asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that certain tube works in Wednesbury have closed for stocktaking purposes and that the employés are being refused unemployment benefit by the Wednesbury Employment Exchange; and, if so, will he make inquiry with a view to some adjustment being made?

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

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Germol Disinfectant Company recently secured employés through the Wednesbury Employment Exchange, and that the company dismissed such employés and failed to pay them the rates agreed upon by the Exchange and the company; and will he instruct the Employment Exchange not to provide labour for companies which fail in this way to carry out agreements as to wages?

I am having inquiries made as to the facts of the case mentioned, and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there are areas in this country where more labour could be employed if housing accommodation could be obtained; and whether he is taking any, and what, steps, in co-operation with the Ministry of Health, to ensure that house-building is especially accelerated in such areas?

I am aware of instances where the transfer of labour has been restricted by the housing shortage, but in all the cases which have come to my notice a housing programme is being carried out.

asked the Minister of Labour the latest available figures showing the actual numbers and the percentage of unemployed in France, Germany and Italy at the present time?

A summary of the latest available particulars concerning unemployment in France, Germany and Italy is given each month in the "Ministry of Labour Gazette." The July issue will appear next week and I have given instructions for a copy to be forwarded to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour what provision, if any, is being made for established men of His Majesty's Dockyards to recover the contributions paid by them under the National Unemployment Insurance Act, seeing that these men have contributed towards unemployment benefit for many years prior to their becoming established, and on establishment they cease to subscribe and on discharge are ineligible for the unemployment benefit; and, seeing that most of these men are under the age of 50 years and cannot now claim the refund, will he provide some means whereby these men will be able to recover some of the contributions paid by them before establishment?

There is no provision under the Unemployment Insurance Acts (for the refund of contributions properly paid merely on the ground that the contributor subsequently ceases to be insurable. The contributions cover the risk of unemployment during the time for which the contributor is insurable and for a certain period thereafter, and it would not be consistent with the principles of an insurance scheme to refund them on the ground that the risk has not materialised in the particular case.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the salaries paid in 1924 to the assistant overseers and collectors for the collection of £88,585 of rates in the area covered by local authorities of Stamford Union and Borough, Oakham Union and Urban District, and Uppingham Union amounted to £1,673 only, or less than two per cent. of the amount collected; and what estimate he makes for the cost of collection under the Rating and Valuation Bill?

My right hon. Friend accepts the statement as to salaries made by my hon. Friend, though he cannot agree with the suggestion that the economies which will be effected by the Bill will be confined to savings on such salaries. In the areas mentioned by my hon. Friend the number of rating authorities would be reduced by the Bating and Valuation Bill from 104 to 12. The number of rates to be made would also be reduced, and there will certainly be economies in account keeping and otherwise; but it is impracticable at this stage to make the estimate asked for.

asked the Minister of Health whether it will be compulsory for contributions paid by insured persons after 4th January, 1926, for the sole purpose of qualifying for health insurance benefits to be paid at the combined health and pensions rates; and, if so, what benefits will accrue to the contributor in respect of the pensions contribution so paid?

All contributions paid for qualifying purposes after 4th January, 1936, must be at the combined health and pensions rates and will go towards satisfying the qualifying conditions both for health insurance and for pensions, the qualifying number of contributions for pensions purposes being the same as for disablement benefit under the National Health Insurance Acts.

asked the Minister of Health what proof a person who ceased to be insured before 4th January, 1926, and desires to become a voluntary contributor under the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Pensions Contributory Bill, will require to produce, having regard to the fact that many such persons are unaware of the societies to which they belonged, and will be unable to produce evidence that they have paid 104 contributions; and whether, in view of the fact that approved societies have been authorised to destroy their earlier period contribution registers, other evidence will be accepted?

It is not anticipated that persona who wish to exercise the option of becoming voluntary contributors will be unable to supply the necessary particulars, especially in view of the Amendment, which I propose to move on Clause 43 of the Bill, with reference to war service being counted as insurable employment.

asked the Minister of Health what evidence will be required to satisfy Clause 18 (e) of the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Pensions Contributory Bill that an insured man who died before 4th January, 1926, leaving a widow, was an insured man at the date of his death?

If insurance particulars of the deceased husband are available, these will ordinarily be sufficient to decide whether his normal occupation was insurable employment for the purposes of Clause 18 (e). If, however, the widow is unable to supply the insurance particulars, alternative evidence must be obtained. This will involve particulars of the nature of the husband's employment for a sufficient period before his death. The Department will verify these particulars, usually by reference to the employers concerned, and on the evidence so obtained will determine in each case whether the requirements of paragraph (e) are satisfied.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the statement of the President of the National Analysts Association that, on specific analysis, custard and egg powders are mainly made of dyed starch, and that in one case it was proved that only six eggs were introduced into a ton of other ingredients, mainly starch, he will take immediate action to prevent such articles being sold to the public?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which is being given to-day to a similar question put by the hon. Member for Bristol, East Division (Mr. W. Baker).

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that after orders have been made by him confirming schemes for the demolition of houses in alleged unhealthy areas in London, district surveyors and borough councils have insisted on the rebuilding of walls, new drains, and other expensive works, without any regard to such orders, thus causing heavy compulsory expenditure by the owners for which no allowance is made in the compensation paid for the premises; and whether he will intervene if any such requirements are brought to his notice in the case of areas dealt with under future orders?

If my hon. Friend will give me particulars of the actual cases which he has in mind I shall be glad to make inquiries.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, what was the cost per house of the three types of houses built by the Ministry of Munitions in 1918-19 on the Abbotsmead estate, Barrow-in-Furness: what was the price obtained per house of the three types of houses when they were recently sold to a private person or company; what was the price per house of each type at which the Department were selling these houses: and why the Department disposed of these houses?

The information required in the first part of the question is being prepared, and I will furnish the hon. Member with it shortly. As regards the second part, the estate was sold with five other estates situate in different parts of the country for a lump sum of £300,000, and no separate apportionment of the price per house for the various estates was necessary. The average prices received for individual houses sold prior to the sale of the estate were:

asked the Postmaster-General what are the units of work figures which warrant an office being upgraded to Class I A status?

There is no definite unit standard to determine the sub-division of Class I offices into Section I A and I B. Class I A at present comprises the five largest provincial offices.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the cook who is employed at the Royal Naval Hospital, Portland, works dockyard hours and that, as a result, there is nobody available in the hospital to cook for the staff or patients after four o'clock each day and on dockyard holidays; and whether, in view of the discomfort caused to the sick-berth staff, who number 19, including five chief and petty officers, and the patients, he will authorise the employment in this hospital of a duly qualified naval cook rating to replace the civilian?

:I am having inquiries made and will let my hon. Friend know the result as soon as possible.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that vacancies exist for lieutenant under the four per cent. basis allocated to commissioned gunners for long and zealous service, owing to the number of lieutenants authorised in paragraph 1 of Appendix X, Part XIA, King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions, Volume II., not being borne; whether Admiralty instructions have been issued to withhold the promotion of commissioned gunners of long and zealous service to four per cent. of the total number of commissioned gunners and gunners actually borne; and, if not, whether he will take steps to ensure that the commissioned gunners who have not been promoted to lieutenant shall now be promoted without the loss of seniority?

No vacancies at present exist for lieutenants promoted from commissioned gunner for long and zealous service. The regulations provide that normally 4 per cent. of the total number of officers in the branch shall be lieutenants promoted for long and zealous service, but it has been the practice, so long as sufficient qualified officers to fill the other vacancies are not forthcoming or are likely to be forthcoming in the near future, to make further promotions of officers for long and zealous service, leaving only such vacancies for officers promoted after examination as are likely to he required for officers qualified or about to qualify. At present, four such vacancies are being retained. The present number of lieutenants promoted for long and zealous service now borne is appreciably in excess of the 4 per cent. normally allowed, and the last part of the question does not therefore arise.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty is he is aware that His Majesty's Ship "Effingham" was designed for service in the North Sea, and that the ship is unsuited for service in the tropics, being a very hot ship and inadequately ventilated; that the ship's galley was so ill ventilated that it had to be rebuilt; and if he will call for a report before this ship is sent to the East India Station?

The vessels of "Effingham" class were designed for general service and not primarily for the North Sea. When it was decided to send "Effingham" to the East Indies Station, particular attention was given to the requirements for a ship serving in such a specially hot climate, and having regard to the latest experience with cruisers in the tropics and experience gained as a result of the world cruise. Amongst other items, it was considered desirable to alter the position of the galley and to add to the general ventilation. The ship is considered suitable for the East Indies Station, and no further report is considered to be necessary.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any officers from warrant are now available for promotion to the rank of commander under the provisions of paragraphs 3, 6 and 7 of Part XIA of Appendix X, King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions, Volume II; and, if so, when the first promotions to the rank of commander may be expected?

The answer is in the negative. In order to become eligible by selection for promotion to the rank of commander, lieutenants promoted to that rank after examination must have reached the rank of lieutenant commander. The earliest date at which any of these officers can reach the rank of lieutenant-commander before retirement is 1929, and no selection can in any case be made before then.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what are the instructions given to British naval officers on the China station in regard to the landing of armed bluejackets or marines on Chinese soil?

British naval officers have general instructions that interposition by the landing of an armed force is only to be had recourse to when the lives or property of British subjects are actually in danger from violence which cannot otherwise be controlled. On the China station these instructions are supplemented by a local instruction that the landing should only take place at the request of the Consular officer at the port.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the provisions of paragraph 3 of Article 852, King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions, Volume II, are applicable to chief and petty officers of the sick-berth branch stationed at Portland naval hospital?

Article 852 of the king's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions is intended primarily for ships, but seamen would naturally be detailed as cooks of these messes if available.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will inform officers in charge of ships and establishments that the railway concession warrant granted to the wives of naval ratings is intended to be interpreted as one in each calendar year and not after the expiration of 12 months since the previous warrant was granted?

Orders will be issued to make it clear that a calendar year is intended.

Asked the Secretary of State for Air if he will state the sum that has been spent on the acquisition of new air stations and building thereon under the Royal Air Force expansion schemes of 1922 and 1923, and the estimated further payments that will be required for land and buildings, respectively, for that purpose under the existing scheme?

If my hon. and gallant Friend means to include under new stations war aerodromes which have been re-occupied under the expansion scheme, the sums spent to 1st April, 1926, are as follow:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the increase immediately after the passing of the McKenna Duties in the importation of foreign-made motors, pianos, clocks, and watches, and the consequent loss of employment and of revenue to this country, he can see his way to make those duties retrospective?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given to-day by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Stroud (Sir F. Nelson).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the reasons for the large increase in the amounts shown under the head of salaries as between the. Civil Service and Revenue Departments Appropriation Accounts for 1913-14, and the Estimates for the current year, for the following Votes: Class II, Vote 3, Treasury, from £92,345 to £320,206; Class II, Vote 5, Foreign Office, from £61,177 to £260,628; Class II, Vote 11, Ministry of Agriculture, from £125,839 to £493,481; Class V, Vote 1, Diplomatic Service, from £455,121 to £1,009,265; Customs and Excise, Head Office, from £128,150 to £369,000; Collections, from .£1,704,930 to £3,575,000; Inland Revenue, from £747,999 to £4,377,157; Post Office, General, from £14,785,434 to £30,676,065: Engineering Establishment, from £1,583,083 to £4,044,000; and if he will state the number of the staffs employed in the Departments mentioned for the years given?

Apart from the general effect on expenditure of the grant of a, cost-of-living bonus following on the depreciation in the purchasing value of money and of the corresponding steps taken in the Diplomatic and Consular Services abroad, the answer is as follows:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the cost of the receipt stamps affixed to receipt stamps affixed to receipts given for payment of rates, cost, in the case of one large authority, the equivalent of one-eighth of a penny rate; and whether he will provide for the exemption, which is granted in the case of Poor Law authorities, being extended to receipts for poor rates raised by general local authorities?

The Stamp Duty exemptions given by the Poor Law Acts do not extend to receipts for rates collected by Poor Law authorities, and the Government cannot see its way to introduce the relief which the hon. Member seeks.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he can give the amount of British Government securities held by the several Government Departments and other public offices on 31st March, 1925?

The total amount of British Government securities of all classes held by British Government Departments and public offices on 31st March, 1925, is estimated at a little below £1,000,000,000. This figure does not include holdings of members of the public on the Post Office Register of Government Stocks and in the old Savings Bank Investment Account, about £211 millions; nor securities held by the Public Trustee, about £55 millions; nor British Government securities held by the India Office and the Crown Agents for the Colonies, which are understood to be about £90 millions.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is a, ware that the provision prohibiting the carrying or distribution of pictures, prints, placards, or notices for the purpose of advertisement in the City of London, and special limits contained in the new Draft Regulations issued by his Department, will if enforced have the effect of throwing a considerable number of men out of work and aggravate the unemployment problem; whether he will state the reasons for making the provision in question; and whether he will consider the desirability of withdrawing it?

I am unable to agree that the proposed Regulations in respect of advertising in streets will have as serious an effect upon employment as the hon. Member appears to think. So far as the City of London is concerned, o no question of throwing men out of employment can arise as I am advised that pictures, prints, placards, etc., for the purposes of advertisement are not carried or distributed, and have not been for several years in that area. With regard to the Metropolitan Police District, the prohibition will only apply to 148 of the more important and congested streets in Central London, where, I am advised by the London Traffic Advisory Committee., such forma of advertisement causes obstruction to traffic. In order that persons likely to be affected may be afforded ample time in which to alter their arrangements, it is proposed that the Regulations should not come into force until at least three months from the date upon which notice of my intention to make the Regulations was given.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when it is contemplated that the occupation of Dusseldorf, Ruhrort, and Duisburg by Allied forces will come to an end?

Dusseldorf, Ruhrort and Duisburg are at present in the occupation of French and Belgian troops. I have no information as to when it is proposed that the evacuation of these towns shall take place.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, what accommodation, if any, has been secured for the staff of His Majesty's inspector of taxes at present housed in 10, Clarence Square, Brighton, and regarding which there are complaints?

No accommodation has yet been secured, but premises which appear to be suitable are under immediate consideration.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that divers Metropolitan borough councils have made representations suggesting that the sanitary officers should be empowered to inspect offices where wage-earners are employed in the same way as factories and workshops; and will he consider introducing legislation with a view to the protection which is afforded workers in factories and workshops being extended to office workers?

No such representations have been made to the Home Office, but I understand that representations to this effect have been received by the Ministry of Health from two of the Metropolitan borough councils. My right hon. Friend is afraid he cannot promise any legislation in the direction suggested.

asked the Home Secretary if he is prepared to make increased provision for the employment of certificated elementary teachers for young persons serving sentences in His Majesty's prisons; and whether he is aware that there are only 26 such officers of the Prison Service engaged part time; and that at three of the local prisons no provision whatever is made for elementary teaching?

The information available on the subject of elementary teaching in prisons (which is distinct from the adult education scheme) appears on page 17 of the Commissioners' Annual Report for 1923–24. If: has not, so far, been found possible to provide the necessary funds to increase the numbers of paid elementary teachers in the prisons.

asked the Home Secretary if ho can give any figures showing, approximately, the number of horses employed upon the streets of London 20 years ago, 10 years ago, and to-day?

I regret that no figures are available.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the importance of accurate data accessible to the public in easily comprehensible form, he will issue a statement showing the miners' wages according to districts in 1913, in June last, under the agreement just terminated, and according to the new proposals put forward by the employers?

It is not possible to state what wages would be under the proposals put forward by the Mining Association, as certain factors were left to be determined by negotiation in the various districts. In any case, now that a Court of Inquiry has been set up, I think that it is better to leave the Court to elicit the facts and figures and present them to the public.

asked the Minister of Pensions in how many cases of final awards the case has been re-opened on the ground that the final award should never have been made: and for how long such a claim is open to an ex-service man after his payments under the final award have ceased.

I find that in about 800 cases further grants have been made under special sanction on the ground that, following medical treatment and observation, it was found that serious and permanent error had occurred in the assessment of the case for final award owing to faulty diagnosis or prognosis of the case. With regard to the last part of the question, it is not material to the decision that payments under the final award may have ceased to be made.