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 Government have carefully considered in the interests of pensioners the practicability of a settlement of pension rates for a longer period than for the year to March, 1927, already announced.

As the House is aware, pensions for the Great War were, on the advice of a Select Committee of this House, brought into definite relationship to the cost of living. They were increased to their present rates in 1919 on the basis of an increased cost of living represented by the index figure of 115 per cent. in excess of the pre-War cost. After an initial period of 3½ years ending in March, 1923, which was for special reasons subsequently extended for a further three years to March, 1926, they were, by the terms of the Royal Warrant, made to vary up or down if the average cost of living changed by at least 5 per cent. That cost does, in fact, now show a substantial decline from the figure of 1919, and if the rates of pension were reduced proportionately the annual cost of pensions would be lower by approximately 6½ million pounds.

It has, however, always been the view of the Government that the operation of the Warrant in regard to rates should, in the interests of pensioners, be conditional on a reasonable stability being reached in the cost of living, and the Government long ago intimated that under present conditions they were not in favour of a reduction of rates. A settlement of the rates in perpetuity is not at present attainable consistently with the interests of all parties concerned, but the Government have come to the conclusion, after full consideration of all the known factors affecting the matter, that, while maintaining the present relationship of pension rates to the cost of living, a substantially larger measure of security can reasonably be given to the pensioner than has already been announced.

The Government have, therefore, decided that, as regards the operation of Article 24 ( a ) of the Royal Warrant on the rates of pension, and other allowances for the classes of beneficiary provided for by the Royal Warrant and subject to the present terms of the Warrants, and the War Pensions Acts, no change in the present rates shall be made so long as the average cost of living, as certified by the Ministry of Labour, lies somewhere between a given maximum and minimum figure. The minimum figure for this purpose will be 60 per cent. in excess of the pre-War cost of living, while the maximum is that already provided by the Warrant, namely, the cost of living in the year 1919.

With a view to giving still further security to the pensioner, the average cost of living will be, not the annual average originally prescribed by the Royal Warrant, but an average over three years, and the average will not in any case operate before 1929. The effect of this settlement will be to give stability to the present rates for at the very least three years from 31st March, 1926, and from all present indications for an even longer period.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in cases of appeal by a widow or orphan children of an ex-service man whose medical history discloses venereal disease, he will sanction the omission of all reference thereto from the précis sent to the widow or other appellant when such disease has no relationship to the cause of death?

It has been the consistent policy of the Ministry, reinforced by repeated representations, to make the précis in a case of appeal a complete statement of the man's medical history as known to the Ministry, in order that the tribunal may have before it precisely the same and as full information as that on which the Ministry came to their decision. The Ministry are not in a position to determine the view which the tribunal may take as regards the connection between the cause of death and any other disease of which there is evidence in the man's medical history. The ease for presenting a complete statement to the tribunal is in my view so important that I could not authorise any exception to the rule.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether he has received any representation from the local advisory councils on this matter?

The point has been raised frequently, but, as regards Advisory Councils, I should like to refer to the records in the matter in order to see how it stands. It has presented very great difficulty for many years past. It is a very difficult question, as the hon. Member well knows.

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the number of persons in receipt of other dependants' pensions under Article 22 of the Royal Warrant of 1922, and the corresponding orders affecting the Navy and Air Force; whether he will ascertain the number who will be 65 years of age on 2nd January, 1928, and communicate the figure to the House at the earliest possible date; and the number of other dependants who are children under 16 years of age?

The number of persons in receipt of pensions under Article 22 of the Royal Warrant of 1919 and corresponding Articles affecting the Navy and Air Force, is 2,080. Of these some 640 were born in the year 1862 or earlier. About 150 children under 16 years of age pensioned with their parents are included in the figure first quoted.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases there are at the present time of persons receiving compensation for lead poisoning in the pottery trade, the length of time they were employed, and the ages of the persons; and whether any persons are receiving compensation who have only been employed in factories where low solubility or leadless glaze is used?

I regret that this information is not available anywhere.

asked the Home Secretary whether be is aware that a wage of 18s. per week is paid for the services of boots at the hotels under Government control in the Carlisle area; and whether he can do anything to improve the situation?

I have made inquiry, and am informed that the persons employed as "boots" in the State-managed hotels in the Carlisle area receive free board and lodging in addition to their weekly wages except in one case of a temporary employé, who receives board without lodging. I am satisfied in all the circumstances that there is no necessity to make any alteration in the terms of their employment.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the man is employed also in cleaning motor vehicles, for which the charge is 5s. a time, and that he gets no recognition for that work over and above the 18s.?

I have had no complaint at all. It is common knowledge that people occupying this position do get little emoluments in addition to their wages.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that this shows the lack of success in State trading?

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any particulars showing the number and nationality of aliens landed in Great Britain during the years 1913 and 1924, respectively, and for the first six months of this year; and the number which have been granted permission to permanently reside in this country during the same periods?

The number of aliens (excluding transmigrants) who landed in the United Kingdom in 1913 was 537,398, but the statistics prepared under the Aliens Act, 1905, do not enable me to state their nationalities. The bulk of them were not liable to inspection under that Act, and did not require permission to enter the country or to reside here. The number who arrived in 1924 was 388,129, and in the first half of this year 162,982. For particulars as to their nationalities, I must refer my hon. Friend to the annual and quarterly Returns presented to Parliament: that covering April, May, and June is now in the Press. As I informed my hon. Friend the Member for South Kensington (Sir W. Davison) on 28th May last, in 1924, apart from residents returning after an absence abroad, the number of aliens whose stay might be expected to be permament was in the neighbourhood of 2,000. Information as regards this year will be included in the next annual Report.

asked the Home Secretary the number of accidents which have occurred within the vicinity of the junction of Vassall Road and Elliott Road, Kennington, during the past six months and the number of persons injured; and whether he will consider the placing of a constable on traffic duty at this dangerous crossing during the hours when traffic is heavy?

Three accidents are recorded by the police as having occurred in Vassall Road, resulting in injury to four persons, during the past six months. Two of these occurred at the junction of Vassall Road and Elliott Road. The Commissioner sees no justification for placing a police constable on permanent traffic duty at this spot.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether, if he cannot place a constable there, he can make arrangements to have a "Dangerous crossing" notice put up in the vicinity?

I will consider that.

Is the right hon. gentleman aware that in Long Acre—a single direction road—there is a constable on duty to prevent people going the wrong side?

I suppose that must be because a good many motorists go down Long Acre.

asked the Home Secretary whether the invitations to attend the International Prison Congress, to be held on 3rd August, have been issued by his Department; and whether any invitation has been sent asking the present Government of Bulgaria to appoint a delegate?

Invitations to foreign Governments to send representatives to the Congress were issued from the Foreign Office. An invitation was sent to the Bulgarian Government, and I understand it was accepted as long ago as February last.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has made further investigations into the existence of bogus night clubs in London and other large cities; whether he is satisfied with his present powers for dealing with these bogus clubs; and, if not, whether he intends to seek further powers to deal with this evil?

I am continuing to keep a close watch on these clubs, but, as previously stated, it has been decided not to attempt legislation on the subject this Session.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the second part of my question? Is he satisfied with his present powers? Are they sufficient?

I shall be glad to give the House fuller information as to whether I am satisfied with my present powers when I have exercised them a little longer, but I am glad to say that I think the conditions of a good many of the night clubs are improving.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman had more experience since he first took office? Did he not say then that his powers were not sufficient? Has he altered his opinion?

No, I do not say that I have altered my opinion. I say that since I have taken office I have given great attention to this matter, and had several consultations with the Commissioner of Police about night clubs. A large number of raids have been made and several of the clubs have been shut up, and I prefer to refrain from deciding whether my powers are adequate until I have had a little longer experience.

In view of the expense of preparing a Bill, are we not entitled to know why that Bill was dropped?

I think the expense was very slight.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the imposition of a 20s. fine by the Coroner of the West Surrey Court on the daughter of a man killed by lightning, for not appearing to identify the body; and whether he will remit the fines in such cases, in view of the fact that other responsible people, well acquainted with the deceased persons, could give the required identification?

I have received no representation in this case, and am not in a position to express any opinion on it.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any statistics showing that dock labourers run special risks of disease by reason of handling foreign cargoes; and, if so, whether he will introduce legislation to bring such cases within the machinery of the Workmen's Compensation Act?

Statistics are published annually by my Department in the Workmen's Compensation Statistics, in respect of certain diseases, such as anthrax, which have already been scheduled under the Compensation Act as specific to the employment; but I take it my Noble Friend is referring not to these but to diseases of an ordinary character. If so, I have no statistics showing that dock workers run special risks, and the second part of the question does not, therefore, arise. I may, however, refer my Noble Friend to the Report of the Holman-Gregory Committee on the subject.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a number of small omnibus proprietors were convicted on a charge of having plied for hire on a route other than the one to which they were allocated under the recent traffic restrictions; and that, by the publication of a special concession in the "London Gazette" of the 19th June last, these men were permitted again to operate their vehicles on the actual route in respect of which they were prosecuted; whether the proprietor of an omnibus is held responsible for the action of his staff even if they should act contrary to his instructions; and can he see his way to issue instructions for the expurgation from the licences of the men concerned of the particulars of the offence for which they were prosecuted under the recent traffic restrictions?

The facts are as stated in the first two parts of the question, except that the offence charged was failing to maintain a regular service in accordance with the deposited schedules. As regards the third part of the question, the person liable under Section 6 (9) of the London Traffic Act is the person to whom a licence for an omnibus has been granted. As regards the last part of the question, particulars of these offences are not endorsed on the men's licences.

Then they will not be handicapped in consequence of what may have happened?

No.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it is somewhat remarkable that all prosecutions under this Act up to the present have been against small omnibus proprietors, and that although complaints have been laid against the London General Omnibus Company no prosecution has taken place?

I really was not aware of that fact. If the hon. Member can give me any particulars of offences by the London General Omnibus Company, of course they will be subject to prosecution.

I will gladly do so.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the building erected in the middle of Rochester Row at its junction with Vauxhall Bridge Road which hinders the free circulation of traffic and endangers passengers and vehicles; and whether he has referred, or will refer, to the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee, under the provisions of Section 10 of the London Traffic Act, 1924, the question of making Regulations controlling the erection, or placing, or the removal of any works or objects which hinder the circulation of traffic or endanger the public?

My attention had not previously been drawn to the erection in question, but I am having inquiries made and will communicate the result to my hon. Friend as soon as possible. The whole question of making Regulations in this matter has already been referred by me to the Advisory Committee.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that agricultural and horticultural produce from the Continent is receiving from the London and North Eastern Railway and the train ferry service a far better and more regular delivery than produce from South Lincolnshire and the Eastern Counties; whether he is aware that loss is being suffered by English growers owing to these delays; and whether he will inquire into the cause of the delays in transit on this line, and take immediate action with a view to a more efficient service being provided by the London and North Eastern Railway Company?

I am not aware of the circumstances to which my hon. Friend refers, but, if he will furnish me with the particulars on which his complaint is based, I will consider them.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his Department has ever had before it any proposition to build a bridge over the River Tamar; and what attitude the Ministry has adopted towards such proposition?

Although I am aware that such a project has been advocated at various times, no proposals for its execution have been submitted to my Department by any responsible authorities.

asked the President of the Board of Education what decision has been arrived at with regard to the application from the Liverpool juvenile employment committee for the opening of a new centre capable of accommodating from 200 to 400 boys and girls?

I have been asked to reply. I have not yet received an application from the Liverpool education authority for approval of a, new juvenile unemployment centre.

Will such an application, if it be put forward, receive sympathetic consideration?

Oh, certainly it will. We always consider these applications most sympathetically. Of course, I cannot give any undertaking until I have seen the details, but we will certainly consider it.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the unsuitable nature of the Employment Exchange premises at Salkeld Street, Glasgow; that these premises are an old grain store, with very bad lavatory accommodation, heating, ventilation, and lighting; and that there are various premises near by which could be taken in substitution; and what steps he proposes to take, in the interests of the health of the staff, to provide more suitable accommodation?

Yes, Sir. The Salkeld Street premises are purely temporary, and were taken pending the ac- quisition of a permanent building for this Exchange. Negotiations for permanent premises are actively in hand.

asked the Minister of Labour how many jute weavers are signing on at the Dundee Employment Exchange as unemployed; and what proportion of these workers are being paid unemployment benefit?

Local inquiry has been necessary in connection with this question, and the information will be sent to the hon. Member when received.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to the evidence given at a Southwark inquest on the 15th July held on Arthur Passey, an unemployed labourer, of 35, St. Gabriel Street, Southwark, who committed suicide, and whose widow and other witnesses made certain allegations against officials of the Southwark Board of Guardians in the matter of deceased's application for relief from the said board; and, in view of such allegations, will he cause a public inquiry to be held, in order that the statements made by the witnesses at the inquest may be fully inquired into?

I have made inquiries into this case, and am informed by the guardians that it is not the fact that this applicant was refused relief on any occasion by them; I have no evidence to suggest that there is any cause for complaint of the manner in which he was treated by them, and would point out that the Coroner expressed the view that the relieving officer had done all he could for the family. I do not consider that it is necessary to hold a public inquiry.

Is it not a fact that a relieving officer is bound to give a man relief when starving, and that this man was refused relief for himself and his children by the relieving officer?

My information is that the applicant was not refused relief on any occasion.

Is not even an allegation of this sort sufficient justification for a public inquiry? There is a public inquiry that has been attracting public attention regarding the alleged ill-treatment of an Army officer by the police?

I do not think so.

It depends where the allegation comes from.

Yes, that's it—it does depend where the allegation comes from.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the report of the medical officer of health for the Borough of Southwark states that the infant mortality rate has increased from 68 per 1,000 in 1923, to 71 per 1,000 in 1924; that, during such period, there has been a large decline in the amount of milk given away to necessitous nursing mothers; and, in view of this fact, will he state whether the Southwark Borough Council have supplied free milk to the maximum value allowed by the Order of his Department?

My attention has been drawn to this Report, but I would point out that, according to the Registrar-General's figures, the infant mortality rates for 1923 and 1924 were for Southwark 70 and 71, and for the whole of London 61 and 69, respectively. The small increase in Southwark does not, therefore, appear to call for any special or local explanation. At the same time I am informed that the reduction in the amount of free milk distributed by the borough council was due to a decrease in the number of eligible applicants, and not to any action of the borough council in reducing the supply below the limit authorised by my Department.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can give returns showing how many authorities are building wooden houses; and whether he has received reports as to cost, type and suitability?

I have no exact record showing the number of local authorities who are actually building wooden houses. In a case which has recently been before me the houses are of the non-parlour type, with three bedrooms, costing about £450, and I am advised that the form of construction is satisfactory. On the general question of the merits of timber construction I would refer my hon. Friend to the Third Interim Report of the Committee on New Methods of House Construction.

asked the Minister of Health how many houses are in course of construction under assisted housing schemes, in accordance with the terms of the Housing Acts of 1923 and 1924, respectively, by private enterprise and local authorities?

On 1st July the numbers of houses in course of construction under the Housing Act of 1923 were 11,214 by local authorities and 31,593 by private enterprise. The corresponding figures under the Act of 1924 were 19,196 and 227 respectively.

also asked the Minister of Health how many houses have actually been completed under assisted housing schemes, in accordance with the terms of the Housing Acts of 1923 and 1924, by private enterprise and by local authorities, respectively?

On 1st July, the numbers of houses completed under the Housing Act of 1923 were 23,943 by local authorities and 65,484 by private enterprise. The corresponding figures under the Act of 1924 were 6,246 and 36, respectively.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the case recently dealt with at Chesterfield Police Court, where a man and his wife were charged with neglecting their children, when it appeared that the family of seven lived in a shed that had previously been occupied by swine, there being no fireplace, chimney, ashpit, or drainage, for which they paid 3s. per week; and whether he will have the matter inquired into?

My attention had not previously been drawn to this case, but I am having inquiries made.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the owner in this case was an overseer of the poor, and does he not think he ought to have been prosecuted?

I have said that I am having inquiries made.

asked the Minister of Health what local authorities in Scotland and England now carry out veterinary inspection of dairy herds?

A few of the sanitary authorities in England and Wales systematically carry out veterinary inspections of dairy herds, and I believe that most sanitary authorities have made arrangements for obtaining the services of a veterinary surgeon for the inspection of cattle when occasion demands. So far as Scotland is concerned, the question should be addressed to my right hon. friend the Secretary for Scotland.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Local Government Board or the Ministry of Health have ever interfered to prevent any task unsuited to his age, strength, or capacity being given to a casual, or ever exercised any disciplinary action over any officer who has given such a task; if so, when, where, and under what circumstances; and whether he will give to any casual, who considers the task imposed upon him to be unsuitable as aforesaid, or otherwise illegal, a right of appeal to the master of the workhouse?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the question put by him a fortnight ago. I regret that I am unable, without unduly extensive research, to give a more precise answer. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Rhondda a fortnight ago.

May I ask the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to what has arisen at Nottingham on this very point?

No, Sir.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the tasks prescribed for the casual poor under the authority of Article 11 of the Casual Poor (Relief) Order, 1925, are posted in the casual wards without the proviso contained in that Article, that a casual shall be excused from the whole or any part of such task of work if it shall appear that the task is not suited to his age, strength or capacity; and whether he will circulate copies of the proviso, printed uniformly with the poster containing the list of prescribed tasks, to the guardians and others in charge of the casual wards and ask that they shall be posted below the tasks?

I do not think it is necessary to require guardians to post in the casual wards the proviso to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Minister of Health what Amendments are proposed in the Draft Rules and Orders, Public Health, England (Preservatives, Etc., in Food) Regulations, 1925; and what arrangements will be made for the discussion of these Regulations?

I regret that I am not at present in a position to add anything to the reply which was given to the hon. Member on the 7th instant.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is in a position yet to state the constitution of the proposed Committee to inquire into the question of the registration of nursing homes; and whether the British Medical Association will be given an opportunity of giving evidence or an expression of their views?

It is not proposed to set up the intended Select Committee to inquire into this question until after the Recess. It will rest with the Committee to decide what evidence it is desirable to hear, but they will no doubt consider the question of inviting evidence from the British Medical Association.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a parcel of 39 bales of old cotton rags, consisting of cast-off men's and women's underwear, recently imported from Rotterdam for papermaking by Messrs. Alexander, Jacob and Company, of Peckham, was detained at St. Katherine's Dock on the ground that the bales contained lace; that the Board of Customs have only permitted the firm to take delivery on payment of a deposit of £20; that a small part of the rags, which were once women's underwear, was edged with what once was lace but is now rags; whether such rags come within the departmental definition of lace; and, if not, whether he will give instructions that the aforesaid deposit shall be immediately returned to Messrs. Alexander, Jacob and Company, and that such action shall not be repeated?

I am informed that 39 bales of cotton rags were recently imported from Rotterdam. These bales contained a proportion of lace which was prima facie liable to duty on importation. As the case was represented to be urgent, the usual procedure was followed, and delivery was allowed on a deposit of £20 pending settlement of the question of liability to duty. The importers have now been informed in the sense that payment of duty will not be required provided that satisfactory evidence is produced to the Commissioners of Customs that the goods have in fact been used for paper making and that immediate return of the deposit can be obtained on security being given that the goods will be so used.

Will the right hon. Gentleman issue instructions that in similar cases in future legitimate trade shall not be penalised in this way?

Legitimate trade is not being penalised at all. It is the duty of the Customs authorities to see that dutiable parts cannot be extracted from such parcels, and the interests concerned are arranging for the setting up of a system under which deliveries shall be made under bond, and no duty will be incurred, provided the materials go straight into the pulping machine.

Is this not typical of many other cases, where many merchants have had goods delayed for many days?

It certainly is not typical of delay, because the goods were immediately handed over.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether during the War the Japanese submarines and cruisers which accompanied our troops and merchant vessels did so at the expense of the Japanese people or whether the British Government paid the expenses involved?

The Japanese bore the cost, but certain Japanese light cruisers on the Mediterranean and South African stations assisting the British Forces there were supplied with fuel, stores and some fittings at British expense.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what duties are discharged by the Admiralty, War Office, Air Ministry, and Press Committee; who are the members of the Committee; what are the annual charges of the same; and on which Vote are these charges borne?

I have been asked to reply. The Committee exists for the purpose of maintaining cooperation between the Service Departments and the Press to guard against the publication of items of news the disclosure of which might be prejudicial to the interests of the forces of the Crown. Its members are the permanent heads of the three Service Departments and representatives of the London and provincial Press. The necessary arrangements with the Press are made through the Secretary of the Committee, who is nominated by the Press members, and is also a member of the Committee. The expenses are borne (on behalf of the three Service Departments) by the War Office. In the last two years these expenses have amounted to slightly over £50 a year.

Do I understand that this Committee exercises some sort of censorship over the announcements which it is proposed to make in the Press?

Oh, no. It is not censorship at all.

Is it for propaganda purposes?

Not even for that.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if or when it is intended to appoint a Committee of inquiry to report on the question of applying the principle of equal pay for men and women in the Civil Service?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Hexham on the 15th July.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that some Government Departments are still buying foreign-made goods; and whether he will insist that in future all Departments will obtain from all firms tendering a declaration that the goods are actually made in this country from British material?

Government Departments make contracts within the limit of their own authority, without reference to the Treasury, but if my hon. Friend will give me particulars of the cases on which his question is based I will have inquiry made. There is, of course, considerable difficulty in practice in securing that manufactured products purchased from British firms in this country con- tain nothing but British material, but I have no reason to doubt that Departments, in placing contracts, use every endeavour to secure the maximum of employment in this country.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether consent has been given to an advance or a guarantee of £365,000 to William Beardmore and Company, Limited, under the Trade Facilities Act, to enable this company to construct and place on the streets of London and other places a number of new taxi-cabs; and how many cabs are to be provided out of this money?

The Treasury have agreed to guarantee under the provisions of the Trade Facilities Acts a loan of £350,000 to be raised by the Beardmore Taxi-cab Company, Limited, to enable them to buy and place on the streets of London a number of new taxi-cabs which will be built by Beardmore (Paisley), Limited. The number of cabs that will be so provided is about 750.

Will these cabs replace existing cabs or be in addition to them; and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of the owner-drivers at the present time have great difficulty in making their cabs pay owing to the number on the streets?

I am advised that these cabs, generally speaking, will be in place of obsolete cabs. The normal wastage is estimated at about 500 cabs a year, which is the rate of supply under the proposed arrangement.

For what period is this advance being made?

I should like notice of that question.

Was the Treasury satisfied that there was really a demand for this excessive number of cabs, and that they could not be provided by the existing cab companies?

I am advised that there is this demand in order to replace the wastage. The Trade Facilities Committee were satisfied that the only alternative to this arrangement was that the order would go to French, Italian and American firms.

May I ask whether any assistance is likely to be given to the men who are called owner-drivers? Will they have any assistance granted them to enable them to procure their cabs to run on the London streets?

Are the Trade Facilities Committee assisting Messrs. W. Beardmore and Co. to set up a huge combine against the owner-drivers with the aid of public money?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these guarantees are not merely as to capital but also as to interest, and does he consider that what is practically a guarantee of dividend is an inducement to this firm to put forward their best efforts?

The conditions of the guarantee satisfied the eminent business men on the Trade Facilities Committee.

Will the right hon. Gentleman reply to my question?

Are these business men shareholders in Messrs. William Beardmore and Company?

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether consent has been given to a British Government guarantee being granted under the Trade Facilities Act for £2,500,000 for the Blue Star Line, Limited, an ally and off-shoot of the Union Cold Storage Company, Limited, and of Messrs. Vestey, Brothers, for the construction of steamships with refrigerated cargo space for the carriage of meat owned by the Union Cold Storage Company or one of Messrs. Vestey's concerns; whether the Treasury has been satisfied that the Union Cold Storage Company, or Messrs. Vestey, or the Blue Star Line are unable to raise £2,500,000 on their own credit without Government guarantee; and whether the Blue Star Line would have been unable to give orders for the construction of these vessels at the present time without the assistance of a British Government guarantee?

Subject to the reservation that the meat carried is not necessarily owned by the Union Cold Storage Company or any concern of Messrs. Vestey, the answer to all parts of the question is in the affirmative.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that evidence was given before the Food Commission showing that the formation of a vertical trust in the meat trade is in process, and is this not assisting such a formation at the public expense?

Our object is to provide work in this country.

Is there a stipulation that British material shall be used, and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in other instances under the Trade Facilities Act British material has not been used?

If the hon. and gallant Member will give me any details of such cases, I shall be glad to look into them, but, as he is aware, precautions are taken as far as possible to see that orders are placed to their fullest possible extent for British materials.

May I press for an answer to the last part of the question?

Is this issue identical with an issue that was offered to the public and under-subscribed?

I do not know the details of the issue made to the public, but the Trade Facilities Committee were satisfied that it would not have been possible to put this transaction through without the Government guarantee; therefore, as I have said, the answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

May I ask—

We are going very slowly to-day.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many cadets are in training at Cranwell and the total personnel at the college?

The answer, according to the strength returns of the cadet college for 30th June last, is 109 cadets and 320 Air Force officers and airmen. As regards the latter figure, I would remind my hon. Friend that the equivalent of approximately two squadrons, with an establishment of 36 machines, are maintained at this station for flying instructional duties, and that the personnel of these units are included in the above. There are also 62 civilians employed as instructors and civilian subordinates at the cadet college.

also asked the Secretary of State for Air how many boys are under training at the technical school at Halton and the total personnel at the school?

The latest strength return for Halton shows 1,843 apprentices under training, and 429 Air Force officers and airmen and 88 civilians employed in the Boys' Sections, but, as explained in my reply to my hon. Friend, the Member for Reading (Mr. H. Williams) on 25th February last, it is difficult to distinguish between the School staff proper and the personnel of the station as a whole, which includes other establishments than the school.

Although it may be impossible to distinguish between the personnel of the schools and the staffs proper, is it not a fair conclusion to draw, from the right hon. Gentleman's answer, that in the one case over two members, and in the other case one-half of one member, of the personnel, is required to teach one cadet or one boy?

I do not think that that would be a fair conclusion to draw from my answer. If I can give any further details to satisfy my hon. Friend on this point, I shall be very glad to do so.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the cadets at Cranwell will be transferred to Halton?

I should require notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many fully qualified pilots and observers, respectively, are in the service of the Royal Air Force and stationed in Great Britain at the present time?

The numbers of qualified pilots and observers of the General Duties Branch of the Royal Air Force stationed in Great Britain as at 30th June last were 1,457 and 32, respectively.

Is it not a fact that a large number of these pilots are also observers?

Yes, Sir, that certainly would be so. The general policy of the Air Ministry is to reduce so far as possible the number of observers.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether it is proposed to reduce the pay of reservists who may be called up for duty in future?

The matter is under consideration in connection with the proposal for the general revision of the pay of airmen.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any effect has been given to the unanimous resolution of the Conference of the International Labour Organisation, Washington, 1919, that an advisory committee, on which the Governments, the employers, and the workers shall all be represented, shall be appointed without delay to keep in touch with the work of the Health Section of the International Labour Organisation?

So far as I have been able to ascertain up to the present, the only committee appointed, as a result of the Washington resolution, to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, is the Correspondence Committee on Industrial Hygiene. That committee, however, consists of experts, and not, as laid down by the Washington resolution, of representatives of Governments, employers, and workers.

Can the hon. Gentleman explain why it is that this definite instruction has not been carried out during the preceding six years? Does not that show that these unanimous resolutions passed by the organisation are simply pious hopes?

I cannot answer the first part of my hon. and gallant Friend's supplementary question. With regard to the latter part, he must draw his own conclusions.

asked the Minister of Labour whether a comprehensive encyclopædia of industrial hygiene is being prepared by the International Labour Office; whether he can furnish the House with a list of the experts in industrial hygiene chosen as expert collaborators for such work, and the proportion of British experts in such list: whether these expert collaborators are nominated by the governing body or by the officials of the International Labour Office; and whether the Director of the International Labour Office claims the right to consult in the preparation of this encyclopædia such of the expert collaborators as he thinks fit, and without reference to the governing body?

As the answer is necessarily long, I will, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The answer to the first and last parts of this question is in the affirmative. A list is given below of the experts who are understood to have been collaborating with the International Labour Office up to the present in the preparation of the encyclopædia. Of the 66 experts, four are British. As regards the third part of the question, some of the experts are members of the Correspondence Committee on Industrial Hygiene of the International Labour Office. The approval of the governing body is obtained before experts are added to this Committee. As far as I am aware, the remaining expert collaborators have been selected by the Director of the International Labour Office.

LIST of the EXPERTS who are collaborating with the International Labour Office in the preparation of the Encyclopædia of Hygiene, Pathology and Social Welfare.

(Members of the Correspondence Committee on Industrial Hygiene are indicated by an asterisk (*).) Agasse-Lafont, Dr., Head of the Department of Pathology, Professor at the Institute of Industrial Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine, Paris. Allevi, G., Lecturer in industrial pathology, University of Milan. Balthazard, V., Professor of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Paris. Member of the Academy of Medicine. Bayet, Dr., Professor of the Free University of Brussels. *Biondi, C., Director of the Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Sienna. *Boulin, P., Divisional Factory Inspector, Lille. *Brezina, E., Professor of the Polytechnic School, Vienna. *Chajes, B., Lecturer at the Charlotten-burg Polytechnic School, Berlin. Clark, J., Director of the Medical Department of the Norton Company, Worcester (Mass.). *Collis, Edgar L., Talbot Professor of Preventive Medicine, University of Wales. *Cristiani, H., Director of the Institute of Hygiene, University of Geneva. Dearden, W. F., Certifying Surgeon, Secretary of the Association of Certifying Factory Surgeons, Manchester. Devoto, L., Director of the Clinic for Occupational Diseases, University of Milan. Engel, Dr., of the Federal Public Health Office, Germany. Ferrannini, L., Director of the Clinic for Occupational Diseases, University of Naples. 618 Fischer, Dr., President of the Council of the Federal Insurance Office, Germany. Frey, Dr., Director in the Federal Public Health Office, Germany. Frois, M., Factory Inspector, Paris. Fuss, Mme., Doctor of Medicine. Gaster, L., Secretary of the Illuminating Engineering Society of Great Britain, London. Giovanni, De J., Director of the Medical Department of the Sicilian Sulphur Mines Consortium, Caltanissetta. *Glibert, D., Chief Inspector, Ministry of Industry, Labour and Social Welfare, Brussels. *Hamilton, Alice, Assistant Professor of Industrial Medicine, Harvard Medical School, United States. Hayhurst, Emery R., Profeseor of Hygiene, Ohio State University, Columbus. *Heim, F., Director of the Institute of Industrial Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine, Paris. Heyermans, L., Director of the Health Department of the City of Amsterdam. Hoffmann, Dr., Statistician, Prudential Insurance Company, New York. Holtzmann, Prof., Medical Inspector, Carlsruhe, Baden. Jellinek, S., Director of the Electro-pathological Museum, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Vienna. Kober, G., Professor of Hygiene, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. *Koelsch, F., Medical Inspector of Factories, Bavaria; Lecturer at the University of Munich. Kohn-Abrest, E., Director of the Toxicological Laboratories of the Prefecture of Police, Paris. *Kranenburg, Dr., Medical Adviser to the General Labour Department, The Hague. Krantz, Dr., Ministerial Councillor, Dresden. *Legge, Sir Thomas, Senior Medical Inspector of Factories, Home Office, London. Lehmann, H. K., Director of the Institute of Hygiene, University of Wurzburg. *Lorange, O., Director of the Factory Inspectorate, Oslo. 619 *Loriga, G., Chief Medical Inspector of Factories, Ministry of National Economy, Rome. Malvoz, Dr., Director of the Provincial Institute of Bacteriology, Liege. Martin, E., Professor of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lyons. *Massarelli, F., Engineer, Director of the Association of Italian Manufacturers for the Prevention of Accidents, Milan. Mori, A., Lecturer in Industrial Pathology, Director of the Piombino Hospital, Italy. Oblath, O., Lecturer in Ophthalmology, Trieste. Ottolenghi, D., Director of the Institute of Hygiene, University of Bologna. Perussia, F., Professor of Roentgenology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Milan. Pittaluca, G., Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Madrid. Preti, L., Assistant Professor, Clinic for Occupational Diseases, University of Milan. Price, G. M., Director of the Joint Board of Sanitary Control in the Ladies' Garment Industries, New York. Ranelletti, A., Lecturer in Industrial Pathology; formerly Medical Inspector of Factories, Municipality of Rome. Rasch, H., Director of the Factory Inspectorate, Hamburg. Rubino, C., Lecturer in Industrial Pathology, Assistant Professor in the Institute of Pathological Medicine, University of Genoa. Sand, R., Secretary-General of the League of Red Cross Societies, Paris. Sayers, Dr., Chief Surgeon, Bureau of Mines, U.S. Public Health Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. Schmidt, P., Director of the Medical Clinic, University of Halle, Germany. Sclavo, A., Director of the Institute of Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sienna. Silberschmidt, Dr., Director of the Institute of Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich. Teleky, Prof., District Industrial Medical Officer, Dusseldorf. 620 Thiele, Prof., District Industrial Medical Officer, Dresden. Thompson, Gilman, New York. Wade Wright, Dr., New York. Wenzel, Industrial Councillor, Berlin. Weisweiller, L., General Secretary of the International Union for Combating Venereal Disease. *Winslow, C., Professor of Public Health, Yale School of Medicine, United States. *Wirgin, Dr., Professor of Hygiene and Bacteriology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Upsala, Sweden. Zangger, H., Director of the Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich. *Zielinski, Dr. J., of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Warsaw.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think that books of this sort should be under the management of the governing body, and not of the officials?

I think that perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend had better wait and see my answer. I am not prepared to accept his statement as accurate.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to give effect to the recommendation of the Imperial War Graves Commission, and to provide a contribution towards an endowment fund for the maintenance of War cemeteries?

I have been asked to reply. It is the intention of the Government, in conjunction with the Dominion Governments, to set up an endowment fund of £5,000,000 for the maintenance of War cemeteries. It is proposed to ask this House to vote £50,000 as the contribution of the United Kingdom for this purpose in respect of the current year, and further sums annually, increasing as the cost of the construction work diminishes, until the capital sum reaches the British share of the total amount required for the permanent maintenance of these War graves. An opportunity for discussing this proposal will arise on the Supplementary Estimate.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the percentage of British exports to the Dominions, Colonies and foreign countries for the six months ending 30th June, 1925?

The distribution of the exports of Great Britain and Northern Ireland during the six months ended 30th June, 1925, was as follow: Per cent. Consigned to the Dominions and Colonies 42.6 Consigned to foreign countries 57.4

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that some of our manufacturers are buying Continental goods, stamping their own name on them, and then offering such goods for sale ostensibly as British manufacture; and whether he will have investigation made into the extent of this practice?

I have no definite information to the effect indicated by my hon. Friend. If, however, he will send me evidence of such a practice having been followed in any particular case, I shall be glad to consider what action can be taken.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that some manufacturers cast the names of English towns on their machines, indicating that they are made in England, although in fact they are made abroad?

If a manufacturer puts a wrong mark on any article, he is liable to prosecution.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I have frequently represented these facts to the Board of Trade, but that it has been utterly impossible up to now to obtain a prosecution?

If my hon. Friend will bring specific cases to my notice, they will certainly be looked into.

Have any steps been taken to prevent these wrongly marked goods from being brought into this country, in view of the fact that we cannot very well prosecute a German in Germany?

This question is on another subject altogether. This is a case of our own manufacturers stamping goods which they have imported. The other matter must be the subject of a separate question.

Does not this indicate the unscrupulous character of private enterprise?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the quantity of vulcanised fibre imported into Great Britain from the United States of America for the six months ending June last?

As the imports of vulcanised fibre are not separately recorded, I regret that it is impossible to furnish the particulars asked for.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what emoluments, if any, are to be paid to the chairman and members of the Food Council?

No emoluments will be paid.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can now give an up-to-date list of the decisions arrived at by the county committees established under the Agricultural Wages Act, 1924?

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend is circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement giving the current minimum rates of wages for adult workers for each area, as decided by the agricultural wages committees.

Following is the statement:

STATEMENT SHEWING MINIMUM RATES OF WAGES FOR ADULT AGRICULTURAL WORKERS OPERATING ON 29TH JULY, 1925. Area. Males. Females. Special Provision for Harvest (if any). Ordinary Workers. Special Classes Rates (if any). Wages. Hours. Class of Workers, Wages. Hours. Wages. Hours. s. d. Per hour. Beds and Hunts 30 6 50 — — — 6d. All time — Berkshire 29 2 50 — — — 5d. All time — Buckinghamshire 30 0 50 — — — 6d. All time — Cambs and Isle of Ely 30 0 51 Horsemen, Cowmen and Shepherds. 37s. Customary 5½d. 8 per day 60s. per week of 64 hours for adult male workers and lid. per hour for all time worked for female workers of 18 years and over. Cheshire 35 0 54 — — — 6d. All time — Cornwall 31 0 51 — — — 5d. All time — Cumberland and Westmorland. 32 6 54 Workers hired on yearly or half-yearly engagements. 38s. Customary (62). 5½d. All time — Casual workers 8d. per hour All time Derby 8d. per hour. 54 (Guaranteed). — — — 5d. All time on weekdays. 9d. per hour for all overtime employment on the Hay and Corn Harvest, 1925. Devon 32 6 52 — — — 5d. All time 10d. per hour for all overtime employment on the Hay and Corn Harvests, 1925. Dorset 30 0 51 — — — 5d. 51hours l0d. per hour for all overtime employment on the Hay and Corn Harvests, 1925. Durham 32 0 50 Horsemen: Householders 32s. plus 7s. per week.* 50 2s. per day. 8 — Not Householders 32s. plus 3s. 6d.per week.* 50 Receiving Board and Lodging. 32s. 50 Stockmen and Shepherds:

Householders 43s. Customary Not Householders 37s. 10½d. Customary Receiving Board and Lodging. 36s. Customary Essex 30 0 50 — — — Per hour 5d. 50 Male workers employed throughout the Corn Harvest on farms comprising more than 60 acres of corn to be paid the ordinary minimum weekly rates plus a bonus on completion of the Harvest, which in the case of a worker aged 21 years and over is £5 5s. In the case of male workers on such farms not employed fully on Harvest only a proportionate part of the bonus is payable. On farms comprising 60 acres or less of corn male workers are to be paid at special hourly rates for all employment on Harvest, the rate in the case of workers aged 21 years and over being 10id. per hour. Female workers 7½d. per hour for all time. Gloucester 30 0 50 Head Shepherds and Stockmen. 36s. 60 5d. All time — Under Shepherds and Stockmen. 34s. 6d. 57 Head Carters 34s. 6d. 58 Under Carters 32s. 6d. 54 Hants and Isle of Wight. 30 0 51 — — — 5d. All time. 9d. per hour for all overtime employment on the Corn Harvest, 1925. Herefordshire 31 0 54 Bailiffs, Waggoners, Stockmen and Shepherds. 36s. 60 4½d. All time — Hertfordshire 31 0 48 — — — 24s. per week. 48 10d. per hour for all overtime employment of adult male workers and 7½d. per hour for adult female I workers employed on the Hay Harvest, 1925. 10½d. per hour for all employment of adult male workers and 7½d. per hour for adult female workers employed on the Corn Harvest, 1925.

Area. Males. Females. Special Provision for Harvest (if any). Ordinary workers. Special Classes Rates (if any). Wages. Hours. Class of Workers. Wages. Hours. Wages. Hours. s. d. Per hour. Kent 32 6 52 Horsemen, Stockmen and Shepherds. 33s. plus 8d. per hour for all employment on customary duties up to 60 hours. 52 5½d. 8 per day — Lancashire— Eastern Area 42 0 60 — — — 6d. All time. — Southern Area 33 6 50 Stockmen and Teams-men. 37s. 52½ Northern Area 37 6 60 Stockmen and Teams-men. 40s. 60 Leicester and Rut-land— Leicester 34 0 54 — — — 5d. All time on week-days. — Rutland 32 6 Lincolnshire— Holland District 36 0 52 Cattlemen 36s. plus 5s. per week.* 52 6d. All time — Shepherds† 36s. plus 5s. per week.* 52 Horsemen 36s. plus 10s. per week.* 52 Lincolnshire— Kesteven and Lindsey District. 32 0 52 Waggoners 32s. plus 7s. per week.* 52 5½d. All time — Shepherds† 32s. plus 5s. per week.* 52 Stockmen 32s. plus 6s. per week.* 52 Middlesex 34 4½ 50 — — — 25s. per week. 50 — Stockmen 41s. 3d. 60 30s. per week. 60

Carters 38s. 6d. 56 28s. per week. 56 — Casual workers 8¼d. per hour All time 6d. All time Monmouthshire 32 0 50 — — — 6d. All time — Norfolk 29 0 50 Teamsmen, Cowmen and Shepherds. 29s. plus 5s. 6d. per week.* 50 5d. 50 Male workers employed on the full Corn Harvest, 1925, to receive an inclusive wage to cover the Harvest month, the amount in the case of male workers of 21 years and over being £12. Workers who do not work the full Harvest to be paid the ordinary minimum rate with overtime payment at a special rate, the rate in the case of male workers of 21 years and over being 9½d. per hour. Sheep tenders and Bullock tenders. 29s. plus 4s. 6d. per week.* 50 Northants and Soke of Peterborough. 30 0 50 — — — 6d. All time — Northumberland 34 0 52½ Horsemen, Cattle-men, Stockmen and Shepherds: 5d. 52½ — Householders 41s. 62 Not House-holders. 38s. 62 Casual Workers 7½d. per hour. All time 3d. 52½ — Nottinghamshire 32 0 50 — — — 5d. All weekday employment. — Oxfordshire 30 0 50 — — — 6d. All time — Shropshire 31 6 54 — — — 5d. All weekday employment. All employment after 1 p.m. on any employment. one weekday in each week, all employment on Sunday and all employment after 6 p.m. on any | other day on the Hay and Corn i harvests to be paid at not less than 10d. per hour. Somerset 32 0 52 — — — 6d. — —

Area. Males. Females. Special Provision for Harvest (if any). Ordinary workers. Special Classes Rates (if any). Wages. Hours. Class of Workers. Wages. Hours. Wages. Hours. s. d. Per hour. Staffordshire … 31 6 54 — — — 5d. 54 — Suffolk … 7d. per hour. 50 Horsemen, Stock and Shepherds. 7d. per hour plus 6s. per week. 50 Guaranteed. 5d. All time Male workers employed throughout the Harvest on harvest work to be paid, in addition to the ordinary weekly minimum rate, a bonus on the completion of harvest, the amount in the case of male workers of 21 years and over being £6 3s. 4d. Provision is also made for the payment of a proportion of the bonus to workers employed on only part of the harvest. Surrey … 32 3 50 Stockmen, Shepherds and Horsemen. 38s.8d. 60 5½d. 50 — Casual Workers. 7¾d. per hour All time — — — Sussex … 30 0 52 Horsemen, Cowmen, Shepherds and Stockmen. 35s. 58 5d. 52 — Warwickshire … 30 0 50 — — — 5½d. 50 — Wiltshire … 30 0 50 — — — 5d. All time — Worcestershire … 30 0 53 — — — 4½d. 8 hour day — Yorks, E. Riding … 34 0 52½ Foremen 32s. 52½ hours and in addition 12 hours per week on weekdays and 3 hours on Sundays in attention to stock. 5d. 44 Special overtime rates for all over time employment on the Corn Harvest, 1925, the rate in the case of adult male workers being 1s.3d. where not Boarded an Lodged and 1s. where receiving Board and Lodging (Foremen, Beastmen, Shepherds and Waggoners). The rate for adult female workers is 11d. per hour. Beastmen and Shepherds. 29s. Waggoners 28s. Plus Board and Lodging in each case.

Yorks, N. Riding 33 0 52½ Workers receiving Board and Lodging. 4d. per hour for all overtime occupied by care of stock. — 6d. 44 — Workers not receiving Board and Lodging. 8d. per hour ditto. Yorks, W. Riding 36 0 52½ Foremen, per annum Beastmen and Shepherds, per annum. £85 16s.£83 4s. 52½ hours and in addition 12 hours per week on weekdays and 3 hours on Sundays in attention to stock. 5d 44 — Waggoners, per annum. £78 Plus Board and Lodging in each case. Horsemen, Beast men and Shepherds (not living in). £42 Anglesey and Carnarvon. 30 0 50 Horsemen, Cowmen, Shepherds and Bailiffs. 35s. 58 6d. All time — Carmarthenshire 30 0 54 — — — 5d. 8 hour day — Denbigh and Flint 30 6 50 Teamsmen, Cattlemen, Cowmen, Shepherds and Bailiffs. 37s 61 5d. 8½ hour day — Glamorganshire 37 6 53 Stockmen, Cattlemen, Cowmen, Horsemen, Shepherds and Bailiffs. 40s. 60 6d. 8½ hour day — Merioneth and Montgomery. 31 6 54 Stockmen, Teamsters, Carters and shepherds. 34s. 6d. 60 5d. All time — Pembroke and Cardigan. 30 0 54 — — — 5d. 8 hour day — Radnor and Brecon 31 0 54 — — — 5d. 48 — * Additional sums to cover time occupied by attention to stock. † Additional sums to be paid during the lambing season according to the size of flocks.

asked the Postmaster-General what is the estimated cost of each transaction in the Post Office savings bank as compared with the figure of 4¾d. stated by the Postmaster-General on 3rd November, 1911?

The estimated cost of each transaction, for the year 1924 was 9.01d., as compared with the 4¾d. mentioned for 1911. The figure has been steadily falling since 1921. I may mention that the expenses of management amounted in 1924 to 9s. 3d. per £100 of the total amount standing to the credit of depositors, as compared with 7s. 2d. in 1911.

Is that 9d. each way?

asked the hon. Member for Monmouth, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether the purchase and afforestation of two estates in the neighbourhood of Oban is contemplated; whether he is aware that the lands in question are at present farmed and producing an average daily supply of 100 gallons of milk; and what steps are to be taken to ensure that the development of afforestation is not made in competition with but in supplement to agriculture?

A technical inspection and report has been made on behalf of the Forestry Commissioners of two estates in the neighbourhood of Oban, but negotiations for purchase have not been entered into. The Commissioners are aware of the present utilisation of these estates. With regard to the latter part of the question, the Commissioners consult with the Board of Agriculture for Scotland before any decision as to acquisition of land is reached.

Is it the policy of the Forestry Commissioners to afforest land which is presently yielding a milk supply for the people?

The policy of the Forestry Commission is to make use of such land for afforestation in consultation with the Board of Agriculture, who will be presumed to know what will be the best use to make of that particular land.

If the facts are as stated in the question, that this particular land is yielding 100 gallons of milk, is not that land put to an agricultural purpose?

No doubt that fact is taken duly into account when consideration is given to the matter.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that a young lad, William M'Arthur, Waterside, Kirkintilloch, has been sentenced at the Glasgow Sheriff Court to 60 days' imprisonment for reckless driving of a motor omnibus; that this was his first offence; that no accident took place; and whether he will consider the desirability of a reduction of the sentence to a fine and endorsement of licence?

My attention has been called to this case. I am making inquiry into the matter. I shall communicate with the hon. Member thereafter.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that Felix O'Byrne and Soumas O'Reilly, at present imprisoned in Peterhead Prison, went on hunger strike on the 28th June; that other prisoners, including Thomas McShea and Seumas Monaghan, have been on hunger strike in sympathy with these men; will he inform the House whether any of these prisoners have been forcibly fed; what is the present state of their health; and will he state the number of prisoners still detained in Peterhead Prison, or any other Scottish prison, for and on behalf of either the Northern Government of Ireland or the Free State Government?

O'Byrne and Reilly went on hunger strike on the 27th June, Monaghan on the 29th June, and McShea on the 1st July. These prisoners were forcibly fed from and after various dates in July. All four ceased their hunger strike on the 24th July, and are at present taking food. Their health is reported to be good, and they are expected to be back at work in a few days. Thirty-three prisoners are at present detained in Scottish prisons on behalf of the Government of Northern Ireland and none on behalf of the Irish Free State Government.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these 33 prisoners are being treated differently from any other prisoners in Scotland; and will he take steps to see that at least in regard to visitation they are made equal to other prisoners in Scotland?

Is it a fact that the Government of Northern Ireland do not possess a convict prison?

I understand that the accommodation in Northern Ireland is not sufficient. I do not think that the hon. Member for Gorbals (Mr. Buchanan) is correct when he states that these prisoners are differently treated from other prisoners.

Is it not a fact that the Free State Government have already amnestied their political prisoners, and will he ask the Government of Northern Ireland whether they will do the same?

That does not arise out of this question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the treatment by the Columbian Government of the Columbian Northern Railway Company; and if he will make a statement as to the action which His Majesty's Government has taken, or is prepared to take, in the matter?