asked the Postmaster-General whether the payment of the fee for express delivery of letters ensures the delivery by messenger in every instance) instead of by postman at the ordinary hour; and, if not, whether he will consider an alteration in the wording of the regulations affecting express delivery in order that this fact may be clearer?

It is not always possible to deliver by special messenger an express letter sent from one part of the country to another, as the service is limited to the hours during which the office of delivery is open for telegraph business. This is explained in the announcements in the Post Office Guide of the express delivery services; but more prominence will be given to it in future issues.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will this year take such steps as may minimise the inconvenience to the public by tardy first-post delivery of letters in the London area round about Christmas time?

My hon. Friend can rest assured that every effort will be made to effect the delivery at the usual time, but delay as compared with normal delivery is scarcely avoidable during this period owing to the great increase in the volume of correspondence.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that postal delays last Christmas caused serious loss to small traders, and, in particular, to market gardeners, nurserymen and smallholders; and can he hold out hopes that the postal organisation will during the coming Christmas time prevent a recurrence?

I am aware that some inconvenience was caused by postal delays last Christmas. I propose to publish locally in each area the times before which correspondence for Christmas delivery should be posted, and special arrangements will be made which will, I hope, ensure that correspondence posted before those hours will be delivered on Christmas Day.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the fact that the stamp cancellation machines with the words "Buy British Goods" had all to be made abroad, he will state whether any British firms manufacturing stamp cancellation machinery were invited to tender?

asked the Postmaster-General whether the machinery used by the Post Office for cancellation of postage stamps, with the words "British Goods are Best," is of American manufacture; and whether British manufacturers have yet been asked to tender for the supply of these machines?

The stamp-cancellation machines in question were obtained from America because—so far as I am aware—there is no British firm making them. If there were such a firm, it would as a matter of course be invited to tender.

asked the Postmaster-General the towns throughout the country with populations over 5,000 in which the first delivery of letters does not take place until after 8.30 a.m.; and whether, in view of the fact that many business men have to leave home before this hour, he will consider making arrangements whereby deliveries generally shall be completed by 8 a.m.?

A special investigation, entailing considerable labour, would be required in order to obtain the information for which the hon. Baronet asks. It is the normal arrangement in town districts, large and small, for the first delivery to commence-about 7 a.m. and to be completed at the latest about 9 a.m.; but it is usually completed by 8.30 a.m. or soon after in important residential areas near large cities. A general completion by 8 a.m. or even 8.30 a.m. would call for a large increase in the present staff, and I regret that I am unable to consider the proposal at the present time.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been recently called to the increasing losses of pigeon fanciers and breeders by aerial wires: and what steps he is taking to reduce those losses?

I understand that the risk is mainly confined to wireless aerials in the immediate vicinity of pigeon lofts, and that pigeon fanciers and their societies frequently appeal to the owners of such aerials to have them fitted with corks. The societies have informed me of a few cases in which their appeals have been unsuccessful, and I have endeavoured to assist them by communicating with the persons concerned.

asked the Postmaster-General how many motor cars and motor vans are used by the Post Office either directly or by contract: how many of these are of non-British manufacture: and whether it is, or will be made, a condition of all contracts for the delivery of mails that only British motor vehicles are to be used?

About 1,100 motor cars and motor vans are owned by the Post Office. Of these about 900 were supplied by the Ford Motor Company (England). Limited, and I am informed that over 90 per cent. of the labour and material employed in their manufacture is British. The remainder are entirely British made. It is not possible to state the number of motor vehicles employed by contractors, many of whom doubtless employ vehicles purchased second-hand. I do not think that it would be expedient to attempt to impose the condition suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Postmaster-General, whether he is aware of the public dissatisfaction existing in Warwick regarding the status of the post office in that town: and whether any change is proposed?

I am aware that request has been made for an alteration in the status of the office; but the present arrangements conduce to efficiency and economy and I do not propose any change.

asked the Postmaster-General, in view of the urgent need for additional accommodation at the Mount Pleasant office, whether he will say when the second section of the new building will be proceeded with?

The question of commencing the second section of the new building at Mount Pleasant is under consideration: but at the moment it is impossible to say whether it will be practicable to make a start during the next financial year.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the dissatisfaction felt locally, he will grant an independent inquiry into the postal, telegraph, and telephone services in the West Riding of Yorkshire?

I am not aware of any general dissatisfaction with the postal, telegraph or telephone services in the. West Riding of Yorkshire, but if my hon. and gallant Friend will give me details of any specific complaints I will have immediate inquiry made.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will have a public inquiry into the postal, telegraph, and telephone services and with special reference to the condition of those services in the rural districts?

No, Sir. But if the hon. Member will bring to my notice the specific grievances which he has in mind, it will be my duty to have them investigated.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to the nuisance experienced by broadcast listeners owing to the interference of the Northolt General Post Office Wireless Station; and whether this nuisance can be rectified?

Some interference with broadcast reception was caused by the Northolt Wireless Station prior to the 7th November, but, as the result of continuous experiment, the conditions have been much improved and the "broadcast" wave lengths are now, I am informed, practically clear of interference from that station.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if the legal proceedings in regard to the sale of Rich-borough harbour under the agreement of 24th March, 1921, have yet been completed; if so, what, is the result; the amount, if any, received: and the costs of the legal proceedings?

Subject to the approval of the Court, a settlement of this case has been arrived at. On approval by the Court, I will furnish the hon. Member with the details asked for in the second part of the question.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the fact that the Report of the Departmental Committee of Inquiry on the Export of Horses, which seriously reflects on the conduct of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, is published at 1s., he will reduce the price of the volume of evidence on which this criticism is based from 30s., so that the general public may have a hotter opportunity of judging for themselves on the facts of the case?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Bow and Bromley (Mr. Lansbury) on the 19th November.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can give details of the loss of £13,803 under the Trade Facilities Act; and when the money was advanced to the firms?

The amount of £13,803 is arrived at as follows:

	£
Holbrook Brick and Tile Company, Limited	4,400
Leckhampton Quarries Company, Limited	4,153
Merton Board Mill, Limited	5,250
	£13,803

The loans to these companies were made on the following dates:Holbrook Brick and Tile Company, Limited, 3rd May, 1922.Leckhampton Quarries Company, Limited, 9th November, 1922;. 9th July, 1924; 29th April, 1925.Merton Board Mill, Limited, 10th November, 1922.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give the average income as assessed to income tax of barristers, solicitors, doctors, and accountants for the year ending 5th April, 1924?

There are no statistics available giving the information asked for, and I regret I cannot undertake the special investigation that would be necessary to obtain them.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the claims for repayment of Income Tax can be settled with greater rapidity, so that persons who have overpaid may receive the amounts due without undue delay?

In the last few years improvements in the machinery of repayment have very materially accelerated the work, and the great mass of claims are expeditiously dealt with, but I will gladly cause inquiry to be made into any case the hon. Member has in mind in which undue delay has occurred.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much Income Tax has been refunded on account of farm losses in the years 1922, 1923, and 1924, respectively; and how much Income Tax was refunded for maintenance claims on agricultural estates for 1923 and 1924?

I regret that I am unable to answer this question in the form in which it is put, as the amount of tax due from any individual depends not upon any particular source of income, but upon the total income from all sources, as modified by any title to special reliefs. On the data available it is estimated that the amount of income on which Income Tax was repaid, or which was discharged from assessment, on account of (a) farm losses, or (b) the actual income falling short of the amount assessed, was approximately £3,500,000 in 1923–24 and £3.000,000 in 1924–25. Corresponding figures are not available for the year 1922–23. As regards the second part of the question, the income on which tax was repaid or discharged in respect of maintenance of property amounted to £2,675,000 in 1923–24; for 1924–25 the figure is expected to be in the neighbourhood of £2,850,000. No division of these totals can be made as between lands and houses. or between agricultural and other kinds of property.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the amounts of collectible arrears of Income Tax outstanding for the first and second instalments, 1924–25, 1923–24, 1922–23, and for years prior to 1922–23?

The approximate amount of Income Tax due to be paid but not paid at the 31st October, 1925, was £9,300,000, of which a considerable part has since been collected. I regret that I am unable to divide this amount between first and second instalments of tax or between the respective years of account named.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has used any of the credits arranged by him in America in order to improve the exchange between the two countries?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what sum was allowed on all British plain spirits exported in the financial years 1923 and 1924, respectively; and what it is estimated this allowance will amount to during the current financial year?

The amount of allowance paid on the exportation or shipment as stores of plain British spirits in the year ended 31st March, 1924, was £81,921, and in the year ended 31st March, 1925, £88,379. As regards the last part of the question, it would seem probable, on the information available, that, although the quantity exported has fallen off in the present financial year, the amount payable during the year will probably be somewhat in excess of that of last year. This arises from the fact that a considerable interval often elapses between date of exportation and date when allowance is claimed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount represented by the discount on the £323,117,478 3½ per cent. Conversion Stock?

The discount on stock issued for cash was £29,756,780 and the increase of nominal debt in respect of stock issued in exchange for other securities was £229,882,955. These figures total £259,639,735. As my hon. Friend is aware, 3½ per cent. Conversion Loan is funded debt and there is no obligation to redeem it at any particular date.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether Army cadets at present at Sandhurst, Woolwich, and other colleges will, on entering the Army, receive pay at the rate in force at the time they entered the college or be subject to the reduced rates which came into force on 26th October?

Cadets commissioned on or after the 26th October last will receive the new rates of pay laid down in Army Order 366 of 1925.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the statement in the House of Commons on the 13th March, 1924, by the late Secretary of State for War that revisions of the variable elements of officers' pay would only be made at intervals of three years from 1924, he can give an assurance that no further revisions of pay will be considered until the year 1927?

The next automatic revision, upwards or downwards, of the 20 per cent. variable factor in officers' pay will take place as from 1st July, 1927. This automatic triennial revision is, of course, an entirely different matter from the introduction of a new scale of pay such as that introduced for officers commissioned on and after 26th October, 1925. The distinction was made clear by the late Secretary of State in the Debate to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the financial arrangements made by each nation with the United States of America in regard to the funding of loans; and the approximate aggregate total payment of interest and principal over the full period?

The arrangements for the funding of the British Debt to the United States of America are set out in Command Paper 1912. The debt is repayable in 62 years with interest at 3 per cent. for 10 years and at 3½ per cent. for the remainder of the period. The debts of Finland, Hungary, Lithuania. Poland, Esthonia, Latvia and Czechoslovakia have been funded on substantially the same terms, except that in the case of Czechoslovakia payments up to 1943 are reduced, the later payments being correspondingly increased. The pie-Armistice Debt of Belgium is to be repaid in 62 years without interest. The post-Armistice Debt of Belgium is to be repaid in 62 years with interest at 3½ per cent. from the eleventh year onwards and at reduced rates (rising from about ¾ per cent. to about 2 per cent.) during the first 10 years.The Debt of Italy is to be repaid in 62 years with no interest for five years, interest at one-eighth of 1 per cent. for 10 years, and at rates rising at intervals of 10 years to 2 per cent. in the fifty-sixth year.No settlement has yet been reached as regards the French Debt and the agreements with certain Debtor States have not yet been ratified.The amounts of the Debts as funded are as follow:

			$
Great Britain	…	…	4,600,000,000
Finland	…	…	9,000,000
Hungary	…	…	1,939,000
Lithuania	…	…	6,030,000
Poland	…	…	178,560,000
*Esthonia	…	…	13,830,000
*Latvia	…	…	5,775,000
*Czechoslovakia	…	…	115,000,000
*Belgium:
Pre-Armistice	…	…	171,780,000
Post-Armistice	…	…	246,000,000
*Italy	…	…	2,042,000,000
Total	…	…	87,389,914,000

or in round figures, £1,500 millions.The aggregate total payments of interest and principal to be made in respect of the above total spread over the whole period of 62 years are:

		$
Great Britain	…	11,105,965,000
Italy	…	2,407,000,000
Belgium	…	727,830,500
Remainder (approximately)	…	832,000,000
		$15,072,795,500

or in round figures £3,000 millions.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the appeals of 300,000 men against the termination of their pensions have been rejected by the appeal tribunal on the ground that they were out of date; and whether he will consider the desirability of amending the Final Award Regulations, made under the War Pensions Act, 1921, so that men whose pensions have ceased and whose disabilities have recurred or increased may be given facilities to obtain a pension in accordance with the degree of disablement due to war service?

I do not know from what source the hon. Member obtained his figures, but they are seriously overstated. The total number of cases rejected is not 300,000, but 5,000. Rejection in these cases is a matter not of the Regulations but of Statute. I would, however, point out that medical treatment at the hands of the Ministry (with allowances, if necessary) is available in cases of final award. Where in any exceptional case as a result of medical treatment and observation the Ministry find that serious and permanent error has occurred in declaring the award final, arrangements are already in operation, as my right hon. Friend has previously stated in this House, whereby further grant of compensation may be and is being made.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many applications for a pension on account of tuberculosis have been disallowed on the ground that the men were suffering from this malady before entering the Army, although their condition was not diagnosed at the time of recruitment?

My hon. and gallant Friend is under a misapprehension in supposing that claims to pension for tuberculosis or any other disease have been rejected on the sole ground that the applicant is found to have suffered from the disease prior to enlistment. The question to be determined in such cases is whether or not the conditions of the applicant's War service adversely affected, and still continue to affect, the disablement, if any, resulting from the disease, and it is on the answer to this question that the award or refusal of pension depends.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many officers and men have been discharged from His Majesty's Navy since the Armistice suffering from tuberculosis; how many have been treated in sanatoria; out of this number, how many have recovered and how many have died; and in how many instances did a medical board find that the disability was due to service?

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 19th November. 1925, col. 589], supplied the following figures:

1925 (to 30th September)

…

155

of which number six were attributable to or aggravated by the service.

1924

…

…

…

…

155

of which number six were attributable to or aggravated by the service.

1923

…

…

…

…

149

of which number three were attributable to or aggravated by the service.

1922

…

…

…

…

192

of which number 76 were attributable to or aggravated by the service.

1921	…	…	…	…	265
1920	…	…	…	…	265
1919	…	…	…	…	457

I would point out that the final decision as to attributability from the date of the Armistice until 30th September, 1921, rested with the Ministry of Pensions, to whom I would refer my hon. Friend. I regret that I have no information as regards the second and third parts of the question.

asked the Minister of Pensions under what Regulation an orphan pension is refused to the child of a deceased soldier in a case where the mother is also dead; and whether, in a case where the mother re-married and died within three weeks of the remarriage and the stepfather has not been heard of for more than six years, nor at any time contributed to the maintenance of the child, it is considered that the child is not an orphan who has lost both parents and therefore is only entitled to a pension of 10s. a week in lieu of 12s. per week pension as provided in the Royal Warrant of 1919 for a child whose father died on war service and whose mother is dead?

Article 16 of the Warrant prescribes the rate of allowance payable after the re-marriage of a widow. In the event of her death, the same rate continues to be payable unless the child is removed from or ceases to be under the care of its stepfather, in which event the motherless rate contained in Article 18 (1) is issued. If the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars of the case to which he has drawn my attention, I shall be happy to inquire why the higher rate has not been paid.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that pensions are being refused to soldiers on the ground that the disabilities from which they are suffering would have occurred had the sufferers remained in civil life; whether he will state the grounds upon which a pension has been refused to Harry Lumb, of 65, Willow Park, Baghille, Pontefract, Yorkshire, who is a cripple from rheumatoid arthritis; and is he aware that in this man's case it is admitted that his disability commenced during his military service in the Army?

I have been asked to reply. I am aware of the facts stated in the first and last parts of the question. As regards the case of Harry Lumb, this soldier was discharged after 1 year and 167 days' service on account of a disability which, in the opinion of the medical authorities, was of constitutional origin and not attributable to his service as a soldier. He was not, therefore, entitled to a pension under the Regulations.

asked the Minister of Pensions what are the names and salaries of the regional directors in the Ministry of Pensions; how many, if any, are on part time; how many have received an intimation that their services may at an early date be dispensed with; and whether his Department has under consideration such reorganisation of the administration as would involve the closing of all regions by June, 1926, and the centralisation of administrative work in the Ministry headquarters in London?

On the completion of the recentralisation of the Midlands region on the 5th proximo there will remain only two regions, Northern, with headquarters at Newcastle-on-Tyne, and Scotland, with headquarters at Edinburgh. In the Northern region the duties of regional director have, for many months past, been combined with those of the Commissioner of Medical Services without increase in emoluments. In the Scotland region the regional director is at present required to give part-time service only and receives a salary of £600 per annum. His services cease at the end of next month, and thereafter the duties will be combined with those of the Commissioner of Medical Services without increase in that officer's emoluments. Re-centralisation is the policy of the present Government as it was of the last, and arrangements are already in contemplation for closing the headquarters of the Northern region early in 1926. No decision has yet been taken on the question of the recentralisation of the Scotland region, but as I indicated to the hon. Member for Edinburgh East on the 18th instant, the time is not far distant, according to present indications, when the decline in the volume of the Ministry's work will render the retention of separate regional headquarters in Edinburgh unjustifiable.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that the Scottish Board of Health recently advertised for a medical officer (woman) at a salary of £500 rising to £800: whether this is the same scale of salary as is applicable to medical officers (men); whether the salary is substantially less than that paid to medical officers of similar qualifications and discharging similar duties employed by the Ministry of Health; and, if so, what are the grounds on which the difference is based?

In reply to the first part of the question, the figures quoted by the hon. Member exclude the cost of living bonus. Including this bonus, the minimum, accordingly, is £684 and the maximum is £1,009. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the last parts, I understand that a higher scale is payable to medical officers in the Ministry of Health. The salary scales referred to are the result of long negotiations turning on general considerations outwith the scope of Parliamentary question and answer.

asked the Home Secretary the number of whole-time and part-time inspectors employed at the present time by the Home Office under the Cruelty to Animals Act of 1876; and their names and their qualifications for the post?

There are at present two whole-time inspectors under the Act, namely, Dr. J. A. Giles, M.B., B.S., D.P.H., and Lieut.-Colonel P. S. Lelean, C.B., C.M.G., F.R.C.S. Dr. Giles was for many years before the War Medical Officer of Health at Wallsend-on-Tyne. He served in the Royal Army Medical Service from 1916 to 1918, and in 1918 was appointed Advisory Sanitary Officer to the Air Ministry. Colonel Lelean served in the Royal Army Medical Corps for 21 years with distinction. During the last 2½ years of his Army service he was Professor of Hygiene in the Royal Army Medical College.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the names of the present Small Holdings Commissioners under the Small Holdings and Allotments Acts. 1908 to 1919, and their present salaries, and when it is intended to resume the making of an Annual Report to Parliament as required by Section 53 of the Act of 1908?

The following is a list of the outdoor and technical officers of the Land Division who are mainly but not entirely engaged on business which was previously undertaken by Small Holdings Commissioners:

Name.	Present salary.
1 Director of Land Acquisition and Disposal:	£
Sydney Mager, C.B.E.	1,100*
1 Chief Land Commissioner:
Harold Vezey Raffety, O.B.E.	1,000*
7 District Land Commissioners (established):
John Harber Diggle	800*
Dennis Christopher Barnard	800*
William Trotman Howes, M.B.E.	800*
Thomas Hickling Sutton	800*†
Charles Minto Roberts	650*
Robert Jackson	625*
Cyril Gordon Ramsay Weller	600*
6 District Land Commissioners (temporary):
Thomas Griffith	700
Lt.-Col. Douglas Quirk, D.S.O.	760
Edward Longley Banham	760
William Rowland James	700
John Stuart Hill	700
Lionel Hugh Way	650

A report on Land Settlement in England and Wales for the years 1919 to 1924 was published by the Stationery Office on 12th November, and it is proposed to issue a Report each year in future.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that Miss V. Everett has been detained during His Majesty's pleasure for over 12 months for criminal libel and is now in the West Park Mental Hospital, he can now recommend to withdraw the order of detention so that Miss Everett may be treated under the Lunacy Acts as applied to ordinary patients?

The case of Kathleen Everett, to which I presume the hon. Member refers, has been very carefully considered. In all the circum- stances I should not feel justified in authorising the patient's discharge as a criminal lunatic.

asked the Home Secretary whether, seeing that women workers in aerated water factories complain that the waterproof aprons provided to keep their skirts dry cause the water to run down into their boots or clogs so that. their feet are always wet, it is proposed to introduce any Regulations providing that the workers shall be furnished with waterproof breeches and gaiters to work in, the wearing of skirts and aprons in the factories to be prohibited?

I am advised that the proposal to prohibit the wearing of skirts and aprons is unnecessary and would almost certainly be resented by the workers. The difficulty can he easily overcome either by wearing puttees as suggested in the last Report of the Chief Inspector of Factories and Workshops, or by wearing a piece of rough sacking over the waterproof apron, and this latter practice is frequently adopted by the women on their own initiative.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the Government proposes to adopt any of the methods of agricultural co-operation in Denmark?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Tradeston (Mr. T. Henderson) on the 19th instant.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any and, if so, what steps are being taken to study the methods adopted in Denmark for the control and treatment of foot-and-mouth disease?

I have been asked to reply. The Ministry is fully informed of the methods which are adopted in Denmark for the control and treatment of foot-and-mouth disease, and is in close touch with the research work which is being carried out at various centres on the Continent. I should mention however, that foot-and-mouth disease has been life in Denmark during the last 12 months and has led the Danish authorities to send a representative to study methods of control adopted in this country.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the reasons why the Port of London is not open to cattle from Canada, and whether any negotiations on the subject are now in progress?

The provision of facilities at any port for the landing of cattle from Canada is a matter for commercial enterprise, subject to the condition that any lauding place provided for this purpose must comply with certain conditions laid down by the Ministry for the purpose of preventing the introduction and spread of disease. The Ministry is not aware that any person is prepared to undertake the necessary capital outlay on this project. No negotiations are being conducted by the Ministry on the question.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the losses which are being sustained by pedigree stock breeders in this country in consequence of the import regulations set up by the United States of America, Canada and Ireland, and whether he is taking any steps in the matter?

The regulations of the United States, Canada and Ireland, to which reference is made in the question, are imposed with a view to protect those countries from the risk of the introduction of foot-and-mouth disease from Great Britain, and in view of the existence of the disease in England at the present time the Ministry doubt the expediency of approaching those countries with a view to a relaxation of their restrictions. If a similar disease position arose in the United States, Canada or Ireland, the Ministry would adopt the same policy of imposing restrictions on animals from those countries.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, prior to placing orders abroad for parachutes for the Royal Air Force, British firms were asked to tender for the supply of Royal Air Force requirements on contract conditions placing on the manufacturer liability, if any, in respect of patent rights; and whether such provision is a customary feature of Air Ministry contracts?

The parachutes on order for the Royal Air Force are a proprietary article, and the contract was not placed as the result of competitive tendering. In the case of competitive tenders being invited for the supply of proprietary articles, it is usual for the Department to assume responsibility for infringement of patent rights.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether it is still an obligation upon recruits for the Air Force that they shall be vaccinated before actual acceptance; and, seeing that as the proportion of persons vaccinated has

Country.	Flight.	Engine.	Date.
Holland	Amsterdam-Batavia (about 9,500 miles)	Rolls Royce Eagle IX	October and November, 1924.
Russia	Moscow-Pekin-Shanghai (about 5,000 miles).	Siddeley Puma	June-July-August, 1925.
Sweden	Malmo-De Mok-Felixstowe and back (about 1,500 miles).	Eagle IX	June, 1925.
Norway	Spitzbergen-81 degrees N. and back (about 1,400 miles).	Eagle IX	May and June, 1925.
Spain	Marina di Pisa (Italy) to Mar Chica (Morocco) about 1,000 miles.)	Eagle	August and September, 1924.
Italy	Attempted Round the World Flight (Abandoned after approximately 3,545 miles had been covered).	Eagle	July and August, 1924.
Portugal	Lisbon to Rio de Janeiro (4,352 miles). (Machine was damaged beyond repair when alighting at St. Paul's Rock, after completing 2,352 miles, the flight being resumed with other machines).	Eagle	March-June, 1922.
Belgium	Brussels to Kinslasa (Congo) (about 5,000miles.)	Eagle IX and Puma	February to April, 1925.
France	Toulon to Casablanca (about 1,500 miles).	Bristol Jupiter built under licence by the Gnome Rhone Company.	1925.
Argentina	Amsterdam to Tokio (about 10,000 miles.)	Napier Lion	July-October, 1924.

In answer to the first part of the question, recruits are still required to declare on attestation their willingness to be vaccinated. As regards the second part, I am not prepared to alter the existing practice.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what long-distance demonstration flights have been carried out since the War by foreign owned aircraft employing engines of British origin; and what regular air transport services under foreign ownership employ British engines?

As regards the first part of the question, the following longdistance demonstration and analogous flights have been carried out by foreign owned aircraft employing engines of British origin, namely:

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of public companies which have in operation schemes of one kind or another for participation of employés in profits and the number of employés participating therein?

The number of firms, including public companies, which are known to have in operation definite schemes for sharing profits with their employés is 234, and the number of employés participating in such schemes is approximately 175,000. Figures relating to arrangements in the nature of profit-sharing in co-operative societies are not included in these totals.

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is proposed to extend the system of manual training centres for youths; and, if so, whether, having regard to the extent of unemployment in Sheffield, he will consider the institution of a training centre in Sheffield?

The four centres which are being established are experimental in character and for the present I regret that I do not see my way to providing any additional centres.

asked the Minister of Labour when this House may expect to have the Report of the Committee of Inquiry into the adequacy of arrangements for enabling young people to enter into and retain suitable employment?

I assume that the hon. Member refers to the Committee under the chairmanship of Mr. Malcolm, the terms of reference to which are, however, substantially wider than is indicated in the question. The Committee are only at the beginning of their inquiry, and it is not possible for my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Education and myself to forecast the date on which the Committee will be in a position to report.

asked the Minister of Transport the number and the nature of the road-constructional and improvement relief schemes in connection with which grants have been authorised, but on which work has not yet begun, and the date of the authorisation of the grant in each instance?

I am sending the hon. Member a list of 42 schemes of road construction and improvement which have been formally approved for grants out of the moneys set aside from the Road Fund for the assistance of works specially initiated for the relief of unemployment, and which, so far as the information in my Department goes, have not yet been started. I am unable to supply similar information with regard to bridge works without making detailed inquiries into a large number of cases, the reason being that while a time limit is fixed for the commencement of the work in the case of these grants to road works, it is from the nature of the case impossible to fix a definite time limit for the commencement of bridge works, and complete information with regard to the latter is therefore not available in the Department.

Date.				Great Britain.	North Eastern Area.	Newcastle-on-Tyne, Elswick and Heaton.
3rd August, 1925	…	…	…	1,260,407	320,874	17,379
7th September, 1925	…	…	…	1,345,455	333,847	17,922
5th October, 1925	…	…	…	1,297,628	309,949	16,726
2nd November, 1925	…	…	…	1,207,612	279,376	16,311

asked the Minister of Transport how many persons have died as a result of accidents at level crossings during each of the last ten years?

I am having printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement giving the information which my hon. Friend desires.

asked the Minister of Labour what the figures for unemployment are from July to November, 1925, in Great Britain, the North-Eastern area, and Newcastle-upon-Tyne, respectively, in continuation of the return given on 16th July last?

The following table gives the number of persons on the registers of Employment Exchanges in the areas stated:

also asked the Minister of Transport whether any financial assistance from the Government has been given to, or solicited by, the local authorities desirous of reducing the inconvenience and danger of level crossings?

The answer to both parts of my hon. Friend's question is in the affirmative. Assistance from the Road Fund has been given in several cases towards the elimination of level crossings.

asked the Minister of Transport when the projected new road to servo the London Docks will be commenced?

asked the Minister of Transport (1) what progress has been made with the plans for the proposed new main road to the Victoria Docks; and when the work will be commenced and the proportion of the necessary expenditure the Government proposes to meet;(2) whether seeing that in connection with the proposed new main road to the Victoria Docks a considerable number of people will be dishoused owing to the proposed road cutting through certain populated areas, he has under consideration any schemes of re-housing?

The Dock Road Scheme for which preliminary surveys, drawings and models have been prepared, is still under consideration and has been examined by the London Traffic Committee. Rehousing proposals must necessarily form part of the project, and some study has been given to this side of the matter. Legislation would be necessary before the scheme could be carried into effect. I am not in a position to give any indication as to the likelihood or amount of a grant from the Road Fund, or the date at which work could be commenced.

asked the Minister of Transport whether it has now been definitely decided to construct a Thames tunnel between Dartford and Purfleet, connecting Kent and Essex; and whether an approximate date can be given upon which the work will be commenced?

I have nothing to add to the information contained in the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Hertford (Roar-Admiral Sueter) on the 22nd June last, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Minister of Transport the amounts allotted from the Road Fund to the work of road widening and improvement on the London-Maid-stone-Folkestone road for the years 1923, 1924 and 1925?

The amounts allotted from the Road Fund to the work of widening and improvement on the London-Maidstone-Folkestone road during the years in question have been as follows:

				£
In 1923	…	…	…	162,468
In 1924	…	…	…	434,580
In 1925	…	…	…	766

asked the Minister of Transport how many stoppages have taken place on the underground railways of London within the last three months owing to failure of current; whether these stoppages are becoming more numerous, and whether any remedial action can be recommended to the companies concerned to minimise the inconvenience to the public?

I have brought this matter to the notice of the railway companies concerned, and am informed that no stoppages or delays owing to the failure or the temporary reduction of the current have occurred during the last three months on the Metropolitan Railway, and that there have been three such delays on the Metropolitan District and London Electric Railway Company's system in all. Of these, one was due to circumstances of an exceptional nature, and the other two were attributable to an abnormal quantity of leaves in the river affecting the supply of the condensing water. Works are already in progress to overcome this difficulty.

asked the Minister of Transport the conditions under which the official attendants at parking places for motor cars in London have been engaged; whether these men receive any salary: and, if so, what?

I have been asked to reply. These attendants are persons who have been licensed as messengers by the Commissioner of Police on the nomination of the Association for the Employment of Regular Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen, the Transport Workers' Union, the Cab Drivers' Benevolent Association, the Motor Cab Drivers' Protection Society or the Motor Cab Owner Drivers' Association. They are not in the employment of the police or any other authority, and do not receive any salary, but are entitled to accept any gratuities that may be offered them. The arrangements, which are experimental, are on lines recommended by the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee.

asked the Minister of Transport the numbers of omnibus accidents in the Metropolitan area during, the last three years, indicating in how many instances vehicles belonging to the London General Omnibus Company were involved and in how many instances omnibuses of independent ownership?RETURN showing the number of accidents to persons and property known to Metropolitan Police to have been caused in the streets by motor omnibuses during the years shown:—

Year.	Number of Accidents.
1922	…	3,432
1923	…	6,875
1924	…	8,670
1925 (10 months, October)	…	6,826

These figures can only be classified as to ownership of omnibuses concerned in those cases in which fatal or non-fatal injuries arose. Where damage to property only is involved particulars are not available to enable such classification to be made.The following Return shows the number of Injuries (fatal and non-fatal) which have occurred during the periods above mentioned and indicates the Proprietors owning the omnibuses. These figures form a portion of the total of the accidents referred to above.

1922.		1923.		1924.		10 months ending October 1925.
Fatal.	Injuries.	Fatal.	Injuries.	Fatal.	Injuries.	Fatal.	Injuries.
London General Omnibus Company.
47	1,270	77	2,329	104	2,355	68	1,750
Independent Ownership.
13	344	24	500	50	988	49	1,232

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the fact that on 4th October a double-decked motor omnibus skidded 50 yards along the road, between Rochester and Gravesend, and all the passengers inside the vehicle were cut by pieces of broken glass; and whether he will consider the question of making it an obligation upon the proprietors of all passenger-carrying public vehicles to instal non-splinterable glass, thus ensuring a greater degree of public safety?

My attention has already been drawn to this accident. As I have previously informed the hon. Member, I am anxious to encourage the use of some form of unsplinterable glass in public-service vehicles, but I am advised that, for reasons of cost, it would not for the present be practicable to make its use compulsory.

I have been asked to reply, and will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate a statistical table in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that glassy road surfaces are the main cause of motoring accidents on the straight; and whether, in view of the increasing number of these accidents, he will consider the resurfacing of such roads on which motor traffic is heavy?

The evidence before me does not support my hon. Friend's view as to the main cause of motoring accidents. Various means have been successfully adopted to remedy the occasional slipperiness of road surfaces in certain states of the weather, and the responsible highway authorities are adopting these measures where desirable. Where new surfaces are being laid down, highway authorities are urged by my Department to adopt specifications which reduce risk of slipperiness to a minimum.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) whether he proposes to introduce legislation, at an early date, to effect an alteration in the basis of motor taxation;(2) whether any conclusion has been come to in his consideration of the existing basis of motor taxation?

I am not clear as to the exact meaning of "the basis of motor taxation" in my hon. Friend's questions, but I assume his reference is to alteration in the scales of duty applicable to different classes of mechanically-propelled vehicles contained in the Second Schedule to the Finance Act, 1920. These duties are imposed in the Finance Act, and no special legislation is required for their alteration.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received any representations on the subject of the carrying by cyclists of a red lamp at the rear of their machines; whether any accidents have recently occurred owing to such red lights not being carried; and what is the policy of his Department on the matter?

I have received many representations both in favour of, and against, the carrying of red rear lights by all bicycles. As regards the second part of the question, it must always be a matter of personal opinion whether in any particular case an accident to a cyclist might have been avoided by the provision of a rear light, but there certainly have been some cases among those inquired into by officers of my Department where an accident would probably have been prevented had some such precaution been adopted. As regards the last part, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Enfield (Colonel Applin) on the 18th instant, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, seeing that there is no requirement that ordinary bicycles, when being ridden at night, should carry a rear warning light, he will consider as to taking steps to make the exhibition of a light compulsory, having regard to the need for this under modern traffic conditions?

This question will arise in connection with the Roads Vehicles Bill, which I hope to introduce as soon as Parliamentary time is available. I am not at present in a position to make any statement.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the employment in the provinces as omnibus conductors of boys, in some cases as young as 15; whether he is aware that in one case of a charge of gross overloading the conductor was so young as to necessitate the case being dealt with in the children's court; and whether, in view of the need for insuring the welfare and safety of the public, he will cause regulations to be issued which will insure the employment of persons of responsible age in this class of work?

I have no definite information regarding the first part of the question. The particular case mentioned in the second part had not previously been brought to my notice. I am considering the point raised in the last part in connection with the legislation which I hope to be able to introduce for the better regulation and licensing of public service vehicles.

asked the Minister of Transport if ha will introduce legislation making the granting of licences to automobile drivers conditional upon their passing a recognised test in driving?

As I have stated on previous occasions, I am disposed to agree with the conclusion arrived at by the Departmental Committee on the Taxation and Regulation of Road Vehicles, as stated in their Second Interim Report, that any advantages which at first sight might appear likely to result from the institution of tests on the lines indicated, would be outweighed by the expense, difficulties and disadvantages inseparable from any such system.

asked the Minister of Transport the present attitude of the police authorities towards the roofing in of motor omnibus upper decks; and whether any provisional licences have been granted to vehicles so fitted?

Rigid top deck covers for certain types of omnibuses are now being tried experimentally in the London area. Four such omnibuses have recently been licensed by the Commissioner of Police, after consultation with my Department, and put into operation. The operators are apparently satisfied with them as they have recently made application for 50 more to be licensed and this application is now under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the particulars published in trade journals showing that, with the. view of keeping up prices, the Motor Manufacturers Association compel motor dealers to pay sums amounting in some cases to £500 to the funds of the association if they sell cars below the scheduled list, or inform them that in the alternative no cars will be supplied them for sale; and whether he will consider the desirability of making such rings for the maintenance of prices illegal?

I am aware that the policy of motor car manufacturers and motor traders generally is to prevent the sale of a motor car at a price below the maker's list price for that car, but I am not acquainted with the precise terms of the agreements designed to give effect to that policy, which I may point out does not prevent active price competition between manufacturers. As at present advised I am not prepared to introduce legislation on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state, in view of the present disturbances in the Lebanon, what provisions are being made for the safety of British residents and their property in Beirut; and whether arrangements have been made for the immediate evacuation of the residents in case of need?

According to the latest reports received from the Acting British Consul-General at Beirut, British residents, and their property, in Beirut are not in immediate danger. The question of the arrangements which should be made to deal with any emergency which may arise, has already engaged the attention of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any complaint has been received by him from the French Government against the British Consul at Damascus relative to the recent disturbances there; whether he has called for or received any Report from the British Consul; and, if not, whether he will call for one?

As I asked other hon. Members to postpone similar questions until Wednesday the 25th, I shall be much obliged if the hon. Member will, as a matter of courtesy to them, defer his own until the same day.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any application has been made by the Red Crescent Society for permission to transmit medical necessaries to the Riffs; and whether, seeing that the forces of Abdel Krim are restricted to dressing wounds with olive oil and water, he will sanction the immediate transhipment of lint, drugs, and other necessities?

No formal application of this nature has been received from the Red Crescent Society, but certain private persons have made inquiries on the Society's behalf. They have been informed that the French and Spanish Governments are alone competent to sanction the importation of medical stores into the Riff, and that application should be made to these Governments.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether he is aware that the development of cotton growing in East Africa is being held up for want of transport; and whether he can see his way to introduce at an early date a Bill to give effect to the recommendations of the East African Commission?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given yesterday to the hon. Member for Middleton and Prestwich (Mr. Sandeman).

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, what is the total cost incurred per week in guarding the Hudson Memorial in Hyde Park?

No additional charge is falling on public funds in connection with the policing of the Hudson Memorial, as its custody is maintained by the police required in the normal course for Hyde Park.

asked the Minister of Health, whether he is aware that the guardians of Henley-on-Thames and elsewhere in the county of Oxford permit their casual wards to be so overcrowded as to be indecent and unhealthy; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

My right hon. Friend gathers that this and some other questions which the hon. Member has put down are based upon articles which have recently been published in the newspapers. He has received from the author of these articles a report on his experiences which is now the subject of investigation by my right hon. Friend's officers.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the distressed circumstances of certain boards of guardians outside the Metropolitan area, he will consider the introduction of legislation whereby a fund similar to the Metropolitan Common Poor Fund may be established for regions outside London?

The difficulty which is experienced in regard to the Metropolitan Common Poor Fund of securing to contributors to the fund an adequate control over its expenditure would apply to the proposal made by the hon. Member and that proposal clearly raises other issues of importance which must be considered in relation to the reform of the Poor Law.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department how many emigrants have left this country since 1920 under assisted schemes?

I have been asked to reply. The number of assisted migrants who have left this country from 1st January, 1920, to 31st October, 1925, is, approximately, 183,500.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the average number of emigrants leaving the United Kingdom for the five years preceding the War and the average number for the last five years?

The number of emigrants, as distinct from passengers, was not recorded before 1st April, 1912. The passenger movement of British subjects between Great Britain and Ireland and non-European countries shows an average annual balance outwards of 229,139 for the five years 1909–13, and an average annual balance outwards of 137,593 for the five years 1920–24.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether it is the intention of the Government to hold an inquiry into the conduct and management of the British Empire Exhibition?

The Government do not contemplate holding an inquiry of the kind suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether the inquiry conducted by the Mines Department into alleged short weight in rail-borne coal has yet been concluded; and, if so, when the Report will be published?

No, Sir. I regret that it has not yet been possible to complete the inquiry.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he can now inform the House what steps have been taken to make the process known as the low-temperature carbonisation of coal a commercial success, and with what results?

I would refer the hon. Member to the Reports for 1924–25 of the Committee for Scientific and Industrial Research and the Fuel Research Board. A great deal of research has been, and is being, undertaken at His Majesty's Fuel Research Station; and an offer has been made to test free of charge plants which claim to have solved the problem of low-temperature carbonisation. Promising results have been obtained in a number of cases, but so far as I know no plant has yet been working on a commercial scale for a long enough period to enable any definite judgment to be formed.

asked the Secretary for Mines, whether his attention has been drawn to the inquest held at Derby on Oliver Rundall, a 15-year-old boy, employed at the Swanwick Colliery and allowed to work 70 hours a week instead of the number allowable by law; and whether any action has been taken against the owners of the colliery in respect of this breach of Regulations?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Enquiries are being made, and on their completion the question of further action will be decided.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he can state the terms of the agreement entered into between the Government and the coal owners for the payment of the subsidy to the coal industry?

The agreement is as follows:AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE MINES DEPARTMENT AND THE MIXING ASSOCIATION OF GREAT BRITAIN, DATED 6TH AUGUST, 1925.

asked the Secretary for Mines the quantity of coal raised in each of the coalfields in the United Kingdom, and the amount of subsidy paid in respect of such output during the months of August, September and October, 1925, respectively?

The figures are as follows: