asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Harold Bassett, of 13, The Ropewalk, Bristol, who is 18 years of age, was enlisted in the Gloucestershire Regiment; that this boy was totally unfit for military service owing to a compound fracture of the left arm and to an injury to the head, which left him with mental disadvantages; and that the boy complained of ill-treatment which led to his desertion; that, as a result of action taken by the hon. Member for East Bristol, this boy has now been discharged under paragraph 363 (vi) ( b ), King's Regulations; and whether he has authorised a special inquiry to ascertain the circumstances under which such an enlistment was possible and to prevent the possibility of a recurrence?

This man was medically examined on enlistment, and was found to be physically fit for service in any part of the world. He has now been discharged from the Army, not as medically unfit, but under paragraph 363 (vi) ( b ) of the King's Regulations, as not being likely to become an efficient soldier. His failure may have been due, at any rate in part, to the injury to his head to which the hon. Member refers; but I do not think there is anything in the circumstances of the case to suggest that the recruiting authorities did not exercise reasonable care. As regards the complaint of ill-treatment, I have had this investigated by Bassett's Commanding Officer, who reports that he can find no justification for the complaint. He states that special care was taken to give this recruit every opportunity, in the hope that he would settle down and make a good soldier.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman how he succeeds in explaining the difference between the man's condition on enlistment and when he was finally re-examined?

I think the hon. Member is wrong with with regard to the condition on enlistment. He says the boy was totally unfit for military service owing to a compound fracture of the left arm. That does not appear to be in accordance with the facts.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a married Army officer, upon separation from his family, due to the exigencies of the service, gets full marriage allowance for his wife and, in addition, gets bachelor's allowance?

There is no marriage allowance for Army officers, but married officers of certain ranks, if over 30 years of age, receive higher rates of lodging, fuel and light allowances than unmarried officers of the same rank. If the officer is separated from his family owing to the exigencies of the service, he draws the allowances in respect of his family and he himself is provided for as a bachelor.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say what is the rank of the officers referred to in the first part of his answer?

I must ask for notice of that question. I am not quite sure.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Committee of Imperial Defence has come to any decision as to the methods to be taken for the protection of the civil population against poison gas; and, if not, when such decision may be expected?

Consideration of this question is progressing, but I cannot say when it will be completed.

Is it not a fact that the Moscow Government are offering prizes for new inventions in poison gas?

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that, following the death of Signalman Eric B. Cameron at Cologne on Saturday, 19th July, his parents received no notification of his death until the following Monday afternoon, and so were prevented from taking any part in the inquiry into the cause of death, and had no opportunity of dealing with the suggestion there made that the tragedy was due to family troubles; and whether, seeing that the military authorities in Cologne did not at once notify the parents of the occurrence, he will institute an inquiry into the matter with a view to preventing any repetition of such action?

In-quiries have been instituted into the failure to carry out the Regulations in this case. I will communicate further with the hon. Member when I have received the report which is now awaited from the military authorities on the Rhine.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in the establishment of an endowment fund of £5,000,000 for the upkeep of all war graves of the Empire, he will state the exact allocation of responsibility for this sum among the different Governments concerned and the annual yield of revenue expected; whether the Dominions have expressed their willingness to find their share of such a sum; and whether the British Government is also ready to do its part on this basis instead of by, as at present, the allocation of an annual amount dependent on a fluctuating Parliamentary Vote?

I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a copy of my answer to a question by the hon. Member for Finchley (Mr. Cadogan) on Thursday last, in which I stated that 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.

Have we any assurance that foreign nations will allow us to do these things—in case, for instance, there should happen to be any of these graves within the territory of Russia?

I am not speaking of Russia, but of Imperial War Cemeteries. This is an endowment fund contributed to by this country and by the Dominions, in order that there may be a capital sum to ensure the necessary amount for their future upkeep.

The question is put in a form that is not very easily understood, but it does say, "all war graves of the Empire."

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that although it was decided some time ago to erect a teacher's house and also a new school at Green loaning, Perthshire, the work has not yet been commenced; and whether, in view of the urgent need for a teacher's house, he will make representations to the education authority to take the matter in hand at once and proceed with the erection of a school as soon as possible afterwards?

Plans for a proposed new school and schoolhouse at Greenloaning were recently submitted to the Department by the education authority, who are now considering the report of the Department's architect thereon.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that Chief Constable Roy, of Kilmarnock, upon whose authority the police constables were warned of the consequences if they were seen speaking to the dismissed constables, has since informed several of the constables that they were to regard it as a joke and treat it accordingly; and if this is a disciplinary offence against police regulations, as being unduly familiar with his subordinates?

I am informed that the statement contained in the Member's question is entirely without foundation. The second part, accordingly, does not arise.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Chief Constable paraded the constables in his office and told them that? Does the Chief Constable deny that?

My information is that the statement in this question is entirely inaccurate.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have in my possession a statement signed by 29 constables in Kilmarnock stating that that is the case?

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has received a resolution from the Paisley Town Council asking for powers to be vested in town councils in Scotland over police administration similar to those at present possessed by watching and lighting committees in England; whether he is aware that a similar resolution has been submitted as a notice of motion for discussion at the next meeting of the Kilmarnock Town Council; and whether he can state what action he has taken or is prepared to take regarding the resolution from the Paisley Town Council?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the negative. I have, however, received a resolution passed by Paisley Town Council in favour of provision being made for a Court of Appeal against decisions of Chief Constables in important disciplinary cases, which may be the resolution referred to by the hon. Member. On this assumption I may state that the proposals put forward relative to such a Court of Appeal, and still under consideration, do not contemplate vesting any powers in town councils.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider it an anomaly that in England the watching and lighting committees have such powers, whereas in Scotland they have none, and will he, as Secretary for Scotland, do his best to see that the police burghs in Scotland have similar powers to those in England?

We shall be following the recommendations of the Committee which considered these matters in taking the line I suggest.

Is the right hon. Gentleman going to accept the recommendations of that Committee?

No, Sir, I have said clearly that the matter is under consideration.

asked the Secretary for Scotland why the publication of the Report of the Accountant to the Scottish Education Department has been discontinued: and where the detailed financial information formerly furnished by that Department can now be obtained?

My right hon. Friend is under a misapprehension in thinking that the publication to which he refers has been dscontinued. The 52nd Report was sent to the printers 10 days ago for press and supply. It will, I hope, be presented to Parliament in the course of the present week.

May I ask to what year that Report refers? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these reports are so much in arrear as to be practically useless?

The Report to which I have referred is the one for 1924.

asked the Secretary for Scotland when Lochboisdale pier will be reopened?

I regret that I cannot say when this pier, which was closed in 1924 by the instructions of its proprietrix, will be reopened. During the past month I have been in communication with the proprietrix and have renewed the previous offer of assistance to her from the Board of Agriculture in the hope that she would see her way to reopen the eastern part of the pier. She has not, however, seen her way to agree to that proposal. It has been suggested by the proprietrix and the Parish Council of South Uist that the pier might be taken over by the latter as a gift under the provisions of Section 24 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1894. I should be prepared to consider whether the Board of Agriculture could be authorised in that event to provide initially such necessary fencing and such minor repairs on the part of the pier which is to be used as, in the Board's opinion, may be required to secure public safety. But it is a matter for the parish council to consider the competency and expediency of taking over, maintaining and managing the pier under the provision mentioned.

Can the right hon. Gentleman not tell the House now whether the parish council has the power to keep it open? Surely he can make an inquiry.

No, that is a matter of legal opinion.

On a point of Order. Am I entitled to ask the Minister whether he has inquired whether the local authority, to whom he is offering the pier, has the power to keep it open?

I am not offering the pier.

My right hon. Friend is offering to repair part of the pier.

asked the Undersecretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether his attention has been called to an application for a subsidy of £100, under the Housing Act, from public funds towards the cost of erecting at Rothesay a garage with dwelling accommodation for a chauffeur; and whether it is proposed to accede to the request?

The hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension as to the facts. I understand that it was proposed to erect a house over a garage, but the house and garage were to be entirely self-contained subjects and to be let to tenants in Rothesay, from whom there is considerable demand for accommodation. Application was made to the local authority for subsidy in respect of the house only. The acceptance or refusal of such application lies in the discretion of the local authority, and I have no power to interfere so long as the statutory conditions are complied with. I am informed, however, that the question does not now arise, because it has been decided not to proceed with the erection of the house.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if it is proposed to initiate legislation that will enable local authorities to take action against coal merchants who sell an undue proportion of slack and slate with their coal; and, if so, when a Bill will be introduced?

I have no present intention of proposing such legislation.

asked the Secretary for Mines what was the average selling price of household coal at the pit's mouth in March of this year; what is the average price of household coal to-day at the pit's mouth; whether his attention has been called to a case where a coal merchant of St. Anne's-on-Sea charged on 30th March at the rate of £3 5s. per ton; and whether he will take steps to control coal prices in the interest of the general public?

I have no particulars of the average pithead price of household coal separately from other coal. The hon. Member himself has been good enough to call my attention to the case mentioned in the question, and I have suggested to the Coal Merchants' Federation that they should look into it. The Government do not propose to introduce any legislation dealing with the production or sale of coal pending the result of the forthcoming Inquiry into the coal-mining industry.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the innocent coal owners and merchants have been writing protesting and saying how kind and generous they were, when it was proved that they had been charging £3 5s. a ton, even the Mayor of St. Anne's, I am informed, as well?

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the. dangerous condition of the Stratford carriage sidings on the London and North Eastern Railway, owing to gas standards in the six-foot ways traversed by the shunters, and of the recommendations of his inspecting officer in regard thereto; if he will press the company, in the interests of safety, to carry out those recommendations without further delay; and will he explain the delay of his Department in replying to the representations on the matter which have been made direct?

As a result of representations made to my Department in regard to this matter, an inspection was held, and the inspecting officer recommended that recessed equipment should be substituted for the existing gas standards as opportunity arises, and that meanwhile the standards should be painted white, and kept in that condition. The company have accepted these recommendations, and I am now in communication with them on the question of the date by which the substitution which has been recommended can be completed. Those who made the representations have been informed of the position, and will be informed of the result of the further discussion now taking place with the company.

Why did the Department keep the people waiting four months for a reply to their first letter?

I have been trying to find out what delay occurred as regards my own Department, and I cannot find that any occurred. If the hon. Member will give me further particulars, I will go into it and let him know.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many omnibus proprietors have been prosecuted for offences committed under the London Traffic Act; and whether any special officers are detailed for the detection of offences under the Act or whether the police are dependent upon information lodged by omnibus proprietors against each other?

Twenty omnibus proprietors have been prosecuted under the London Traffic Act, 1924, in respect of 26 offences since the 1st January, 1925. No police officers are specially detailed for the detection of these offences, but the police are not dependent upon information lodged by omnibus proprietors against each other.

If the police are not dependent on information lodged by omnibus proprietors against each other, how is it that an ordinary constable can tell whether an omnibus is running upon a route for which it has a schedule?

They are not only dependent on information from other proprietors.

Does the expression "not only dependent" mean that they receive information other than from omnibus proprietors?

Certainly, from a great many quarters.

Is not this the inevitable result of passing the London Traffic Act, and is not the only crime of which these men are guilty that of carrying passengers where they want to go?

That is an argumentative question.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, as he has powers to impose co-ordination between the various authorities concerned with the taking up of London streets, he will say why the telephone service tore up Hobart Place and part of Grosvenor Gardens two weeks ago, leaving them in a far worse state than they were before, and why the Metropolitan Water Board are doing it in the same place again now, instead of at the same time as the other work?

Section 4 of the London Traffic Act empowers me to co-ordinate in prescribed streets the works to be executed by road authorities, and for a period of 12 months after the completion of such works public utility undertakers can only break up these streets with my consent. Apart from this I have no control over the street works carried out by public utility undertakers, and those referred to in my Noble Friend's question did not fall within the scope of Section 4 of the Act.

Are we to be always at the mercy of those arbitrary interruptions of traffic which are apparently made without the slightest regulation or co-ordination?

The answer to my right hon. Friend is that it would be advantageous to amend the Traffic Act so as to give powers for a longer period than one year.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that David Boyd, care of Clark, 145, Nelson Street, Glasgow, is still suffering from gunshot wounds in the back; that an X-ray plate shows between 30 and 40 pieces of shrapnel in his back; that his case was disallowed at a hearing held on the 18th October, 1924, on the ground that his appeal was over the time, and the Court refused to look at the X-ray plate; that he was placed on spare-time treatment, without allowances, three evenings per week until the 12th January, 1925, when he was informed that nothing more could be done for him; that he was X-rayed in Bellahouston Hospital on the 4th December, 1924, but no information was given him of what the plate disclosed; that during this two months' treatment his wife received an allowance of 3s. per month, or an average of 3d. for each night's treatment; whether he can state what the X-ray plate taken on the 4th December, 1924, shows; and whether he is prepared to order a rehearing of this case in view of the facts that this ex-soldier is permanently disabled and has no pension?

I am inquiring into the facts of the case referred to, and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is the intention of the Government to close any of the Royal dockyards during the current year; and, if so, which are to be closed?

I am not at present in a position to make any statement on this subject.

Is any inquiry proceeding as to the use of any redundant dockyards under private enterprise?

We are looking into the whole question of the dockyards.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is proposed that in future a man serving on the lower deck shall on promotion to a higher rank receive pay at the present rate or on a new scale?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of the 6th May to the hon. and gallant Member for North Portsmouth (Major Sir B. Falle) (OFFICIAL REPORT, 6th May, column 925).

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (1) whether the information collected during the War on the resources of the Dominions and Colonies has been kept up to date and is now in such a state as to assist the deliberations of the Imperial Economic Committee:

(2) whether the Imperial Economic Committee has yet submitted any definite scheme to increase marketing facilities for British produce within the Empire?

I understand that the Imperial Economic Committee has been furnished with all necessary information regarding the resources of the Dominons and Colonies, and that it has recently completed two Reports.

asked the Secretary of State for Colonial Affairs how many men are now doing compulsory labour in Kenya Colony: whether these include any Indians or Europeans; what is the general period of service; what is the rate of pay; and are they all employed on railway construction, or what other form of compulsory labour is involved?

As shown in the Paper, Cmd. 2464, just published, 1,587 compelled men were at work in May, the latest month for which I have a return. They were employed solely on railway construction or railway relaying, ballasting, or regrading. No non-natives are so compelled. I presume that the term is normally the maximum permitted by the Ordinance, 60 days. The rates of pay are shown in the Paper, namely, 14s. a month on the Uasin Gishu and Thika-Nyeri lines and 18s. a month on the main line, with rations in each case.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to whether a rise in the rate of pay would not obviate the necessity of compulsory labour?

How many were employed in May last year?

Perhaps I had better have notice of that question. In answer to the right hon. Gentleman, I will look into the matter.

Is not this a form of slavery?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he can state the value of goods imported into India on Government account during 1924 from European countries other than the British Empire?

Figures for the calendar year are not available. The total value of the goods in question imported in the year ending 31st March, 1924, was approximately 16½ lakhs.

asked the Postmaster-General if his attention has been drawn to the proposal that a talk on youth's ideal, by a member of the Independent Labour Party's Guild of Youth, should be broadcast by the Glasgow station of the British Broadcasting Company; and if he will give an assurance that the broadcasting services shall not be used by political organisations except under conditions which give equal opportunities to organisations of every point of view?

I understand that the British Broadcasting Company informed the Guild that political matter could not be broadcast; and the proposal was not pursued. As I have already stated on more than one occasion, it is the normal policy to exclude from the broadcasting service all political propaganda.

Is that true in the case of Prince of Wales's speeches?

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that there were upwards of 7,000 linesmen, wiremen and electrical fitters unemployed on 1st June last; and if he will arrange to give employment to some of these men to facilitate the fixing and equipment of telephones, the need of which is amply demonstrated?

The number of skilled workmen employed in the Post Office is necessarily regulated by the demands of the service, but I do not doubt that the development of the service and the large capital expenditure now in contemplation will lead to the employment of additional workmen both by the Post Office and by contractors engaged on work for the Post Office.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has considered the effect of permanent Bummer time upon the attendances of the 50 porters in the inland section whose duties commence at 4 a.m.; whether he is aware that in order to take up duty at that time it is necessary for these men to rise at 2.30 a.m.; and whether he will examine the work of the office in order to explore the possibility of a rearrangement of attendances?

The arrangement of these duties is frequently reviewed. The number has been reduced from 62 to 50 within the last two years, but no further reduction is at present practicable. I am informed that no diffi-

culty is experienced in obtaining volunteers for these duties.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can give an estimate of the total expenditure that will be incurred as a result of Government Bills passed, and which it is intended to pass this Session, with the names of the Bills and the estimated amounts?

I have had prepared a statement showing the Kills imposing actual or contingent charges on the State passed or proposed to be passed in the present Session, with particulars of the estimated expenditure and contingent liabilities extracted from the White Papers which were circulated in connection with the Financial Resolutions of the Bills in question. As this statement contains many figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the statement:

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the difficulty which exists in effecting an adequate reduction in the various spending services, he will devote time next autumn to the discussion of a Motion in favour of the automatic reduction of such Estimates by a definite annual percentage, to be spread over the next two or three years, such reductions to be, however, independent of any special increases or decreases in expenditure due to causes of a legislative nature?

The allocation of Parliamentary time next autumn will be considered in due course, but I cannot at this stage make any pledge in regard to it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether a scheme is being considered to appropriate money from the Road Fund to help the finance of the Electricity Commissioners, and whether it is his intention to allow any money from the Road Fund to be used for any other purposes than for the maintenance, construction, and improvement of roads?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he proposes to use any part of the Road Fund for any other purpose than the construction and maintenance of roads?

The Government have under consideration, though no decision has been taken, a proposal whereby the surplus funds of the Road Fund, now invested in Treasury Bills might be temporarily advanced on commercial terms to assist in financing the schemes of electrical development which are being prepared, but this of course does not involve any permanent diversion of the Road Fund to other purposes than the maintenance, etc., of roads. Whether the whole of the rapidly expanding income from motor taxation should continue indefinitely to be allocated to the maintenance and improvement of roads irrespective of the comparative needs of this and other services or the general financial position of the country is a matter on which I have not as yet formed any conclusion. As the hon. and gallant Member is no doubt aware, the surplus revenues, of the Fund for some years ahead are already hypothecated to the numerous schemes of road improvement now in course of execution. I would add that the relative claims of rural roads affected by the increasing traffic as compared with the heavy cost of the new trunk roads also appear to require further consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when the Road Fund was originally inaugurated in 1909, it was specifically stated by the then Chancellor of the Exchequer that every penny was to be used for the purpose of road making and road improvement? Does he not think that before any change is made Parliament should be consulted in the matter?

No change can possibly be made without Parliament being consulted; and deciding in favour of the change.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what the surplus of the Fund alluded to in his reply amounts to?

I think it runs to something like £16,000,000.

Will any proposal for advancing the surplus on commercial lines to the Electricity Commissioners have to come before Parliament?

Everything has to come before Parliament. Parliament has to approve, or otherwise.

The Estimates, of course, come before Parliament, but will the specific permission of Parliament be asked for the conversion of this money, even temporarily?

I cannot say, without notice, assuming that such a proposal is definitely placed before the Cabinet and the Cabinet approves of the proposal, that the procedure will involve a reference to Parliament before the proposals are definitely put forward; but the control of Parliament over the whole scheme will, of course, be maintained throughout.

Is not that answer directly in contradiction of the right hon. Gentleman's answer to me a few moments ago, when he said that a change of this kind will have to be approved or accepted by Parliament?

No.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of the taxation per head of the population in the Channel Islands?

I have been asked to reply to this question. Taxation in the Channel Islands is mainly indirect and I cannot say how much of the burden falls on the resident population, but the revenue raised is about £2 10s. per head of the population for Guernsey and £3 for Jersey.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will show in a detailed statement the official titles of present Civil Service appointments receiving salaries of £2,000 a year and upwards, with their respective salaries; and a similar statement of such appointments in 1913?

If the hon. and gallant Member will move for a Return showing for the years indicated the appointments in the Public Services carrying remuneration of £2,000 a year and upwards, I will take the necessary steps to have it prepared.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the staff of the Central Index Committee of the National Health Insurance, which was transferred to the Ministry of Health on 28th May last, have received temporary appointments only; and whether he is prepared to grant them permanent appointments under the Ministry?

I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second part in the negative.

May I ask if it is not a fact that this change in condition means a change from what was a permanent appointment to a temporary appointment; and whether on previous occasions when Government Departments have taken over staffs of other bodies, they have not granted employment on the some conditions as the staff enjoyed before?

No, Sir. These people were always employed either on a. weekly or a monthly basis. The present form of employment is being continued.

Will the hon. Member look into this question, in view of the suggestion that has been made?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how much money, approximately, has been collected to date in taxes and duties on silk and artificial silk; and how much of this is duo, approximately, to be returned as rebate?

The figures of the month of July are not yet available. With regard to the second part of the question, in any case, it is not possible to say how far the duty paid in a given period represents goods in respect of which drawback will become payable on export at some future time.

I give notice that I will repeat this question on our reassembling in November.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether allowances paid to married officers in the Navy, Army, and Air Force are subject to Income Tax?

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the additional lodging, fuel and light allowances paid to married officers holding commissions in His Majesty's Army who have not the use of official quarters, and to the furniture allowance paid in certain circumstances to such officers. The liability of the lodging and furniture allowances to taxation is governed by considerations similar to those which govern liability to tax in respect of the occupation of official quarters in this country; that is to say, they are taxable in the case of officers holding appointments for a fixed or practically fixed term. Fuel and light allowances have not been subject to Income Tax. There are no corresponding allowances in the case of commissioned officers in His Majesty's Navy. As regards the allowances paid to officers of the Royal Air Force, I regret that I have not been able in the time available to ascertain the exact position in certain respects, but I will communicate to the hon. Member the further information which I hope to obtain very shortly.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me whether the command and entertainment allowance as regards the Navy is subject to Income Tax?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement as to a judicial impartial inquiry into the Shanghai disturbances; and whether it is intended that a Chinese Judge should preside?

The principal Powers concerned have now agreed to the principle of a judicual commission of inquiry. The precise procedure to be followed is still under discussion, as is the composition of the commission, but I imagine that it will be for the commission itself to decide which of its members shall preside.

Will the British representatives on the Commission favour the appointment of a Chinaman as the presiding judge?

It is the desire of His Majesty's Government that the prisoners should have the advantage of a Chinese Judge, but I cannot say that the matter has been decided yet

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can report any progress in the negotiations for permission for British aeroplanes to fly over German territory on their lawful occasions?

The situation is unaltered since the replies given to the hon. and gallant Gentleman by the Secretary of State and the Under-Secretary of State for Air on the 21st and 26th May list.

Is the Foreign Office alive to the great importance of this matter to British aviation, and is the matter being pursued energetically?

I cannot say that the matter is being pursued?

Is the German Government prepared to give such permission in return for the alleviation of some of the burdens imposed by the Peace Treaty?

It is not only the German Government and ourselves that are involved in the question of an Air Service to France. We have an arrangement by which we are allowed to fly over German territory, to Berlin and Cologne and other places. The question of flying to France involves another matter.

asked the Minister of Health if he can yet make any statement with regard to the Government intention to promote legislation at an early date dealing with the removal of slum property?

No, Sir, my right hon. Friend is not yet in a position to make an announcement on this subject.

Will the hon. Member inform us what is the best way of going about the clearing of slums?

I would like to consult with my hon. Friend on that subject.

Does the hon. Gentleman recollect the Prime Minister saying that he was going to cut his way through the jungle of vested interests? Has that process yet begun?

Yes, and it is being continued.

asked the Minister of Health what is the greatest density of population to the acre in the borough of Southwark; and whether, in view of the impoverished condition of the borough and the overcrowding, he will arrange for an inspector from the Ministry of Health to consult with the local authorities to arrange for the earliest and best method of remedying the evils that exist in this district?

The census figures show that the St. John's Ward (Newington) had in 1921 a density of 249 persons per acre. This is the highest figure for any ward in the borough. My right hon. Friend will be glad to arrange for a conference with the local authorities if they so desire.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to a circular issued in 1886 where work on the land is recommended in preference to oakum picking or stone-breaking; and will he take this present opportunity, now that oakum picking is abolished in casual wards, to place at the head of the prescribed tasks any kind of work on the land and in the garden?

My right hon. Friend is aware of the circular referred to which does not relate to the relief of the casual poor but to the relief of unemployed persons on their performance of a labour test. He is perfectly prepared to consider applications for approval of tasks of the kind suggested in the latter part of the question and approval of such tasks has actually been given in 15 cases.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the dissatisfaction being expressed by boards of guardians as to the Circular Letter recently sent out by his Department, calling attention to the Lunacy Act of 1892, which allows of the detention of a person in the workhouse, under certain circumstances, who has been discharged as not recovered from an asylum; and whether, in view of the danger to the inmates of Poor Law institutions, he will consider the advisability of new mental hospitals being built, instead of lunatics being housed with normal old people?

My right hon. Friend is not aware that this Circular Letter, of which he is sending the hon. Member a copy, has caused any dissatisfaction. The Circular does not contemplate, and my right hon. Friend has no intention of allowing, the housing of lunatics, even if they are of the class to which the letter refers, in the same premises as normal old people.

asked the Minister of Labour what is the increase in the number of adults unemployed in the coal-mining, shipbuilding, iron and steel, and engineering trades, and the total increase of adults unemployed in all trades as compared with a year ago; and whether the official figures published are a complete enumeration of such unemployed or whether they are merely an index of the state of trade?

As the reply involves a number of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's consent, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any statement as to the increase in the official figures that is necessary to give the actual number of unemployed, and not merely the number which appears in the official returns?

Broadly speaking, the figures are obtained by counting the number of unemployment books of insured persons at the Employment Exchanges. For all practical pur- poses that may be taken as an accurate and fairly complete enumeration of the people who are unemployed.

Am. I to understand that the answer given last week was incomplete, and that only those on

NUMBER of Unemployment Books of adults remaining lodged at Employment Exchanges in Great Britain. — 22nd June, 1925. 23rd June, 1924. Increase + or Decrease - as compared with 1924. Coal Mining … … … … 301,202 57,275 + 243,927 Shipbuilding … … … … 75,611 63,742 + 11,869 Iron and Steel … … … … 55,889 43,095 +12,794 Engineering* … … … … 92,595 105,849 - 13,254 All Trades … … … … 1,294,883 1,009,641 + 285,242 * Excluding the motor industry.

The figures in the statement are obtained by counting the unemployment books of insured persons remaining lodged at Employment Exchanges in Great Britain, and may be taken as being sufficiently near, for practical purposes, to a complete enumeration of the unemployed in these trades.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons registered at the Employment Exchanges as unemployed and in receipt of benefit on 24th July, and the number registered and not in receipt of benefit?

At 20th July the number of persons on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Great Britain was 1,221,912, of whom 1,094,268 had claims to benefit current at that date. The number of persons registered who had no claim to benefit current was 127,644.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he is aware that the memorial, recently erected near Hyde Park Corner, to the officers and men of the Machine Gun Corps who fell in the great War, bears the inscription, "Saul hath slain his thousands but David his tens of thousands"; and whether he is prepared

the live register are to count as unemployed?

That is the next question.

Following is the statement promised:

to take steps to have this inscription replaced by one more in keeping with the spirit in which these men fought and died?

The design of the memorial referred to by the hon. Member was submitted by the Memorial Committee of the Machine Gun Corps and approved by the First Commissioner of the day. The memorial includes the figure of David, and the inscription, which is a Biblical quotation, is intended to draw attention to this fact, and is not, therefore, one to which the First Commissioner can take exception.

Are we to assume that in the opinion of the First Commissioner of Works and of the Government that the reference to slaughter is an adequate tribute to the heroism of these men?

Has it any relevance to any political personages to-day?

Is the matter completely closed?

The design was approved by the Memorial Committee in the first place, and was submitted to the First Commissioner of the day, who approved it.

May I ask for an answer? Is it really the opinion of the Government or of any First Commissioner that memorials to the dead in the War should contain references to the amount of slaughter?

The difficulty is that this inscription was given in order to indicate to the public that the statue was a statue of David. Without the inscription the statue itself would not be identified by everyone.

Is not the inscription an offence to everybody concerned? [HON. MEMBERS: No !"]

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the quotation on the statute was modified last year as a result of the intervention of the First Commissioner of Works, and would it not be possible to get some other quotation from the life of David more in keeping with the sacrifices of these men?

Is this quotation, which the hon. Gentleman says is from the Scripture, from the Old Testament or from the New Testament and could he not get a more appropriate quotation from the New Testament?

May I ask whether you could not add to the name of David the name of Lloyd George?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps the Government is taking to reach an international agreement to prohibit the discharge of refuse oil on the high seas as well as in territorial waters, in view of the damage caused to shipping and fishing gear and the cruelty to birds which the practice entails?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply on this subject given to my hon. Friend the Member for Kingston-upon-Thames on 27th July, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of ex-service men who have applied for land in each county in England and Wales and the number that have been settled; whether there are yet any outstanding applications; and whether any facilities exist in his Department for training ex-service men or women in land work?

I am sending the hon. Member a printed statement giving the particulars for which he asks in the first part of his question. A similar statement giving more recent information is in course of preparation, and I shall be glad to send him a copy as soon as it is issued. With regard to the last part, the general system of agricultural education which is provided by agricultural colleges and county councils, with the aid of grants from the Ministry, is, of course, open to ex-service men and women.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the number of ex-service men who have been settled?

This is a rather long statement, and perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will allow me to circulate it.

Can we just have the number of men settled?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a number of men who have been settled on small holdings in this way have failed because their wives have not been trained in their part of the work, and could he confer with the Board of Education in order that the womenfolk may be trained in this class of work?

I am obliged to my hon. and gallant Friend for his suggestion, and I will take steps to see what can be done. In reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Southwark (Colonel Day), the total number settled since 1918 is 22,762.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many scholarships and maintenance grants for the daughters or sons of agricultural workmen and others were awarded last year in each of the three classes; and whether he can give the occupations of the parents of the children receiving them?

As the reply contains a number of figures I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

May we have the total number in this case also?

Is it the intention of the Government to renew these scholarships in a year's time?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will allow me to defer any statement as to what will happen in a year's time. In regard to the other supplementary questions the total figure given here, but it is only one of the figures, is 152 scholarships in 1924.

Following is the reply:

152 scholarships were awarded in 1924 to the sons and daughters of agricultural workmen and others in England and Wales under Section 3 of the Corn Production Acts (Repeal) Act, 1921. The allocation of the awards was as under: Class I, tenable at University Departments of Agriculture 14 Class II, tenable at University Departments of Agriculture and Agricultural Colleges 14 Class III, for short courses tenable at Farm Institutes and similar Institutions 124 152

The occupations of the parents of the scholarship holders are as follows: Agricultural workmen 38 Working bailiffs 11 Small holders 37 Working gardeners 6 Other rural occupations, e.g., roadman, wheelwright, harness-maker, haulier, etc. 20

The remaining 40 scholarship holders were themselves bona fide workers in agriculture, and the fathers of 24 of these are deceased.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the value of Government properties in ceded German territories which have been credited as reparations; and the amount debited to each country concerned under this head?

The sum of 63 million gold marks (£3,150,000) was paid in 1921 by the Danish Government to the Reparation Commission in respect of the value of properties in the territory ceded to Denmark. This sum was applied by the Reparation Commission towards outstanding costs of armies of occupation, which was a prior charge to reparations. The properties in other ceded territories, in respect of which credit is due to Germany have not yet been definitely valued by the Reparation Commission or brought into the Inter-Allied reparation accounts.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much, if any, of the proceeds of the French Four per cent. and Five per cent. Loans (National Defence) London issue, were transferred to France; and what amount of the total was retained by and credited to the account of the British Government by way of payment for goods and services rendered to France?

The loans referred to (about £54 millions) were issued in order to meet the sterling requirements of the French Government and I should, therefore, assume that the proceeds were spent here. The answer to the second part of the question is about £3½ millions in repayment of advances previously made.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider approaching the French Government in regard to the Four per cent. and Five per cent. (National Defence) Loans, London issue, with a view to the interest thereon being paid in sterling, to the original subscribers, at the same rate of exchange as that at which the subscriptions to the loans were made, seeing that it was stated at the time of issue that the Bank of England, with the approval of His Majesty's Government, was authorised by the French Government to receive applications and that subscribers were advised that subscriptions to a loan under such auspices were equivalent to subscriptions to the British War Loan, and that they were asked to subscribe in order to help our Allies?

I do not think that I can directly intervene in this matter, but the effect of the present position on French credit is, naturally, well known to the French Government.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that it is alleged by the chairman of the finance committee that one of the rate collectors employed by the Stoke Newington Borough Council has absconded with, approximately, £7,000 of the ratepayer's money; that the district auditor recently criticised the finance organisation of the borough; whether the suggestions he made had been given effect to; whether he is aware that there exists in the borough grave dissatisfaction as to the financial and administrative organisation of the council's business; and whether he will hold a public inquiry into all the circumstances relating to the missing rate collector and the organisation of the business of the borough generally?

My right hon. Friend is aware that the amount in question has been recently stolen by one of the rate collectors, and that the theft might have been prevented if certain suggestions made by the auditor at preceding audits had been adopted by the council. An extraordinary audit in connection with this particular matter has already been held at my right hon. Friend's direction and an audit of the whole of the accounts of the borough has been opened, at which any ratepayer can attend and make representations to the auditor. I may add that my right hon. Friend is informed that the council are themselves making a thorough investigation into the whole circumstances of the case.

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether this amount is covered by guarantee?

That question must obviously be put down.

Will the same treatment be given to West Ham? I want an answer to that question. Surely we are entitled to the same treatment. Our crime in West Ham is that we give relief to the people who want relief. Here are people robbing the ratepayers and they are getting a guarantee from the Government Give us the same treatment.

The question deals with a charge of absconding.