advise the Government to pay to Mr. William Smart Harnett an adequate sum in compensation for his wrongful detention in various mental hospitals, having regard to the fact that Mr. Harnett has been found by a jury to have been sane when detained by Dr. Bond and for the rest of his detention, that this opinion has not been upset by either the Court of Appeal or the House of Lords, by which tribunals Mr. Harnett's case has been heard, and having regard to the fact that, although having thus been found to be sane, Mr. Harriett is to-day practically a ruined man on account of the legal expenses of the three actions in which he was concerned and the heavy expenses of his confinement, in all a sum of over £25,000?

I do not think that any claim for compensation out of public funds can be substantiated in this case. In any event, no servant of the Crown was involved other than Dr. Bond, and, as my Noble Friend is no doubt aware, a new trial has been ordered against Dr. Bond and the matter is therefore still sub judice. I must not, however, be taken as admitting that the questions accurately states the facts, for I observe that the Lord Chancellor in his judgment dismissing Mr. Harnett's appeal expressly pointed out that it was not in fact proved at the trial, nor found by the jury, that the appellant was of sound mind between the date of his alleged detention by Dr. Bond and his subsequent escape from custody.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, as a result of the new model scheme for the provision of ophthalmic benefit by approved societies, which stipulates that an applicant for the benefit must, at a cost of Is., have obtained and furnished his society with a written recommendation from a panel doctor, the charge for the necessary ophthalmic examination of the applicant has increased from 5s., which was the fee paid to qualified opticians, to £l Is., which is the fee charged by ophthalmic surgeons; and whether, in view of the satisfactory nature of the service heretofore rendered by qualified opticians, he will suspend the order until the Royal Commission on the disposal of the surplus funds of the various approved societies can investigate and report on the matter?

I am aware that the cost of ophthalmic benefit under the new scheme may, in certain cases, show an increase as stated by the hon. Member over the cost of optical benefit under the existing schemes, but there will be no charge for the insurance doctor's recommendation, and the new arrangements have been generally accepted by approved societies. It is impracticable to adopt the suggestion in the latter part of the question, inasmuch as the new schemes for societies and branches valued as at the 31st December, 1922, are due to commence on Monday next.

asked the Minister of Health what inquiries, if any, were made as to the starvation cases of tramps and homeless men in Berkshire, when it appeared that they were about five times as many in proportion to population as those in the rest of the provinces; and what inquiries were made by his officers as to the death of Richard Gillam, from inanition and exposure, near Holmbury last May, and as to William Johnson near Romford last April?

If the hon. Member will refer to one of the old returns he will see the nature of the inquiries made for the purposes of those returns. Inquiries are made in any cases in which there is any suggestion that a defect in the Poor Law administration may have contributed to a death of this kind. I have not had time to obtain from my inspector a report on the two cases which are mentioned in the question, but I am inquiring and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the housing conditions existing in Earl Shilton, in Leicestershire; whether he is aware that many of the cottages are in imminent danger of falling down, that others, the upper rooms of which are open to the weather, are inhabited, and that in consequence of the shortage of houses many couples, who were recently married, have no hope of getting houses; that consumption is rife in the township; whether any efforts are being made to deal with the situation; what is the attitude of his Department towards the matter; and whether he will take action to secure some improvement of the conditions prevailing?

My attention has been drawn to this matter, and I am in communication with the local authority for the district, who have submitted proposals for the erection of houses in this and other parishes.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has given further consideration to the state of the British cinema film-producing industry, as brought to his attention recently by an appeal to him from a number of prominent persons asking for a committee of inquiry; and whether he can now see his way to set up such a committee of inquiry?

asked the Prime Minister if he will reconsider the suggestion to appoint a committee to inquire into the state of the British film industry?

I have been asked to reply to these questions. For the reasons given in my answer of the 24th June, I do not think that the appointment by the Government of a special Committee would be of real value at the present time. The Government will keep themselves informed as to the progress of the discussions now taking place. In this way the Government will be best able to judge whether and at what stage the appointment of a Government Committee would serve a useful purpose.

As the hon. Gentleman has answered this question, may I ask him if it is the Board of Trade that is particularly identified with this question?

As I have already said, no particular Department of the Government has identified itself with this subject, and we do not think any useful purpose would be served by instituting another inquiry.

Is the Board of Trade watching this matter, and do they propose to take any steps to do anything at all?

The Board of Trade is undoubtedly watching the matter and keeping itself informed of the discussions which are taking place between all the interests concerned.

Has not the Prime Minister stated that the restoration of the film industry is one of the principal ways of restoring employment in this country?

I wish to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Board of Trade Vote on Monday.

asked the Prime Minister what steps the Government are taking to deal with the position in the mining industry, in view of the fact that the coalowners have given notice to terminate the agreement between themselves and the Miners' Federation of Great Britain at the end of July?

For the reason given in reply to a question by the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition—

Speak up; we cannot hear you.

That is because other people are talking at the same time. For the reason given in reply to a question by the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition on the 23rd June, Government intervention would, in the opinion of my right hon. Friend, be premature at this moment. Notice to terminate the present agreement will naturally be followed by negotiations between the two sides to see if a new agreement cannot be made, and these negotiations, I understand, are now being entered upon.

During this week we had a speech from the Prime Minister in which he said that the Cabinet were considering the question of subsidising certain industries, and I would like to know whether the Cabinet has set up a Committee to consider the subsidising of the coal industry which is in such an awful state to-day?

No, Sir.

Have the Cabinet done anything to meet this problem, or are they waiting until a crisis occurs?

The right hon. Gentleman has already answered that point.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the attitude taken up by the Government of to-day is identical with that taken up in 1921, when the crash came?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the great national importance of agriculture and fisheries, he will consider taking steps to end the present combined Ministerial control of these industries by setting up separate Departments for agriculture and fisheries, each with a Minister responsible to this House?

I am afraid that the Prime Minister cannot see any good reason to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion.

If the Prime Minister does not see his way to accept this suggestion, will he consider the alternative one of having one Minister with two Under-Secretaries, one attached specially for agriculture and the other for fisheries?

I will have my right hon. Friend's attention directed to the alternative suggestion.

Are the Government paying attention to the facts that are being developed by their own lecturers, as to the great waste of fish, especially plaice, under the system of trawling, where small fish are killed by the thousand in order to get a few big ones?

That question should be addressed to the Minister. of Agriculture and Fisheries.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government contemplate coming to some arrangement, if possible, with the Allies and other Governments which are affected by revolutionary Communist propaganda, with the object of adopting concerted measures to put a stop to seditious activities?

No, Sir. The circumstances of different countries vary so much that it must be left to each country to take the measures appropriate to the defence of society in its own sphere.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that these intrigues are eating into the vitals of industry at the present time?[ Interruption. ]

asked the Prime Minister whether the statements made by the Secretary of State for India and the Attorney-General on the 27th June as to the intention of the Government to take action to put a stop to the Bolshevist intrigues against this country and against British interests in China and elsewhere were made with the authority of the Government; and if he will state what practical steps will be taken to give effect to these intentions?

The speeches of my two colleagues were, of course, made with a full sense of the obligations of Cabinet responsibility, though they are, perhaps, rather inadequately summarised within the limits imposed by Parliamentary practice on the question of my hon. and gallant Friend. The Government are watching the situation, and will take from time to time whatever measures are required to protect British interests.

Does that mean that the Secretary of State accepts the statement that Bolshevist intrigues—presumably meaning Russian intrigues—are responsible for the present disorders in China?

I think I have already answered a question on that subject in this House, and I refer the hon. and gallant Gentleman to the answer which I gave.

On a point of Order. The right hon. Gentleman mentioned a certain nation, but gave no nearer indication than that. I would like to ask him if he accepts the statement that it is presumably Russian action?

I deliberately refrained from mentioning any particular nation, but said that foreign influence was being used to foment trouble. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman persists, I will say that I meant Soviet influence.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to appoint a Select Committee of this House to inquire into the development of scarlet fever amongst his supporters?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of his suggestion that he would welcome any proposals to assist industry and relieve unemployment, he will be prepared to appoint a Committee1 of the House to originate, examine, investigate, and submit for his consideration any schemes that might contribute to the solution of this serious problem?

My right hon. Friend doubts whether a Select Committee would be the most effective machinery for dealing with this matter. There is a Committee of the Cabinet which keeps it continuously under consideration in all its aspects, and the Government are always prepared to examine any scheme or suggestion that may be put forward.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that a scheme prepared after careful consideration by, say, a Select Committee of Members of this House, would be much better than the casual observations which are the best the Cabinet can do, with the amount of work they have?

I do not accept the hon. Gentleman's description of the normal character of Cabinet discussions or decisions, whether in the case of this Cabinet or any other, but, with the highest respect for this House, I assure hon. Members that a Select Committee is not the best body for this purpose.

On a point of explanation. I wish to say that I did not mean any disrespect when I made that remark.

Might I draw the right hon. Gentleman's attention to the fact that the Prime Minister asked for suggestions during the Debate, but that Members on this side had practically no opportunity, as practically the whole of the time was occupied by right hon. Gentlemen and others on the Front Bench?

I think my hon. and gallant Friend will agree that the answer I have given to him indicates that we shall welcome any suggestions from him or from any other hon. Members; but we do not think that a Select Committee is the best method.

May I ask to whom these suggestions should be submitted? This vague kind of way is no good for getting sound organisation.

I would suggest that the suggestions be made to the Prime Minister himself.

I take it that the last thing the right hon. Gentleman wants to stimulate is a stampede amongst the sheep?

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the River Lee, which passes through thickly populated London districts, is at present badly polluted with crude sewage; that the pollution is now worse than it has ever been; that the state of the river is not only offensive to the many rowing clubs which use it, but is detrimental to the health of the dense riparian population; that the powers under the Rivers Pollution Prevention Acts are, as respects this river, divided between the Middlesex County Council and the Lee Conservancy Board; and that most of the pollution originates from tributaries within the control of the Middlesex County Council; and whether he will consider the desirability of promoting a short Bill to make the Lee Conservancy Board the rivers pollution prevention authority for the whole length of the river and its tributaries, and immediately urging the urban districts in Middlesex and the Middlesex County Council, in the interests of public health, to cease discharging sewage into the River Lee and its tributaries?

I am aware of the unsatisfactory conditions of this river. I am not satisfied that it would be desirable to promote a Bill, as suggested. The right remedy is to obtain proper treatment and disposal of the sewage, and my efforts have been directed to that end. Two of the large local authorities are now spending large sums in improving their disposal works, and a Bill is now before Parliament for taking the sewage1 of two others into the London main drainage system. When these improvements have been effected, conditions should be very much better.

Could the right hon. Gentleman tell me how long he expects it will be before this nuisance is abated?

If the hon. and gallant Member will put down a question, I will try to obtain that information.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the proposal to take the Leyton sewage into the London system is at a much lower spot altogether than where this terrible pollution is taking place, and will he cast about for some other means of dealing with it?

If my right hon. Friend will read my answer, he will see that that is not the only method by which I hope pollution may be dealt with.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the accumulated arrears of rates for the city of Sheffield now amount to £536,298; that during the year ending 31st March, 1925, 47,180 summonses were issued for non-payment of rates; that the guardians' debt now amounts, for unemployment alone, to £698,000; and that the additional burden imposed upon the city by the Regulations of the Minister of Labour amount to £600 per week; and whether the Government propose to grant substantial subsidies to this black spot?

I can add nothing to the reply given to a similar question put by the hon. Member on the 26th March last.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the subdivision of gross and actual income brought under review under Schedule D of the Income Tax Act for the years 1922–23 and 1924–25, under the various headings recognised by the Commissioners of Inland Revenue?

I would refer the hon. Member, as regards the year 1922–23, to the details contained in Table 66 of the 67th Report of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue (Command Paper 2227), and the paragraph which precedes it. I regret that corresponding information in respect of the year 1924–25 is not yet available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is going to appoint an advisory committee representing the London textile trade to advise him on the administration of the Silk Duties, and particularly the drawbacks for the port of London; and whether a testing office is to be opened for the London area?

I am informed that various trade committees are already in existence for the purpose of considering various aspects of the Silk Duties, and the Customs are in closest touch with them. This arrangement is working satisfactorily and, as at present advised, I see no reason for any more formal machinery. As regards the last part of the question, any analysis of silk goods that may be necessary for official purposes will be carried out at the Government laboratory, and no new testing office will be opened.