asked the Minister of Labour the number of registered unemployed in Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the end of January, 1926, and the number so registered who were not in receipt of benefit?

The number of persons on the registers of Employment Exchanges in Great Britain and Northern Ireland at 25th January, 1926, was 1,262,397. This figure includes 78,902 persons who were not claiming benefit and 79,422 persons whose claims had been disallowed but who were maintaining registration. The remainder were holding current claims to benefit, but a certain proportion were not actually in receipt of benefit at that date.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can publish figures showing the number of unemployed who are on short time as distinct from those who are wholly unemployed?

Arrangements have been made to classify the unemployment returns into casual and non-casual occupations, and, further, to divide the non-casual occupations so as to show those wholly unemployed and those temporarily stopped, respectively. There will thus be three groups, namely, wholly unemployed, temporarily stopped and casuals. Such a classification is not easy to make, as there are a large number of border-line cases between the various groups, but I am advised that the grouping can be carried out with sufficient accuracy for practical purposes. I hope to be able to publish the first figures on the new basis for the weekly live register in the course of next week, and for the monthly analysis of unemployment by industries in the "Labour Gazette" for February. This classification does not affect in any way the total of the live register under the existing headings of men, women, boys and girls. This total, as also the total given monthly in the "Labour Gazette" will be computed in precisely the same manner as heretofore.

asked the Minister of Labour whether men accepting casual work clearing snow for municipalities or private persons are disqualified from drawing unemployment benefit for a week or any such period; whether any cases have been reported to him of men on uncovenanted benefit refusing such work; and whether in the event of such refusal uncovenanted benefit is still paid?

Under the terms of the Unemployment Insurance Acts, men employed as described in the question are disqualified for the day or days on which they are so employed. Refusal to accept such employment would, in the absence of special circumstances, disqualify for extended benefit. I am not aware of any such refusals.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that an unemployed ex-service man named Harry Wreby, of Lupset Bar, Wakefield, who was receiving unemployment pay, was recently sent from the Exchange to an undertaker in Wakefield to assist at a funeral; that he was working from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and received 3s. for his services, but had 4d. insurance contributions stopped from that amount; that he had to walk a considerable distance next morning to have his stamps affixed; that he had 3s. unemployment pay stopped at the Exchange, and 10d. for his wife; and whether, seeing that a number of similar cases have happened, it is within the Regulations issued by his Department to insist that men must go to jobs of this sort at the above rate of pay or lose their unemployment benefit?

I am having inquiries made and will let the hon. Member know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the dissatisfaction felt by certain boards of guardians that the time of their representatives on the rota committees is largely wasted, seeing that after they have carefully examined into cases their decisions have frequently been upset by officials of the Ministry who cannot have the same knowledge of local conditions; and will he give instructions that in future greater regard shall be paid to local conditions, especially in the cases of men over 60 years of age who have worked for 30 to 40 years in the shipyard industry and now find it impossible to get work elsewhere?

It is not the case that the decisions of local employment committees are frequently upset by the Department. I find that during the period from 25th August to 11th January last the allowances of extended benefit by the Middlesbrough Committee became operative in 98·5 per cent. of the cases.

asked the Minister of Labour what number of single women and married women, respectively, are now in receipt of uncovenanted benefit, and how many of the former are under the age of 17; and whether he can state the number of unfilled vacancies for domestic servants now on the books of the Employment Exchanges throughout the country?

Statistics are not available as regards the age or marital state of claimants to benefit, or of the nature of benefit authorised in respect of any recent date. The number of vacancies for women domestic servants notified to Employment Exchanges in Great Britain and remaining unfilled at 7th December—the latest date for which figures are available—was 4,594.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he can give the total aggregate yearly cost of the Ministry of Labour colleges for domestic servants in London and the provinces, respectively; and the probable amount to be realised by the sale of the buildings?

No colleges for domestic servants are conducted by my Department. The Central Committee for Women's Training and Employment conduct a certain number of short courses designed to fit unemployed women for domestic service. The total net cost during the calendar year 1925 was £103,163, of which about £6,700 was spent on courses in London. As regards the last part of the question the only charges for buildings incurred by the Committee are certain small sums for hirings.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will consider the advisability of starting training centres in Scotland on the same lines as those now operating successfully at Claydon, Birmingham and Wallsend?

The training centres are for the moment in a wholly experimental stage and while I think they are most promising I regret that for the present I do not see my way to providing any additional centres.

asked the Minister of Labour the places where training centres for the unemployed are in operation; how many of such centres are residential; what are the numbers of men and youths, and their ages, at each centre; in what occupations are they being trained; how many skilled instructors are engaged; and is it intended to set up other centres and, if so, where?

Training centres for young unemployed men are in operation at Birmingham, Wallsend and Claydon, near Ipswich. The last-named only is residential. The numbers in training on 3rd February were 352, 403 and 195 respectively. Another residential centre will be opened as soon as possible near Brandon in Suffolk. The age limits at present fixed are 19 and 25, or 29 for ex-service men. Eighty-three skilled instructors are at present employed. The course at the non-residential centres consists of general training in the use of tools, with a view to accustoming the men to workshop discipline and making them generally more employable. At the residential centre there is also a course of training for intending emigrants in land work, including the care of stock. The centres are an experiment, and it is not proposed to increase their number at present.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is satisfied with the progress of the courses of instruction recently started for young unemployed men; and whether he has yet any indication that the training given is improving the employability of the men trained?

Yes, Sir, this experiment is proving so far in every way a great success, and I am confident that the courses will greatly improve the trainees' prospects of obtaining steady employment.

asked the Minister of Labour on how many relief schemes work is being held up, and how many schemes have been abandoned, in consequence of the Government's new policy in regard to unemployment relief works; and the number of men affected in each instance?

The restriction on unemployment grants was announced to local authorities in a circular dated 15th December. Since that date schemes of the gross value of £3,170,000 have been rejected, including schemes which would have been rejected in any event. Schemes of the gross value of £478,000 have been approved and schemes of the gross value of £1,861,000 are still under consideration. Figures for the number of men affected in each case are not available.

asked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the case of an ex-soldier named William Henry Wilson, of 50, Croydon Street, Easton, Bristol, who is in receipt of a 50 per cent. pension for valvular disease of the heart; whether he is aware that a number of communications and other documents were submitted to the Ministry of Labour in October last to prove that Mr. Wilson had made serious efforts to obtain employment; that Mr. Wilson's claim to benefit was disallowed on the ground that he had not made sufficient efforts to obtain employment, whilst at the same time the committee expressed the view that in future Mr. Wilson was not likely to be able to obtain work other than that of an exceptional and occasional nature; and whether, seeing that proof of Mr. Wilson's efforts have been submitted to the Ministry, he will authorise payment of benefit?

This case has been carefully considered on several Occasions. I regret I can see no ground for revising the decision which was communicated to the hon. Member on 22nd December last.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, arising out of the recent decision that men who have been engaged upon relief work shall not be prejudiced in their claim for unemployment benefit, any decision has been made with respect to men who had already been disqualified on this ground; and, if not, whether he will consider the position of these men?

Applicants previously disqualified may make fresh applications and their cases will then be considered as from the date of the fresh applications. I am afraid I cannot undertake to make any payments retrospectively.

asked the Minister of Labour why the Stepney Employment Exchange has refused, and continues to refuse, benefit to Marie Slotine, who is entitled to standard benefit, having been a contributor for approximately three years, during which time she appears to have drawn only very slightly on the fund; will he give the same information in the cases of Cissie Cyviak, Rose Buckman, Ray Glantz, Fanny Magnus, Jessie Brill, and Leah Reuben, who have been treated in a similar manner; and what instructions have been given to the manageress of the Stepney Exchange as to her dealings with women entitled to standard benefit?

All these claims have been disallowed by the Chief Insurance Officer on the ground of failure to satisfy the statutory condition "genuinely seeking work." There has been an appeal to the Court of Referees in each case, and all the appeals, except that of Marie Slotine, have been dis- missed. The appeal of Marie Slotine is to be heard this week. No special instructions have been given to the Stepney Exchange regarding women applicants for standard benefit.

asked the Minister of Labour why the Stepney Employment Exchange has refused unemployment pay to Dora Mattison, Rachel Cohen, Cissie Marks, Rebecca Cohen, Rachel Landsman, and Sarah Flurren, all of whom applied for standard benefit and all were refused; how many years each of these women have been contributors to the fund; the total amount each has received during their period of membership; the number of stamps on the cards of each applicant; and have any instructions been issued to Exchange officials dealing with women that, before benefit to which women applicants are entitled is paid, inquiries shall be made as to whether they are single or married, or living at home with parents or other relatives able to maintain them?

I am having inquiries made and will let the hon. Member know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of applications from women for standard benefit which have been registered at the Stepney Employment Exchange during each of the last six months; how many of these have been refused any benefit at all; how many have been stopped benefit after two or three weeks' payment; the main reason for such refusal; is he aware that when pay slips come through, instead of these being handed to the applicant, they are taken to the chief officer, and by her destroyed in the presence of the applicants; is he aware that considerable dissatisfaction exists in the district owing to the treatment of women at this Exchange; will he cause a public inquiry to be held, and allow evidence to be given by the women concerned as to their treatment; will he also inform the House whether it is the duty of the Exchange officers to refuse standard benefit to women because they are married or are living at home with parents; and is it the duty of such officers to make inquiries as to the means possessed by parents or other relatives of applicants entitled to standard benefit?

The information asked for in the first four parts of the question is not available, as the statistics do not distinguish between standard and extended benefit claims. The reference to "pay slips" is presumably to forms of receipt, which are occasionally destroyed, mainly owing to errors of computation, fresh ones being substituted in such cases if benefit is payable. As regards the sixth part of the question I am not aware that any reasonable ground for dissatisfaction exists at Stepney, bat I will make inquiries. The answer to the last two parts of the question is in general in the negative, but it has been necessary occasionally to make inquiries to test the genuineness of an applicant's search for work.

asked the Minister of Labour how many piano workers were unemployed during January as compared with the same month last year?

I am unable to give separate statistics relating solely to piano workers. The number of insured persons in the musical instruments industry group, of which piano workers form part, recorded as unemployed in Great Britain on 25th January, 1926, was 1,295 as compared with 1,272 on 26th January, 1925.

asked the Minister of Labour whether insured persons who are refused covenanted benefit, when on short time or unemployed, owing to their being in possession of small cottage businesses, will be entitled to claim exemption from contributions under the Unemployment Insurance Act?

The conditions under which any person, whose employment is insurable, is entitled to obtain a certificate of exemption whereby he is relieved (but not his employer) from liability to pay his share of the contributions due, are set out in Section 3 (1) of the Unemployment Insurance Act, 1920. In the cases mentioned by the hon. Member, the right to exemption depends upon whether the persons concerned are ordinarily and mainly dependent on their cottage businesses and not upon insurable employment.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps are being taken to remedy the inadequate accommodation at the Rochdale Employment Exchange?

A scheme for re-housing this Exchange is under consideration. It has, however, not yet reached the stage that would enable me to say whether or not it can be adopted.

asked the Minister of Labour what are the present numbers of persons unemployed in hotel, boardinghouse, and club services; how many permits have been granted to employers in the catering trades to enable them to obtain the services of aliens in their business during the past year; and in what circumstances were such permits granted?

The number of insured persons in hotel, boarding-house, restaurant and club services who were recorded as unemployed in Great Britain on 25th January, was 31,992. 187 permits were issued during 1925 to enable employers in the hotel and restaurant industry to obtain the services of aliens from abroad. Of that number, 90 were in respect of aliens the subject of an approved exchange—approximately the same number of British persons going abroad for employment; 60 were in respect of cooks and waiters for work at the Empire Exhibition, all of whom have now returned home, and the remaining 37 were mainly in respect of persons with special qualifications.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the Report on the conditions of employment of boy scalers issued in 1920, he is yet in a position to state what steps he has taken or proposes to take to decasualise this employment?

I have been in touch for some time with the Mersey Ship Repairers' Federation, and I am glad to say that as a result the federation have drawn up a scheme of decasualisation with the terms of which I am in general agreement. This scheme will, I hope, shortly be brought into operation.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the custom in working-class families for sons on reaching a certain age to pay a fixed sum to the mother and save the remainder of wages generally for marriage; and will he take this into consideration when calculating the total income of a household when investigating income for the purposes of Employment Exchange benefit applications?

In assessing family income the committees are entitled to take all relevant circumstances into account; but. I do not think I ought to direct them to allow a general deduction on the ground suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour whether evidence before the Committee of Inquiry into Unemployment Insurance is being restricted, as far as local exchange committees are concerned, to the main committees or whether the women's sub-committees and the juvenile employment committees are being invited to give evidence?

The method adopted by the Committee of Inquiry consists in circulating to the local employment committees a list of questions and thereafter asking the chairman and vice-chairman to attend a conference in each of the seven Employment Exchange Divisions, at which replies to the questions will be prepared, representing as nearly as possible the collective views of the local employment committees in that division. I have no doubt that the chairmen of the different committees will take such steps as they think proper to ensure that they are fully informed as to the views both of the main local employment committee and of its sub-committees. The Committee of Inquiry have not so far circulated these or similar questions to the juvenile employment committees, which are separate bodies from the local employment committees, but they will no doubt consider whether they should do so.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of unemployed who registered at the Risca Exchange for the months of September, October, November and December, 1925, and January, 1926; and will he give the cost per head of registered persons for administering the Exchange for the same months?

The number of persons recorded on the registers of the Risca Employment Exchange at the end of each month from September, 1925, to January, 1926, is as follows:

28th September, 1925	3,742
26th October, 1925	3,710
30th November, 1925	1,984
21st December, 1925	1,542
25th January, 1926	1,304

I am arranging for the collection of the information requested in the second part of the question, and will send it to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has received any communications from individual members of the public or public bodies urging him to re-establish the normal working of the Merchant Shipping (Wireless Telegraphy) Act, 1919, and to set up a Court of Inquiry into the facts of the marine wireless dispute; whether he will give the number of such communications he has received; the number of persons represented by those communications; and whether he proposes to comply with the request contained in these communications?

Some communications of the kind referred to have been received, but I cannot say what number of persons they represent. I have already replied to the question as to the appointment of a Court of Inquiry.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the employers issued a circular to all marine wireless operators on 5th November announcing that a reduction in wages of £1 2s. 6d. per month would come into operation on 1st December; that a large number of those operators could not reach these shores by the latter date; and whether he will institute an inquiry into the whole of the circumstances?

At the beginning of November the Engineering and Allied Employers, London and District, Association, on behalf of the wireless companies, gave notice to the Association of Wireless and Cable Telegraphists that a reduction of 22s. 6d. per month in the wage rates of wireless operators on board ships would come into effect on 1st December. I understand that this reduction has so far applied only to operators who signed articles on or after 5th November and that these operators were notified individually of the reduction. With regard to the last part of the question, I have dealt with the Court of Inquiry point in answer to previous questions.

asked the Minister of Labour Labour whether the meeting between the parties to the marine wireless dispute, referred to by him on 22nd December, actually took place on that date, and with what result; whether he was aware on 22nd December that the employers at that meeting were to insist upon the full acceptance by the men of the demands made upon them without variation or alteration; and, if so, if he will say why it was suggested that a settlement was imminent?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative and to the second in the negative. The third part of the question, therefore, does not arise, but I may say that in the reply to which the hon. Member refers I said no more than that the meeting in quest on as taking place.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, before permitting ships, subject to the provisions of the Merchant Shipping (Wireless Telegraphy) Act, 1919, to proceed to sea without wireless operators, it is the practice of the Board of Trade to satisfy itself that no wireless operators are available; whether he is aware that wireless operators J. R. Thomson, A. G. Jacobs, H. W. Garbett, and E. Brunt, who recently sailed at the reduced rates of pay on the steamship "Majestic," have been off articles and available since 22nd January, and will not be required for the "Majestic" until early in March; and whether he will permit the vessels "Novington," "Rothley," "Sandsend," "Whitegate," "Graldon," "Hillcroft," "Egham," "Fulham," "Derwent River," "Maplewood," "Hermoine," and "Wells City" to sail contrary to the provisions of the Merchant Shipping (Wireless Telegraphy) Act, 1919, while these operators are available?

I am informed by the Marconi International Marine Communication Company that the four wireless operators mentioned in the question form the regular staff of the steamship "Majestic," which carries a unique wireless equipment necessitating special knowledge. The ship deals with a large amount of traffic involving long hours of working and great strain on the part of the operators, and advantage has been taken of the ship's annual overhaul to give them the leave which it is considered necessary they should have. This leave is now ended and, pending the resumption of sailings by the "Majestic," the operators have been allotted duty on other ships. The last part of the question, therefore, does not appear to arise.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he aware of the circumstances under which the steamer "Saint Mungo" has been laid idle at Garston Dock, Liverpool, since 4th January; whether the coal workers refused to load the vessel because the masters and officers declined to join the Transport and General Workers' Union; and whether, in view of the principle involved, he will appoint a Court of Inquiry into the facts and circumstances of the dispute?

I am glad to say that this dispute has now been settled. I do not think further inquiry is called for.

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Government is negotiating with other European Governments with the object of securing an international conference on the hours of work in the engineering industries in Europe; and whether he has received any information from other countries pointing to their willingness to adopt the Washington Hours Convention?

The action which is being taken by the Government in this matter was stated in a reply given on the 4th February, by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to this Ministry, to the hon. Member for Elland (Mr. Robinson), of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

who failed to hand in his name asked the Minister of Labour whether, in compiling the cost-of-living index, the budgets of rural families were taken into consideration; and, if not, whether he has any reliable information to show how they are affected by the rise in prices?

The budgets from which the weighting of items for the cost-of-living index number is calculated do not include any for families in rural districts. From such information as is available, however, it would appear that the percentage changes in the cost of living in such districts do not differ materially from those shown in the index number.

asked the Minister of Labour whether there was an increase or a decrease in wages during 1925?

According to my information there was an increase in wages in 1925. The estimate made by my Department and published in the Ministry of Labour Gazette for January was that weekly full-time rates of wages at the end of 1925 averaged between 1 and 2 per cent. higher than at the end of 1924. I would point out further that the cost of living figure at 1st January, 1926, was 175, as compared with 180 at 1st January, 1925, or a decrease of between 2 and 3 per cent.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the most recent figures showing the amount of taxation per head of population for Great Britain, France, and Italy?

The figures are as follow:

United Kingdom	1925–26	£15 4s. 0d.
	Estimated.
France	1925	Francs 702·4
	Actual.
Italy	1924–25	Lire 390·2
	Actual.

I must, however, add that inferences must only be drawn from these figures with great caution. Apart from the differences of the total national incomes from which these taxes are paid there are many differences between the three countries, both in their economic circumstances and in their financial systems (including the relation between central and local expenditure).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will remove the credit of the Exchequer account at the Bank of Ireland owing to the possibility of the Irish Free State having a different currency to Great Britain?

The Exchequer account is kept at the Belfast branch of the Bank of Ireland.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the procedure in force for the valuation of estates submitted for probate in so far as the ascertaining of the market value of securities is concerned; whether the prices necessary to calculate such value are determined by the authorities; and, if so, if any principle is laid down ensuring that the prices of stocks and shares selected for the necessary valuation are such as to promote general agreement as between the parties concerned?

Section 7 (5) of the Finance Act, 1894, prescribes that the principal value for purposes of Estate Duty of any property passing on a death shall be estimated to be the price, which in the opinion of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue such property would fetch if sold in the open market at the time of the deceased's death. In the case of stocks and shares, which are quoted on the Stock Exchange, it is the general practice to base the market value on the published quotations on the day of the deceased's death; in the case of other stocks and shares, the market value is ascertained by reference to the facts and circumstances prevailing in each particular case. A determination of value by the Commissioners may be the subject of appeal to the Courts; but in practice in the great majority of cases little difficulty is experienced in arriving at agreement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to conclude the negotiations for the settlement of the French debt to this country?

My Right hon. Friend is in communication with the French Minister of Finance, and he certainly hopes that the Minister will be able to visit London to discuss the outstanding points of the French debt settlement very shortly.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the net amount invested, after the deduction of withdrawals, in the national savings certificates for 1924 and 1925, respectively?

The figures are as follow:

—	1924.	1925.
	£	£
Value of certificates sold	27,486,502	36,874,005
Amount of capital witydrawn.	30,570,955	28,412,572
Excess of withdrawals in 1924.	3,084,453	—
Net amount invested in 1925.	—	8,461,433

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, seeing that charges made in the organ of the Civil Service Clerical Association against the administration of the War Office were recently made an obstacle to the hearing of a deputation to him from that body to discuss grievances acutely felt by the employés of the out-stations; that, in spite of the fact that the association offered to let the charges stand on one side, without prejudice, for investigation by an impartial body, he maintained his refusal to hear the deputation; that subsequently to the deputation the association formally applied for a committee of inquiry to be set up to go into these charges; and that he has refused to set up such a committee; and whether he intends to insist that employés of his Department must either withdraw charges which they are prepared to support on oath or in default not have their grievances examined by him?

I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave yesterday to a question by The hon. Member for Bilston (Mr. J. Baker) on this subject.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many typewriters were purchased for the 12 months ending 31st December last by His Majesty's Stationery Office and the Office of Works for Government Departments and offices at home and abroad; how many of these machines are of British manufacture; and what was the total value of these purchases?

The total number of typewriters acquired by His Majesty's Stationery Office for Government Departments and offices at home and abroad for the 12 months ending. 31st December last was 149. Of these, 121, of which 23 were of British manufacture, were obtained in exchange for old machines returned after the War, and 28, of which one was of British manufacture, were purchased outright. The total value of the machines acquired was £2,738. The value of the machines of British manufacture was £458.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether in inviting tenders for the provision of meat to the Army, it is stipulated that only Empire-produced meat shall be supplied?

It is not stipulated that only Empire-produced meat shall be supplied, but tenderers are required to state the country of origin of the meat which they offer. Since 1st January, 1924, the frozen meat supplied has been entirely of Empire origin except in the case of certain local contracts where requirements are so small that it is not practicable to ascertain the origin of the meat. On the last occasion on which tenders for preserved meat were invited, the whole of the Empire-produced meat of satisfactory quality was accepted.

asked the Secretary of State for War what percentage of new recruits for the Army were discharged on account of some physical or medical disability in 1925 within 12 months of their acceptance, and what were the corresponding figures for 1910, 1912 and 1913?

No figures are available showing the number of recruits discharged for physical or medical disability within 12 months of attestation. The number of such discharges within three months of attestation will be found in the General Annual Reports on the British Army—the figures for the year 1924–25 on page 13 of the Report for that year, and the figures for the years 1909–10, 1911–12 and 1912–13 on page 51 of the Report for the year 1913.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) how many men were accepted in the year 1925 for His Majesty's Army, how many were rejected on account of some physical deficiency, and what were the corresponding percentages of rejections to acceptances in the years 1910, 1911, 1912 and 1923;(2) what percentage of applicants were rejected for the Army in the years 1910, 1911, 1912, 1913 and 1925, and what the principal physical defects were, giving the proportions to the total number of rejections?

The figures of acceptances and rejections for the recruiting years 1911–12, 1912–13, 1922–23 and 1924–25 will be found in the table on page 12 of the General Annual Report for 1925, recently presented to Parliament. The corresponding figures for the years 1909–10 and 1910–11 will be found on page 45 of the Report for 1911. Information as to the principal physical defects and their relation to the total number of rejections for the years 1909–10, 1910–11, 1911–12 and 1912–13 is contained in Table III, Section 1, of the Report on the Health of the Army for the year concerned. Full information for the year 1924–25 is not yet available, but the figures for the principal causes of rejections and discharges are as follow:

—	Number rejected on examination.	Ratio per 1,000 rejected on examination.
Defects of lower extermities from fracture, contraction, luxation, &c.	1,730	30·11
Under-chest measurement.	810	14·10
Insufficient weight	1,150	20·02
Defective vision	1,861	32·39
Diseases of ear	2,324	40·45
Diseases of heart	2,740	47·69
Diseases of veins (varix).	674	11·73
Loss or decay of many teeth	1,883	32·78
Varicocele	629	10·95
Flat feet	1,128	19·63

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the appointment of a Committee to report to this House on the claim of the Civilian War Claimants' Association that compensation for civilian damages should be a prior charge on reparations received from Germany in respect of such damage?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government intends to proceed with the Legitimacy Bill this Session?

It is hoped to re-introduce this Bill at an early date.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that in the interests of economy the grant of £15,000 to the cadet corps of the Territorial Army has been, or is to be, withdrawn, it is proposed to continue the grant of £15,000 to light aeroplane sporting clubs?

As recently announced by the Secretary of State for War, the grant to the cadet corps of the Territorial Army has not been withdrawn, but will be paid during the current year. The grant to light aeroplane sporting clubs, which stands on quite a different footing, will continue to be paid.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the great public interest aroused by the suggested changes in the administrative policy of the Federated Malay States, and in view of the divergence of opinion between responsible officials concerned, all official memoranda giving the considered views and arguments of the High Commissioner and the Chief Secretary, Federated Malay States, in this connection, will be made available to the unofficial members of the Federal Council, so that their views may be expressed before any change is undertaken?

My hon. Friend will understand that it is not possible for me to give an undertaking in the precise terms which he suggests, since official memoranda are not primarily intended, not always suited, for general publication. I have no doubt, however, that the High Commissioner, in accordance with the wishes of the unofficial members of the Federal Council, will give the Chief Secretary, residents and other high officials a suitable opportunity of bringing before the Council any relevant considerations to which the attention of that body ought to be directed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the state of affairs regarding the negotiations between the British authorities at Hong Kong and the Canton Government for the removal of the boycott and regarding the compensation for the 52 Chinese killed and 117 wounded in the Shameen shooting outrage; what terms were offered by each side; what compensation was proposed; and what was the reason for the breakdown of the negotiations?

Very little can usefully be added to the statement which has been made to-day by my Right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. The Shameen incident is one with which the Colonial Office is not directly concerned. The unofficial negotiations which have broken down were conducted on the side of Hong Kong with the object solely of bringing an end to the present violation of the Treaty rights of the Colony. They broke down because the Cantonese side did not confine themselves to matters affecting the strike and boycott, and sought to impose on Hong Kong irrelevant conditions of a political nature which, for the present, it does not seem expedient to set out, though I hope I may be able to give fuller particulars at a later date. The Government of Hong Kong is still willing to negotiate an honourable and permanent settlement with the Government of Canton, but the latter has persistently declined to enter into negotiations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what arrangements are made in Kenya Colony for the education of the Arabian and Swahilian inhabitants?

Provision is made for the education of Arabs and Swahilis at the Arab schools at Mombasa and Malindi and at the Coast Technical School at Waa. There is also a number of village schools along the coast and the Government makes grants to mission schools which include Arab and Swahili pupils.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is proposed to carry into effect the recommendations of the Commission of six years ago that compulsory education should be provided immediately for both Europeans and Indians in Kenya Colony?

The Education Ordinance, 1924, empowers the Governor by proclamation to prescribe that compulsory education shall be introduced in any area provided that he is satisfied there is a general demand, that ample school accommodation exists and that it is necessary that such education should be provided. So far as I am aware no such proclamation has yet been made.

asked the Postmaster-General the reason why no postmarks are now placed upon letters showing the date on which they passed through the office of destination; and whether he is aware that this deprives the recipient of any proof to substantiate unjustifiable delay in the post?

The date-stamping of correspondence at the office of destination was discontinued some years ago mainly on grounds of economy. It could not be re-introduced except at considerable expense, and at the cost of delaying the commencement of deliveries, and in many cases severing connections at intermediate offices. Any advantage which would accrue by way of fixing the responsibility for delays would be relatively slight, as it is still the rule that missent letters should be date-stamped at the office where they are received out of course.

asked the Postmaster-General the number of summonses issued as a result of failure to take out wireless licences?

Since the passage of the Wireless Telegraphy (Explanation) Act last Session summonses for installing or working wireless receiving apparatus without a licence have been issued against 46 persons. Seventeen of the cases have not yet been beard.

asked the Minister of Health what it would cost to provide allowances for dependants of sick insured persons on the same scale as those now allowed for the dependants of insured persons under the Unemployment Insurance Act?

My Right hon. Friend has at present no information on this subject, but it will, he understands, be dealt with in the forthcoming Report of the Royal Commission on National Health Insurance.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the case of a young man who was charged with theft at the Lambeth Police Court on 5th January last, and was found to be suffering from the after effects of encephalitis lethargica; and whether, in view of the increase of such cases, he will take steps to consider ways and means of providing adequate treatment and training for the victims of this and other brain troubles?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the question of the best means of providing for such cases as that mentioned is receiving careful consideration by the departments concerned.

asked the Minister of Health whether the arrangements made between his department, the London County Council, and the Metropolitan Asylums Board for the treatment of encephalitis lethargica cases is for medical care only?

My Right hon. Friend assumes that the hon. Member is referring to the arrangements made by the Metropolitan Asylums Board for the institutional treatment of children suffering from the mental after-effects of encephalitis lethargica. These arrangements provide for the ordinary hospital accommodation of the patients, and all necessary treatment and medical care.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is his intention, before introducing any Bill for the reform of the Poor Law, to institute an inquiry into the working of the Poor Law authorities, and particularly as to the advisability or non-advisability of abolishing boards of guardians as at present constituted, and, if so, when?

There have been numerous inquiries into different aspects of the Poor Law, and the principle of Poor Law Reform involving the transfer of the powers and duties of guardians to other local authorities has been endorsed by all political parties and accepted by Governments over a period of years.

asked the Minister of Health whether it is the practice of the Ministry to cause an inspection to be made periodically by any of their inspectors of houses built by local authorities with the aid of a subsidy from public funds with a view to seeing that the houses are in all respects satisfactory?

No, Sir. While, in special circumstances arrangements are made for such inspection, it would not be practicable, nor, in my right hon. Friend's opinion, necessary to do so as a matter of routine.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can now make a statement upon the question of insurance for those ranks in the Air Force whose duties necessitate their presence in flying machines?

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the Government is taking any steps which will enable flying officers to insure their lives up to a reasonable amount on terms similar to those available to officers in other branches of His Majesty's fighting services; and if any of the big insurance companies have been approached in this matter?

As I stated in my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Hertford (Rear-Admiral Sueter) on 17th December last, I have been in communication with the Life Offices Association, of which all important companies are members, and I am pleased to say that the negotiations with the companies have now been brought to a conclusion. Terms have been obtained from nearly 20 companies which are considerably more favourable than those hitherto obtainable, more particularly for officers of the middle and senior ranks, on whom the burden of insurance falls most heavily. In the case of a squadron leader, for example, the extra annual premium quoted to cover flying risks has been reduced from guineas per cent. to 2 guineas per cent—a reduction by more than half—and this extra premium is limited to five years instead of being payable over the whole period for which cover is desired. A small additional charge is made in some cases to cover future war risks and service abroad. An alternative method, by which the extra premium is charged on each flight subject to a fixed maximum payable in any one year and in total, has also been offered by some of the companies. Particulars of the terms offered by the companies have been brought to the notice of all officers. The scheme as at present agreed applies only to officers, but the question of its extension to other ranks in the Air Force is being taken up with the Life Offices Association.

asked the Secretary of State for Air (1) if the building of the airship R 101 has been commenced; and, if so, when the airship will be completed;(2) if he proposes to carry out any further experimental work with airship R 33; and, if not, does he propose to retain the services of any members of the crew;(3) when the airship R 36 will be ready to carry out the proposed experimental flights in Egypt?

shall be dealing in the immediate future with these matters either in the Memorandum accompanying the Air Estimates or in the statement which I shall make when introducing them, and I should be obliged if the hon. Member would kindly wait for a reply until then.

asked the Secretary of State for Air (1) in view of the fact that the essential experiments for which R 33 was specifically reconditioned were ineffectual before the breakaway in April last, have the subsequent experiments, carried out under perfect weather conditions, provided all the data required by the scientific experts for the construction of airships for operation in all weathers; and will the R 33 be now definitely put out of commission;(2) if he will state, in view of the fact that the trial flights to the East of the R36 were stated to be essential to ascertain the behaviour of the gas-bags under tropical conditions, how is it proposed to obtain this essential information before subjecting the new giant airships to this test?

I shall be dealing in the immediate future with these matters either in the Memorandum accompanying the Air Estimates or in the statement which I shall make when introducing them, and I should be obliged if the hon. Member would kindly wait for a reply until then.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can offer employment as stores officers to any of the 15 temporary officers of the Corps of Military Accountants whose appointments have been terminated without compensation after 10 years' service in the Army?

The applications of certain of these officers for commissions in the stores branch of the Royal Air Force are now under consideration, and I hope that it will be possible to give a decision in regard to them at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if the Government has purchased the Hendon aerodrome; and, if so, what is the price and the price per acre?

The Government has acquired the freehold and leasehold interests of the Grahame-White Company and of Mr. Grahame-White in the Hendon Aerodrome and buildings thereon. As part of the bargain, and in order to avoid severance, the Government has taken over certain land and buildings bordering on the aerodrome, which, to the extent that they are not required by the Air Ministry, will be sold. At the same time steps are being taken to acquire the freehold of the leasehold property acquired. In view of the fact that negotiations are actually proceeding for the sale of the land and buildings not required for Air Force purposes, I think it inadvisable for the present to state the exact price paid by the Air Ministry.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what provision in his aerial home defence scheme is being made for the local defence of South-West London?

The defence of London and its suburbs is an integral part of the scheme for the air defence of this country. It would not be in the public interest to indicate the provision made for any particular district.

asked the Home Secretary what is the standing or qualifications demanded of medical men engaged in prisons and remand homes to examine and report as to the mental condition of juvenile offenders brought before the magistrates?

At places of detention to which young persons under 16 are remanded medical attendance is usually afforded by a doctor in general practice, but where mental trouble is suspected the case might be referred to a school medical officer of other specially qualified doctor. Offenders over 16 are remanded to prisons where the medical officers are experienced general physicians and surgeons of good qualifications, with deficiency. I may add that the medical examination of young offenders is being considered by the Committee which I appointed last year to inquire into the treatment of young offenders.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the statutory provisions contained in the Official Secrets Acts, 1911 and 1920, he will consider action being taken against a late officer in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, in view of his recently published statements as to police inefficiency?

The statements in their present form are misleading, but do not appear to me to afford any ground for action of the kind suggested.

asked the Home Secretary the reason for the dismissal of the late Governor of His Majesty's Prison at Oxford?

Unless the public interest required it, I should be reluctant to make such information public without the assent of the officer concerned. I hope, therefore, that the hon. Member will not press his question.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that constables in the Metropolitan police area are patrolling two and more beats owing to the increasing duties of the police and the depleted strength of the service; and when it may be expected that the present strength will be increased?

I have been giving this matter my careful consideration for some time, and have already authorised the Commissioner to recruit the force up to the full establishment. This measure will be completed. I hope, by the end of this month.

asked the Home Secretary whether the papers seized in the police raid on the Communist party headquarters last October, are now in order; and whether he will publish them as a White Paper shortly?

The papers seized were very voluminous. The question whether a selection might usefully be published is under consideration.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the unsatisfactory nature of the train service from London to Kew and Richmond on the District Railway; and whether he will take such action as is necessary to improve this service, which compares unfavourably with the facilities accorded to other localities within the same radius of London?

I understand that this service was improved two years ago, since when no complaints that it is unsatisfactory have reached me. I have no control over railway train services, but if my hon. Friend has any specific suggestions to make I will bring them to the notice of the company.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the existence of a railway line that has not been operated for some years connecting Richmond and Kew with the great London terminal stations north of the Thames, which if operated would relieve the existing traffic congestion and enable visitors from the Metropolis to enjoy the benefit of easy access to Kew Gardens, he will take such steps as are necessary to secure the reopening of this railway?

I presume that my hon. Friend refers to the through service formerly in operation between Richmond and the Metropolitan Railway via Hammersmith. My information is that this service was withdrawn in consequence of it being very little used and proving unremunerative, and that the companies do not consider that it would be practicable to reinstate it at present.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will have inquiry made into the increase of shop rents as contributing to the high costs of food and other daily essentials?

The Royal Commission on Food Prices, which reported last year, stated that from evidence placed before them by retail traders it did not appear that rent had on the average increased as much as the average level of food prices since 1913. I do not, therefore, propose to institute any special inquiry such as that suggested.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Government of the day started an insurance scheme to cover damage caused to life and property during the War; whether he can state the amount paid into the scheme and the amount paid out to claimants; and what has been done with any balance which may have been left?

I would refer the hon. Member to the preliminary statement of results of the Government War Insurance Schemes, of which I am sending him a copy. If he will let me know in which particular scheme he is interested I will let him have the latest figures. A small sum is retained to meet outstanding claims, and the balance, amounting to £17,409,638, has been surrendered to the Exchequer.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the recent conviction of certain persons who combined the businesses of bogus company promoting and financial newspapers, and whether, in view of the losses suffered by small investors by reason of the operations of firms of this character, he proposes to introduce legislation dealing with the subject?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second in the negative. I do not know what particular form of legislation the hon. Member has in mind, but on the information before me I see no reason for thinking that the ordinary criminal law is inadequate to deal with offences of the kind in question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any representations are being made to the foreign Governments concerned in connection with the making up of commodities by producers in foreign countries in imitation of British goods?

Representations are made from time to time as occasion arises to foreign Governments with regard to practices such as those indicated in the question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, seeing that the island of Saseno, situate at the entrance to the Bay of Valona, forms part of the republic of Albania, and that Italian military and naval forces are in occupation of the island, he will say whether such occupation has received the consent of the League of Nations?

When Italy evacuated Albania, after concluding the preliminary Protocol of Tirana at the end of August, 1920, it was stipulated therein that she should remain in occupation of the island of Saseno. In view of the agreement thus reached between the two parties concerned, no question of the consent of the League of Nations arises.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that France, Italy and Turkey have had diplomatic conversations with Russia with a view to arranging treaties; if any treaty with Russia has been signed by any of those Powers; and whether he is prepared to open up negotiations with a view to a complete diplomatic and trading treaty with Russia?

Yes, Sir; I believe that negotiations in Paris will take place almost immediately, and treaties with the Soviet Union were signed by Italy on the 7th of February, 1924, and by Turkey on the 17th of December last. I do not understand what the hon. Member intends to convey by the term a complete diplomatic treaty. A trade agreement, including certain political engagements, is, of course, already in existence between His Majesty's Government and the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the cost per annum of keeping a de troyer of the "S" Class laid up in reserve?

The approximate annual cost of upkeep of one "S" Class destroyer is as follows:

	£
(1) In the Reserve Fleet	7,600
(2) Paid off in Material Reserve with a view to possible recommissioning	1,300
(1) Paid off in charge of ship keeper with a view to scrapping	140

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the special circumstances now prevailing, the Admiralty have considered the advisability of building steel houses in Devonport Dockyard; whether the Admiral Superintendent has been consulted as to the possibility; and whether the Admiralty will now entertain this proposal in view of the shortage of houses in Devonport, and the gravity of the unemployment problem in that town?

I regret that the hon. Member's suggestion is not practicable, as the Royal. Dockyards are not equipped for the construction of steel houses as a business proposition, and moreover such work could not be undertaken without seriously interfering with the progress of the work on His Majesty's ships building and repairing in the dockyards.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, with reference to the deputation of distinguished civil engineers on the subject of Fleet Order No. 3241 of 20th November, 1925, which he recently received, he can make any statement on the subject?

I am not able to make any statement on the subject.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what percentage of new recruits for the Navy were discharged on account of some physical or medical disability in 1925 within 12 months of their acceptance; and what were the corresponding figures for 1910, 1912, and 1913?

The figures are as follow:

Year	Numbers Entered	Numbers Invalided within 12 months of acceptance.	Percentage.
1925	7,071	189	2·67
1910	13,110	286	2·18
1911	13,132	358	2·73
1912	17,968	445	2·48
1913	16,673	419	2·51

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many men have been discharged from each of His Majesty's dockyards or Admiralty establishments since November, 1924; and how many are under notice of discharge in the same places?

The net reductions since November, 1924, in the numbers of workpeople employed in the Vote 8 Departments of the Dockyards, and the numbers at present under notice of discharge from the same Departments, are as shown in the following statement:—

Dockyard	Not Reduction in numbers since November, 1924.	Numbers under notice or discharge.
Portsmouth	445	32
Devonport	271	17
Chatham	171	15
Rosyth	653	67
		(in addition, 474 are under notice to transfer to other Dockyards).
Sheerness	Increase of 42	3
Pembroke Dock	424	92
		(in addition, 90 are under notice to transfer to other Dockyards).

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what length of time engine- room artificers now serving must serve before reaching the rank of chief engine-room artificer, second class; if there is any block in promotion; and if he will take any steps to ameliorate the conditions?

The seniority of engine-room artificers advanced to chief engine-room artificer, second class, naturally varies from time to time according to the state of the rosters. The average seniority of men so advanced during the quarter ended 30th September, 1925, was 127 years. As it cannot be said that there is any block in promotion, the last part of the question does not arise.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty by whom and what are the arrangements made for the disposal of cinematograph films taken for exhibition purposes on board His Majesty's ships of war; and what amounts have been paid to His Majesty's Government for these filming rights?

In reply to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply of 16th December last to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy). The arrangements detailed therein are made by the Admiralty. As regards the second part, the total payments received by the Admiralty to date from various firms amount to about £5,700.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that £36 a year as pension contribution is claimed for Dominion Governments for Imperial naval ratings lent for service in Colonial navies, he will reconsider the scale of gratuities authorised in paragraph 12 of A.F.O. 13/1922 for men invalided whose disability is considered to be not attributable to service, observing that the sum of £36 appears to be the amount set aside for each man for each year's service?

The answer is in the negative and I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my reply to his question of the 14th December last (OFFICIAL REPORT, column 962).

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether his Department is now obtaining its timber supplies from within the Empire; and, if so, what is the character and extent of recent orders?

The bulk of the supplies of timber for naval use are obtained from British and Dominion or Colonial sources. The classes of timber thus supplied include spruce, pine, elm and fir from Canada, teak from Burma, mahogany from British Honduras, and lignum vita from Jamaica. Considerable supplies are also purchased of

—				Devonport.	Portsmouth.	Chatham.	Pembroke.	Rosyth.
January, 1924		…	…	11,426	12,151	9,142	1,324	2,612
April, 1924	…	…	…	11,383	12,077	9,073	1,302	2,573
July, 1924	…	…	…	11,457	12,054	8,950	1,361	2,518
October, 1924		…	…	11,388	12,123	9,014	1,346	2,501
January, 1925		…	…	11,372	12,141	9,134	1,358	2,498
April, 1925	…	…	…	11,296	11,903	9,131	1,415	2,439
July, 1925	…	…	…	11,270	12,041	9,263	1,471	2,517
October, 1925		…	…	11,354	12,019	9,324	1,173	2,266
January, 1926		…	…	11,255	11,877	9,224	987	1,996

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many admirals (vice, rear, engineer, surgeon, paymaster, etc.) there were in 1914 and how many in 1925, and what was the cost in 1914 and 1925, respectively?

, pursuant to his reply (OFFICIAL REPORT, 8th February, 1926, Columns 632–3), supplied the following particulars:The number of flag officers, and officers of equivalent rank, in 1914 and in 1925 were 112 and 103, respectively. These numbers include officers on half-pay as well as those in appointments. The cost of their pay and table money, where payable, was £154,450 in 1914 and £187,810 in 1925.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the number of men in employment in the royal dockyards of Devonport, Portsmouth, Chatham, Pembroke and Rosyth, respectively, for each quarter since January, 1924?

The number of work-people employed in the Vote 8 Departments of the royal dockyards named, in the first week of each quarter from January, 1924, are shown in the following statement:

asked the Attorney-General whether, in view of the anxiety which exists, both in the legal profession and amongst the owners of property, as to the effect of Section 1, Sub-section (1) (v), Section 3, and Section 13 of the Settled Land Act, 1925, on titles to property acquired and paid for prior to 1926, the Government propose to introduce a Bill to amend the Act?

The point to which the hon. Member draws attention has for some time engaged the attention of the Lord Chancellor, who is considering the question whether it is necessary to introduce legislation on the subject.