asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether it is proposed to give effect to the recommendation of the Mercantile Marine Committee that a training ship, on the lines of the "Worcester" or the "Conway," should be established at Bombay to train young Indians to become sea officers?

This question is being carefully considered by the Government of India. In July last they invited the Superintendent of the "Worcester" to visit India for the purpose of advising them and drawing up a detailed scheme. He was unable to go until December, but has now presented a report which is under consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the number of persons enfranchised for electing members of the Council of State, the Legislative Assembly, and the Legislative Councils, respectively?

The hon. Member will find the latest figures for all the Provincial Councils, except that of Burma and for the Legislative Assembly, on the first seven pages of Command 2154, of which I am sending him a copy. The figure for Burma in 1922 was 1,766,386, and for the Council of State in 1920, 17,644. I have not figures for the last elections to these two bodies, which took place quite recently.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will inform the House as to the proposals being made by the Government of India with a view to reserving the civil posts of the Indian Medical Service for Europeans?

This matter is still under consideration, and I regret that I am not at present able to make a statement.

also asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can furnish a statement showing the progress of Indianisation in the various services since the introduction of the Lee Commssion recommendations?

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT the latest information available.

Following is the information promised:

Question and Answer in the Legislative Assembly, dated 25th August, 1925:

Will the Government please lay on the Table a tabular statement showing how much Indianisation they have done in the various Departments this year after the introduction of the Lee Commission recommendations?

The recommendations in Chapter V of the Lee Report have in regard to Indianisation been generally accepted by His Majesty's Government, and though the rules under Section 96B of the Government of India Act, to give effect to them, have not yet been made, the percentages recommended are in fact being observed when recruitment is made. Since, however, a year's recruitment has not yet taken place it is not possible to show the effect of the recommendations in a tabular form.

I lay on the Table notes showing the position in regard to each Service.

Indian Civil Service. —The recommendations of the Lee Commission are being taken into account in making this year's recruitment to the Indian Civil Service.

Indian Police Service. —Steps have been taken to secure a 50:50 ratio of European and Indian recruits, beginning with recruitment for 1925.

Indian Forest Service. —In recruiting for this Service for the current year the ratio recommended by the Commission has been adopted and four Indians out of five recruits have been selected in India.

Indian Service of Engineers. —The recommendations of the Lee Commission are being taken into account in working this year's recruitment to the Indian Service of Engineers in Madras and Assam and in the Irrigation Branch in the other Provinces. Recruitment to the Indian Service of Engineers in the Buildings and Roads Branch in Provinces other than Madras and Assam has been suspended.

Indian Agricultural Service — Indian Veterinary Service — Indian Educational Service.— Recruitment by the Secretary of State has been stopped.

Indian Medical Service. —No final orders have yet been issued on the recommendations of the Lee Commission regarding this service.

Political Department of the Government of India.—The Government of India are already recruiting Indians at a higher percentage (30) than that recommended by the Commission (25).

Imperial Customs Service. —Out of every three vacancies, only one is filled in England, and the remaining two are filled in India by competitive examination which is open only to statutory natives of India, the rules for examination being the same as those for the Indian Audit and Accounts Service. In accordance with this practice, this year one probationer was recruited from England and two in India as the result of the examination held in December last.

Superior Telegraph Engineering and Wireless Branch. —No new recruitment has been made to the Superior Telegraph Engineering and Wireless, Branch since the publication of the Lee Commission's Report. The proportion recommended in the Report will be adhered to in making future recruitment.

State Railways. —Government have accepted the policy of recruitment as laid down in paragraph 42 (d) of the Lee Commission's Report so far as State railways are concerned and are taking steps accordingly.

Indian Audit and Accounts Service. —Since 1920 appointments to the service are ordinarily made by competitive examination in India at which only statutory natives of India are eligible to appear.

Mint and Assay Department.— The existing position was explained in the statement laid on the Table by Sir Malcolm Hailey in the Legislative Assembly on the 25th March, 1924 (page 2182 of the Legislative Assembly Debates, Volume IV, No. 38).

Military Accounts Department. —Recruitment by the Secretary of State was stopped in 1923 and direct appointments to the Department are now made by competitive examination at which only natives of India are eligible to appear.

Archaeological Department and Zoological Survey of India. —In the Archaeological Department two appointments were made this year, both of which were filled by Indians.

Similarly two appointments were made to the Zoological Survey of India, one of which was filled by an Indian and one by a European.

Survey of India. —Proposals are under consideration for the progressive Indianisation of Class I of the Survey of India in common with other public services.

Mines Department. —All appointments to this Department are made by the Government of India who advertise the vacancies in India in the first instance. Recruitment in England is only made when suitable candidates are not available here. One Indian was appointed in May, 1924, and it has been decided to appoint another Indian this year.

Meteorological Service. —It is the declared policy of the Government of India to recruit Indians to this service whenever men possessing the requisite qualifications are available. An Indian has recently been recruited in a vacancy caused by the retirement of a European officer. The present strength of Indians and Europeans in the service is five and three, respectively.

Geological Survey of India. —Recruitment by the Secretary of State has been stopped, with effect from the current year. No appointments have yet been made by the Government of India under the revised procedure. One Indian was appointed in December, 1924.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what portion of the revenue of India is derived from the duty on opium?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Southwark Central (Colonel Day) on 5th February.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether commissions in the Indian Navy will be held direct from the King Emperor or from the Viceroy?

The intention is that the officers shall hold King's commissions in the Royal Indian Navy similar to those now held by officers of the Royal Indian Marine.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can assure the House that the formation of a Royal Indian Navy will not entail any extra expenditure on the British taxpayer?

also asked the Under-Secretary of State for India to what extent the cost of the new Indian Navy will fall on the Indian Exchequer?

I can assure the House that the Royal Indian Navy will be maintained entirely at the expense of Indian revenues subject to any special financial arrangements that may be made if at any time its services are placed at the disposal of His Majesty's Government for non-Indian purposes.

further asked the number of village panchayats instituted year by year since 1918, and the number of persons living within their jurisdiction?

The figures asked for are not available.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the death-rate, adult and infantile, for Howrah for the last five years?

The latest information is as follows:

The death rates per 1,000 of the population for all ages were as follows: 1919 … … … 55.1 1920 … … … 48.5 1921 … … … 35.3 1922 … … … 29.8 1923 … … … 28.8

The rates of infantile mortality per 1,000 births registered were: 1919 … … … 363.0 1920 … … … 391.0 1921 … … … 284.1 1922 … … … 250.1 1923 … … … 263.9

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the death-rate, adult and infantile, for Cawnpore and Cantonment for the last five years?

The latest information available is as follows:

The death rates per mille for all ages were: Cawnpore City: 1919 … … … 63.60 1920 … … … 60.34 1921 … … … 48.38 1922 … … … 44.53 1923 … … … 49.73

Cawnpore Cantonment: 1919 … … … 31.65 1920 … … … 23.89 1921 … … … 23.79 1922 … … … 15.69 1923 … … … 13.96

The infantile mortality rates in Cawnpore City per 1,000 births registered were: 1920 … … … 551.07 1921 … … … 580.67 1922 … … … 450.87 1923 … … … 495.17 1924 … … … 476.90 The rates for the Cantonment are not available.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the death rate, adult and infantile, in the city of Calcutta and suburbs for the last five years?

The latest information available is as follows:—The death rates per mille for all ages were: Calcutta (including suburbs):— 1919 … … … … 42.2 1920 … … … … 39.4 1921 … … … … 33.5 1922 … … … … 29.1 1923 … … … … 28.4 Separate figures for the city and suburbs are not available.

The rates of infantile mortality per 1,000 births registered in Calcutta (including suburbs) were: 1919 … … … … 357.0 1920 … … … … 386.0* 1921 … … … … 330.5 1922 … … … … 287.0 1923 … … … … 294.6 * The birth registration system is said to have been defective in this year.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India has been asked to contribute towards the cost of the construction and maintenance of the proposed naval base at Singapore; and, if not, whether it is proposed to ask for such a contribution?

The reply to both parts of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia has been asked to contribute towards the cost of the construction and maintenance of the proposed naval base at Singapore; and, if not, whether it is proposed to ask for such a contribution?

As I stated on the 11th March last, in the course of a reply to a question by the hon. Member for Acton (Sir H. Brittain), to which I would refer the hon. Member, the Commonwealth Government have initiated a naval defence programme, which they will necessarily have to take into account in considering the extent to which in present circumstances they can co-operate in the development of the Singapore base. So far as I am aware, the question of such co-operation has not been brought before the Commonwealth Parliament.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any negotiations have taken place between the Government of India and the Government of South Africa concerning the status of Indians in the latter country; and, if so, whether he can make any statement on the subject?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Papers which have been published in India will shortly be available in this country.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the civilian clerical staff of the Ordnance Committee, Woolwich, have not yet been assimilated to the new conditions of service approved by the Treasury in April, 1925; and the date upon which it is expected the new scheme will be introduced into this office?

Instructions have been issued for the application of the new scheme to the civilian clerical staff of this Committee.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of officers on the naval staff and on the administrative staff at the Admiralty, respectively, who have graduated at a staff course; and if he will state in respect of such officers the numbers in each class who have served on the headquarter's staff of a Dominion Government defence force?

17 officers at present employed on the naval staff at the Admiralty have graduated at a staff course, one of whom has served on the headquarter's staff of a Dominion Government defence force. Three such officers are employed on the administrative staff, none of whom has so served.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he has received any representations against the removal of the offices of the Chief Inspector of Taxes from Cecil Chambers, Strand, to Cornwall House, Stamford Street, S.E.; whether there was any reason preventing the Office of Works from housing the staff concerned in a building which was originally constructed for office purposes; and whether there are any other existing instances where the State has constructed buildings for the housing of machinery and warehouse purposes but now uses them for ordinary office purposes?

The First Commissioner is aware that representations have been made to the Inland Revenue Department. The fact that Cornwall House affords excellent office accommodation, for which purpose the greater part has been used for some considerable time, is considered to be sufficient ground for not hiring more expensive accommodation elsewhere. There are numerous instances in which buildings erected or hired by the State for the purpose of housing machinery or for warehouse purposes are now used for office purposes.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what economies have been effected at the India Office since the passing of the Government of India Act of 1919?

The cost of the India Office for the year 1919–20 was £386,000. The estimated cost for 1925–26 is £241,000, an apparent saving of £145,000, but allowance must be made for the fact that the earlier figure includes the cost of work afterwards transferred to the High Commissioner for India. Since the main transfer of work took place in 1920–21, the cost of the India Office staff proper has been reduced by, approximately, £37,000 per annum.

asked the Minister of Pensions (1) what is the cost of the work done at the Pensions Issue Office, Acton, which has no counterpart at the Pensions Issue Office, Pilton; (2) what is the number of the staff employed, the number of cases dealt with, and the cost per case handled at the Pensions Issue Office at Acton; (3) what is the number of the staff employed, the number of cases dealt with, and the cost per case handled, at the Pensions Issue Office, Pilton?

The number of staff employed in Pension Issue Office, Acton, on the 1st instant, was 2,086. The total cost of this staff for the 12 months ended 31st December last was £449,000. The average number of issues made a week is 35,000. The number of staff employed in the Issue Office at Pilton on the 1st instant was 118, and the total cost of this staff for the 12 months ended 31st December last was £27,000. The average number of issues made a week is 3,460, or 8.8 per cent. of the total number made by the two offices together. As I indicated in my reply to the hon. Member for Kirkcaldy on the 17th December last, a comparison between the cost of each case dealt with at Acton and Pilton would be misleading, as the staff attached to the former office performs duties which have no counterpart in the Pilton Office, and in addition undertakes a number of services common to itself and other branches of the Ministry with a staff of 1,220 housed in the same building. It is not possible without an undue amount of labour to make an accurate estimate of the value of these services.

asked the Minister of Pensions (1) what reduction of staff he anticipates through the abolition of the Pensions Issue Office, Pilton; and what provision will be made for the officials discharged from that office;

(2)what nett saving he anticipates as the result of the abolition of the Pensions Issue Office at Pilton?

I estimate the total saving which would be effected by the transfer to London of the work now done in Issue Office, Pilton, at not less than £8,000 a year. The 31 members of the established staff who would be redundant in consequence of the transfer would be transferred to other duties, and the remaining members of the gradually diminishing temporary staff, now numbering 87, would be considered for employment in other offices of the Ministry or reported to the Joint Substitution Board for consideration for employment in vacancies in other Government offices. The hon. and gallant Member will, however, appreciate that administrative economies of this kind necessarily involve reductions in staff.

asked the Minister of Pensions the total average staff employed by his Department; what was the total in 1920; and what was the cost of administration in 1920 as compared with the present figure?

On the 1st February, 1926, the total staff numbered 11,933 against 32,400 in 1920; the cost of administration for 1920–21 was £6,280,869, or 1s. 3d. per £1 of expenditure on pensions and other benefits, and for the current year is estimated at £2,426,000, or 9d. per £1 of benefit expenditure.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the women clerical officers employed in the Board of Customs and Excise are given equal opportunities with their male colleagues for gaining experience on higher clerical duties; what is the total length of service in all Departments since appointment of the most junior male higher clerical officer; and of the most senior efficient woman clerical officer available for promotion to the higher clerical grade?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the length of total established service of the most junior of the male higher clerical officers in the Department (including those of acting rank) is eight years, of which four have been served in the Department. I could not undertake to institute the comparison between the women clerical officers employed in the Department suggested by the last part of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for War the total expenditure in 1913–14, and the estimated expenditure in the current year, under Army Votes and the sums included therein, in respect of personnel, material, works, buildings and lands, the War Office, and other services, respectively; and the numbers of regular service personnel on the establishment in each of these years?

The total cash expenditure in 1913–14 was £28,360,000, the estimated cash expenditure in 1925–26 is £44,500,000; the total of Vote A in the two years was 185,600 and 156,600 respectively, exclusive in the latter case of the Indian troops in the Middle East, the cost of which is borne on the Colonial Office Vote. As the Estimates for the two years are not prepared in the same form, the figures do not lend themselves readily to analysis on the lines asked for by my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many of the 60J, approximately, soldiers who were invalided from the Army on account of pulmonary tuberculosis during the years 1923, 1924 and 1925 were granted pensions in respect of their disease?

I regret that this information is not available; a laborious investigation of every pension award for the three years would be required in order to compile it.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is in a position to make public the evidence on which the Admiralty issued a statement that His Majesty's submarine M1, lost on the 12th November, 1925, was rammed by the Swedish steamship "Vidar"; if so, the nature of such evidence; can he explain the delay that occurred between the accident and the report of the officers of the steamship "Vidar" that this ship had been in collision with the M1; and is he satisfied that the Ml was in a thoroughly seaworthy condition at the time the disaster occurred?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply of 25th November, 1925, to the hon. Member for Devonport (Mr. Hore-Belisha), to which I might add that a subsequent examination in dry dock fully confirmed the conclusions based on the report of the divers who examined "Vidar's" bottom. The delay that arose between the accident and the report by "Vidar" was due to the fact that "Vidar" did not realise that the shock she felt was due to collision, and it was only on arrival at Kiel that she learnt that M.1 had been lost and connected the shock with her loss. There was then no delay in her report. The reply to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the total expenditure in 1913–14 and the estimated expenditure in the current year under Navy Votes, and the sums included therein in respect of personnel, material, works, buildings and lands, the Admiralty, and other services, respectively; and the number of regular service personnel on the establishment in each of these years?

So far as the estimated expenditure and the number of service personnel for the current year are concerned, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the Annual Estimates and to the Supplementary Estimate of 27th July last As regards the actual expenditure in 1913–14, I would refer him to the Navy Appropriation Account for that year. The figures of expendi- ture, as well as the number of service personnel for that year, will also be found summarised on pages 6 and 7 of the Navy Estimates for 1922–23.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the cost over a recent period of 12 months of material expended in the maintenance of motor transport vehicles; the cost of motor transport fuel expended; and the aggregate motor transport mileage and that of motor cycles, light motor vehicles, and heavy motor vehicles, respectively?

The particulars are as follow: £ Cost of material expended in the maintenance of Admiralty motor transport for 12 months ended 31st December, 1925 14,784 Cost of motor transport fuel expended 15,747 Miles. Aggregate transport mileage 1,785,981 Mileage for heavy vehicles 666,541 Mileage for light vehicles 1,108,190 Mileage for motor cycles 11,250

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the numbers of chaplains employed on full time by the Admiralty, and the annual cost thereof; and the numbers and annual cost of chaplains, if any, employed on a part-time basis?

Including the Chaplain of the Fleet, there are at the present time 80 Church of England and 19 other chaplains holding commissions employed on full-time duties. Commissions are not granted except to those employed on full time. Ministers of religion not engaged on full-time duties are designated "Officiating Ministers." Of these 21 received fixed salaries and, in addition, occasional ministrations are performed by about 140 officiating ministers remunerated on a capitation basis. The cost for pay of the chaplains employed on full-time duties (exclusive of the Chaplain of the Fleet, who receives a consolidated salary of £1,500 per annum) is £49,500 approximately. These officers are provided with service accommodation and victualling, or are paid the authorised allowances in lieu. The cost of the 21 officiating ministers in receipt of fixed salaries is £2,150. Occasional ministrations paid for on a capitation basis cost about £1,600 a year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) what was the total expenditure from Exchequer Funds, both at home and abroad, other than advances made in repayment, in connection with the Crown Colonies, for the years 1903, 1913, 1923, and 1924; and what was the value of the exports to the Crown Colonies from Great Britain for the years 1903, 1913, 1923, and 1924;

(2) what was the total expenditure from Exchequer funds, both at home and abroad, other than advances made in repayment in connection with the Dominions, for the years 1903, 1913, 1923, and 1924; and what was the value of the exports to the Dominions from Great Britain for the years 1903, 1913, 1923, and 1924?

As the answer can most conveniently be given in tabular form, I will, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, seeing

PARTICULARS OF THE NUMBER OF EMIGRANTS AND IMMIGRANTS, as distinct from passengers, were not obtained before 1st April, 1912. The balances outward of passengers of British nationality from the United Kingdom to Canada, Australia and New Zealand (the only measure available for all the years specified in the question), were as follows: Balance outward of British Subjects. 1911. 1912. 1913. 1922. 1923.* 1924.* To Canada … … … … 134,765 133,561 127,656 30,666 81,917 46,469 To Australia … … … … 56,337 68,673 46,012 30,385 30,447 28,156 To New Zealand … … … … 9,432 11,053 11,251 9,911 7,412 8,836 * From 1st April, 1923, the figures are exclusive of the number of passengers who departed from, or arrived at, Irish Free State ports.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether any Report has been received from the League

that during the inquiry into the Masai disturbances it was shown that approximately 10,000 head of cattle were taken from the Masai, he will say whether these cattle were sold; what was the amount of money realised by the sale; and to what funds were credited the proceeds of such sale of cattle?

In replying to the hon. Member on the 5th of May, 1924, the right hon. Member for Derby (Mr. J. H. Thomas) stated that, of the fine of 9,915 head of cattle, sheep and goats, 4,047 were returned to the Masai and the rest sold for £4,326, and that, after allowing for compensation and other expenditure in connection with the disturbances, a balance of £2,509 remained which would be partly deposited in the Native Trust Fund and partly spent on works of benefit to the Masai. I have no definite later information, but it would appear that the amount actually credited to the Trust Fund was £3,000, and that of this, £1,000 was to be devoted to the construction of dams.

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he can give the total net emigration figures from the United Kingdom to Canada, Australia and New Zealand respectively in the years 1911, 1912, 1913, and 1922, 1923 and 1924 respectively?

I have been asked to reply. The following table gives such information as is available:

of Nations concerning the administration of the mandated territories in New Guinea by the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia?

Copies of a Report furnished to the League of Nations by the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia, as mandatory, on the administration of New Guinea for the year 1923–24, have recently been received from the Secretary-General.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, seeing that, in connection with the contemplated north orbital road and bye-pass through Brentwood, he is proposing to purchase 52 acres of the Middleton Hall building testate, situate in the parish of Shenfield, in the rural district of Billericay, in order to construct less than half a mile of road, he will say under what powers he proposes to purchase so large an area of land for the purpose of constructing so short a length of road?

The exact course to be followed by this proposed road is still under discussion with the local authorities and other parties concerned. Powers of land acquisition are conferred upon the Minister of Transport by Section 11 of the Development and Road Improvement Funds, Act, 1909, as amended by the Roads Act, 1920. In all matters connected with the acquisition of land and the disposal of surplus land, it is my practice to seek the advice of the Valuation Office of the Inland Revenue Department.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the London Traffic Committee proposes to hold an inquiry into the traffic problems of East London; and, if so, whether such inquiry will be public?

I am informed that the London Traffic Advisory Committee, to whom I have referred the question of the alleged inadequacy of travelling facilities to and from East London, have appointed certain of its members to hold a public inquiry into the matter, commencing on Monday, the 15th March. The inquiry will be held at the Guildhall, Westminster, and will be open to the public.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any steps have yet been taken to set up a special commission to inquire into the conditions obtaining in the Doncaster area, as recommended in the first Report of the Royal Commission on Mining Subsidence?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on the 18th instant to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Gainsborough (Captain Crookshank), a copy of which I am sending to him.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if he will consider the advisability of giving orders to the effect that at least one room of the libraries shall be kept at a higher temperature than the others for the benefit of those Members who are accustomed to working in a warm room?

Arrangements were made to meet my hon. and gallant Friend's request, but so many other hon. Members object to the increase that it seems desirable to return to the lower temperature, which has given satisfaction over a long period of years.

asked the Home Secretary whether women police are employed in juvenile courts in recording evidence which complainants of their own sex or young people might hesitate to give to men; and what are the functions which the women police generally carry out, drawing a distinction between such functions outside police courts and those inside?

No, Sir. Women police are not employed in recording the evidence at juvenile courts: this is a matter for the Clerk of the Court. The court duties of women police are restricted to giving evidence in cases in which they are concerned, but whenever a girl appears in a juvenile court in London some other woman—a police matron or temporary matron—is present. The duties of the women police are similar to those of constables generally, but they are employed more especially in dealing with women of immoral character and young girls who appear to be drifting towards an immoral life or are homeless or destitute or in some other way in need of assistance or advice. They are also employed on escort duty and on observation duties in plain clothes, when it is deemed advisable that a woman should be so employed.

asked the Home Secretary whether there are still any Irish political prisoners imprisoned in this country; and, if so, how many?

There are at present 13 Irish convicts serving their sentences in English prisons, but I am not aware of any grounds on which their offences could be regarded as political.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the recent decision by the United States authorities, whereby entry into that country has been denied to a citizen of Great Britain on the ground of being a divorced person; and whether he is prepared to take steps to prevent the admission into this country of any divorced persons of United States nationality?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received any representations suggesting the advisability of creating an inter-departmental Government Committee on which representatives of industry, commerce, finance, shipping, science, arts, education, and other interests should be invited to serve, with a view to co-ordinating British propaganda abroad; and whether he can make any statement on the matter?

I have considered the suggestion, but I do not think any useful purpose would be served by establishing such a Committee.

asked the Prime Minister when the text of the Electricity Bill will be circulated; and if he will give an undertaking that the Second Reading will not take place until Members have had at least a fortnight to study the proposals?

It is hoped that the text may be circulated shortly, and it is not proposed to ask for a Second Reading until a reasonable time after circulation.

asked the Prime Minister what was the total expenditure by the British Empire for the Army, Navy and Air Services and the total personnel attached for the years 1913–14 and 1924–25 or the last year for which statistics are available?

I am having inquiries made, and will communicate with the hon. Member in due course. It will, however, take a considerable time to obtain the information referred to.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department if the Committee on Credit Insurance is still in existence; how many times the Committee has sat; how many witnesses have been examined; how many witnesses have still to be examined; what was the date of the last session; and when a Report may be expected?

The Credit Insurance Committee, which is still in existence under the chairmanship of my hon. and gallant Friend the hon. Mem- ber for Ripon (Major Hills), has so far held 11 meetings. The examination of witnesses has been completed. Apart from the consideration of written evidence, the Committee had examined 14 witnesses. The last meeting of the Committee took place on 26th January, and it is hoped that the Report will be published in the course of the next few weeks.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that large quantities of Oriental

Year. Total Imports. Net Imports Retained. Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value. Sq. yds. £ Sq.yds. £ 1920 … … … 1,409,000 3,051,000 752,000 1,281,000 1921 … … … 1,046,000 1,469,000 666,000 600,000 1922 … … … 1,547,000 1,514,000 1,045,000 752,000 1923 … … … 1,497,000 1,355,000 857,000 445,000 1924 … … … 1,812,000 1,771,000 1,028,000 457,000

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the serious effect caused to British manufacturers by the German law passed on 10th August, 1925, which provides that all foreign firms employing one or more permanent agents in Germany shall be made liable for German Income Tax on the profits of any transactions through such agents, he is taking any steps to have this information circulated among British manufacturers?

Such information regarding the German Income Tax law as is available has been communicated to inquirers. As, however, the effect of its provisions in certain important respects is not altogether clear, I am in communication with my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, with a view to obtaining a report in the matter from His Majesty's Embassy at Berlin. So soon as the Report is received, I shall be happy to adopt my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion, and publish the information in the most suitable form for the information of traders in this country.

rugs and carpets are imported into this country annually; and if he will state, approximately, the quantity and value of such imported rugs and carpets?

Imports of Oriental carpets and rugs are not separately recorded in the trade returns of the United Kingdom, but are included under the general heading of "Woollen Carpets and Rugs (including Oriental) not elsewhere specified." The quantity and value of such imported carpets and rugs registered as consigned from Oriental countries during each of the years 1920 to 1924 were as follows:

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of imports, re-exports, retained imports, and British exports of artificial silk for the six months preceding and the six months following the imposition of the safeguarding duties?

The following statement shows the value of the trade in goods included under the "artificial silk" headings in the trade returns, during the periods specified: — Jan.-June. 1925. July-Dec., 1925. £ £ Total Imports 5,357,598 1,589,501 Re-exports 439,738 265,053 Net Imports Retained 4,917,860 1,324,448 Exports of United Kingdom Production. 2,618,394 2,794,049

asked the President of the Board of Trade the amount of imports, re-exports, retained imports, and British exports of silk goods for the six months preceding and the six months following the imposition of the Safeguarding Duties?

The following statement shows the value of the trade in goods included under the "silk" headings in the Trade Returns during the periods specified: — Jan.-June, 1925. July-Dec., 1925. £ £ Silk, Raw, Knubs and Noils— Total Imports 1,188,267 469,401 Re-exports 25,510 69,015 Net Imports retained 1,162,757 400,386 Exports of United Kingdom production. 44,864 19,533 Silk Yarn and Silk manufactures— Total Imports 17,034,586 5,549,192 Re-exports 1,581,282 789,350 Net Imports retained 15,453,304 4,759,842 Exports of United Kingdom production. 916,314 925,420

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the £63,169,741, guaranteed under the Trade Facilities Acts, as shown upon the House of Commons Paper, No. 14, bearing date 12th February, 1926, is the capital amount guaranteed or the capital amount plus the capitalised value of the interest due upon such capital amount?

A capital sum of £63,169,741 has been guaranteed as to principal and interest. I am afraid that I do not see any other way of stating the facts. If the hon. Member desires to capitalise the interest ( i.e., to assume that it is all paid in one sum now), he must also take the present value of the future liability for principal. Suppose, for instance, there is a loan of £100 repayable in 15 years and bearing interest at 5 per cent., the guarantee would apply to ( a ) the payment of £5 each year for the next 15 years, ( b ) the pay- ment of £100 at the end of years. The present value of ( a ) is £51 18s., and the present value of ( b ) is £48 2s., and these two sums simply add up to £100. Similarly, the sum of £63,169,741 represents the liability in respect both of the guarantee of interest payments and of the guarantee of the repayment of capital at the end of the loan periods.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received a communication from the Food Manufacturers' Federation, Incorporated, urging that in regard to safeguarding inquiries, when the Board of Trade are satisfied that a prima facie case has been made out and appoint a committee, there should be a reasonable length of time between such notice and the date of the commencement of the inquiry; that intending opponents should be given the right to obtain a copy of the application containing the grounds of such application immediately the announcement of inquiry is made, and that the articles on which it is asked that an import duty shall be levied shall be strictly defined; and whether he will see that the suggestions are acted upon?

I have received the communication to which the question refers. As regards the first suggestion it is the practice of the Board to give reasonable notice of the commencement of the inquiry, the period of notice being generally not less than three weeks. As regards the second and third suggestions, it is of course desirable that opponents who have signified their intention of appearing before a committee shall be placed in possession of at least a general statement of the applicants' case as soon as possible, and that the precise scope of the application hould be clearly defined; but the exact procedure to be followed in any particular case must, I think, be left to the discretion of the Committee.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he is aware that large quantities of flowers are imported during the winter and spring months from the Continent; and whether, in order to increase and stimulate the cultivation of indoor and outdoor flowers in this country, he will consider the question of imposing a tax on all flowers imported from the Continent;

(2) if he is aware that large quantities of Oriental rugs and carpets are imported into this country annually; and whether, with a view to removing unemployment and increasing the number of persons employed in the carpet industry in this country, he will consider the question of imposing a tax on all highly-priced Oriental rugs and carpets?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the White Paper (Command Paper 2327 of 1925) which lays down the steps to be taken in cases where an industry is desirous of obtaining a safeguarding duty.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give particulars as to the recent voyage of the steamer "Montroyal"; and whether she fully complied with the Merchant Shipping (Wireless Telegraphy) Act, 1919?

I am informed that the steamer "Montroyal" left New York on the 28th January for Cartagena (Colombia). She went ashore on Sandy Point, Boca Chica (the entrance to Cartagena) on the 9th February, but got off without assistance undamaged, and proceeded to Barbados and Christobal. No wireless personnel were engaged prior to the vessel's departure from the United Kingdom on the 17th January.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received information that the British steamer "Harold Caspar" has been wrecked off Sable Island; whether she fully complied with the Merchant Shipping (Wireless Telegraphy) Act, 1919; and, if not, in what respect she did not?

I am informed that the steamer "Harold Caspar" went ashore on the 11th February at Sable Island, and that she subsequently broke in two. No wireless operator was engaged at Grangemouth when the vessel left for New York on the 27th January.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the steamer "Manchester Producer" was recently in grave difficulties in Mid-Atlantic; whether she fully complied with the provisions of the Merchant Shipping (Wireless Telegraphy) Act, 1919; if not, in what respect she did not; whether he is aware that after being in tow she was again in distress; that while in this condition the steamer "Valemore" passed her; that the failure of the "Valemore" to render assistance was due to the fact that she was not able to receive signals by wireless on account of having no operator on board; and whether he permitted the "Valemore" to sail without an operator contrary to the provisions of the Merchant Shipping (Wireless Telegraphy) Act, 1919?

I am aware that the steamer "Manchester Producer" was recently in difficulties in the Atlantic. The vessel did not comply with the provisions of the Merchant Shipping (Wireless Telegraphy) Act, 1919, no wireless operator being carried. I have no information as to the alleged failure of the steamer "Valemore" to render assistance to the "Manchester Producer." The "Valemore" did not carry a wireless operator.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the steamer" Clan MacNaughton" was recently in difficulties; whether he will give particulars; and whether she fully complied with the Merchant Shipping (Wireless Telegraphy) Act, 1919?

The steamer "Clan MacNaughton" is reported to have stranded at Middle Bank Low Head, Tasmania, on the 10th February. She was got off by the aid of another steamer and returned to Beauty Point. For the voyage in question, which began at Tilbury on the 18th September, one wireless operator and three apprentices holding wireless watchers' certificates were engaged. The vessel complied fully with the Merchant Shipping (Wireless Telegraphy) Act, 1919.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the conditions under which smallholders on the Board of Agriculture scheme of holdings at West Millichen Farm, Summerston, have been compelled to accept occupancy; if he is aware that the dwelling-houses were not completed, the steadings not even in course of erection, the floors of the dwelling-houses earthen, no baths or hot water supplied, and that the tenants have been asked to pay £20 towards the cost of a cement floor; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take to have these grievances remedied?

I am informed that the holders in question were given formal occupation at Martinmas last, and loans varying from £660 to £680 are being advanced by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland to enable them to erect the necessary buildings. The work of erection rests with the holders. A certain amount of inconvenience is usually suffered by holders during the first year of their tenancies owing to the non-completion of their buildings, but in the present case this inconvenience was lessened by the Board's arrangement for the holders entering on the land and commencing the works three months prior to their entry to the holdings. I am informed that the floors of the houses are of wood, with the exception of the scullery, larder and w.c., which have concrete floors. The price of the concrete work in the steadings is a matter for arrangement between the holders and their contractors in regard to which the Board have no information. The loans advanced by the Board are not intended to meet the whole cost of the buildings and a measure of self-help is expected from the holders. Baths and hot water supplies, if desired by the holders, as well as the internal fittings of the steadings, fall to be provided by the holders from their own resources. In the circumstances I am not satisfied that the holders on this scheme have any legitimate cause for complaint.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what progress has been made in the sugar-beet industry in Scotland during recent years, and in what localities the sugar-beet factories are now in operation; and if he anticipates an increase in the development of this industry?

In 1925 the Orchard Sugar Company established a sugar-beet factory at Greenock and contracted with farmers in various parts of Scotland (including Ayrshire, Argyll and Boss) for the growing of about 1,600 acres of the crop. Manufacturing operations were started in December last. It is expected that a larger area of crop will be available for this factory in 1926–27. In 1924 the Anglo-Scottish Beet Sugar Corporation contracted with 146 farmers for the experimental growing of some 200 acres in Scotland. The experiment was repeated in 1925 and, as a result, the Corporation have arranged to erect a factory at Cupar, Fife. It is understood that this factory will have a capacity for dealing with 5,000 acres of crop, and that it will be ready in time for the 1926–27 manufacturing season.

asked the Secretary of State for Air (1) the numbers or proportions of aircraft on the Royal Air Force charge of which the designs were first produced prior to the War, during the War, and since the War, respectively;

(2) the numbers or proportions of aero-engines on charge of the Royal Air Force of which the designs were first produced prior to the War, during the War, and since the War, respectively?

The strength of the Royal Air Force at the present time is approximately the equivalent of 56 regular squadrons. Of these 28 are equipped with aircraft and engines of post-war design, and two others are now in course of being so equipped. The remaining squadrons are equipped with aircraft and engines of types designed during the War, there being to-day no service aircraft of pre-war design in use. It would not be in the public interest to give more detailed information.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India (1) the numbers or proportions of aero-engines on charge of the Indian Government of which the original designs were first produced prior to the War, during the War, and since the War respectively;

(2) the numbers or proportions of military aircraft on charge of the Indian Government of which the original designs were first produced prior to the War, during the War, and since the War respectively?

I have been asked to reply. All Royal Air Force squadrons in India at the present time are equipped with aircraft and engines of types designed during the War.

asked the Secretary of State for Air the numbers and cost of staff employed on the inspection of ammunition and explosives; and what work of this nature, if any, is carried out by the Air Ministry for the other service Departments?

As regards the first part of the question, the number and cost of the staff at present employed by the Air Ministry for the purpose referred to are 18 and £3,500 respectively. As regards the second part, no inspection for the other service Departments is carried out by the Air Ministry.

asked the Secretary of State for Air what restrictions, if any, are in force against aeroplanes that are merely out for pleasure flying over towns and cities, and for which no Government purpose is served?

Article 9 of the Air Navigation (Consolidation) Order, 1923, includes a prohibition, contravention of which is punishable by imprisonment or fine or both on summary conviction, of aircraft flights over any city or town except at such an altitude that the aircraft should be able to land outside the city or town if its means of propulsion were to fail. It also prohibits trick flying or exhibition flying over any city or town area or populous district, and any flying which by reason of low altitude or proximity to persons or dwellings or for any other reason is the cause of unnecessary danger to any person or property on land or water.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many county minor scholarships have been granted by the West Riding education authority for each year from 1919 to 1924, inclusive; and what is the cost of each scholarship?

According to the information available, the number of new awards of county minor scholarships made by the West Riding authority, in each of the years 1919 to 1924, was 810, 1,041, 1,158, 1,147, 1,176, and 1,762, respectively. It is not possible to state the value of these scholarships, as this depends upon factors which may vary in individual cases.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many children holding scholarships under the West Riding education authority are in receipt of maintenance grants; and what was the total sum paid in such grants in the years 1919 and 1924, respectively?

In the year 1924–25 the number of secondary school pupils in the West Riding area in receipt of maintenance allowances was 2,503, and the expenditure on those allowances was £13,017 7s. 10d. Comparable figures for the year 1919–20 are not available.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether it is proposed to improve the pensions of certificated teachers who retired under the Act of 1898 and before the present Act came into force?

These teachers have received the same treatment as other classes of pensioners under the Pensions (Increase) Acts, and it would not, in my view, be just to give them differential treatment now.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of classes in the elementary schools in the Borough of Southwark where the children in the classes are more than 40; and whether any action is being taken by the educational authority for the County of London to reduce the classes in the primary schools to 40 pupils or less?

On the 31st March, 1925, the number of classes in public elementary schools in the Borough of Southwark in which the number of children on the registers exceeded 40 was 545. As regards the second part of the question, the hon. Member may be aware that, in 1924, the London County Council resumed their scheme for the reduction of the accommodation of classrooms in their elementary schools to 40 in the case of senior, and 48 in the case of infant departments; and I understand that between 1st April, 1924, and 31st December, 1925, concurrently with the provision of additional accommodation, the accommodation of 3,130 classrooms in existing schools has been written down under this scheme to 40 or 48, as the case may be.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury when the form of request for official search and the official certificate of search, required by the public for use under the Local Land Charges Rules of 1925, which were made on the 19th November, 1925, and were to have come into operation on the 1st January, 1926, will be available; if he is aware that the delay is causing considerable public inconvenience, and that other forms in connection with the administration of the Land Charges Act, 1925, which have been prepared and produced by private contractors, were available some weeks ago; and what is the explanation of this delay?

The form of request for official search was published on 7th January, 1926: 30,000 were printed. Two reprints of 50,000 each were delivered on 23rd January, 1926, and 13th February, 1926, and a further reprint of 70,000 is in hand with outstanding orders for 16,000. The contractor has promised a part supply for to-morrow. The official certificate of search was published on the same day: 25,000 were printed. A reprint of 50,000 was received on 23rd January, 1926, and there are no orders outstanding. In both cases the original print was fixed after consultation with the Ministry of Health. As regards the other forms required in connection with the Land Charges Act, those published at the request of the Land Registry have all run out of print at one time or another, but not for any appreciable time. The demand for these forms has, I understand, been much greater than was anticipated.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the aggregate amount of the British claims against Turkey already submitted to the Paris Commission; and, if that information is not available, if he will take steps to obtain it?

The work of assessing the British and other claims submitted to the Inter-Allied Commission for the Assessment of Damage suffered in Turkey is not yet completed, and, accordingly, it is not possible to state the aggregate amount of the British claims.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the recently appointed British delegate on the Paris Commission, dealing with assessment and reparation of damage claims against Turkey, is in any way bound by any opinions or decisions given or agreed to by his predecessor on that Commission?

Decisions of the Commission (even if taken by a majority vote) are binding on all concerned unless and until revoked or altered by the Commission, and their validity cannot be affected by changes in the personnel of the Commission.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the total available sum at the disposal of the Paris Commission for meeting claims against Turkey; what proportion of that sum has been fixed for meeting the respective claims of Great Britain, France, Italy, and any other contracting Power; and, if so, what are the respective proportions?

The fund to be distributed by the Inter-Allied Commission for the assessment and reparation of damage in Turkey amounts to approximately £5,000,000. This fund is, under Article 7 of the Convention of 23rd November, 1923, to be distributed by the Commission to British, French, Italian and Japanese claimants in proportion to the damages suffered by them as assessed by the Commission. It will be seen that the fund is not allocated in fixed proportions between the various national groups of claimants, and that, until the Commission has completed the assessment of claims, it is impossible to state what proportion of the fund the claimants of each nationality will, in fact, receive.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the disease which is being diagnosed as smallpox in Northumberland and Durham when not complicated with any other condition is not causing any deaths at all; and whether, in view of the fact that the majority of the cases are unvaccinated persons, his medical advisers are certain that the disease is small-pox?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the latter part, I would refer the hon. Member to paragraphs 62 et seq of the Annual Report of the Chief Medical Officer of my Department for 1924.

asked the Minister of Health if he will request the Committee which he has appointed to report from time to time on matters relating to vaccination to furnish him in their First Report with replies to the following queries: what is the precise nature of the disease from which vaccine lymph is derived and how is its nature determined; what is a successful and efficient vaccination and for how long can it be guaranteed to remain so; how frequently has it been found possible to repeat vaccination on the same person; what is the relation of the possibility of frequently repeating vaccination to the question of immunity; and what means are recommended for ascertaining whether the immunity afforded by vaccination has lapsed?

My right hon. Friend will communicate these suggestions to the Committee on Vaccination for their consideration.