asked the Minister of Pensions whether there has recently been any change in the conditions governing the granting of constant attendance allowances?

No, Sir.

Are these allowances granted for any specific time?

If a man's condition changes materially he may be given more.

Am I to understand that these allowances may be granted one week and taken away the next, or are they granted for a definite and specified time.

I cannot say that in every single case there would be a definite time. Obviously, if a man gets much worse he may get more.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware of the resolution discussed at a recent meeting of the West Metropolitan Advisory Council regarding the existing practice of anonymous letters containing charges of misconduct against widows in receipt of war pensions being considered by the local war pensions committees; and will he make an order that such charges shall not be considered unless placed in writing, together with the name and address of the informant, in order that these women may have the protection of the law of libel?

I am aware that a resolution regarding the practice referred to was discussed, but I understand that it was rejected by the Advisory Council. The procedure adopted by the Special Grants Committee is such as, in their long experience of the matter, is best adapted to secure justice in the (handling of their very difficult class of case. It has been carefully considered from time to time by myself, and was fully reviewed last year by my predecessor the right hon. Member for West Bromwich. In these circumstances I am not disposed to suggest that the present procedure should be changed.

Is the right hon. Gentle-may aware that it is against all the principles of English justice for a person to be accused anonymously, and then have to prove their innocence. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are many injustices perpetrated in this way, where people send anonymous letters which are never proved?

An anonymous letter can in no circumstances be regarded as evidence against a widow, but it may legitimately be ground for inquiry. We had, for instance, a statement made in one letter that certain children for whom we were responsible were being ill-treated. We were clearly entitled to inquire into that case.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there was a recent case in Southwark where a war widow had her pension taken away, because it was alleged in an anonymous letter that she was living in adultery?

No such action would be taken merely on an anonymous letter. Such action would only be taken on evidence.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire into the case if I send him particulars?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in certain cases where an allowance has been withdrawn, both the widow and the children are suffering terrible hardship? If I bring to his notice a case where a woman and four children have been turned out of her house because she could not pay her rent, will he be good enough to look into it?

I should be glad to look into any such case; but I would point out that the allowances for the children are not withdrawn in these cases. The point is that, as the pension is withdrawn from the woman in case of remarriage, it is surely wrong that it should be continued where a woman lives with a man without going through the form of marriage.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is convinced that the provision for the treatment of pensioners suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis is adequate; whether there is any district in Britain where pensioners cannot be given sanatorium treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis; and what assistance is being given by the Ministry to the village settlements established for tuberculosis ex-service men?

The provision of treatment, for pensioners as for all other sections of the population suffering from the disease referred to, is by Statute in the hands of local health authorities under the supervision of the Ministry of Health. I have no information that leads me to question the adequacy of that provision nor, so far as I am aware, is there any district in Britain where sanatorium treatment cannot be provided for a pensioner With regard to the last part of the question, I would point out that the question of affording assistance to village settlements as a part of the scheme for the treatment of tuberculosis is a matter, not for my Department, but for the Ministry of Health.

asked the Minister of Pensions the average yearly sum paid to each recipient of a parent's pre-War dependence pension?

The average annual amount of a parent's pre-War dependence pension is about £24 5s.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is now in a position to announce the decision of the Government with regard to any further stabilisation of the rates of war pensions?

The matter is still under consideration and I regret that I am not yet in a position to make an announcement.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether suitable provision is and has been made by the Ministry for the 5,000 ox service men who are housed in institutions for the mentally deranged; whether he has any official reports showing that the sanity of any of these men is being endangered by their confinement under pauper conditions in lunatic asylums; and. if so, what action he proposes to take thereon?

Provision is made in mental hospitals in the various counties and boroughs, by my Department, for rather more than 6,000 ex-service men whose mental condition has been accepted as either due to or aggravated by Great War service. They are classified as "Service patients," which places them on the legal footing of private patients.

My Department is in possession of reports on each Service patient, regularly forwarded by its own inspectors, and I am in a position to state that in no single case is there the smallest reason for suggesting that they are not receiving every appropriate care.

The appeal by the Ex-Service Welfare Society to the charitable public for funds for this object which I understand has been circulated to Members of this House is therefore unjustified, and I regret to hear that it has been expressed (as on former occasions) in such a manner as to cause unnecessary distress and anxiety to the relatives of those whose mental affliction is due to the War.

It is a misstatement that the sanity of any of these unfortunate men is being endangered by confinement under pauper conditions. The conditions of treatment are those laid down by law and not only is the treatment and maintenance defrayed by my Department, but allowances are being paid in respect of each man and his family.

Would it not be possible for, say, half a dozen Members of this House to go down to one or two of these institutions and see for themselves whether the men complain?

I cannot speak for the Control Boards who are responsible, but I should think that such a visit would do nothing but good. I have myself visited such institutions without warning. I have walked straight into the asylums to see how the men are getting on, and have found everything satisfactory.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that any Member of this House would be welcomed by myself as Chairman of the North Riding Mental Hospital, and that I would give every possible facility for investigations, and would show the hon. Member for Bow and Bromley (Mr. Lansbury) the greatest courtesy if he would only come?

I am sure that that is so.

asked the Minister of Pensions when the next meeting of the Central Advisory Committee will be held, and on what matters does he intend seeking their advice; and whether the committee will be free to consider resolutions passed by area war pensions committees and to make recommendations thereon?

Arrangements have been made for a meeting of the Central Advisory Committee on the 28th instant. Discussion will be invited on the subjects indicated in the agenda which has been circulated, and these include matters raised in resolutions from war pensions committees.

asked the Minister of Pensions in what area offices, after amalgamation of two areas, there has been a diminution of work; whether he is aware that there has, on the contrary, been an increase in the duties and responsibilities of the principal area officers; and why these officers have only received an increment of £50 in lieu of the increment of £100 that should be paid in accordance with the scale approved by the Treasury?

In all amalgamations of area staffs, the work in the head office of the combined area is greater than it was in that office when it was a separate unit, though in some instances the increase will probably be temporary only. As I indicated to the hon. Member for Peckham on the 16th instant, there is need for review of the rates of salary paid and the principles on which the salaries of chief area officers have been fixed. This need has been taken into consideration in determining the increase of salary to be given to certain chief area officers recently appointed to take charge of amalgamated areas.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many advisory councils have considered the Ministry's proposal to withhold a part of the allowance payable to motherless children between the ages of 14 and 16; how many councils have approved and how many have disapproved; and what are the names of the councils that approve and those that disapprove?

The proposal referred to has, I understand, been before seven advisory councils. Three of the councils, namely, those for Scotland, North-Eastern, and Irish Free State Divisions, have already intimated their approval. No council has expressed disapproval.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many members of area war pensions committees have resigned since these committees were appointed under the War Pensions Act, 1921; whether the reason for resignation given by any of these ladies and gentlemen was the fact that their representations on behalf of the sufferers as the result of the War are ignored; and whether he is aware that there is acute dissatisfaction because of the failure of the Ministry to grant a full inquiry, as asked for by the majority of the committees and advisory councils?

The number of members of war pensions committees who have resigned for various reasons since their appointment is 1,117. I have not been able to trace any case in which the reason suggested by the hon. Member was given as the cause of resignation. The principal causes of resignation have been the obligations entailed by business or other engagements, ill-health, or removal from the area. I do not know on what information the suggestion made by the hon. Member in the last part of the question is based, but it is far from being confirmed by any evidence that I have been able to obtain. Nor is it the case that the majority of the war pension committees and advisory councils have supported the proposal.

asked the Minister of Pensions, with reference to the conditions of employment at the East Lancashire tuberculosis colony, whether he is aware that, though statements are made that the men receive the trade union rate of wages, the average wage paid is 2d. per hour, and that in certain cases the superintendent utilises National Health Insurance payments and grants from the British Legion to supplement wages as low as 15s. a week; and whether he will have full inquiries made before any more pensioners are sent to this institution?

I have been asked to reply. My information is that a bonus of 2d. per hour is paid to the patients under treatment at this institution who, during their courses of treatment, receive training in various occupations, and that men who, after completion of treatment and training, enter the settlement attached to the institution in order to earn a livelihood are paid wages at trade union rates. I understand that endeavours were made to obtain assistance for one prospective settler only, who was not in receipt of a war pension for tuberculosis and who was only fit for part-time work, from the man's approved society and from the "Roll of Honour" Fund. I see no necessity, therefore, for any special inquiries.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has received any complaints about the quantity and quality of the food supplied to pensioners suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis who are patients in the Barrow-moor Hall Sanatorium, Great Barrow; whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that, though there is a poultry farm attached to the institution with many hundred head of poultry, the patients are supplied with shop eggs; that margarine is supplied in lieu of butter, and that only one pint of milk is allowed per day; and whether, seeing that the Ministry of Pensions pay for pensioner patients, he will take steps to ensure that pensioners suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis receive the best food it is possible to obtain?

I have been asked to reply. No complaints as to the quantity or quality of the food supplied to patients in this sanatorium have been received either by my right hon. Friend or myself. I am advised that the patients are supplied with eggs from the poultry farm, and not with shop eggs; that a brand of margarine containing butter is in use for both patients and staff; and that there is no limitation in the issue of milk consistently with the medical requirements of the patients.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the recommendations of the Committee which reported on the prevention of accidents in the shipbuilding industry that young persons under the age of 16 years shall not be employed at work on vessels above ground level for the first six months of their employment, nor for a further six months unless under the supervision of some responsible person, have been carried into effect; and if such order has been made?

The recommendations in question have been embodied in a revised Code of Regulations for Shipbuilding which has been prepared to give effect to the Committee's proposals. These Regulations are in draft only at present, and, in accordance with the procedure laid down in Section 80 of the Factory and Workshop Act, 1901, are subject to the consideration of any objections received within the prescribed period.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now in a position to state which of the safety provisions of the 1923 Bill are to be included in the new Petroleum Bill; and when he proposes to introduce legislation for the protection of workers in industries using petroleum in manufacturing processes?

I regret that I am not in a position to make any statement on the subject of this Bill at present. As regards the last part of the question, I am not sure what my hon. Friend has in mind and perhaps he would send me particulars of any cases in which he thinks further protection required. Generally speaking, the protection of factory workers is provided for under the powers of the Factory Acts.

asked the Home Secretary whether in view of a small minority of employers using the Summer Time Bill to extend the hours during which shops are open, he will introduce legislation to amend the Shops Acts in order that compulsory closing orders may be made for an earlier hour than seven o'clock, and provision made for a maximum 48-hour week?

I am afraid the Government cannot consider proposals to amend the Shops Acts this Session.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that even in cases where the employers and the employés are agreed, it is not possible to make a compulsory closing order earlier than seven o'clock? Does he not think that it is reprehensible that firms should use the Summer Time Act to extend the hours of their assistants, against the wishes of all decent employers in that particular area?

There is also a question as regards the use of the Summer Time Act by the hon. Member for the Sutton Division of Plymouth (Viscountess Astor). I have very little information that such a use of the Summer Time Act is common. I cannot find that the Summer Time Act has been used for extending the time for keeping open shops, but I would ask the Noble Lady, and I would ask the hon. Member to give me any details, and I will inquire into them at once.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the extension of hours usually comes about because some one individual tries to take advantage of his colleagues in a particular trade?

Perhaps the hon. Member would send me particulars.

asked the Home Secretary whether ho is aware that certain London drapery stores make a practice of requiring their shop assistants to work an hour longer in the evening as soon as Summer Time comes into force; and whether he will take steps to prohibit this method of depriving them of the benefit of the Act?

I believe it is the case that some London drapery firms keep open for half an hour to an hour longer during part of the summer, but my information is that this is a practice of long standing, which was in existence before the introduction of Summer Time, and is quite unconnected with it. If the Noble Lady has any evidence to the contrary, and will forward it to me, I shall be glad to consider it.

asked the Home Secretary the number of aliens who have been deported or repatriated since the beginning of the year and also the cost of such action and by whom this cost is defrayed?

I he number of aliens whose removal was effected by means of deportation orders from 1st January to 30th June was 128, The cost incurred in respect of these particular individuals cannot be given at present, as some of the later accounts are not yet to hand: but the expenditure under this head for the six months in question was, approximately, £800. Where possible, the cost of deportation is defrayed from any money in the alien's possession, and the figure I have given represents the balance paid from public funds. In addition to the 128 deported, there were 1,281 aliens refused leave to land and taken away by the shipping company responsible for bringing them.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Home Office received a fully-documented application last March from Mr. N. Goldstein for an immigration permit for Mrs. Sovitch, the British-born wife of a Russian now deceased, together with her British-born baby; and whether, seeing that the relatives have undertaken, and are in a position to undertake, the maintenance of this lady and her child, he will expedite the grant of the permits so that her return may be permitted before the winter?

The desired facilities have been authorised.

asked the Home Secretary how many of the 126 applicants who have been refused certificates of naturalisation between November last and the 13th of this month have been continually resident in this country for 20 years or over without having committed any crime; and upon what grounds, apart from length of residence and crime conviction, certificates of naturalisation have been refused?

The extraction of the particulars asked for in the first part of the question would involve much time and labour, and I regret I cannot undertake to give the information. With regard to the second part, it would in any event be contrary to the established practice and to the spirit of the statutory provision under which I act to give reasons for the decisions on individual applications for naturalisation.

I was not asking for reasons in individual cases, but if a man has been for from 20 to 40 years resident in this country, and has never been charged by the police with an offence, on what ground would his application be turned down?

This is rather a large question which can be debated when my Vote comes to be taken next week, but the Act of Parliament is quite clear that the granting of a certificate of naturalisation to an alien is in the absolute discretion of the Secretary of State, and he may, without assigning any reason, give or withhold a certificate as he thinks fit in the public interests. I will go so far as to say that the dominating question in my mind in deciding these matters is the public welfare.

What grounds can be given in the case of a man, resident in this country for from 20 to 40 years, who has never had any charge alleged against him by the police?

I think that that is a matter which ought to be raised on the Home Office Vote.

Docs the right hon. Gentleman contend that because Parliament entrusted him with certain powers this House has no right to inquire how the Minister is exercising those powers?

Certainly not. Parliament was entitled to pass the Act in 1914. Parliament has given me the power to decide these matters without assigning any reasons, and I have acted on that power.

May I ask, as this is a very important matter affecting a great many people in my constituency, is it the policy of the Department purposely to delay the time for granting the certificate?

I would suggest that that is a subject which should be discussed in Supply. Clearly the House is entitled in Supply to ask how these powers are exercised.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that Russian money is being specially spent; in Southampton for propagandist purposes and revolutionary movements; whether he can give further details of this action; and what steps are being taken by the authorities to deal with it?

I have no evidence to show that "Russian money is being specially spent in Southampton for propagandist purposes and revolutionary movements," but if my hon. and gallant Friend can furnish me with particulars, I can take appropriate action.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is in a position yet to inform the House of the result of the representations recently made by him to the Soviet envoy in this country regarding breaches of the Trade Agreement between Great Britain and Russia in the matter of propaganda?

As my right hon. Friend has already stated, he has not considered it desirable at the present juncture to make formal representations to the Soviet representative about specific breaches of the Trade Agreement.

But he has communicated with M. Rakovsky on the subject.

I understand that a question on this subject has been postponed until Monday, when my right hon. Friend will make a fuller statement on the matter.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can now state the Government's decision on the question of legislation affecting the police and prison strikers?

I hope to be in a position to do so at an early date.

asked the Home Secretary whether the inquiry into the circumstances of the arrest and detention of Major Sheppard will be held in public or private; whether the parties will be allowed legal aid; and whether the evidence will be taken on oath?

The inquiry will be in public and the parties will, I understand, be represented by counsel. Notice has been given of Resolutions under the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act,. 1921, and if they are passed by both Houses, the Tribunal will be empowered to take evidence on oath.

Will Major Sheppard be put to any personal expense in the matter?

That I cannot say. Major Sheppard made a charge against the police and of course it is for him to prove it.

Has legal advice been supplied to the police by the authorities?

Yes.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, seeing that the removal of the present disqualification for superannuation placed upon a woman teacher on the ground of marriage with an alien will not be retrospective, he will give an assurance that a woman teacher, at present in service and married to an alien, retiring after the Act takes effect, will be eligible for pension at the age of 60, provided she has served the necessary number of years of recognised service?

If the Teachers (Superannuation) Bill becomes law, a woman teacher who serves in contributory service after the 31st March, 1926, will not be debarred from eligibility for pension by reason of the fact that she is an alien by marriage.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his can state in the larger technical colleges and technical schools the number of full-time students and the number of part-time students for the years ending 31st July, 1924, and 31st July, 1923, respectively?

The figures asked for are as follow:

1922–23:	Full-time students	…	16,227.
	Part-time students	…	144,542.
1923–24:	Full-time students	…	15,319.
	Part-time students	…	147,786.

These figures exclude art students, but include students in junior technical schools forming part of technical schools or colleges.

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses completed with and without State or municipal assistance during the six months ended 30th June; and the corresponding figures for the same period last year?

As statistics of house building by private enterprise without assistance by way of subsidy are obtained half-yearly to the end of September and March, I am unable to furnish the hon. Member with particulars as to the total numbers of Louses completed during the six months ended 30th June. During the six months ended 31st March, 1925, 41,836 houses were completed with the aid of subsidy and 34,785 without, a total of 76,621. During the same period in the preceding year, 10,626 houses were completed with the aid of subsidy and 38,597 without, a total of 49,223.

Is the right hon. Gentleman conscious of the very slow progress in the rural areas?

Yes. The progress is slow, but I think that it is increasing.

asked the Minister of Health whether, seeing that the average contract price of non-parlour houses and parlour houses was respectively £392 and £432 in 1922, and is now £436 and £495, he proposes to take any action to control the price of material or the profit per house so that houses may be erected at a lower cost to the community and let at lower rents?

As the conditions which existed in 1922 were different from those of the present time, I do not consider that a fair comparison can be drawn between prices ruling then and now. I will send the hon. and gallant-Member a statement showing the average tender prices ruling for the past nine months, from which he will see that there has been little or no variation during that period. I keep a careful watch upon the trend of building prices, and in cases where the tenders appear to me to be unreasonably high I decline to sanction loans. At the moment I do not consider that any further action is warranted.

Is not the increased price on account of higher wages?

Partly.

asked the Minister of Health whether replies have now been received from the two local authorities in the Isle of Wight against whom complaints were made by justices of the peace of failure to exercise their powers under the enactments relating to housing; if so, what those replies are: and, if not, whether he will now order public inquiries to be held with a view to making orders against those authorities under Section 23 of the Housing Act, 1925?

One of the authorities has asked for further information which the complainants have been requested to furnish. The other authority has not yet replied, but as I stated a few days ago, I am pressing them to do so. I do not think it necessary at present to direct a public local inquiry.

asked the Minister of Health the number of houses which he estimates are not reasonably fit for human habitation in both urban and rural areas?

Statistics on the point raised by the hon. Member are not available. According to the latest annual reports of medical officers of health there were 291,788 houses in urban districts and 30,954 in rural districts found on inspection not to be in all respects reasonably fit for one reason or another. During the same year defects were remedied in 512,987 houses in urban districts and 49,530 in rural districts

In view of the importance of having correct information on this question, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of getting a survey made, so that the information may be available?

I think we can get sufficient information from the annual reports.

asked the Minister of Health the total number of workmen's dwellings built since the Armistice both with and without State assistance?

From the, Armistice to the 1st July last, 307,689 houses had been completed in connection with State-assisted schemes under the Housing Acts. Complete statistics are not available as to the number of houses built by private enterprise without assistance by way of subsidy, but during the 2½ years to 31st March last for which figures are available it is estimated that the number of houses so built was 160,566. Of these, 117,587 had a rateable value not exceeding £26 in the provinces and £35 in London. It may, therefore, be taken that not less than 425,000 houses of this type have been provided in the period referred to.

asked the Minister of Health what action he pro- poses to take with regard to the memorandum he has received from the Federation of Ratepayers and kindred associations giving particulars of abuses in the granting of relief?

I am still in communication with the West Ham Guardians on the question of the loan for which they have made application.

asked the Minister of Health what is the relative increase of population among those of normal health and mind and those of weak or imbecile mind, respectively; and whether the Ministry has considered the effect on the national life of the greater productivity of the latter class?

I regret that I have no sufficient statistical information to indicate, whether the proportion of persons of weak mind is increasing or not; but the incidence of mental defect is being made the subject of expert investigation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the authoritative estimate that, speaking generally, a mentally weak person produces two children for every single child produced by one of normal health, and, seing the effect of this upon national life, is the. subject engaging his attention?

Before the right hon. Gentleman replies, will he consider that aspect of the question in regard to birth control?

I think that I have answered the question on the Paper, and with regard to the latter part of the question, as I read it, I am not prepared to admit the assumption which it makes.

asked the Minister of Health whether the staff employed by the central index committee, which have been transferred to the insurance branch of the Ministry of Health and who were in what was really permanent employment, are now regarded as in temporary or permanent employment?

The staff in question are employed in a temporary capacity. While in the employment of the central index committee they were engaged on a weekly or monthly basis, and these conditions are retained during the period of their temporary employment in the Ministry.

Is it not the case that some of these people have been employed continuously since the passage of the National Health Insurance Act, and that they are now threatened with the loss of their employment?

That may be so. There are numbers whose employment was temporary.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether there has been an increase in the number of Customs and Excise officers, respectively, since the introduction of the Finance Act this year; if so, what are the figures; and whether any further addition to the numbers of these officers is contemplated?

The staff of the Customs and Excise Department. which on the 1st July was 11,329, has only increased by 56 since the introduction of the Budget. It is not possible to apportion this increase to Customs and Excise work respectively, as many officers are employed on both. Some further increase in staff will be necessary, but there is every reason to suppose that the cost of collection of the new duties will compare favourably with the cost of collection of the Customs and Excise duties as a whole.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any figures as to the contemplated increase?

It is impossible to say at this stage, but we are satisfied that it will not show such an increase as will bring the cost of collection of these new duties up to the average cost of collection of the existing duties.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of motor cars of foreign manufacture in use by Government Departments in this country; and why such foreign motor cars are used instead of cars of British manufacture?

I am having inquiry made and will circulate the information obtained in due course.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider replacing these foreign cars, as they wear out, by British cars?

Certainly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether consideration has yet been given to the filling of the post of Comptroller of the Patent Office when it become vacant; whether any steps have yet been taken to select a successor to the present Comptroller; and, if not, will he give an assurance that nothing shall be done until full consideration has been given to the memorial which has been presented by eminent scientists and others as to the considerations which should have weight in filling the position?

Full consideration will be given to the matter in all its bearings, when the time comes for the selection of a successor to the present Comptroller-General of Patents.

asked the Ministry of Labour what was the total amount of overtime worked during June in the Employment Exchanges in the North-Eastern division, and by how many people?

The total number of hours overtime worked in the North-Eastern division during the four weeks ended 26th June was 11,450. The number of staff working overtime during the four weeks was, on the average, 534, out of a total staff averaging 2092.

asked the Minister of Health whether the available statistics show any diffiusion of disease-carrying by mosquitoes in this country; and whether any advice has been given to local authorities as to the desirability of eliminating likely breeding places?

I am advised that, apart from occasional casualties arising from the inflammation of mosquito bites, mosquitoes in this country are not known to carry disease other than malaria. The known cases of indigenous malaria arising in this way are very few; only four such cases have been reported during 1924. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on this subject to the hon. Member for Reading (Mr. H. Williams) on the 18th June.

asked the Minister of Health whether a widow, with a child 17 years and six months old, who has been a confirmed invalid for five years and is totally dependent on the mother, will receive a pension in January next under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Bill?

No, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister when it is intended to make an announcement with regard to the naval shipbuilding programme of the Government?

Perhaps the hon. and gallant Member will await the statement which, with the permission of the House, I propose to make at the close of Questions.

Am I not entitled to an answer? Proper notice was given of this question, and I think there should be some reply made to it. Of course, if there is to be a long statement, I do not object to waiting for the statement.

The statement to be made later will be in reply to some further question. The hon. and gallant Member will not wish to deprive other hon. Members of their proper opportunity.

I do not quite follow, Sir. I have asked a certain question, and any hon. Member has the right to put supplementary questions on it?

To take the statement now would be to deprive some Members of their part of Question Time.

On a point of Order. May I point out that the hon. and gallant Member asked me when it is intended to make a statement, and I have said that it is intended to make it after Questions?

On the point of Order. Would you, Sir, say in the interest of private Members whether it is possible for a question of which notice has been given to be side-tracked or anticipated by a private notice question subsequently?

I cannot see how that can be. The Prime Minister says he intends to make an announcement at the end of Questions to-day, and that is the answer to the question.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman how many cruisers it is intended to lay down?

That will come in the statement.

asked the Prime Minister whether consideration has been given or will be given to the question of the better co-ordination of the staffs of the Royal Navy, His Majesty's Army and the Royal Air Force by means of a Ministry of Defence or a joint general staff, or in some other way; and whether he expects to be able to make any proposals to this end in the near future?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave on the 19th March last in reply to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Uxbridge (Lieut.-Commander Burney).

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the inflation of coal prices which is taking place due to the mining crisis; and whether the Government propose to take any and, if so, what steps to prevent an unreasonable increase in prices should a settlement not be come to?

I am watching the situation carefully, and am meeting representatives of the coal distributing trade next week; indeed, I have seen several already. I have every reason to hope that they are prepared to assist in preventing any exploitation of the situation. I shall be glad to receive any information on the subject that my hon. and gallant friend has to give.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware of the fact that in Hull on Monday last the price of coal was put up from 19s. per ton to 27s. per ton, and is he taking any steps with regard to these people in Hull?

I am not aware of that fact. But if the hon. Member will give me particulars I will look into the matter.

Has the Minister received any assurance that coal prices in London will not be put up next week?

Yes, Sir. I received only to-day two leading London coal merchants and they tell me that at a meeting of the leading London coal merchants and London bellmen it has been decided that there shall be no increased price in the London area during the period until the notices expire.

Does that apply to the pit-head price? Have the coalowners agreed that there is to be no advance in the pit-head price?

No, Sir. The reply related only to the merchants.

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman see any reason why the coal miners should not have the benefit of increased prices at this time?

Is it not the function of private enterprise to make as much profit as possible?

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that when the coal merchants see it is obviously impracticable, on account of popular clamour, to raise the prices they alternatively diminish the quality and that the London County Council has found—

That is a repetition of the hon. and gallant Member's question of yesterday.

On a point of Order. When I asked the question yesterday, it was ruled out of order, but may I not submit that it is now a legitimate supplementary question to which I have not had an answer; and if the Minister declines to give an answer, will he say so?

Tim hon. and gallant Member had better let me see it in writing.

Will the Secretary for Mines make inquiries as to the increase in the price of coal which is taking place in St. Anne's-on-Sea, where it is £l higher than it was a few weeks ago.

Is the hon. and gallant Member prepared to give the House an assurance that he will take all possible steps to prevent profit being made by the coal owners or the coal merchants out of the present crisis?

If the hon. Member for Clayton (Mr. Sutton) will give me particulars, I will see what can be done. As regards the other supplementary question. I will certainly do all I can.

asked the Minister of Health whether it has been represented to him by responsible trade organisations that the prohibition of preserva- tives in such articles as bacon, butter, margarine, and eggs will result in an increase in the cost of such goods to the consumer; and whether he has made any, and what, inquiry to ascertain whether or not such representations are well founded?

Yes, Sir. The trade opposition to the prohibition of preservatives in food has in some cases taken the form of an allegation that the prohibition would increase the cost of the food. It is impossible, definitely, to prove or to rebut an allegation of this kind, but I do not think that there is any adequate ground for supposing that the prohibition of preservatives will cause an increase in prices if a sufficient period is allowed to enable the necessary changes to be effected.

asked the Minister of Health whether independent scientific investigations have been made by his Department as to the physiological effect of the use of preservatives in food; whether any, and what, offers have been made by manufacturers or others to combine with the Department in pursuing such investigations: and whether he will arrange for inquiry to be pursued, by means of independent investigation, be-fore proposing final Regulations dealing with the subject?

The physiological effect of the use of preservatives in food was one of the matters considered by the recent Departmental Committee on Preservatives and Colouring Matters in Food, which included a number of distinguished physiologists, in no way connected with the Government or the trades concerned. I have had an offer from one large firm interested in the production of boron compounds, to co-operate in a further inquiry into the effect of the consumption of small quantities of such compounds in food, but, having regard to the full consideration which was given to this matter by the Committee, I do not think it necessary to institute any further inquiry.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether, in view of the large number of ancient and historic buildings now coming on the market for sale or removal, and seeing that there is no compulsion on the owners to report the fact to the authorities with a view to securing their preservation, he will consider the desirability of legislation to that end?

The First Commissioner has at present under consideration proposals for amending the Ancient Monuments Act, and he will give consideration to the hon. Member's suggestion in connection with these proposals.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, what the total expenditure has been for the years 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923, and 1924 in maintaining and restoring ancient buildings held in trust for the nation; the total sum which has in each ease been expended in the works in progress or completed at the Tower of London; Walmer Castle, Kent; and Farley Castle, Wilts: and what portion of each total has been expended in respect of the pointing of ancient walls of these buildings with modern pointing?

Owing to the number of figures involved, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate the information in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Will the hon. Gentleman give me an answer to that part of the question which asks how much money every year is spent on repointing with modern pointing the walls of these ancient edifices?

That really does involve a certain number of figures, but, AS a matter of fact, my hon. Friend will find that a very small proportion of the total was expended in pointing last year. I can give him the figures if he wants them.

Does the hon. Gentleman think we can afford to spend any money at all on this work at the present time?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the approximate total of British loans outstanding and due by Italy; whether they are liable to fluctuation or variations of the exchange; and whether any rate of interest has been agreed with reference thereto?

The debt of the Italian Government to the British Government as on 30th June, 1925, is £589,530,000. This amount is payable in sterling and is not affected by variations in the exchange. Interest as it accrues, at the rate of 5 per cent. is added to the capital.

Until this debt is paid, will my right hon. Friend invite the Italian Government to cease or abate pro-Italian propaganda in Malta?

Order, order! That is quite improper matter to introduce into a supplementary question. I should require to scrutinise very carefully any question of that kind.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the country in question has paid any principal and interest at all?

It has paid interest, but not principal. We have had communications with them, and they are considering the matter, we understand.

In regard to the £589,000,000 to which the right hon. Gentleman has referred, which he says does not include the interest, can he say what is the amount of compound interest for the period for which the amount has been due?

It does include interest.

Does the right hon. Gentleman say that Italy is paying the interest on the whole of her debt?

No, she is not paying interest.

Did the House understand that the Italian Government was paying the interest?

No—I misunderstood the question—certainly not.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the present outstanding debt of the Commonwealth of Australia to the British Exchequer; what is the rate of interest paid thereon; and what is the rate at which loans are made at present to British local authorities enjoying most-favoured treatment by the Debt Commissioners?

The outstanding debt now amounts to £88,097,604: of this £1,203,473 bears interest at 3½ per cent., £10,956,619 at 4½ per cent. and £75,937,511 at 5 per cent., rates corresponding to the cost at which the money was raised. The minimum rate of interest charged on loans to local authorities from the Local Loans Fund is at present 4¾ per cent.

Is that a reason why one of the Dominions of the Empire should pay a higher rate of interest than that at which the Government can raise the money?

The interest is dependent on the cost of raising the money at the time.

Cannot it be reraised at the rate at which we are now lending to local authorities?

The rate when these loans were raised was very different from the rate which now obtains.

Is interest being paid?

Interest is being paid on the Dominion loans, and also sinking fund.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the. conditions and terms ruling investments made by savings certificates taken up in the names of children are still in force; and, if so, whether steps can be taken to alter the advertisements in the Press stating that certificates can be cashed at any time?

No alteration has been made in the terms and conditions governing savings certificates taken up in the names of children. It is not possible to insert in every advertisement of certificates the whole of the Regulations applicable, but in the case of advertisements especially designed to encourage investment by or for children, care is taken to avoid any statement of the kind referred to.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, with a view to economy, he will consider issuing third-class railway tickets instead of first-class to Members of Parliament where an all-night journey is not involved?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for the Attercliffe Division of Sheffield (Mr. Cecil Wilson) on the 19th February last, to the effect that arrangements had been made whereby the railway companies would honour vouchers amended in manuscript by the substitution of "third class" for "first class."

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that he should give us a lead in this matter? Docs foe not consider it most undesirable that Members who preach class warfare should travel first class?

That is an argument.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when this matter was first brought up in the House of Commons an Amendment to this effect was moved on this side, but was outvoted by the hon. Members opposite?

The House made the decision.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of the uncertainty that exists as to the value of the different tuberculin tests and the consequent discouragement of the increased production of graded milk; and whether he will issue a circular indicating what, in the opinion of the Ministry, is the best method of clearing a herd of tuberculosis and generally advising farmers in this matter?

The Ministry has under consideration the investigation recently conducted under the auspices of the Medical Research Committee on the trustworthiness of various teats with tuberculin. My hon. Friend will also realise that very varying conditions prevail among the herds of this country, and I am therefore doubtful whether at the present time a circular of the kind suggested would fulfil the purpose he has in view. The Ministry is always prepared to advise in cases of special difficulty.

asked the Minister of Agriculture (1) if he is aware that during the last serious foot-and-mouth outbreak in 1923 a considerable number of cattle belonging to Irish traders awaiting clearance at British ports were slaughtered without compensation to the owners, who in consequence were placed in serious financial straits; whether representations have been made to him with a view to compensating such traders; and what steps have been taken in the matter;

(2) whether, in view of this country's dependence on Ireland for its live stock supplies and the danger of traders withholding such on any future outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in this country in the absence of compensation, he will take steps to make provision for compensation to owners whose stock is slaughtered at British landing places or other places of detention?

I am aware that a number of Irish cattle were slaughtered in 1923 owing to foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in landing places, and as provided in Section 5 of the Importation of Animals Act, 1922, no compensation was paid. I have received representations in the sense indicated, but this question was fully considered by Parliament when the Act of 1922 was passed, and any alteration of the existing practice, which is common in most importing countries, would require legislation, with regard to which I am afraid I can give no undertaking.

asked the Minister of Transport if he proposes to take any steps to make it compulsory for motor omnibuses to fit anti-splash devices in the winter months?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on 4th May to the hon. Member for the Stratford Division (Mr. Groves), of which I am sending him a copy.

Might we not expect the Minister to give us an answer to a question like this without referring us back to a reply given some months ago?

I can give the hon. Member the gist of the answer very easily.

I would point out that, at the request of hon. Members, I have arranged for an index to be kept in the Library of previous questions, in order to avoid repetition at Question Time, and I hope hon. Members will utilise that index.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the great increase in the user of main unclassified roads repairable by district councils; will he extend the principle of contributions hitherto limited to classified roads only; and will he advise grants being made out of the Road Fund towards the improvement and maintenance of these unclassified roads and thus ease the burden of local authorities in this respect?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on 16th July to the hon. Member for the Abertillery Division (Mr. Barker), of which I am sending him a copy.