asked the Minister of Pensions if he can make any statement as to the transfer of pensions administration from Edinburgh to London; and whether he received any intimation that a large number of Scottish Members of Parliament desired the postponement of any action until an opportunity had been given for the discussion of the matter in the House of Commons?

I do not think I can add anything to the reply I gave on this subject to the hon. Member for Edinburgh East on the 18th instant, of which I am sending him a copy.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received a request from the majority of the Scottish Members to postpone it, and does he not think that such a request is worthy of attention?

Centralisation of the Scottish Regional Office is not the present issue, but at a time when in the last two years the reduction of the staff in Scotland is already behind the reduction of the staff in England, I am not prepared to postpone small administrative reforms.

Is the answer to my question that the right hon. Gentleman attaches no importance to a representation of this kind from the majority of the Scottish Members?

asked the Minister of Pensions (1) whether he is aware that on Tuesday, 3rd November, all the files relating to the cases of Widows', Dependants', and Alternative Pensions were removed from the Edinburgh pensions office to London; whether contractors have been invited to tender estimates for the removal of the remaining files, which relate to soldiers' cases, to London; and whether accommodation has already been made for the carrying on at Acton of all pensions work relating to Scotland;

(2) whether he is aware that assurances were given by his Department that nothing would be done to remove the oases of soldiers' pensions from Edinburgh to London until the Scottish Advisory Council had been consulted; whether any such consultation has taken place; if so, what decision has been arrived at as a result of the consultation; and, if no consultation has taken place, whether any instructions for the removal of those cases will be stopped until the opinion of the Scottish Advisory Council has been obtained?

As I informed the hon. Member for Elland on the 24th instant, no decision has yet been taken on the question of re-centralisation of the Ministry's Sub-office in Edinburgh, and before a decision is taken the Advisory Council will be given an opportunity of expressing their views. The awards files of Widows', Dependants', and Alternative Pensions have been transferred from Edinburgh to London. No steps whatever have been taken to invite estimates for the removal of the remaining files to London or to re-arrange the existing accommodation in Acton for carrying on the work there of the Regional Headquarters in Edinburgh.

Did not the Undersecretary state yesterday that it had already been decided to do away with the Scottish centre?

No, I have a copy of his reply. He said that, as the leaders of this movement recognise, it is ultimately inevitable, but no decision to abolish the Scottish region had been arrived at.

Are we to take it that Scotland is not to have any administration of pensions at all in the place where they know the individuals, and where it would be much more expeditious to see the cases and carry through the work of each case instead of transferring them to London?

Scotland in this matter has never had Home Rule. When this region is abolished, Scotland will be in the same position as the Irish Free State, Northern Ireland and the Welsh people.

I am not questioning Home Rule. I am questioning the efficiency of administration. The other day I was ruled out of order for bringing Home Rule into a supplementary question I was putting. The Minister of Pensions is in the same predicament to-day. Will the Minister stop all this removing, until he has had an opportunity of consulting with the Advisory Committee and also with Scottish Members on the matter?

Is it not the case that what we have to consider is, not the share of administration of this place or that, but the efficiency of administration in the interest of those who are concerned in the distribution of pensions?

The right hon. Gentleman says the opinion of the Advisory Council will be asked. If the Advisory Committee advises against the removal, will that opinion be acceded to?

As a matter of fact, was the Advisory Committee in this case consulted before removal?

It has never been the part of the duty of the Advisory Council to settle matters of internal administration of the staff of the Ministry in view of the Act of 1921. On the main issue, I have already said I am prepared to hear what the views are of the Scottish Advisory Council. The main issue is one of efficiency, and it is quite clear that for many years past the most difficult cases have been settled in London.

Was the Advisory Council consulted in this case?

No, it never has been the rule in matters of distribution of staff for the Advisory Council to be consulted. But on the main issue I am prepared to ascertain their views.

Were no assurances given to the Scottish Council that they would be consulted before any such step was taken as has already been taken?

No. It is not the case that we undertook to consult them as to minor movements of the staff, but it is the case that we are prepared to obtain their views before the main issue is decided.

I beg to give notice that at an early date I will raise the question of the Motion for the Adjournment.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an hour or two for Scottish Members to discuss the question during the present Session?

That does not rest with the right hon. Gentleman.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Mr. Walter Teague Grahame, No. 2486, Highland Light Infantry, had a claim for increased pension under the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920, rejected because he resided in Canada; that Mr. Grahame was wrongly advised by the Canadian pension authorities to make the claim; that, as a consequence, he delayed claiming under the Royal Warrant of 1st November, 1920. with the result that he only received the Royal Warrant increases as from August, 1924; and that increases wore refused for the period 1st April, 1919, to 1st August, 1924; and whether, in view of the wrong official advice given in the first place by the Canadian authorities, ho will exercise his authority under the warrants to authorise the issue of 12 months' arrears?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given him in regard to this case on the 18th June last, which I have further explained in correspon- dence with him. I regret that I am unable to depart from the decision already given.

Is this not a case in which the Minister has a very definite discretion which he can exercise?

I do not think it is a case in which I could exercise such discretion.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether all the firms who have held, or now hold, contracts for the supply of artificial limbs to disabled ex-service men are on the King's Roll?

All firms who hold, or have held, contracts for the supply of artificial limbs are on the King's Roll with the exception of two firms who only occasionally supply a limb of a special type.

also asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that the two firms who now hold contracts for the supply of artificial limbs to ex-service men, namely, Messrs. Pedestros, Limited, and Hangers, Limited, took a leading part in the representations to the Ministry regarding the questions of the maintenance of limbs and costing; that, arising out of these representations, the two firms named have been given a monopoly of the supply and repair of artificial metal legs for the next three years; and if he can say why other firms of limb makers wore not afforded an opportunity of tendering under the revised conditions governing existing contracts?

Beyond the fact that the two firms referred to declined to renew their existing contracts in terms identical with those in which other firms of limb makers communicated their intention to me, I have no knowledge of any special part played by them in the joint action in which they were concerned. With regard to the last two parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Members for Kennington and Tottenham on the 19th instant, of which I am sending him a copy.

Is it not the case that the other firms had no opportunity of tendering on equal terms with the two firms mentioned in the question?

The absence of free competition was due to a combination of firms against the Government, who refused to tender. Those who formed a combination against the Government cannot complain of the absence of free competition.

Did not the two firms named in the question also take part in the combination?

I understand the combination against the Government was one in which all the firms concerned took part.

What are the reasons that compelled the right hon. Gentleman to give the contract to the two firms outside, and could not the Arsenal make this kind of thing?

I think the hon. Member cannot be aware of the Report of the Committee, which has been available to the House for some time. This decision was arrived at in consequence of the Report of a Committee who gave the Ministry and the House their assistance, to the advantage of both the Ministry and ex-service men.

Was it not a unanimous decision after considering all the facts?

As far as I know, it was a unanimous decision.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has any statement to make with regard to the petition, signed by 170 inmates of the Ministry's hospital at Orpington, protesting against their condition; and whether, in order to allay the anxiety of the relatives of patients and of the public, he will order an inquiry?

I presume the hon. Member refers to the petition which has been mentioned in a newspaper as having been addressed to the Ex-Services' Welfare Society. The petition was not addressed to me, and I have no knowledge of it other than from a summary of it which was given me indirectly. I took steps at once to issue a statement to the Press on the principal points which I understood to be raised in it. No representations have been made to me which would indicate the existence of any such general anxiety on the part of relatives of patients or the public, as is suggested by the hon. Member. The organisation and conduct of this institution, so far as regards the cases of the type of neurasthenia now accommodated there, have been framed in accordance with the highest medical advice in the interest of their very difficult type of case. The institution is subject to frequent periodical inspection by my medical and lay officers, and I am satisfied that the well-being and comfort of patients in it is most carefully safeguarded. In these circumstances, I do not consider that an inquiry would serve any useful purpose.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any truth in the charge of starvation at this hospital, and can he give the House any information as to the kind of food that has been provided?

Will the right hon. Gentleman, if he thinks it advisable, invite the medical Members of this House, of all parties, to visit the hospital?

I shall be most happy to accede to the suggestion put forward by my right hon. Friend. Such Members would be welcome, and I suggest that they should go on a day not previously announced. A charge has been made against this hospital that the food is insufficient. I have here a list of the meals, and I will take any day which hon. Members like. Here are the meals on one day:

Breakfast: Porridge, bacon, tomatoes, bread, margarine and tea.

Dinner: Roast beef, potatoes, cabbage and rice pudding.

Tea: Stewed fruit, custard, cake, bread and margarine, jam and tea.

Supper: Bread, cheese and cocoa.

In these circumstances, I think the suggestions of starvation are wholly unfounded. [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear!"]

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, seeing that the War Pensions Final Awards Regulations, made under the War Pensions Act of 1921, were amended on the 2nd day of February, 1923, he will consider the desirability of issuing a further amendment extending the time in which men who have been given final awards may appeal to let January, 1928; and, as most of the men affected did not see the advertisements inserted in a few papers in 1923, if he will advertise any extension in at least one paper in all centres with a population of over 20,000 and in the London daily and Sunday papers?

I would remind the hon. Member that the limit of time referred to is statutory. The object which the hon. Member has in view could not, therefore, be effected by any amendment of the Regulations. I would add that I am satisfied that the special arrangements to which I have referred in the House on many occasions adequately provide for the few exceptional cases in which men have been prejudiced by delay in making their appeals.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the full pension has now been granted to Mrs. Silvester, of Short Acre Street, Walsall, and to her two pensionable children, as a result of her husband's death from the effects of gunshot wounds?

I am glad to be able to inform my hon. Friend that an award of full pension has been made in this case.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when application was made for this pension no reply was received from his Department for over a month, and will he take steps to expedite these replies to applications?

My information is that the order for payment of a pension was made in a month, but that the full pension was awarded later after inquiries had been completed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state why, when Prince Ahmed Seif-ed-Din escaped from Ticehurst Asylum, detec- tives attached to Scotland Yard were sent to France to effect his arrest; what was the cost incurred; and on which Vote will this expenditure appear?

The hon. and gallant Member has been misinformed. No detectives attached to Scotland Yard were sent to France to effect the Prince's arrest. The remainder of the question does not therefore arise.

Does that mean that the Government took no part in attempting to arrest this escaped lunatic?

I believe, none whatever.

asked the Home Secretary what action is being taken to avoid dust in cotton card-rooms and provide efficient cleaning in the blowing room and proper maintenance of stripping and stripping dust removal plant and vacuum cleaning of machinery, floors, etc.?

The question of the effective removal of dust created during carding operations is at present the subject of investigation and experiment by a Committee representing employers, operatives and the Factory Department, which was set up after the Cotton Trade Conference in Manchester in May, 1924, and my right hon. Friend must await the findings of this Committee before deciding on any further action. Meanwhile very careful inspection is made of the stripping and stripping dust removal plant whenever the card rooms of cotton mills are visited, and any necessary action is taken by the inspector in any case where the plant is found to be defective.

Does the inquiry refer to the stretching of wool cards?

I believe that everything germane to this industry is being considered.

I am speaking of the wool industry.

The hon. Member had better put the question on the Paper.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Departmental Committee on the association of the occupation of the mule minder in the cotton trade with epithelioma has yet reported; and whether any action is proposed to minimise the incidence of this disease and protect the workers?

The Committee has not yet reported, but I am informed by the chairman that they hope to do so early in the New Year. As regards the latter part of the question, I cannot anticipate the Report, but any recommendations of the Committee will be taken into immediate consideration.

asked the Homo Secretary whether his attention has been called to the crane accident at Lever's new docks, Bromborough; if he is aware that a youth named Ellis, 14 years of age, was acting as fireman on this crane, and at the time of the accident had been continuously employed for over 26 hours, and that it is a common practice for children to be employed at night on these cranes, and that the Bebington and Bromborough District Council have taken no steps to operate the powers conferred upon them by the Employment of Women, Young Persons, and Children's Act, 1920; and whether he will inquire into the matter?

I have received a report from the factory inspector which shows that the boy in question was employed off and on throughout the period stated in the question and that a few other lads under 18 years of age have been also occasionally employed at night on this work. The attention of the local authority was at once directed to the requirements of the Act referred to by the hon. Member, and I understand that they have already taken steps to prevent any further contraventions in the district.

Is there going to be any prosecution?

The difficulty is that this work is not under the factory law, and therefore the Home Office has nothing to do with a prosecution. It is the business of the local authorities to prosecute, if they think fit.

In view of the extremely bad case—not to put it any worse —could not the Home Office make a representation that there should be a prosecution? Twenty-six hours for a boy of 14!

I agree with the hon. Member that it is a very bad case, and I will convey what the hon. Member says to my right hon. Friend.

Is he aware that in this particular ease there was a broad gauge rail and also a narrow gauge rail, and that although the crane was working to its full heavy-lifting capacity, it was running only on the narrow gauge, which indicates extreme carelessness?

asked the Home Secretary whether either of the two Fascists, who were recently charged in connection with the "Daily Herald" van case and who had previously been dismissed from the Royal Air Force by order of a general court martial and discharged from the Lincolnshire Regiment for offences against military regulations, respectively, have applied, following the advice of the magistrate who tried the case, to be enrolled as special constables; and, if so, whether they have been accepted as suitable recruits?

I am informed that the men in question have not applied for enrolment.

May I ask first, whether any rebuke was administered to the magistrate who tendered this advice to the men, and, secondly, whether instructions will be issued that the police forces are not to be contaminated by the admission of black-sheep of this kind?

Has the hon. Member's attention been called to a speech delivered at Isle worth, where the speaker advocated, or appeared to advocate, that doses of castor oil would be good for certain people; and whether he will call the attention of the Director of Public Prosecutions to the fact that the gentleman who made that speech was the Home Secretary?

Is it in Order for any hon. Member of the House to cast a reflection upon another hon. Member?

asked the Home Secretary what means were provided by the three firms manufacturing aerated waters who received certificates of exemption in 1924, under Regulation 5, which requires the provision of waterproof boots or clogs for keeping the workers' feet dry?

In each case the workers had been provided with perforated standing boards, and also with effective screens to prevent the splash from the washing and filling machines wetting the workers' feet.

asked the Home Secretary whether, seeing that the usual kind of gauntlet made of knitted wool used by workers in aerated water factories gets soddened with water and when in that condition causes rheumatism, it is proposed to issue Regulations stipulating for the use of leather gauntlets; and whether in this industry rheumatism is a disease scheduled under the Workmen's Compensation Acts?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative. Leather gauntlets have been found unsuitable, as the wet causes the leather to become stiff and hard, and experience shows that the most satisfactory type of gauntlet is the knitted woollen one. In the case of one works, a complaint was received that the knitted woollen gauntlets became sodden, but this was remedied by the provision of a larger supply of gauntlets which enables the workers to change them more frequently. There is no evidence so far as I am aware, of any special prevalence of rheumatism in the factories question.

Are these difficulties found in breweries?

asked the Home Secretary whether, seeing that the type of mask used for the protection of workers in aerated water factories is exceptionally unsatisfactory in the majority of cases, any inquiry is being made as to a suitable mask; and whether it is proposed to introduce any Regulations specifying the kind of mask that should be used?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the question asked on this subject by the hon. Member for Southwark Central on the 23rd July last. The matter can be and is being dealt with under the existing powers and no fresh Regulation is necessary.

asked the Home Secretary how many inspectors are engaged in inspecting cranes used in building and other operations; and whether, seeing that cranes were responsible for a total of 3,093 accidents in 1924, including 76 fatal accidents, it is proposed to increase the number of inspectors and take other action to reduce the number of accidents due to cranes?

The inspection of cranes forms part of the routine duty of the district staff, no inspectors being specially detailed for this work. The prevention of crane accidents has been receiving close attention and special steps have been taken and further steps are under consideration with a view to reducing the danger. For example, the provisions as to cranes in the Docks Regulations have been strengthened, and similar requirements included in the new draft codes for the building and shipbuilding industries. Further, in order to guard against crane collapses, which are a fruitful source of accidents, the British Engineering Standards Association have agreed, at the Home Office request, to prepare standard specifications for the construction and design of cranes.

Has the hon. Gentleman any report in his office from the inspectors in reference to defective cranes, and, if so, will he circulate it?

I will inquire into that.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise the absolute necessity for inspectors for this work?

That question will arise when we take the Factories Bill.

Is there any Regulation requiring that every crane shall be worked so as to show the safe load in relation to the jib?

I cannot say offhand.

asked the Home Secretary whether any Regulations have been issued to the letterpress printing and allied trades dealing with the use of liquid bronze powders; and whether it has been found that any of the diseases resulting from the use of dry metallic powders affect the workers employed in the use of liquid bronze powders?

No, Sir; my right hon. Friend is advised that there is no evidence that the use of the liquid powders in these industries is liable to produce the same ill-effects.

asked the Home Secretary whether, seeing that the Chief Inspector of Factories in his Annual Report states that the subject of antiquated hoists, which are the cause of many accidents, is continuing to receive careful attention, it is proposed to issue regulations compelling owners to instal hoists that conform with a normal standard of safety?

I am glad to see from the Chief Inspector's Report that the standard of safety in regard to hoists is distinctly advancing throughout the country, but I agree that further provision on the subject is desirable. The matter is being considered in connection with the Factory Bill.

Will the Home Secretary bear in mind how necessary it is to get on with the Factory Bill?

asked the Home Secretary when the Report of the Departmental Committee on child assault is likely to be published; and if he can give any assurance that the evidence will also be published?

I am informed that the Committee hope to present their Report early in December. It is not proposed to publish the evidence, as, apart from the need for economy, much of it was given under an assurance that it would not be published.

Is it not a little difficult for those interested in this question to make up their minds unless they can see part of the evidence, if there is any objection to having part of it published?

I will convey what the Noble Lady says to my right hon. Friend, but unless the circumstances are very exceptional, it is not advisable to publish all the evidence.

Does not this point to the fact that it is better to have a House of Commons Committee at which you can get the evidence than a Departmental Committee at which you can never see it?

asked the Home Secretary whether any circulars have been sent by the Home Office to magistrates or Judges of Assize giving recommendations as to the nature of the punishments to be inflicted in various cases; and, if so, whether he will have copies of such recommendations made available for Members in the Library?

I do not know of any recent Home Office circular such as the hon. Member appears to have in mind, but I am sending him the printed collection of all important circulars to justices.

Has the hon. Member seen a statement in one of the monthly reviews, edited by a well-known Conservative editor, to the effect that instructions have been sent out to the county magistrates and Judges of Assize as to the degree of leniency and severity with regard to sentences in cases mostly of a political nature, and suggesting that he can name certain Judges as having received such instructions?

The hon. Member has been making a suggestion which I would not accept in a question on the Paper. He has been casting a very serious reflection on the Judges.

With all respect, I do not understand that my question is at variance with your decision. I do not make any reflection on the Judges, but on the Home Office.

If true, is not this a case of the Home Office interfering with the Judges and magistrates?

The Home Office has offered to show the circulars to the hon. Member.

asked the Home Secretary if he will state the number of charges brought against motorists suffering from physical defects which are regarded as a bar to efficient driving within the last six months?

I regret I am not in a position to give the information desired.

asked the Home Secretary if he will state the number of motorists who have been convicted on more than one occasion for being drunk while driving?

I regret I am not in a position to give the information desired.

Does that mean that the hon. Member has not the information, or does he not desire to give it?

I would give it if I had it, but I have not got it.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case of George John Hicklin, who was dismissed for not driving a motor omnibus fast enough; and whether he proposes to take legislative action to make employers responsible who systematically incite their employés to exceed the speed limit?

The attention of my right hon. Friend has not previously been drawn to this particular case. Steps taken by proprietors to see that drivers maintain the scheduled services, so far as practicable, do not necessarily involve any incitement to drive at excessive speeds. I would remind the hon. Member that it is already an offence to incite another to commit a summary offence, and that, if the Criminal Justice Bill pass into law, such an offence will be liable to be dealt with summarily.

If, as the hon. Gentleman says, powers already exist for dealing with incitement, does the propose to take action against this particular proprietor, and is he aware that it is a common practice in London for men to be incited to exceed the speed limit under the threat of dismissal?

I do not think it has been proved that this was incitement.

The magistrate was satisfied on the point, and for that reason reduced the fine by half.

asked the Home Secretary whether police Regulations permit the issue of orders that, on Armistice Day, no poppies shall be sold except for the benefit of the British Legion funds?

The answer is in the negative.

Is not Poppy Day suffering considerably from such unfair competition, and will the hon. Gentleman give all the help he can next year to prevent these poppies coming in?

The difficulty is in the question which would cover the sale of poppies in shops and by flower sellers in the street?

asked the Home Secretary whether he can state the reasons for remitting the investigation of complaints of traders charging full prices for articles sold at less than the certified weight; and whether he can have this matter investigated by the inspectors in his own Department and the remedies applied without delay?

I have been asked to reply. Neither the Board of Trade nor any other Government Department have inspectors who could investigate complaints such as those referred to in the question. The Inspectors of Weights and Measures are officials of the local authorities, and whilst they investigate complaints about infringements of existing legislation, it is the very fact that there are no satisfactory statutory provisions at present in existence to penalise the giving of short weight, except in the cases of bread, tea and coal, which has led the Government to remit the question of remedying this defect in the law to the Food Council for advice.

asked the Home Secretary when he proposes to hold an inquiry into the variations and anomalies in hours of trading on licensed premises; and what form the inquiry will take?

There are many points in the licensing law to be considered, and I cannot make any statement at present upon the point raised by my hon. Friend.

When this inquiry is taking place, will the question of bona fide travellers be considered?

That is hypothetical.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the question of the advisability of hon. Members now getting cigars in theatres?

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the difficulties in which licensed victuallers in Monmouthshire are placed in regard to Sunday opening; and would he be prepared to consider some temporary alleviation for this section of traders pending the result of any inquiry?

My right hon. Friend is well aware of the position, but does not think there is any action he could take without further legislation, of which there is no immediate prospect.

asked the Home Secretary on what date he issued his recent order to the police that equal justice should be meted out to all; and whether he will communicate the full text of this order to this House?

I would refer to the reply which I gave yesterday to a similar question by the hon. Member for West Willesden.

In view of the fact that the question asked yesterday by my hon. Friend was not answered, may we now have a definite reply?

The question was not reached yesterday, but the reply was circulated. It states—

I was not asking the hon. Member to read the answer which was published in the OFFICIAL REPORT to-day. I was asking that we may have a genuine answer to the question on the Paper.

Mr. Harmsworth.

Is it in order that a question should be allowed on the Paper in a case which is sub judice in one of our Colonies?

I was not aware of that. If that be so it is most undesirable.

May I point out that an appeal has been taken against this sentence of deportation and that the matter is awaiting trial?

That being so, I am sure that the hon. Member for Thanet (Mr. Harmsworth) will not ask the question.

asked the Home Secretary whether, owing to the fact that seamen are not required to be in possession of passports, persons otherwise excluded from this country may gain entry by signing on for a voyage to Great Britain; and whether he has any arrangement with the Board of Trade subjecting to a rigid scrutiny the lists of names of seamen on board alien vessels which arrive in this country?

Under the Aliens Order the master of any ship arriving from a port outside the United Kingdom is required to furnish the immigration officer with a list containing particulars of all members of the crew who are aliens, and no such alien is permitted to land for discharge, or for transfer to new articles, without the permission of the immgration officer.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the adjourned inquest on the victims of the Dolgarrog disaster is to be held on Tuesday, 1st December; and whether be proposes to be officially represented at such adjourned inquiry?

Yes, Sir; and it has been arranged that the representative of the Minister of Transport who was present at the inquest on the 18th instant shall also be present when the inquest re-opens to represent the Government Departments concerned.

Will the Home Secretary have experts called with regard to the construction of dams—experts who will be able to give to the coroner such scientific help as will be required in connection with a case of this kind?

As a matter of fact, my right hon. Friend has suggested to the coroner that an independent expert engineer should be called in as well.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the coroner has no power to call scientific evidence of that kind, and to pay for his services? With the Home Office pay for the services of the expert?

I would like notice of that question.

asked the Home Secretary whether the volunteer service committees referred to in paragraph 2 of Circular 636, sent out by the Ministry of Health on the 20th November, 1925, will be under the administrative control of the Home Office; whether the chairmen of these committees have been appointed.; and, if not, when they will be appointed and by whom?

The administrative responsibility in this matter rests with the Chief Civil Commissioner, and gentlemen have been selected to act as chairmen of these committees if and when need for their services arises. The Chief Civil Commissioner is responsible to a Cabinet Committee over which the Secretary of State for the Home Department presides.

Can the hon. Gentleman state whether there will be given to the House the names of the members and the chairmen of these committees? Will members of the Fascisti be eligible?

I take it that the names will be published if it is ever necessary to set up the committees, which I hope will not be necessary.

asked the Minister of Health the names of the divisional food officers appointed in accordance with the terms of Circular 636, sent out by the Ministry of Health and dated 20th November, 1925; the dates on which such appointments were made; whether such officers are receiving full or part-time salaries; and if any of them were authorised and, if so, by whom to send out secret communications in October last to the clerks to local authorities from an address in London, not being the address of a Government Department, on note-paper bearing the Royal Arms?

I We been asked to reply. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of these officers; and the dates of their appointment. A retaining fee not exceeding a hundred guineas per annum will be paid to the majority of them. They have, of course, been authorised to conduct necessary correspondence, and they do so from their own addresses in cases where no Government office accommodation is available.

Are we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman has authorised the sending of correspondence marked "Secret" to clerks to local authorities at their private addresses? Has he authorised that himself?

I have authorised these Commissioners to conduct such correspondence as is necessary in the discharge of their duty. They will conduct that correspondence with secrecy or otherwise as is best in the interests of the public service.

What particular qualification have these gentlemen?

Administrative efficiency and knowledge of their work.

asked the Home Secretary the nature of the disciplinary charges made arising out of the inquiry held into the arrest of Major Sheppard; the results of the disciplinary proceedings; and when the House will have an opportunity of considering the Report and his action thereon?

Five officers were charged with giving unsatisfactory evidence at the inquiry. Three were found free from blame and two guilty. Against these two there was also a charge of failing to bring a request of Major Sheppard to the notice of the inspector, but the Discipline Board found that this could not be sustained. These two officers have been reprimanded and cautioned, and I understand will be transferred. One of the other officers was charged with incorrect entries in the bail book and one with failure to bring a request to the notice of the inspector. Both were found free from blame. If there is a general desire that the Report and the action taken thereon should be discussed, representations should be made through the usual channels.

Does the Homo Secretary propose to introduce a Bill to indemnify these officers in the same way as the Bill was brought in to indemnify the Home Secretaries and Attornies-General?

I must have notice of that question.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that on the day that we adjourned, before rising for the summer holidays, the Home Secretary gave a definite promise that this report would be discussed by the House of Commons, and, that being the case, will he take steps to see that the promise is fulfilled?

I am sure that any promise made by the Home Secretary will be carried out, and if representations were made through the usual channels, I have no doubt that the opportunity would be provided.

Has Major Sheppard made an application for his expenses in connection with this inquiry, and what was the decision of the Home Secretary?

That has no connection with the question on the Paper

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the man who was alleged guilty of the offence for which Major Sheppard was arrested has protested his innocence, and that he has never been tried for the offence although officially accused of it; and whether he will be accorded a proper trial if he applies for one?

The man referred to was believed to have committed during his short period of liberty some 27 or 28 offences, besides the six of which he was convicted. I do not know precisely what his attitude was in regard to these cases, but I should not attach much weight to his protestation of innocence. The answer to the latter part of the question is in the negative.

Is it not the common law of the land that a man who is alleged to be guilty of felony shall have a right to trial in a Court of Justice, in order that the allegation against him may be proved or disproved?

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it would be in the interests of Major Sheppard that this man should be prosecuted?

As a matter of fact, this was never made a charge at all.

May I ask whether this man did not, in fact, apply to the right hon. and learned Gentleman holding the inquiry for his case to be stated, and that he was not given permission to attend before the inquiry?

In view of the fact that this man, I understand, has already had six years' imprisonment or penal servitude, is this charge to hang over him? Is he or is he not to be tried?

This particular offence was not made the subject of a charge. Therefore, it cannot be hanging over him.

asked the Home Secretary what countries have ratified the clause of the International Labour Contention in favour of the abolition of night working in the baking trade, and the countries who have not yet ratified the clause in question?

I have been asked to reply. So far as I am aware, no Government has yet ratified the draft convention on night baking, adopted in Tune last by the Seventh Session of the International Labour Conference.

Is the Department prepared to make an effort to call all the master bakers together, with a view of persuading them not to bake at nights?

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the school of metalliferous mining in Cornwall is the only day technical school in the county where the Burnham scale of salaries is not applied; and whether he will make representations to the county council as to the advisability of their applying this scale to these teachers whose salaries are at present considerably less?

I am aware of the position in regard to this school. The county council assist the school financially, but are not responsible for the appointment and payment of the teachers on the staff, and I am not prepared to interfere in any way with their discretion in fixing the amount of the assistance which they give the school.

asked the President of the Board of Education how far the arbitration award of the Lord Burnham Committee between the local education authorities and the teachers has been accepted throughout the country; what are the numbers and names of the local education authorities that have so far failed to adopt the award; and what action he is taking in the various cases to ensure that the settlement shall be of national application?

I am informed that, on the elementary side, the following seven local authorities have not yet adopted the award, together with the scales allocated to them: Carmarthenshire, Croydon, Essex, Harwich, New-castle-under-Lyme, Pembroke Borough, Wimbledon. As regards teachers in secondary and technical schools, I understand that no authority has yet been reported to the Burnham Committee as not adopting the award. With regard to the last part of the question I have, in one case, decided that the action of the authority has not been such as to justify the Board in making any adjustment of grant at this stage; the other cases I have invited the Burnham Committee to discuss with me.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether any of the local authorities that have not adopted the Burnham Scale of salaries refused to submit their case to Lord Burnham as arbitrator?

The Board were not parties to the arbitration proceedings, and had no official cognisance of what occurred during the course of those proceedings. Only seven authorities have not adopted the Burnham Scale. Since the award was promulgated certain of these authorities have made communications to me relative to what passed during the proceedings; but I am not prepared to say that the information which I have thus received would justify the inference that any of those authorities actually refused to submit their case to Lord Burnham.

May we take it from the reply that there is no suggestion that the Board is supporting these authorities in resisting the award?

I do not think that that has anything to do with the original question asked. I was asked whether any local authorities had refused to submit their case to Lord Burnham as arbitrator.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware that Mrs. Short, the schoolmistress under the Poole Board of Education, has lost her case in the appeal by the Poole authorities; and will he initiate legislation or promulgate a Departmental Order for the purpose of preventing local education authorities from dismissing teachers who have served them faithfully and well through a long period of years simply and solely because they have married?

I am aware of the result of the appeal in this case, but, as I indicated in my reply on 19th November to the hon. Member for Central Southwark (Colonel Day)—a copy of which I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend—I do not see my way to intervene in the matter.

As the Government is responsible for the law of the land, and passed the Sex Disqualification Act, surely it can do something in this case?

I am afraid that I cannot agree with the Noble Lady.

asked the Prime Minister if he is now in a position to state whether there will be any future elections for Irish representative Peers?

I am advised that under present conditions no election of Irish representative Peers can take place, but the whole matter will be taken into consideration by the Government in connection with any proposals which they may put forward for the revision of the constitution of the Upper House.

When may we expect these proposals?

Some time before the end of the present Parliament.

asked the Prime Minister what is the cause of the delay in the issue of the Report of the Meston Committee on Percentage Grants; and when it will be made available?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, as anticipated in earlier replies, the Report of the Meston Committee on Treasury Grants has been received?

With the permission of the hon. Members, I will answer these questions together. I understand that the Chairman has now completed his draft Report, but that it has not yet been considered by the Committee.

Seeing the bearing of this report on the Government, may we expect it before the close of the present Session?

I am afraid that I cannot give any promise to that effect. We are doing everything that we can do to expedite it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the last meeting of this Committee was held 18 months ago, if not more than two years ago, that we have been repeatedly promised in this House by the Chancellor of the Exchequer that the Report would be produced, and that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer practically promised it for August of this year?

I am quite aware of the very great delay that has taken place, and I can assure my hon. Friend that everything the Treasury could do to expedite the Report has been done.

Who are the members of this Committee?

I could not answer that question offhand. Perhaps my hon. Friend will put it on the Paper?

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my question?

Can my right hon. Friend tell the House the reasons for the delay in the continuation of the sittings of the Committee as it is over 12 months since the last election?

May we expect this Report before the end of the present Parliament?

May I have a reply to my question? What is the cause of the delay?

I really cannot give an answer to that question because there are several contributory causes. I can only say that the main cause of the delay has been the great difficulty which the Chairman has found in giving attention to it from time to time.

asked the Prime Minister whether in view of the Locarno Treaty and the projected Disarmament Conference, the Government intend to propose any reduction of expenditure on the Army, Navy, or Air Force?

I can add nothing to what I have already said in reply to questions on this subject. The question of effecting economies in the Fighting Services is being considered by the Colwyn Committee.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that increasing quantities of Russian oil are being marketed in this country by the Russian Oil Products, Limited, which have, in effect, been taken from properties formerly held by British companies in Russia, and confiscated by the Soviet Government without payment of compensation; that the capital of Russian Oil Products, Limited, is held entirely by the nominees of the Soviet Government, and that the profits derived by the sale of these goods redound to the credit of the Soviet Government, and destroy whatever incentive the Soviet Government might have to compensate the former owners; that British subjects are prohibited from selling their own oil products in Russia, and are threatened with a price-cutting war if they dare to compete against the sale of their own products by the Russian Oil Products, Limited, in this country; and will he take steps to modify the Anglo-Russian Trade Agreement of 1922, which makes this trading not only profitable for the Soviet Government but lawful, or in some other way prohibit the sale in this country of Russian oil or other products derived from properties confiscated by the Soviet Government, of which the former owners have not received compensation?

I am aware of the. facts. As I stated in an answer given on Tuesday last, His Majesty's Government cannot modify the Anglo-Russian Trade Agreement without the concurrence of the other party.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider prohibiting the sale in this country of oil stolen from Burma and Iraq?

I am not aware that there is any.

asked the Minister of Health whether his Department places any embargo on the use of bricks for constructional purposes when sanctioning loans for public buildings by local authorities?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which was given to a similar question on the 23rd instant by the hon. Member for Rochdale (Mr. Kelly)

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received any representations from boards of guardians in the Metropolitan area in favour of an increase in the amount per head charged on the Metropolitan Common Poor Fund; and, if so, what action he proposes taking in the matter?