asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the Portuguese Government have under consideration the question of increasing the import duties on woollen and worsted piece goods; and whether representations can be made to this Government pointing out the injurious effect such increase of duty would have on the textile industry of this country?

I understand that the Portuguese woollen industry has been making efforts to obtain an increase of the duties. Representations in the sense suggested by the hon. Member have already been made to the Portuguese Government.

In the event of the Portuguese Government again increasing their tariff, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the abrogation of Article 6 of the Anglo-Portuguese Commercial Convention, under which the Portuguese have a virtual monopoly of the trade in certain wines?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will, in conjunction with the Minister of Labour, have prepared a Return showing the total imports of goods for each of the last 25 years and the percentage of unemployment for each year in the same period?

I will have a statement prepared on the lines indicated by the hon. Member, and sent to him as soon as it is ready.

Will the statement be published in the OFFICIAL REPORT?

Yes, certainly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, as stated by Herr Trendelenburg, certain alleviations are being considered in the application of the new duties to goods of German origin; and, if so, what these alleviations are?

In view of representations recently made by the German Government, certain minor modifications of administrative practice in respect of Customs duties are under consideration, and, should it be found possible to adopt them, they will, of course, apply to goods of whatever origin.

Shall we have some indication of the nature of those modifications before we conclude the discussion on the Safeguarding of Industries Bill?

The modifications of which I am speaking have nothing to do with that Bill.

Will the House be informed what these modifications are?

It will, of course, when any negotiations which are in progress are completed.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the directors of the Silver Line, Limited, are also directors of Joseph L. Thompson and Sons, Limited, and James Laing and Sons, Limited, the builders of the steamers for the Silver Line, Limited, the debentures of which company, amounting to £1,107,000, have been guaranteed as to principal and interest by His Majesty's Government; whether, in view of the prices agreed to be paid to the builders, he will say if tenders for these steamers were obtained from other builders and, if so, state the prices; whether His Majesty's Government, under the Trade Facilities Act, confine their guarantees for advances on shipping to companies building ships with internal combustion engines; and, if so, why this course is adopted?

I am aware that the chairman of the Silver Line, Limited, is also chairman of Joseph L. Thompson and Sons, Limited, and of James Laing and Sons, Limited, and that one of the other directors of the Silver Line, Limited, is also a director of James Laing and Sons, Limited. The remaining two directors of the Silver Line, Limited, are not directors of either of the other two companies. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative, but the Advisory Committee were satisfied that the prices were reasonable. They are well acquainted with the prices of similar ships, and of the ships previously supplied by the builders. The answer to the third part is in the negative and the fourth part, therefore, does not arise.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the prices agreed to be paid for these steamers are regarded by those acquainted with shipbuilding as excessive; and having regard to the connection between the owning company and the shipbuilding company, does not the right hon. Gentleman think it prudent that His Majesty's Government, before guaranteeing large sums, should satisfy themselves that the prices are correct prices and competitive prices?

I have already said that the Advisory Committee satisfied themselves as to the prices.

The right hon. Gentleman said, at the same time, that tenders were not obtained. How is he to satisfy himself as to the prices?

By the knowledge of the Advisory Committee.

May I also ask the right hon. Gentleman—

The hon. Member has already put two Supplementary Questions.

On another point, which has not been elucidated, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman, as this matter is exercising public opinion—

The hon. Member must be brief and quick.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that at the present time 6,750,000 tons of British shipping are idle; and, having regard to that fact, does he think it prudent for His Majesty's Government to guarantee money to build new steamers?

That is an argument, not a question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make any statement with reference to the dispute between certain shipping companies and the wireless operators; and whether any steps are being taken to end it?

My Department is having a further meeting to-day with the Association of Wireless and Cable Telegraphists, but I am not able at present to say whether any progress can be made towards a settlement of the dispute.

Has the hon. Gentleman also been in touch with the shipping companies, and, if so, with what results?

I do not think that arises out of this question, but in view of the fact that the House is rising shortly, it is entitled to have all the information at its disposal before we separate. Perhaps the hon. Member will repeat the question before the House rises.

The question I asked was whether any steps are being taken and I think the point does arise as to whether the shipping companies have also been seen by the hon. Gentleman.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that fully-qualified wireless operators are available at rates of pay in force prior to the 1st December; that certain shipowners are taking advantage of the waiving of the Regulations not to pay those rates, and that shipowners now paying those rates are having no difficulty in obtaining fully-qualified wireless operators; and whether, in view of this fact, he will discontinue giving permission for the sailing of ships without wireless operators?

I am aware that some ships are paying the old rates and are unaffected by the dispute. As regards the ships which are affected by the dispute, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Hull Central (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) on the 30th November, of which I am sending him a copy.

Has the right hon. Gentleman been in touch with the shipowners at all, in connection with the dispute?

As regards the dispute and the issues involved in it there are questions entirely for the Ministry of Labour, and the Board of Trade has never interfered in such matters. The duty of the Board of Trade is to be entirely impartial in any such dispute and to exercise its functions under the Merchant Shipping Act.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it good policy to set aside all laws and Regulations when there happens to be a dispute?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the circumstances of the death of Robert Wilson, of Liverpool, fireman, s.s. "Delilian," and to the allegations by members of the crew that the meat and water were tainted, and that six of the crew were taken ill in consequence; and whether he will order an inquiry into this matter with facilities to owners and crew to state their case?

No information on this matter has been received by the Board of Trade, but I have obtained a newspaper report of the inquest on Robert Wilson, and observe that the medical evidence was against the theory that his fatal illness (typhoid) was due to tainted ship's provisions, and that the verdict was one of death from natural causes. The log of the s.s. "Delilian" does not bear out the statement that six of the crew were taken ill, there being , only one case of illness recorded during. the voyage in question, nor does it contain any complaint in regard to the food. I will see whether any further information is available, but the case as it stands is not one for a formal investigation.

Has the right hon. Gentleman asked for the report from the Board of Trade superintendent?

Yes. I am making further inquiries

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the coroner's verdict had reference only to the typhoid, and had no bearing at all on the complaint of the food and water being tainted?

It is difficult to discuss this matter by question and answer. I have seen the report, and I think the medical evidence was that the typhoid could not have been due to the food and water or there would have been an enormous outbreak among the crew.

Will the right hon. Gentleman have inquiries made from those members of the crew in Liverpool who are, I understand, still under doctors' treatment for illness alleged to have been contracted from the food and water?

I will make any inquiries which will throw any further light on the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the result of any investigations made by his Department into the recent rapid rise in the price of wheat?

As my hon. Friend may be aware, the Food Council are holding a public meeting to-day on this subject, and their examination of the question should disclose the causes of the rise in price.

How many days' wheat supply are normally kept in this country?

That does not arise out of the question. I should like to see it on the Paper.

If the existing powers of the Food Council prove insufficient to prevent this rise in prices, will the right hon. Gentleman consider giving them extra powers?

Is the rise in prices due to the increased cost of labour or to other causes?

Before making any pronouncement on this matter I should very much like to see the result of the meeting of the Food Council to-day.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called by local authorities to the necessity of conferring powers upon such authorities for testing petrol pumps in their areas; and what action he proposes to take?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is his intention to introduce legislation conferring upon local authorities the necessary powers for testing petrol pumps in their areas?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the large and continuing in- crease in the installation of petrol pumps throughout the country, the Government will consider the necessity for immediate legislation conferring upon local authorities the necessary powers for testing such petrol pumps in their areas?

I would refer the hon. Members to the answer given on 9th December to the hon. Member for Stratford (Mr. Groves) of which I am sending them copies. It will be seen that the Weights and Measures (Amendment) Bill, which I have already introduced, provides for the making of the requisite regulations. As the hon. Members will understand, it is not possible to proceed further with the Bill this Session, but I intend to reintroduce it next Session.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a, position to state what economies he has effected in the administration of his Department; and whether such economies will result in decreased Estimates for the coming year?

I am considering the matter in conjunction with the Cabinet Committee on Economy. I expect that the sum required for the administration of the Department during the next financial year will be less than that required during the present financial year. As the hon. Member is probably aware, there are contractual obligations with regard to zinc concentrates, which figure in the Estimates, but which it is not within the power of the Department to vary.

Does that answer mean that there is to be a re-grading of the Staff of the Board of Trade; and is it proposed that there should be any reduction of salaries?

It would be quite impossible for me to answer anticipatory questions as to the Estimates or to deal with these points until the Estimates are presented.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how much less the cost will be this year, compared with last year?

I think the hon. Member had better wait and see the Estimate.

Is there any overlapping of duties between the Board of Trade and the Ministry of Transport?

No. I do not think there is. I have tried while in office to avoid overlapping everywhere.

asked the Prime Minister whether in the Government inquiry into economy special attention is being given to the cost of salaries and expenses of Government Departments other than the Admiralty, War Office, and Air Ministry, with especial reference to considering such reduction of administrative and clerical staff as may be possible without endangering efficiency?

The administrative costs of all Government Departments are under careful examination, and no opportunity will be lost of effecting such economies as may be compatible with the efficient discharge of public business.

How can economies such as are indicated in this question be carried out except by imposing on the permanent staffs of the various Ministries the somewhat invidious duty of suggesting cuts in their own Departments?

You may have cuts in the Departments which lead to economy, but it is extraordinarily difficult to secure economy by discharging civil servants, as the hon. Member would know if he had had to face up to that question.

May I suggest to the Prime Minister that he might favourably consider appointing an independent committee, with one or two Members from the back benches of his own party, who are only too anxious to assist in work of this nature?

I quite agree, but it would be impossible, even for the back benchers, to do away with the pension rights of civil servants.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider ceasing all recruiting for the Civil Service until the numbers have fallen to the appropriate level?

That, of course, is another question, and obviously it is one which deserves examination.

With a view to facilitating economy in the Fighting Services, will my right hon. Friend consider the appointment of a separate Estimates Committee for the Fighting Services?

I think that when the Government has done with the Fighting Services there will not be much work for the Estimates Committee.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of officials and staff employed in connection with the Super-tax Department; and what is the approximate cost of this Department?

I fear that figures cannot be given, for the reason that much of the work in connection with the Super-tax is not in the hands of a staff specially and exclusively devoted to that duty.

Are we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman is endeavouring to amalgamate the two Departments?

No, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether at the present time the Income Tax and Super-tax Departments work in conjunction with each other in making the separate assessments?

The Super-tax is charged on the total income of an individual as charged to Income Tax for the preceding year. Particulars of Income Tax assessments are therefore made available to the Special Commissioners for their use in making assessments to Super-tax. The officials of the two Departments also co-operate with each other in other directions so far as the circumstances of individual cases may require.

May I ask whether one is to understand it is quite unnecessary to make out two returns?

I am afraid my hon. and gallant Friend will receive much evidence to the contrary if he persists in that view.

How far does the cooperation of the two Departments go? One has to send two returns to two different Departments which are supposed to be working in co-operation.

The system of Income Tax and Super-tax has grown up over a period of years, and no one who looks at it can feel that it represents the maximum of simplicity and convenience. I can assure the House I have carefully studied the question with a view to seeing whether some easier and simpler arrangement could be introduced in a way which would not be detrimental to the Revenue, but I can make no pledge that I can solve the problem.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it will be before the Budget?

I do not like to commit myself to any fixed date for achieving an object so difficult and distant.

Is the right hon. Gentleman quite satisfied that everybody makes a proper and correct return?

I am satisfied they make a more proper and correct return in this country than in any country with which I am acquainted.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set up a Committee to report on the economies which could be effected by arranging for one form to be used for both Income Tax and Super-tax assessment?

My hon. and gallant Friend's question seems to be directed to one aspect of the general proposal which he put forward in the question which I answered on the 8th December. As I then informed my hon. and gallant Friend, the matter involves extremely difficult problems, to which, however, I am giving consideration.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the position of technical adviser on cinematography is a, whole-time position and paid as such; and whether all arrangements for the taking of films where Government assistance and/or facilities are required are made by the technical adviser with the private companies concerned?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affimative. As regards the second part, arrangements such as are described would normally be made either on the advice, or by the agency, of this officer.

But in practice are they made through the agency of this officer? Is this officer at the present time doing the whole thing in connection with all the Departments?

I do not think there have been sufficient transactions of this kind to say there is a normal practice established.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say that applications to any Government Department will have to go to this officer?

No, Sir, I would not like to say that.

In view of the obviously unsatisfactory position, is it possible for the right hon. Gentleman to promise the House some improvement?

I cannot possibly say what may be obvious to the hon. and gallant Gentleman.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many telegram forms have been requisitioned through the Stationery Office during the last 12 months?

The approximate number was 272,500,000, of which about 89,000,000 were dispatch forms and 183,500,000 delivery forms.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the gross extravagance in these forms used in the various Government Departments; and is he satisfied that there are some people in these offices who control the enormous expenditure on stationery?

I cannot say that I am satisfied at the present moment, but I am looking into the matter.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury when it is proposed to give permanent appointments to the ex-service men who were successful in the examination held some months ago?

As stated in my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Pontefract on the 10th December, the Civil Service Commissioners hope to issue the results of the Southborough examination for the Clerical and Departmental Clerical Classes early in 1926. The assignment to permanent posts of successful candidates will be made as soon thereafter as the inquiries necessary to ascertain their eligibility for establishment can be completed.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what are the reasons for the delay in notifying the candidates as to the result of the examination?

The hon and gallant Gentleman will understand that in a matter of 20,000 candidates it is not a matter that can be very quickly gone through, if it is to be efficiently done. I cannot say more than that, so far as I know, no unnecessary delay has taken place.

Have any notifications been sent to the candidates as to how they have been placed in the examination?

Intimation of what?

An intimation of failure or success.

They will know as soon as the results are known.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether ho is aware of the dissatisfaction existing in the ranks of the clerical employés in the out-station offices; and will he receive a deputation of the employés association with a view to removing the grounds for complaint?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how far, in sanctioning the new appointments in connection with the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, they have been able to carry out the recommendations in paragraph 9 of the Re-organisation Report as to ensuring equality of opportunity between men and women?

I have been asked to reply. Only one new permanent appointment has so far been made on the indoor staff of the Ministry for work in connection with the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act. When the time comes for settling the permanent staffing arrangements for this work the recommendations in paragraph 9 of the Re-organisation Report will be carefully borne in mind. A number of additional appointments have been authorised for the outdoor staff, and the men and women appointed have been given similar duties on the new work.

asked the Secretary for Scotland (1) if he will give the comparative prices per foot of superficial area for the four different types of houses selected for special subsidy, and the prices per foot of superficial area for the Glasgow roofing house, the Braithwaite house, and the Atholl house, quoted for in respect of the special subsidy;

(2) if he is aware that, after including normal roof, washing basin and tub, the price of the Coralite house passed for special subsidy works out for Coralite three-room flatted type of an average of 587 feet super at 14s. 6d. per foot super, while the Atholl all-steel house of 772 feet super of similar type works out at 11s. 5d. per super foot, or 3s. 1d. cheaper than the Coralite house; and, seeing that one is a Dutch patent, giving little employment, and the other a Scottish product, giving considerable employment in the engineering, steel and coal trades, he will consider the giving of the special subsidy to the Atholl steel house;

(3) whether he is aware that the flat roof of the Coralite house, that has been passed for special subsidy, is guaranteed by the makers to last only for three years, and if he will insist upon a normal roof for this type of house; and, if so, what will be the difference in price?

asked the Secretary for Scotland (I) if he is aware that, in proportion to size and accommodation, Atholl steel houses, as offered to the Scottish Board of Health under special subsidy condition, are less costly than one of the types selected; and, having regard to the fact that Atholl steel houses were passed by the Moir Committee and also that the Atholl Company offered to comply with the other conditions as to labour, etc., will he state his reasons for excluding Atholl houses from the four selected for special subsidy;

(2) if he is aware that according to Form 7, 23rd November, the Coralite house provided for flat roof and did not provide for lavatory basin and tub; that the cost of these items to place this house on a par with the others is £26; and that if he adds this extra cost in computing his total cost the Coralite house is more expensive than the Atholl; and, in view of this, will he state why the Atholl house was excluded from the four types selected?

asked the Secretary for Scotland the cost per superficial foot of the four types of houses selected for the special subsidy and for the other types of houses for which prices were obtained?

The final selection of types of houses was made after careful consideration of all the relevant facts and the Atholl house, among others, had to be ruled out on the ground of cost. I cannot accept the basis on which the rates per foot of superficial area are arrived at and compared. This rate varies inversely with the size of the house, because certain fittings are common to all sizes and are not appreciably affected by an increase in superficial area. The tenders submitted for the different types are not uniform and, therefore, the comparative figures asked for by the hon. Member are not available. With regard to the Corolite house, I am advised that the roof, as tendered for, is satisfactory, and that the guarantee referred to is merely a guarantee of maintenance by the contractors and should not be confused with the life of the roof. It is correct that the inclusion of additional items would increase the cost of Corolite house, but I see no reason for insisting on these.

In view of the fact that some of the local authorities have turned down the approved types of houses altogether, will the Secretary for Scotland give them the option of having the Atholl house?

No. As I have already explained, the houses submitted to the local authorities under the additional subsidies scheme were distinctly defined on the question of price.

Why is it that we on these benches have to stick up for the Duke of Atholl against the Conservative Government, and is it not the case that the Weir house is really being pushed on the local authorities by the Government because by that means they hope to attain the breaking up of the trade union rates of wages.

also asked the Secretary for Scotland what local authorities have now accepted houses with the special subsidy, and the types and numbers of houses which they propose to build?

As the county council elections took place on 1st instant, and district committees could not be reconstituted in time to allow of consideration of the matter of the special subsidy by 14th instant, it became necessary to extend the time for submission of their proposals until 31st instant; and I am not, therefore, in a position to supply the information asked for in the question.

asked the Secretary for Scotland the cost of the houses in each case of the four firms which have been selected for the additional subsidy of £40 per year; and what the cost of the Atholl house would have been if that firm had been selected for this purpose?

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the circular issued on 23rd ultimo by the Scottish Board of Health containing the cost of all types of houses included in the approved list. I am also forwarding to him particulars of the tender prices for the various types of the Atholl house.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to what extent it is the practice in Scotland for the same assessors to be appointed by both the Commissioners of Inland Revenue and the local government authorities, and for the same valuations to be used for both Income Tax under Schedule A and local rating?

Inspectors of taxes are appointed assessors under the Lands Valuation (Scotland) Acts in 15 counties and 33 burghs in Scotland at the present time; in these cases valuations made for rating are binding for Income Tax under Schedule A. In other cases, the values for rating fixed by local assessors, who are not inspectors of taxes, are not necessarily or invariably adopted for Income Tax purposes.

asked the Secretary for Scotland the number of houses that have been built in Scotland and Glasgow, respectively, since the 1st November of last year, and how many under each of the Acts concerned; and whether, in view

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he has made inquiry

As the reply to this question involves a tabular statement, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give me an answer to the last part of the question?

As to the last question, I have given this matter consideration. It was also reviewed by the Constable Committee, and I am not in a position, therefore, to make any statement beyond what I have made.

Do I understand from that that it will be possible in the new Session that the Minister may take some stops with regard to these insanitary houses, and the rents that are being extorted for them?

No, Sir; I cannot give any definite undertaking.

As the result of inquiries that I have made since the hon. Member's question of 8th instant, I have ascertained that the shortage of plasterers is still more acute than was then stated. I am informed that on the 12th instant there were only six unemployed plasterers in Glasgow, of whom three are about 70 years of age and two between the ages of 60 and 65. If the shortage of plasterers could be overcome considerable expedition of house building could be achieved. The Glasgow Corporation, as the result of a deputation which they recently received from the building trade workers, have made a special remit to their housing committee to consider how housing schemes can be expedited. I am prepared to give any proposals the corporation may put before me the fullest consideration, and I am keeping the matter generally under close observation.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if the Committee at present making inquiry into the claims of necessitous areas are considering the position in Scotland; what representation there is on the Committee from Scotland; and, if not, whether he will state what steps are being taken to inquire into the position of necessitous areas in Scotland?

The Committee to which the hon. Member refers has been appointed to consider and report on any scheme which may be submitted to them for special assistance from the Exchequer to local authorities in necessitous urban and quasi-urban areas. It includes two Members representing, respectively, Scottish burgh and county authorities, and one member representing the Scottish Office, and will be prepared to consider schemes submitted from Scotland.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the names?

Yes. They are Sir Henry S. Keith, Mr. John Train, and Mr. P. B. Moodie.

Does the right hon. Gentleman never think of appointing on these committees a representative of the trade unions and of the working people?

This is a matter which primarily concerns the local authorities, and I have asked the advice of both burgh and county local authorities.

asked the Secretary for Scotland the estimate of his advisers as to the amount of reduction in Scottish education grants for 1926–27 as a result of the new policy set forth by the Minister of Education in Circular 1371?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to his question of 9th December. But I should like to add that a Circular dealing with the whole matter more fully is being issued to education authorities to-day. Copies are being sent to all the Members of the House who represent Scottish constituencies.

Are we to understand from that answer that in this new Circular just issued to the education authorities the right hon. Gentleman has given some idea of the estimates that his advisers have formed in regard to the amount of the reduction that will be involved?

If the hon. Member will wait till he receives the Circular he will see the full situation set out there.

Can the right hon. Gentleman not tell us if he has got a definite figure from his advisers as to the reduction that this will involve on the education authorities? We are entitled to get an answer here, definite figures, and not from the education authorities?

As regards definite figures they are only being given in the Estimates.

Can the right hon. Gentleman arrange that this Circular shall be available at the Vote Office the same as Circular 1371, for the use of those interested in the matter?

Well, I will consider that.

; In the consultation with the Noble Lord the President of the Board of Education, did he not go into the question of what Scotland was going to lose under the new policy?

Yes, that matter had full discussion.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government propose to set up the Executive Commission recommended in the First Report of the Imperial Economic Committee; and whether the House will be given an opportunity of discussing the Report before any action is taken?

I cannot add anything to the answer which I gave on the 23rd November in reply to questions on this subject. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on the 17th March last in reply to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Faversham (Major Sir G. Wheler).

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government intend to give facilities for the passing into law this Session of the Moneylender?. Hill [Lords], in view of the fact that it has been fully considered and amended by a Joint Committee of both Houses, and that a substantial measure of agreement seems assured?

I regret that I see no prospect of time being found for this Bill before Prorogation.

Will the Government give facilities for this Bill during next Session, or reintroduce it as a Government Measure?

I cannot give any pledge as regards next Session, but I hope it may be possible. I regret that it has been impossible to find time for it this Session.

asked the Prime Minister if, on reviewing the terms of reference of the Estimates Committee, he is prepared to strengthen these terms next Session?

I have again considered this question, but I remain of the opinion I expressed on the 7th instant that the present procedure should be maintained.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether that Committee could be set up quite early next Session with a view to reporting on at least some of the Estimates before they are considered in Committee of Supply?

I will consider that.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is yet in a position to make any statement on the relative strengths of certain Powers' military forces?

The statement in question was circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT of the 11th instant.

Is there stated in that Report the tremendous increase in the military forces of about 15 great nations, both in expenditure and in men?

If the hon. Member will look at the statement, he will find it gives the numbers of the various forces and of the ancillary forces. I do not think it shows the money.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman state whether there is an increase both in regard to men and expenditure?

I would require notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for War the effective fighting strength, according to the latest information available to his department, of the armies of the French and German republics, respectively?

The authorised strength of the French Army, excluding reserves, is 654,000. The strength of the German Army is fixed by the Treaty of Versailles at 100,000.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say what proportion those figures bear to the populations concerned?

No, I am afraid I could not do that without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that of the students who passed into Sandhurst and Woolwich, respectively, at the same date and the same examination, the Sandhurst cadets pass out owing to the shorter course at a date which gives them the old rate of pay while the Woolwich cadets, of like entry but with a superior educational standard, will receive only the new rates; and if he will consider the matter with a view to remedy?

I am aware of the situation to which the hon. Member refers, but I regret that it has been found impossible to recognise a claim to the old rates of pay for any class of officer commissioned after the governing date fixed by the Army Order.

Does the hon. and gallant Gentleman think it is a good way of getting high-class, well educated officers?

I do not think that arises out of the question. I was giving my hon. and gallant Friend a reply to his question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the negotiations for the purchase of the Deptford Cattle Market area have been completed; and, if so, what is the amount to be paid to the Corporation of the City of London?

The arbitration to fix the purchase price of the Deptford Cattle Market is expected to take place early in the new year.

Is the hon. and gallant Member aware that a similar question was asked two years ago and that the arbitration is no nearer a settlement now?

I cannot agree with the right hon. Gentleman, because the arbitration will take place early in the new year, and none of the delay has occurred on the part of the War Office.

asked the Secretary of State for War if arrangements are now being made for military conversations with the French and German authorities consequent on the new obligations assumed by this country through the signature of the Treaty of Locarno?

No. Sir.

Is it contemplated that such conversations will take place in the future?

I am afraid I cannot speculate on the future.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the policy of the Balfour Note, in regard to debt settlements, has been abandoned in view of the fact that the combined payments of France, Italy and Germany cannot possibly in any one year equal our annual debt to America?

There is to change in the general policy of His Majesty's Government in regard to inter-Allied debts, as stated by me to tin's House on the 10th December, 1924, and the Balfour Note remains the broad foundation of our policy. But the House must not infer that His Majesty's Government can give a definite undertaking that, whatever happens, the objective of the Balfour Note will be integrally and absolutely attained. The detailed settlements with the various debtor Powers must obviously depend on a number of different considerations, particularly on the estimate we may reach of their respective capacity of payment: and only when all the settlements have beer completed will it be possible to strike a balance between on1 payments and receipts. The House may rest assured, however, that His Majesty's Government will conclude no settlement that does not, in its opinion, carry care the principle of the Balfour Note to the fullest extent that is practicable or expedient.

When was the policy of adjusting debts to capacity of payment adopted by the Government? Is this not quite a new departure?

I certainly never contemplated that we were pursuing a policy of collecting debts which excluded the capacity of the debtor to pay.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman see that to adjust the debt according to the capacity of the debtor is an absolutely new departure which has not yet been adumbrated by the Government?

On the contrary, I think that the collection of debts and reparations having regard to the capacity of the debtor to pay, has been from the very outset the foundation of the policy we and all other nations have pursued.

Is that not exactly what the French Government have been pressing us SO long to do, which hitherto the right ion. Gentleman has resisted?

There were three points of substance which were not settled at the time when M. Caillaux visited this country, and which were not capable of settlement. I have been waiting for a further discussion with some French Minister of Finance, and have addressed myself to several, but without arriving at an opportunity for discussion.

Will the right hon. Gentleman carry out that same principle with regard to the Russian debt?

It has been carried out, apparently, to an extent which leaves nothing to be done by me.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government of the United States of America have made any suggestion in regard to altering the rate of interest which the British are paying on their debt to the United States of America, in view of the fact that the terms of the British debt are approximately 14 times as heavy as if they had been settled on the same basis as the American-Italian debt?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will have inquiries made as to how the Customs authorities disposed of the consignment of illegally imported plumage consisting of 325 bunches of osprey feathers, valued at £1,555 10s., which was seized by them at Tilbury Docks in October last, and inform the House of the result of these inquiries?

The plumage referred to has been destroyed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the labour involved upon all employers of labour in filling up twice a year returns for Income Tax purposes of the wages of every weekly wage-earner employed in manual labour whose wages, etc., exceed £80 per half-year; and whether, in considering the finance for the ensuing year, he will bear in mind the desirability of simplifying this procedure in view of his recent statement that a remission of Income Tax on all incomes below £300 a year would only involve a loss of about £3,000,000 to the Exchequer, whereas such a remission would involve some diminution of the cost of the Inland Revenue Department, as well as a reduction of the clerical staff employed by many firms, with a consequent reduction to such firms of their overhead charges?

My hon. and gallant Friend will not expect me at this juncture to express an opinion on his proposal, in relation to which many factors obviously re-quire to be taken into consideration. I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that, in order to effect economy in the cost of administration and a saving to employers in the making of returns, this year's Finance Act changed the system of Income Tax assessment and charge in the case of manual wage-earners from a quarterly to a half-yearly basis.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of interest paid on the National Debt during the first year after the War in which our Budget was balanced, namely, 1920–21, and during each subsequent year, and the amount expected to be paid during the current year exclusive in the relevant years, of the interest on the debt due to the United States, so that the figures may be comparable; and will he state

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in connection with the preparation of the next Budget, he will recommend legislation for the reduction of interest by 1 per cent. on ail War Loans contracted by the Government during the late world War and not yet redeemed?

His Majesty's Government have no intention of repudiating the contractual obligations of the State.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the value of the reparation obtained from the sale of German shipping is included in the Government statement that the share of the United Kingdom to July, 1925, is approximately 22 millions?