asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the statement of the Greenock Parish Council last December to the effect that one-sixth of the population of Greenock was in receipt either of unemployment benefit or parish council relief; whether he is aware that since then there, has been an increase of fully 1,000 in the numbers receiving relief; and whether he has any proposals which will have the effect of reducing this number by the provision of adequate schemes of work?

I understand that the statement referred to in the first part of the question was made by one of the members of the Greenock Parish Council and was an approximate estimate based presumably on an analysis of the figures available in the records of the parish council and the local Employment Exchange. I am aware of the serious un- employment which still exists in Greenock and have ascertained that during the month ended 15th January, 1926, the number of persons in receipt of poor relief increased by a total of 401. As regards the last part of the question, the initiative for devising schemes of relief work rests with the local bodies, but any proposals they may put forward will receive careful consideration.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received representations from local authorities in rural and urban areas protesting against the withdrawal of the unemployment grant from the Road Fund on account of the heavy extra charges that will in consequence fall on the ratepayer for roads; and whether he will make up to them from the Road Fund the losses they will incur in these road schemes owing to depending on the continuance of the unemployment grant from the Road Fund?

I am not aware that there has been any withdrawal of unemployment grants from the Road Fund, but if my hon. and gallant Friend will let me know what particular grants be has in mind I will cause inquiries to be made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of British seamen registered as unemployed compared with the corresponding number this time last year?

I have been asked to reply. The number of insured persons in the Shipping Service recorded as unemployed in Great Britain on 25th January, 1926, was 25,765, the corresponding figure for 26th January, 1925, being 26,916. These figures include all unemployed persons classified as belonging to the Shipping Service, such as seamen, stewards, clerks, cooks, firemen, etc., who are insured under the Unemployment Insurance Acts. The nationalities of insured persons are not separately distinguished in the figures.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed registered at the Govan Employment Exchange on 25th January, 1926; and the number in receipt of unemployment benefit and the number who have been refused benefit under the following heads, respectively, not genuinely seeking employment, not expedient in the public interest, and not likely to be employed in an insurable occupation?

The number of persons on the registers of the Govan Employment Exchange on 25th January, 1926, was 6,146. Of these, 5,910 had current claims to benefit but I am unable to say how many were actually in receipt of benefit at that date. In the period 25th August, 1925 to 11th January, 1926, the number of applications for extended benefit which were recommended by the local employment committee for disallowance on the ground that the claimants were not making every reasonable effort to obtain suitable employment or were not willing to accept suitable employment was 404, the corresponding figure in respect of applicants for whom insurable employment was not likely to be available being 28. The number disallowed under the administrative rules under the heading "not expedient in the public interest" was 223.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed on the unemployed register at the end of January, 1926; the number who were in receipt of unemployment benefit; and the number who were refused benefit under the following grounds: not genuinely seeking employment, not expedient in the public interest, and not likely to be employed again in insurable occupation?

The number of persons on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Great Britain on 25th January, 1926, was 1,200,827. Of these 1,122,605 had current claims to benefit, but I am unable to say how many were actually in receipt of benefit at that date. In the period 25th August, 1925 to 11th January, 1926, the number of applications for extended benefit which were recommended by local employment committees for disallowance on the ground that the claimants were not making every reasonable effort to obtain suitable employment or were not willing to accept suitable employment was 47,950, the corresponding figure in respect of applicants for whom insurable employment was not likely to be available being 8,906. The numbers disallowed under the administrative rules under the heading "not expedient in the public interest" was 73,604.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of applications for extended benefit which were disallowed after having been recommended by the local employment committee at the Walworth Road (Borough) Exchange during the months of September. October, November and December, respectively?

The answer is three, these being all in the month of November, 1925.

asked the Minister of Labour how many women entitled to standard unemployment benefit have been refused such benefit at the Walworth Road (Borough) Exchange from 1st January, 1925, to the latest convenient date, also the number of women refused extended benefit during the same period, stating separately the number refused benefit as not genlinely seeking work together with the totals for each month?

I am unable to state the number of women claiming standard unemployment benefit who have had such benefit reused at the Borough Employment Exchange during 1925. The total numbers of applications by women for extended benefit -.recommended for disallowance by the Borough (Walworth Road) Local Employment Committee in each month from the beginning of 1925 and the numbers recommended for disallowance on the ground that the applicants were not making every reasonable effort to obtain suitable employment

BOROUGH (WALWORTH ROAD) LOCAL EMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE.
Period ended					Number of weeks in period.	Applications by women for Extended Benefit recommended for the disallowance.
						All reasons.	Not making every reasonable effort to obtain suitable employment or not willing to accept suitable employment.
1925.
12th January	…	…	…	…	5	281	190
9th February	…	…	…	…	4	217	130
9th March	…	…	…	…	4	229	152
13th April	…	…	…	…	5	497	312
11th May	…	…	…	…	4	340	251
8th June	…	…	…	…	4	224	192
13th July	…	…	…	…	5	162	59
10th August	…	…	…	…	4	45	18
24th August	…	…	…	…	2	96	19
14th September		…	…	…	3	190	39
12th October	…	…	…	…	4	212	59
16th November		…	…	…	5	178	81
14th December		…	…	…	4	174	75
11th January, 1926		…	…	…	4	115	48
Total	…	…	…	…	57	2,960	1,625

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the hardship inflicted upon unemployed men and women in Southwark owing to being obliged to wait in exposed positions outside the Walworth Road (Borough) Employment Exchange; and will he cause arrangements to be made that will obviate the need for unemployed men and women being obliged to wait such long periods when attending to sign on or to draw benefit?

I have had inquiry made. I find that at the Borough Employment Exchange claimants are timed to attend at intervals of 15 minutes to prove unemployment, and if they attend at the proper time they are under no necessity to wait outside the Exchange.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the fact that local employment committees instruct applicants for unemployment benefit to join the Army, he will issue instructions to such committees to discontinue this practice?

I am not aware that any local employment committee has acted as suggested in the question, and I should like to have full particulars of any case known to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour the rates of wages paid and the hours worked weekly by the steel workers of Belgium and France?

I regret that information is not available as to the rates of wages paid to steel workers in Belgium and France, or as to the weekly hours actually worked in the steel industry in those countries. A general eight-hour day or 48-hour week is fixed by law in both countries; on certain continuous processes a 56-hour week may be worked. In France, provision is made for overtime in the steel industry up to a maximum of 100 hours per annum on urgent work and an additional 50 hours on work certified to be in the national interest; but in such case the daily hours must not exceed 10. In certain other circumstances the legal permissible working hours in this industry may be extended beyond eight per day, for some classes of workers. In Belgium there would not appear, from such information as is available, to be any specific legal provision regarding overtime in the steel industry.

1924.
—		15th January.			15th May.			15th September.
		Poor persons, excluding dependents.	Dependants (i.e., wives and children).	Total.	Poor persons, excluding dependents.	Dependants (i.e., wives and children).	Total.	Poor persons, excluding dependents.	Dependants (i.e., wives and children).	Total.
Excluding destitute able-bodied unemployed		74,824	53,063	127,887	74,833	52,274	127,107	74,952	52,105	127,057
Destitute able-bodied unemployed		36,642	91,477	128,119	30,022	71,890	101,912	21,843	55,798	77,641
Poor of all classes	…	111,466	144,540	256,006	104,855	124,164	229,019	96,795	107,903	204,698
		1925.
Excluding destitute able-bodied unemployed		76,302	54,031	130,333	77,358	53,455	130,813	78,677	54,675	133,352
Destitute able-bodied unemployed		22,725	57,966	80,691	21,988	54,271	76,259	25,493	62,970	88,463
Poor of all classes	…	99,027	111,997	211,024	99,346	107,726	207,072	104,170	117,645	221,815

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that a demonstration steel house has been erected in Greenock; whether he is aware that the rent of this house is £40 exclusive of taxes, as compared with £29 rental for a brick house of similar size; whether he is aware that although advertised for some time no applications to rent it were received, although hundreds of people inspected it; and whether, in view of the large difference in rental in those types of houses, he will give instructions for the erection of brick houses instead of steel houses?

asked the Secretary for Scotland the number of persons in respect of parish relief in Scotland during 1924 and 1925, respectively?

The following statement shows the number of poor chargeable to parish councils in Scotland in three days in 1924 and 1925:

The house in question is a four-apartment one of the "Atholl" type and was erected by the local authority for demonstration purposes. The local authority had a free hand as to the rent to be charged, and I am informed they have fixed it at £40. Three applications have been received for the house at that rent, and these are now under consideration. The rent of £29 for a brick house is for a house of four apartments under the 1919 Act and the financial conditions are not comparable. The difference in rental referred to seems to me to point towards the necessity of reducing the cost of this type of steel house as has been done in the tenders recently submitted.

asked the Minister of Health how many houses for the working classes in each of the parishes of the rural district of the Isle of Wight were out of repair at the end of 1925; how many of those houses were in a state so dangerous or injurious to health as to be unfit for human habitation, or so out of repair as to be not worth repairing; how many closing orders and repairing notices were issued by that local authority during 1925; how many of the notices so issued were complied with, and how many enforced in case of non-compliance; and how many inspections, exclusive of reinspections, were made during that year by that authority under Section 8 of the Housing Act, 1925, and the corresponding enactment repealed by that Act?

The annual Report of the Medical Officer of Health for the year 1925 is not available, but my right hon. Friend is asking the local authority to furnish him as far as possible with the information the hon. Member desires, and will communicate further with him.

asked the Minister of Health whether his Department has acquainted the Admiralty with the serious housing situation in Devonport, and represented to them the inadvisability of sending any more men into the town from the dock-yards of Pembroke and Rosyth?

The Admiralty are aware of the housing situation at Devonport. No such suggestion as that referred to in the second part of the question has been made

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received a Report from the inspector who recently visited the houses on the Swilly estate, Devonport; whether he can now say if the defective houses specified in the letter addressed to him by the hon. Member for Devonport (Mr. Hore-Belisha) have been put in repair; and what action, if any, has teen taken: with regard to the contractors who built the houses?

My right hon. Friend has received the Report referred to. He understands that at the time of the inspection the Plymouth Town Council had already taken steps to remedy such defects as existed and is satisfied that they have the matter well in hand. The Council will, no doubt, have regard to these defects in arriving at a final settlement of the accounts of the contractors concerned.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received any representations as to the desirability or otherwise of imposing a statutory obligation upon persons laying out new streets to make provision for the drainage of surface water from the roadway prior to new houses abutting upon such streets being passed as fit for human habitation?

I have not received such representations. I may add that some urban authorities have included provisions for dealing with surface water in by-laws made under Section 157 of the Public Health Act, 1875.

asked the Minister of Health whether, under the powers of Section 37 of the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, he will consider the desirability of making Regulations which will permit of payment of pensions to widows left with young children whose husbands, after contributing several, years under the National Health Insurance Act, were for a period before their death exempted from contributions, thus disqualifying the widow and children from pension?

I presume the reference is to Section 36 of the Act, which gives power to make special orders for the purpose of removing difficulties in bringing the Act into operation. Widows' and orphans' pensions are payable in respect of exempt men as well as insured men. But, if the hon. Member is referring to men who, at the time of their death, had ceased altogether to be within the scope of National Health Insurance, his proposal would involve an extension of the class of persons for whom pensions are provided by the Act and legislation would be necessary to give effect to it.

asked the Minister of Health how many widows over 45 years of age, whose husbands before their death were fully insured under the National Health Insurance Act, have been refused pensions under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act on the ground that they have no dependent children; and how many such widows there are estimated to be?

The information required to answer the first question could only be obtained by a detailed examination of all the individual cases where the award of pension has been refused. In view of pressure of current pensions work I do not think that I can fairly call for such an examination, especially as no such estimate as is referred to in the second question is at disposal.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he intends to abolish the Territorial Force County Associations and to allocate the work of the associations to the various divisional headquarters?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War what species of animals are being used in gas poisoning experiments in this country, and how many of each species have been employed in the research since 14th May, 1923; how many of such animals were destroyed by, or immediately after, the experiments; how many within a month; and how many suffered no harm?

The numbers and species of animals used during the period, 14th May, 1923, to 31st January, 1926, in gas poisoning experiments in this country was as follows:

Rabbits	1,136
Rats	227
Goats	58
Guinea pigs	406
Cats	124
Monkeys	6
Mice	176
Horses	5
Total	2,138

Of this total, 447 were destroyed by or immediately after the experiment; 1,132 (excluding those destroyed by or immediately after experiment) were destroyed within one month; 345 suffered no harm, and the remainder were either destroyed more than one month later or have been used at such a recent date that they cannot be classified in the foregoing categories.

asked the Secretary of State for War if it is the intention that at the Chilwell Central Ordnance Depot non-service employés should be replaced by ex-service men?

The answer is in the negative. As I informed the hon. Member for Derby South (Mr. Grant) yesterday, the depot is in process of being closed down.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the staff of the Monmouthshire Cadets, having incurred liability on the strength of the sanction of the cadet grant, will be placed in a difficult position by any change of policy by his Department with respect to the grant; and whether he will take steps to deal with such cases?

I have been in communication with the hon. Member on this question, which has reference to the unit's liability for the expenses of its camp I cannot agree that the unit was led to incur this liability by a promise of assistance from the War Office, because the decision to renew the cadet grant was not announced until after the camp had been held. But the difficulty is now disposed of by the decision which I am glad to have been able to announce, to issue the cadet grants for the current year and the year 1926–27.

asked the Secretary of State for War if any distinctions or medals have been conferred upon any officers or men of His Majesty's Forces, as distinguished from the Air Force, for the Waziristan campaign for the period 21st December, 1921, to 31st March, 1924, and for the special intensive campaign 9th March to 1st May, 1924, respectively?

His Majesty's Forces which took part in the operations in Waziristan between 21st December, 1921, and 31st March, 1924, have been granted the India General Service Medal with clasp, and 181 decorations, including appointments to Orders and Gallantry Medals, and 979 mentions in despatches have been awarded to the Army in respect of this campaign. No recommendations for Army personnel have been received up to date in connection with the special intensive Air Force campaign undertaken between March and May, 1925.

asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware of the numerous complaints regarding the administration of pensions and allowances to disabled men widows and dependants; and whether he will appoint a Select Committee to go fully into these matters in the interest of all concerned?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for West Middlesborough (Mr. T. Thomson) on the 4th instant, and of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of men who have partially commuted their pension and have since failed to apply for pension on the remaining balance of such pension; what amount of arrears is in sum total now awaiting the claimants in respect of such partial commutation; and what methods are adopted in his Department in order to give publicity to arrears awaiting claimants?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Ardwick (Mr. Lowth) on the 17th December last, of which I am sending him a copy. No case of the kind referred to can be traced.

asked the hon. Member for North-East Leeds, as representing the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, whether he is aware of the strong feeling which exists in Salford against the closing of the church of St. Simon by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners for the purpose of amalgamating that benefice with the adjoining one of St. Matthias; and what action he proposes to take to ensure that due regard will be had to the wishes of the local residents?

The scheme for the union of these two parishes and the demolition of St. Simon's church has been prepared in accordance with the Report of a Commission of Inquiry issued under the Union of Benefices Measure, 1923. The objections of the parishioners, as expressed by the parochial church councils, have been weighed by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, who have not regarded them as affording adequate reason for not proceeding with the scheme. Under the Measure the parochial church councils have a right of appeal to the Privy Council.

asked the Vice-Chamberlain of the Household as representing the Lord President of the Council, whether the offices and laboratories of the Building Research Board under the Department of Scientific Research have yet been completely moved to Watford; what has been the total cost of acquiring the new premises and removal from Acton; and whether this year facilities will be given to private firms to obtain the advice of Government experts?

I have been asked to reply to this question. With the exception of the engineering test shop and the furnace rooms, the removal of the Building Research Station of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research from Acton to Watford is practically complete. The final transfer from Acton will, it is anticipated, be effected during the early part of next month. The estimated total cost of acquiring the new premises and removal from Acton is £21,770. The station is now prepared to undertake special investigations for private bodies or persons under conditions of which a copy will be supplied on application to the Director of Building Research.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he received a deputation from the association representing the clerical employés in the War Office out-stations, as promised by the Financial Secretary to the War Office in this House on the 15th December, 1925 and, if so, whether the discussions resulted in an agreement being reached on the points at issue?

A deputation from the Civil Service Clerical Association waited on me on 23rd December. As, however, the leader of the deputation had published in the organ of the association over his own name an accusation of lying against a permanent official of the War Office, I declined to discuss with him the subject of their visit until the charge, which I am satisfied is unfounded, should be withdrawn. This has not been done, and I am therefore not willing to receive the author of the charge. I shall be glad to discuss with other representatives of the out-stations clerks any points they may desire to bring to my notice.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state, with regard to the clerical re-organisation of the Army pay offices, whether the decisions as to the permanent establishment of each office which the Financial Secretary announced in June last to be then being taken, and on 8th December to be in an advanced state, are now completed; and when the complements will be promulgated?

Complements for the pay offices have now been fixed, and instructions will be issued shortly.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the total amount of the expenditure on buildings which has been made by tenants of Crown property in Regent Street within the last six years; and what is the amount of such expenditure in each case where new leases have been granted on the Crown property in Regent Street?

I regret that the information asked for is not available. The Commissioners of Crown Lands, when granting new building leases in Regent Street, specify a minimum sum to be expended on the erection of suitable buildings, but it is believed that in most cases the minimum has been largely exceeded.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the House approximate figures of the world's output of sugar, cane and beet, respectively; and what proportion of that output is raised within the British Empire?

According to the estimates published by Messrs. Willett and Gray, the quantities of raw sugar produced in the crop season 1924–25 were as follow:

—	Total World production.	Produced in British Empire.	Per cent. produced in British Empire.
	Million Tons.	Million Tons.
Cane sugar	15·5	3·7	23·9
Beet sugar	8·1	0·06	0·7
Total	23·6	3·8	16·0

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total value of American-made tyres imported into this country during the years 1924 and 1925?

The aggregate value of rubber tyres and inner tubes (including tyres and tubes imported with vehicles) imported into Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and registered as consigned from the United States, amounted to £889,933 in 1924 and to £1,068,863 in 1925.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of recent maritime losses, he is satisfied as to the provision and experience in use of rocket apparatus on British ships?

I propose to go into this question of line-throwing appliances on British ships. The provision of such appliances is not compulsory under the present law. The whole subject was investigated by the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee in 1908, and their report was published in 1909, Parliamentary Paper Cd. 4552. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the printed Notice issued by the Board of Trade in 1909.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what companies, if any, have recently made arrangements for the erection in this country of plants to produce articles upon the import of which a duty is levied under the reimposition of what are known as the McKenna Duties?

It has been reported in the Press that the Citroen Company has during the past few months acquired a factory in this country for the production of motor cars, and I understand that there have been extensions of plant by gramophone makers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in framing his electrical power proposals, he will consider what legislative provision will be necessary to ensure that power cheaply generated under the Government electricity scheme will be as cheaply distributed to consumers by supply undertakings enjoying local monopolies; and whether, with that object, the consumer will be directly represented on the central authority to be set up under this scheme?

I have been asked to reply. The question raised by the hon. Member has not been overlooked, but I finest ask him to await the introduction of the Bill in order to ascertain its detailed provisions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has con- sidered asking Parliament for a further grant in order that the reparation claims for compensation in respect of damage caused as the result of enemy action during the War may be more adequately dealt with?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for the Mile End Division (Mr. Scurr) on the 14th December last.

asked the Secretary for Mines what quantity of coal was exported from Great Britain to America during the four months ending 31st January, 1925; the quantity exported during the same period ending 31st January, 1926; and the value for both quantities?

During the four months ended 31st January, 1925, 44,002 tons of coal were exported to the United States of America; the average value per ton f.o.b. was 32s. 0½d corresponding figures for the four months ended 31st January, 1926, were 442,474 tons and 37s. 7½d.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has any figures showing the profits made from the sale of domestic coal by co-operative societies for the year 1924–25?

Evidence given before the Royal Commission on the Coal Industry on 6th January, 1926, by the hon. Member for Hillsborough (Mr. A. V. Alexander) included a statement showing the profit per ton made by certain co-operative societies on coal sold over a recent period of 12 months. I am sending a copy of this statement to my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he has received figures showing the profit of certain London coal merchants for the financial year 1924–25; if so, whether that figure has been certified by chartered accountants; and if it includes any allowance for Income Tax, directors' fees, salaries of owner managers, &c.?

The Coal Merchants' Federation have furnished me with a statement, certified by a firm of chartered accountants, that the average net profits per ton of coal sold by six London coal merchants for the year 1924–25 was 7·54d. It is stated that no charge is made for interest on capital, remuneration of partners, directors' or managing directors, Income Tax or Corporation Profits Tax.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is aware that the Main collieries have been closed down since July, 1924; is he aware that the owners state that they will not restart until after May next; and what steps his Department has taken, and will take, to get a, resumption of work?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the last part, an officer of the Mines Department was present at joint meetings of the owners' and workmen's representatives, held in December and January, at which the whole question was discussed and every possibility explored, but without success. In these circumstances I am afraid that it is not in my power to do anything more.

asked the Secretary for Mines what number of collieries in the South Wales coalfield are closed down, and are in receipt of the subsidy; and will he give the names of the collieries, and the amounts they have received up to the latest available date?

It would be very laborious to ascertain these particulars, and I do not think that the value of the information would justify the labour. As I informed the hon. Member for Spennymoor (Mr. Batey) on 18th November last, the amount thus paid must be a quite insignificant fraction of the total amount paid in subvention.

asked the Secretary for Mines the amount of subsidy paid to colliery companies in South Wales during last year, and will he give the amount paid to each company separately?

The amount of subvention paid to colliery owners in South Wales and Monmouth during last year is £2,690,941. As regards the second part of the question, I regret that these particulars cannot be ascertained without an expenditure of time and labour out of all proportion to the result, and which, in view of the very heavy work now falling on my Department, I could not justify.

asked the Secretary for Mines if he is now in a position to give an answer to the question asked him on 17th March, 1925, as to the cause of an explosion of firedamp on 3rd March, 1925, at No. 3 Colliery, Clock Face, St. Helens, Lancashire, resulting in injuries to two workmen?

I am disappointed to have to say that, in spite of every effort, the cause of this explosion remains a mystery.

asked the Secretary for Mines what was the percentage increase above the pre-War level of the retail price of coal in Central London in 1925, and how it compares with the percentage increase in the price of other staple commodities such as meat, fish, bacon, flour, eggs, milk and clothing?

I have been asked to reply. The retail prices of coal in Central London in 1925 averaged approximately 75 per cent. above those in 1913 and 80 per cent. above those in July 1914. The average of the general cost-of-living index numbers for 1925 was nearly 76 per cent. above the level of July, 1914. For details of the increases in the prices of individual commodities, other than coal, I would refer my hon. Friend to the "Ministry of Labour Gazette" for January, a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware of the number of men in mines suffering from the effects of stone-dust; whether he is aware that medical men are certifying this disease, and that the numbers are rapidly increasing; whether he has seen the comments of a High Court Judge on this matter, who spoke of the necessity of scheduling this disease; and whether his Department is taking any steps to ascertain the facts in regard to this, with a view to inclusion in the schedule for compensation purposes?

On the general question I would refer to my reply to the hon. Member for Gower (Mr. W. Gren - fell), on 4th February. It should be emphasised that it is in rare and exceptional cases of dry-drilling in siliceous rock that men are exposed to danger, and I have at present no evidence that the number of men affected is increasing. The judicial comments to which the hon. Member refers have not been brought to my notice, but he may rest assured that I am keeping my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary in close touch with the results of my investigations.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of countries who accept parcels weighing up to 11 lbs. and 22 lbs., respectively?

Parcels over 11 lb. in weight are now accepted by about 70 Foreign and Colonial Administrations, including nearly all European countries and many of the Dominions and important Colonies. I am sending the hon. Member a complete list.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of prosecutions and convictions to date for installing and working a wireless apparatus without a licence?

Since the passage of the Wireless Telegraphy (Explanation) Act last Session, there have been 28 prosecutions for installing or working wireless receiving apparatus without a licence. Twenty-seven of these prosecutions were successful and one case was dismissed.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of wireless licences that have been taken out for the 12 months ending 31st January, 1926, or to the last known date?

The total number of wireless receiving licences in force on the 31st January, 1926, was approximately 1,841,000.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that many auxiliary postmen receive less in wages than unemployment pay, and that, these men are overlooked when vacancies occur because they hold part-time work; and will he endeavour to have the work so arranged that part-time employés are not penalised?

Auxiliary postmen perform part-time duties, and the wages are based in each case on the number of hours worked. It is made clear to them at the time they take up part-time work than they have no claim to full-time appointments, but it is not the case that they are debarred from such appointments. It is open to eligible auxiliary postmen to register their names with the Employment Exchanges with a view to being considered for full-time employment in their turn with other ex-service men.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the premises now serving as a post office at Goldthorpe, near Rotherham, are totally unsuitable for carrying on the business efficiently; whether any steps have been taken by his department to provide suitable accommodation; and, if not, will he cause inquiries to be made with a view to supplying an urgent need?

The premises used for a post office at Goldthorpe are provided by the sub-postmaster as is usual at places where the volume of postal business is comparatively small. It is recognised that the present premises are not in all respects adequate and the sub-postmaster is making every effort to obtain premises which will afford better accommodation.

asked the Postmaster-General (1) whether the vans used for sorting purposes on the railways are hired by the Government from the railway companies; and whether the Government or the railway companies decided the number of vans to be used;(2) if he can give the date on which a new mail van for post office work was supplied to the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company; the date and amount of the first payments by the Government and subsequent payments; and whether such payments included the cost of heating apparatus, lavatories, internal fittings, mail bag apparatus, and desks now being used, and if the payments include carriage of all mails dealt with in this van?

As I informed the hon. Member on the 16th of December, letter-sorting carriages are provided by the railway companies in accordance with the requirements of the Postal Service, and payment for their maintenance and use (including all necessary fittings) is covered by the comprehensive contracts made with the several companies for the conveyance of letter mails. The payment for mails dealt with in sorting carriages is included in the same contracts. The provision of new carriages, when necessary, is arranged in consultation between the Post Office and the railway company concerned; no new carriage has been required on the London Midland and Scottish Railway within the last 10 years.

asked the Postmaster-General how many cases involving inefficient wireless working have been reported since the 26th November, 1925; how many are directly attributable to operators having no previous experience, holding only restricted wireless certificates, or being unqualified for the work; and will he state what steps have been taken in such cases?

Nine cases, which appear to indicate inefficient wireless working, have been reported during the period mentioned. Particulars have been sent to the authorities concerned for investigation where deemed advisable, but reports have not yet been received.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the work of extending the telephone service in Richmond and neighbourhood has been completed, and the demands for telephone service in this district supplied in accordance with the promises made in November last?

The work of extending the telephone service in the Richmond Exchange area is not yet fully completed, but orders are now being met, and it is anticipated that the arrears will be completely disposed of by the end of next month.

asked the Postmaster-General how many telephone exchanges have been opened in the past 12 months in purely rural areas; and what is the range in miles from such an exchange over which a conversation is charged at the minimum rate?

The number of telephone exchanges opened during the year ended 31st January, 1926, in rural areas was 224. Communication with any exchange within a radius of 5 miles from a rural exchange is afforded at the minimum fee.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the Telephone Development Association in advertising the wider use of the telephone is acting with his authority; and, if so, what are the arrangements with his Department?

The endeavours of the Telephone Development Association to promote the wider use of the telephone have my support, but there is no formal arrangement between the association and my Department.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, seeing that the personnel of His Majesty's Navy serving on foreign stations, and their friends who correspond with them, are charged at the Imperial letter rate for their communications, although British ships are considered to be part of British territory wherever they may be, he can see his way to charge them at the home rate, seeing that they are abroad, not of their own wish, but for national purposes?

I beg to refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his question of the 7th of December on this subject. I regret that I am not in a position to grant the suggested concession.

asked the Postmaster-General how many men are employed in the General Post Office as inland section auxiliary sorters; what are the average hours of employment per week and the average earnings; and whether he is considering any rearrangement to enable these men to secure an increased number of hours' attendance per week?

Approximately 210 auxiliary sorters are employed in the inland section. Their hours of duty-range from 10 to 24 a week, and the present rates of pay vary from 1s. 3d. to 1s. 3¾d. an hour. The services of these men are only required during the period of evening pressure, and I regret that it is impracticable to increase their attendances.

asked the Postmaster-General in what circumstances a small section of supervising officers of the post office at Sheffield are paid on a lower scale of salary, than similar grades at Leeds, in view of the fact that the postmaster surveyor, the rank and file of the post office, and all other grades of the Civil Service in both towns receive the same scale of remuneration, irrespective of the volume of work?

The classification of head post offices for scales of pay depends primarily on the volume of business at the office, and on this basis Sheffield is in Class IB. The scales of pay for the rank and file classes are the same at all Class I offices, but there are different scales for the supervising staff at Class IA and Class IB offices. Class IA comprises only the eight largest provincial offices, including Leeds. At Sheffield the volume of post office work is considerably less and there are no adequate grounds for raising the classification.

asked the Postmaster-General whether it is in accordance with the regulations that on a packet of crochet work imported from Canada, and worth 4s. 2d., a charge of 6d. is imposed by the Post Office for opening the parcel for the Customs, who, in their turn, charge 1s.?

The charge to which the hon. Member refers is made in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 8 of the Foreign and Colonial Parcel Post Warrant, 1925 (Statutory Rules and Orders, 1925, No. 729). It is imposed in respect of the work performed by the Post Office on behalf of the addressee in clearing a parcel through the Customs; and there is no relation between the cost of that work and the amount of the duty raised on the parcel.

asked the Minister of Transport the principle on which the extra £750,000 set aside by the Chancellor of the Exchequer for rural roads is to be allocated; and whether grants will be made on a county basis or according to priority of application?

I hope shortly to issue a circular to the local authorities concerned with reference to the additional £750,000 set aside for rural roads and shall be happy then to supply a copy to my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Minister of Transport whether hr will bring to the notice of those local authorities who are taking no steps 'to free toll gates and bridges that the longer they leave them in private hands the heavier the compensation which will have to be paid eventually owing to the larger receipts from the increasing road traffic, which additional, charge will have to be met by ratepayers; and whether he will consider the advisability of setting up a committee to inquire info excessive toll charges made in some districts?

From the various cases which come to my notice, I am satisfied that local authorities are alive to the considerations urged by my hon. Friend, and I do not consider it necessary to direct special attention thereto. The setting up of the suggested committee of inquiry would not in my judgment serve any useful purpose. As mentioned in paragraphs 34–36 of the Report on the administration of the Road Fund for the year 1923–24, particulars have already been collected of all toll bridges, and if my hon. Friend desires to bring any special case to my notice, I shall be happy to have it investigated.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will give consideration to laying down a number of experimental concrete-surfaced roads, for the purpose of comparison with the type of road surfacing now adopted by his Department?

My hon. Friend is mistaken if he supposes that other types of road surface have been adopted by my Department to the exclusion of concrete. I am hoping, however, to carry out comparative tests of the nature suggested.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is regularly receiving complaints from farmers regarding the shortage of railway trucks for agricultural produce in different parts of the country; and what steps he is taking, in consultation with the railways, to improve the present position of affairs?

I have not recently received any such complaints, but if my hon. Friend has any case in mind and will furnish me with particulars, I will inquire into it.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the growing confusion in many districts entailed by conflicting forms of transport and the different interests involved; and whether, in view of the many Private Bills proposing steps which may lead to an intensification of this result, he proposes to lay down general principles which should govern all developments of this nature?

I am aware of the difficulties arising from these causes. In my reports on Private Bills I endeavour to give such assistance as I can to the Parliamentary Committees to which the Bills are referred, but, as my hon. Friend will realise, the decisions of the Committees must depend to a large extent upon the relevant local considerations involved, as set out in the evidence submitted to them.

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the many complaints by manufacturers of the delays in goods traffic on the railways; and whether, in view, of the prejudicial effect on the trade of the country, there are any steps he can take?

I am aware that complaints have been made of delay to goods traffic on the railways, more especially after the periods of fog and snow that have occurred during this winter. If the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars of any case he has in mind where he considers that a railway company have failed to take the necessary remedial measures, I will cause inquiries to be made.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the increase in the price of workmen's tickets on the District Railway as compared with the pre-War price; and, in view of the hardship thus inflicted, whether he will make representations to the company with a view to a reduction being granted?

I understand that the workmen's fares at present in operation on the District Railway are governed by the provisions of the London Electric, Metropolitan District, City and South London and Central London Railway Companies (Fares, etc.) Act, 1920, which provided for the issue of return tickets to workmen at the ordinary single fare with a minimum fare of 3d. If, however, my hon. and gallant Friend will furnish me with particulars of any workmen's fare charged by the company concerned, which he has specially in mind, I will consider whether I can usefully communicate with the company on the subject.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can hold out any hope of an early decision being taken on the subject of the projected new road to the docks?

I regret that I cannot usefully add to the information contained in the reply which I gave to similar questions on the 24th November last, and of which I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is in a position to make any statement regarding the question of the traffic difficulties at High Street, Aldgate?

The difficulties of the traffic conditions at Aldgate have been under my consideration for some time and proposals for improvement have been made by the London Traffic Advisory Committee. The officers of my Department are actively engaged in exploring means for giving effect to them. I am not in a position to make any definite statement in the matter at the present time.

asked the Minister of Transport who was originally responsible for suggesting the one-way traffic arrangements now in operation in Parliament Square; and whether, in view of the great improvement and lessened congestion resulting, the person responsible has been suitably commended?

asked the Minister of Transport if be can inform the House as to whether the circus now taking place round Parliament Square has facilitated the traffic in this part of London; and, if so, whether it is his intention to introduce this method elsewhere?

This traffic arrangements now in operation in Parliament Square were worked out, after a complete analysis of the directions and densities of the various streams of traffic, by the technical officers of my Department in conjunction with the traffic officers of New Scotland Yard. The scheme was referred to the London Traffic Advisory Committee and, on their recommendation, and after consultation with the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, it was put into operation experimentally. Reports from all quarters go to show that the experiment in Parliament Square has been successful, but the method adopted there is not necessarily suitable for other congested crossings. Each crossing requires special treatment and schemes for the improvement of the traffic arrangements at Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park Corner and Hammersmith Broadway are in hand. Other important traffic points will be dealt with in the light of the experience gained.

asked the Minister of Transport if, seeing that the Railways Act of 1921 was passed into law for the purpose of grouping railways with a view to both greater efficiency and economy, he can say what are the reasons why the Midland and Great Northern Joint Railways and the Somerset and Dorset Railway are still outside the four groups of railways formed under the Railways Act, 1921; and whether he intends to take any steps to encourage the entry of these lines into their appropriate groups?

It was not considered generally practicable in the Railways Act, 1921, to include in any one group lines which were jointly owned by companies included in different groups. I should certainly welcome any arrangements with regard to such lines which would tend to increased efficiency and economy, but the consideration and formulation of such schemes are primarily matters for the railway companies concerned.

asked the Minister of Transport how many meetings have been held since the constitution of the London and Home Councils Traffic Advisory Committee; how many meetings each member has attended; what recommendations have been made which have been accepted; and what recommendations have been refused?

All necessary information as to the work of the London Traffic Advisory Committee will be contained in their First Annual Report, which will be laid before Parliament in due course. I would suggest that my hon. Friend should await the publication of this Report.

asked the Minister of Transport if he will consider the desirability of requiring chars-a-bane and omnibuses each to carry an efficient first-aid outfit for the protection of the public in the event of accidents?

I have already considered this question, but I am not satisfied that the provision of a first-aid outfit on every public service vehicle is of sufficient urgency to warrant a special Regulation, assuming that powers could be obtained to make a general Regulation of this nature.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the Report of the official recently inquiring into the complaints made by residents in Malpas Road, Shardeloes Road, and Brockley Road, Deptford, as to the serious damage to house property attributed to the running of motor omnibuses through those thoroughfares has yet been considered; and, if so, what action it is proposed to take in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the right hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the roads named in the question do not appear to present any special features which would distinguish them from many other residential roads traversed by omnibuses.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the fact that new and repaired motor vehicles are daily being tested on the high roads, he will introduce legislation or take steps to prevent this growing a road menace?

I would remind the hon. and gallant Member that all motor vehicles using the highways, whether on test or otherwise, are subject to the provisions of the general law. I do not consider that any action on my part in this respect is necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state the cost of carrying on the British official radio service, who selects the material to be sent out by the radio, what principles actuate his choice of information, and whether much of the material it sends out covers the same ground as the news agencies?

The annual payment made by the Foreign Office to the General Post Office is approximately £9,000. The service is compiled in the Foreign Office. The information disseminated is prepared with the object of ensuring abroad an adequate presentation of official statements and of British views on international questions, and of improving the supply of trustworthy intelligence concerning events in this country. It is not possible, without full information as to the material sent by news agencies, to estimate the extent of any duplication that may occur. It is known, however, that agencies operating in many foreign countries and within the Empire receive and widely distribute the British Official Wireless Service as well as their own material.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that, owing to the recent dispute between the Russian and Persian Governments, the international mail service to Teheran has been held up or delayed at Baku; and what action, if any, he is taking in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that 50,000 Japanese troops entered Manchuria before the encounter between Chang Tso-lin and Kuo Sing-lin, and that Japanese troops in Chinese uniforms actively intervened in the Chinese domestic struggle; and whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to use its right under Article 11 of the Covenant of the League of Nations to bring this question before the Council of the League?

The report in question is not in accordance with facts; the answer to all parts of the question is therefore in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Bahra agreement signed on 1st November last, involves the recognition of Ibn Saud as King of the Hedjaz?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works whether the Commissioners of Works and Public Buildings take steps to preserve old and historic buildings now used as dwelling houses; and, in particular, whether any action is being taken, in conjunction with existing unofficial societies, to preserve cottage architecture.

The Commissioners are not empowered under the Ancient Monuments Act of 1913 to take over the guardianship with a view to preservation, of ancient and historic buildings in occupation, and this precludes the Department from dealing with cottages, unless they are unoccupied.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Opium Conventions signed at Geneva on March of last year have yet been ratified by His Majesty's Government; if not, what is the reason for the delay; and whether ratification may be expected immediately?

The King's instruments of ratification of the Opium Agreement and of the Dangerous Drugs Convention and Protocol signed at Geneva on 19th February, 1925, are in course of preparation and will be forwarded to the Secretary-General of the League of Nations for deposit within a few days.

asked the Home Secretary if he will consider the introduction of a Bill to prevent unqualified persons posing as optical specialists?

I have been asked to reply. In view of other commitments, my right hon. Friend is not able to consider the introduction of legislation on this subject.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he proposes to invite the holders of investments in the National Debt to accept a reduction of their claims similar to that which the Government has accepted from the Italian Government; and whether he will introduce legislation, if necessary, to secure such a settlement?

As I stated on the 15th December last, His Majesty's Government have no intention of repudiating the contractual obligations of the State to the investors in national securities.

asked the President of the Board of Education when the Report of the Committee appointed to advise him on the subject of school-building will be completed; whether it will be published; and whether the advantages or otherwise of steel buildings are being considered by the Committee?

I understand that the Committee expect to be able to present their Report in the course of the coming spring. I hope that the Report, when completed, will be printed and published, but I cannot, of course, give any undertaking at this stage. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.