asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the many cases of hardship arising, he will consider granting appropriate allowances to all pensioners awarded treatment, on leaving hospital after treatment, until they go before the medical board and a decision in their case has been arrived at?

I should have no authority to grant allowances generally in the cases referred to under the terms of the Royal Warrant, but where, on discharge from an institution, a further period of treatment is found to be necessary which will entitle the pensioner to allowances, these are granted. At the same time, I would remind my hon. Friend that the personal allowance payable in respect of the man during a period of in-patient treatment (which is altogether independent of the allowances granted to his family) was calculated at a figure which would leave him a substantial balance on discharge from hospital. In many cases the balance is already so utilised, and I have at present under consideration arrangements by which in all cases a portion of the balance shall be available for the purpose for which it was intended.

asked the Minister of Pensions the total number of men in the hospitals of the Ministry who are in a physical condition to enjoy leave at Christmas; and whether, having regard to the small cost which would be involved, he will consider the possibility of granting free travelling facilities to every man who is in a position to travel at Christmas?

If, as I presume, the hon. Member refers to all men in hospitals, the cost of whose treatment is borne by the Ministry, who number about 10,000, exclusive of the insane in mental hospitals, I regret that it would be impossible to give the information asked for without a special census. With regard to the last part of the question, I fear that I have nothing to add to the answer given to the hon. Member by my hon. and gallant Friend on the 8th instant.

Is not the Minister in a position to state the number of men who will be entitled to leave at their own request this Christmas season, and would it not be much more satisfactory if his Department would show a little generosity in this respect?

The hon. Member is not entitled to infer that we have any lack of generosity in the treatment of these men. The detailed information for which he asks could not be given without taking a census of the hospitals.

In those cases in which the granting of leave to men during the Christmas period will not endanger their health, will the right hon. Gentleman give instructions to the authorities to grant it?

The usual arrangements for Christmas leave have been issued.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give a definite pledge of generous treatment to allow them to return home?

I have already informed the hon. Member that the suggestion of lack of generosity is entirely without foundation.

asked the Minister of Pensions why epileptics under treatment at the Ministry of Pensions hospital, Maghull, Liverpool, have been refused Christmas leave owing to the fact that they have previously been fined for some breach of the regulations of the institution, and are thus being punished twice for the same offence; and why epileptics from Maghull and neurasthenics from other institutions have been informed that they must travel home in crowded excursion trains, and that in cases where a man has not had leave for more than three months and less than six months, only half the return excursion fare will be allowed, and not a warrant for the single journey as provided in the regulations?

The hon. Member has been misinformed; in no case has Christmas leave been refused on the grounds stated, the grant or refusal of leave being determined entirely on medical grounds. It is not the case that patients have been informed to the effect suggested. Arrangements have, however, been made at the instance of, and for the convenience as well as saving to, the men themselves, by which advantage is being taken of the travelling facilities at reduced fares which will be made available by the railway companies at this season.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, irrespective of the distance the home of the pensioner is from the institution where he is undergoing treatment, only four days will be allowed for Christmas leave; and, if so, will he consider the possibility of extending the leave to six days in cases where the institution in which treatment is being provided is more than 100 miles from the pensioner's home?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I may add that I have already given instructions that where the journey is of exceptional distance involving overnight travelling, two additional nights" absence may be allowed.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that certain temporary officials in the Scottish region who were successful in the Lytton examinations were removed from the posts that they had occupied as temporary officials and appointed as permanent clerical officers at a considerable reduction of salary, and that subsequently, under the Guinness Agreement, it was provided that a number of temporary officials were to be granted quasi-permanency, i.e., permanency without pension; and if, in view of the hardship involved in the fact that officials who had either not availed themselves of the opportunity of the Lytton examinations or had competed and were unsuccessful should now be eligible for permanent appointment in their present grades, even without pension, while the successful competitors are not, he will take steps to provide that the successful competitors will be considered for appointment as officials under the Guinness Agreement, provided that their capability and efficiency are proved?

The situation described by my hon. Friend in relation to the Scottish region of this Ministry is common to the whole of the Civil Service. The temporary officials who were successful in the Lytton examinations and accepted appointment on the permanent establishment as clerical officers now hold pensionable appointments and, subject to good conduct and efficiency, are eligible for the grant of increases in pay annually to the maximum of the scale of pay of their permanent post. I do not think it would be practicable now to accept the hon. Member's suggestion, which would involve the officers concerned in the loss of pensionable status and of the regular increase in emoluments to which I have referred.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he has received a resolution passed by the Dudley Board of Guardians, to the effect that they have knowledge of many instances in which the pensions of ex-service men are inadequate for the disabilities incurred and cases of men whose health has been broken by naval and military service but who cannot obtain allowances; whether the board urges an increase in allowances and the provision of facilities for the reconsideration of the latter cases; if so, will he call for the cases of which the board has knowledge, so that they may be investigated; and what steps does he propose to take to obviate such criticisms?

I am unable to trace the receipt of any resolution from the union in question, but it would appear from the hon. Member's question to be in terms similar to a resolution passed by the Cardiff Board of Guardians which has, I understand, been circulated to other unions. The action which it is open to a board of guardians to take in any case where they receive an application from an ex-service man whom they may consider to be suffering from a war disability was clearly indicated in a circular issued at my instance by the Minister of Health in October, 1923.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these boards of guardians referred any cases of this character to him for investigation?

As I have informed the hon. Member, I have not been able to trace any such resolution. Any such cases should have been sent to the local officer of the Ministry.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me whether these boards of guardians have referred any case to the local officer?

I could not, without notice. If the hon. Member puts down a question, I shall be very happy to provide an answer.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the re-issuing of that circular to the various boards of guardians and parish councils in Scotland, in order that they may have the matter brought to their memory?

I will consider the suggestion, but I have no reason to doubt they are properly informed.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been drawn to a statement made by an officer of the Ministry that a very large number of men had received a lump sum in commutation of part of their pension and, under the impression that their pension had finished, made no further claim; whether he could state the number of pensions in issue which have not been drawn and the total sum in the hands of the Ministry in these cases; and what steps were taken to inform the men concerned that money due to them was held by the Ministry?

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that a number of ex-service men have been paid various sums in partial commutation of their pensions, and being under the impression that they had no more pension due have not been near the pension office again, although considerable arrears of pension awaited them; and what steps are being taken to get into touch with these men?

There is no foundation whatever for the statement (which so far as can be traced is based on a misunderstanding of a remark made by an officer at Pension Issue Office) that there is a large number of men who, after commutation of a part of their pension make no further claim under the impression that their pensions have ceased. Investigation has been made, but no case can be traced in which the balance of pension after commutation has not been claimed and paid. In every case where part of a pension is commuted, it is the practice of the Ministry to inform the pensioner of the future rate at which the balance of the pension will be paid to him, and the pensioner is furnished with an identity certificate or ring paper, by means of which he continues to draw the pension through the Post Office.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, seeing that the pensions office in Edinburgh only issues one interim award in every 300 cases of pension in payment and that at Acton an interim award is issued in one out of every 100 cases, he will arrange for officers from Acton to be sent to Edinburgh for training in the economical and efficient methods of the Edinburgh office and will retain the Scotland office instead of centralising awards and issue of pensions at Acton?

As I stated in the answer I gave to the hon. Member on the 10th instant, interim awards are not made by the Issue Office, but by the Awards branches. They are largely caused by circumstances over which the Ministry has no control. In regard to the last part of the question, the hon. Member does not seem to be aware that the Scotland Issue Office work under instructions issued from London, and that the staff was originally trained by officers specially sent from London.

Will the same principle apply in other cases?

No, because there is no other example of a separate issue office.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the pro-posed transfer of the issue office of the Ministry of Pensions at Edinburgh to Acton, he is aware that the cost of staff per case at Edinburgh is 5s. 8d. as compared with 9s. 4d. at Acton; and whether, as the transfer would involve an additional expenditure of approximately £200,000, he will, in the interests of economy and efficiency, retain the pension issue office at Edinburgh?

For the reasons which I indicated in my reply to the hon. Member on the 10th instant, I am unable to accept the figures quoted by him in the earlier part of the question as a fair comparison. The conclusion at which the hon. Member has arrived of increased cost if issue office, Edinburgh, be transferred to London is, I am pleased to have the opportunity of stating, the reverse of the fact. The bulk of the work now undertaken by the staff in the issue office, Edinburgh, could be absorbed into the Acton organisation with a definite decrease in the present cost of the two offices and, consequently, the transfer would result in economy.

But has not the right hon. Gentleman informed us that there would be a definite decrease in the expenditure? To what extent is that definite decreased?

I cannot say what will be the decrease. We have experience of centralisation with other branches of the pension work, and there has been a considerable reduction.

It seems to be indefinite whether there will be a decrease; is that so?

There is no doubt whatever there will be a decrease.

Does the reply of the Minister mean that it has been decided to transfer the whole Department to Acton?

No, Sir. It only means that I was answering a legitimate question put to me by an hon. Member. The hon. and gallant Gentleman is aware that I have undertaken to ascertain the views of the advisory council before the decision is arrived at.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether he will take into consideration the views of the Scottish Members of Parliament?

I shall, of course, be happy to do so. In some cases it is a point whether it is not for the convenience of Scottish Members of Parliament, whether the cases should go to Edinburgh or come to London where Scottish Members of Parliament are carrying on their Parliamentary duties.

On that subject, might I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he would consider consulting the Scottish Members on this point, as well as the advisory committee, to ascertain their views, seeing they have done an amount of pension work?

Of course I shall be happy to do anything to keep in touch with the views of Scottish Members.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Scottish Advisory Committee is definitely opposed to the transfer?

I should like to have notice of that question. I know, however, that some of our leading critics are of opinion that centralisation is inevitable.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that most of the people for whom the regions exist are definitely against centralisation?

We cannot now debate the question.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the members of his central advisory committee were appointed for any specific period; and, if so, whether, in the event of further appointments becoming necessary, he contemplates any changes in the composition of the committee?

The present members of the Central Advisory Committee were appointed for the period of a year from the 1st January last, and fresh appointments will, therefore, be necessary after the 1st proximo. While the composition of the Committee is in its main lines laid down by the War Pensions Act, 1921, I have come to the conclusion that the personnel of the Committee is capable of providing a fuller representation than at present of persons acquainted by direct knowledge and experience, as active members of War Pensions Committees, voluntary workers or otherwise, with each of the branches of the work of my Department affecting pensioners, including, for example, the welfare and future of the motherless children for whose maintenance I am at present responsible. The present temporary arrangement, by which a large proportion of the Central Advisory Committee consists of delegates nominated by the eight local Advisory Councils, is not calculated to secure the varied qualifications necessary, and I propose to substitute for this method of appointment one which will more effectively meet the object I have in view.

In view of the women and children concerned, will my right hon. Friend consider the advisability of appointing women representatives on the Advisory Committee?

The new scheme that was started 18 months ago has not actually provided among the eight representatives of the eight councils any women, and I hope by a better system to secure their valuable assistance, which is especially helpful in view of my responsibilities for the children.

asked the Minister of Pensions (1) whether the decision as to the amount to be deducted from the pension of a motherless child for the purpose of providing tools or outfit, and the arrangement for the purchase of such tools or outfit, will be left for decision to the Area War Pensions Committee of the district in which the child resides;

(2), what is the estimated number of motherless children between the ages of 14 and 15 and in receipt of War pensions who may require tools or other outfit between these ages or later, to provide which it is proposed to make stoppages from their pensions; and what is the estimated amount necessary if similar provision were made from State funds?

The co-operation of the War Pensions Committee in the arrangements referred to will certainly be invited, though at what stage I am not yet in a position to say. I regret that I am unable to give any estimate of the number of children between the ages referred to who may require assistance for the purpose specified, nor what the cost is likely to be.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it is quite clear that in the particular case of any child's pension which is stopped in this way, the decision ought to be made by the local committee, and not by the right hon. Gentleman?

I am afraid that if the decision were made by the local committee, and not by myself, I should be deprived of the pleasure of replying to the questions of the hon. Gentleman here.

The right hon. Gentleman does not understand. My question was whether he does not think the local body, having knowledge of the particular conditions, is not in a better position to judge than the right hon. Gentleman or the officials at Whitehall?

I entirely appreciate the point put by the hon. Gentleman. We should, and always do, welcome the help that we get from the local committees with their local knowledge, but it must be recognised that if the decision was not left to the Ministry, we should be incapable of being responsible to Parliament.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether, seeing that a parent in receipt of a dependant's pension has to complete a life certificate on which it has to be stated if the husband or wife, as the case may be, is alive, he will arrange that on the death of a pensioner in receipt of a parent's pension the surviving parent shall be notified, so that the pension is transferable to the survivor?

The only case in which a life certificate on the lines suggested has to be completed are those in which a separate award has been made to each parent, but a combined payment is made to one of them for the sake of convenience. In such eases it is the practice on the death of the parent who receives the combined payment to continue the survivor's own pension without application. In other cases the position is as stated by me in the reply to the hon. Member for West Toxteth on the 10th instant.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that the chief officer of the Blackburn, Clitheroe, and district area office of the Ministry of Pensions has issued an order limiting the hours of the part-time sub-office at St. James's Street, Accrington, to the period of Wednesdays only, between 2.30 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and whether, in view of the inconvenience and hardship which such a curtailment must cause old people and widows who desire to have access to pensions officers, he can see his way to secure a rescission of the order?

The Ministry took the action referred to because it was clear that the volume of work required to be done at the part-time office at Accrington had fallen to such small proportions as not to justify its being kept open on more than one day in each week. I could add that the War Pensions Committee were consulted in the matter and unanimously recommended the revised arrangement. I have no reason to suppose that any inconvenience or hardship will be caused.

If I call the attention of the right hon. Gentleman to specific cases of hardship and inconvenience to aged pensioners, can he say whether he will reconsider his decision?

I know the interest of the hon. Gentleman in the subject. I shall be happy to consider any facts that he is good enough to lay before me.

asked the Minister of pensions whether he is aware that numbers of men permanently disabled in the War are only able to get about the streets in invalid chairs; and whether, in view of the assistance that it would afford to these men to have auto-wheels fixed to the chairs, which in many cases the expense entailed renders impossible, he will consider the question of making free provision of these wheels in suitable cases?

The invalid chairs supplied by the Ministry are, I am advised, of the most suitable type generally for the severe cases of disablement concerned and I regret I do not see my way to adopt my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in some cases where it can be afforded the wheels have been fixed, but it is on behalf of those that cannot afford it that I am speaking?

I shall be glad to consider the matter. I am aware that these wheels possess advantages and disadvantages. There are cases where it might be positively dangerous, besides causing great inconvenience in the event of a breakdown.

But surely, great convenience is afforded those men who can afford these wheels? Will the right hon. Gentleman give the matter further consideration?

Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether the British Red Cross give any grants towards these wheels?

Yes, we are aware of the generosity of the Red Cross.

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the approximate number of ex-service men in receipt of pensions for chronic chest trouble; and will he consider the advisability of providing establishments for such cases in parts of the country with a salubrious climate where these men, particularly those, from the industrial areas, may proceed for a period during the winter months when they suffer most severely from their home climatic conditions?

About 59,000 men are in receipt of pension in respect of a disablement arising from one or other form of chest affection. Rather more than half the total number are cases of pulmonary tuberculosis for whom treatment is by Statute the concern of the local health authority acting under the Ministry of Health. As regards sanatorium provision for these cases I understand that the climatic factor is always considered. Cases, however, of chest affection other than tuberculosis are, where necessary, provided for in Ministry institutions situated in various parts of the country and in the event of a change of climate being essential in any individual case, transfer from one hospital to another can be effected. The results of treatment of these cases in Ministry institutions do not, I am advised, indicate any need for the setting up of further institutions in other localities.

asked the Minister of Pensions if ho will consider the advisability of altering the present procedure necessary to the issue of the pension to dependants when a pensioned man is sprit to hospital by his private doctor for treatment for his pensionable disability?

I am not clear what alteration of the present procedure my hon. Friend has in mind. The regulations of the Ministry have always provided for payment of treatment allowances or pension to dependants whilst a man is undergoing approved treatment for his pensionable disability.

Is it not a fact that the dependants of pensionable men have had to apply to the guardians during the three weeks that inquiries are being pursued?

In the event of the Ministry being liable for treatment and giving the treatment to the man, the question of the guardians does not arise; for while the man is in hospital the allowance goes to the wife and children.

Is it not the fact that much delay arises in these allowanced, and that the board of guardians came in, and that representations have been made?

I am not aware of the delay suggested. Of course, when a man goes into a hospital or when he comes out again, it is difficult to deal with the precise moment. But I am always very anxious to consider any suggestions that may be made for improving our administrative procedure.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of cases in which claims have been made in respect to pensions for death or disability due to war service which claims have been ruled out through the seven years' limit Regulation?

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of claims that have been made up to date by ex-service men for pensions after the time limit of seven years has expired?

No separate record is kept of applications which, for various reasons, are not proceeded with.

Where it can be proved that the claimants have not had knowledge of these Regulations, will the Ministry consider giving them an opportunity?

I am afraid I do not understand the hon. and gallant Member's question.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Ministry have any sort of rough estimate?

No; we have no estimate of these figures. As I have said, no separate record is kept of claims which, for various reasons, are not proceeded with.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of final awards that have been made and the number of cases in which complaint has been made during 1924 and 1925, respectively, regarding such awards; and the number of those complaints which have been disallowed because appeal has not been made in the time allowed by the Regulations?

86,526 final awards were made in the calendar year 1924 and 31,299 in the present year up to the 31st October last. The number of appeals made against these awards are not classified in my Departmental records, but it may be estimated that about 18,000 cases appealed against the awards made in 1924 and about 4,500 against the awards made in the present year. I am unable to state how many of these appeals failed on the ground stated in the last part of the question, but the number would be small.

May I ask whether there has been a corresponding reduction in the number of medical officers?

I cannot give my hon. and gallant Friend the figures at once, but the reduction of the staff throughout the whole of the Ministry has been enormous—certainly over 18,000, of all branches.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of appeals to the entitlement and asessment appeals tribunals that have been made since those tribunals were set up; the number of such appeals last year; and the number of cases last year and this year in which an appeal has been ruled out because the applicant failed to lodge his or her appeal within the time allowed under the present regulations?

The aggregate number of appeals which have been made to the Independent Appeal Tribunals on all issues up to the present date is 334,700, of which 55,800 were made in the calendar year 1924. Some 5,000 cases were rejected on the ground stated, the appellant having failed to show that he was prevented by circumstances over which he had no control from making appeal within the twelve months.

Am I to understand that 5,000 cases have been ruled out in the last year on account of the time?

No, Sir. It is 5,000 altogether, of which, I understand, 3,000 took place last year, when the hon. Members party were in office.

In view of the large number that have been ruled out, will not the Minister consider the question of bringing forward a new regulation to allow these people to have their cases reconsidered?

I am afraid that would be incompatible with the system of stabilised pensions which is proving of so great an advantage to many pensioners.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether it is his intention to bring in a Bill in the next Session of Parliament to carry out the recommendations made by the Child Adoption Committee in its Second Report?

I am in communication with the Lord Chancellor regarding the draft Bill prepared by the Child Adoption Committee, but no decision has yet been arrived at.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the frequency of accidents at Lever New Docks, Bromborough; and whether, in view of the fact that these docks are not covered by the Factory and Workshops Act, he will call for a report of all the accidents which have taken place at these docks?

I have no power to require a report of the accidents occurring at these docks, which are in course of construction only, but the contractors have voluntarily supplied me with the information. It appears that since the work commenced or. 1st December, 1924, there have been 70 accidents, the number of persons employed being about 300. The great majority of these accidents were not of a serious character, and were due not to the working of machinery or other plant, but to simple manual operations such as handling of rails or timber, or through workmen slipping or knocking against some object.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us if there has been more than one accident of the nature referred to?

No, only one.

Is that to the boy of 14 years of age?

I have not all the details, but there has been only one

asked the Home Secretary whether he proposes to require that voluntary associations receiving grants for probation work under the Criminal Justice Bill shall keep separate accounts of sums spent on probation and on their other activities; and whether the detailed expenditure of such grants will be open to inspection and audit by the Treasury?

These matters will be considered in connection with the regulations to be made under the Criminal Justice Bill when it becomes law. I cannot state at present the precise method which will be adopted for checking the expenditure of public money.

asked the Home Secretary how many persons are now undergoing imprisonment in the first division; and for what class of crime or offence is first division treatment reserved?

No persons are at present undergoing imprisonment in the first division. It is provided by Statute that persons convicted of sedition or seditious libel and persons committed to prison under the Vaccination Acts are to be treated as offenders of the first division.

May I ask why this was not done in the case of the 12 Communists?

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state the nature of the appointments at New Scotland Yard of Colonel Partridge, Major Vitty, and Captain Miller; their salaries, and the Votes and headings under which they are charged?

Of the names mentioned, I recognise only the first two as belonging to the establishments connected with the Metropolitan Police. Colonel Partridge is Establishment Officer in the office of the Commissioner of Metropolitan Police, with the status of Assistant Secretary and salary on the scale £750 to £850, plus bonus. Major Vitty is Engineer in the office of the Receiver of the Metropolitan Police district, with salary on the scale. £450 to £600, plus bonus. In each case, the salary is borne on the Metropolitan Police Fund, and not on a Vote of Parliament.

asked the Home Secretary the total number of the borough and county police forces in England and Wales respectively; what is the average size of a borough police force of towns of less than 200,000 inhabitants; and what is the sum paid by the Government each year to assist in the maintenance of all police forces, excluding the Metropolitan Police?

There are 60 county forces, with a total authorised establishment of 18,005, and 122 borough forces, with an establishment of 18,598. There are 106 borough forces in towns of less than 200,000 inhabitants, the largest having an establishment of 208 men, and the smallest, 11 men. The average establishment of these forces is 80. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to a question by the hon. Member for Romford (Mr. Rhys) on the 7th instant.

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's known and expressed wish to study economy, may I ask whether he cannot see his way to urge at once the merging of these several small forces, the numbers of some of which, I think he will find from his own published statements, are as low as nine, while there are a great many under 50? Can he not see his way to push on with the merging of these small forces in the counties?

I am personally very anxious to get these small forces merged, but I have no power; I can only advise the local authorities concerned.

Is it not a fact that the taxpayers of the country have to pay one-half of the expense, and has not the right hon. Gentleman very great power in the fact that he can grant or not grant one-half of the expense of these forces?

As my hon. Friend says, I have the power of the purse, but I do not want to override the authority of local authorities who have had their police forces for so many years past.

asked the Home Secretary whether some knowledge of police administration is a necessary qualification before appointments are made to the highest ranks in the police forces?

No, Sir; the position is made quite clear, as regards appointments to the rank of chief officer of police in any county or borough force by section 9 of the Police Regulations.

Arising out of that answer, which admits that previous police experience is not necessary, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he knows of a single case where a police officer has been transferred to fill some senior post in the Navy or the Army; and, if he does not know of any case where such a transfer has taken place, why is the police force being made a dumping ground for officers of these Services?

If my hon. Friend will ask his supplementary question after Question No. 62 I will give him an answer.

May I not have an answer to a supplementary question on the question I have just put?

The hon. Baronet's supplementary question sounded rather like a speech.

Is it not the case that within recent memory the right hon. Gentleman refused to confirm the appointment of a chief constable for Westmorland and Cumberland on the ground that he had no previous police experience?

That is perfectly true, because I was not convinced that the gentleman proposed to be appointed was satisfactorily qualified —I make no reflection on him, but, in my opinion, he was not the best man for the post.

Is it not the fact that in 1918, when the late Commissioner was appointed to his position, a promise was held out to the force that thenceforth every policeman had an opportunity of attaining that position?

That question was answered a few days ago.

asked the Home Secretary what special qualifications Captain C. W. R. Royds, R.N., has for his appointment as assistant-commissioner which are not possessed by any of the three deputy-assistant-commissioners or six chief constables of the Metropolitan Police Force?

I made very full inquiries about the career and qualifications of Captain Royds—who has had exceptional administrative experience—before I submitted his name to His Majesty for appointment to this important post. I have known for many months that the vacancy would occur at the end of the year and have considered numerous candidates, including police officers, naval officers, Army officers, and civilian candidates. After giving much thought to the matter, I decided that it would be in the public interest, and in the interest of police efficiency to recommend the appointment of Captain Royds.

May I ask, as the right hon. Gentleman admits that Captain Royds has no special qualifications for this position over those of the other candidates, whether I may put my question which you, Mr. Speaker, just now described as a speech, and ask why the police force is made a dumping ground for these officers?

A speech would be required in answer.

KENWORTHY: Will not the right hon. Gentleman use his influence to see that more vacancies suitable for naval officers are made available to them, in view of the fact that the great majority of these appointments, when they have been vacant, have been given to military officers?

Has the right hon. Gentleman had regard to the feeling that must exist among the higher officers of the police service of this country that the looks very much like a studied insult to them?

Would not the right hon. Gentleman say that the duties of the predecessor of this naval officer were purely of an administrative character, and that, therefore, the qualifications of Captain Royds are admirably suitable?

Is not this a proof of the truth of Gilbert and Sullivan's saying that a policeman's lot is not a happy one?

In reply to the supplementary question of the hon. Member for Edge Hill (Mr. Hayes), I may say at once that I went very fully and carefully into the qualifications of a large number of police officers, and I faced the fact that there would be disagreement with my decision, but I made the decision after the fullest consideration of all those who might be considered applicants for the post, and came to the conclusion that in the public interest Captain Royds should be appointed.

May I have an answer to my question as to whether the right hon. Gentleman knows of any case where a police officer has been transferred to the Navy or Army to fill any senior position?

That is of the nature of argument, and it does not now arise.

asked the Home Secretary if he will state the date when Sir James Olive, Deputy Commissioner, Metropolitan Police, tendered his resignation and when it will take effect; whether Captain Charles W. Rawson Royds, C.M.G., R.N., has been appointed deputy-commissioner or assistant commissioner; what are the nature of his duties, salary, and pension provisions; whether he takes precedence over the other assistant commissioners; and whether he will state the grounds upon which such an important police appointment is to be filled by a naval officer with no police experience?

No formal resignation has been tendered by Sir James Olive, but under the terms of his appointment he is due to retire on the 31st December. Captain Royds has been appointed Assistant Commissioner, with the status of Deputy-Commissioner, and his duties will be those of the Assistant Commissioner in charge of the administration and discipline of the force. In the absence of the Commissioner he will, by virtue of his status as Deputy-Commissioner, be in charge of the force, and will accordingly have precedence over the other Assistant Commission era. His salary will be at the rate of £1,800 a year inclusive, and his pension is governed by section 25 of the Police Pensions Act, 1921. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer to the reply given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the Holborn Division.

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate the difficulty of anyone who has had no knowledge of the difficulties of a police officer sitting in judgment in matters of discipline when police officers are brought before him, and if the appointment is made with regard to the efficiency or the tightening of discipline in the service, will the right hon. Gentleman be able to state to the House of Commons whether he intends to continue this policy until such time as there is no police officer in any of the higher appointments?

The hon. Member must not read into my answer more than my answer says. This officer will have charge of the administration and discipline of the force. I have made no statement of any desire or intention of tightening discipline. That is a statement made by the hon. Member for which I do not take any responsibility at all.

Is service at Court a qualification for such an appointment, and if not, does the right hon. Gentleman think the appointment of the chief shop walker at Woolworth's would add to the efficiency of the force?

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what exceptional administrative experience this officer has had?

Certainly. He has had a very distinguished career both in the fighting and executive and administrative branches of the Navy, and recently at a Devonport Barracks with some 6,000 men under him.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think this method of making appointments from another branch of the Service of a man who has had little training in this branch will tend to keep men of very great intelligence from going into this force?

That question has already been answered.

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

The amounts of the Estimates for which I am responsible have not yet been finally settled, and I am still in consultation with His Majesty's Treasury. I am fully alive to the need for economy.

asked the Home Secretary how many local authorities have not replied, or have done so intimating that they will not take any steps in response, to his recent Circular to build up an organisation to maintain supplies in the event of an industrial stoppage?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The Circular letter to which the hon. Member refers was sent to local authorities for their information, and did not invite a reply. The great majority of local authorities have not communicated with me on the subject. Of those who have one only has sent an intimation to the effect suggested in the question.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether any boards of guardians have intimated to him that they cannot agree to their officers becoming members of this organisation to be used for strike breaking, where they may get their heads broken?

Is it not the fear of the right hon. Gentleman that the sending out of this Circular is nothing less than getting ready for civil war?

asked the Home Secretary whether there are any statistics available in his Department in regard to the number of convictions in the five years 1920–24, inclusive, for breaches of the law committed by persons frequenting such restaurants as have permission to remain open all night?

I regret there are no available statistics which show the number of convictions for offences committed by persons frequenting refreshment houses, to which I presume the question refers.

Is the right hon. Gentlemen satisfied that the supervision over these houses is quite adequate?

As far as concerns the police of London, over whom I have control, I am satisfied. As my hon. Friend knows, the police in the country are under the control of the Watch Committees.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now make any statement with regard to the status of the Secretary for Scotland?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is yet in a position to announce a decision regarding the status of the Secretary for Scotland!

Yes, Sir. The King has been graciously pleased to approve my recommendation that the status of the Secretary for Scotland should be raised to that of a Secretary of State. The necessary legislation to bring this into effect will be introduced at the earliest date convenient next Session.

May I ask the Prime Minister whether this alteration in the status of the Secretary for Scotland will mean any alteration in the salary attached to it?

No, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to publish the evidence of Lord Meston's Committee; and, if not, whether he will arrange for the evidence to be placed in the House of Commons Library, so as to be available for Members?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on the 15th December to the hon. Member for the Mile End Division of Stepney.

May I ask the Prime Minister if something cannot be done to put an end to what is becoming a positive scandal, seeing that it is 18 months since the promise was given that the Report of this Committee should be presented at a very early date?

I passed through a period of great discouragement with regard to the reception of this Report, but I am glad to say that period is at an end, and the Report is practically completed. Whether it will be published or not I cannot say.

Is it the Report of Lord Meston, or the Report of his Committee?

Lord Meston has borne the burden of drawing up the Report.

Did he consult the Committee before handing it to the Treasury?

I am afraid I am not in a position to advocate any pro- cedure on his Lordship's part which would be likely to create further delay, and therefore I am not in a position to answer that question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to state what is the policy of His Majesty's Government with regard to Imperial development; to what extent it is proposed to adopt the recommendations of the Imperial Economic Committee; and whether consideration is being given to the question of the proposals to be laid before the forthcoming Imperial Conference?

I do not think that it is possible to deal with the first part of the question by way of question and answer; the proper occasion for such a statement would be on the Estimates. As regards the second part, the matter is still under consideration, while as regards the third part, such proposals will be duly considered in ample time for the next Imperial Conference.

Have the Government received any communications from the Governments of any of our Dominions with respect to the second part of the question?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the privation and destitution prevailing in parts of the British coalfields owing to the more stringent Regulations respecting the right to unemployment pay and the refusal of adequate relief by some Poor Law authorities, and the consequent rise in the death rate amongst adults and the abnormal increase in the death rate per 1,000 births of babies; and whether, in view of the fact that the House has had no time to pass the necessary legislation for alleviating the prevailing suffering, he will refrain from advising His Majesty to prorogue Parliament, but instead will ask Parliament to reassemble early in January in order that the necessary legislation may be passed for dealing in an adequate manner with the distress and suffering at present endured by the victims of unemployment?

I am aware of the difficulties existing in certain parts of the coalfields and of recent increases in the death-rate in some such areas. But I cannot agree that such increase, which does not seem to be confined to such areas, is to be attributed to the causes assigned for it by the hon. Member. The policy of the Government in respect of unemployment was fully stated and debated in this House on the 26th November.

Is the Prime Minister aware that in one district the figures show an increase of 50 per thousand in the death-rate, and in that district the total relief given to a family of eight children, wife, and man is 32s., and whether he thinks it is decent that that state of things should continue?

I have no information on the point.

In view of the fact that these children are perishing now— the Minister of Health knows perfectly well that these are the official figures—I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether he thinks it is a right and proper thing that this House should go away for its holiday knowing that this starvation of children, little tiny babies, is going on in this country?

I have no further answer only the one I gave in answer to the original question, and I cannot agree that the increase in that area is attributable to the reasons assigned by the hon. Member.

Might I ask whether he will not inquire from the right hon. Gentleman the Minister of Health, whether it is not a fact that in two districts side by side with one another, in one of them adequate relief is being given and the right hon. Gentleman is trying to stop it, and the children there are not dying and are not being murdered in this fashion, while they are dying and are being murdered by the right hon. Gentleman in the other district?

Withdraw!

Captain Benn.

On a point of Order. Is it not in order for an hon. Member to ask one supplementary question?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have been requested by the Government of Northern Ireland to assist in reviewing the cases of political prisoners convicted in Northern Ireland, with a view to an amnesty being granted?

asked the Prime Minister if the Government of Northern Ireland have approached His Majesty's Government with a view to the consideration of the release or otherwise of certain persons now in prison in this country for alleged political offences committed in Northern Ireland; and if he is now in a position to make a statement on the subject?

His Majesty's Government have undertaken to review the cases of prisoners convicted in Northern Ireland in respect of offences during the period of disturbance and the Government of Northern Ireland have agreed to accept the result of this review.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the review will be completed and whether the results will be made public?

I cannot answer that question yet, but obviously the results will be made public.

In view of the desire for an early peace in Ireland, will there be an early result of this inquiry and will the persons appointed undertake the task at an early date?

I cannot give any date, but the examination will be proceeded with forthwith.

Can he say on behalf of the Government who will undertake the investigation?

The responsibility is the Cabinet's responsibility.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has under consideration any proposal for amending the Standing Orders of the House relating to debate?

No, Sir.

May I ask if the Chancellor of the Exchequer was speaking with authority when he threatened to move from the Treasury Bench to simplify the procedure of the House in this respect?

What the hon. and gallant Member asked was whether we have under consideration any proposal to alter the Standing Orders.

Was the statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer the other night unauthorised?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered recently the question of the financial procedure of the House with reference to the Ninth Report of the Select Committee on National Expenditure, 1918; and whether, in view of the desirability of national economy, he will be prepared to reconsider this Report, especially recommendations Noes, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 16, with the object of considering which, if any, of these recommendations should be proposed for adoption by the House of Commons?

I have again considered the matter. As regards Recommendation 2, I would refer to my reply to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Hulme on the 7th instant. Recommendations 3 and 16 are in accordance with our present practice. Recommendations 4, 5 and 6 have many times been considered and I am not prepared to depart from the decisions taken by previous Governments on those matters.

asked the Prime Minister if, having regard to the unrest prevailing throughout the steel industry due to the Government's delay in announcing the decision of the Civil Research Committee on the heavy section of this trade, he will make an early statement on the position?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave yesterday in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Penrith and Cockermouth.

Would it be possible to say whether the Civil Research Committee has actually come to a decision or not?

I said a decision would be come to in time to announce it before the end of the Session.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that three London omnibuses were operating upon route 74a from 5th August to 12th August, 1925, without a running schedule, as required by the London Traffic Act; and whether a prosecution has taken place?

In the case apparently referred to a schedule was submitted in accordance with the provisions of the London Traffic Act, and the service was put into operation. Upon consideration it was decided that the operation was contrary to the Restricted Streets Order and Regulations (No. 2), 1925, and, on the proprietor being so informed, the service was withdrawn. No proceedings were accordingly taken.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it an extraordinary thing that Lord Ashfield's company should be allowed to break the law with impunity while continual petty prosecutions are being undertaken against small men?

If I find that Lord Ashfield's company breaks the law proceedings will be taken against them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that since the London Traffic Act came into force no prosecutions at all against the London General Omnibus Company have been undertaken?

I am not aware of it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is dissatisfaction about this, and an allegation that because Messrs. Joynson-Hicks and Company are solicitors to the London General Omnibus Company—[HON. MEMBERS: "Withdraw!"]

If the hon. Member meant any personal insinuation by that, he must withdraw it.

I meant no personal insinuation. I am simply stating that there is a considerable amount of dissatisfaction—[HON. MEMBERS: "Withdraw!"]—if the right hon. Gentleman says Messrs. Joynson-Hicks and Company are not the solicitors—