asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has now received a deputation on behalf of the British cinematograph film industry; what was the result of the deputation; and whether he can announce any proposed steps by His Majesty s' Government for assisting this industry?

Representations from various interests concerned in the film and cinema industries have been made to my Department, and I have received a deputation arranged by the Federation of British Industries. Various tentative proposals wore suggested and discussed. The deputation expressed their intention of going further into the questions raised, with the interests concerned. I have also arranged to meet representatives of the cinema exhibitors next week.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any deputation from the producers—the manufacturers of films?

I think not. I do not think they were directly represented on the deputations which I received, but various suggestions have been put forward from time to time.

I am very grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for what he has done, but I should like to know if he would be prepared to receive a deputation from the manufacturers themselves?

Yes, certainly. I would be prepared to see any section of the industry. Obviously, if any proposals are ultimately to be evolved, they must as far as possible be proposals in which all interests concur.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his Department has received information respecting the dumping of goods from foreign countries into South Wales ports; and whether the Research Committee inquiring into the question of foreign imports of iron and steel, etc., have been furnished with the complete manifests of vessels arriving with foreign manufactures for South Wales during the past 18 months?

I am aware that imports of iron and steel through South Wales ports have risen considerably, but I have no information that any conditions apply to such goods which do not apply to similar goods imported at other ports. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will be in a position to announce the decision of the Government on the glove inquiry before the House rises for the summer recess?

The Government have decided that the Reports of any Committees set up in accordance with the Safeguarding of Industries Procedure, whether such Reports recommend the imposition of duties or not, shall not be published until such time as the Government are prepared to introduce legislation to impose duties in any case where the Government decide to recommend their imposition. The object of this course is to prevent so far as possible the undue accumulation of stocks in anticipation of the imposition of a duty.

An exception to this general procedure will be made in the case of the Report on superphosphates, which has already been considered. This will be published forthwith. In view of the findings of the Committee, the Government do not propose to take any further action in this case.

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly answer the question on the Paper, namely, have the Government decided to impose a duty on gloves?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will study the answer which I have given, he will see that that is exactly the question with which it deals.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell me what I have asked—whether the Government will, before the House rises, announce a decision?

The answer to that question is "No."

May I ask whether, when the announcement is made, the Government propose to introduce imme- diate legislation to give effect to the finding of the Committee, if any legislation be required?

My hon. Friend will see from my answer that the decision of the Government is that, except in cases where there are special reasons for publishing the Report, no Report of any kind will be published until such time as it is possible to legislate.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how much lace has been imported from abroad in the period since the introduction of the duty was first announced: and how this amount compares with the total introduced in the corresponding period in 1924?

As the trade returns of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are only made up for calendar months, I am unable to give information for the precise periods specified. For the month ended 30th June last, the registered imports of lace and embroidery of all kinds were valued at £417,526, compared with £364,879 during the month of June, 1924.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether a British-born woman married to an alien who was killed in the service of the Crown during the War is disqualified from making application for any share in the money voted by Parliament for meeting reparation claims?

The answer is in the affirmative. I would refer the hon. and gallant Member in this connection to the terms of reference of the Royal Commission on Compensation for Suffering and Damage by Enemy Action and to paragraph 22 of their first Report (Cmd. 1,798).

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it just that a woman who is British-born, and who has, perhaps, lived all her life in this country, should not be compensated for the loss of a husband killed in the War?

That point does not arise. All the power I have is power to administer the fund provided by Parliament, in accordance with the terms of the Royal Commission. Parliament voted monies in accordance with the terms of that Royal Commission which excluded the consideration of such cases.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the agreement recently signed between the Harriman Combine and the Soviet Government has placed a monopoly of Caucasian peroxide of manganese in the hands of an American combine; and, as this product is largely used by British bottle manufacturers, whether any efforts are being made to find a substitute in order that British manufacturers may not be wholly dependent upon the owners of this monopoly?

I have no reason to think that the arrangement to which the hon. Member refers will interfere with the supplies to British glass makers. I may point out that satisfactory supplies of manganese peroxide are obtainable from other sources, such as India, and also that other substances are available for use as glass decolorizers.

Is it a fact, as asked in the Question, that a monopoly of this product has been given to an American combine by the Russian Government?

There is, I believe, a concession, and I believe the terms do give a monopoly. It is only for a period, but that appears to be only transferring the monopoly which the Soviet already exercise to someone else.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has further considered the question of oil in navigable waters and the general damage and nuisance it causes: if he is aware that the Congress of the United States of America passed a resolution in 1922 requesting the President to call an international conference to deal with this matter; and whether, in view of the long delay and the continuance of this nuisance, he will advise His Majesty's Government to call such a conference, or, alternatively, instruct the British delegates at the Assembly of the League of Nations to raise the matter with a view to international action?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given yesterday to the hon. Member for Kingston-on-Thames (Mr. Penny), of which I am sending him a copy.

That answer does not refer at all to the question of the Council of the Assembly of the League of Nations. Is it not the fact that the United States Government are awaiting further information, and would it not help in the collection of this information if the matter were raised at the Council by the British representatives?

I should not think it would. I will bring the matter to the notice of the Foreign Secretary, but I think it will be much more effective if the United States, who have undertaken to convene an International Conference as soon as possible, take the initiative. The Government will cooperate with the United States Government in any way they can.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the recent investigation into the loss of "Vernon II.," and to the recommendations of the Court; and is he prepared to issue regulations which will ensure that in future such craft as the "Vernon II." shall not proceed to sea without the sanction of the Board of Trade?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Barn staple (Mr. Basil Peto) by the Parliamentary Secretary of the Admiralty on 23rd July, a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of shipping tonnage which, has been handed over to the Government during the last 12 months in the way of reparations under the Versailles Treaty; and how the same has been disposed of?

During the last 12 months five vessels totalling 28,495 gross tons have been allotted by the Reparation Commission to the British Government as shipping reparation under the Treaty of Versailles. These vessels have, as in the case of previous deliveries, been sold by Lord Inchcape on behalf of the Reparation Commission.

Is there any more tonnage to be disposed of in that way?

I think not.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us at how much per ton they were sold?

No. I should certainly want notice of that question.

Were they bought by British firms?

In addition to the tonnage handed over, has there been any other tonnage seized?

Perhaps the hon. Member will give me notice of something which is quite a separate question. I am not sure that I understand it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total amount paid by Germany in reparation up to the 30th June, together with the share credited to this Country?

The total payments by Germany in cash or kind distributed by the Reparation Commission between the Allied Powers on account of reparation up to the 30th June is, approximately, £160,000,000. This excludes sums allocated to the costs of Armies of Occupation and other prior charges, sums un- allocated, and also the receipts resulting from the occupation of the Ruhr, for which the accounts are not yet settled. Of the above total, the amount debited against the British Empire is approximately £25,000,000, of which the share of the United Kingdom is approximately £22,000,000.

Does the total include the value of State properties in transferred territories?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put down another question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the names of the members of the Food Council?

As I stated on the 25th June, in reply to questions by hon. Members, the Chairmanship of the Food Council has been accepted by Lord Bradbury.

The other members of the Council are: Mr. G. A. Powell, C.B.E., Clerk to the Metropolitan Asylums Board, and member of the Royal Commission on Food Prices; Mr. F. W. Birchenough, J.P., General Secretary to the Oldham Operative Cotton Spinners' Provincial Association, and Chairman of the Management Committee of the General Federation of Trades Unions; Alderman Charles H. Bird, C.B.E., J.P., member of the Corporation of Cardiff; Mrs. B. M. Drapper, J.P., Chairman of the Greenwich Board of Guardians and of the Public Health Committee of the Deptford Borough Council; Mr. W. E. Dudley, O.B.E., J.P., Director of the Co-operative Wholesale Society, and member of the Royal Commission on Food Prices; Mr. A. E. Faulkner, C.B., C.B.E., Director of Sea Transport, Board of Trade; Sir Gilbert F. Garnsey, K.B.E., partner in the firm of Price, Waterhouse and Company; 225 Sir John Lorne MacLeod, G.B.E, ex Provost of Edinburgh, ex-Food Controller for Scotland, and member of the Royal Commission on Food Prices; Mr. C. S. Orwin, M.A., Director of the Institute for Research in Agricultural Economics at Oxford University; Mr. Isaac Stephenson, J.P., ex-President of the National Chamber of Trade, and member of the Royal Commission on Food Prices; and Mrs. Wilson, who gave evidence before the Royal Commission on Food Prices.

Is it proposed that the Council shall meet at regular intervals?

Yes: I hope that their first meeting will take place this week.

Is it not a fact that this list includes only one official trade unionist, and that the recommendation of the Royal Commission was that there should be two trade union representatives?

I think that when the names are studied it will be generally agreed that the Council is given a very wide representation, and that all the people are selected as being likely to render the most efficient service.

But we understood that the Government had adopted the recommendations of the Royal Commission; hence my question Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Trade. Union Congress has been consulted as to the trade union representation?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if nobody on this body is to be in association with the production of food from British lands?

Yes. My hon. Friend will observe that among the Members included is Mr. Orwin, the Director of the Institute for Research in Agricultural Economics at Oxford University. [ Interruption. ] I hesitate to differ from my hon. Friend, but I am advised by those who have the interests of agriculture at heart that he is one of the ablest people connected with agricultural development in this country.

What about food production?

Is that not agriculture? With regard to the point put by the hon. Member for Hillsborough (Mr. Alexander), it was the duty of the Prime Minister and the Government, as they conceived it, to secure the most efficient Council that they could. The responsibility of this appointment is theirs, and they accept that responsibility.

Are we to understand from that answer that the Government have, in appointing this Council, had no consultation at all with either trade union or consumers' representatives?

HON. MEMBERS: Why should they?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now prepared to publish the Report presented in 1922 by the Joint Committee on the subject of pharmacy in the Army; and whether the Army Council are now willing to accept the modified requirements of the Pharmaceutical Society as presented by a deputation thereof to the Director-General, Army Medical Services, at the War Office in May, 1923?

The Report of the Committee referred to was published by the Stationery Office last year in response to the wishes expressed by Members of this House. As regards the second part, of the question, the Army Council are satisfied that the requirements of the Army in regard to pharmacy and dispensing are adequately met under present arrangements, and they would not be justified in incurring the expense of carrying out the changes advocated by the Pharmaceutical Society.

Seeing that there was agreement between the Army Medical Service Department and those who represent the pharmacy interests, is it not now recognised by the Department that there should be an improvement on the lines of those recommendations that were eventually made, as modified?

I think the Service as now administered is an improvement on the past, and it is adequate.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not prepared to take the same care to safeguard the interests of the soldier that is taken to safeguard the interests of the civilian population?

Oh, at least as great.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether it is proposed to reduce the rates of pay for the Army by amounts varying from 9d. a day in the case of privates to 2s. a day in the case of sergeant-majors: and whether an opportunity will be afforded to the House to express its opinion before any reduction is made in the pay of the Army;

(2) whether it is proposed to make a reduction in the rates of pay of men in the Reserve called up for duty or will they be paid at the rates current at present while they are with the Colours?

These questions both refer to matters which are still under consideration, and I am not at present in a position to give any information. The second part of question No. 13 should be addressed to the Prime Minister.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any kind of poison gas is being manufactured in this country for his Department?

Gas is being manufactured only on a very small scale, for experimental purposes.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the recent conference of the British Medical Association have unanimously decided not to print in their official publication any reference to the terms and conditions of service in the Royal Army Medical Corps, in view of what they allege to be a breach of faith by the Government; and if he will, in view of attracting the best type of medical practitioner into the Service, cause a revision to be made in the pay and pension allowances to officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps?

I have seen in the Press that the British Medical Association are stated to have adopted the resolution referred to. I recently conferred with the British Medical Association on the subject of the Royal Army Medical Corps, and I hope in the near future to be able to announce decisions on the matters which were then discussed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the British Medical Association have recommended their members not to join the Royal Army Medical Corps, on account of the pension that is being altered?

I said that I have seen the resolution referred to.

How long are the Government going to submit to this favoured trade union dictatorship?

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has considered the recommendations contained in the Report of the Scottish conference on agricultural policy to the effect that assistance should be given for the equipment of allotments; and whether he is prepared to formulate a scheme for devoting to this purpose the £4,000 per annum provided for the development of allotments in Scotland under Section 18 (3) of the Land Settlement (Scotland) Act of 1919?

The recommendation that grants should be given for equipping ground for allotments is receiving my consideration, along with the other recommendations of the Conference, but I am not in a position to make a statement on the subject at present.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be able to say what the decision is before the House rises?

No; I am afraid that is quite impossible.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why it is that, in answer to any questions that contain the sum of £4,000, we never get that £4,000 mentioned by the right hon. Gentleman; where it is; if it is still there; how it is to be used; or any indication as to whether it is there or not?

Are we to understand that the Secretary for Scotland is considering at the present time the spending of the £4,000 mentioned in the question?

No, because it does not exist.

Where has the £4,000 gone?

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that Parliament has decided that £4,000 shall be spent in connection with allotments, and does he not think it only fair to the allotment movement to come to some decision as to what is the proper way in which to spend the money?

No. Parliament decided that a certain sum of money should be set aside for various purposes in connection with allotments, but, as it was not utilised, it reverted to the Treasury, and it does not appear in the present Estimates.

Is it not a fact that the Land Settlement Act actually gave statutory sanction to this? Of course, an Estimate is needed, but what does the right hon. Gentleman intend to do to implement the intention of the Land Settlement Act?

Might I ask why they did not spend the money when they had it?

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is now in a position to state the results of his inquiries into the alleged preparations for a revolutionary outbreak in Scotland; and whether the editor of the "Sunday Mail" newspaper has disclosed the particulars alleged to been his possession?

The further inquiries which have been made since the date of the hon. Member's last question have not resulted in confirmation being obtained of the allegations made in the article which appeared in the "Sunday Mail" of the 12th instant. The police are aware of the source from which the article emanated.

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking any steps to put a stop to this sort of thing? Might I ask, in view of the public importance of this question, if the Secretary for Scotland will indicate to the House what steps he proposes to take to deal with newspaper proprietors who let loose these publications upon the public?

Does this answer on the part of the Government mean that they are in complete agreement with the papers, who evidently are put up to it by the Government to get disturbances started?

This newspaper, like some others, seems to have found a mare's nest.

Is not the Lord Advocate going to take proceedings against the proprietors of this newspaper because they are taking money under false pretences?

The hon. Member had better put down a legal question.

asked the Secretary for Scotland the name of the proprietor of the reservoir at Upper Skelmorlie, Ayrshire, which burst on 18th April and resulted in the drowning of five people; and the amount of the rate levied upon the tenants in the district for the maintenance and supervision of the reservoir and the total amount of the money paid for this purpose?

I am informed that the reservoir belongs to the Earl of Eglinton. I have no information on the points referred to in the second part of the question. As I stated in my reply to the hon. Member's question of 23rd June, the water supply is a purely private one.

asked the Lord Advocate if he can now inform the House what steps he intends to take with regard to a prosecution in view of the jury's finding in connection with the bursting of a hillside reservoir at Skelmorlie, Ayrshire, on 18th April, in which they returned a unanimous verdict that 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 supervision and inspection of the reservoir?

After full consideration of the evidence and findings of the jury at the public inquiry, which was held by the direction of the Lord Advocate, he is of opinion that there are no grounds for criminal proceedings.

Does the Solicitor General not notice that in the finding of the jury this accident is stated by them to have been materially contributed to by the gross carelessness of these people? Is he not going to take action because it is an Earl who is responsible in this case?

I would point out that the jury did not find that there was gross carelessness on the part of anyone. They might have found that the accident resulted from negligence on the part of an individual person, but they did not do so. What they found was that the accident had been materially contributed to by the absence of any regular skilled supervision.

Is that not carelessness? We understand the language!

What is it in the officers of the present Government that makes them keep from the subject of the question before them? This carelessness has killed many people. Are the Government going to remain inactive? [ Interruption. ] This is a question, Mr. Speaker, of human life, and there are other dams in Scotland.

May I, Mr. Speaker—

Is this a new question?

No, but it arises out of the question. It seems not to be understood by this House that we in Scotland have no right to take private proceedings if the Lord Advocate refuses. There is no recourse to the courts for the relations of these people. It is a serious matter, and we want an answer to the question that has been put as to whether the right hon. Gentleman is not prepared to institute proceedings in this matter? Is it because it is a Noble Lord with similar political views? [HON. MEMBERS: "Speech."]

The Minister has given his answer.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is prepared to take steps to ascertain the price at which coal is supplied to companies dealing with by-products; and what effect this has "upon the amount of profits available for distribution in wages?

I have been asked to reply. This matter is one for arrangement between the parties concerned, and is dealt with in the manner which my hon. Friend explained in the answer which he gave the hon. Member on the 7th instant. In the event of any dispute the point is referable to an independent person, and intervention by the Government is unnecessary.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that many of these byproduct companies have the same directorate as the colliery companies, and that the price at which they supply coal from one company to another has a very bad effect upon the men's wages?

No, I do not think that is quite accurate, because it is provided that a fair market price, based on the home market values, should be charged.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman tell us what provision is made to ensure that this is done?

I have already replied that, in the event of any dispute, the point is referred to an independent person.

asked the Minister of Transport how many deaths and how many serious accidents have been recorded within the last 12 months to pillion riders on motor cycles?

I regret that I am not in possession of the information which the hon. Member seeks, and I doubt whether it would be possible to obtain any reliable figures.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in cases where the deaths of pedestrians are in any way attributable to the narrowness of roads or the existence of dangerous turnings or corners, his Department makes inquiries to ascertain whether improvements in the conformation of the thoroughfares can be effected; and, if not, whether, in view of the rapid growth of motor traffic, he will take steps to do so?

In cases where my attention is drawn to serious accidents of this nature, either through the Press or through other sources, inquiries are made by officers of my Department with a view to ascertaining, among other things, whether the accident was in any way due to road conditions which are capable of improvement. Within the London traffic area, as my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, it is now the duty of coroners to draw my attention to fatal accidents of this kind.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, having regard to the heavy cost of road maintenance and the damage done to road surfaces by un cushioned vehicular loads, he will initiate legislation to cause all heavy vehicles to be fitted with rubber tyres?

The nature of the tyre is only one of several closely related factors which must be taken into account in connection with damage done to road surfaces by vehicular traffic. I do not at present propose to initiate legislation imposing a general restriction of this nature, though I am taking steps to discourage as far as possible the use of uncushioned tyres.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in America vehicles over 10,000 pounds weight are prohibited if they have only metal tyres, and does he not think that legislation on those lines would help us in this country?

Yes, I do know that, and I am taking steps to discourage the use of uncushioned tyres.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his Department will make exceptional efforts whereby the new road traffic Rules and Regulations anticipated will be placed into operation in the next August bank holiday period, with the object of avoiding, as far as possible, the increasing number of accidents on the roads owing to the great progress of motor traffic?

I am not quite clear as to the particular Regulations which my hon. Friend has in mind, but in any case no now Regulations could become effective before the data mentioned.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the coming new police, order to the effect that during certain hours of the day standing is not allowed in public omnibuses, he will take steps to ensure that during the same period standing is not permitted in the underground trains; whether he is aware that in this period the railway companies so reduce the size of their trains as to make it impossible to seat all passengers; and whether he can make investigations to promote the greater comfort of the travelling public in these hours?

I am not in a position to take the action suggested, but I have been in communication with the Underground Railway Companies, who inform mo that careful investigation of the loading during those times of the day to which my hon. Friend refers shows that the accommodation provided is, except in cases of unforeseen delay, in excess of requirements. The companies add that if they are informed at what place and on what occasion overcrowding has been observed, they will be pleased to make careful inquiry into the matter.

asked the Minister of Transport what is the total number of toll gates in England and Wales, how many of them are for bridges, what is estimated will be the cost of buying out these tolls, and how many of these tolls are owned by companies and how many by private individuals?

In England and Wales there are 64 toll roads and 127 toll bridges As the yield of the tolls is not known, no estimate can be formed of the cost of extinguishing them. Particulars of ownership are not available.

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman make inquiries as to what the yield would be?

It is very difficult to make inquiries from all these private companies. I have no power to compel them to give me information, but I will ask them for it.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that in a certain corporation Bill— the Scarborough Corporation Bill—permission was lately granted to erect tolls on certain roads recently bought by the corporation? Does he not consider it likely to lead to waste of public money, if tolls are allowed to be erected in some cases, while under the Roads Improvement Act power is taken by the Ministry to buy them out in other cases?

asked the Minister of Transport what has been the cost of constructing the new arterial roads completed this year; what does this represent per mile; and what is the average cost per square yard of surface?

New roads of arterial importance have been opened by numerous local authorities during the present year, and comprehensive particulars of their cost are not in my possession. Having regard to the great variations in the widths and specifications adopted, as well as in the cost of land and the engineering difficulties encountered on different schemes, any average figures would be of little utility. In the Annual Report on the Administration of the Road Fund now in course of preparation I ex- pect to be able to furnish general information on this subject which will be of value to my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Minister of Transport when the new East Ham and Barking by-pass road is likely to be open for public use; and whether he can state the cause of the delay?

The delay in the completion of this arterial road is due to difficulties attending the construction of bridges across the tidal waters of Barking Creek and over the London Midland and Scottish Railway line. For the former bridge Parliamentary powers had to be obtained, and the work of construction is already well under way. In the case of the railway bridge, arrangements have now been made with the Railway Company enabling tenders to be invited for the building of the bridge. Within 18 months the road will, I hope, be open to traffic.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he proposes to introduce legislation for the purpose of removing the hay carts at Aldgate which are responsible for part of the congestion of traffic at this spot?

This matter is still under consideration by the London Traffic Advisory Committee. Investigations and negotiations are still proceeding with a view to ascertaining the cost of various suggested road improvements, including the abolition of the hay market in this neighbourhood. Until I receive and have had an opportunity of considering the Committee's Report, I am unable to state whether legislation will be introduced for the purpose of removing the hay market and other obstructions to traffic in Aid-gate.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that, in the Penrhiw district of the parish of Llanhystyd, in the county of Cardigan, there are only three postal deliveries a week: and whether he is prepared to arrange for a daily delivery of letters in this district?

The hon. Member will no doubt recollect that a similar request covering the whole parish of Llanrhystyd had to be refused as recently as the 19th May last, owing to the disproportionate expense involved. The posts in the district are being slightly rearranged and I will write to the hon. Member if this affords an opportunity for more frequent delivery, but I think it very unlikely.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in this parish there are about 101 people, that there are deliveries only three days a week, and that the parish council have passed a resolution in favour of more frequent deliveries?

I am fully aware of all the facts, and all relevant circumstances have been taken into consideration.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will consider the adoption of a definite scale of fees in respect of transmitting licences for wireless telegraphy, so that the efforts of British research workers may be encouraged and that the valuable work of experimenters, particularly in the direction of short-wave transmission, may not be hampered?

A definite scale of fees for experimental sending licences is already in operation, namely, an initial fee of 10s. and an annual fee of £l where the power authorised does not exceed 10 watts, and an initial fee of £1 and an annual fee of £2 where the power exceeds 10 watts. As I have already stated, no alteration in this scale is at present contemplated.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that the costs of the action in the Law Courts which Mr. W. S. Harnett has had to defend have left him a ruined man financially, he is prepared to recommend that compensation be granted to him?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply to a similar question by the Noble Lord the Member for South Nottingham (Lord Henry Cavendish-Bentinck) on 2nd July. But I may add that Mr. Harnett was the plaintiff.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is in a position to make any announcement as to the Government's intention with regard to the East Africa Loan Bill?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the statement by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies on the subject in the course of yesterday's Debate on the Colonial Office Estimates.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the sum represented in the appreciation of War Loan caused by the appreciation of the £1 sterling to parity; and whether he proposes to introduce any legislation to secure that interest on War Loan investments shall be stabilised at the value obtaining when the loans were raised?

Owing to conversions and other changes it is not possible to give an accurate estimate of this appreciation: but the hon. Member will find some information on this point in the answer given on the 26th May to the hon. Member for Peckham (Mr. Dalton) of which I am sending him a copy. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Has the right hon. Gentleman realised that, if the Government cared to explore the suggestion in this question, they might save the £10,000,000 necessary for next year's Budget with less hardship than will be caused by the introduction of the Unemployment Insurance Bill?

No, but there is no doubt they would commit an absolute and definite breach of a solemn contract.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Report of the Committee of Inquiry into Government printing establishments will be presented to the House?

I understand that the Committee is now considering its Report, but I am not yet in a position to indicate when it will be available to the House.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why there has been this great delay in presenting the Report?

No. I understand that the Committee are discussing the Report, and I hope that before the end of the year, at least, it may be presented.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many civil servants there are in permanent employment and over 60 years of age?

I am afraid that I am not in possession of the information asked for by the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in the case of loans made for the. purpose of railway construction or extension in British Colonies or Protectorates, Treasury regulations or restrictions exist prohibiting the payment of interest on such loans out of capital during the period of construction?

No such general regulations or restrictions exist, and it would be a perfectly normal arrangement to pay interest out of capital during the period of construction.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will allow travelling expenses to be charged against Income Tax in the case of London Members, who have heavy expenses in getting to and from their constituencies by underground railway, omnibus, tramcar, or motor car and are unable to make use of the voucher system?

As stated in a reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Yeovil (Major Davies) on 24th July, 1924, under Rule 9 of the Rules of Schedule E in the Income Tax Act, 1918, a deduction may be claimed in respect of travelling expenses necessarily incurred and defrayed out of the emoluments of an office in the performance of the duties thereof. Following the issue of railway vouchers, a Member is not now necessarily obliged to incur and defray out of his emoluments the cost of travelling between his constituency and Westminster, and the Income Tax allowance is, therefore, no longer legally admissible.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that London Members cannot use these vouchers, and are now worse off than before the present system was introduced? Cannot he make some concession?

As a matter of fact, some London Members are using these vouchers. It would be very difficult to arrange a system under which expenses between the constituencies in London and the House of Commons could be paid by any other means than the use of these railway vouchers. As the House is well aware, it is only expenses between one place of business and another that are the subject of an allowance under the Income Tax regulations.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider the suggestion that London Members should be allowed to have a T.O.T. season ticket, for tramways, omnibuses and tubes? It would be a comparatively small cost and would be a great help.

I will look into the matter, but it will only have to be for travelling between this House and an hon. Member's constituency.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the suggestion of providing an omnibus to call for London Members, in the same way that the London County Council take some children to school?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that in the papers respecting labour conditions in China (Cmd. 2,442) the number of British-owned cotton mills is given as five for the whole of China; whether the list of industrial companies at Shanghai, on page 24, contains those of the whole of the city; and, if so, will he give the number and names of the British industrial companies within the international settlement?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and is so, also, to the second part, if I am right in presuming that the list to which the hon. Member refers is that on page 94 of the Blue Book.

A list published by the Shanghai Municipal Council last year gives the number of British mills and factories within the International Settlement at Shanghai as 23, the names of which I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the list of names:

Shanghai Ice and Cold Storage Co., Ltd.

British American Tobacco Company's Cigarette Factory. Liddell Brothers, Ltd. Oriental Cotton Mill. New Engineering Works. Laou Kung Mow Cotton Mill. Scott, Harding and Co. British and American Publishing Co. Trollope and Colls, Ltd. Ewo Cotton Spinning and Weaving Co. Yangtszepoo Cotton Mill. S. Behr and Mathew. Kung Yih Cotton Mill. Price Candle Factory. Arts and Crafts Factory. 242 Say Hwa Silk Failature. Yung Foong Silk Filature. Yung Kong Silk Filature. Jen Foong Silk Filature. Luen Ziang Silk Filature. Ewo Silk Filature. Liddell Bros. Packing and Sorting Godowns. McKenzie and Co.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if it is intended to hold a judicial inquiry into the circumstances attendant on the disturbances in Shanghai on the 30th May last; if so, whether he is in a position to make any statement as to the composition of the tribunal which it is proposed to set up and the scope of its functions; and whether, in view of the desirability of such inquiry being held as soon as possible, he will take steps to expedite its entering upon its duties at the earliest possible moment?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can give the composition of the Judicial Committee which is to inquire into the recent disturbances at Shanghai: whether it will be sent out from Europe: and the date when it is expected to commence its investigations?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to add anything to the reply given on the 22nd July to the hon. and gallant Member for Leith (Captain Benn).

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to publish the Report of the Commission which is to inquire into these matters?

I could not answer that question offhand. I rather think the question has been already answered by my right hon. Friend.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs told us last week £hat this Commission was to be set up, and does he not think that, if it is to be set up, the sooner it is set up the better it will be both in the interests of ourselves and the Chinese?

I think the hon. Member is mistaken in saying that my right hon. Friend said it was to be set up. The hon. Member must remember that communications have to pass between a number of different nations, and obviously, until an agreement has been reached between those nations, nothing can be said.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether the Government are doing their best to get an impartial investigation?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that British manufactured munitions which have been held up by our Consular Service under the Chinese Arms Embargo Treaty, 1919, have subsequently been sold at scrap prices to other nationals and afterwards imported by them into China at greatly enhanced prices; and will he take steps to prevent a repetition of such proceedings?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative In case the hon. Member has trustworthy information to the effect which he suggests, I shall be grateful if he will communicate it to me.

asked the Minister of Health if he will state the number of houses built or building up to 1st July under the Housing Act, 1923, and the number sanctioned: and whether any schemes under the Act of 1924 are being delayed by lack of building operatives?

Under the Housing, Etc., Act, 1923, 89,427 houses had been completed up to the 1st July last, 42,807 were in course of construction, 31,186 had been definitely arranged for but not commenced, and 51,053 had been authorised but no definite arrangements made. Under the Act of 1924, at the same date 6,282 houses had been completed, 19,423 were under construction, a further 24,027 had been definitely arranged for but were not commenced, and 14,537 had been authorised but had not been definitely arranged for. With regard to the last part of the question, there is no doubt that the progress of housing generally would be expedited if more skilled labour were available.

asked the Minister of Health how many houses have been built under State-aided schemes during the years 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923 and 1924, respectively, and in 1925 up to the present date: how many are now in course of construction; how many have been authorised; how many houses have been authorised under the Housing Act of 1923; and how many under the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act of 1924?

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

Following is the answer:

The numbers of houses completed each year since 1919 in connection with State-assisted schemes under the Housing Acts were as follows: 1919 … 100 1920 … 15,711 1921 … 86,669 1922 … 89,001 1923 … 19,185 1924 … 52,730 1925 (up to 30th June) … 44,293 307,689

Statistics obtained during the last two and a-half years show that, in addition to this number, 160,566 houses had been built by private enterprise without Government assistance in the period between 30th September, 1922, and 31st March, 1925.

The total number of houses authorised under the various Acts is 499,464, and on the 1st instant 63,495 were under construction. Under the Acts of 1923 and 1924 the numbers of houses authorised to be built are 218.769 and 66,969, respectively.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the recent cancer discovery by Dr. Gye and Mr. Barnard and the need for further research work, he will consider making a financial grant in order that further investigations as to this disease may be continued?

As stated by my right hon. Friend in his reply to the hon. Member for Pontefract on the 23rd July, these investigations are maintained from the grant made annually to the Medical Research Council by this House. It is understood that the Council have already made arrangements for the further development of the work, both by their own staff within the National Institute for Medical Research and also elsewhere.

In view of the very great importance of this discovery, does the Minister not think that a further grant should be made so that this discovery can be further explored?

I am not aware that the want of money has been holding up this work in any way.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that they are making a public appeal for £75,000 because they are short of funds?

asked the Minister of Health whether, with a view to the humane slaughter of animals and the need for the safety of those employed in slaughter houses, he will consider setting up a special committee consisting of experts to institute an exhaustive inquiry into the whole question of the slaughter of animals for human consumption, such committee to be representative of those employed in the slaughter houses?

A Committee of the Cabinet exhaustively considered the whole question in 1923 and came to the conclusion that no case had been made out for re-opening it. My right hon. Friend has thoroughly considered this matter, and, as at present advised, he does not think that any useful purpose would be served by setting up such a committee as is suggested by the hon. and gallant Member.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is an apparatus which does not discharge a free bullet, which is therefore safe, and which is in increasing use; and therefore there is a case for reopening the matter?

No, Sir; but I understand that that can be used under the model by-laws.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the maternity home of the Wandsworth Borough Council has been closed; that during the past 17 months there have been 87 cases of mothers suffering from abscesses of the breasts; that complaints have been made by patients and public bodies as to the lack of cleanliness and proper treatment; and that the services of all the staff have been dispensed with except the matron, who is retained and receiving wages as usual; and, in view of these facts, will he institute an inquiry into the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the third part in the negative. My right hon. Friend has, for some months, been aware of the special incidence referred to in the question, but-repeated skilled inquiry has up to the present failed to clicit the cause of this unusual condition. He is informed that the borough council, who have made every effort to grapple with the problem, have now decided to close the home temporarily and to give notice to the staff. My right hon. Friend is suggesting to the council that a conference should be held locally, at which his Department would be represented, in order to discuss future arrangements.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the difficulty experienced by farmers throughout the country in obtaining temporary assistance in harvesting operations; and whether he will cause prominence to be given at all Employment Exchanges for notices that the acceptance by men receiving unemployment benefit of temporary agricultural work will not disqualify them from receiving such unemployment benefit on discharge?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply (of which I am sending him a copy) given on l5th July to three questions on the same subject. Instructions have been issued to Employment Exchanges for the exhibition of the notice to which I then referred.

My question is whether the Parliamentary Secretary can say if these instructions have been posted at the Employment Exchanges for the information of the ordinary labourer?

Yes, I say in my answer that instructions have been issued to the Employment Exchanges for the exhibition of these notices.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether any tuberculous ex-service men have been sent for their health to Switzerland to undergo the Spahlinger treatment or otherwise; and, if so, what are the Replications with respect to the selection of such cases?

A few cases of pulmonary tuberculosis have been sent to sanatoria in Switzerland by the Ministry. The cases selected are those in which the Department is satisfied, on the advice of their experts in tuberculosis, that treatment abroad is essential and that equally good results cannot be expected from the facilities available in this country. I am informed that the Spahlinger treatment referred to has in fact been given in certain cases as an incident of their sanatorium treatment, but the resulting evidence as to the value of the treatment has not, in the opinion of my medical advisers, justified the sending of patients at the public expense expressly for this form of treatment.