asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give an approximate estimate of the relative value of the home, Imperial and foreign markets in the trade of the country?

As I pointed out on Monday week, questions such as that raised by my hon. and gallant Friend cannot be answered with any certainty until the results of the Census of Production, now proceeding, are available. In 1907, when the first Census was taken, the values of the goods produced in this country (from native or imported material) which were disposed of in the home market, in foreign markets and in the markets of the British Empire were, approximately, in the proportions of 100, 31 and 15. In the year 1924, the proportions of the foreign markets to those of the British Empire were approximately as 31 to 19, exports to the Irish Free State being omitted from the latter figure in order to render it comparable with that given for 1907. The corresponding figure for the home markets cannot be given, as pointed out previously.

Do these statistics include anything for services, or do they relate solely to goods?

This question relates entirely to goods, and the answer relates solely to goods.

asked the President of the Board 01 Trade what was the increase or decrease in the total imports of iron and steel manufactures, including machinery, from the western European States of Germany, Belgium, Holland, and France in the last available six months as compared with the first six months of 1922: and what was the increase or decrease in the same category of our exports to those States?

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has further considered the position of the British cinematograph film producing industry; whether he has now received any suggestion from the industry for help or assistance from the Government; and, if so, what form does the suggestion or suggestions take?

Various tentative suggestions, of the kind which have appeared in the public Press, have been made to the Board of Trade by various sections of the film industry, and by individuals; but no proposals have yet been made by the industry collectively or as commanding general support.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered calling a conference of those interested in the industry, or taking other steps to see what can be done?

I have been in close touch with them for some months now, and I am receiving a deputation from the industry next week.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, having regard to the necessity for encouraging the sale of British-made goods in this country, he will consider the desirability of introducing legislation requiring that all advertisements of goods manufactured or produced outside the Empire shall expressly and conspicuously state that such goods are foreign made, and that no such goods shall be exposed or exhibited for sale without being prominently labelled foreign made?

The question of the compulsory indication of the country of origin of imported goods has been under the consideration of the various trade interests concerned, who have, however, up to the present been unable to agree as to the policy to be pursued. While it would be impossible to pass legislation this Session, I agree with my hon. Friend that the question deserves, and it is receiving, careful consideration.

Would it not be preferable to arrange a scheme for the identification of Empire produce?

That matter is already engaging the attention of the Imperial Economic Committee.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what action is being taken about insurance against bad debts in export trade; whether he proposes to appoint a Committee to examine the question; and, if so, can he state the names of the Members of the Committee?

The Department of Overseas Trade has for some time past been studying the question of insurance against bad debts in export trade. The time has now arrived when an expert Committee should be constituted to examine the question in close detail. I am glad to announce that I have formed a Committee, of the following gentlemen, under the chairmanship of Colonel the Hon. Sidney Peel:

Colonel the Hon. Sidney Peel, D.S.O. (Chairman), Chairman of the National Discount Company, Limited, Chairman of the London Committee of the National Bank of Egypt.

J. Caulcutt, Esquire, General Manager of Barclays Bank.

Sir William H. Clark, K.C.S.I., C.M.G., Comptroller-General of the Department of Overseas Trade.

A. C. Gladstone, Esquire, Director of the Bank of England, etc., etc.

The Hon. Sir William Goschen, K.B.E., of Messrs Goschens & Cunlifie, Chairman of the Sun Insurance Office.

Joseph Powell, Esquire, General Manager of the Commercial Union Assurance Company.

Eustace R. Pulbrook, Esquire, Deputy-Chairman of Lloyd's.

Gilbert C. Vyle, Esquire, Deputy-President of the Association of British Chambers of Commerce.

Colonel the Hon. F. V. Willey, C.M.G., C.B.E., M.V.O., President of the Federation of British Industries.

I would like to ask if the hon. Gentleman would consider giving a rather wider range of names than those he has mentioned, and possibly finding some gentleman who is not agreed about the scheme which he has been propounding?

I do not think for a moment that those gentlemen are agreed.

This is a serious matter, and I think the hon. Gentleman ought to consider extending his Committee in the way I have suggested.

This is a matter of great importance, and I should be glad if the hon. Gentleman will give me the name of any gentleman whom he thinks is capable of dealing with this highly technical matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the weight and value of both single and doubled cotton yarn imported into this country during the year 1924 and during the six months ending 30th June, 1925, giving the country of origin and, if possible, saying what branch of trade in this country uses this imported yarn?

As the answer involves a number of figures, perhaps the hon. Member will allow me to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if any committees are sitting at the Board of Trade at the present time inquiring into industries which have applied to be safeguarded?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what inquiries are now proceeding under the terms of the White Paper (Safeguarding of Industries); and whether he anticipates receiving any of the Reports before the Recess?

The Re-ports of the Committees on Gloves and Superphosphates have now been received, and that of the Committee on Gas Mantles is expected shortly. No other Committees are sitting.

Are the Reports made by the Committees considered confidential to the Government and is publication withheld until after the Government have come to a decision as to whether an application will be granted or otherwise?

That matter is now receiving attention.

May we know if the Report of the Civil Research Committee on the iron and steel trade is likely to be available soon?

That question does not arise.

asked the Prime Minister whether under the terms of the White Paper (Safeguarding of Industries) applicants are entitled to the grant of an inquiry, provided that the conditions set out in the said Paper are fulfilled: and whether the Board of Trade may grant or refuse an inquiry at its discretion?

; I have been asked to reply. As the hon. Member is aware, the White Paper is not a Statute, and there is, therefore, no question of any legal rights there under. The White Paper, however, lays down the general lines on which the Government deal with applications.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) the date of the application by the fabric glove industry for inclusion under the Safeguarding of Industries Act which was repealed last year, and the date when the second Committee, appointed to consider the question, reported;

(2) the date when the Committee appointed to inquire into the question of the inclusion of the glove industry under the present safeguarding proposals of the Government was appointed; and whether he can give any indication as to the date when they may be expected to report?

It is often difficult to give the precise date of an application, since there is often a good deal of correspondence between applicants and the Board of Trade before the complete application is formally made, but the application by the fabric glove industry under Part II of the Safeguarding of Industries Act, 1921, was referred to a Committee on the 23rd November, 1921; the second Report of the Committee on that application was made on the 25th July, 1922. The application under the present procedure was referred to a Committee on the 25th April, 1926, and the Committee to which it was referred reported on the 6th July.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that English colour-bearing regiments have the privilege of carrying as their second or battalion colour their national flag of St. George, whereas Scottish regiments are precluded from carrying their national banner of St. Andrew, will he be prepared to advise the revival of the privilege in favour of Scottish regiments?

I am advised that this suggestion, which has been many times considered, involves the whole principle on which the regimental colours of the Army have been modelled since the Act of Union. I am therefore not in favour of any change. I may add that the Cross of St. George is the regimental colour only of regiments with scarlet or white facings, and not of all English colour-bearing regiments.

Is not the flag of Scotland, in fact, the Royal Standard of Scotland?

I am not going to venture into this matter further than to answer the specific question put to me. I see the subject is full of snags.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can make any statement as to the recent Bolshevist propaganda at Aldershot, and whether any traces of it have been observed at other military centres?

Investigations are being made into the origin of the Bolshevist propaganda at Aldershot, and at one other military centre where a similar case has occurred. I would prefer not to make any statement on the subject at the present time.

asked he Secretary of State for War at what date Lulworth Cove is to be evacuated by the tank gunnery school in pursuance of the legal decision of 1924?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on the 15th June to the hon. and gallant Member for Everton (Colonel Woodcock). The military authorities are now in occupation of the land by arrangement with the owners, pending the provision of alternative accommodation.

asked the Secretary of State for War the total expenditure upon Army accountancy for the years 1922, 1923 and 1924, including Royal Army Pay Corps, Corps of Military Accountants, civilian employers and all overhead charges; and what percentage these sums represent of the total expenditure of his Department?

The amount included in Estimates for the Corps in question, including civilian employés and overhead charges (other than pensions) has been

	£
1922–23	963,546
1923–24	780,748
1924–25	699,957

being respectively 1·54, 1·50 and 1·56 per cent, of the total estimated expenditure of the War Department.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is yet able to report agreement on the proposed footpath through the grounds of Broughty Ferry Castle, according to plan submitted by the city engineer?

The answer is in the negative. The War Office is awaiting a report from the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Scottish Command, by whom the proposal must be examined in the first instance.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman assure the Corporation of Dundee that this was a very slight affair and would be easily carried through; and may we not therefore expect more rapid progress in the arrangements for a settlement?

I have no objection to the hon. Member expecting. I will try to make the progress as rapid as I can.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether serving sailors, soldiers, or airmen take part in the Royal Tournament: whether the Royal Tournament has any other official sanction; whether any balance-sheet is issued to persons other than members of the Committee; whether any serving officers serve on the Committee: and whether he can see his way to decline official connection with the Royal Tournament until a properly audited balance-sheet is published?

The answers to the first. second and fourth parts of the question are in the affirmative, and to the third and last parts in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that special campaign pensioners, owing to the fact that they are excluded from the benefits of the Pensions (Increase) Acts, are in a worse position than pre-War pensioners, who get the benefit of the Acts; and whether, in these circumstances, he can recommend the Government to consider amending the pre-War Pensions Act, so as to allow the small pensions in question to be augmented, or take other steps to improve the position of these special campaign pensionrs?

Pre-War special campaign pensioners are entitled to the benefits of the Pensions (Increase) Warrants in common with other pre-War pensioners. The bulk of the special campaign pensions now in payment, however, are not pre-War pensions, but are on an increased post-War scale, and are, therefore, outside the scope of the Increase Warrants.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his Department has received during the past six months any application for the supply of arms to the Shanghai volunteer force; and, if so, whether the application was complied with?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has received reports from commercial houses of standing in China to the effect that their mails have been tampered with in passing through Soviet Russia; and whether he is satisfied that the public are safe in using this means of communication?

On a point of Order, Sir. Before this question is answered, may I ask for your ruling as to whether it is in order, in view of the fact that it contains an innuendo against a friendly Power?

I do not think it does, necessarily. I have heard of mails being tampered with in many countries in the world.

I have not received any reports which would indicate that the mails for China sent by the Siberian route are being tampered with in transit; and I have no grounds for advising that this route should not be used.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what are the latest figures available showing the comparative costs of building houses of 853 feet square in brick, Weir type and Atholl type, respectively?

I regret that I am not at present in a position to give the information desired. The numbers of houses actually erected of the Weir type or Atholl type are not so far sufficient to give an average cost on a comparable basis to that of brick construction.

Has the right hon. Gentleman had his attention drawn to the detailed analysis of these costs appearing in the "Architects' Journal" and the "Building and Monumental Trade Workers' Journal"?

Ho, Sir; but I will inform myself.

asked the Secretary for Scotland how many houses are being built under State-aided schemes in Scotland; and how many of these houses are steel houses of the Weir type?

The latest date for which figures in regard to building progress in Scotland are available is 31st May, 1925. At that date 11,186 houses were in coures of construction under the various State-assisted schemes. Of these 11,186 houses, 7 were steel houses of the Weir type. A further number of steel houses have been completed, and others are on order.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the fact that he has gently had an interview at his request with representatives of the housing committees of the leading municipal authorities in Scotland, during which he sought to exercise pressure upon them against their desires and judgment to erect Weir steel houses in their areas, he can give an assurance that he will not refuse to authorise housing schemes which do not contain a percentage of steel houses?

On a point of Order. Is it in order for an hon. Member of this House to bring a charge against, or impute any improper action to another hon. Member at Question time, as is done in this particular question, in lines 3 and 4?

The hon. and gallant Member's point escapes me. I cannot see anything improper in the question.

The hon. and gallant Member has very long vision. That is why he can see what is not there.

I have been, and still am, disquieted by the very slow progress of actual building in the State-assisted housing schemes in Scotland, and the constant tendency towards higher costs. The interview referred to was held with the object of investigating the reasons for this slow progress, and also any difficulties which were standing in the way of allowing a larger number of men to find employment in meeting the urgent demand for houses. The situation will be further reviewed in a conference with all the larger local authorities, which I am holding on Monday next (20th instant), but I must decline to pledge myself in advance to refrain from considering any possible steps towards the acceleration of the building programme concerning which I receive such constant representations from the people of Scotland.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that, before he imposes any policy, such as is suggested in this question, of compelling local authorities in Scotland to put 20 per cent. of Weir steel houses into the housing schemes, he will give the House an opportunity of discussing that policy?

Is it not the case that in Scotland housing has to a certain extent been retarded by the fact that under existing legislation members of county councils are prohibited from taking advantage of the subsidy when they desire to build houses on their own estates or otherwise?

Is it not the case that the Department is holding up some of the schemes put forward by the Dundee Corporation on the score of economy?

In reference to the last question, I am not aware of that being the fact, and I do not think it is the case. With regard to what my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Dumfries (Brigadier-General Charteris) says, that is a matter that I am afraid is not relevant to this question. With regard to the question of the hon. Member for Dundee (Mr. Johnston), I am entering into a conference with all the larger local authorities, and I cannot at this period say that my hands will be tied in any respect whatever with regard to the erection of Weir houses.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think he has any authority at all from this House to compel local authorities to erect steel houses?

That may be a matter of opinion, but I am sure I have power if I think it is going to produce a greater acceleration of building in Scotland.

Arising out of the original answer, in view of the fact that these particular houses cost more, that the wages paid are less, and that it will inevitably lead, as he knows, to a building trade strike and, consequently, to a stoppage of housing altogether, and considering the great importance of the question, will he not give this House an opportunity of discussing an important departure in policy of this kind?

There is no doubt that every opportunity of criticising my action will be taken on the Vote for the Scottish Office. I am entering into a conference with the larger local authorities, and I am only anxious to carry them with the Government in any steps that they may think desirable.

I beg to give notice that, on the Motion for the Adjournment to-night, I will call attention to this matter.

rose

Notice has been given that the matter will be raised on the Motion for the Adjournment.

On a point of Order. May I not say, in regard to the last question—

What is the point of Order?

My point of Order is this—and it is your ruling that I want— that every night the Government have suspended the Eleven o'Clock Rule, and, therefore, deprived private Members of the opportunity of raising a question on the Adjournment. I want to put this point to you, seeing that the Government have departed from a point of principle, and that we cannot raise the question of the Government's action for some time to come, whether you cannot, as exercising your right as the Speaker of this House, refuse permission to the Government to suspend the Eleven o'clock Rule, or give us an opportunity of moving the Adjournment of the House at a quarter-past eight?

The Motion suspending the Eleven o'Clock Rule is the action of the House, not the action of the Chair.

On that point—

The hon. Member cannot take up Question Time in this way.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that the unsatisfactory progress made with house building in Scotland is due to exclusive preference for Weir houses shown by the Government, and that, on account of dissatisfaction with the wages paid by Messrs. J. and G. Weir, progress in the erection of a number of houses has been stopped; and whether he will intimate the withdrawal of the call made by the Board of Health upon the principal municipal authorities of Scotland to unite in the erection of Weir houses only, seeing that this course involves increased cost with less efficiency while at the same time acting adversely to the interests of the workmen?

The Government has not shown any exclusive preference for Weir houses. In fact, in allocating the Demonstration Grant recently sanctioned by the Treasury, the type of new construction was left entirely to the local authorities themselves, subject to the type having been approved by the More Committee. I am aware that the erection of a number of brick houses in the Middle Ward of Lanarkshire has been stopped owing to claims by the building trade that the work involved: in the construction of the Weir type of house is building trade work. No such call as is referred to in the latter part of the question has been made by the Scottish Board of Health, and I am not to be held as agreeing with the views expressed therein.

Is it not the case that there are 1,035 houses held up, directly and indirectly, through this situation, and that the representation being made by the right hon. Gentleman. and urged at the same time, as I know, by the Minister of Health, is that there should be concentration upon steel houses, and that there is a particular desire to fasten upon Weir houses, even to the exclusion of other steel houses?

Will the right hon. Gentleman say who is holding up these houses?

I would like to ask the Secretary for Scotland if there is any truth in the rumour that is going round among certain quarters that he himself told certain local authorities that unless there was a certain percentage of Weir steel houses the grant would be withheld?

No, Sir, I did not give those terms. What I have said, and what I repeat, is that we must investigate all these problems, and I am meeting the local authorities on Monday next to discuss the matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my points?

Order!

I put certain specific points, and I am asking the Minister to answer. My specific points are down here in a given question, and I want them answered.

To the best of my ability, I have answered the questions the hon. Member put down.

What about the actual number of houses held up?

As far as I am aware something like 350 houses are at present being held up by the building trade.

I want to know—

Order!

That proves the case.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he proposes to set up a Committee for the purpose of inquiring into the education of unemployed juveniles; if so, when the Committee will be set up; and what will be the terms of reference or scope of the inquiry?

I propose, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour, to appoint a Committee for Scotland with the same terms of reference as assigned to the Committee for England and Wales, namely:

"to inquire into and advise upon the public system of education in Scotland in relation to the requirements of trade and industry, with particular reference to the adequacy of the arrangements for enabling young persons to enter into and retain suitable employment."

I am not yet in a, position to announce the names of the members of the Committee.

May I ask when the Committee is to be set up?

I hope to do it shortly.

asked the Secretary for Scotland how many first and second preference ox-service men there are in Scotland who have applied for small holdings but whose applications have not yet been granted; what precautions are taken to ensure that holdings are not given to men who subsequently sub-let them or portions of them; and what steps are taken to stop this practice?

Excluding applications which have been withdrawn, the Board of Agriculture have received up to the end of last month applications for new holdings and enlargements from 2,256 first preference and 1,419 second preference ex-service men which have not yet been granted. The sub-letting or subdivision of a new small holding without the written consent of the landlord is prohibited by statutory provisions. I am informed that few cases of sub-letting other than seasonal lets of grass parks have come to the notice of the Board. If such a case occurs on any of the Board's properties steps are taken to secure the observance of the statutory provisions.

Seeing that there are 3,500 ex-service men who have not received holdings seven years after the War, will not the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that a determined effort will be made to clear off these arrears?

Every effort has been and will be made to deal with applications for small holdings, but I would remind the hon. Member that, if the figures I have given are as stated, many of those men will probably not take up the holdings.

I would like to ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is not aware that there axe tens of thousands of acres of land lying idle in Scotland that could be utilised in this fashion, and is he not also aware that the only thing that has increased, according to the last census, in the Highlands of Scotland are game-keepers?

Can the right hon. Gentleman do anything to alter the machinery whereby an allotment of land might be made to these men? In the last seven years over 3,000 men have been waiting, and does he not think something might be done to alter the machinery whereby a superior allotment of land might be made?

That cannot be argued now. This question, I think, refers to sub-letting.

But it is a serious question.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the fact that the lime kilns at Loch Eribol situated on the property of the Board of Agriculture were the principal source of lime for the counties of Orkney, Caithness, and Sunderland, as well as for parts of Ross-shire, and in view of the recommendation of the Scottish conference on agricultural policy that financial assistance should be given by the State for the re-opening of lime kilns, he now proposes to re-open the Loch Eribol lime kilns?

The Board of Agriculture are at present considering the best means of making a general survey of the supplies of lime and of existing and disused lime kilns in the country as recommended by the Agricultural Conference, and pending such survey it is proposed to defer consideration of the question of reopening the Loch Eribol lime kilns.

asked the Lord Advocate if his attention has been drawn to the jury's finding in connection with the bursting of a hillside reservoir at Skelmorlie, Ayrshire, on 18tth April, in which they returned a unanimous verdict that the five victims were drowned by water which escaped from the lower reservoir at Upper Skelmorlie and that the accident was materially contributed to by the absence of any regular skilled supervisor and inspector of the reservoir; and whether he intends to initiate a prosecution against the person or persons responsible?

The matter referred to by the hon. Member is at present under consideration. I shall communicate with him when a decision is reached.

Is it the case that the proprietor of this reservoir is Lord Eglington, and will there not be a prosecution in this matter?

In the investigation in which reference is made, is there not a report in existence, and can we know who was the engineer, and what were the recommendations he made?

That question had better be put down.

In similar circumstances, arising out of the failure of the hon. and learned Gentleman to answer this question, if a railway engine-driver had been responsible would not a prosecution have been instituted? What is the law?

May I ask the hon. and learned Gentleman if he 16 aware that in connection with this matter an inquiry was held? This inquiry, we know, reported its finding some time ago. What action, if any, has been taken upon the findings; and, if not, why not?

The matter is at present under consideration. A decision will, it is hoped, be reached shortly, and will be communicated to my hon. Friend.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the Report of the Scottish Agricultural Conference; whether the decisions of the Government upon their recommendations will be announced: before the House rises for the Summer Recess; and whether time will be given for their discussion?

I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I do not anticipate that it will be possible to announce the decisions of the Government upon the recommendations of the Conference before the House rises for the Summer Itecess. It is not practicable at present to say what necessity or opportunity may arise for giving time for discussion.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in recent years we have had Reports from several Commissions on conditions in Scotland, on which successive Governments have failed to announce any policy, and which are now lying in pigeon-holes in the Departments; and cannot we receive some assurance that we shall within a reasonable time have the decisions of the Government on this important Conference and obtain an opportunity for discussion of them?

I am certain the right hon. Gentleman may rest satisfied that decisions will be reached and announced as soon as possible.

Shall we have an opportunity for discussion?

asked the Secretary for Mines the quantities of coal, coke and briquettes, including and excluding foreign bunkers, shipped from Amsterdam and Rotterdam, respectively, during 1924; and whether he will give any information which may be available as regards transit coal?

I will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of coal-miners registered as unemployed at the end of June, 1924, October, 1924, and June, 1925; and also the number of all other persons registered as unemployed on the same dates?

The numbers of unemployed coalminers whose books were lodged at Employment Exchanges in Great Britain were 59,728 at the end of June, 1924; 129,994 at end of October, 1924, and 314,639 at end of June, 1925. The number of books lodged in respect of workpeople in other insured trades at the same dates were 982,091, 1,102,561 and 1,024,081 respectively.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is willing to receive a deputation from the representatives of local authorities where unemployment is most severe in order to discuss with them the effect of subsidising rates as a means of relieving depressed industries?

I am fully aware of the situation in the areas which the hon. Member has in mind, and I do not consider that any good purpose would be served by my receiving such a deputation.

In view of the seriousness of the position, could not the right hon. Gentleman see those authorities on the general question, if he cannot see them on the particular question named in the question?

The Prime Minister has to deny himself many of the simple pleasures of life. This is one which I think might be enjoyed to greater advantage by one of his colleagues.

asked the Minister of Labour what British industries are to-day employing more people than in 1914?

I regret that no statistics are available from which the numbers of workpeople employed in different industries in 1914 can be compared with those so employed at the present time.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of employed persons in this country who are not insured against unemployment?

Statistics are not available showing the number of employed persons who are not insured against unemployment; but, according to the population Census of 1921, the total number of employed persons aged 12 years and upwards in Great Britain was approximately 17,403,000, of whom it is estimated that less than a million are under the age of 16, and the estimated number of persons aged 16 years and upwards in Great Britain who were insured under the Unemployment Insurance Acts at July, 1921, was 11,429,000.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that dissatisfaction is being expressed at the slow progress being made in regard to the construction of the arterial road from Kingston Vale to Esher; will he state the reasons for the delay and what steps are being taken by the Ministry to expedite the work; whether he considers the road will be completed in the time and at the cost specified in the original contract; and, if not, what additional time and expenditure is likely to be involved before the work is completed?

The progress of the Kingston by-pass scheme, which is being carried out by the Surrey County Council, was hindered by adverse weather conditions last winter, and since then differences which have arisen between the County Council and the contractors have further delayed the work. Until these matters in difference have been determined, I regret that I am not in a position to give further particulars.

Is the delay in any way due to the fact that they have to employ outside labour on these schemes?

There are two reasons. The first is the weather, and the second is that there is a certain difference between the county council and the contracting firm.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the dispute between the county council and the firm in question is causing a good deal of hardship to the men because the work is not proceeding, and will he take steps to deal with the matter?

The hon. Member must not assume that Government Departments never consider these questions. I have been dealing with this matter for the last six weeks. It is a very difficult question indeed.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that on race days at Alexandra Park trains from King's Cross to Enfield and Gordon Hill are taken off in order to provide extra trains for the race traffic; and if he will take immediate steps to ensure that the transport facilities for business men and other residents in this district are not curtailed in this way in the future?

The railway company inform me that it is not correct that suburban trains are cancelled specially on account of the race meetings at Alexandra Park, but that owing to the exigencies of station working at King's Cross, due to the duplication of up and down expresses and the running of long-distance excursions, it has been found necessary to cancel the running of four suburban trains between King's Cross and Finsbury Park on Saturdays from the 4th July to the 26th September, inclusive.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider asking the company to grant greater facilities for train services, in view of the tremendous pressure on the public who cannot get home?

I certainly will approach them again, but they inform me that they are working at full pressure.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the great inconvenience caused to business people and also to vehicular traffic using Wellington Street, the Strand, Blackfriars Bridge, and the Embankment at Norfolk and Arundel Streets by the roadmaking and repairs to roads now operating at these congested points; will he on future occasions issue an Order, as provided under the Traffic Act, so as to provide for adequate notice of such road stoppages being given, in order that public inconvenience will be minimised; and will he consider whether where important arterial ways have to undergo repairs portions of this work could be done at night by the employment of extra shifts of men?

I am aware of the inconvenience caused to the travelling public during the execution of street works in the more important thoroughfares, but I would remind the hon. and gallant Member that these works are necessary if the streets are to be maintained in a condition fit to carry the traffic. I have no powers which would enable me to compel road authorities to carry out their works at night, but with their willing co-operation arrangements have been made that works on the more important thoroughfares should be completed will all possible speed, not only by working where practical continuously day and night, but by the adoption of other methods, such as the use of quick-setting cement. The Act does not require me to give public notice of such works, but I have arranged for the issue of weekly statements to the Press showing the more important road works to be continued or commenced in central London during the ensuing fortnight.

Will the Minister say why it is necessary to have these repairs done on all these different arterial ways in the same district at the same time?

I do not think that is the case. We try as hard as possible to co-ordinate these works so that parallel roads shall not be up at the same time.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say if he finds any difficulty in the lack of powers to have this day and night work carried on? Cannot he come to this House for powers?

It is a question of costs. Obviously, if you are going to compel local authorities to work day and night, you have got to find the money to meet the cost of that work. That is the difficulty at the present time.

Do not these delays in the traffic mean hundreds of thousands of pounds loss?

asked the Minister of Transport whether a public inquiry is to be held as to the advisability of constructing a tube railway in South-east London; if so, when such inquiry is likely to take place and by whom the inquiry will be held; and whether the local authorities of the South London boroughs will be permitted to give evidence?

The answer to the first part of the question is, so far as I am aware, in the negative. I may, however, explain that I have referred to the London Traffic Advisory Committee, for their advice and report, questions relating to the alleged inadequacy of passenger-travelling facilities in certain districts of London, including the South-eastern district. The Committee inform me that they propose to hold public inquiries in connection with these questions, and that they will afford every opportunity to the local authorities concerned to present their views on the questions involved.

I take it that this inquiry will not be under the auspices of the Ministry of Transport?

It will be the London Traffic Advisory Committee, and they will report to me.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is considering a scheme for underground railways designed exclusively for goods traffic in London; and, if so, whether financial aid from the Government is contemplated?

The answer to the first part of this question is in the negative, and the point raised in the second part does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the statement made by Sir Henry Maybury that the whole balance and revenue of the Road Fund up till 1931, amounting to £120,000,000, has already been allocated, was made with the authority of the Minister; if so, how much of this amount is earmarked for new construction and how much for unclassified rural roads; and whether the scheme will be placed before Parliament for sanction?

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend refers to the evidence given by Sir Henry Maybury before the Royal Commission on Local Government. The statement then made that as far as could be foreseen, the existing commitments would absorb the whole of the present balance and the revenues of the Road Fund up to the year 1930–31 was made with my authority. The general position as regards commitments is explained in the Road Fund Report for 1923–24, and fuller details will appear in the Annual Report for the year 1924–26 which will be presented to Parliament shortly. The allocations are made year by year with Treasury approval. As regards the provision to be made for unclassified rural roads during 1925–26, I am afraid I am not yet in a position to add anything to the answer which I gave to my hon. and gallant friend on the 16th June.

Is the Ministry allowed to sanction a programme of spending money without the sanction of Parliament?

I have charge of the Road Fund. I have to get the sanction of the Treasury before I incur any expenditure.

asked the Minister of Transport what restrictions are placed upon the delivery of coal in the main London thoroughfares during the busy hours of the day; whether such regulations have given satisfaction to the authorities; and whether he is prepared to recommend an extension of the regulations to cover other industries involving heavy and bulky goods?

The answer is a long one, and I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Do the same or similar restrictions which apply to coal apply also to the delivery of beer or other alcoholic liquors?

Yes, Sir, to a certain extent.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is now in a position to report on the progress of the preliminary soundings requisite for consideration of the proposed road bridge over the Tay?

I am glad to say that complete sets of soundings are now available, and I hope that borings will be commenced very shortly.

asked the Minister of Transport the percentage of private motor ears insured against third party risks; and how this compares with the experience of other countries?

I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member in reply to his question on the same subject.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction that exists with the methods adopted by Income Tax officials dealing with claims for the repayment of Income Tax deducted at source from dividends, etc.; and whether he will take steps to abolish the system introduced last year which is unnecessary to secure the desired object, and creates difficulties and delay?

If, as I assume to be the ease, the question relates to the procedure adopted for verifying the identity of persons to whom repayment is made, I would invite the attention of the hon. and gallant Member to the statement I made on the subject in the course of the Debate on the Finance Bill in Committee and to the reply which I gave on the 19th June to the hon. Member for Guildford (Sir H. Buckingham). I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a copy of the statement and of the reply.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps the Government propose to take to distribute the balance of £450,000 still in hand, out of the £5,300,000 voted by Parliament for compensation for damage done by enemy action?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the question by the hon. Member for the Edge Hill Division (Mr. Hayes) on 9th July.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that reply did not refer to balances which had not been expended, and can he say whether the balances will be distributed amongst claimants?

The right hon. Gentleman stated on that occasion, I think, that it was not yet possible to see what free balance would be left, and that the time to decide the allocation of that balance would be when it was struck.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the intentions expressed in many cases to raise considerably the prices of goods made of silk and artificial silk as a result of the Finance Act; whether he will publish a White Paper, giving figures as to the effects of the duty on costs, in order to establish the limits of the zones of normal profits and illegitimate profiteering; whether such profiteering exists; whether he intends to take any action; and, if so, by what means?

It is probably the case that some traders have attempted to stimulate sales of silk goods by advising their customers to buy at duty-free prices, and foreshadowing excessively increased prices in future, but I have no information that excessive prices are, in fact, at present being demanded. It is not practicable to issue a White Paper giving the effect of the Silk Duties upon the costs of production of the innumerable articles affected by them nor, as the Noble Lord is aware, have the Government power to control prices. But if he will let me have the details of any case in which, in his view, there is evidence that excessive prices are being charged, I shall be glad to have inquiry made.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in the computation of the amount of salary to be paid to Income Tax collectors, regard is paid to the amount of tax collected by them during previous years?

No, sir.

asked the Postmaster-General whether any advance has been made in the proposals for the establishment of the cash-on-delivery system, particularly in regard to a system limited to agricultural produce?