asked the Minister of Agriculture what restrictions are placed on the export of potatoes from this country to the United States of America?

No restriction has been imposed on the export of potatoes from this country. Since 1912, however, the United States of America authorities have refused to allow the importation of potatoes into the United States of America from Great Britain and Ireland in common with certain other countries, on account of the existence of wart disease in these countries.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the amounts paid by the Ministry for losses incurred by county councils out of the Small Holdings Account in the years 1921–22, 1912–23, 1923–24, and 1924–25?

The payments made by the Ministry out of the Small Holdings Account in the undermentioned years to county councils and the councils of county boroughs in respect of losses incurred in the exercise of their powers under the Small Holdings and Allotments Acts, 1908–1919, were as follow:

	£
1921–22	512,991
1922–23	732,495
1923–24	880,422
1924–25	898,773
Total, 4 years	3,024,681

The payments made in each year as above approximate to the losses incurred by the county councils in the preceding financial year. I should, perhaps, explain that the above payments are quite distinct from the sums which will become due to the councils in future years as a result of the valuation to be carried out at the 1st April next, in accordance with the Act of last Session, particulars of which were given in the White Paper (Cmd. 2532) on the Financial Resolution on which this Act was based.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what are the losses incurred by the Ministry on all their farm settlements from the dates of commencement until the present date; and what is the number of smallholders now on the Ministry's estates?

The total of the losses shown in the accounts for the Ministry's farm settlements up to 31st March, 1925, the last date at which the annual accounts were made up, amounts to £434,705. This sum includes farm and estate losses in respect of properties which, owing to a change of policy in the interests of economy, were sold shortly after being acquired by the Ministry or transferred to county councils, as well as of settlements still managed by the Ministry. The amount mentioned has been arrived at after providing for Treasury interest charges, depreciation, and headquarters administrative expenses. The number of smallholders, on 31st January, 1926, on the settlements now managed by the Ministry was 301; in addition there were 115 farm workers employed on two settlements, and 158 tenants of one acre and under on another settlement. The number of small holdings on estates transferred to county councils is approximately 280. The foregoing figures leave out of account the Boshury (Buchanan Trust) Estate, the accounts of which show a loss of £20,431 up to 31st March, 1925, and on which there are 16 small holding tenants.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is prepared to consider the advisability of referring to the Agricultural Wages Board for their consideration and suggestion the question of the wages paid to agricultural workers in the County of Suffolk?

The Agricultural Wages Board is not entrusted with the duty of fixing agricultural wages except in default of an agricultural wages committee, and I cannot therefore adopt the suggestion made by the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is prepared to give the reasons which caused him to refrain from acting on Section 6 of the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act, 1924, in view of the fact that the lowest wages paid to agricultural workers in England are paid in Suffolk?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that at the conference of farm workers in the Ipswich district a resolution was passed requesting him to exercise his power under the Agricultural Wages Act to direct the agricultural wages committee for the area to reconsider the minimum wage which has been fixed by them; and whether, in view of the failure of the county wages committee to fix a reasonable living wage, he will exercise the power conferred upon him?

I am aware of the resolution referred to and I have carefully considered whether in this particular case there are any circumstances which would justify me in exercising my powers under Clause 6 of the Agricultural Wages Regulation Act. The Suffolk Agricultural Wages Committee met as recently as the 5th of this month and after careful consideration did not recommend any change in the existing rate. No new considerations can now be brought forward which were not present to the minds of the Committee when they reached this decision, and I must therefore with regret decline to exercise my powers under Clause 6.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease have taken place since 1st November; and in how many of these cases the Ministry believe the disease existed for some days before being reported?

Since the 1st November, 1925, to the 17th instant 172 outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease have been confirmed. In seven of these outbreaks there was reason to believe that disease had existed for some days prior to a report being made to the police, and proceedings have been instituted against the owners for failure to report with all practicable speed.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the recent Report of the Commission appointed to inquire into the drainage of the Ouse, he proposes to introduce legislation to amend the Ouse Drainage Act during the present Session

As a necessary preliminary to dealing with the River Ouse, the Commission have made recommendations for the wholesale amendment of the present law relating to land drainage. I am afraid, therefore, that it will not be possible to proceed with the matter during the present Session. The whole question, however, is engaging my closest attention.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, seeing that the Kelham sugar factory is closed and that the sugar beet in the neighbourhood of Kelham was sent to Cantley, the shareholders at Kelham are participating in the profits made on the beet which was sent to Cantley?

I am informed that the answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of land drainage schemes carried out by local drainage authorities and county council committees, respectively, for the year 1924–25; the total cost of such schemes; and the amount contributed by the Government and the landowners to the cost, respectively?

The following table gives the information asked for:

NUMBER and COST of LAND DRAINAGE SCHEMES, 1921–25.
Schemes carried out by Drainage Authorities.			Schemes carried out by County Agricultural Committees.
No. of Schemes.	Paid by State.	Paid by Authority.	No. of Schemes.	Paid by State.	Paid by Owners.
	£	£		£	£
152	114,557	38,186	214	49,460	24,730
Total	£152,743		Total	£74,190
Grand Totals, 366 schemes, £226,933.

As the final accounts of certain schemes have not yet been received, it has been necessary to estimate the cost of those schemes in the above figures.

asked the Secretary of State for War the intention of the Government in regard to Chilwell Depot after it has been evacuated of stores; and will he see that the depot is not denuded of its principal fixtures by the Royal Engineer services in such a manner as to render it unfit for saleable or useful purpose?

The disposal of the Chilwell Ordnance Depot when the stores have been removed has not yet been settled. Nothing will be done to render the depot unfit for sale or for useful purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the total of surpluses held by Territorial county associations on 31st March, 1914; what was the total on 31st March, 1920; and what was the total of the reserve fund for clothing and accoutrements on each of the above dates?

The figures for 31st March, 1914, and 31st March, 1921, as shown by the published statements of the financial position of the county associations for those years (C d. 7678 and Cmd. 2526 respectively), are as follow:

1914.	£
Surplus	230,626
Clothing Reserve	555,078
1921.
Surplus	333,827
Clothing Reserve	Nil

No statement was published for the year 1920 during which the Territorial Army and its finances were in process of reconstitution, and the preparation of the figures for that year would involve considerable labour. I hope the figures for 1921 will serve my hon. and gallant Friend's purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Ordnance Committee are responsible for the inspection of ammunition and explosives for the three Services, the number of staff employed thereon, and the annual cost thereof; and, if not, what are the exceptions?

The Ordnance Committee has no responsibility for inspection. Inspection is carried out by the inspection staffs.

asked the Secretary of State for War what obligations are imposed in respect of the annual grant-in-aid for cadet corps; and whether instruction is given by members of the Regular Army or by members of the War Office?

The grant from Army funds is made only in respect of cadets who have qualified in the manner prescribed in Appendix IV of the Regulations for cadet units. Arrangements are made wherever pos- sible for the Permanent Staff of Territorial Army units to assist in the instruction of cadet units.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many cadet corps there are associated with the educational institutions of this country; what is the number of students enrolled; what is the earliest age of admission to these military organisations; how long these corps have received State aid; what amount has been paid in each succeeding year; and what is the reason for deciding to recommence this form of State aid in education in militarism?

The information asked for in the first two parts of the question will be found in the Cadet List published by His Majesty's Stationery Office. Boys may be enrolled at the age of 12. Grants have been made from Army funds since 1910; the amount paid each year was given in my answer to the hon. Member's question on the 11th instant. The grant is made because cadets often join the Army or the Territorial Army, and, moreover, the instruction given to them increases their alertness and teaches them both the power to obey and to command.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, as claims made by German civilians against British officers in the occupied areas anent damage, etc., have to be heard in German Courts, there is any means of appeal to a British tribunal?

Under Ordinance No. 2 of the Inter-Allied Rhineland Commission, Article 19, a member of His Majesty's Forces in the occupied areas who is a party to a civil action in a German Court, has a right of appeal to the High Commission Court should he consider that he has suffered injury from a miscarriage of justice on the part of the German Court.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that several of the bandsmen of the Irish Guards are playing at the Pavilion Cinema., Tooting; that a trade dispute is in existence between the Musicians' Union and the directors of the Pavilion Cinema, Tooting, and, those bandsmen are interfering with, and taking the places of, the musicians involved; if the policy of the War Office permits such action on the part of Army bandsmen, in a dispute where four-fifths of the men involved are ex-service men; and what steps he will take to put a stop to such competition between Army and civilian musicians?

I am informed that two musicians of the Irish Guards play in the orchestra at this Cinema. They are not receiving less than the Musician's Union rates of pay, nor are they taking the place of men on strike, and I am not aware of any grounds for interference by the War Office in regard to their engagement. The competition in this case appears to be between one orchestra and another, not between Army and civilian musicians.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers under the rank of captain retired voluntarily or of necessity from the Army in the year 1925?

The numbers are as follow:

Retired or resigned their commissions voluntarily	150
Compulsorily retired or called upon to resign	84

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the estimated cost of removing by river and canal the five motor launches comprising the Rhine flotilla from Cologne to Portsmouth; and what the break-up value of these launches is approximately?

I have been asked to reply. I have no exact basis upon which to form an estimate of the cost of transport, but I anticipate that the total expense will not be great. As the vessels are to be sold in this country, it would plainly be inadvisable to publish our estimate of the price to be obtained.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of officers and men who have been invalided out of the Service during the last three years, for which records are available, suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis; and in how many of these cases the disease has been considered as not attributable to the conditions of service?

The total numbers of officers and men invalided for pulmonary tuberculosis during the years 1923, 1924, and 1925 were as follow:

1923	132
1924	150
1925	197

The numbers of these cases in which the disease has been considered as not attributable to the conditions of Service were as follows:

1923	128
1924	145
1925	192

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why, seeing that established men's pensions are under the terms of the Superannuation Acts calculated on the annual salary and emoluments of their office, the Admiralty base these pensions on the pay actually received by established men rather than on the higher scale of pay which the hired men receive for performing similar work in the same office?

These pensions are awarded by the Treasury under the powers conferred upon that Department by the Superannuation Acts. The pay actually received constitutes the salary and emoluments of the office, and in this connection I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to Section 2 of the Superannuation Act, 1859, and Section 12 of the Superannuation Act, 1834.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that in the answers to petitions from dockyard employés, 1914, the Admiralty stated that the rates of wages of established workmen and of other civil servants take into account that the service is a pensionable one; whether the Admiralty has considered this statement in relation to its more recent statement, and that it is not correct to say that the deductions from established men's wages are not made towards their superannuation allowance; and whether he will consider putting the pay of established men oil the higher level enjoyed by hired men and increase their pensions accordingly?

The statements referred to are in no way contradictory; the differences between the rates of wages for hired men and established men do not constitute deductions from the rates of wages of the latter. I regret that I am unable to adopt the suggestion contained in the last part of the question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in order to relieve the congestion and difficulties consequent on the closing of the dockyards, he can see his way to seek some modification of that part of the Superannuation Acts which provide that an employé in order to obtain a pension must be discharged on account of age, infirmity, or abolition of office, so that those who might be desirous of seeking other employment or going abroad may receive their accrued pensions to date?

I regret that I am unable to add anything to my reply of the 2nd December last (OFFICIAL REPORT, column 2261), except that it has been arranged that established workmen at Rosyth and Pembroke Dockyards who become redundant to requirements may, if they so desire, and subject to certain conditions, be discharged on abolition of office, instead of being transferred to other dockyards.

asked the Postmaster-General if the British Broadcasting Company has received the full 7s. 6d. due to them from the revenue subscribed from licences; and is the amount limited in any way?

By the agreement with the British Broadcasting Company dated 18th January, 1923, the payment of 7s. 6d. out of each wireless licence fee of 10s. was restricted to the period ended the 31st December, 1924. Tile company's accounts were then examined, and after considering estimates of future expenditure and other factors in the case, it was decided in accordance with Clause 7 of the agreement to discontinue the payment of 7s. 6d. per licence after the 31st March, 1925, and to give the company a fixed payment of £500,000 in respect of the year ending the 31st March, 1926.

asked the Minister of Health whether he proposes to refund to certain part-time EMPLOYéS of the Post Office the sums which were deducted from their earnings in respect of national health insurance under an Order of 1920, which has since been found to be invalid?

I am not aware of any national health insurance Order which has been found to be invalid, and no question of refund of health insurance contributions therefore arises.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will state, with reference to the accident near Farringdon Street Station in which two Post Office workmen were killed and the safety of trains on the Metropolitan Railway jeopardised, on what dates were the men actually engaged on the work in question supplied with copies of the Regulation to a breach of which the executive engineer, in his evidence at the inquest, attributed the accident; and will any compensation be granted to the relatives of the deceased?

As regards the first part of the question, I am making inquiry and will communicate with the hon. Member. As regards the second part, compensation to the dependants of the unfortunate men will be paid in accordance with the provisions of the Workmen's Compensation Acts.

asked the Postmaster-General how many cases of accidents on duty, neurasthenia, and suicide have been reported among the staff of the London engineering district during the past five years?

There were 3,123 cases of accident on duty in the London engineering district in the last five years. Many of these were very trivial, and did not involve absence from duty. There were two cases of suicide in the same period. I regret that the number of cases of neurasthenia cannot be ascertained without a considerable amount of research.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India how many King's commissions have been granted to Indians during the year 1925?

Eleven King's commissions in the Regular Army were granted to Indians during the year 1925.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the municipality of Calcutta has provided chawls, or other housing accommodation, for the workers in the jute mills similar to those provided by the authorities in Bombay?

According to the Report on the Municipal Administration of Calcutta for 1921–2, which is the last received, a scheme had been prepared for the erection of sanitary dwellings for the poorer classes but the matter was then in abeyance for want of funds. I have no later information. The Bengal Factories Report for 1924 describes the improvements that were being carried out in the provision of dwellings by some of the large jute and cotton mills. Copy of this Report will be placed in the Library.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the reason why publications of the Independent Labour Party are confiscated by the authorities in India and are not delivered to the persons to whom they are addressed?

I am sure that there cannot be any general embargo on the introduction into India of publications of the Independent Labour Party. If the hon. Member will give me particulars of the exclusion of any individual publication I will make inquiry.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that under the Bengal Ordinance a large number of men are lying in prison, including members of the Bengal Legislative Council, who have never appeared before any public Court and who do not know what the charges against them are; whether he can take steps to see that these prisoners secure a just trial; and whether he can give an undertaking that the Bengal Ordinance shall be removed from the Statute Book at an early date?

I am aware that a number of persons are detained without trial under the Bengal Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1925, which superseded the Ordinance. Each person is informed of the charge against him, and his answer to it, if he gives one, is considered by the two judges who are required by the law to scrutinise each case. Every order for detention holds good for one year only and has to be reviewed at the end of it. The necessity for the special procedure was fully explained to, and accepted by, His Majesty's late Government, and was set out in detail in the speeches delivered in another place on the 31st March, 1925, by Lord Olivier, who was Secretary of State for India when the Ordinance was made, and by my Noble Friend the present Secretary of State, and mere briefly in my speech on the Motion for the Adjournment on the 19th December, 1924.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India why copies of "Lansbury's Labour Weekly" are confiscated by the authorities in India, and are not allowed to be delivered to the persons to whom they are addressed?

I am not aware that they are confiscated, but if the hon. Member will be so good as to let me know why he thinks that they are, I will inquire. I would add that such an inquiry carries with it no undertaking that my Noble Friend will interfere with the discretion of the Government of India or of any Provincial Government, even if the facts be as stated in the question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is yet in a position to publish the Report of the inquiry into the conditions of Indian labour in Fiji?

The question of the publication of the Report has not yet been finally decided.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he will circulate to Members, or place in the Library of the House, copies of a Circular issued recently to area officers of the Ministry, instructing them as to procedure in cases excluded by the operation of the seven years' limit from assessment for pension under existing Royal Warrants?

The instruction referred to, like all other instructions to the staff, is issued solely for the guidance of officers of the Ministry in the discharge of their technical duties. I am not prepared to initiate a departure from the normal practice of all Public Departments, by adopting the suggestion of the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Pensions how many applications have been received under the widows', orphans, and old age contributory pensions scheme from the counties of Inverness, Argyll, Ross and Cromarty, Sutherland, Caithness, Orkney, and Shetland; how many of the applications have been granted; and how many have been in respect of widows and orphans and of aged persons?

I refer the hon. Member to my reply of to-day to my hon. Friend the Member for Maryhill (Mr. Couper).

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the case of a widow, aged 66, of a man aged 71, who died 27th January, 1926, and who had paid National Health Insurance contributions from the inception of the scheme up to attaining the age of 70, and who has been held not to be entitled to receive a widow's pension because she has no child under the age of 14; whether he is aware that, as the woman in question has never paid health insurance herself, she will not be entitled to receive the old age pension until she is 70 years of age; and whether he will consider an alteration in the Regulations to meet such cases?

Section 19 of the Act, which applies to the widow of a man who was over the age of 70 at the commencement of the Act, provides that the widow shall not be entitled to a pension unless at the death of her husband there was at least one child or stepchild under the age of 14. Any alteration in this Section could not be made by Regulation, but would require new legislation.

asked the Minister of Health whether, when he is noting omissions in the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act with a view to subsequent amendment, he will take into consideration the case of the illegitimate child whose father remains unidentified at the death of its mother who has been a contributor to the fund?

This point will certainly receive consideration.

asked the Minister of Health whether the children under 14 years of age, of an insured man who died two years ago, and whose widow married again one year ago, are given benefit under the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925; and what section of the Act refers to such cases?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Section 18 (c) of the Act provides that, in the case of the widow of a man who died before the date of the commencement of the Act, a widow's pension is not payable if she remarried before that date, and Section 1 (1) (a) makes the additional allowance for children part of the widow's pension.

asked the Minister of Health the number of applications received from residents in the City of Lincoln, up to the latest convenient date, for widows' pensions, children's allowances, and orphans' pensions; whether he can state the number of persons in respect of whom widows' pensions, children's allowances, and orphans' pensions have been allowed; how many have been rejected; and how many are still under consideration?

The information asked for is not available, as the claims are not arranged on a territorial basis.

asked the Minister of Health the number of widows under the 1925 Act who have been refused pensions on the ground that the children of their deceased husbands were born before marriage; and whether it is proposed to take any steps in the near future to make the claims of such widows and children legal for the payment of pensions and allowances?

The information required to answer the first part of the question could only be obtained by an examination of all the individual cases where the award of pension has been refused, and the pressure of current pensions work precludes such an examination at the moment. The position will, of course, be materially changed under Section 44 (4) of the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925, if the Legitimacy Bill becomes law.

asked the Minister of Health if the wives of insured men whose husbands attain the age of 70 before 2nd January, 1928, are treated as eligible for an old age pension on attaining the age of 65 or over after 2nd January, 1928; and, if such women cannot so qualify but have to wait until they attain the age of 70, will he take steps to amend the Widows', Orphans' and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925, for the removal of this diqualification at the earliest possible date?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I cannot adopt the suggestion contained in the second part of the question, which conflicts with the underlying principle of the Act, namely, that the husband's insurance can secure a pension for his wife on attaining 65, only if he himself was entitled to a pension under the Act before he attained 70.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has yet appointed referees or assessors in connection with the administration of the Widows' and Orphans' Pensions Scheme; if so, whether any of them are women; and whether he will give the names of those appointed?

I would refer the hon. Member to my answer on the 8th instant to a question by the hon. Member for Islington E. (Major Tasker) on this subject. The position has not changed in the interval. The referees who have been appointed are Mr. R. E. Vaughan-Williams, K.C., Mr. B. A. Cohen, K.C., and Mr. Eustace Hills, K.C.

asked the Minister of Health whether suggestions have been made to him that legislation should be introduced making it a penal offence for anyone to allow fresh food fit for human consumption to rot; and, if so, what is the view of his Department on the subject?

I have been asked to reply. No such suggestions have been made to the Board of Trade, nor, I am informed, to the Ministry of Health.

asked the Minister of Health the number of institutions and their whereabouts in England and Wales which undertake to train blind persons; and which establishments are certified for training by his officers and which are not?

I have been asked to reply to this question. There are 35 institutions in England, and three in Wales, which provide full-time courses of instruction for the blind in preparation for trades, and there are eight institutions in England which conduct part-time evening courses for the blind. These institutions, a list of which I am sending the hon. Member, are recognised under the Regulations of my Department.

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to a fire which occurred during an operation at the Mansfield Hospital on 6th February, and which was caused by ether or ether vapour being ignited by a fire in the same room; whether he is aware that the existence of open fires in operating rooms presents a grave danger; and whether he is prepared to take such measures as will prevent any such accidents taking place in the future?

I have no information with regard to the case apart from the reports in the Press, from which it would appear that the accident occurred in a, ward and not in an operating theatre. I am, however, making further inquiries into the circumstances.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to an advertisement, issued by the Glaslyn Rural District Council, inviting applications from qualified persons for the combined offices of surveyor of highways and sanitary inspector at a salary of £160 per annum, apportioned equally between the two offices, the appointment being a whole-time one; and whether he proposes to take steps to ensure the payment of an adequate salary?

Objection was raised to the salary offered, but, having regard to the representations made by the council, approval was subsequently given to the proposal. In giving approval it was intimated that the officer appointed should not be debarred from accepting other public work.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to an advertisement issued by the Monmouth Rural District Council inviting applications for the appointment of road surveyor and sanitary inspector at a salary of £180 rising by £10 per annum to £200; whether he sanctioned the terms of the advertisement; what proportion of the joint salary is applicable to the office of sanitary inspector; and whether he proposes to take steps to ensure a satisfactory salary being paid?

Approval was given to the proposed salary, of which £80 was in respect of the office of sanitary inspector. The terms in question represent a considerable improvement on the original proposal of the council.

asked the Minister of Health if he is yet in a position to state when the draft Orders made by him under Section 1 of the Milk and Dairies Act, 1915, will be published?

I hope to publish the draft Order in question in the course of a few weeks.

asked the Minister of Health (1) what is the total area of Devonport; what percentage of its land surface is dedicated to the public use; and what are the comparative figures relating to St. Aubyn and Nelson Wards, respectively;(2) what is the area of open space dedicated to the public use in Devonport; how many of the population does each acre of the population serve; and what are the comparative figures for the St. Aubyn and Nelson Wards, respectively?

I am informed that the area of Devonport is 3,353 acres, of which about 10·6 per cent. is dedicated to public ilea for various purposes. The present area of open space for public use for recreation is 87·7 acres, or one acre to every 923 persons. An additional 200 acres has been acquired in Devonport for a public park, but has not yet been dedicated to the public use In the St. Aubyn Ward, the area of open space dedicated to the public use is 3·4 acres, or one acre to every 6,273 persons, and in the Nelson Ward, 41˙6 acres, or one acre to every 184 persons.

asked the Minister of Health how many industrial insurance policies have lapsed since 1914, whereby the poor persons concerned have lost the whole of their contributions thereunder; the total sum represented by such policies; and will he appoint a committee to inquire into the whole matter?

I regret that the information asked for is not available. The whole matter was inquired into by the Departmental Committee presided over by Lord Parmoor which reported in 1920, and their recommendations were embodied in the Industrial Assurance Act, 1923.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that a few fruit growers in West Kent utilise the straw which has been used by the hoppers for bedding for the purpose of packing and storing apples; and if he will take such steps as are necessary to see that all such straw is burned and not used in that way?

I am making inquiries into this matter.

asked the Minister of Health the number of deaths in England and Wales from insect bites during 1925; and whether, in the opinion of his Department, the number of insects whose bites are deleterious to health is increasing in this country?

The information asked for in the first part of the question is not yet available. In answer to the second part, I am advised that so far as can be ascertained the number of such insects is not on the increase.

asked the Minister of Health whether any record is kept of the number of persons who die as a result of, or following, medical operations; and, if so, what was the number of deaths in each of the last five years?

The information for which the hon. Member asks is not available.

asked the Minister of Health whether the Committee recently appointed to inquire into various matters connected with vaccination will carry out the investigations desired by the health organisation of the League of Nations in regard to the possible connection between vaccination and the spread of encephalitis lethargica as discussed at the Conference at The Hague last month?

If any request is received from the health organisation of the League of Nations for co-operation in carrying out investigations into matters connected with vaccination it will be referred to the Committee which the hon. Member mentions.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received a suggestion that an Order should be made for all mosquito-infested ponds and stagnant waters to be deemed a common nuisance and that they should be subject to the jurisdiction of the local authority; and, if so, what action he is taking in the matter?

I have received such a suggestion, but I have no power to make such an Order. Under Section 91 of the Public Health Act, 1875, any pool, ditch, etc., in such a state as to be a nuisance or injurious to health is to be deemed a nuisance liable to be dealt with under the Act. The question whether in any particular case a pond is a nuisance is one of fact to be determined by the Court in any proceedings instituted by the local authority under the section.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the spread of small-pox, he intends to resort to the more widespread use of vaccination?

In areas invaded by small-pox it is the usual practice for the local authorities to urge the importance of vaccination, and to announce the facilities available for vaccination free of cost to all who desire it, but as my hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware, there is no statutory provision for compulsory vaccination except in the case of children whose parents have not made declarations of conscientious objection to vaccination.

asked the Minister of Health how many cases of small-pox have been notified in the County of Durham since 1st January, 1925; and what was their condition as regards vaccination?

According to the information at present available, 2,006 cases of small-pox were notified in the County of Durham during the period 1st January, 1925, to 12th February, 1926, and of these cases 1,970 have, so far, been classified according to their vaccinal condition. At the time of infection 1,528 were unvaccinated, 429 had been vaccinated at some time in their lives, and in 13 instances the vaccinal condition was doubtful. Of the 429 who had been vaccinated, none was under the age of 15 years, and one only had been re-vaccinated, namely, a man aged 51, who had been vaccinated in infancy and revaccinated at the age of 14.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the suggestion that the General Medical Council ought to contain a lay element; and, if so, having regard to the power of nomination conferred on the Crown by the Medical Act, 1886, will he take steps to secure that this power shall be exercised by the appointment of Jaymen as and when vacancies arise?

Yes, Sir; I have considered my hon. Friend's suggestion, and I will take an early opportunity of consulting my Noble Friend the Lord President on this matter.

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the harm done by unqualified opticians when consulted by people suffering from eye diseases; and will he consider some form of legislative regulation of unqualified practitioners?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply to a similar question by the hon. Member for North Lambeth (Mr. Briant) on 9th February.

asked the Minister of Health whether the admission that there are risks to health in the practice of vac- cination, implied in the appointment of a committee one of the duties of which is to inquire into the practical methods which are available to diminish or remove those risks, will be taken into account. when the question of the abolition of the compulsory vaccination laws is under consideration?

There is no present intention of amending the vaccination laws, and the question, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Minister of Health how many houses have been completed to date under the various Housing Acts and how many are at present under construction, giving separate figures for municipal and private enterprise?

Up to the 1st instant, 228,376 houses had been completed since the war by local authorities, and 142,492 by private enterprise in connection with schemes under the various Housing Acts. The numbers under construction on the 1st instant were 43,153 and 32,283 respectively.

also asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that there are still a number of empty houses withheld from occupation in overcrowded areas; and will he reconsider the desirability of taking further steps to secure the use of such houses?

I am aware that there is always a certain number of unoccupied houses which are held for sale. I would point out that local authorities already have power to purchase or lease houses suitable for the working classes, and I do not consider that it would be practicable to promote further legislation on the subject.

further asked the Minister of Health how many houses have been built in Rural District Council areas under the Housing Act of 1924; and how many of them are in agricultural parishes?

2,655 houses were completed under the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act., 1924, in Rural District Council areas up to 1st February, 1926. Of this number 799 houses were erected in agricultural parishes.

asked the Minister of Health if, in view of his announcement that the cost of both parlour and non-parlour houses has increased by approximately 100 per cent. in two years, he can state the causes of this increase and the percentages for which they are individually responsible?

The hon. Member would appear to be under a misapprehension, as I have made no announcement such as is suggested by his question. The prices of houses included in contracts let by local authorities during the last three months of 1925 show an increase of just over 11 per cent. as compared with the prices ruling during the corresponding period two years earlier. Of this increase a rise in wages accounts for from 2½ per cent. to 5 per cent., according to district, and increases in the prices of materials account for about 4 per cent.

asked the Minister of Health the increased cost of building the parlour and non-parlour type of house, respectively, as between July, 1924, and the latest date for which figures are available; and the amount of increase in building operatives' wages during that period?

The prices of houses included in contracts let by local authorities during December last showed an increase of £20 in the case of non-parlour houses and £2 in the case of parlour houses over the prices for July, 1924. The increases in operatives' wages during this period represent an increased cost per house of from £4 5s. to £5 outside London and from £12 15s. to £15 in the case of London.

asked the Minister of Health how many of the authorities in whose districts demonstration houses were erected have subsequently adapted the same as being suitable; and in how many cases have such authorities proceeded to build that type of house?

So far only one authority which erected demonstration houses has proceeded to build further houses of the same type, but I understand that other local authorities are considering the question. The demonstration houses are, of course, available for inspection by authorities other than those erecting them, and some of these other authorities are erecting demonstration type houses.

asked the Minister of Health if, as the result of the negotiations with trade unions concerned with the building industries, an increased number of apprentices have been admitted; and the number admitted to the various building trades during the years 1923, 1924, and 1925, respectively?

There is reason to believe that an increased number of apprentices have been admitted, but there is no record of the numbers admitted during the years in question.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the overcrowded condition of the people in Chopwell Colliery; whether he is aware that there are 15 houses standing empty belonging to the colliery company, which they refuse to allow to be used in relief of such overcrowding; and what steps he intends taking to bring such houses into occupation?

I am aware that there is an acute need for houses in this district. I am not aware of the particular houses to which the hon. Member refers, but I have no power which would enable me to take action in the matter. I am, however, having some inquiries made into the matter.

asked the Minister of Health if he can state the names and localities of slum districts that have been reconditioned by private enterprise, and so made fit for habitation; and whether he is considering legislation to provide the capital so as to facilitate the repair of houses in slum areas by local authorities?

I regret that I have not the necessary information to answer the first part of the Noble Lady's question. As regards the second part, I am not yet in a position to make a statement with regard to future housing legislation.

asked the Minister of Health if he is contemplating making it compulsory on councils owning house property to set up estates management commissions; and whether he will consider recommending that women should be invited to serve on such commissions?

I am not yet in a position to make a statement with regard to future housing legislation, but I will bear in mind the Noble Lady's suggestions.

asked the Minister of Health the total amount expended in outdoor relief by boards of guardians in Great Britain during the first week of August, 1925, and the last week in December, 1925, respectively; and will he state the total number of persons in Poor Law institutions during the last week in December, 1924, and December, 1925, respectively?

I regret that the exact figures asked for in the first part of the question are not available. The average weekly amounts expended on out-relief in money and kind by boards of guardians during August, 1925, was £284,419, and in December, which includes extra Christmas relief, was £353,309. The numbers of persons (excluding casuals) in receipt of relief in institutions under the control of Poor Law authorities during the last week in December, 1924, and December, 1925, were approximately 201,200 and 206,800 respectively. The above figures relate to England and Wales. As regards Scotland. I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Secretary for Scotland.

asked the Minister of Health how many persons who are in receipt of Poor Law relief or who owe moneys to the guardians for relief received by way of loan are at present serving as town, borough, county borough, or county councillors; and whether, if he is not in possession of this information, he will take steps to obtain it and convey it to this House?

This information is not available. I will consider my hon. Friend's suggestion, but as at present advised I doubt whether the value of the information would compensate for the cost of collecting it.

asked the Minister of Health what arrangements are made for repaying the large sums of money borrowed by certain boards of guardians; and how it is proposed to carry on the ordinary services of the Poor Law in the event of the local rates being found insufficient for the repayment and redemption of these loans?

In the great majority of cases sums borrowed by boards of guardians for the purpose of meeting their current expenditure are being repaid by the ordinary method of equal annual instalments of principal and interest. In cases in which an overdraft rather than a loan for a definite period has been raised, the amounts of the overdrafts outstanding are being progressively reduced. In a small number of instances in which loans have been advanced by me on the recommendation of the Goschen Committee, arrangements are made from time to time for the postponement of the repayments of capital or of capital and interest, where I am satisfied that it is unreasonable in the interests of the ratepayers to require repayment on the prescribed dates.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in the case of any of the London boroughs, a relieving officer employed by the local board of guardians is also the mayor of the borough, and in that capacity receives an official salary; and whether, in view of the exceptional position occupied by relieving officers, he will consider the introduction of legislation making them ineligible for election on any local body in the area in which they are so employed?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to a previous similar question put by my hon. Friend the Member for Kensington South (Sir W. Davison), of which I am sending him a copy. I will consider the suggestion made in the latter part of the question.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the need for access roads for the townships of Lochportan and Cheesebay, in North Uist; and whether he will favourably consider an application for reasonable road facilities?

I am aware of the circumstances of the townships referred to but I regret I am unable to sanction expenditure of public funds for roads for the townships beyond the amount already authorised.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he will make further inquiries into the possibility of securing reasonable grazing rights for the holders at Bowglass, North Harris?

Inquiry with regard to the matter referred to by the hon. Member will be made by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland at an early date.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he will make representations to Messrs. John MacCallum and Company, in the interests of agriculture on the West Coast, that the steamship "Hebrides" should be overhauled at some other time than that of the annual bull sales at Oban?

The attention of Messrs. MacCallum and Company has been drawn to the matter referred to. They state that in withdrawing the steamship "Hebrides" for overhaul in February they have regard to the fact, in addition to other considerations, that February is the quietest month in the year in regard to the amount of traffic offered for shipment. On the information available I do not feel justified in making further representations to them on the subject.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of women who have applied to the Shoreditch Employment Exchange for unemployment benefit during each of the six months ending 14th February; and how many have been refused such benefit?

The number of applications for standard or extended unemployment benefit made by women at the Shoreditch Employment Exchange in each o: the last six months was as follows: 1,160 in August, 1,038 in September, 1,163 in October, 1,702 in November, 734 in December, and 1,113 in January. The numbers of applications by women for extended benefit which were recommended for disallowance by the Local Employment Committee in the statistical months which most nearly correspond to the above were, respectively, 134, 184, 126, 85, 97, and 124. I am unable to say how many applications for standard benefit were refused in the-same period.

asked the Minister of Labour the reason why Alfred Davey, of 35, Candy Street Bow, and Charles Baker, of 39, Rippoth Road, Bow, have been refused unemployment benefit by the Hackney Employment Exchange; and is he aware that both these men have been engaged on seasonal work in the district; that men in a similar position have been paid benefit; and that these men, when appeasing before the Committee, have been asked no questions at all but their age, and then told to go away?

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

asked the Minister of Labour the reason why the following women are refused unemployment benefit at the Stepney Employment Exchange: B. Toledans, A. Sosskin, M. Bedso, M. Bass, E. Cohen, S. Bloomstein, R. Hollas, P. Barnett, F. Shapiro, C. Saunders, Mrs. J. Annett, K. Moscovitch, S. Shimofsky, F Keil, B. Simons, M. Goldstein, D. Swan, P. Freeman, and R. Waller; the number of years each of these persons have been paying into the fund; the amount of unemployment pay they have each received; and on what evidence they have been told they are not genuinely seeking work?

I am already investigating a number of apparently similar cases about which the hon. Member asked in two recent questions. While I am anxious to make inquiry into all cases which hon. Members think it right to bring to my notice, I am bound to bear in mind that detailed reports on individual cases impose a severe strain on an administration already hard pressed, and therefore ought not to be called for without adequate cause. When I have ascertained whether the cases already in hand disclose some ground of complaint, I will consider whether I should be justified in ordering inquiry into the further cases now quoted.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Donald J. Forbes, 17, Ure Street, Govan, has been refused benefit by a committee at the Govan Employment Exchange on the ground that it is not expedient in the public interest to pay benefit; that Forbes has, worked from May, 1925, to 15th January, 1926; that the basis for the committee's decision is that the stamps for the period of employment mentioned are considered as not qualifying for standard benefit but as cancelling a previous period of benefit paid to him; and that this decision is in conflict with the statutory conditions laid down for the receipt of benefit in the Unemployment Insurance Acts; and whether he will take steps to stop this violation of the Acts and instruct benefit qualified for to be paid?

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

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Mrs. Jamieson, 488, Springburn Road, Glasgow, was refused the unemployment benefit due to her son, Alexander Moncur, when she presented Forms U.I. 88 and 477 at the Finnieston Employment Exchange, Glasgow; that Alexander Moncur had obtained an immediate situation on 25th July, 1925, and when his mother called for his benefit she was told the money was there but she must get her son's signature on the above-mentioned forms; that, owing to the varied course of the ships on which he sailed, the papers were not received by him until early this month and immediately returned by him; and that the grounds of refusal are that benefit has been disallowed by a committee; and whether he will have this case investigated and the benefit outstanding at the date of his securing employment paid?

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

asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons ordinarily engaged in the production of motor cars in this country who were registered as unemployed in December, 1924, and December, 1925, respectively; and whether he will furnish similar information with respect to the lace and silk industries?

The number of persons insured under the Unemployment Insurance Acts and classified to the industry group—"Construction and Repair of Motor Cars, Motor Lorries, Motor Omnibuses, Motor Cycles, Cycles and Aircraft"—who were recorded as unemployed in Great Britain at 21st December, 1925, was 14,506, as compared with 15,112 at 22nd December, 1924. Separate figures for motor cars alone are not available. Corresponding figures for the lace and silk industries are as follow:

	21st December, 1925.	22nd December, 1924.
Lace	3,462	4,180
Silk	5,050	2,987

also asked the Minister of Labour the number of un- employed persons who were not insurable and not registered at Unemployment Exchanges, but who were in receipt of out-door Poor Law relief during the years 1924 and 1925, respectively?

I have been asked to reply. The average number of the persons ordinarily engaged in some regular occupation, but not insured under the Unemployment insurance Acts, and the wives and dependent children of those persons, who were in receipt of outdoor Poor Law relief in England and Wales was 43,414 in 1924 and 38,710 in 1925. No information is available as to how many of these persons were registered at Unemployment Exchanges.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the decision of the Government not to proceed with the establishment of a Trade Board in the catering industry, he will publish the detailed results of the investigations into this and other trades recently under review?

The reports which are to be published will show in considerable detail the results of the investigations to which the right hon. Member refers although obviously they cannot give details which would lead to the identification of parties who supplied information on a confidential basis.

asked the Minister of Labour upon what date the reports of his inquiries into the grocery and provisions, catering, drapery and meat distributive trades will be available?

In the absence of unforeseen delays in printing, the four reports should be issued in the course of next month.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether any suggestion has been made to his Department for a seaplane service between Southampton and Cherbourg, or between any British port and a similar terminus in France?

I know of no recent suggestion for such a service. When the existing Southampton-Guernsey service was first proposed the possibility of operating a service also to Cherbourg was considered, but Imperial Airways, Ltd., who would naturally undertake the further service, are confining themselves for the present to the line to Guernsey.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has come to any new agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture on questions concerning agricultural education; and, if so, whether he mill publish the terms of the agreement?

Yes, Sir; the revised arrangements made between the two Departments are explained in a circular letter of 25th November last, sent to local education authorities and County Agricultural Education Committees, a copy of which I am sending the hon. Member.

asked the President of the Board of Education to what extent the history, geography, and possibilities of the British Empire is taught in the primary and secondary schools of the country?

Both the Code and the volume of "Suggestions to Teachers" specifically provide for the inclusion in the geography and history lessons of instruction in the geography and history of the British Empire. My right hon. Friend understands that, in fact, such instruction is very generally given, and that the Wembley Exhibition, and the "Weekly Bulletins" published in connection with it., added a stimulus to the study of the subject. As regards secondary schools, he has every reason to believe that the importance of a knowledge of the history and development of the Empire is fully recognised by the school authorities who, as my hon. Friend is doubtless aware, have a wide discretion in framing the syllabuses of instruction.

asked the Secretary for Scotland the number of classes in Glasgow elementary schools in which there are over 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85 and 90 names on the class register, respectively?

, pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 4th February, 1926, Col. 344], supplied the following information: Glasgow Education Authority have furnished me with the following return of numbers of classes as at 5th February, 1926 (excluding Advanced Division, Special, Day Industrial and Nursery Classes):

Number on Roll.	Number of Classes.		Total.
	Non Transferred Schools.	Transferred Schools.
55 and under	955	203	1,158
56–60	649	185	834
61–65	256	169	425
66–70	21	54	75
71–75	1	10	11
76–80	2	1	3
80–81	1	—	1
Totals	1,885	622	2,507

The authority state that the excessive numbers of over-sized classes in the transferred schools are almost entirely due to the unsatisfactory condition of the accommodation.They also inform me that additional assistance is provided to the teachers in 12 classes, and that, taking the Code requirement of habitual attendance, there are only 27 classes with more than 60 in attendance.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of men, women and children who have emigrated to Canada, under the joint British and Canadian Governments' scheme (Empire Settlement Act, 1922), at a fare of £3, together with the number of emigrants for the corresponding period last year?

The scheme to which the hon. Member refers came into operation on the 1st January last, and as there is little migration to Canada during the winter, the number who have gone out under the scheme is at present insignificant. I would suggest that the hon. Member should repeat his question in about six months' time.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether an appeal by the District Governor of the Jerusalem-Jaffa district and the President of the Jerusalem Water Supply Commission has been heard by the Privy Council to grant an injunction against the authorities at Jerusalem from interfering with the water at Urtas Springs; whether the Privy Council has now made its decision; and, if not, when is the decision likely to be made?

The Privy Council delivered judgment on the 16th instant, allowing the District Governor's appeal.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Persian Government has confiscated private property in North Persia; and will he assure himself that no menace to British interests in Persia is involved in such confiscation?

The Twelfth Quarterly Report of the Administrator General of the Finances of Persia states that the Persian Ministry of Finance took over certain properties owned by Persian subjects on account of non-payment of taxes. There, is no reason to believe that any British interests are affected.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now inform the House of the present stage of the negotiations with the Chinese authorities in regard to the settlement of the crisis which arose in consequence of the alleged shooting of Chinese by British bluejackets and volunteers at Hankow in June last?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on this subject to the hon. Member for North Camberwell (Mr. Ammon) on the 7th of December last, since which date no change in the position has been reported.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if he has any further information with reference to the conditions under which the Lena Goldfields, Limited, are working; and whether the conditions have been carried out in a satisfactory manner?

I understand that the conditions, under which the Lena Goldfields are working, are governed by an agreement between the Company and the Soviet Government, which was signed on 30th April and ratified on 14th November, 1925. With regard to the second part of the question, I have no other information beyond that contained in the advertisement which appeared in the British Press on the 10th February last.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that at the last General Election, the application of the election agent, Mr. Neville Dixey, the Liberal Candidate, for the use of the only schoolroom in the village of Great Hatfield, in the Holderness Division, was refused; and, as there appears to be no penalty provided in the Act for non-compliance with the law, what steps he proposes to take in similar cases in the future?

I have no information as to the case referred to, but if the hon. Member will send me particulars, I shall be happy to make inquiry.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that it would be a great convenience to Members of this House if season tickets could be issued to them for the purpose of travelling to and from their constituencies; and whether he is prepared to authorise the issue of such a ticket where it can be shown that the cost would not be greater than the present system of vouchers?

I have carefully considered how far economy could be achieved by the issue of season tickets in place of the present vouchers. While it is the fact that, in the case of certain Members, season tickets would, owing to' the exceptional frequency of their journeys to and from their constituencies, cost less than vouchers, the estimated saving would not be sufficient to outweigh the administrative difficulty of working the two systems side by side. The general issue of season tickets would result in a, large increase of expenditure.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury when the evidence given before the Public Accounts Committee in 1925, which was ordered to be printed on 15th December last, may be expected to be in the hands of Members?

It is anticipated that this volume will be in the hands of Members early next month. I should add that the final section of the copy containing the index was not received by the printers until the 16th February. The whole volume amounts to 900 pages.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the Committee of Inquiry into Government Printing Establishments has considered its Report; whether any meeting of the Committee has taken place since the completion of the taking of evidence on 18th December, 1924; and when the publication of the Report may be expected?

The last meeting of the Committee was on the 30th July, 1925. I believe that the Committee have made considerable progress in the preparation of their Report, but I am not in a position to state when it will be completed.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what was the amount of whisky exported out of bond from England, Scotland, and Wales, in the years 1923, 1924, and 1925?

Whisky is not separately distinguished in the official records. The quantities of home-made potable spirits exported from bonded warehouses in Great Britain and Northern Ireland were:

	Proof Gallons.
1923	7,209,378
1924	8,372,932
1925	7,360,872

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether cases of amalgamations between banks registered outside, but operating within, the United Kingdom come within the purview of the Banks Amalgamation Committee; and, if so, how many such cases were dealt with in 1925?

Amalgamations between two banks neither of which is registered in the United Kingdom would not fall within the scope of the Advisory Committee on Bank Amalgamations.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what steps the Treasury takes to regulate the acquisition controlling interest in one bank by another bank, the effect of which would be to evade the Regulations with regard to the amalgamation of banks?

All cases in which a British bank seeks to acquire a controlling interest in another bank are required to be submitted to the Advisory Committee on Bank Amalgamations. The banks are under voluntary obligation to observe this requirement.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will undertake that in future all vacancies occurring in the junior executive grade shall be filled by redundant ex-second division clerks who are at present performing clerical duties although in receipt of the executive scale of pay?

Under present arrangements vacancies in the junior ex-executive grade are filled by the absorption of redundant ex-second division clerks wherever possible, either from within the Department or by transfer from other Departments, but in the interests of the public service it has been and may again be necessary to fill some vacancies in this grade from other sources.

asked the Secretary of State for War at what date he anticipates the clerical reorganisation scheme, approved by the Treasury in April, 1925, will be introduced in the offices of the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich?

The new establishment has not yet been approved, but I hope it will be not later than 31st March. When introduced, the scheme will have retrospective effect to 1st April, 1924.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what principle underlies the Regulation that in the valuation of estates for probate the market price of stocks is interpreted by the authorities as being the price at which there are buyers of the stock in question, plus one-quarter up from the lower to the higher of the official closing prices, i.e., an addition of one-quarter of the official difference between closing buying rates and selling rates; and why, if it is the practice to base the market value of property for probate on the price which, in the opinion of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue, such property would fetch if sold in the open market, the authorities refuse to allow brokers' commission, etc., and take the gross sum realised as the amount on which duty is payable?

In determining the market value of publicly-quoted stocks and shares for purposes of Estate Duty, it is the practice of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue, in cases where bargains have actually been done on the day of death, to accept, a figure representing the mean of the different prices; in cases where no such bargains have been done, market value is taken as¼ up from the lower to the higher quotation in the official list. With regard to the last part of the question, the price which a stock or share would fetch if sold in the open market, as provided in the Statute, is the gross amount realisable on sale, and not the net amount after deduction of broker's commission.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, taking the social services in this country, he will state the amount devoted to the same services in the United States, France, Germany, and Italy, and give in each case the amount of outlay per head of the population?

The differences between the administrative arrangements and social economy of the countries mentioned and those of our own country are so great that I regret that no reliable comparison can be made; indeed, figures on any properly comparative basis are not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, with a view to assisting trade and facilitating currency requirements, he is considering the desirability of reducing the Stamp Duty on cheques to 1d. in the forthcoming Budget?

This is a question to which my attention has been called in connection with the forthcoming Budget, the contents of which my hon. Friend will not expect me to anticipate.