asked the Minister of Pensions whether it was; with his approval that a letter was sent to Mr. O. Pearce, Easton, reference No. 3.294/Fu/M, Who is in receipt of a pension as a single man, and has been married since discharge, informing him that he must forward a certificate from his wife's employer, showing the exact amount of her earnings for the 12 months ended 6th October, 1925, including overtime pay and war bonus, if any, board, lodgings, fuel, or other benefit, and threatening that in the event of this certificate not being forwarded the question of discontinuing the increase of pension will be considered?

The case referred to was not one of disability pension under the Great War Warrants (to which any question as to the wife's income would, of course, be irrelevant), but as to the increase of a pre-War pension under the Regulations made in pursuance of the Pensions Increase Acts, 1920 and 1924. Any grant made under those Acts is determined by the total means of the pensioner. For this purpose a declaration is required in the case of a married couple as to the income, and the sources thereof, of both husband and wife, and it was for the purpose of verifying the amount attributed by the claimant to his wife as her income that inquiry had to be made as to the source of the income and as to the name of the employer if derived from earnings. It will be appreciated that the increase cannot be granted unless satisfactory proof is forthcoming that the regulations of the Act are fulfilled.

asked the Minister of Pensions in how many unsuccessful applications for a pension on account of tuberculosis the men concerned were diagnosed as having suffered from the malady before entering the Army; and what weight of medical evidence is required to refute the claim by such applicants that they did not suffer from tuberculosis before entering the Army?

I regret that the records of my Department do not enable me to give the information asked for in the first part of the question. The second part of the question does not admit of a general answer because the evidence required for the support of a claim necessarily depends upon the circumstances in each case. I can, however, assure my hon. and gallant Friend that all available evidence of whatever character is fully considered by the Ministry before a decision is arrived at.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that Thomas Robinson, 91, Clifton Street, Denaby Main, who was transferred to the Army Reserve in 1918 suffering from hernia, was awarded a gratuity of £52 10s.; that he has only been able to work indifferently for years because of his injury, and that recently he was operated on for hernia, since which he has been unable to follow any employment at all; and that he has been refused a rehearing and deprived of all opportunities to establish a claim for any pension; and whether he will consider an amendment of the War Pensions Act, 1921, to enable this and similar cases to come before the appeal tribunal?

The man referred to has received operative treatment from the Ministry and has been supplied with a special truss for the control of his disability. His condition when last examined, after treatment had been given, was not such as to show that his final award was erroneous. No application has been made by the man since his treatment, which would indicate that the results have not been unsatisfactory, but I am causing inquiry to be made as to his present condition, and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as I am in a position to do so

asked the Minister of Pensions what was the number of whole-time area and area sub-offices on the 1st November, 1921, 1st November, 1923, let November, 1924, and the 1st November, 1925; what was the number of the staff employed in these offices on each date, respectively; whether it is proposed at an early date to reduce the staff in the area offices and area sub-offices by a further 30 per cent.; and, if so, what steps will be taken to ensure new applications receiving prompt attention and pensioners receiving treatment and medical attention?

asked the Minister of Pensions what was the number of cases considered by the Special Grants Committee during the period 1st January to 1st November, 1925; what was the amount paid in expenses to the Committee during the period; and what was the staff employed on duties appertaining to the Committee, and the cost of their salaries or wages during the same period?

In the short time at my disposal I am able to furnish approximate

As the information desired by the hon. Member contains a number of figures, I propose, with his permission, to circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

I quite agree, but can the Minister give us any assurance that the present longer delay in dealing with these cases is being remedied?

I do not agree that there is longer delay, and my recent inquiries in all parts of the country suggest that the cases ere going through well, and in some cases more rapidly than before, but in every case the first consideration is an adequate staff for dealing with the cases, and the second consideration is that the staff is not being retained any longer than it is wanted.

also asked the Minister of Pensions, whether, in the event of a child of a War widow obtaining a situation on reaching the age of 14, a part or the whole of the child's pension is withheld; if so, under what article of the Royal Warrants is this practice followed; and whether, as in some cases his Depart- merit has stated that the pension will be withheld until the child reaches the age of 21, he will say whether in these cases the child will receive the arrears of pension with compound interest?

I am not quite clear as to the class of case the hon. Member has in mind. No general rule such as that suggested on the matter in question is in operation. It is, however, the case that in certain exceptional instances, e.g., of neglected children who are statutorily placed under my care, or the children of widows whose pensions have to be administered in trust under the auspices of the Special Grants Committee, the whole or a portion of the allowance while the child is earning may be temporarily withheld and administered in such a manner as best to secure the exclusive interests of the child. In these cases the balance accumulated remains at call for any exceptional expenses of emergency required for the child, and the balance is paid out on the advice of the War Pensions Committee and the Special Grants Committee as and when required. The balance, if any, is not reserved until the age of 21, except in the interests of the child. In some cases a portion of the balance, if any, accumulated is from time to time invested at interest. I am at present considering the general administrative arrangements in this connection.

asked the Minister of Pensions the amount of unclaimed money awaiting claimants in respect of men killed during the Great War; and will he consider the advisability of having a list compiled and deposited in every Post Office in order that all publicity may be given in this regard?

I have been asked to reply. As regards the first part of the question, exact figures cannot readily be given, but the amount is estimated at over £100,000. As regards the second part, under the provisions of the Regimental Debts Act every unclaimed balance is published once a year for seven years in the "London Gazette," and for several years after the War the "London Gazette" lists were exhibited in all the principal post offices, and notices drawing attention to these lists, with instructions how claims should be made, were shown in all post offices. In this way, and by notices in the Press, these estates have been widely advertised, and I do not think the method suggested by the hon. Member would be more effective. The amounts undisposed of after seven years are handed over to the Royal Patriotic Fund Corporation for the benefit of relatives of deceased soldiers.

:Is it not a fact that, if these lists were given more prominence at the post offices, and notices put on them that the names of the dependants could be inspected, then there might be more claims made for this unclaimed money?

If the hon. and gallant Member will read my answer, he will see that that was done for several years, and they are still published every year in the "Gazette."

And will be?

They are being.

asked the Home Secretary what steps are being taken to increase the establishment of the Metropolitan Police in order to meet the need following the extensive erection of houses and the multiplying duties of the police?

As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, a reduction was made in the strength of the police as a measure of economy in 1922. I have had the position under review and, having regard to the growing demands upon the Metropolitan Police, I have felt justified in authorising the Commissioner to slightly accelerate recruiting. I have, however, to keep in mind the continued need for economy.

Is it not a fact that London is continually growing more law-abiding?

That does not seem to agree quite with the question on the Paper by the hon. and gallant Member.

Is it not a fact that the Commissioner of Police himself recommends increasing the establishment of the Metropolitan Police?

Yes, that is so, but the ultimate responsibility must rest with the Secretary of State, and I have to consider the question of economy as well as the police.

Does not a great deal of the cost of the Metropolitan Police fall on the local rates, which have therefore to be considered?

I agree; I have to consider all questions, both central and local.

asked the Home Secretary what were the offences charged against the Russians Edward Getz and Joseph Kilnas, on which he recommended them for deportation?

As explained in the answer which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member last Thursday, I made deportation orders in the case of the two aliens referred to because, after careful consideration, I was satisfied that it was conducive to the public good to do so. In accordance with the powers entrusted to me by Parliament, it is within my discretion, if I am so satisfied, to make a deportation order, although no offence against the law may have been committed. I am not required to state the. reasons for my decision, nor do I think it would be desirable for me to do so; but I may add that in any such case I consider carefully the whole circumstances and weigh the public advantage against any possible hardship to the individual concerned.

I do not question the right hon. Gentleman's power, but why does he object to telling me what the offences were?

I really do not see why I should make a personal favour to the hon. and gallant Gentleman.

I need hardly tell the right hon. Gentleman that I meant the House, of course, and not me personally.

No, I say I do not think it would be in accordance with the public interest to give the reasons why these powers are exercised in any case.

Is it the fact that the right hon. Gentleman can issue his ukase and pick out anyone who happens to be a foreigner and send him out of the country?

That is exactly the power which Parliament has entrusted to me. It remains for me to exercise those powers in such a way as to secure the continued confidence of Parliament.

If the Home Secretary has the powers he says he possesses, will he not exercise them somewhat more drastically than he is doing with regard to those foreigners who are carrying on the dope traffic and the procuring of foreign women into this country?

I should be most grateful to the hon. Gentleman if he would give me details of any of those cases. I have during the current year deported several cases of dope traffic and of prostitution traffic as well.

Is there any way by which we can challenge the action of the Home Secretary other than across the Floor of the House of Commons, and is he to be exempt from our criticism because he says he is not required to give us an account of the deeds done in the body?

The hon. Member can move to reduce his salary, or even to extinguish it.

asked the Home Secretary how many licences have been issued by the police authorities in England and Wales to persons desiring to purchase revolvers for the period 1st September, 1924, to 1st September, 1925; how many applications have been refused; and on what grounds are permits issued to persons other than those whose connection with one or other of the fighting services requires them to be in possession of such weapons?

The information asked for is not in my possession, but is contained in the records kept by the various police forces. Its extraction and collection would involve an expenditure of both time and trouble. The circumstances in which Firearm Certificates may properly be granted by Chief Officers of Police are indicated in the Firearms Act, 1920.

asked the Home Secretary if a decision has been reached in regard to the inclusion of bursitis in the schedule of industrial diseases for miner's beat knee?

Proposals for amending the present descriptions in the schedule of miner's beat knee and miner's beat elbow were referred by me in July last to the Mining Association and Miners' Federation for observations, but neither body has so far furnished me with its views on the subject and at the present moment when they are so much occupied with other matters I should be reluctant to press for a reply.

What information does the right hon. Gentleman want?

I want the views of the two bodies named, on the suggestion of the hon. Gentleman, as to whether this disease shall be included in the Industrial Diseases Schedule; I want the fullest information before I take action.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that as a result of the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925, the qualifying period for the ordinary insured worker is only two years, whereas under the Police Act, 1921, a policeman must have five years' service, 1st September, 1918, in order that his widow may become eligible for a pension; and whether he will take steps to see that the policeman is not penalised in comparison with the civilian and have the Police Act amended accordingly?

I am aware that the scheme of widows' pensions provided by the Police Pensions Act, 1921, while on the whole not less favourable than the provision made by the Act passed this year is less favourable in certain details and more favourable in others The points of difference will be taken into consideration at the first suitable opportunity, but there is no possibility of legislation on the subject being introduced this Session.

asked the Minister of Health whether or not the number of applicants for widows' pensions has reached the estimate of the actuary who advised the Department; and, if not, can he say if he has any information showing that widows receiving Poor Law relief are not applying for pensions owing to a fear of losing such relief if they do so?

The number of applications for widows' pensions has not yet reached the estimate, but I would remind the hon. Member that claim forms have been available for less than three months. It has been suggested that certain widows may be deterred from claiming by the fear of losing Poor Law relief, but I have no specific information on the point. A circular has, however, been issued to boards of guardians with the object of removing any misapprehension which may exist on this matter.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the objectional method used by some of the inspectors under the Shop Hours Act, by which traders are induced to commit breaches of the law and are then prosecuted; and if he will take such steps as are necessary to prevent the obtaining of convictions by such means?

I have received no recent representations on the subject, and shall be glad if the hon. Member will tell me to what he refers.

Do I understand from the answer that the suggestion is that no such procedure has been taken?

The hon. Gentleman will remember that shop inspectors are officers of the local authorities. I have only received one complaint, and that was in April; but if there are any further complaints I will look into them.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in the interests of economy and in view of the fact that the spring register of electors is very rarely used, he will consider altering the law so that one register only shall be required, thereby effecting a saving of nearly £500,000 every year?

Yes, Sir. The Government has considered this suggestion for effecting economies but there is, I fear, no chance of passing the necessary legislation in this Session.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can take any steps to prevent the recurrence of the incident which took place in Whetstone on Sunday, 29th November, when an elephant broke loose from its conveyance in the Great North Road and caused considerable damage to neighbouring property?

asked the Home Secretary whether he has information as to the recapture of the elephant which broke loose on Sunday-while being conveyed in a float from the Barnet menagerie to Whitechapel; what casualties resulted; what damage was done; whether the elephant has now been safely removed to its destination; whether he will take immediate steps to test and ensure the sufficiency of any conveyance to be used for the tranport of wild or potentially dangerous animals; and whether he can give an assurance that adequate powers exist and will be exercised under his own or other authority to secure the safety of the public from the escape of wild animals in course of transit?

I propose to answer these two questions together. I have no information other than what has appeared in the Press, and no power to interfere in the matter. As far as I am aware, there are no statutory provisions governing the subject. Any person who keeps a wild or potentially dangerous animal is liable for any damage it may cause; and the theory of the law is that this is sufficient provision for the safety of the public. I am afraid I cannot promise to introduce any special legislation.

Have any steps been taken to prosecute this company, or whatever it is, for bringing an elephant into my constituency?

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking any steps to have the elephant taken up for mutiny?

I have no evidence up to the present of the political views of the elephant.

"Now we know!" and "Political bias!" [Interruption.]

Cannot this elephant be sent to the Isle of Lewis, where they want wild animals?

Is this not only one of the animals of the menagerie, and has not serious trouble been caused before in this establishment by a zebra and other animals breaking loose in this way, to the consternation and danger of the public?

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that these violent aliens are deported?

With regard to the question of the hon. Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, N. (Sir N. Grattan-Doyle), all I can say is that I have heard of similar trouble in regard to these menageries. So far as I know, or can find out, the police have no powers to prevent menageries travelling, the only condition being, as I say in the original answer, that anyone who keeps wild animals is responsible for any damage that they do.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has communicated to the authorities controlling the police outside London, as well as to the Metropolitan Police, the instructions issued as to the facilities for communicating between arrested prisoners and their friends; and, if not, whether he will take such action without delay?

The position of the provincial police forces differs in many respects from that of the Metropolitan Police, but I propose to take the first convenient opportunity of addressing a communication to them on several points arising out of the recent inquiry.

asked the. Home Secretary if he will publish the terms of his recent instruction to the police that the law was to be fairly applied as from that date?

asked the Home Secretary on what date he recently issued instructions to the police that equal justice was to be meted out to all; whether such instructions were in writing; if so, whether he will communicate the text to this House; and, if not, how they were issued and what was their substance?

On learning of the seizure of the "Daily Herald" van, I gave personal instructions to one of the Commissioners of Police that if there was reason to think that any Fascist organisation had, in fact, instigated this action, every effort should be made to obtain evidence which would lead to the conviction of those responsible, since, of course, the law must be administered with complete impartiality. My view was acted upon by the police.

Would the right hon. Gentleman use the same methods of finding out what the Fascisti are doing, as he uses to find out what is done by the Communists?

Put some one under the platform.

If the hon. Member for Gateshead (Mr. Beckett) will give me any information at all, or tell me of anything suspicious that will lead to the conclusion that there is a reasonable opportunity of finding out that the Fascisti or any other organisation is about to commit crime, it will be my duty to investigate it to the utmost of my power.

May I put it, Mr. Speaker, that it is not for me or others to give the Home Secretary information. It is his place to find out?

Are not the Criminal Investigation Department aware that a pictorial newspaper published a photograph of two of these armed gentlemen in arms, with black shirts, and everything else? No action has been taken in regard to them at all. Why should not the same trouble be taken to find out the doctrines of these gentlemen as is done about the Communists? Put people at their meetings—spies and so on?

That is rather a large point for a supplementary question.

Has the Department of the right hon. Gentleman ever intercepted letters, correspondence, and work of these organisations?

That, I think, is really a question which ought not to be put, either to the Home Secretary or other Minister.

asked the Home Secretary how many clubs have been raided by the police during the past three years; in how many cases convictions have been secured; how many permanently closed; and the aggregate amount of the fines imposed; whether their stocks of spirits, etc., were sequestrated; and, if so, in what way are such stocks disposed of and to what account are the proceeds of sale placed?

I assume the hon. Member's question refers to clubs in the Metropolitan Police District. On this assumption, I have obtained the information for which he asks, but as a full reply would be long and contain a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

When the right hon. Gentleman circulates these figures will he distinguish between what are generally known as night clubs, and other clubs?

Yes, if the hon. Gentleman who put the question consents I will endeavour to do that.

initiated assent.

asked the Home Secretary the amount which the organisation for the maintenance of essential services mentioned by him at Isleworth is costing per month, and if any Supplementary Estimate will be submitted to meet the expense; and, if not, whether he can state to what Vote those expenses will be charged?

The total expenditure which is being incurred at present in this connection is estimated at approximately £l,000 per month. The expenditure of each of the Departments concerned is being charged to its own Vote, and it is not anticipated that any-Supplementary Estimate will be required on this account.

Will the expenses of this organisation, which are being covered by several Departments, be set down in the Votes of each of these Departments specifically as money devoted to this particular organisation?

I am afraid the hon. Member must ask the representative of the Treasury as to that. I am not responsible for the Estimates of other Departments. The Treasury look through them all.

But with regard to the Vote of the right hon. Gentleman's own Department, will his accountants see to it that the expenses which his Department has to bear on behalf of this organisation are stated specifically, so that we can have a definite Debate upon the expense of this organisation?

In regard to the question of debates I must refer the hon. Member to the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury or the Prime Minister. All I can say is that an officer of my Department, an officer of the Board of Trade and officers of other Departments are engaged on a certain amount of work in connection with supply and transport organisation, exactly as was the case under previous Governments, and if the hon. Member desires to raise the work of those officers I take it he can do that on my Vote, or the Board of Trade Vote, or Votes of the other Department.

May I ask whether any money has been paid over to the Organisation for Maintenance of Supplies?

Oh, no. The hon. Member for Govan (Mr. Maclean) was questioning me about the official Government organisation.

No. It says the organisation for the maintenance of supplies.

The voluntary organisation to which the hon. Member refers in his supplementary question is not subsidised in any shape or form by the Government.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to say that the Government are not going to finance these people who volunteer service?

That question ought to We put down.

asked the President of the Board of Education why a circular has been issued to education authorities stating the Board's intention to reduce the grant by 30s. per child for children attending school under five years of age; and whether the suggestion has been made by the Board of Education authorities to give only partial instruction to children between the acres of five and six years of age?

I assume that the hon. Member refers to Circular 1,371. As regards both parts of the question, I would refer him to the first paragraph of the Note to the Appendix on page 4 of the Circular.

Does not this amount to a suggestion that the contribution from the Board of Education is to be reduced from 30s. to 5s., and will it not have the effect of discouraging educational authorities from keeping these children at school? Will not that affect in particular very poor districts, because it is only in very poor districts that these children are sent to school, on account of the very bad home conditions there? Will the right hon. Gentleman bear that in mind in pressing forward this Regulation?

Will the mothers who will now have to look after these "under fives," who may have had to work to help to earn the living for the home, be regarded in these circumstances as not genuinely seeking work?

If the hon. Members who put their supplementary questions will refer to the circular they will see that I have already had those considerations very much in mind, and have drawn attention to them in the circular.

May I ask the Noble Lord whether he did not put this reduction in operation for the express purpose of discouraging parents from sending to school their children under five years of age?

If the hon. Member will refer to the circular he will see that that is not the case.

Is it not clear that people who live in good residential districts are taking advantage of this, although they could well afford nurses to look after their children?

In view of the tremendous-criticism that this circular has met with, especially the part dealing with children under five, will the Noble Lord now consider withdrawing it?

There is a question on that point later on.

Is it the opinion of the right hon. Gentleman that children under five ought not to attend school?

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of children under five years of age now attending the public elementary schools; and also the corresponding figures last year and in 1913?

The numbers (on the registers) are as follow:

Has the Noble Lord got any figures to show the number of local authorities that allow children under five years of age to go to school?

Yes, I have got figures.

Would the Noble Lord mind supplying Members with them?

I will see whether that can be done.

Do not these figures suggest that this grant has not been unduly taken advantage of, and that education authorities have only used this discretion where it was really necessary, where poverty required special treatment?

That is a matter of opinion.

Does the Noble Lord consider those figures too high?

I do not think we can argue that now.

asked the President of the Board of Education, whether Circular 1,371 cancels the provisions of Circular 1,358 issued on 31st March last; and, if not, Low does he propose to meet the progressive expenditure involved in the plans demanded from local education authorities by Circular 1,358?

asked the President of the Board of Education, whether, in view of the stereotyping of the Government grant proposed in Circular 1,371, he intends to withdraw Circular 1,358, of 31st March of this year, which called for programmes of a progressive and continuous character from local education authorities, which were not required to be submitted till the end of this year or even Easter 1926, or whether he has any schemes in view for making such programmes effective without increased assistance from the national Exchequer?

I will, if I may. answer these questions together. As regards the relation of Circular 1,371 to the programme procedure, I would refer the hon. Members to the last paragraph but two of the Circular. While the grant which it is proposed to fix for the year 1926–27 will be guaranteed as a minimum for not less than three years, it does not follow that the grant will necessarily be limited to that amount during each of the years falling within the programme period contemplated in Circular 1,358. I think, indeed, that Circular 1,371 makes it more, rather than less, necessary that local authorities and the board should review the whole field of their responsibilities, both as regards existing expenditure and as regards necessary new services, and I anticipate that the discussions which I have invited local authorities to hold with me in the immediate future will, in fact, be based upon the programmes which they have been engaged in preparing.

Is it the intention of the Noble Lord to have a consultation with the local authorities individually, or in their collective capacity through their national organisations?

In the first instance I have asked the three English national organisations and the Welsh national organisations to meet me collectively. Of course, I shall be consulting individual authorities.

Seeing that this has an effect on Scottish education, will the Minister consider consulting the Scottish authorities?

Yes, I have considered that, and I have consulted them.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the Circular issued on the 25th November by the Board of Education to local education authorities, stating in effect that they proposed to abandon the method of awarding grants on the 50 per cent. basis, and that the Board had decided to award grants in future at the discretion of the Board, he will say when it is proposed to introduce legislation with a view to repealing the provisions with respect to grants contained in the Act of 1921; and what saving to the national Exchequer is anticipated?

The legislation necessary for the introduction of a block grant system will be laid before the House at the earliest practicable date after Christmas. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Penistone, a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he proposes to reduce the grant to local education authorities by a sum of 30s. in respect of each child under the age of five years whose name appears on the school register on 31st March, 1925; and what sum he estimates the national Exchequer will save thereby?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I have given to-day to the hon. Member for Reading (Mr. Herbert Williams).

Does the right hon. Gentleman not consider that this circular is likely to retard the building of new schools and retard the development of the mining districts.

I quite appreciate the hon. Member's question, and, as he knows, I have been over the ground myself. I do not think that that will be the case, and I certainly do not intend that to be the case. He may rest assured that I am considering very closely the peculiar position of the West Riding.

Will the noble Lord agree to withdraw this circular until he has considered all these relevant matters, and until he has consulted the representatives of the education authorities?

The hon. Member seems very anxious that I should answer that question before the question on the same subject which is down on the Paper.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, seeing that the Board of Education have intimated to local education authorities that they propose to introduce a new code, he will say whether the regulations under this code will be confined to the minimum requirements for the purpose of grant; and whether he can state what are the minimum requirements which he contemplates embodying in the regulations?

The Board are reviewing all their regulations, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement as to the form and contents of the revised code.

In view of the importance of Circular No. 1,371, will the Minister consider laying the contents of that circular in the form of a White Paper?

Copies of the circular have been in the Vote Office for the last two or three days, and if there are not sufficient there I will see that more are provided.

Does the phrase "minimum requirements" mean that there is an intention to limit the curriculum, scope and functions of elementary schools?

No, on the contrary. I hope to have a great deal less interference with the curriculum by the central authorities than in the past.

Will the light hon. Gentleman also put into the Vote Office the explanations which he has issued from day to day to the newspapers as to what the circular means?

asked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware that his recent Circular on education finance has caused considerable alarm amongst local education authorities on the grounds that, if its proposals are carried out, either the present standard of education must be reduced or an additional burden will be placed on the local rates; and, with regard to the proposed reduction in the grant for children under five years of age, will he consider the possibility of exempting industrial areas from this change?

The hon. Member may rest assured that I am in close touch with local authorities. In reply to the second part of the question, I can only say that I shall be ready to discuss the details of the new proposals in their application to the area of any particular authority.

asked the President of the Board of Education if, considering the effect of the Circular 1,371 issued by his Department on the education of young children, he will withdraw the Circular until such time as the House may have an opportunity of considering the questions involved?

No, Sir. The fact that in Circular 1,371 I have asked for the advice of local authorities on its contents is the best guarantee that the problems indicated by the hon. Member will be fully considered.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many, at present, full-time and part-time tutors, respectively, are engaged in adult education outside universities for which the Board of Education accepts financial responsibility; the number of men and women students receiving tuition from these tutors; and an analysis of the subjects taught; and whether he has any plans for the extension of this work?

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

asked the President of the Board of Education whether it is the policy of the Government to see that all local education authorities pay their teachers in accordance with the Burnham scale of salaries; and, if so, what steps does he propose to take to ensure this being done?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my published letter of 15th June last to Lord Burnham, and as regards the second part, to my reply of 26th November to the right hon. Member for Newcastle Central (Mr. Trevelyan), a copy of which I am sending him.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how soon he proposes to take these steps?

I do not think I can make any announcement on that subject. At least as everyone who is in touch with this question knows, I have ever since the Burnham Award been taking steps of this kind.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Board accepted the allocation of scales of salaries to local education authorities which were agreed by the Burnham Committee; whether Essex was allocated Scale III in the schedule of such scales; and whether he has proposed that allocation should be varied without reference to the arbitrator or the Burnham Committee?

As regards the first part of the question, the Board accepted the allocation of scales for the purpose of their recognition for grant of the expenditure involved thereby. The answer to the second part is in the affirmative. The answer to the third part is that I made no such proposal, as I was only concerned to determine whether the action taken by the authority was or was not so unreasonable as to call for any adjustment of the grant.

Is that decision not a violation of an arbitral award arrived at by agreement? And I would like to ask whether the Government is now going to support decisions of an independent arbitrator such as Lord Burnham?

My decision was one taken on my responsibility to this House for the distribution of grants to local authorities voted by this House, and anything I do in discharge of that responsibility cannot be a violation of an arbitral award.

When an award is arrived at by a process of arbitration, should it not be put into effect?

The hon. Member knows that, or should know, as I have already stated that I have consistently taken steps to that effect ever since the award was issued.

asked the President of the Board of Education why he has advised the local education authority for Essex and the teachers of the county to enter into local negotiations to determine their scale or scales of salaries, having regard to the fact that Lord Burnham's arbitral award was accepted by the Board of Education and is of national application?

I have nothing to add to my published letter to the authority.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has recommended the local education authority for Essex and the teachers to consider a settlement of their salary dispute on the basis of more than one scale for the area; and, if so, whether there is any provision in Lord Burnham's arbitral award of the agreement between the two panels of the Standing Joint Committee on the Salaries of Teachers for such an arrangement?

The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the first, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I have given to-day to the question put by my hon. Friend the Member for East Ham North (Mr. Charles Crook).

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the parallel existence of separate Departments for the administration of war pensions, old age pensions, and widows', orphans' and old age contributory pensions; and whether he will consider the amalgamation of these separate services under one Department with a view to economy?

These three pension systems are being administered under wholly different sets of Regulations and, apart from the actual process of payment, which is already being carried out in all three cases by the Post Office, I am inclined to doubt whether amalgamation in one Department would lead to any economy. The suggestion will, however, be borne in mind.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he will state the nature and extent of the administrative economies which the Board are undertaking in their own administration, as stated in Circular 1,371?

The details of the proposals in question are still under consideration, and I am not yet in a position to make a statement on the subject, beyond that contained in the Circular itself.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether there is any increase in the number of men employed in Customs work since March last; and whether any men have been lent for this work by other Departments; and, if so, how many?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given on this subject to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull on the 23rd July last and the 24th November. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that numbers of writing assistants and shorthand-typists employed in the offices of the inspectors of taxes are engaged from time to time on work appropriate to the tax-clerk grade without additional payment; and whether he will look into the position with a view to the proper grading of the work concerned and the payment of acting allowances to members of lower grades employed thereon?

I understand that the nature of the duties appropriate to these classes and actually performed by individual members of them is the subject of an inquiry recently instituted by the Inland Revenue Departmental Whitley Council. A report will be made in due course to the council, but from the nature of the inquiry some time must elapse before the investigation is complete. In the meantime I must not, of course, be taken as assenting to the hon. Member's statement.

asked the Minister of Health whether his inspectors exercise their powers of inspecting the casual wards of workhouses; and whether he can inform the House of the reports made by his inspectors of casual wards occupied by casual paupers at the time of inspection?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on the 26th November.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received a report by Mr. Frank Gray upon the casual wards of certain workhouses; and whether he will inform the House as to the nature of the report and what action he proposes to take?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a question by the hon. Member for Devon-port on the 1st December last.

asked the Minister of Health whether officials from his Department have inspected the casual wards of the workhouses in the County of Oxford in recent times; when they did so; and whether he is satisfied with their condition and conduct?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The inspections have been made at various dates within the last 12 months. I am not in all cases satisfied with the condition and conduct of the wards, and, where necessary, the matter has been brought to the notice of the guardians with a view to securing improvement.

What does the right hon. Gentleman propose to do about this matter?

I think that is the first step and I will see what happens after that.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is now in a position to state whether he considers the present dietary scale prescribed for men and women who become inmates of casual wards is sufficient for the maintenance of normal health and strength adequate to enable such persons to perform manual work?

I am advised that the dietary in question is sufficient for the purpose mentioned.

asked the Minister of Health the number of casual and tramp wards in England and Wales; the number of inspectors, including women inspectors, whose duty it is to visit such institutions; and the number of visits expected to be paid to each ward during the course of the year?

There are 527 casual wards in use in England and Wales. The total number of general, assistant and women inspectors whose duties include the visitation of these wards is 36. There is a rule that every such ward shall be inspected at least once a year, but in many unions, especially during the last two years, inspections have been more frequent.

Are they inspected during the night?

Occasionally they are.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the conditions existing at the infirmary of the Guildford Union; whether he is aware that 15 of the nursing staff resigned during August and September this year; that six are under compulsory resignation now; and that five have tendered their resignations in sympathy with their colleagues; and will he consider the holding of an inquiry by an inspector of the Ministry at an early date?

I think that the hon. Member has been misinformed. Certain changes in the staff of this infirmary are necessitated by its conversion into a training school for nurses. The total number of nurses who have left, or received notice on this account, is 12. One, in addition, has been dismissed for insubordination. I see no grounds at present for the holding of such inquiry as is suggested.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that two years ago an inquiry was held, and that the conditions then found to exist have not been improved upon; and that in the case of these resignations the nurses have no remedy unless the Minister orders some inquiry to be made?

I think the hon. Member must be entirely misinformed as to the reason for the resignations, which is that this institution is being converted into a training school for nurses.

If I supply the right hon. Gentleman with information that the case is otherwise, will he do his best to have the matter reconsidered and an inquiry held?

I shall certainly be prepared to look into any representation that the hon. Member may make.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that workmen who have contracted loans with boards of guardians, as a form of relief, are having deductions made from their wages; and will he consider legislation with a view to bringing this practice to an end?

Section 69 of the Poor Law Amendment Act, 1834, expressly authorises this method of recovery of relief advanced on loan, and, though I am not aware that extensive use is now made of the powers given by the Section, I am not at present aware that there are good grounds for the introduction of amending legislation.

Is it permissible that a deduction should be made from a man's wages at the source in respect of whatever sums he may previously have received as loans during a period of unemployment and distress?

Yes, Sir.

Is not this practice a violation of the Truck Acts?

No, Sir; it is in accordance with Section 69 of the Poor Law Amendment Act, 1834.

Are not the Truck Acts later than that?

The Act I have quoted has not been repealed.

In view of the considerable number of complaints with regard to this matter, will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries of the boards of guardians and see to what extent this practice is being carried on at the present time?

I am not sure whether the hon. Member would desire that, in lieu of this practice, these people should be taken into the County Court. That is the alternative.

asked the Minister of Health whether British bricks are always specified for Government works and housing schemes?

As details of local authorities' housing schemes are not submitted for my approval I have no knowledge whether British bricks are always specified. I may mention that the Government have urged local authorities to arrange that all contracts for or incidental to works carried out by them should in the absence of special circumstances, be placed in this country. As regards Government works I would suggest that the hon. Member should address a question to the Ministers of the Departments which let contracts for works.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to withdraw the grant unless local authorities use British goods?

I have no power to do that under the Act.

Will you amend the Act?

asked the Minister of Health if he can give an estimate of the production of bricks this year, in continuance of the estimate for 1924 given on 15th December, 1924?