asked the Minister of Labour the number of applicants for extended benefit in Glasgow who have been refused during the eight weeks previous to 16th November, 1925?

pursuant to his reply (OFFICIAL REPOET, 9th December, 1925, Col. 437), supplied the following information:During the period 15th September to 16th November, 1925, 6,868 applications for extended benefit were recommended for disallowance by the local employment committees in the Glasgow area, and 34,495 applications were admitted.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) the number of persons who have been refused benefit during the last two months in the administrative County of London on the grounds of not genuinely seeking employment;(2) the number of persons who have applied for extended benefit in the administrative County of London during the past two months and the number who have been refused on the grounds that they have not had a reasonable period of employment during the past two years?

pursuant to his reply (OFFICIAL REPORT, 9th December, 1925, Col. 437), supplied the following information:During the period 15th September to 16th November, 1925, the number of applications for extended benefit considered by local employment committees-in the administrative County of London was 45,126. Of these 3,362 were rejected on the ground that the applicants were not making reasonable efforts to secure employment, and 10,045 on the ground that the applicants had not had a reasonable period of insurable employment in the previous two years.I am unable to state the number of applications for standard benefit in this area disallowed on the ground that the applicants were not genuinely seeking work.

asked the Minister of Labour (1) the number of applicants for extended benefit in Glasgow since the coming into operation of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1925; and the number of cases in which benefit has been refused in consequence of the new Regulations;(2) the number of claims for extended benefit since the coming into operation of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1925; the number of claims refused; and the number of such claims in which the applicant has ceased to sign at the Employment Exchange?

pursuant to his reply (OFFICIAL REPORT, 9th December, 1925, Col. 438), supplied the following information:During the period 25th August to 16th November, 1925, 64,297 applications for extended benefit were considered by local employment committees in the Glasgow area, and of these 2,643 were recommended for disallowance in consequence of the conditions imposed under the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1925.In the same period 825,584 applications for extended benefit were considered by local employment committees in Great Britain, of which 158,908 were disallowed for various causes. I am unable to state the number of cases in which an applicant who has been disallowed benefit has ceased to sign at the Employment Exchange.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state, in regard to the Sheffield Union and for the weeks ending 21st February and 28th November, the number of cases relieved on account of suspension of unemployment benefit, how many cases were receiving benefit, how many cases were not receiving benefit, and the amount of relief granted owing to suspension of benefit?

My right hon. Friend is having inquiries made, and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour the unemployed figures for the towns of Oldbury, Cradley, Halesowen, and Stourbridge on the 31st December, 1924; and the figures for the same towns on the 30th November, 1925?

The following Table gives the available information:

Persons on the Registers of certain Employment Exchanges.
—	Oldbury	Cradely Heath (including Halesowen)	Stourbridge.
		29tb December, 1924.
Men	1,417	5,839	1,724
Boys	58	180	45
Women	453	1,035	344
Girls	133	79	26
Total	2,061	7,133	2,139
		30th November, 1925.
Men	1,002	3,311	1,446
Boys	8	46	29
Women	154	370	236
Girls	35	21	13
Total	1,199	3,748	1,724

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed in each of the main industries in October, 1925, the percentage of unemployed in the same industries in October, 1925, and the percentage increase or decrease compared with October, 1924?

The information desired is contained in the November issue of the Ministry of Labour Gazette a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will give figures showing the number of men drawing unemployment pay in the chief ports of South Wales at the present time compared with the figures of three months ago, distinguishing the various trades, such as ship repairing, transport work, coal trimmers, seamen, and general workers; the total number of workers unemployed at Cardiff (including Penarth and Barry), Newport, Swansea, and Port Talbot; the total number of persons now drawing unemployment benefit in South Wales and Monmouthshire; and the total amount of unemployment pay distributed per month in South Wales and Monmouthshire for the first nine months of this year, compared with the corresponding period of last year?

At 26th October, 1926, there were 91,093 persons in South Wales and Monmouthshire with current claims to benefit, but I cannot say how many were actually in receipt of benefit at that date. As regards the other points, the reply involves a number of figures, and I will, with the permission of my right hon. Friend, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the Bootle corporation are employing 130 men on road work, at full trade union rates, who were formerly in receipt of out-relief, on the understanding that the West Derby board of guardians pay to the council the amount formerly paid in out-relief, whilst the Unemployment Grants Committee pay 75 per cent. of the interest and sinking fund for half the period of the loan; and whether, in view of the resultant financial saving, he will consider the possibility of drawing the attention of other urban local authorities to this scheme?

I have been asked to reply. I am aware of the arrangements mentioned in the question and have sanctioned the making of certain payments by the board of guardians. Arrangements of this kind, with or without the assistance of grants from the Unemployment Grants Committee have been made in a number of instances, and I am always willing to consider applications for any necessary sanction in respect of their initiation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Bristol Water Company and the Bristol Gas Company are not required to file lists of directors and other information at Somerset House, because these companies were incorporated by special Acts of Parliament which contained no clauses requiring them to furnish lists of directors which should be open to public inspection; how many public utility companies are in a similar position; and whether he will consider the desirability of introducing a short Bill to remove these exceptions?

I am aware of the facts stated in the first part of the question. As regards the second part, the figure asked for could not be given without a search which would involve considerable labour and expense. As to the third, having regard to the fact that Parliament has not hitherto, either in general legislation (the Companies Clauses Acts) or in companies' special Acts, seen fit to require the filing of lists of directors, etc., I do not think there are sufficient grounds for my introducing legislation to prescribe such a requirement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to publish a Return of the purchasers of German shipping?

A Return giving the names of the purchasers of the ex-enemy ships allotted to this country in reparation, and the prices paid, up to the 27th March, 1923, was laid on the Table of the House on that date. A supplementary Return relating to the remaining ships was laid on the Table of the House on the 4th August, 1925. These Returns can be seen in the Library.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received a resolution, adopted by the Council of the Royal Sanitary Institute, based on resolutions passed at a congress of that institution at Liverpool in July, 1924, to the effect that the classification in the Report of Deaths of Seamen, published by the Board of Trade, is antiquated and should be remodelled; and whether he is taking any steps in respect to this resolution?

I have received a resolution from the Royal Sanitary Institute and also their detailed suggestions regarding the death statistics of seamen. The Permanent Consultative Committee on Official Statistics has appointed a special sub-committee to advise whether any alteration in the classification of these death statistics is necessary.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether ships are being permitted to proceed to sea without wireless operators, indiscriminately; whether he will take steps to ensure that each case is subjected to the closest scrutiny and examination in order that the strictest impartiality may be observed; and whether he will give an assurance that only ships trading in goods coming within the category of immediate national necessity, such as food ships, will be exempted from the wireless regulations?

Each case is considered separately, and where compliance with the law is rendered impossible by operators declining to sail owing to a strike, and by this alone, the ship is not detained. It would be impracticable to distinguish between different classes of ships and different classes of cargo.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, under the commercial treaty now being negotiated with the government of Yugoslavia, British trade will get the benefits of the most-favoured-nation treatment?

In accordance with their settled commercial policy, His Majesty's Government will endeavour to secure full most-favoured-nation treatment in the new treaty of commerce which is about to be negotiated with the Serb-Croat-Slovene State.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that importers of blackboard chalks have been stopped importing these goods because they cannot give guarantees as to the percentage of synthetic dyes contained in these chalks, and the same quality and colours of chalks cannot be produced in this country; and will he inquire into the matter?

I have been asked to reply. Coloured chalks of synthetic organic origin are subject to the provisions of the Dyestuffs (Import Regulation) Act, and no question of percentage arises. Ordinary white blackboard chalks are not subject to the provisions of the Act. No applications for licences to import coloured chalks of synthetic organic origin have been made for a considerable time past, and I understand that such chalks are made in this country in large variety and satisfactory quality. I have no knowledge of any complaints of the kind suggested in the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the dissatisfaction being expressed among British film manufacturers in regard to the importation of cheap American films; and whether he will consider putting an end to the advance booking of blocks of cheap American films?

The proposal of the hon. Member is among those now under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider legislation having as its object an increase in the amount of penalty that may be inflicted upon persons found guilty of offences under the Weights and Measures Acts?

The desirability of an increase of the present penalties will be considered when a suitable opportunity occurs for revising the Weights and Measures Acts.

asked the Minister of Health whether he can inform the House of the number of deaths of casual paupers in England during 1924, and the certified causes of such deaths?

No information is available on this point.

asked the Minister of Health the number of women officers and clerks who are working overtime in his Department, and the number of hours overtime which is being worked each week; whether he is aware that 250 women are under notice of dismissal from the Ministry of Pensions; and will he give those women the chance of employment instead of allowing regular workers to work overtime?

148 women officers and clerks have been employed on overtime for the last completed month, the numbers varying from, week to week according to the needs of the work. The total number of hours for the month amounted to 5,020. In reply to the latter part of the question, I would refer to the answer given to the hon. Member for Wandsworth (Sir H. Jackson) on the 23rd ultimo.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that a large number of the women about to be discharged from the Ministry of Pensions only just failed to pass an examination entitling them to permanent employment; and whether, in view of the unemployment amongst women and the hardship which dismissal will impose on a deserving section of temporary civil servants, he will slightly lower the standard in order that these women may obtain employment in other departments?

I regret that I should not feel justified in interfering with the decision of the Civil Service Commissioners in this matter. On the question of giving preferential treatment to the women referred to when selections are made for discharge, I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given on 8th December by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions to a question from the hon. and gallant Member for North Croydon (Lieut.-Colon-el Mason), I may add that I am now considering representations which have been made to me on the general question of providing a greater measure of permanent employment for women now employed on the temporary staff.

asked the Minister of Pensions to what extent has the work diminished in his Depart-

Claims in respect of Disablement or Death (Non-commissioned Ranks).	Six Months ending—
	31st December, 1922.	31st December, 1923.	31st December, 1924.	31st October, 1925.
(a) Number of men medically examined	279,700	214,200	144,200	69,300
(b) Widows' claims dealt with	5,200	5,300	4,800	4,200
(c) Dependants 'claims dealt with	3,900	1,900	3,000	1,800

	Year ending—
	31st March, 1923.	31st March, 1924.	31st March, 1925.
Volume of correspondence (letters des patched).	13,800,000	11,300,000	7,000,000

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he is aware of the discontent prevalent in the out-station offices consequent upon the delay in applying the clerical re- organisation scheme in these offices; and whether he can now state the exact date on which the new scheme will be introduced;(2) why his Department has not yet applied the terms of the agreed Report of the re-organisation sub-committee of the National Whitley Council, published in February, 1920, to the clerical employés in the out-station offices; and whether he will give an assurance that the terms of this agreement will no longer be withheld from the clerks employed under his jurisdiction?

I would refer the hon. Member to my answers to questions by the hon. Members for Nottingham South (Lord H. Cavendish-Bentinek) and Lime-house (Mr. Attlee) on the 8th December.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has yet effected any economies in the administration of his

The reduction in the volume of work in my Department could be illustrated from most branches of its work, but the following figures will perhaps suffice:Department which will result in decreased Estimates for the coming year?

I have carefully reviewed the whole expenditure of my Department but I must ask the hon. Member to await the presentation of the Estimates in due course.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the constantly increasing blockade of traffic in Aldgate, largely due to the fact that upon several days in each week considerable portions of the Broadway are occupied as a hay market and also by coster stalls; whether he is aware that the loss of time involved each day far exceeds in value the total receipts from the products sold on this site; and whether he contemplates introducing legislation with a view to removing similar hindrances to traffic?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the 19th November to the hon. Member for the Mile End Division (Mr. Scurr), of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will re-examine the complaints which have been made respecting steam lorries; whether he is aware that, apart from the annoyance and danger caused by sparks and smoke, many serious accidents occur owing to the smoke chimney obstructing the driver's view; and whether he will consider a desirability of special steps to limit this type of tractor?

I am aware of the objections to certain types of steam wagons to which the hon. Member refers, and the matter is at present under discussion with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

asked the Minister of Transport the total capital of the British railway companies for 1913 and 1924 respectively, and how the return to capital was appropriated in the same years on stock bearing a fixed rate of interest or dividend and on stock on which fluctuating dividends' may be paid?

I would refer the hon. Member to the published railway returns for the years in question. As regards 1924, he will find, on page 12, the average rate of interest or dividend paid per cent. of nominal capital, both in total and in respect of each of the main descriptions of stock. While the total figure is also shown for 1913, the latter particulars are not ascertained for that year. In comparing these figures, it is necessary to boar in mind the re-arrangements of capital which were effected upon amalgamation under the Railways Act, 1921, and I would, therefore, draw the hon. Member's attention to the average rate of interest and dividend paid per cent. of the receipts from capital issued in the two years, namely, 4·17 per cent. in 1913 and 4·41 per cent. in 1924

asked the Secretary for Scotland the names of the Committee which has been set up by him for the purpose of inquiring into the question of juvenile employment; and whether he can state the interests represented by the different members of the Committee?

The names were given in this House on 24th November in response to a request from the hon. Member for South Midlothian and Peebles (Mr. Westwood). The reply to the second part of the present question is in the negative. In selecting the members of the Committee I had regard, not so much to any particular interest which they might be supposed to represent, as to whether they possess the knowledge and experience necessary to enable them to present a useful report upon the terms of reference.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware of the disabilities imposed upon the fishing community of Nairn owing to the inadequate facilities of the local harbour; and whether, in view of the fact that the fishermen are favourable to the harbour development scheme, he will state what is the nature of and who is responsible for the opposition to the work being started?

I am aware of the desirability of additional harbour facilities being provided at Nairn. The facts of this case are briefly as follows: In 1923 a contribution from the Development Fund was offered towards the construction of a harbour at Nairn. This scheme was not proceeded with, and in October of this year the town council made application for additional assistance towards a revised and more costly scheme. This application is now under consideration by the Development Commissioners.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been directed to the statement on page 10 of the Forty-third Annual Report of the Fishery Board for Scotland to the effect that fishermen do not always get economic prices for their fish; and, if so, whether he proposes to take the action suggested by the Board in setting up a committee of investigation into the difference in costs between the price obtained by the fishermen and the price paid by the consumer?

I am aware of the statement referred to, which should, however, be read in conjunction with the rest of the passage in the Board's Report. The question of the difference between the price obtained by the fishermen and the price paid by the consumer is one which comes within the purview of the Food Council, and I would refer to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade on the 1st of December to the effect that the Council will no doubt consider it in due course. In the circumstances, I do not propose to set up a separate committee of investigation.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the Scottish Board of Health is bringing pressure to bear upon different municipal authorities in Scotland to persuade them to accept one of the four types selected for the special subsidy after certain authorities have intimated their unwillingness to accept either of the types in question and expressed their preference for other types?

I am bringing no pressure to bear on Scottish local authorities in favour of any particular type. I am, however, doing my utmost to induce them to co-operate in the provision of additional housing by alternative methods, but it must be clearly understood that an essential factor in such schemes must be the provision of a house at a rent within the reach of the mass of the population.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what local authorities

—			31st December, 1921.	31st December, 1922.	31st December, 1923.	31st December, 1924.
Police	…	…	6,477	6,211	6,329	6,394
Special constables	…	…	13,669	13,355	12,602	11,584

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is yet in a position to announce the decision of the Government with regard to the application from the crofters at Camster, in the County of Caithness, for enlargements for their holdings?

Up to 12th instant the following local authorities have declined in writing to adopt schemes for the building of types of houses selected for the special subsidy:

• Aberdeen Burgh.
• Arbroath Burgh.
• Burntisland Burgh.
• Bo'ness Burgh.
• Buckie Burgh.
• Denny Burgh.
• Dingwall Burgh.
• Dundee Burgh.
• Dunfermline Burgh
• Kilmarnock Burgh.
• Mother-well Burgh.
• Saltcoats Burgh.
• Arran District of Bute.
• Mid Argyll District of Argyllshire.
• Central District of Stirlingshire.

asked the Secretary for Scotland the number of police and special constables, respectively, enrolled in Scotland for the years 1921, 1922, 1923 and 1924?

The total numbers of police actually serving and of enrolled special constables in Scotland on the 31st December in each of the years 1921, 1922, 1923 and 1924 wore as follow:

I regret that I cannot yet say whether or when this scheme will be proceeded with. Efforts will, however, be made to expedite a decision so far as practicable.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has received from the crofters at Melness an application for enlargements to their crofts; how many applicants there are; what is the average rent of their holdings; and what steps the Board propose to take in the matter?

The Board of Agriculture have received an application for enlargements from a number of the crofters at Melness. The number of applicants is 53 out of 89 in the Melness townships. The average rent of their holdings is £3 1s. l1d. The Board do not consider that a scheme of enlargements covering only a section of the crofters would be satisfactory, even if it were practicable, and they do not feel able, therefore, to take any action on the present application.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is yet in a position to announce the decisions of the Government upon the recommendations of the Scottish Agricultural Conference and to indicate when an opportunity will be given for its discussion?

I would refer to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Baronet's question on Tuesday last to which I cannot at present add materially. Consideration of various matters referred to in the Report of the agricultural conference is in progress and I hope to have an opportunity of making a statement when conclusions have been reached.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that proposals are being made by the Ministers of Education and Health to substitute block grants to local authorities for the present system of grants-in-aid, he will publish the evidence which was given before the Meston Committee?

The question of publication will be considered in due course.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Committee of Imperial Defence are satisfied with the efficiency of the system under which land and air forces are strategically employed in defence in Iraq under a single administration?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why the contract amounting to £250,000 for building was given to the Dyer Company, Ohio, in respect of the new beet-sugar factory at Peterborough?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given yesterday to similar questions put to me by the hon. Members for East Ham (Mr. Barnes), Wavertree (Mr. Tinne), and Gravesend (Mr. Albery).

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the importance of the beet-sugar industry, any steps are being taken to afford educational training in order to attract the right type of technical officers?

I have been asked to reply. The question of the training of British technical personnel for the beet-sugar factories being built in this country has received the special attention of the British Sugar Beet Society, which has adopted the Report of a Committee consisting of Professor Arthur Ling, M.Sc., F.I.C., of Birmingham University, Dr. Tr. A. Wijnberg, former Principal of the School of the Sugar Industry of Holland, Mr. T. H. P. Heriot, F.I.C., Lecturer on Sugar Manufacture at the Royal Technical College, Glasgow, and Mr. Alfred Wood, Secretary to the Society. The Report proposes that between two technical courses at a university or similar institution there shall be a voluntary practical course at one of the beet-sugar factories. The society is now in consultation with the factory companies with a view to putting the scheme into operation. In the meantime, I understand that the factory companies have upon their staff a nucleus of British certified chemists who are being given every reasonable advantage of gaining experience to equip them for the higher posts.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is in a position to state when the Royal Commission on Mining Subsidence, which held its first meeting more than two years ago, is likely to issue its Report?

I understand that the Commission are presenting an Interim Report which will be submitted to His Majesty in the course of a few days.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware that, arising out of the decision of the Consett Co-operative Society v. the Consett Iron Company, many colliery companies are repudiating liability for damage done to property on Lanchester Common; that the majority of houses on this common are owned by miners who have invested their savings therein; and whether, in view of the present position, he contemplates introducing legislation to repeal the Act of 1773, and thus enable these miners to recover compensation for damage caused by subsidence?

I have no information that claims for damage to property on Lanchester Common are being dealt with since the decision referred to in any different way from that in which they were dealt with before. As the hon. Member is aware, the whole problem of subsidence and the operation of the law of support is under consideration by a Royal Commission, and I cannot anticipate their findings.

asked the Secretary for Mines, whether ha is aware of a shortage of coal in many of our large towns, particularly Birmingham, to the inconvenience of the consuming public; and whether he will have inquiries made, in view of the large amount of unemployment in the mining industry?

I have made inquiries and I am informed that a shortage of household coal was threatened recently in Birmingham, but was averted by special efforts on the part of the merchants and railway companies. I am not aware that any public inconvenience was caused in Birmingham or that there has been any difficulty elsewhere.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of ships in the Tanker Fleet in pre-War and at the present time?

There were six ships in the Tanker Fleet before the War as compared with 64 now.

asked the Postmaster-General, if he is aware that a fleet of motor vans, not wholly of British manufacture, has recently been purchased by his Department for use at the Birmingham post office; whether tenders were asked from manufacturers of purely British motor vehicles; and is it intended that motor cars made by British labour should have preference over vans of American manufacture in view of the Prime Minister's appeal to buy British Goods?

The answer to the, first and third parts of the question is in the affirmative and to the second in the negative. Experimental orders were placed early this year for vehicles of purely British manufacture, but the test of those has not yet been sufficient to show that they are entirely suitable for the peculiar requirements of the mail service. The vans referred to in the first part of the question are British-made Fords, and I am informed that over 90 per cent. of the labour and material employed in their manufacture is British.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that it is the practice of the General Post Office to cancel stamps on letters with the words "British Goods are Best," regardless of whether the letters are addressed to people in this country or abroad; and whether he will consider the advisability of omitting this form of advertisement from those letters that are being sent to addresses in foreign countries?

It would not be possible to discriminate between inland and foreign letters in this respect without expense and delay to correspondence, which would not, in my opinion, be justified.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the telegraphic communication from Guernsey to Alderney was broken early in the month of November, and that postmasters at certain British offices had not been informed of this interruption and were receiving telegraphic communications to Alderney up to 6th December; and whether he will have this matter inquired into and state what steps Have been taken to restore communication with the Channel Islands'?

The repair of the Alderney cable has been unexpectedly delayed owing to bad weather, but was completed to-day. Notification of the interruption was not immediately circulated as it was anticipated that the cable would be repaired within a few days. Communication between this country and the Channel Islands generally was not interrupted.

asked the Postmaster-General how many men are employed in the Post Office as auxiliary postmen; the hours these men are engaged, giving the daily hours worked, morning, afternoon, and evening; what is the maximum and minimum wage paid such men; how many extra auxiliaries will be engaged during Christmas pressure; and the hours worked and wages paid these extra men and maximum and minimum wages of such men?

Approximately 10,500 men are employed as auxiliary postmen. Their hours of duty range from two to six a day, and the periods of the day during which they attend are governed by the requirements of the work. The pay varies according to locality of employment and length of service, and ranges from 10½d. to 1s. 3d. an hour. I am not in a position to state the number of additional men who will be required in the country generally during the coming Christmas season, but in London it is anticipated that the number will be about 8,000. The hours of attendance of the Christmas staff will depend upon local requirements, and the rates of pay will range from l1d. to 1s. 2d. an hour.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the dissatisfaction existing among temporary workers employed for Christmas work owing to the rates of pay being less than the permitted maximum; and whether any action is contemplated in order that these rates of remuneration shall be made more uniform?

The rates of pay for the temporary staff to be employed during the coming Christmas season will be fixed, within certain maxima, according to local circumstances, the rates generally being somewhat higher than those paid last year. In view of the widely varying conditions in towns and villages throughout the country, I do not think that uniform rates would be suitable.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that on the 9th December 94 items of correspondence addressed to the Communist Party of Great Britain were examined at the West Central District Post Office; under whoso instructions was the examination carried out; and what method of discrimination was used as to which items of correspondence should be examined?

It would not be in the public interest to give the information desired by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Pensions if the firms engaged on the manufacture of artificial limbs are required to comply with the wages agreements of August, 1920, and December, 1921, as entered into by the Artificial Limb Makers' Association and the trade unions?

I have no knowledge of the agreements referred to by the hon. Member. The contractors for the supply of artificial limbs to my Department are required to comply with the terms of the Resolution of this House of the 10th March, 1909, which, provides that the rate of wages and hours of labour shall not be less favourable than those commonly recognised by employers and trade societies in the trade, in the districts where the work is carried out.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, whether the cinematograph films known as Armageddon, Zeebrugge, and Ypres were made under Government auspices or with His Majesty's Government's assistance; whether they remain Government property; whether any other films are owned by His Majesty's Government, and, if so, what are they; whether rent or/and royalty is paid to His Majesty's Government for the exhibition of any of the above films or any other consideration; and what are the sums involved?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The films in question do not being to the Government, but the official war negatives which contributed to their production remain the property of the Government. A considerable number of other films, including those prepared for instructional demonstration and record purposes are owned by the Government and are hold by the Departments to which they pertain; a complete list of them is not in the possession of the Treasury, but I will obtain one if that hon. and gallant Member so desires. Royalties were paid on war films, used in the production of Armageddon, Zebrugge and Ypres, and a proportion of the profits arising from their exhibition is paid to the Government. The total amount received up to date from Armageddon and Zebrugge is £2,819 12s. 7d. The returns from Ypres are not yet due.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of a case in which an import duty of £28 18s. l0d. has been charged on a silk-covered sofa costing £89, the value of the silk cover of which was only £23; and on what basis so high a rate of duty has been charged?

If the hon. Member will furnish me with sufficient particulars to enable this case to be identified I will endeavour to answer his question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total value of war stocks, etc., cancelled at the request of the holders as a contribution towards the reduction of taxation since the end of the War; what is the amount of interest saved to the country annually as a consequence of these gifts; whether there are cases in which the interest only is cancelled; and, if so, what is the annual saving to the country from this source?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on the 9th December to the hon. Member for South Hackney (Captain Garro-Jones). The saving of interest on the cancelled stock is about £20,000 a year.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has yet effected any economies in the administration of his Department; and whether such economies will result in decreased Estimates for the coming year?

The whole question of Army expenditure is under the consideration of Lord Colwyn's Committee, and I regret, therefore, that I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of cavalry regiments and the cost in pre-War days and in 1925–26, respectively?

The total number of cavalry regiments on

—				British Establishment.		Indian Establishment.
				1914–15.	1925–26.	1914–15.	1925–26.
Household Cavalry	…	…	…	3	2	—	—
Cavalry of the Line	…	…	…	19	14	9	6

The effective cost included in Army Estimates for the cavalry was approximately £1,533,000 in 1914–15, and £1,909,000 in 1925–26, but the basis of the figures for the two years is not quite the same.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there is any intention of stationing troops at Gravesend in the near future, in view of the fact that the barracks in this town are at present untenanted?

Yes, Sir. It is intended that a battalion of infantry shall be quartered at Gravesend in the near future.

asked the Secretary of (State for War whether the War Office have purchased any property in the neighbourhood of Colchester for the purpose of anti-aircraft exercise?

Some land near Colchester has recently been purchased by the War Office, but not for anti-aircraft training.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it has been

It has been decided not to reintroduce the grant for cadet corps pending the result of the general review of Army expenditure which is proceeding. It is now uncertain whether Army funds could continue to afford this assistance to cadet corps, and it would be wasteful to reintroduce the grant only to withdraw it again next year.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many of the men serving in the forces evacuated from Cologne have married German wives; how many of these are on the married strength of their regiments; and whether any arrangements will be made for the wives of men married without permission to be transferred to the places where their husbands are, or will be, located?

The number of men serving with the forces now leaving Cologne who have married German wives is 248, of whom 81 are on the married quarters roll. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative; the men and their wives will be brought to England.